The noble dragon, Elegrion, had long served as the protector of the Kingdom of Luminaria. His wisdom and strength had been crucial in ensuring the kingdom's peace and prosperity. However, after the great war between the Old Gods and the Titans came to an end, Elegrion stumbled upon a shard of residual power left behind by the Old Gods. This shard, a crystallization of ancient corrupted energy, contained an immense, forbidden strength.
At first, Elegrion feared and avoided the shard. But slowly, a hunger for that power grew within him. Captivated by the thought of becoming even stronger, he eventually gave in—and absorbed it. As time passed, the once-noble dragon was consumed by his growing thirst for power, and his heart began to fall into corruption.
No longer the guardian of Luminaria, Elegrion became a being obsessed solely with strength. He learned of a seed of dimensional rupture hidden deep within Luminaria—a relic capable of granting power greater than even that of the Titans. Believing it could elevate him beyond the Old Gods themselves, Elegrion set his sights on claiming it.
Driven by ambition, he summoned goblins, orcs, and trolls—creatures of darkness—and raised an army to march upon Luminaria.
The kingdom's forces were no match for him. His flames consumed cities, and his roars shook the battlefield. Despair spread across the land, and it seemed that Luminaria would soon fall into ruin.
In a desperate bid to save the kingdom, the royal mage Rahanda summoned Sela—the Master of Dance—to the battlefield. But Sela was no mere dancer. Her movements radiated potent magical energy, and Rahanda believed that her power, if amplified, could counter Elegrion's overwhelming strength.
Sela stepped onto the battlefield and began her dance. Her steps unleashed waves of magical energy that swept across the field. Goblins, orcs, and trolls were ensnared by her rhythm, forced into chaotic, uncontrollable movements. At first, Elegrion dismissed her with contempt, but he soon realized her magic was beginning to affect even him.
Infuriated, Elegrion took to the skies and unleashed a torrent of flame upon her. But Sela, protected by Rahanda and the royal mages' defensive spells, continued her dance unscathed. The more Elegrion tried to crush her, the more the magic of her dance turned his own power against him.
As he fought, Elegrion sank deeper into his corrupted instincts. Overwhelmed by Sela's magic, he lost control of his strength and mind. In the end, Sela's dance broke him—forcing him to the ground, defeated, unable to rise again.
Wounded and humiliated, Elegrion fled beneath the Black Mountains, consumed by rage and despair at his failure to seize the seed of dimensional rupture. Yet, even in defeat, he clung desperately to his desire for power.
In the darkness beneath the mountains, he began gathering dark creatures, building a new force in preparation for another attempt to claim the seed. His corruption deepened, transforming him from a noble dragon into a fallen beast, driven only by the lust for strength.
Now, Merslin and his companions journey toward the Black Mountains—ready to confront the fallen Elegrion. They know the dragon is plotting to claim the seed and unleash devastation. In the coming fateful clash, Merslin will face not only Elegrion's ambition, but the intertwined threads of his own destiny.
***
Episode: The Corruption of the Dragon and the Threat of the Black Mountains
Merslin and his companions faced Elegrion, the once-noble dragon, deep within the caves of the Black Mountains. Once hailed as Luminaria's guardian, Elegrion now stood before them, a corrupted shadow of his former self. His eyes burned with greed and an insatiable thirst for power, and Merslin couldn't help but question what had led to such a fall.
"Elegrion," Merslin spoke carefully. "You were once a noble protector. Why have you fallen so far? Why attack Luminaria?"
The dragon spread his massive wings, his glowing eyes staring down at them from the shadows."Fallen?" he sneered. "No. I have simply awakened to my true destiny. I chose this path to seize the ultimate power—power greater than the Old Gods and the Titans."
Lisa frowned, stepping forward. "Blinded by your thirst for strength, you've lost your purpose. You've hurt the innocent and brought ruin upon the kingdom. Your actions are unforgivable."
Elegrion lifted his great head and laughed mockingly."Innocents? They were born to kneel before my might. I embraced this power to reign over all things. They must either submit—or be crushed."
Aria spoke calmly. "Then you're saying you'd sacrifice even your soul just for power? The remnants of the Old Gods have corrupted you. This was never your destiny."
The dragon paused, as if briefly reflecting. But soon he answered with cold certainty."I chose this path. Through the Seed of Dimensional Rift hidden within Luminaria, I will transcend even the Titans. Nothing will stop me."
Merslin listened, his heart heavy with sorrow."Elegrion, this craving has only led to your ruin. This isn't true power—it's destruction."
Elegrion snarled. "Spare me your pity, Merslin. Stay out of my way. I will forge ahead, and no one will stand in my path!"
Seeing the depth of Elegrion's corruption, Merslin realized there was no reasoning with him. Their conversation ended in a bitter silence.
"We need to leave," Merslin said grimly. "We must find another way to stop him."
But as they turned to retreat, they were blocked by dwarves and orcs loyal to Elegrion. Twisted by his influence, these warriors now stood against Merslin's group.
