Chapter 113 The Fire Dragon, Ugram (3)



As Eren and Hubert entered the heart of the volcano, the air grew thick with heat, and the glow of the lava cast an eerie red light across the surroundings. At the end of the path, they beheld the magnificent sight that had been the center of their family's guardian for generations.

There, lying in a colossal chamber, was the fire dragon Ugram. Its crimson scales shimmered like molten lava, reflecting the intense glow of the lava flows around it. The dragon's wings, folded neatly against its powerful body, were large enough to create a gust of wind with the slightest movement.

Ugram's eyes, the color of burning embers, remained closed as it slumbered. Its long, sharp claws and serrated teeth, visible even with its mouth shut, testified to its formidable power. The dragon's presence exuded strength, wisdom, and a sense of agelessness.

As Eren stared in awe, he noticed that the dragon's belly was slightly swollen, to be more precise, there seemed to be something under its belly, which puzzled him.Diiscover new stories at novelhall.com

In the midst of his amazement, a sudden realization struck Eren and he turned towards his father for answers.

"Father, Sir Ugram... is that an egg!?" Eren exclaimed, his eyes widening in astonishment.

Hubert nodded solemnly, his expression tinged with reverence. "Yes, my son. Sir Ugram laid an egg about a year ago. It's a rare occurrence for dragons, and it happens only every few hundred years."

The pinnacle of all species, dragons were beings without a distinct sex. They didn't rely on their fellow dragons for reproduction, for they were perfect beings capable of existing on their own terms. Each dragon could take the form they preferred, male or female, as sex held no significance to them. Perhaps this was why dragons preferred solitude, rarely choosing to be in each other's company.

Dragons reproduced by laying eggs. Ancient texts spoke of how a dragon could lay only about 2-3 eggs in their lifetime, which could span thousands of years. However, the primary reason they refrained from laying more eggs wasn't an inability to do so, but their own preference. After laying an egg, dragons became incredibly susceptible and weakened. It would take them anywhere between five to ten years just to recuperate fully. During this period, both the dragon and the egg were vulnerable.

Knowing that the fire dragon Ugram had laid an egg a year ago meant that it would be at least three to four years before the dragon egg hatched. Eren saw this as a unique opportunity to uncover the truth behind the tragedy that had befallen their family in his past life. If Ugram was weakened due to the egg-laying process, it might provide the chance Eren needed to understand the mysterious events that had led to his family's demise.

However, as Eren's thoughts raced, a nagging doubt crept into his mind. 'Wait a minute!' he thought.

'There was no information about the dragon egg in the Pendragon region, was there?'

"Interesting!" The dragon said as its eyes opened wide, and it slowly rose from its position, sitting with absolute majesty. The egg that was beneath it's belly was exposed which was covered in hard red scales.

The glow from the lava intensified, illuminating the chamber with an ethereal brilliance, as if the dragon itself was a manifestation of the fiery heart of the volcano.

Hubert noticed it a step late, but a thin invisible shield was created between the fire dragon and his son, signifying the dragon's acknowledgment of Eren's presence.

"Sir Ugram," Hubert urged as he gazed at the dragon, his heart filled with both concern and awe. He was aware that the fire dragon wouldn't harm his son but as a father he couldn't help but worry about Eren.

"I have something to talk about with your son. Go back alone for now, Hubert."

The Fire Dragon didn't open its mouth, but its voice was delivered to Hubert through a telepathic connection. Hubert hesitated but left, trusting the ancient guardian to watch over his son.

"I will leave him in your care," he said before departing from the chamber.

The fire dragon waited for Hubert to leave, and only when he did, did it turn its attention back to Eren. It silently looked at Eren, its eyes fixated on him as if the dragon's gaze was piercing through Eren's soul itself, delving into the depths of his being.

"Now, what do we have here? A soul of the future dwelling in the body of the past?" The dragon remarked with curiosity, its voice reverberating through the chamber, merging with the echoes of the volcano's rumbling, creating an ethereal symphony that seemed to resonate with the very essence of time.

"...!!!"

Eren was taken aback! He stood speechless, his mind racing to comprehend the significance of the dragon's words.

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