NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 3: Year one
Entry-1
Date: May 1, 710 CE.
Location: Abyssreach Isle.
by : Serenya Valebright
Observation:
From what I've seen, this is a hauntingly beautiful island characterized by its towering jagged peaks, shadowed valleys, and extensive network of caves, both above and below the waterline. The air is heavy with mist, and the waves crash violently against the jagged cliffs, making it clear that this place wasn't meant for the faint of heart—or for mortals without wings.
Entry:
So, there are many problems right now—one, I'm stranded on a barren island with little to no trees and massive, desolate mountains. The stone here is dark and foreboding, its surfaces sharp and uneven, as if nature itself sought to keep intruders away. But for all its harshness, it's a perfect place for dragons to nest. The cavern mouths I've seen dotting the cliffs and the faint signs of clawed paths suggest they've been here for centuries, if not longer.
Getting off this island seems impossible for now. The storms surrounding this place roar day and night, and the waves churn as if something deep below wants to swallow ships whole. Unless someone is flying—or a dragon themselves—it would take a miracle to make it here. For that reason, I've decided to call this place Abyssreach. It's fitting—a place where the abyss stretches out endlessly, daring you to venture closer.
Still, not all is hopeless. Some good news: I've gained the power I sought for so long. It hums through my veins, a constant reminder of the strength I now possess. But power alone is not enough; without discipline, it's like a blade without an edge. So, I will train. These cliffs will witness the rise of something greater, someone unbroken by isolation.
Plan:
First, I'll explore the caverns. They're vast and winding, but some feel alive, like they hold more than just rock and darkness. If there are dragons here—and I suspect there are—I'll need to tread carefully. They may not take kindly to a stranger wandering their territory, but perhaps I can earn their respect or find ways to coexist.
Finally, I'll make Abyssreach a sanctuary. It may be barren and harsh, but it's mine now. Perhaps one day, others like me—lost souls and wandering dragons—will find their way here, and we'll turn this desolation into something more.
Entry-2
Date: May 3, 710 CE
Location: Abyssreach Isle
By: Serenya Valebright
Observation:
The air today felt charged, as if the island itself is preparing for something. The sea was unusually calm in the morning, the storms distant and brooding on the horizon. I took it as an opportunity to begin my exploration of the caves. The cliffs are perilous, each step requiring precision and patience. Even with my agility, a single misstep could mean a long fall into the merciless sea below.
Entry:
The first cavern I entered was vast, its entrance framed by jagged rock that looked like the gaping maw of some ancient beast. The air inside was cold and damp, carrying with it the faint scent of sulfur and salt. Bioluminescent moss lined the walls, casting a dim green glow that allowed me to see without the need for a torch. It felt alive, as if the cave itself was breathing.
As I ventured deeper, the walls began to shift subtly in texture, no longer the rough stone of the cliffs but something smoother, almost polished. Ancient carvings caught my eye—symbols and figures etched into the stone, their meanings lost to time. A dragon's claw marks overlapped some of the designs, suggesting they were here long before the dragons claimed this place.
Then I found it: the first undeniable sign of life. A nest, carefully crafted from bones, dried seaweed, and scales, sat in a corner of the cavern. It was empty, though the faint warmth of the surrounding stone suggested its owner wasn't far. I chose not to linger, out of respect and caution. If there are dragons here, I will need to observe them first before approaching.
Entry-3
Date: May 6, 710 CE
Location: Abyssreach Isle
By: Serenya Valebright
Observation:
The storms returned with a vengeance last night, hammering the cliffs with rain and wind so fierce I thought the very rocks would crumble. The sea roared like an angry beast, and flashes of lightning illuminated the island in brief, blinding bursts. Today, the air feels heavier, the silence after the storm almost eerie.
Entry:
I've spent the last few days mapping out the caves near the southern cliffs. The carvings continue to appear in many of them, always in the deeper, darker recesses. They tell a fragmented story—scenes of dragons soaring above a volcanic island, battling sea serpents, and circling what appears to be a glowing stone or artifact. Some images depict humans alongside the dragons, though whether they were allies or adversaries is unclear.
