SSS Rank Dragon Tamer: Unleashed
Chapter 60: Flame Divided

Chapter 60: Flame Divided

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Silence stretched between them. Then, softly, the fat orange bird opened one eye. It stared at Fenna. Then blinked. And blinked again.

It burped.

Fenna snorted. "Of course."

Zephyr grinned. "So... you’re a mom now?"

"I guess I am," she whispered. She looked over her shoulder at Zephyr.

He stepped beside her and took her hand. "Together," he said.

The cavern was still aglow with a soft amber light, as if the volcano itself was holding its breath. The Ember Matron watched Fenna and Zephyr with an intensity that felt like standing before a dying sun—powerful, ancient, loving couple, and unwavering.

"She must stay here," the Matron said gently, but firmly.

Fenna blinked. "Stay?"

The Matron gave a slow nod. "I do not have long, but what remains of me, my flame, my wisdom must be passed on. You are to guide my daughter. But first, I must guide you."

Fenna looked down at the snoring fluffball, still sprawled on her back. Her feathers twitched, and she let out another tiny burp.

"She’s... uh, special."

The Matron chuckled, a low warm sound like a crackling hearth. "She is. But fire is not just power. It is memory, instinct, destruction, and life. You must learn how to shape it... before you shape her."

Zephyr’s eyes narrowed in tension. "How long?"

The phoenix tilted her head.

He stepped forward, protective tension in every line of his jaw. "Don’t give me riddles. How long are you keeping her here?"

"Time flows differently within the core," the Matron answered. "Two or three days, at most. But the lessons... will last a lifetime."

Zephyr’s fists clenched. "If you even think about hurting my Fenna—"

"Zep," Fenna said, her voice soft.

He turned to her, still glaring.

Fenna walked up to him and pulled him into a warm hug. Her arms wrapped around his waist, her head nestled against his chest.

"I’ll be fine," she whispered.

"But—"

"Zep," she interrupted gently, looking up at him. Her eyes shimmered with trust, not fear. "Go back to the camp. Train with Star. Don’t forget why we came here. We’re both here to get stronger. To find a beast for me to tame, remember?"

"I didn’t think it would involve splitting up," he muttered.

She smiled. "I trust her. You know my instincts are never wrong. Trust me on this."

Zephyr hesitated. "But what if—"

Fenna leaned up and pressed her lips softly to his. Just a touch. Just enough to make his heart leap and his brain short circuit. (First french kiss)

When she pulled away, she whispered, "Go. I’ll be waiting."

Zephyr looked at her for a long moment. Then sighed. "Fine. But I’m counting the hours."

Fenna grinned and poked his chest. "Count the roasted bugs Star eats while I’m gone."

Both laughed for a few seconds.

Zephyr turned toward the exit, dragging his boots over blackened stone. The molten chamber behind him already felt emptier.

Before he reached the tunnel mouth, the Matron called out, "Wait."

Zephyr turned back.

The phoenix’s wings shifted. From behind her massive form, a glowing vine of strange foliage emerged, its leaves flickered like tongues of red flame, but the stalk was rich green, tipped with ember colored blossoms.

"Your little dragon’s fire is weak," she said.

Zephyr looked surprised. "He’s doing fine."

"He’s young. And you’ve fed him no true fire materials, have you?" Her gaze was knowing, motherly, a little smug. "His potential is great but he’s underfed. That kind of dragon cannot grow on smoke alone."

Zephyr scratched the back of his head. "I mean... I gave him some mana ember stone and... some fire herbs. That doesn’t count?"

The Matron blinked slowly. "...No," she said.

She plucked the vine with her claws and sent it drifting through the air with a flick of flame magic. It floated gently toward Zephyr, who caught it carefully. Ten stalks, roots and all.

"This is phoenix grass," she said. "A sacred herb. Feed your dragon one root per month. No more. His body cannot handle more at his age."

Zephyr’s eyes widened. "Really? This... this looks rare."

"It is rarer than dragon blood," she said, smiling faintly. "But consider it a gift. For your devotion. And for hers."

Zephyr nodded, awe written all over his face. "Thank you. I’ll make sure Star eats everyone."

"One per month," she said again. "Or you will have a firebomb with wings."

"...Right. One. Just one." He tucked the phoenix grass into his pack like it was a bundle of living treasure. "Got it."

As he turned once more to leave, he looked back at Fenna. She was already kneeling beside the sleeping chick, her hand extended toward its feathery head.

Zephyr’s voice broke slightly as he said, "Take care, Fen."

She looked up and smiled. "I will."

With a final nod, Zephyr disappeared into the tunnel. The cave darkened slightly as his light vanished. And in the soft rumble of the volcano’s breath, Fenna heard the Matron’s voice again.

"Now... let us begin."

While walking inside the tunnels Zephyr pulled out the grass from his pocket. He stared at the cluster of glowing herbs in his hand. Each strand of Phoenix Grass shimmered like woven fire, its roots still moist with liquid ember. He could feel the heat even through the volcano heat.

Just then, his system chimed.

[Ding! SYSTEM NOTIFICATION

You have received: Phoenix Grass ×10

Item Grade: S

Type: Fire Based Evolutionary Herb

Description: A rare, ancient herb nourished by a phoenix’s lifeblood and the volcanic leyline of Mount Cindral. Carries condensed solar fire energy. Can awaken or mutate fire based abilities and enhance internal mana structures.

Effects (upon beast consumption):

Permanent increase to fire capacity by up to 500%.

Possibility of rare skill mutation.

May unlock Phoenix Burn bloodline traits in young fire beasts.

Caution: This herb is highly volatile. Do NOT feed more than one stalk per 30-day cycle to beasts under 2 years old. Overconsumption may result in internal combustion, core instability, or death.

Recommended Use: Crush the root and stalk gently. Serve raw or soaked in water. Do not cook. Best paired with training sessions to avoid buildup of volatile heat.

Note: Due to your system’s unique synchronization, fire herb absorption data will be recorded for skill mutation tracking.

Herb will be stored in Inventory: Fire Essence Satchel. ]