Rafael's turbulent thoughts, like a tempest in his mind, gradually yielded to the soothing embrace of sleep, allowing him a respite and the promise of a serene day ahead. The group's presence had become a comforting balm, a departure from the unnerving solitude he had endured thus far. Surrounded by individuals with vast experiences and ages greater than his own, Rafael felt a newfound sense of security. The camaraderie among the soldiers, as warm with Jason as it was within the group, played a crucial role in dispelling the lingering shadows of his solitary struggles. Jason's leadership, earned through time and mutual respect, exuded a quiet confidence that eased Rafael's anxieties.

As Rafael surrendered to slumber, the ambient sounds of soldierly banter, crackling fire, the gentle hum of insects, and distant animal calls serenaded him into a peaceful rest.

His eyes reopened atop a majestic mountain, overlooking a valley adorned in pristine snow. The panorama was nothing short of breathtaking – snow-capped peaks, trees cloaked in a winter quilt, and a profound silence that bordered on the magical. A surge of energy coursed through Rafael, propelling him off the mountain into the awaiting valley below. This time, rather than fear, he experienced a profound sense of peace, thrill, and unbridled happiness. Landing not on solid ground but on an unknown surface, he ascended once more. The flapping of leathery wings surrounded him as he rode a colossal, scaly beast with unparalleled grace.

In the midst of this fantastical journey, a voice, soft and soothing, whispered

Voice: "Are you ready? I am coming to see you. I am very close."

A sudden jolt snapped Rafael back to the camp, where the tangible world awaited with its routines and challenges. Everyone was already bustling with activity, and Rafael, slightly disoriented, muttered to himself about the strange dreams that had become a part of his nights.

Rafael: "Great, another strange dream. Just great”

Rafael muttered, grappling with the surreal nature of his nightly visions.

Jason: "Oh, Rafael! Up already? Good. Get ready; we march soon”

Jason's voice cut through the morning air, signaling the commencement of another day's journey.

Unlike Gorion's stern demeanor, Jason's presence was a calming force for Rafael. Where Gorion resembled a strict school headmaster, assigning tasks with deadlines, Jason exuded a friendlier approach, making Rafael feel at ease in his company. As the camp stirred with activity, Jason addressed the group, rallying them for the day's mission.

Jason: "Is everyone ready?"

Soldiers: "Yes, sir!"

Jason: "I can’t hear you!"

Soldiers: "YES, SIR!"

Jason: "Today our hunt for the Salamander begins!"

Soldiers: "YES, SIR!!"

Cheers reverberated through the camp, and with a subtle gesture from Jason, the group fell in line, each member silently preparing for the day's quest. The soldiers moved as a synchronized unit, marching in harmony with Jason at the forefront.

Jason: "Soldiers, march!"

Amidst the damp forest, the rhythmic symphony of synchronized steps echoed. Walking alongside Rafael, Jason responded to his inquiry about the Salamander with a chuckle.

Rafael: “Jason what is Salamander? From the context so far, I am guessing it is not the lizard”

Jason: "Haha, of course not. Like the spirit bear you killed the other day – thank you very much for that – the Salamander is also one of the magical or mythical beasts. In simpler terms, it's a fire-breathing 10 feet tall demon. However, what makes it tricky is its ability to hide its presence, making it almost impossible to track."

Rafael asked, intrigued.

Rafael: "So, how are you guys going to hunt it?"

Jason: “It’s quite simple really, we are going to make it angry by attacking its nest”

Rafael: “You want to invade the nest of a fire breathing demon? You sure that’s a good idea?”

Jason grinned

Jason: "Of course, not. But I need to train these soldiers. The front lines are more nightmarish than anything I can simulate here. If their minds can't handle this, they won't survive a single battle in the front lines."

The march continued in complete silence, and Rafael, determined not to show fatigue, endeavored to keep up. Eventually, Jason called for a halt.

Jason: "Alright, soldiers, steady and halt!"

The soldiers came to an instant stop, standing at attention, their disciplined composure a testament to their training. Jason ordered them to set up camp for the night.

Soldier: “General you are on water and fuel duty today”

Jason: “Oe oe oe that can’t be right. It’s the third time this week”

Soldier: "Well, you did lose that bet, sir”

The camp erupted in laughter.

Jason: "Alright, alright. I should have you strung up for pulling such pranks on me. Hey, Rafael, want to help me out here?"

