The Crown's Fire - Chapter 257

Chapter 257: Quick Learner
At Haven Forest

It was another morning where the weather started to chill the surrounding area with the arrival of winter. In a few more days, snow would start to fall. Despite the cold, training sessions continued for the dragons and their riders under Master Kasper’s guidance.

Kasper was an expert, having trained dragons and riders in the past. His vast experience made him invaluable. Asura stood tall in the training grounds with her dragon, Snow, by her side. She looked at Kasper filled with admiration. Despite his youthful appearance, Kasper held the knowledge of an ancient man.

Meanwhile, Cora, Levi, and Luis, with their respective dragons, were in position as they waited for Master Kasper’s guidance.

“Alright, today we’re going to work on aerial maneuvers and synchronization,” Kasper announced, his voice carrying a blend of authority and warmth. “Cora, Levi, Luis—each of your dragons has unique strengths, and they are now ready for you to mount them. Let’s focus on those today. Your bonds with your dragons will make this easier.”

Cora nodded eagerly, her dragon Aurum snorting small puffs of flame in agreement. Luis, with his dragon Jade, gave a determined nod, their attention fixed on Kasper. Kasper handed them spells to chant, enabling them to see through their dragons’ eyes.

Asura took notes, though Kasper reminded them that their dragons had impeccable memories and could serve as reminders if they forgot any spells.

Kasper mounted Onyx to demonstrate how to ride a dragon. Onyx only allowed Kasper on his back because his dragonrider, Katelina, had authorized it. Without her permission, there was no way Onyx would follow Kasper’s instructions or cooperate.

“Watch closely,” Kasper called out, settling into the saddle. “The key is to establish trust and communicate through subtle movements.”

Onyx, massive and majestic, took to the skies with Kasper guiding him. They executed a series of aerial maneuvers—loops, dives, and barrel rolls.

“Notice how I use slight shifts in my weight and gentle pressure with my legs,” Kasper explained. “This is how you guide your dragon without force. Trust and understanding are paramount.”

Cora, Levi, and Luis watched intently, absorbing every detail. Asura, standing with Snow, felt a surge of excitement. The demonstration was not just about technique, but about the profound connection between a dragon and its rider.

Cora and Aurum practiced synchronized barrel rolls, their movements perfectly synchronized. Luis and Jade focused on precision dives, aiming accurately at marked targets on the ground. She observed them, noting how their dragons, now the size of horses, were capable of carrying them as riders.

Asura smiled as she watched Snow practicing alone. Snow, still small compared to the others, couldn’t yet fly high but was eager to learn.

“Now, Levi,” Kasper’s voice broke through Asura’s reverie, drawing her attention back to the training session. Levi, guided by Kasper’s instructions, mounted Ember.

“You can do this Levi,” she cheered. Levi had a small frame but it was enough.for him to learn to ride his dragon Ember. He was fit and smart not to mention how eager and determined the kid was.

Levi gripped Ember’s reins tightly as they soared through the sky. Despite Kasper’s patient guidance, mastering the maneuvers proved tougher than Levi had expected. Ember, responsive but sensitive, required smooth movements and precise timing that were challenging for Levi to coordinate.

“Easy there, Levi,” Kasper’s voice cut through the wind. “Focus on your breathing and trust Ember’s instincts.”

Levi nodded, determined to get it right. He tried to adjust his movements to match Ember’s wings, but each turn felt jerky, each dive uneven. Ember sensed Levi’s struggle and adjusted subtly to help stabilize their flight path.

“Good effort, Levi,” Kasper encouraged. “You’re improving. It’s all about finesse, not force.”

Levi gritted his teeth, concentrating harder. With every attempt, he focused on Kasper’s advice, trying to make his actions smoother and more in sync with Ember’s graceful flight.

As they practiced, Levi’s confidence slowly grew. Despite the initial challenges, he began to anticipate Ember’s movements better, feeling their bond strengthen with each maneuver. By the end of the session, Levi felt more comfortable in the saddle.

While Levi practiced basic maneuvers with Ember, Asura couldn’t contain her excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait to mount Snow,” she giggled beside Kasper.

“It will take a few more weeks, my love, since Snow is still a baby. How about you practice with me later?” Kasper teased playfully. Leaning closer, he whispered into her ear, “You can mount and ride me senselessly later, my love.”

Asura’s face reddened, feeling a rush of heat throughout her body from Kasper’s teasing. But why not? Her patient future husband deserved a reward.

“Let’s focus on the training for now and behave,” she teased back. “We’ll see later if I’m in the mood to practice on top of you!”

Throughout the session, Kasper offered precise feedback and encouragement, fine-tuning each rider’s technique and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the dragons. Asura absorbed every detail of Kasper’s guidance, imprinting each technique and strategy in her mind.

By the end of the practice, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the exhausted but exhilarated group. Cora, Levi, and Luis dismounted their dragons, patting them affectionately on the necks. Asura carried Snow in her arms and crooned softly, “You did great today, Snow.”

Kasper approached them, a proud smile on his face. “Excellent progress, everyone,” he praised. “Keep practicing those maneuvers, and we’ll soon have you ready for anything.”

After everyone left Kasper approached Asura, who was carrying Snow in her arms.

“Did you catch all that?” Kasper asked with a teasing grin.

“Of course,” Asura replied, rolling her eyes playfully. “You make it look so easy, but I’m pretty sure it takes years of practice.”

“Ah, but you’ve got a head start with Snow here,” Kasper said, giving Snow an affectionate pat. “She’s a quick learner, just like her rider.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Kasper,” Asura shot back, though she couldn’t hide her smile.

“Just stating the facts,” Kasper said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “But if you ever need extra practice, you know I’m always free for you.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be more than happy to help,” Asura replied, arching an eyebrow. “Just don’t get too used to bossing me around.”

Kasper chuckled. “Wouldn’t dream of it. I’ll be happy to be a slave for you, my Master. I’m always at your mercy.”