The strangest discovery came this morning. While tracing one of the carvings, I noticed a faint glow emanating from a crack in the wall. Upon closer inspection, I realized it wasn't just a crack—it was an opening, barely large enough to crawl through. Beyond it lay a hidden chamber, unlike anything I've seen before.
The walls of the chamber shimmered faintly, as if dusted with crushed gemstones. At its center stood a pedestal carved from the same stone, and atop it rested a large, crystalline orb. It pulsed faintly with light, like a heartbeat. When I approached, the air seemed to hum, resonating with the power flowing through me. I didn't touch it. Not yet.
I've marked the location and sealed the entrance with rocks to ensure no one—or nothing—stumbles upon it before I can learn more. This orb feels important, like it holds the key to understanding this island and its dragons.
Entry-4
Date: May 10, 710 CE
Location: Abyssreach Isle
By: Serenya Valebright
Observation:
The dragons have grown bolder. Yesterday, I spotted one—a massive creature with scales as dark as the stormy sea and eyes like molten gold—circling the cliffs near my camp. It didn't attack, but it watched me intently, as if trying to decide whether I was prey or something else entirely. Its wings created gusts strong enough to send loose stones tumbling down the cliffside.
This encounter has pushed me to finally test the limits of my abilities. If I am to coexist with the dragons of Abyssreach, I must prove that I am not a threat—but also not weak.
Entry:
Today, I used my powers for the first time since arriving here, and the results were... enlightening.
The dragon from yesterday returned, landing on a nearby ridge. Its presence was overwhelming, a raw force of nature that made the very air around it feel electric. It didn't move toward me, but its low growl was enough to make my heart race.
I activated my Observation Haki, extending my senses to feel its intentions. Its emotions were a chaotic storm—curiosity, caution, and a flicker of something resembling recognition. It wasn't here to harm me, not yet. With this clarity, I decided to take a calculated risk.
Using Allspeak, I addressed it:
"I am not your enemy."
The words felt strange leaving my mouth, resonating with an otherworldly power. The dragon's head tilted slightly, its growl fading into a low rumble. It understood me.
To further demonstrate my intentions, I used my Fish Creation. Summoning a school of shimmering fish from the air, I sent them leaping into the ocean below. The dragon's eyes followed them hungrily, and without hesitation, it dove off the cliff, disappearing into the waves.
It returned an hour later, its demeanor calmer. This time, it perched on the ridge without growling. I took this as a sign of progress.
Entry-5
Date: May 15, 710 CE
Location: Abyssreach Isle
By: Serenya Valebright
Observation:
The dragon from the southern cliffs has returned multiple times over the past few days, bringing smaller dragons with it. They watch me from a distance, their golden eyes unblinking and calculating. It's unnerving, but also a sign of progress. These creatures, despite their reputation as fearsome predators, are curious and intelligent.
The storms have grown less intense, almost as if the island itself is easing its grip. I've taken this reprieve as an opportunity to further test my powers, venturing deeper into the island's mysteries.
Entry:
Today, I encountered another dragon, far different from the first. This one was smaller, its scales a shimmering emerald green that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light of the caves. It appeared injured—its wing was torn, and it limped as it moved through the cavern.
Using my Observation Haki, I sensed its pain and fear. It was wary but not hostile. I approached slowly, speaking softly with Allspeak. "You're hurt. Let me help you."
The dragon hesitated, but eventually, it allowed me to get closer. I used a salve I'd prepared from the sparse herbs growing on the cliffs, applying it gently to the wound. To my surprise, the dragon didn't flinch. Instead, it watched me with those piercing green eyes, a strange understanding passing between us.
To ensure its safety while it recovered, I used my Door Power to create a hidden chamber within the cave. Marking the entrance with a faint glyph, I expanded the space inside, turning it into a sanctuary. The dragon seemed to sense the safety of the space, curling up inside without hesitation.
As I sealed the door, I couldn't help but smile. For the first time, I felt like I was beginning to make a difference here.