In the dimming light, Jason and Rafael gathered containers and headed towards a nearby stream. As they walked, Rafael began to appreciate the beauty of the forest – the vibrant greenery, the harmonious melody of the forest, and the brilliantly colored flora and fauna that adorned their path. Reaching the stream, they filled the containers with water and collected firewood along the way, ensuring a clean water source for the camp.

Rafael: "Jason, are you sure the water is clean?"

Rafael asked, a tinge of uncertainty in his voice.

Jason: "This isn't the mundane world, Rafael. Here, each and every one of us respects nature. Rest assured, the water is clean and safe to drink."

Containers filled; they made their way back to camp. Still curious about the journey ahead, Rafael continued the conversation, asking about the distance to the Salamander's nest.

Jason: “You see the highest mountain amidst the three? Yes, it's on top of it."

Rafael: "You've got to be kidding me. It's going to take us weeks before we can even make it there," Rafael exclaimed, the enormity of the task sinking in.

Jason: "Weeks? You out of your mind or what? I don't have that much free time on my hands. I will get us to the summit by this time day after tomorrow," Jason declared confidently.

Rafael, skeptical, questioned the feasibility.

Rafael: ““I don’t see how that is humanly possible”

Jason stated, a glint of determination in his eyes.

Jason: "Exactly my point, my friend. It's not humanly possible. Then again, we are not mere humans anymore, now, are we?"

Rafael: “Hmph”

Jason: "Quickly now, move your bottom and get the water to the soldiers quickly”

Jason and Rafael, together they returned to the camp, where the flickering firelight cast dancing shadows on the faces of the soldiers preparing for the challenges that lay ahead. The evening settled in, bringing with it a mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and the undeniable allure of the mystical journey that awaited them in the days to come.

Jason: "We're back with the water and more firewood, you lazy-ass punks!"

Soldier: "Thank you, General."

Jason: "I hope you remember the first rule of training I taught you?"

Soldier: "Yes, sir, no use of magic outside the battlefield."

Jason: "That's what I like to hear. Eat up and rest well. We begin early tomorrow."

The soldiers received their meals in humble wooden bowls and spoons, a gesture emphasizing equality regardless of rank. The makeshift banquet brought everyone together, fostering a sense of unity. After savoring the nourishing fare, they prepared for a night of rest.

In the quiet moments by the fire, Rafael sought clarity from Jason, his curiosity piqued by the soldiers' dual demeanor.

Rafael: "Help me understand, Jason. During the march, they behave like disciplined soldiers, treating you like their general. But the moment we stop, they tease and play with you as if you're a friend. I'm having trouble grasping that."

Jason, seated beside Rafael, offered a knowing smile.

Jason: "It's not that difficult, my friend. On the march, they need to see and feel like soldiers. They're going to face an unknown enemy, and seeing their general lead with confidence and discipline is crucial. Any mistake can cost us the battle and, more importantly, their lives."

Rafael: "Fair enough."

Jason: "But once settled, they need to relax. They've been pushed hard all day, and in their minds, they are as tense and uncertain as you are. They need that rest. Relaxing is challenging with their general around, so I join in, play their games, lose a few bets—it keeps the mood jolly. I don't treat them merely as soldiers; they become my friends, a part of an ever-extending war family. I don't believe in discrimination. If death doesn't discriminate between us, why should we?"

Rafael, lacking words, could only smile and nod, realizing the profound wisdom behind Jason's approach. Soon, their conversation yielded to the embrace of sleep.

Once again, Rafael found himself in the sky, soaring atop the colossal beast. Unlike before, he wasn't looking down a cliff but was a part of the vastness around him. Wind rushed past him, and he felt a profound connection to the creature beneath him. The same soft voice whispered promises of a long-awaited reunion.

Voice: "I am coming to see you. I have waited all these centuries and cannot wait any longer. It's a selfish desire, but you'll have to forgive me. I hope you'll be as happy to see me."

Startled awake, Rafael murmured to himself, grappling with the ethereal reality of his dreams.

Rafael: "It was just another dream, Rafael. But damn it, why do they have to feel so real?"

He wondered aloud, rising to join the soldiers who were gearing up for the day.

As dawn painted the sky, Jason, commanding authority, called the soldiers to attention. The march resumed, each step orchestrated in silence, the soldiers maintaining their disciplined formation. Jason fell in step beside Rafael, noticing the unusual silence from his companion.

