I Got Reincarnated As A Dragon

Chapter 9: Journey to the west

Elvis soared through the sky, the wind whistling past his scales as he flew toward the western horizon. But despite the thrill of flight, a strange feeling crept over him, a melancholy he couldn't shake. Unbeknownst to him, tears trickled down to his snout.

Shaking himself from his daze, Elvis refocused on his journey, pushing himself further and further into the endless expanse of the sky. But even the excitement of flight could not keep his exhaustion at bay, and after hours of soaring, the young dragon began to search for a place to rest for the night.

"System," he called out, his voice ringing through the empty air. "How much further until my destination?"

The reply came swiftly, a cold, clinical voice echoing through his mind. [Estimated time of arrival is twelve hours, assuming no breaks are taken.]

Elvis snorted in frustration. "I'll take a break when I damn well please," he muttered, and with that, he spiraled downward toward a cavern he had spotted in the distance.

As he entered the cave, the warmth and comfort of the rocky walls enveloped him, and he curled up into a tight ball, trying to dispel the unease that had settled in his chest.

"I need to rest," he murmured to himself, closing his eyes and drifting off into a deep sleep.

In his slumber, Elvis dreamed of his past life, of the world he had left behind and the trials he had faced since becoming a dragon. The memories washed over him like waves, and as he slept, he found himself at peace.

Time flew by, and the sun had already set, casting a blanket of darkness over the surrounding forest.

Meanwhile, a group of people was trudging through the woods, drawing closer to the cave where Elvis had taken refuge.

The maid walked alongside a regal-looking woman, her steps light and graceful, her gaze cast downward in deference to her royal companion. Her long, chestnut hair was pulled back in a neat braid that trailed down her back, and her clear, bright eyes shone with a quiet intelligence.

Despite her plain attire, there was a quiet beauty about her, an understated elegance that spoke of a refined upbringing. Her features were delicate, with high cheekbones and a slender, curved nose. Her lips were full and soft, with a hint of pink that belied her demure demeanor.

She finally broke the silence, her voice echoing through the trees.

As she spoke, her voice was soft and melodic, with a gentle lilt that hinted at a regional accent, "Your Highness, it's getting late. Perhaps we ought to seek shelter for the night," she suggested, casting a wary glance at the ominous shadows that lurked in the underbrush.

The princess was a striking figure, commanding attention with her regal bearing and striking features. Her long, flowing hair was the color of freshly fallen snow, cascading down her back in luscious waves. Her piercing blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and a fierce determination, gazing out from a face that was both elegant and strong.

She was draped in a cloak of royal purple, trimmed with gold, that billowed behind her as she walked. The fabric clung to her curves, accentuating her lithe frame, and the jewels that adorned her dress glinted in the dim light of the forest.

Despite her beauty and grace, there was an air of authority about her, a sense of power that radiated from her every movement. She carried herself with confidence, her chin held high, and her voice was steady and unwavering.

She wordlessly assented to the maid's proposal. They were far from the safety of the city, and she knew that it would be unwise to brave the wilderness after dark.

Before long, one of the guards piped up. "Your Highness, we have found a cave nearby. It may serve as a suitable resting place for the night."

The princess nodded her approval, grateful for the guard's keen eyesight in the dim light. "Very well," she said, "let us take shelter there and set out for the city at first light."

The party made its way through the forest, the two ladies flanked by four guards, ever vigilant for any threats that might lurk in the shadows. After a few minutes of walking, they reached the cave mouth. It wasn't the most spacious of shelters, but it would suffice for their needs.

As they approached the cave entrance, one of the guards stepped forward to halt their progress. "Wait, princess," he said. "Let us search inside the cave first, in case any beasts are lurking within."

"Very well," replied the princess with a casual wave of her hand.

The two guards made their way inside, their footsteps echoing softly in the cavernous darkness. To their surprise, the interior was much larger than they had anticipated. They pressed on until they came upon what appeared to be a solid wall, black as pitch and rough to the touch. Without a source of light, they could not see beyond it.

Turning back, the guards made their way out of the cave. As they emerged into the night air, the wall shifted slightly, a fact they did not notice in the darkness.

"It is safe, your highness," one of the guards reported.

"Thank the gods," sighed the princess, visibly relieved. "We can rest here."

The maid added her own sigh of relief. "I am glad we found no beasts lurking within."

The guards nodded, their expressions vigilant. Though the cave was empty, they could not afford to let their guard down. They busied themselves laying out a mat for the princess to rest upon while keeping watch over the surrounding area.

"Princess," one of the guards addressed her. "We will stand guard outside, in case any dangerous beasts approach. Thanks to the cave, we need not worry about being caught unawares from behind."

The other guards nodded their agreement, the princess nodded in turn and turned to her maid.

The massive, slumbering dragon lay curled up in the recesses of the cavern, towering over its surroundings. Yet, the beast remained unnoticed by the unsuspecting travelers.

Elvis, oblivious to the dragon's presence, stirred and shifted his weight, seeking a more comfortable position. In his drowsiness, he drifted back to sleep.

The princess, concerned for her maid's welfare, inquired, "Ana, are you well?" The young woman's expression was odd, as if she had witnessed something bizarre.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I thought I had seen the wall move," the maid stammered, her features betraying her bewilderment.

The princess, peering over her shoulder, observed nothing out of the ordinary. "Rest easy, dear Ana. You must be fatigued," she reassured the maid.

"Yes, Your Highness, you are right. It must have been a trick of the light," Ana agreed, relieved to lay her head down.

The dragon slumbered on, oblivious to the presence of humans in its abode. The guards kept a watchful eye, rotating shifts to conserve their energy.

As the night deepened, the two guards entrusted with the princess's safety exchanged a nod and slipped into the cavern. One brandished a handkerchief, while the other wielded a massive knife, their expressions unsettlingly sinister.