Bjorn stood at the mouth of the dormant volcano, its ashen peaks casting an ominous shadow over the desolate landscape. The air crackled with a suppressed energy, and a sense of foreboding settled in his gut. He knew that the task ahead would test not only his strength but also his wit and resilience.
As Bjorn descended into the depths of the volcano, the temperature rose steadily, scorching the air and making each breath feel like a fiery intake. Lava flowed sluggishly in rivers of molten rock, casting an eerie glow on the rocky walls. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the distant rumble of the earth.
Navigating the treacherous terrain proved challenging, as the ground shifted and cracked beneath Bjorn's feet. The dragon's lair lay deep within, its presence permeating the very essence of the volcano. Bjorn steeled himself, the weight of his task heavy on his broad shoulders.
After what felt like an eternity, Bjorn entered a cavernous chamber bathed in an otherworldly red light. The dragon—a massive creature with scales gleaming like burnished gold—lay coiled upon a hoard of treasures. Its eyes opened, revealing fiery orbs that fixated on Bjorn with an unsettling intensity.
Bjorn felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He drew his sword, its steel glinting with a cold resolve. The battle was about to begin—a clash between two formidable forces.
The dragon unleashed a roar that reverberated through the chamber, its sheer force nearly knocking Bjorn off his feet. Flames erupted from its maw, but Bjorn's agility allowed him to evade the scorching heat. He darted forward, striking at the dragon's scales with precision and strength.
The battle raged on, a dance of power and skill. Bjorn's strength and mastery of combat proved formidable, but the dragon's fury was unyielding. The creature lashed out with its tail, smashing through stone pillars and sending debris flying. Bjorn dodged and parried, his senses honed to their utmost.
Hours passed in a relentless struggle, the ebb and flow of the battle threatening to exhaust both combatants. But Bjorn's determination and resilience pushed him beyond his limits. With one final strike, his sword found its mark—a vulnerable spot beneath the dragon's armored scales.
The dragon let out a deafening screech, its wings beating wildly as it staggered back. It was wounded, weakened, but far from defeated. Bjorn knew that he had to act swiftly to claim his prize—the dragon's scales.
As he approached the wounded creature, Bjorn's heart quickened. He drew a specialized dagger from his belt—an heirloom passed down through generations of Bear School Witchers. The blade was enchanted, capable of severing even the toughest of scales.
But just as Bjorn raised his dagger, a voice echoed through the chamber—a voice filled with malice and betrayal.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? A Witcher and his conquest," the voice taunted.
Bjorn's eyes widened as he turned to face the source of the voice. It was Eldric, a former comrade from the Bear School, known for his treachery and lust for power. Eldric stood at the chamber entrance, a twisted smile playing on his lips.
"What are you doing here, Eldric?" Bjorn growled, his grip on his dagger tightening.
Eldric chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with a mix of greed and sadistic pleasure. "I came for the dragon's treasures, just like you. But I have no intention of sharing.