Jason: "You seem awfully silent today. Anything on your mind?"

Rafael: "Nothing in particular, just thinking about a weird dream I keep having."

Jason: "Haha, weird dreams come with the package. I wouldn't worry too much if I were you."

Throughout the day, Jason kept the group on a strict schedule, allowing only brief water breaks. The march, though manageable on the plains, became challenging as they entered mountainous terrain. The soldiers, however, displayed unwavering determination. Jason's encouraging words echoed through the journey, maintaining their spirits.

By the time they stopped, the sun dipped below the horizon. The soldiers, though visibly fatigued, maintained a sharp focus. Rafael couldn't help but feel a tinge of pity for the Salamander they were about to face.

Jason: "Soldiers, attention and halt!"

As if one cohesive entity, the squad stopped, their faces displaying a mix of exhaustion and determination. Jason addressed them, acknowledging their progress.

Jason: "Today we have covered half the distance to the nest. Tomorrow, we'll cover the remaining half. Soldiers, are you tired?"

Soldiers: "No, sir!"

Jason: "ARE YOU TIRED?"

Soldiers: "NO, SIR!"

Jason: "At ease."

Rafael was astonished by their dedication. The soldiers, though eager for rest, stood poised, ready for whatever command came next. Jason, recognizing their commitment, allowed them to rest, and they collapsed like a chain of falling dominoes.

Rafael: "You've really trained your soldiers well, Jason."

Jason: "No, Rafael, we've trained well together. When I train them, I revisit my basics, keeping my head clear and my roots strong."

Once again, Rafael admired Jason's humility.

Jason: "Going to help me gather firewood and water?"

Rafael: "You bet."

Jason: "Soldier, get the camp ready while I get the firewood and water."

Following their own rules, Jason and Rafael worked side by side, ensuring the camp had what it needed without resorting to magic. As they returned, the camp came alive with the sights and sounds of camaraderie. The evening unfolded with laughter, the aroma of stew, and the promise of a soldier named Mike taking center stage.

Soldier: "Hey, General, nice timing. Hurry up now; Mike's going to sing tonight."

Jason: "Oh, come on, Rafael, it's going to be great."

The camp fell into a hushed silence as Mike, a dwarf of modest stature but possessing a voice that could rival the most skilled singers, began his haunting melody. Rafael, exhausted and sore, found solace in the soothing tones, the enchanting music momentarily alleviating the strains of the arduous day. The camp surrendered to the lullaby, one by one succumbing to the embrace of sleep.

In the ethereal realm of dreams, Rafael soared through the sky once more. The familiar voice reached him with urgency.

Voice: "No time to talk today. I must make haste to you. We'll talk when we meet. I cannot wait to see you."

A distant yet familiar presence enveloped Rafael, leaving him with a warm smile. Abruptly, he woke to Jason's vibrant wake-up call, the transition from dreamscape to reality jarring.

Rafael groaningly said.

Rafael: "You know what, I am beginning to change my mind about you. I hate you”

Jason: "That hurts, you know."

Rafael: "How the hell are you so damn cheery the first thing in the morning?"

Jason: "Come on, come on, come on, we don’t have much time."

Despite initial resistance, Rafael found himself smiling along with the rest of the camp as they prepared for the day. Minutes later, they stood in formation, ready to march.

Jason: "Soldiers! Today we march to the nest. Today we fight or today we die. Are you ready?"

Soldiers: "Yes, sir!"

Jason: "ARE YOU READY?"

Soldiers: "YES, SIR!"

Jason: "SOLDIERS MARCH!"

The soldiers moved as one, following Jason's lead. Throughout the day, Jason allowed only two brief water breaks, maintaining a relentless pace. By dusk, they reached the nest of the Salamander.

Jason: "Soldiers, attention and halt!"

The soldiers stopped, their anticipation evident. Jason commended their efforts, urging them to ready their weapons for the impending battle.

Jason: "You all did a good job today, soldiers. We've reached the nest of the beast. Ready your weapons."

Soldiers: "Yes, sir!"

Jason: "Are you ready to fight?"

Soldiers: "YES, SIR!"

Jason: "Are you ready to win?"

Soldiers: "YES, SIR!"

Jason: "Let’s keep the casualties to a minimum."

Soldiers: "YES, SIR!"

Jason: "MAKE ME PROUD, SOLDIERS!"

Soldiers: “YES, SIR!"