"Who dares trespass here? Prepare to meet your end!" a dwarf commander roared.
Lisa raised her Solar Blade, taking a defensive stance."Talk won't save us. We'll have to fight our way through."
The battle erupted. Lisa swung her blade, cutting down the dwarves. Aria unleashed powerful magic to repel the orcs. Merslin cast his Binding Chains to restrain their enemies, desperately searching for an escape route.
But the enemies' assault grew fiercer. Surrounded and exhausted, the team pushed themselves beyond their limits.
"If we don't break through now, we'll lose any chance to stop Elegrion!" Merslin shouted.
Through sheer determination, Merslin and his companions finally broke the enemy lines and escaped the Black Mountains. They vowed to return to Luminaria and prepare for the final confrontation.
The battle with Elegrion was far from over—but they would never surrender.
***
Episode: Subtle Accusations and Hidden Schemes
After their encounter with the corrupted dragon in the Black Mountains, Merslin and his companions decided to return to the Kingdom of Luminaria. Having escaped the deep caves, they began their descent—only to be ambushed by dwarves and orcs lying in wait.
Hidden among the rugged cliffs, the enemies launched a surprise attack. Blades flashed and traps sprung around them. Merslin instantly shifted into battle mode.
Lisa raised her Solar Blade high and shouted as she fended off the orcs,"You're not going to stop us! We won't be held back!"
Aria quickly cast protective spells to shield the party."Be careful! Some of them have resistance against magic!"
Merslin unleashed his Lightning Spear, ripping through the dwarven lines. Sparks burst from his fingertips, tearing down the enemy's defenses. Still, the attackers pressed relentlessly.
"We must get off this mountain—otherwise, we're finished!" Merslin roared.
The battle raged on. Step by step, they pushed forward, Lisa clearing a path with her blade while Aria maintained the group's vitality with healing spells. Working together, they finally broke through the encirclement and escaped the Black Mountains.
Upon their return to Luminaria, they found the kingdom caught in a storm of unrest and suspicion. Though they had survived their confrontation with the dragon, distrust toward Merslin had only deepened. Discontented factions began quietly stoking fear and doubt.
The royal council chamber was heavier than usual. The king sat in silence, listening as nobles and mages voiced their concerns about Merslin. The unease gnawed at him.
One noble spoke with thinly veiled suspicion,"Your Majesty, this outsider has grown far too involved in our kingdom's affairs. His influence concerns me deeply."
The king pondered the words. Merslin had fought valiantly for Luminaria, yet doubts crept in. His involvement in Alexander's rise in Altekhna and the replacement of Sailent's lord only fueled unease.
A mage cautiously added,"Since Merslin's arrival, Your Majesty, unrest has grown. Many among the people are expressing discontent."
The king nodded solemnly."While I must recognize his efforts, we cannot ignore the potential consequences of his presence."
Another noble whispered darkly,"Majesty, what if Merslin, unknown to us, is sowing discord within the kingdom? Without certainty of his intentions, trust is dangerous."
The king's heart wavered. Part of him wanted to believe in Merslin's sincerity, but another part feared the instability an outsider might bring.
At that moment, Elena and Lisa entered the chamber. Seeing the king's troubled expression, they sensed the gravity of the situation.
Elena spoke respectfully,"Your Majesty, we firmly believe in Merslin's loyalty. Everything he has done has been for the safety of the kingdom. He deserves your trust."
Lisa added with quiet conviction,"Merslin has fought alongside us, risking his life. His only goal is to protect Luminaria."
Yet the dissatisfied factions pressed harder, feeding the king's unease.
"Your Majesty," a noble murmured, "Merslin's interference breeds confusion and instability. We must watch him closely."
Though the king valued Elena and Lisa's loyalty, he couldn't dismiss the growing tide of doubt. After a long, heavy silence, he made a decision.
"I acknowledge Merslin's contributions. However, we must carefully monitor his actions to protect the kingdom."
Elena bowed, masking her concern."We will respect Your Majesty's decision. Still, we trust in Merslin's sincerity."
Lisa nodded firmly."Merslin has fought for the kingdom. We will continue to stand by him—and prove his intentions."
Despite their words, the king's heart remained unsettled. Uncertainty and fear gnawed at him, allowing the nobles' and mages' whispers to take deeper root.
As Merslin's group left the palace, they could feel the growing tension—an invisible web of suspicion and schemes tightening around them. They knew their next challenge would not be on the battlefield, but within the shadows of distrust.
Merslin, standing tall beside Elena and Lisa, said resolutely,"Our mission remains clear. We must uncover this plot—and protect Luminaria."
Elena smiled faintly, feeling his conviction."Merslin, we have fought alongside you before. We'll do it again."
Lisa gripped her Solar Blade tightly and declared,"No matter the obstacles ahead, we'll expose the truth and defend the kingdom. Together."
Thus, Merslin and his companions prepared for a new kind of battle—a fight not only against enemies seen, but against the doubt festering within the very heart of the kingdom.