Dragon Savior: A New Beginning ( Update Version)

An Unexpected Awakening (128)

Lyam finally moved. The training grounds fell quiet as he stepped forward, his presence alone enough to still the restless crowd. His gaze never left Starfania.

" She's right," he said at last, his voice calm—but edged with iron. " You don't know what all of Avalon has suffered at the hands of the VulcanFire Kingdom."

A ripple of agreement passed through the onlookers. Lyam turned slightly, addressing his people, but his eyes remained on her. " So tell me—why should we listen to you?"

Starfania felt her chest tighten. Her fingers twitched at her side, nails biting into her palm. Don't show weakness. Don't flinch. Lyam's voice carried clearly. " She claims to be the new Dragon Savior. Claims that Cantina herself—the last Savior—chose her."

A sharp intake of breath spread through the crowd. Aeron snapped before Starfania could speak. " Then why are you interrogating her like a criminal?"

Violet stepped forward as well, fury flashing in her eyes.

" You call Primara a nation—ruled by its people. But this?" She gestured broadly. " This feels like a Kingdom. Judgment without knowing the truth."

A murmur followed. Uneasy. Divided. Starfania finally lifted her head. Her midnight eyes met Lyam's.

" You're right," she whispered, yet every word carried. " I don't know everything Avalon has suffered because of VulcanFire. I won't pretend I do."

Her throat tightened—but she didn't stop. " But I know this: I was brought here to help. Even if it means walking through eternal darkness, I'll prove you wrong. I'll prove my worth."

Silence. It stretched—heavy, suffocating. For a heartbeat, the crowd only watched. There are some doubts. Some are uncertain. Some...reconsidering. Then the man snapped. " Then perhaps you should mind your own business!"

Steel rang out. Before anyone could react, he unsheathed his sword and lunged. Instinct took over. Starfania moved. Cosmry flashed into her hand, its blade catching the light as she stepped forward—not back. Metal clashed, sharp and deafening. She parried, twisted, ducked under a strike that would have taken her shoulder. Atlas moved with her massive form positioning at her side, a silent shield. They flowed together. Strike. Block. Turn. The man fought with rage—wild, desperate—but Starfania fought with focus. She studied him. Waited. Then she saw it.

She twisted her wrist and struck. The blade connected—a shallow cut, clean and controlled. His sword clattered to the ground. Silence crashed down again. Defeated, he stared at the dirt, shoulders slumped—beaten by a teenage girl. Starfania didn't gloat. She simply picked up his fallen blade and held it out to him. He hesitated...then took it and turned away without a word. Starfania exhaled, sliding Cosmry back into its resting form. Then she saw it. The deep blue gem embedded in the sword began to glow. Soft. Radiant. Watching. Her breath caught.

Then the light became too bright. Everyone had covered their eyes for just a moment. A holographic version of Cantina appeared the minute their eyes fluttered open. Her piercing gaze locked onto Starfania's, sharp and unmistakably aware. The crowd went utterly still. Lyam's composure cracked—just for a second.

" Care to explain yourself, Starfania?" Cantina's voice rang out, echoing unnaturally. " Weren't you supposed to be searching for Lyam?"

Realization rippled through the nation. She wasn't lying. She was the Dragon Savior. Cantina paused, letting it sink in.

" Yet here I find you fighting an innocent," she continued coolly. " That sword you hold—and the responsibility it carries—is not power to be absurd for selfish need."

Starfania turned away slightly, her breath uneven. " That wasn't my intention. I was only protecting myself...and Atlas."

Cantina's eyes narrowed. " Protecting yourself? By escalating violence? That is no way for a true Savior."

She stepped closer within the gem, her presence heavy. " Every choice you make ripples outward, Starfania. Far beyond this moment."

Starfania gripped the sword, knuckles white. " I didn't know what else to do. He threatened Atlas. I couldn't stand by."

" And yet," Cantina said firmly, " you chose force first."

Her tone softened—but only slightly. " Thought isn't enough. You must lead by example. Fear cannot guide you."

Starfania swallowed hard, doubt clawing at her chest. The nation watched. Lyam watched. And for the first time since stepping into Primara...Starfania felt the correct weight of being the Dragon Savior settle fully upon her shoulders.