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The dawn broke gently over the Spiritlord's Domain. Mist curled through ancient trees, dancing between leaves that shimmered with ethereal dew. Birds chirped in complex rhythms, and deep within the forest heart, Yuki lay stretched atop a rocky ridge, wings half-folded and breath steady.
*"So this is peace..."* he mused, red eyes blinking slowly as his tail flicked lazily. Beside him, Sylvaeria floated just above the moss, her translucent form trailing gentle green light with every step.
"It's quiet. But not still," she said, glancing toward the western horizon where the dense trees gave way to faint trails—human trails.
Yuki turned his gaze. He could sense it too now. Not monsters. Not spirits. Humans.
He narrowed his eyes. "They've come."
Sylvaeria nodded solemnly. "Yes. From a city near the forest's edge. A frontier settlement... new roads built, sanctioned by a kingdom that does not know this forest is no longer unclaimed."
Yuki's aura pulsed for a brief moment, a flare of dominance. "Then they'll learn."
She touched his shoulder lightly. "Not all who enter are threats. But you must be prepared. They will come in waves—scouts, adventurers, hunters. And eventually, nobles and kings."
Yuki's draconic mind swirled with emotion. Curiosity, caution… and a faint glimmer of something deeper. *"So this is how my world begins to expand…"*
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Meanwhile, beyond the veil of the forest—
Three cloaked figures marched through brambles and fading spiritlight. Two carried spears. The third, a young woman with a silver circlet, paused near a glowing plant.
"This is it," she whispered. "The Spiritveil Forest. Unmarked on maps. Teeming with unclassified life." Her eyes gleamed. "Exactly the place to make our name known in the Guild."
The other two grumbled. "Or exactly the place to get killed."
Unknown to them, they had just crossed into the outer boundary of a territory ruled by a dragon-god in the making.
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