Velvet woke up with a gasp, tears still damp on her cheeks. The vivid yet familiar memories of Jasmine's life still swirled in her mind—memories of love, heartbreak, triumph, and loss. She pushed herself up, heart pounding. She expected the sun to be high in the sky, thinking days or perhaps even weeks had passed while she was lost in her dream-induced stupor. But a glance out the window revealed only the soft, ethereal glow of dawn. She stepped out of her room to ask a servant how long she had been asleep. To her shock, it had only been a single night. She pondered how that could be possible.
Still reeling from the dream's intensity, Velvet descended the grand staircase, the scent of sizzling bacon wafting from the dining room. Vernon, seated at the head of the polished table, offered a warm smile.
"Morning, Velvet. Sleep well?"
Velvet merely hummed in response, still processing the weight of her long dream.
"Ah, good." Lord Vernon chuckled, turning to Verosala. "Verosala, my dear, perhaps you could take Velvet to the Temple of Pagoda the Good Dragon today? There's an errand I need you to run there, and I believe Velvet expressed interest in checking out her character panel."
Verosala, ever graceful, nodded. "Of course, Dad. That's a lovely idea!"
They soon left for the temple. By noon, with the sun high above, Velvet and Verosala arrived at the Temple of Pagoda the Good Dragon. The temple, a majestic structure of smooth, weathered stone and gleaming golden spires, exuded an aura of ancient peace. Inside, the air hummed with hushed reverence. After a brief rest, Verosala spoke with a robed priest, explaining their dual purpose: her errand and Velvet's wish to view her character panel.
Velvet was led to a quiet, dimly lit room. In its center stood an altar dedicated to Pagoda, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and symbols of wisdom.
"To see your character panel," the priest said softly, "you must pray to Pagoda, the Good Dragon."
Velvet knelt and closed her eyes. With a deep breath, she began to pray, her mind reaching out to the revered deity.
The world dissolved. Velvet found herself standing in a boundless, shimmering expanse bathed in a gentle, golden light. Before her, a figure began to take shape. Not a fearsome dragon, but a man. His skin, though distinctly human, shimmered like polished scales beneath the surface. His deep-set, wise eyes held the gaze of one who had witnessed eons. Silver hair cascaded over his broad shoulders like a flowing river. He wore simple, impeccably tailored robes of deep sapphire, embroidered with subtle, swirling patterns that seemed to shift and writhe with untold power. A warmth radiated from him—immense, quiet strength, like a mountain softened by the kindness of a beloved grandfather.
A booming, jovial laugh echoed through the space. "Muahahaha! How have you been, my dear old friend? Welcome back to my domain! It's been a long, long, long time since you last visited me—at least, not since you were banished from the Realm of the Gods."
Velvet furrowed her brows. Realm of the Gods? Banished? Confusion warred with a strange sense of familiarity.
"Um... who are you exactly?"
The man chuckled again, a deep rumble that shook the air. "Ah... it appears you've lost your mind again. My friend, you are very lucky and unlucky at the same time. But it's what you wanted, isn't it?"
"What I wished for?" Velvet pressed, a dizzying array of questions swirling in her mind.
"Anyways, moving on," Pagoda said, a twinkle in his ancient eyes. "What are you here for, my friend?"
"Oh... well... I want to know about my character panel," Velvet replied, feeling a bit foolish for such a mundane request in such a mystical realm.
"All you have to do is say 'character panel' in your mind or with your words," Pagoda explained, waving a dismissive hand. "Since it's you, my friend, you don't even need to visit my temple for that. But since you've lost your memories again... How about this: visit my temple every Wednesday—morning, noon, or evening—and I will be here to teach you about the world. How does that sound?"
Velvet, still processing the revelation that she somehow knew this powerful being, hesitated. "Why are you offering this? I don't even know or remember you."
Pagoda's gaze softened, a hint of ancient longing in his eyes. "You and I made a deal long, long ago. It's time I fulfill it. Nothing more, nothing less. Plus, I miss talking to you."
"Alright then," Velvet agreed, a strange sense of trust settling over her.
Grinning contentedly, Pagoda materialized an iron sword and a wooden shield—plain but solid.
"Today, you will learn to fight. Use these for now, but keep in mind they only exist in this realm. No matter how hard you try, you cannot bring them out."
As he spoke, his humanoid form began to glow and expand. His robes flowed and stretched; his silver hair became a glorious mane of shining scales. His hands became massive talons, his feet clawed. With a heart-stopping display of power, the grandfatherly figure transformed into a magnificent dragon. His scales shimmered in iridescent gold and sapphire, his eyes still radiating venerable wisdom.
"Fight? I need to fight someone?" Velvet exclaimed, gripping the sword, which felt heavy and unfamiliar in her hand.
"Yes, my dear. You will need to fight in order to live in this world," Pagoda's deep voice rumbled. "The strong reign over the weak. That is the principle of this world."
And so, the training began. A full week—or so it felt—in Pagoda's timeless domain. Velvet learned the clang of steel on wood, the pivot of her feet, the subtle shifts in weight, the precise angles of attack and defense. She was taught how to move, how to parry, how to strike with intent. Every swing of the sword, every block with the shield, was a lesson etched into her body by the patient, guiding presence of the Good Dragon.
"Alright, that's enough," Pagoda said at last, his voice softer now, though still radiating immense power. "You've been in this domain for over a week. I don't think you can handle much more of my suppressed power. I wish you well and good luck."
"Wait—your name! You haven't told me your name!" Velvet called out, desperate to hold onto the encounter.
"My name is Pagoda. I am the Good Dragon, and this is my domain," he replied as his form began to fade, shimmering like heat haze over desert sand.
With a jolt, Velvet found herself back in the quiet prayer room. The scent of incense replaced the ethereal glow of Pagoda's realm. She immediately thought of her character panel—and as if on cue, a translucent screen shimmered before her eyes.
Velvet
HP: 100 (previously 10)
ATK: 20 (previously 10)
AGI: 5 (previously 1)
MANA: 2 (previously 0)
Her eyes widened. The week of training, the intensity of Pagoda's presence—it had all been real. Her stats had soared.
A soft knock came from the door.
"Velvet? Are you ready? My errand is complete." It was Verosala.
Velvet nodded, the phantom weight of sword and shield still lingering in her hands.
Back at the mansion, settled in the quiet solitude of her room, she picked up a discarded stick. With newfound grace, she began to move—recalling the steps, the slashes, the parries and lunges that Pagoda had so patiently taught her.
The world had shifted. And she was, undeniably, ready for it.