C4 The Difference Between the Dragon Species!

"Heavenly Dragon Seed? The classification of dragons in this world doesn't quite match what I had envisioned."

Within the cave, Igrel was meticulously sorting through the legacy memories he had acquired. Since his last excursion, Carrick, who had been thoroughly chastised by his wife, finally arranged a suitable challenge for a young dragon. From taro worms to horned rabbits, and then progressively to larger herbivores, Igrel's combat training was now on the right track.

In addition to his daily combat exercises, he had to absorb and digest his ancestral memories. Essentially, this was a form of study to build his knowledge base.

About a month had passed since he was born, and he had begun to grasp the basic layout and other information about this world.

First off, this world was called 'Elsward', unlike Earth where he had previously lived. Here, the seas accounted for roughly 60% of the surface area, with land comprising the remaining 40%.

"If I can figure out the land-to-ocean ratio... could it be that this world exists as a planet, rather than in the so-called planar form? Might the cosmos be what's above the sky?"

Igrel looked up, speculating.

"Insufficient information prevents any definitive conclusions."

Refocusing, Igrel returned his attention to the task of organizing his memories.

The world's continents were divided by the sea into four large masses, along with a scattering of smaller islands. Igrel was on Getra, the largest of these continents. Without knowing the standard units of measurement in this world, he couldn't compare its size to that of Earth's continents.

In the core of Getra, there was an area strictly forbidden to ordinary people, the habitat of the dragons, known to the humans of this world as the 'Holy Domain of Dragons', Lagrand.

"Humans, huh..."

Igrel whispered to himself, looking at the silver scales on his body and letting out a bitter smile.

"The shift in species has overturned social structures, behaviors, and ways of thinking. Legacy memories help with the adjustment, but for someone who was once human, it's a tough transition."

"It seems I'm becoming more dragon-like. Over time, my human traits will fade. Rather than diminishing, it's more that they're being eclipsed by the accumulating experiences of being a dragon. The transformation isn't apparent yet, but the seeds of change are already sprouting."

Having noticed that he had become used to sprawling on the ground with his limbs spread out, Igrel slightly shook his head.

To pick up where we left off, in this world, the Dragon Clan doesn't classify giant dragons by color. Apart from the common ones, the higher-ranking dragons are divided into three distinct types, the so-called 'three great dragon species.'

First, there's the battle-oriented Heavenly Dragon Seed—Trix, with their gleaming silver scales. Celebrated as the dragons of warfare, they are the most formidable in combat, endowed with both immense physical strength and outstanding magical talent. As a result, they frequently act as sentinels for the various forbidden zones in Lagrand and as guardians of the central areas.

Then there's the Fantasy Dragon Seed—Boernia, distinguished by their radiant golden scales. These dragons primarily use their power for healing, lifting and placing curses, breaking seals, and more. With their strong spiritual energy, they possess sharp senses, allowing them to perform a variety of delicate operations. They play a crucial role in connecting the different regions of Lagrand.

Lastly, we have the Holy Dragon Seed—Emilien, the core of the dragon community, cloaked in pristine white. They are incredibly rare, with no more than five existing at any one time. While their combat skills are not particularly remarkable—only slightly above those of a common dragon—their singular ability to receive 'oracles' is what makes them central to the clan.

Indeed, 'oracles.' In this world, gods exist, each intelligent species watched over by their own divine guardians. These gods observe the world but refrain from interfering in its course.

However, when the world faces imminent threats, they issue 'oracles' to warn their progeny, enabling them to prepare for impending dangers.

"Crisis? The end of the world? A clash of races? Battles between planes of existence? It's all so vague—who could understand?" Igrel voiced his bewilderment about this part of the lore. The ancestral memories offered only a vague notion of the crisis, merely a term with no additional explanation. The descriptions of the gods were even more cryptic. Although 'oracles' have been infrequent since the beginning of recorded history, and despite the dragons' long lifespans, the last clear reception of an 'oracle' was centuries ago—a time shrouded in mystery, known only to those who lived through it.

As a member of the Holy Dragon Seed, I was uniquely equipped to receive the 'oracle,' the only dragon breed whose body could withstand the divine power. Yet, it remained uncertain whether the gods would bestow their strength upon us.

"This world... it seems to harbor hidden dangers. So much has been wiped away."

Igrel mused, aware of the missing pieces in the ancestral memories.

"Maybe it's because my soul isn't that of a mighty dragon. It's too early to draw firm conclusions about the fragmented memories I've received. But one thing is clear..."

Igrel looked up at the dragons flying outside the cave, arriving at a preliminary verdict.

"Here, power is the ultimate creed."

...

Two months after Igrel's birth.

"The number of young dragons seems to be on the rise. What do you think, Father?"

Walking home with Carrick, Igrel watched the young dragons being led by the adults and turned to Carrick with his observation.

"It's about that time. You were the first to hatch in your clutch. The rest of the dragon eggs should have hatched by now. A breeding boom like this happens only every few decades, or even centuries. Witnessing hundreds of young dragons emerge within months is extraordinary. In more typical times, we'd see only a few or perhaps several dozen. Reproduction is quite the endeavor for our kind."

Carrick glanced around, continuing the dialogue as they soared through the air.

"You should have another brother or sister. They were laid at the same time, but it hasn't hatched yet. It's baffling."

Carrick muttered to himself.

"Er... perhaps it's been affected by some factor."

Igrel responded tentatively.

"If the female dragon in the hatchery hadn't confirmed the egg's fine condition, I'd be worried it was a dud."

Carrick appeared vexed, talking to himself.

"Uh..."

Igrel remained quiet, conscious that he might be the issue.

Upon their return to the cave, Igrel was surprised to find his mother, Garcia, there as well.

"What brings you back, Garcia? Weren't you waiting for our other child to hatch?" Carrick gently landed, placing Igrel down before turning to address Garcia.

"What's wrong, Garcia? Why have you returned? Aren't you waiting for the birth of our other child?" Carrick slowly lowered himself to the ground, placing Igrel down, and asked Garcia.

"It's exactly because our other child has already been born. Come, say hello to your father and brother," Garcia replied, her voice brimming with love. She then tilted her head toward something at her feet. Igrel, following Garcia's gaze, caught sight of a small silver figure timidly emerging from its hiding spot.

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