Entry-6
Date: May 20, 710 CE
Location: Abyssreach Isle
By: Serenya Valebright
Observation:
The emerald dragon I helped earlier, whom I've taken to calling "Eryndor," has made remarkable progress in healing. The salve worked better than I anticipated, and its torn wing is mending faster than expected. It's even started attempting short flights within the hidden chamber I created.
The storms surrounding the island seem to react to the dragons' activities. When they venture out, the winds grow calmer, and the skies lighten ever so slightly. It's as if the dragons are tied to the island's temperament, acting as a living extension of its will.
Entry:
Today, I tested the limits of my Fish Creation ability for the first time since arriving on Abyssreach. While venturing along the rocky shores, I came across a series of tidal pools teeming with life. I focused my thoughts, envisioning a creature I remembered from my journeys—a brilliantly colored sea serpent I once saw depicted in ancient carvings.
With a deliberate motion, I extended my hand over the water and summoned the creature. The energy flowed from me, rippling through the tidal pool as the serpent began to take form. Its scales shimmered with hues of sapphire and gold, and its movements were fluid, almost ethereal.
The serpent slithered through the shallow waters, studying me with intelligent eyes. It was smaller than I had imagined, perhaps limited by the size of the pool, but it was alive. Alive and perfect.
Eryndor, who had followed me to the shoreline, watched the summoning with fascination. The dragon didn't show aggression toward the sea serpent, only curiosity. I took this as a good sign—a potential harmony between land and sea, dragon and creation.
After some time, I released the serpent back into the water, letting it dissolve into energy as the tides reclaimed it. The experience left me drained but exhilarated.
The rest of the day was spent recovering and observing Eryndor. The dragon seemed more at ease around me, even allowing me to rest beside it while it basked in the afternoon sun.
Entry-8
Date: June 1, 710 CE
Location: Abyssreach Isle
By: Serenya Valebright
Observation:
The storms have returned, more violent than before, as if something immense has disturbed the island's fragile balance. Even the dragons are restless, their cries echoing through the misty skies.
While exploring the western cliffs today, I discovered strange tracks unlike anything I've encountered before. They were massive, each print deeper than a dragon's and embedded with claw marks that gouged the stone itself. Whatever left these marks is not a dragon—it's something else entirely.
Entry:
I ventured west, following the trail of the enormous footprints through the jagged terrain. The path led me to an unfamiliar part of the island where the air was thick with tension, as if the land itself held its breath.
There, standing atop a crumbling plateau, was a creature out of legend—a Bewilderbeast.
Its sheer size was staggering, its body covered in icy, boulder-like scales that gleamed faintly in the stormlight. Massive tusks curled outward like a fortress wall, and its icy-blue eyes radiated a powerful, ancient intelligence.
For a moment, we stared at each other, the storm raging around us. I could feel its presence, its will, pressing down on me like an ocean wave. I activated Observation Haki, letting its power wash over me, trying to grasp the creature's intent.
What I felt was not rage, but sorrow—a deep, aching loneliness that mirrored my own. The Bewilderbeast wasn't a threat; it was a lost king, exiled to this forsaken isle.
I took a cautious step forward, speaking softly with Allspeak. "You are not alone here. I will not harm you."
The Bewilderbeast lowered its head slightly, its icy breath freezing the ground around it. "You... are different," it rumbled, its voice like glaciers grinding together.
"I am," I admitted, taking another step closer. "And so are you. Perhaps we can help each other."
The creature studied me for a long time, its massive frame still as the storm whipped around us. Finally, it let out a deep, rumbling sigh, the sound vibrating through the earth. "Speak, little knight. What do you seek?"
"I seek to protect this island and its inhabitants," I replied, my voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "But I cannot do it alone. If you'll allow it, I'd like to learn from you, to work alongside you."
The Bewilderbeast tilted its massive head, its icy eyes narrowing. "You speak boldly for one so small. We shall see if your actions match your words."
With that, the creature turned and disappeared into the mist, its massive form vanishing like a ghost.