Top's System Hearts and Dragons

The castle stables, where the sound of restless dragons echoes. Kei watches as Auren timidly approaches a large, untamed dragon chained to a post. The creature growls, smoke curling from its nostrils.

Kei

(whispering to Xue) You’ve got to be kidding me. He wants me to get near that?

System [Xue]

Don’t chicken out now. It’s your chance to earn some affection points! Besides, who doesn’t love a daring dragon tamer?

Kei

(gritting his teeth) Daring or dead. Got it.

Auren

(glancing nervously at Kei) Are you sure you want to help with this, Sir Kei?

Kei

(Forcing a confident smile) Of course. What’s a little dragon taming between friends?

System [Xue]

(snickering) Friends. Sure. Let’s go with that.

Kei steps closer to the dragon. It snarls, baring its teeth, but he doesn’t flinch. Auren watches from behind, his face pale but filled with a hint of admiration.

Kei

(calmly) Easy, big guy. We’re not here to hurt you.

Auren

(whispering) Sir Kei... be careful. He’s never let anyone near him before.

System [Xue]

(dryly) Yeah, thanks for the pep talk, Prince.

Kei

(to the dragon) Relax. I know you’re scared too. Let’s take this slow, okay?

The dragon growls again but doesn’t attack. Kei carefully extends a hand, maintaining eye contact with the beast. The tension is thick.

Auren

(awed) You’re... not afraid?

Kei

Glancing back with a smirk) Afraid? Of course. But sometimes, you just have to fake it till you make it.

System [Xue]

(chuckling) Smooth, darling. Very smooth.

Auren

(smiling faintly) You’re amazing, Sir Kei.

A soft chime echoes in Kei’s head. A notification appears in his vision.

System Notification: Affection Points +5

Kei

(In his head) Did I just... earn points for being reckless?

System [Xue]

Yep! Keep it up, and he might propose by next week.

Kei

(mutters) Not funny.

The dragon sniffs Kei’s hand, then lets out a low rumble. Slowly, Kei moves closer, placing a hand on the dragon’s snout. Auren gasps in amazement.

Auren

(excitedly) You did it! He’s letting you touch him!

Kei

(grinning) Looks like we’re friends now, huh?

The dragon huffs, nudging Kei’s hand gently. Auren steps closer, his initial fear replaced by awe.

Auren

(hesitant) Do you think... I could try?

Kei

(nodding) Go for it. Just stay calm.

Kei guides Auren’s hand toward the dragon. Auren’s touch is shaky at first, but the dragon doesn’t pull away. Instead, it lets out a soft, approving growl.

Auren

(whispering) This is incredible...

Kei

(smiling) Told you it wasn’t so bad.

System [Xue]

(teasing) Aww, look at the budding bromance. Or should I say... romance?

Kei

(internally) Shut up, Xue.

As the dragon relaxes, Auren turns to Kei, his eyes sparkling with admiration.

Auren

Sir Kei... thank you. I’ve been trying to bond with him for weeks, but I was always too afraid. You gave me courage.

Another chime echoes. Kei’s system notification appears again.

System Notification: Affection Points +10

Kei

(in his head) Okay, this might not be so hard after all.

System [Xue]

Don’t get cocky. There’s still a long way to go.

Suddenly, a loud roar shakes the stables. A second dragon, much larger and fiercer, breaks free from its chains, its eyes blazing with fury.

Auren

(panicking) Oh no! That’s the alpha dragon!

System [Xue]

(dryly) Guess we’re about to see how brave you really are, Kei.

Kei

(groaning) I knew this was too good to be true.

To be continued...