Chapter 5: With a dragon?

As I stepped into the guild hall, it felt like diving into a whirlwind of relief and curiosity. The NPCs were buzzing with excitement, practically vibrating in anticipation of my return.

**Ding!**

[You Successfully Completed The Trial]

[You Received a Title: The one who save Unknown]

[You Received a Title: The one who experienced special treatments]

Wow so loud, “SPHYNX, you’re back!” the guild master boomed, eyes twinkling like he'd just stumbled upon a hidden gem.

“Wait, wasn’t he with me?” I muttered, catching my breath and looking around.

“How did the trial go?” he asked, his curiosity peaking.

“It was a trip, but... weren’t you with me?” I said, confused.

“I swear you were right there.”

“That’s impressive,” the guild master said, puzzled, like he was piecing together a puzzle.

“Me? How so? You suddenly vanished…”

“Uh, what? Then who was that?” I blinked, completely lost.

“Right,” I said, pulling up my quest log.

“Looks like I’m supposed to bind a young black dragon. That was the plan, after all.”

“Binding a dragon is no joke,” the guild master said, shifting to a serious tone.

“You’ll need to be thoroughly prepared.”

“I get it,” I replied, scanning my quest list.

“I’ll make sure I’ve got all the essentials—materials, equipment, all that jazz.”

“Indeed,” the guild master agreed. “The dragon’s in the Obsidian Caverns, deep within the Crystalline Mountains. It’s a perilous area, so be cautious.”

“Got it,” I said, nodding like I’d just been handed a treasure map. “I’ll head to the Crystalline Mountains and find those caverns.”

“Before you go, double-check your gear,” he added. “You might need some special items for the binding.”

“Thanks for the heads-up,” I said. “I’ll gear up and be ready.”

I quickly reviewed my inventory, gathering binding runes, enchanted chains, and a bunch of potions. I was nearly out the door when the guild master called after me.

“Remember, SPHYNX, this dragon will test your skills and wits like never before.”

“I’m ready,” I said with a determined nod. “Bring it on.”

With everything set, I headed toward the Crystalline Mountains. “Time to find those Obsidian Caverns and wrap up this quest.”

As I ventured deeper into the Obsidian Caverns, the ground shook with a roar that rattled the cavern walls. The young black dragon’s fierce green eyes locked onto me.

“I don’t want to hurt you, but I need to bind you!” I shouted over the roar, hoping the dragon could hear me.

The dragon’s fiery gaze and thunderous voice responded, “You think you can bind me? This is my domain. I’m not easily subdued.”

I raised my staff, unleashing a torrent of water magic to douse the dragon’s flames. “I’m not here for fun. This is a job, and I have my reasons!”

The dragon shook off the water, wings spreading like ominous shadows. “Reasons? You intrude on my home and expect me to accept this? You’re just a nuisance!”

“I’m here to complete a quest,” I said, conjuring a fiery shield to block another wave of flames. “Binding you is part of it. I mean no harm.”

The dragon snarled, eyes narrowing. “Fire doesn’t scare me. I am shadows and flame!”

I smirked, using earth magic to lift jagged pillars from the ground, trying to restrict the dragon’s movement. “I’ve faced tougher challenges. You’re just another hurdle.”

The dragon roared, smashing through the pillars effortlessly. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that. But persistence alone won’t bind me!”

I dodged a sweeping tail strike and countered with a gust of wind magic, pushing the dragon back. “Persistence and skill are my strengths. I’ll use everything I’ve got.”

“Wind won’t change this fight,” the dragon growled, shaking off the wind’s effects.

Feeling the strain, I added, “Wind’s just one tool. I’ve got purification magic too. It’s crucial for the binding.”

The dragon’s eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. “Purification? That’s rare magic. But will it really bind someone as powerful as me?”

Focusing hard, I channeled my purification magic. “It’s not about overpowering you. It’s about creating a bond that respects your strength. It’s the only way to make this work.”

The dragon hesitated, clearly struggling. “You speak of respect, yet you invade my home. How can I trust your intentions?”

“I’m not asking for your trust,” I said as a purifying light enveloped me. “I’m asking you to understand that this is necessary. It’s about balance.”

The dragon, visibly worn from the fight, fought against the binding runes I’d deployed. “If I surrender, what then? Will you leave my home in peace?”

My expression softened as I completed the final incantation. “Yes. Once you’re bound, I’ll ensure your home remains untouched. You’ll be free once the quest is done.”

The dragon’s eyes met mine with a flicker of resignation and a hint of respect. “Very well, human. Do what you must.”

With a final surge of purification magic, I completed the binding ritual. The dragon was now securely bound, though still fierce and defiant.

“You have my word,” I said, catching my breath. “I’ll make sure your domain stays safe.”

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