[Chains of Oblivion]
[Error! This spell book cannot be learned as it uses an element the Host does not have.]
"Oh, come on, system! Don't tease me like that. There has to be a way—the whole reason I chose you was for moments like this!"
Caspian groaned in playful annoyance.
[The spell book can be converted.]
[Should I convert it from darkness to a combination of light and fire?]
"Yes. Do it."
Caspian spoke impatiently, eager to obtain the new skill.
It felt like stumbling upon an unexpected bargain—rare and thrilling.
[Affirmative. Commencing conversion.]
The book vanished from his hands, dissolving into motes of light that flowed into his body. A faint discomfort followed before quickly fading.
[Host has gained the Chains of Radiant Blaze Skill]
Name: Caspian Drake
Age: 20
Race: Angelic Dragon (Hybrid)
Evolution Level: 0
Strength: 3,010
Endurance: 2,505
Agility: 1,505
Mana: 10,020
Bloodline: Drake — Royal Dragon bloodline, Seven Virtues Angelic bloodline
Affinities: Light, Fire
Skills: True Dragon Transformation, True Angel Transformation, True Angelic Dragon (Locked), Weapon Mastery, Holy Fire, Chains of Radiant Blaze
[Shop]
[Missions]
______
"Alright, system, show me the skill description."
[Chains of Radiant Blaze:]
[Conjure chains of golden flames around your forearms that can be used in a myriad of ways, from defense to offensive maneuvers.]
Caspian walked to the counter and placed a heavy bag of gold down as payment.
He hadn't expected to find something like that here, and he doubted Kala even knew the book's value.
"Hey—Kala, right? You can come out. I don't bite."
Soft footsteps followed as she peeked out nervously, like a startled rabbit, before approaching the counter.
"I found a book I liked, so here's the payment."
Seeing the amount of gold, she panicked.
"Your Highness! That's far too much! I couldn't possibly accept so much gold from someone as esteemed as you!"
She bowed hurriedly.
A flicker of sadness passed through Caspian's eyes. He nudged the bag forward and gently lifted her chin with a finger, making her flush and avert her gaze.
"Please. I insist. It wouldn't feel right not to pay properly."
He released her and straightened his trench coat.
"I'll be entering a dungeon tomorrow. I'll stop by before I leave. It would be nice if you joined me."
With that somewhat awkward invitation, he turned and left in brisk steps.
________
Walking through the commercial district, the cool air helped clear his head.
"What's wrong with me?" he muttered. "Why does it feel like butterflies are trying to claw their way out of my chest?"
He sighed.
"She's just a girl I met today. Hopefully she's not some succubus draining life force or something…"
He chuckled at his own imagination.
Then, hesitating slightly, he asked:
"Uh, system?"
[Yes, Host?]
"She's not a succubus, right?"
He swore he could hear the system sigh.
[No, Host. She is not a succubus.]
"Still… I never felt like this back on Earth. Maybe fantasy worlds just hit different."
_______
"Ugh! Why won't my face cool down?"
Upstairs, Kala splashed water on her cheeks, staring at her reflection trying to calm her racing heart.
"No, Kala! Don't think like that. He's a noble—a prince! Don't let storybooks and a few good deeds fool you."
She dried her face and looked back at the mirror, arguing with herself.
"But… his eyes seemed sincere. And I'm a good judge of character… even if I do spend most of my time reading."
Uncertainty lingered in her expression.
_____
Back at the suite, Caspian stepped onto the balcony overlooking the city.
Below, life moved in vibrant layers—dragons, higher races, and lesser races like dwarves and humans.
As the sun dipped below the skyline, his thoughts wandered to the blue-haired bookworm with ocean-like eyes and small draconic horns that framed her heart-shaped face.
Then his mind shifted to his enemies—likely already plotting—and the long road ahead toward the throne he sought.
"What is my dear son thinking so seriously about?"
Sera's gentle voice sounded as she stepped beside him, radiant as moonlight.