Rafael: "Wait, wait, wait, Jason, aren't you going to fight?"

Jason: "Me? No way. How are they going to get stronger? If I fight, the battle will end before it even began. I would suggest you stay near me as well. Oh, don't make that face; the part about the casualties was a joke. I would never let one of these buffoons die on me."

Rafael was about to respond when a piercing screech cut through the air.

Jason: "The beast has gotten our scent. Stay near me, young one; this could get ugly."

Rafael: "Yes, sir."

Another screech followed, one closer, followed by another, more distant.

Jason: "There may be two of them. Soldiers, don't let your guard down."

Anxiousness crept into Jason's demeanor. A sword, wreathed in flames, appeared in his hand. The soldiers formed a protective circle, faces turned outward, a tense silence enveloping the clearing. An explosion disrupted the stillness as the Salamander manifested in their midst, catching the soldiers off guard. The demon, a ten-foot-tall entity of fire and flesh, unleashed its fiery breath. Shields rose in defense as soldiers circled, searching for vulnerabilities. The clash began, the soldiers wielding an array of weapons spawned from thin air.

The clash with the Salamander unfolded like a symphony of chaos, fire, and steel. The demon's fiery breath roared, met with a forest of shields and deflected by those who wielded the power of ice. Rafael marveled at the seamless coordination, a testament to the soldiers' training and Jason's leadership.

Amid the swirling combatants, Rafael noticed a soldier wielding a unique weapon – a shimmering whip of ice. With a flick of his wrist, the soldier lashed out, wrapping the Salamander's limbs in icy tendrils. The beast roared, momentarily restrained. It was a brief respite, but enough for other soldiers to exploit its vulnerability.

Rafael observed a group of magic users weaving protective barriers, creating a shield against the fiery onslaught. A soldier with ethereal wings summoned a gust of wind, dispersing the flames and providing a clearer path for others to attack. The diversity of skills within the group astounded Rafael, each soldier contributing a unique element to the battle.

The demon, relentless and furious, swung its massive tail, sweeping soldiers off their feet. A soldier leaped aside, narrowly avoiding the sweeping tail. While he regained his footing, Rafael saw a soldier with remarkable agility dodging the tail with acrobatic finesse, launching a series of swift strikes at the Salamander's flank.

The battle intensified, and Rafael found a soldier wielding a colossal warhammer. Together, they held their ground against the Salamander's onslaught. The warhammer struck the beast's armored hide, creating fractures that radiated outward.

In the midst of the chaos, Rafael heard the voice again.

Voice: #Don’t worry, I am really close. Stay alive a little longer. I promise I won't let anything happen to you.#

This time, the voice felt like a lifeline, a whispered reassurance amid the fiery tempest. As the battle reached its crescendo, the soldiers, battered and bloodied, pressed on. The Salamander, though formidable, showed signs of wear. A collective surge of strength coursed through the soldiers, a shared commitment to overcome the ancient adversary.

With a final, coordinated effort, the soldiers struck the Salamander's weakened form. The demon let out a deafening roar, its fiery essence dissipating into the night. The clearing fell silent, save for the exhausted breaths of the victorious soldiers.

The elation was short-lived as the ominous screech returned, echoing through the darkness.

Rafael: "Another one?"

Jason: "That's what I thought as well, my friend, but this is different. It sounds like something much worse, something much more ancient."

Dread hung in the air as the soldiers, still catching their breath, braced for the impending threat that lurked in the shadows.

The night hung in suspense, caught in the fading echoes of the Salamander battle. The soldiers, still nursed wounds both physical and emotional. Another shriek echoed through the night as a pattern of trees near them caught fire. Everyone turned around when something huge and heavy landed behind them.

Hesitantly everyone turned around and the color faded from their faces.

“D…D…D…DRAGON!!”

The soldiers' terrified exclamations pierced the air, reverberating through the dense forest. As the colossal creature touched down behind them, the camp fell into a hushed awe. The dragon's silhouette loomed, outlined by the ghostly glow of the moon.

The dragon stood as a monolithic guardian, its form a symphony of contrasting scales. The back, a canvas of greyish-white, and the abdomen adorned with pure white scales, gleamed softly in the ambient moonlight. Towering at least two stories tall and stretching over thirty feet, it possessed an otherworldly grace that belied its imposing size. Its eyes, reptilian and emerald green, surveyed the soldiers, radiating both intelligence and an ageless wisdom. As the dragon unfurled its wings, a whisper of the cosmos seemed to echo in the night.

