I Only Tame Dragons

The central area of the grove was fed by winding rivers teeming with life — pools of fish darting in the current and giant crocodiles lurking just beneath the surface. Birds sang from the canopy above, and small creatures scurried between dense trees.

Yet, for all its apparent serenity, this place was anything but safe.

The tranquility was a mask, hiding the lurking danger of the Lizardfolk. Along the riverbanks and waterfall edges, these reptilian tribes made their camps, protected from the luring songs of harpies by the thunderous roar of the crashing waters. For generations, they lived here, bound to the land and the rivers that sustained them.

Most Lizardfolk were content to live in harmony with the natural balance, only showing aggression when intruders disrupted the delicate ecosystem. However, some tribes, twisted by fanaticism and hunger, had become hostile, their eyes gleaming with malice at the sight of any trespasser. These were the ones who would not hesitate to devour anything—man, beast, or bird—that wandered into their domain.

"Lizardfolk have always been drawn to Mirrorfall Rapids," Violet explained as the group moved cautiously through the dense foliage, her voice barely audible over the roar of the water. "The rivers here are rich in algae that attract fish, and the abundance of prey has made this place a prime hunting ground for larger predators—Snake Crocodiles, Bear Tigers.

Naturally, the Lizardfolk have made it their home, surviving off the land like the animals they hunt."

Horizon, Von, Nyx, Cappy, Lydia, and Violet, along with a handful of harpies, were creeping closer to the heart of Lizardfolk territory. Their mission was clear: rescue the harpy priestess who had been abducted by one of the more violent tribes.

Violet's face darkened as she continued, "But something's changed. One of the tribes . . . they found something. An artifact of some sort.

Ever since, they've become more savage, more aggressive. They've disrupted the balance, attacked our kin. Then, one day, they kidnapped our priestess."

Von asked, "What do they plan to do with her?"

Violet hesitated before answering, her voice tense. "They intend to sacrifice her. At the next full moon, they'll offer her to their leader. A 'pure maiden,' they call her." She clenched her fists. "We can't let that happen. The full moon is near.

We have to get her back at all cost."

"That's not typical of Lizardfolk," Horizon muttered, his mind racing through the lore he'd learned in the ARK. "They usually honor the spirits of the land, offering small sacrifices of game and plants. But kidnapping a harpy? That's new."

"It is odd," Violet agreed. "They've never been this erratic. We've lived alongside them for years, never crossing paths unless necessary. But this . . .

this is different."

Lydia, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke up. "If your priestess is so powerful—stats in the 100 to 200 range—why didn't she fight back?"

Nyx smirked from atop Horizon's head, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What are you doing here, thief? You're more of a liability than an asset."

Lydia shot her a dirty look. "I can be useful, you know."

"Like looting the tribe's treasures?" Nyx rolled her eyes. "All treasure belongs to me, thief."

Lydia stuck her tongue out in defiance, but her comment hung in the air as Horizon asked the pressing question. "How did she get kidnapped? With stats like hers, she should've been able to handle them." Continue your saga on empire

Violet shook her head. "Our priestess isn't a warrior. She's a healer. She has the MP, yes, but not the combat skills to fight off an entire tribe."

Horizon and Von exchanged glances, and the latter grinned. "Perfect. We could use a healer in our group."

Violet's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What will you do with her once we rescue her?"

"We'll bring her with us to Crown Jade's Wood competition," Horizon answered plainly.

"The competition?" Violet frowned. "Ah, that competition."

"Don't harpies enter it?" Von asked curiously.

Violet shook her head. "No. Harpies aren't strong like other races. It's pointless for us to compete."

The sound of water crashing against rocks grew louder as they neared their destination. They reached a massive waterfall that cascaded into a turbulent pool, splitting off into several rivers that flowed through the grove like veins. Mist filled the air, cool and refreshing, but the peaceful scene was shattered by a deafening roar.

Without warning, a hulking figure emerged from the water—a towering Lizardfolk, its cracked, scaly skin mottled with gray and its bloodshot eyes wild with fury. It charged toward them, a twisted abomination of the once-proud race, larger and more vicious than any Lizardfolk they had seen before.

A low growl escaped its twisted throat as it lumbered toward them.

"By the gods . . . What is that thing?" Von muttered, stepping back slightly. The sight was unnerving, even for a seasoned adventurer.

Without hesitation, Horizon's scimitar was out in a flash. One fluid motion, and the blade cleaved through the abomination. The creature didn't even have time to react. A clean slice from shoulder to waist, and the Lizardfolk fell apart in two halves, dark blood pooling beneath it.

Horizon wiped his blade with a flick of his wrist, his expression unfazed. His stats was sitting comfortably in the 300 range, and made such encounters trivial.

Violet and the Harpies stood in stunned silence, their eyes wide with awe. They had struggled to even scratch a single Lizard Abomination, its scaly hide boasting a defense of over 100, impervious to their best efforts. But Horizon . . . he had sliced through it like it was nothing, severing the creature in two without any effort.

They had been right to seek his help after all.

Yet, as relief washed over them, a chill of unease crept in. If these monsters could fall so easily at Horizon's hand, what did that mean for their priestess?

She wouldn't be in harm within Horizon's group, right?

Horizon had promised them she would live, that they could see her whenever they wanted. In fact, the harpies' could remained in Sky Talon with their priestess after the competition.

But Violet couldn't shake the gnawing doubt. She only wish that Horizon and the others could be trusted.