The Dragon Emperor of Another World: Awakening of a Legend

CHAPTER 2: Find a Town

Ethan’s boots struck the mossy cobblestones at the outskirts of Feya Town, every nerve alert. The valley town looked tranquil in the dying light, blue-leaf trees swaying and mana reeds shimmering with unnatural color. The air tasted sweet, but Ethan couldn’t shake the uneasy chill crawling up his spine. He’d spent years in VR fantasy worlds, but nothing prepared him for the biting cold or the stares that followed him here.

Celestia walked half a pace behind, arms folded, her tail swaying with measured wariness. She scanned each shadowed alleyway, her voice barely above a whisper. “This isn’t a beginner zone. Trouble hides behind every pretty window.”

Ethan tried to keep his breathing steady. The Arcane Godslayer Gear felt heavier in the real world—each rune-etched plate pressed into his body with unfamiliar weight. Celestia, his once-virtual companion, now walked beside him, every bit as fierce and enigmatic as in the game. And yet, despite the legendary armor and his loyal guardian, Ethan felt more lost than ever—a stranger clinging to the hope of understanding this alien realm.

They crossed into the bustling main street. Instantly, Ethan felt eyes on him—merchants, guards, rough-faced locals, all sizing him up. He caught a flash of movement—a pickpocket’s hand reaching for his belt. Before Ethan could react, Celestia’s tail whipped out, smacking the would-be thief’s wrist. The boy yelped and bolted into the shadows.

Celestia shot Ethan a sideways look. “Adapt, or get eaten alive.”

“I’m trying,” Ethan muttered, forcing a grin.

Trying to blend in, Ethan approached a sign swinging overhead, its strange symbols creaking in the wind. The language was indecipherable. He glanced helplessly at Celestia. With a slight smile, she murmured an incantation; warm light flickered over his ears. Suddenly, the sign’s letters rearranged themselves in his mind—Tavern & Lodging.

“Thanks,” Ethan said, relief genuine. Celestia looked away, feigning indifference, but her lips curled ever so slightly.

They walked on, weaving through the maze of lantern-lit lanes. Shopfronts glowed with floating sigils, and the air buzzed with magic. Vendors hawked everything from beast-hide boots to pouches that whispered when touched. The aroma of honeyed bread mingled with sharp alchemical fumes. Celestia, with her scaled forearms and elegantly curved horns, drew curious gazes—not fear, but awe. Children peered from behind carts, giggling as they watched the dragon-girl inspect a ruby pendant with obvious interest.

“See something you like?” Ethan teased.

Celestia’s gaze snapped away. “It’s just a trinket. But... I suppose it would suit me.”

Ethan smiled, asked the price, and after a quick negotiation, bought the pendant for a single gold coin. As he clasped it around Celestia’s neck, her cheeks tinted pink. She gave him a quick, almost embarrassed hug. “It’s just a gift. Don’t make it weird.”

Before Ethan could reply, a commotion broke out. Two drunken men argued loudly in the street, shoving each other while the crowd pressed back. Ethan tried to step around them, but a burly stranger blocked his path, eyeing the newcomer with open hostility.

“Fresh faces, eh? This town doesn’t like meddlers.”

Celestia slid between Ethan and the man, her stance casual but eyes razor-sharp. “We’re just passing through. No trouble.”

The man sneered, glancing at the valuable gear Ethan wore. “If you want a peaceful night, you’d better pay the local f*e.”

Tension crackled. Before Ethan could react, another thug lunged from behind. Celestia spun, her dragon claws flashing in the lantern light, and sent him sprawling into the gutter. The crowd murmured. The ruffians backed off, but not without one last glare.

Celestia leaned close. “This world is crueler than you think. Stay close.”

They found a small inn and settled into a cramped room under the slanted eaves. Lanterns floated into the night like fireflies, each carrying wishes into the sky. On the rooftop, Ethan sipped his drink, looking out over the shimmering city.

“It’s nothing like the game,” he murmured. “It’s harsher—but somehow, I want to see more.”

Celestia joined him, her voice low. “There’s been trouble in this world. Elves disappearing, beasts attacking trade routes, rumors of dark magic stirring in the eastern marsh.”

Ethan’s curiosity flared, but before he could ask more, a sharp voice rang out from the plaza below.

“Hear ye, hear ye! Combat Tournament this weekend! Glory, gold, and a champion’s title to the victor!”

Ethan perked up, eyes shining. “That sounds like a perfect chance to learn the ropes—and maybe earn some coin.”

Celestia groaned. “I know that look. Just remember, there’s no such thing as a fair fight when money and pride are involved.”

Undeterred, Ethan pulled out a map and traced the path to the arena. “What’s life without a little risk?”

Celestia shook her head but smiled faintly. “Then I’ll be your shield. Just promise me you won’t get yourself killed on day one.”

But as they talked, neither noticed the shadowy figure watching them from across the street. In the flickering darkness, unseen eyes narrowed, and a slow, dangerous smile spread across unseen lips.