The soldiers, caught between fear and awe, stared at the majestic creature. Jason, undeterred, advanced with his flaming sword, ready to confront the legendary beast. However, a voice, gentle yet commanding, interjected like a breeze weaving through the ancient trees.

Dragon: “Stop.”

Jason, as if enchanted, halted mid-stride. The dragon, an ethereal presence, defied the expectations of conflict. A mysterious calm pervaded the scene, and Rafael, driven by an unseen force, approached the dragon. The soldiers, their initial fear transformed into mesmerized curiosity, watched the surreal tableau unfold.

In the following moments, the dragon and Rafael shared an interaction that transcended the boundaries of their respective worlds. A silent language passed between them, a language echoing with the whispers of a shared history, perhaps spanning lifetimes. Unexpectedly, the dragon bowed, a gesture both regal and vulnerable. To the soldiers' amazement, Rafael reciprocated, forging an unspoken bond that traversed realms.

The internal conflict within Rafael mirrored the clash between awe and trepidation. As his hand touched the dragon's face, he felt the warmth of ancient memories stirring within him. Conflicting emotions surged, weaving a tapestry of uncertainty. The dragon, in response, conveyed both regality and vulnerability. The symbol etched by the dragon on Rafael's touch stood as a testament to the enigmatic connection between them.

Rafael: “I don’t know who you are, or why you are here, but I have been seeing you in my dreams, but I know you from before, don’t I? A previous life maybe, but I know you. Who are you?”

The dragon, acknowledging the connection, spoke in a voice that resonated like the whispers of nature itself.

Dragon: “As much as I would cherish staying here with you and spending time with you, I must go. Call on me when you are ready. You are right, though; we do know each other from a long time ago. I have waited centuries, no millennia, for your return, but I must wait for some time more. Call on me when you know my name, and I shall come. Call on me soon, Rafael.”

With those cryptic words, the dragon unfurled its wings, soaring into the night sky. Rafael noticed a tiny symbol etched onto the side of the dragon’s face where he had touched her. A symbol that held ancient secrets, a language of markings that whispered of bonds that transcended time.

As the dragon disappeared into the cosmic tapestry of the night, Rafael grappled with internal conflict. The encounter had unlocked a floodgate of memories, fragments of a forgotten past, and a profound sense of responsibility. The dragon caller, a title from ancient lore, echoed through the recesses of his mind, leaving Rafael questioning his own identity and the role he was destined to play.

Gorion: “Dragon caller? Rafael, you are a dragon caller?”

Gorion's sudden intrusion pierced the bewildered silence, invoking tales of a tribe thought extinct for over two millennia.

Jason: “That cannot be possible Gorion. The dragon caller tribe has been extinct for more than 2,000 years.”

Gorion: “You are right Jason. The legends say, dragons left almost right after the split. With the sudden deficiency in magic, they disappeared. The dragon caller tribe, dependent on dragons, weakened and vanished as well. Your theory about an intelligent void dweller, the ignorance of the council, and now this return of dragons and the dragon caller – these are not small omens. Things are changing for better or worse. We must be prepared for anything.”

Gorion's words hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the camp. Jason, sensing the gravity of the situation, advised Rafael to rest, promising a conversation when the dawn revealed more answers.

In the quietude of the night, Jason and Gorion huddled together, exchanging worried yet alarmed words about Rafael and the unforeseen turn of events. The campfire flickered, casting elongated shadows that mirrored the uncertainty enveloping their thoughts.

Gorion: "Jason, do you comprehend the gravity of this? The return of dragons, the dragon caller—these are ancient mysteries rekindled. Rafael might be the key to unlocking a truth hidden for eons."

Jason: "I understand, Gorion. But Rafael is no warrior; he's a young man caught in the crossfire of something beyond his understanding. We must tread carefully."

Gorion: "Careful or not, the threads of fate are weaving, and Rafael is entwined in them. The dragon spoke of a connection, a past they share. What if this is the dawn of an era, an era that we never deemed possible?"

Jason had no answer to give to his master. His silence melded with the night’s silence. As the night unfolded, the camp remained shrouded in uncertainty, the promise of a new day carrying the weight of revelations yet to be unveiled. The forest, now a silent witness, cradled the echoes of ancient tales, awaiting the dawn that would unveil the path ahead.