SSS Rank Dragon Tamer: Unleashed
Chapter 69: New tactics

Chapter 69: New tactics

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The chamber now felt vast and hollow. Without the Matron’s towering presence, the space seemed less a cathedral and more a hushed crypt of departed glory. But Fenna did not feel fear. The warmth in her wrist, the tiny phoenix mark pulsed gently, assuring her she was not alone.

She gave the lava lake a final nod of farewell. Its surface rippled as if acknowledging her. The path ahead, once menacing with swirling heat drafts, now unfurled like a silent promise.

Fenna began her ascent, one hand steadying the sling at her side. Ash crunched beneath bare feet, the surface cooler than before. She paused at intervals to steady her breath and to check on Emberling, brushing stray embers from the chick’s beak. Each time, she whispered a soft reassurance, gentle as an ember kissed silk.

The climb through winding tunnels felt shorter than when she descended, though fatigue tugged at her limbs. She imagined Zephyr training in the clearing. Star lifting half burnt tree trunks, Zephyr shouting encouragement. A small smile eased across her face. They would worry, she knew, but now she carried proof of her purpose pressed against her heart.

When she reached the upper mouth of the volcano, the sun had fully crowned the distant ridges. Morning light washed over the blackened slopes, gilding them in rose and gold. The air was cooler, tinged with a crisp mountain breeze that felt foreign after days of furnace heat.

Fenna stepped outside. She inhaled deeply, the scent of pine ash and early dew mingling in her lungs. Emberling stirred, blinking into the bright sky, a soft whimper escaping her.

Fenna kissed the chick’s head. "We’ll see him soon. He’ll know what to do."

She set a course through the basalt foothills, guided by instinct and by the distant spiral of smoke where their camp lay hidden. Every step downward felt like walking between worlds, one foot in the memory of fire, the other in the promise of the future.

Though her legs trembled and her arms ached, she pressed on. Because somewhere beyond the ridge, Zephyr waited. And Star. And the next Chapter of their rebellion, friendship, and fire forged destiny.

The sun climbed higher, warming her back. Emberling shifted in the sling and let out a single, hopeful chirp. She was no longer crying of grief, but a quiet note of trust.

Fenna smiled, tears finally drying on her cheeks. "Let’s go home." And together, a woman reborn and a phoenix newly orphaned—they walked toward the light.

(One day earlier / 15-16 hours ago...)

Zephyr exhaled slowly, cracking his knuckles as he studied the clearing they had scorched through a dozen drills already. With Fenna now deep within the volcano, training under the guidance of the Ember Matron, their camp felt quieter and emptier. But the work didn’t stop.

Ayan Vaelor’s shadow leopard wasn’t just strong, it was elusive. Fast. Slippery. Zephyr knew that brute strength alone wouldn’t be enough. Star needed unpredictability.

"Alright," he muttered, stacking three basalt blocks at staggered heights. "We’re going to layer it. Claws strike low. Tail whip mid. Claw high. Finish with a fire burst."

Star cocked his head, wings fanned for balance. His sharp tail flicked, and his obsidian-glinting hide shimmered in the late sun.

Zephyr demonstrated the pattern by mocking each strike with a wooden spar baton, then spun to show the tail arc, and finished with an open-mouthed fake fire breath. "Your turn."

Star crouched low, muscles tensing. His first claw shredded the lowest block. Obsidian shards scattered like volcanic hail. His tail lashed out too high, nicking only the edge of the second block. Then the second claw raked across the middle one with a satisfying crack. He inhaled, fire spiraling inside his throat.

FWSSHHH!

A burst of focused fire melted the top basalt into molten glass, smoke curling up in serpents.

Zephyr shaded his face from the heat. "Better. Again. Keep the tail level this time."

They restacked basalt and repeated. Again. And again. Until the black rocks looked like wax and their breath came harder with each round.

Something happened in the eighth set.

Star twisted mid-spin, but instead of lunging forward, he planted both hind feet into the ground with force. The earth under Zephyr’s boots rippled with a thoom! It was like someone had slammed a war drum into the dirt.

A half-burnt training stump five meters away tipped and crashed.

Zephyr blinked. "That... wasn’t planned."

Star blinked back, ears tilted, as if unsure whether he had done something wrong or just discovered a new trick.

Then—

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Temer Ability proficiency increased.

Effect: Creates a localized ground shock. Disrupts footing in a 4-meter radius.

Note: Ideal against burrowers, stalkers, and light-framed beasts.

Cooldown: 10 seconds.]

Zephyr’s grin widened. "Oh, we are definitely lucky. All this training is making you stronger. Let’s rest now."

An hour later...

A distant rustle was heard. Star’s head snapped toward the brush.

Zephyr grabbed his staff, eyes narrowing. A bulky, flame-snorting ember boar (Rank-E) lumbered out from the tree line, snuffling melted sap from a nearby root knot. It stood at least half a ton, steam hissing between curved tusks.

Zephyr guessed Rank-E, maybe high E. Not dangerous enough to hurt them but perfect for a field test.

"Star, time for a live drill," he ordered. "Keep distance if it charges. Use Tremor."

The drake launched forward, wings snapping once. The ember boar squealed and barrelled ahead. At fifteen paces, Star stamped the ground with both hind legs—

THOOM!

A ripple surged through the dirt. The boar’s charge faltered, front legs buckling mid-sprint. Star spun, tail lashed out.

CLANG!

The impact rang like a smith’s hammer on a war shield. The boar tumbled sideways, hit a boulder, and staggered upright, dazed.

"Finish it—Ember Trail! Circle tight!"

Star activated Spark Dash, sprinting in a circle around the beast. Flame burst from his feet, a molten ribbon forming a ring. Heat funneled inward.

The boar, now surrounded by fire and smoke, squealed in panic and bolted into the trees.

Zephyr let out a long breath, lowering his stance. "Not bad," he muttered. "He’s learning not to kill. That’s control."