Part 3: The Mountain of Fire

Leo’s first destination was Frost Peak, the tallest mountain in the kingdom.

Legend said it held the last remaining ice untouched by the Endless Heat.

The climb was dangerous.

The higher he climbed, the stronger the winds became.

Snow covered the rocky paths.

Suddenly—

A loud roar echoed across the cliffs.

A gigantic creature with wings of flame landed before him.

Its golden eyes glowed like molten lava.

“I am Ignis,” the creature growled.

“Guardian of the Frozen Summit.”

Leo slowly stepped forward.

“I don’t want to fight.”

The dragon laughed.

“Everyone says that.”

Then they attack.”

Leo reached into his backpack.

Instead of drawing a sword…

He took out a loaf of warm bread he had baked before leaving home.

“I brought food.”

The dragon stopped.

“You… brought me bread?”

“It isn’t magical.”

“But I made it with care.”

Ignis sniffed the loaf.

One bite.

Then another.

His fierce expression slowly disappeared.

“I have guarded this mountain for five hundred years.”

“No one has ever offered me kindness.”

The dragon lowered his enormous head.

“You may take the ice crystals.”

As Leo carefully collected the glowing ice, dark clouds gathered on the horizon for the first time in months.

A tiny snowflake landed in his hand.

It melted instantly.

But Leo smiled.

Hope had begun to return.

Far away, hidden inside a tower of black stone, someone watched through a crystal mirror.

A cloaked figure whispered,

“So…”

“The Guardian Chef has finally returned.”

The shadow smiled.

“Send the hunters.”

Leo’s greatest challenge had only just begun.

To Be Continued…