The Dragon Emperor of Another World: Awakening of a Legend

CHAPTER 10: Avelline City

Ethan Lockwood frowned slightly, the dull throb in his ribs a haunting reminder of their last battle. The encounter with the chimera had left more than physical wounds—it had etched into his mind the reality of this world: raw, dangerous, and alive.

Beside him, Celestia Draconyx eyed him sidelong, her crimson gaze sharp and laced with concern. "You're more stubborn than a mountain wyrm," she murmured, reaching out with a clawed hand. "At least let me carry the gear."

Ethan chuckled, masking his discomfort with false bravado. "Save your energy. Knowing our luck, something nasty is probably waiting around the next bend."

As if on cue, the sound of careful footsteps echoed ahead.

Ethan instinctively tightened his grip on the hilt of his greatsword. Around the corner appeared a small group of adventurers—guards for the Crimson Caravan. Dusty cloaks hung from their shoulders, and their eyes, seasoned and alert, immediately locked on the gleaming chimera fangs hanging from Ethan's belt.

The tallest among them, a burly man with wind-swept brown hair, stepped forward warily. "You took down a chimera—just the two of you?"

"Barely," Ethan admitted, offering a humble shrug. "Luck was on our side."

"Luck?" said a lean, sharp-eyed woman who approached with amused curiosity. "You look like you eat chimeras for breakfast. I'm Mira. Headed to Avelline?"

"Avelline?" Ethan repeated, intrigued.

"The central city," Mira said brightly. "The Adventurers' Guild there pays well and is always looking for talent. Someone like you? You’d fit right in."

Celestia raised an elegant eyebrow, her expression still tinged with suspicion. "How far?"

"Half a day north," Mira replied. "Stick to the road, and you can't miss the watchtowers."

They shared a few tips and local rumors before parting ways, leaving Ethan in thoughtful silence. The Guild sounded promising—an opportunity to establish a foothold and gather information.

Under the blazing sun, Ethan and Celestia resumed their trek.

By late afternoon, Avelline's walls towered into view. The city's silhouette stood proud and impenetrable, its watchtowers gleaming under the sun.

"Tight security," Celestia muttered, narrowing her eyes.

As they neared the gates, a group of guards blocked their path.

"State your business," barked the captain.

Ethan spoke calmly. "Looking to register at the Adventurers' Guild."

The guard captain eyed his armor, then flicked his gaze to Celestia's inhuman beauty. "Origin?"

Ethan pulled a small pouch of silver from his belt and handed it over. "Let’s say I’ve traveled far. This should cover my entry."

The captain accepted it with a grunt, motioning them through.

Celestia's voice murmured in Ethan's mind: Bribery isn’t noble, but it works.

Better than fighting city guards, Ethan replied.

Avelline unfurled before them—a symphony of stone and magic. Towering buildings lined enchanted avenues. Signs glowed with runes advertising everything from enchanted gloves to basilisk-scale cloaks.

In the main plaza, humans, elves, beastkin, and dwarves mingled freely. Street performers conjured illusions while shopkeepers hawked enchanted trinkets.

Ethan stared in wonder. "It’s like a kingdom made by adventurers."

"And every bit as dangerous," Celestia replied. "Stay sharp."

They wandered for hours, collecting rumors and searching for a modest place to stay. With coin running low, they settled on a weathered inn near the west wall.

Their room was cramped—chipped tiles, faded curtains, and a single bed that groaned under its own weight.

Ethan counted his remaining coins. "That bribe nearly bankrupted us."

Celestia sat cross-legged on the bed. "We have goods to sell. Chimera claws. Elemental cores. The Guild will pay."

Moonlight bathed the room as night fell. Ethan sat by the window, staring into the cityscape.

Behind him, Celestia quietly shed her armor. Her silvery hair spilled around her shoulders like moonlight on snow.

She crossed the room and slipped under the blankets, resting against him.

"I'm not used to sharing space," she murmured. "But I want to stay close."

He swallowed, heart hammering. "Same here."

She curled beside him, warm and quiet.

No more words were needed.

Dawn crept through the curtains. Ethan stirred, blinking away sleep. Celestia still rested beside him, head on his chest, her wings folded softly.

He whispered, "Today we claim our place."

Celestia stirred. "And tomorrow, we rise."

They dressed, packed, and stepped out into the awakening city.

The air was brisk, full of promise.

Ahead lay the Adventurers' Guild.

And beyond that—the next step of their journey.