The cheers rippled across the plaza like a living current, flags snapping in the morning breeze, holographic dragons dancing across the sunlight. Jack’s eyes swept the crowd once more, scanning hands raised, faces uplifted, the synchronized energy of the citizens and engineers alike. Even after the governors’ statements, the city’s heartbeat seemed to pulse in tandem with the Dragon Dagger in his hand. Then, the LED screens shifted again, drawing collective attention. A new figure appeared on the largest display—tall, composed, framed against the skyline of Venmoor’s capital. The President of Venmoor, a distinguished man with a silver streak in his hair and eyes that conveyed authority tempered by vision, addressed the crowd directly. “Citizens of Draconia and Harmonfield,” he began, his voice strong and resonant, carrying across every speaker with clarity, “I am President Alistair Greaves of Venmoor. Today, we extend our congratulations to Jack Parker, the DragonBearer, and his

The echoes of applause and cheers gradually softened, replaced by a steady, electric hum of energy that lingered in the air. Jack Parker lowered the Dragon Dagger fully, tucking it gently at his side, and glanced back at the plaza. His family and team followed close, the sunlight catching the gleam of medals, uniforms, and polished surfaces, the Dragon Corporation emblem reflecting the brilliance of the morning.Sarah slipped her hand into Jack’s as they walked down the raised platform steps, her presence a quiet anchor amidst the still-vibrant energy of the crowd. Emily stayed close to Ryan, hands clasped nervously as she cast glances toward the citizens, still projecting holograms and waving in unison. Lena maintained a poised distance beside Ryan, eyes sweeping over the plaza one last time with a mixture of satisfaction and admiration. Jackson, ever observant, took in the reactions of the engineers and children, cataloging every detail in his mind for later. Matilda, Jack and Sa

The morning sun poured over Dragon Home as the family finished breakfast, the soft hum of the city still echoing faintly in the distance. Jack looked at Sarah, then to the children, and smiled. “Time to take the next step,” he said. “Dragon University awaits. It’s where knowledge meets curiosity, and where the future of space exploration begins.”The convoy departed quietly, vehicles gliding over the polished roads as Dragon Home receded behind them. The journey to Dragon University was short but filled with anticipation. Matilda and Jackson leaned against the windows, pointing out familiar landmarks, still bubbling with excitement from yesterday’s celebrations. Sarah squeezed Jack’s hand, a subtle smile of reassurance passing between them. Emily, seated with Patricia, glanced over occasionally, already preparing herself for the conference ahead. Lena, walking briskly alongside Ryan, nodded toward the university buildings visible ahead, her expression a mix of eagerness and curiosi

As the applause for Sarah slowly settled into a low, reverent hum, she stepped back from the podium, her final words still hanging in the air like constellations waiting to be traced. She turned slightly, eyes finding Jack for a brief moment, then looked toward Emily.Emily Wilson felt it immediately—the shift in attention, the quiet expectancy. She drew in a steady breath as Sarah inclined her head toward her in invitation. For a heartbeat, Emily hesitated, the weight of where she had come from pressing gently against where she now stood. Then she rose.Her heels echoed softly against the polished floor as she walked toward the podium. The auditorium watched closely—not with the thunderous certainty they reserved for Jack, nor the warm reverence they’d shown Sarah, but with curiosity. Emily was known here. Known for her past, her fall, and her steady, visible rebuilding.She reached the podium and placed her hands on its surface, grounding herself.“Good afternoon,” Emily began, her

The applause for Ryan’s words resonated through the auditorium, carrying both weight and warmth, but before it could fully die down, another voice stirred the attention of the students.Jackson Parker, Jack and Sarah’s younger son, rose from his seat in the front row. The room quieted immediately, curious whispers rippling through the crowd. Jackson’s small frame carried an unexpected confidence. He was just a boy, yet his presence seemed to command a subtle authority, born not of age, but of experience.He stepped toward the podium, his shoes making soft taps against the polished floor. Matilda watched from her seat, eyes wide, holding her hands together nervously, while Sarah reached over to squeeze Jack’s hand, a quiet signal of pride. Emily and Ryan looked on with quiet encouragement. Lena leaned forward in her seat, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.Jackson placed both hands firmly on the podium, taking a steadying breath.“Hello, everyone,” he began, his voice clear, slightl