Despite his determination, Dak knew full well that he had a difficult hurdle to cross.
'I know I was super pumped about climbing this volcano, but the heat is really starting to get to me,' Dak groaned.
Victoria just continued to look at him indifferently.
'Now what? Guts and muscle aren't enough to get me through this; what else do I have? I can't do it the usual way; what I need is a totally different plan. Something unusual…' His thoughts turned to that transformation he underwent in the Forest of Witches. '…Right! My new power! But what makes it work? I kinda blacked out the first time, in the next thing I knew, I look like that.'
He began thinking so that his head began to hurt, which didn't go unnoticed by Victoria.
"Thinking so hard that it makes your head explode?" she said. "Doesn't seem like your style."
"Good point," Dak admitted. 'I can't overthink this; I wasn't thinking about anything special the first time, was I? Just got to focus and empty my mind.'
He did just that, but nothing happened, and it made him look ridiculous.
Victoria then grabbed him with her flaming cat paw. "Never mind, you can go home."
"Let's just pretend that didn't happen!" said Dak quickly. "I promise you I can do it if you can give me another chance. Really! I am a can-do kind of person!"
Victoria just looked at him sceptically but released him nonetheless and then walked off. "Very well, then at least put up a good fight."
"Got it!" Dak yelled. 'That is my thing, after all; struggling through until the end is all I know. Wait, I wasn't just not thinking about anything the first time when I used that power. I was dying; that's why I blacked out. So maybe I should dive into that magma?'
He looked down at the river of lava that was flowing. 'Well, I am the guy who prowled in straight into a salamander bomb. This doesn't scare me one bit.'
Fortunately, he quickly realised that jumping into a river of lava was possibly not the best idea.
'No! That's not it!' he said, slapping himself silly. 'I can't be reckless and stupid; I can't forget what Thuggory told me that it's important to stay calm. Plus, Captain Hiccup told me it's important to think things through before jumping in. I need to think harder…'
However, no matter how hard he thought, he couldn't come up with a single idea and only received a massive headache.
'It's no use! Now I can't think of anything! Man, I really am an idiot,' he groaned. 'That Mana Skin barrier is pretty awesome. It's too bad I don't have any magic power. This is weird. I have been upset about that for a long time. Wait, a minute, Dak, don't be jealous of other people; there's plenty of stuff you can do…'
He then suddenly remembered what Victoria had said to him about not knowing himself.
'Not knowing myself, maybe that's it,' he said. 'What if I don't have a very good understanding of the powers I have. Okay, number one: I've got this Anti-Magic sword that only I can use because I don't have magic power of my own. It slices through any spell, but in a place like this, it's pretty much useless. Number two: the strength and stamina to wield that sword. They're good for regular mountain climbing, but this volcano is more than I can physically tackle. Number three…'
Suddenly, he sensed a large boulder heading straight towards me and quickly spun around, cutting it in with his blade.
'…Thanks to Captain Hiccup, I have the ability to sense aura, which I am using right now. It helps pick up on erupting lava and falling rocks. Right…'
He then remembered what Hiccup had taught him about aura, that it allowed him to send everything around and that it was sensing living energy.
'Maybe if I use aura on myself, I can get a read on that crazy new power,' said Dak and concentrated. He could definitely sense something coming from his sword that was slowly entering his body. 'I knew it; I could feel my own aura inside me. Plus, there's some kind of black energy coming from my Anti-Magic sword. If I can make it stronger somehow and come up with a way to get it moving through my entire body like… a river? No, a circle! Now I just need to picture it.'
Dak then held his sword then placed his hand on the blade, which caused the energy to flow into him even faster. 'There we go! Perfect, this stance is helping the power circulate all over me, but I'm not done. Not yet; it needs more intensity.'
The Anti-Magic that was flowing from the sword was now flowing into Dak's body, and then suddenly, his body began to change. He suddenly took on the same form that he took when he was in the Forest of Witches.
"That's it!" he cried. "My strength is overflowing! This should take me straight to the summit!"
Then suddenly found himself being pulled upwards, and he had absolutely no control over it.
"I can't stop!" he screamed.
Meanwhile, Adelaide and the Crimson Lions had come face-to-face with a lava monster which was blocking their path.
"What? No way! Why isn't that attack working?"
"Hold your ground if we can't defeat this thing, and we have no reason to call ourselves Magic Knights!" Leo yelled.
"Yeah, now teaches a lesson Leopold!" said Adelaide.
"Got it!" Leo nodded and frowned at her. "Wait a minute, you're the one who should have the advantage with your Water Magic, but you have lifted a finger to help us. What's up with that?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but it's already taking everything I got to keep my Mana Skin on," Adelaide explained.
They then heard a scream and spun around and saw Dak flying towards them at incredible speed.
"Dak?" Adelaide stared.
"Why does he look like that?" Leo frowned.
Dak shot right past them and went straight through the lava monster, destroying it.
"Dragon Thrust!" Dak yelled.
Leo laughed. "That's what I call a rival; I see that you've learned yourself a new technique. And with that whole edgy look, you got now, I see that we call you Black Dak."
However, Dak didn't stick around and continued flying up towards the summit.
"Hey, where are you going?" Leo yelled.
"I have absolutely no idea!" Dak screamed. "I don't know how I'm flying, but it looks like heading towards the peak, so I'll just go with the flow for now. Is that… Leyla?"
Leyla had just reached the summit, but seconds later, he overtook her.
"Dak?" Leyla blinked.
Dak was now heading straight towards the lava, which caused him to panic.
"I don't want a land in magma!" he cried.
Hiccup and Astrid had also reached the top and were both looking at Dak.
"Aren't you going to help him?" Astrid asked.
"There wouldn't be much point; the Anti-Magic power bubbling up inside of them isn't interested in the magma, not at all," said Hiccup. "It after strong magic."
Victoria was standing in the middle of the magma on some rock, and Dak was heading straight towards her. She then unleashed her magic power which caused Dak to be pulled in even faster.
'She's pulling me in,' Dak panicked. "Hey, you should probably run!"
Victoria instantly looked insulted. "Run? Little fool, don't you know female lions are the hunters?"
She then suddenly jumped up into the air, but a split second later, she suddenly appeared directly behind Dak.
"Fire Magic:Calidus Brachium!" she yelled and struck Dak with a powerful flaming fist.
He was immediately sent flying and crashed into the wall of the crater.
"I should have guessed it," said Astrid with a small wince.
"That crazy lioness wouldn't be herself if she didn't have her claws out. There's no way he could have dodged that in mid-air," said Hiccup. "Hey, you still alive down there, kid!"
'That was amazing,' Dak groaned. 'Yep, she's definitely Thuggory's sister.'
Victoria then landed in front of him. "You seem like you're getting to know yourself a little better now, but you're not finished yet."
"Right!" Dak nodded. 'I can control my power, but at least I used it. Okay, I'm gonna train you real hard and pass the Royal Knights Entrance Exam. If being a part of that squad means you're one of the best, then that's what I want to do!'
A few hours later, the Crimson Lions finally arrived, most of them completely out of breath.
"It took you long enough to make it this far, you fools!" Victoria scolded. "Yultim is inactive and completely harmless during the night! So at this point, it isn't much of an accomplishment on your part! It's just embarrassing; at this rate, are squad will never return to first! You did make it appear before nightfall; you'll do it again tomorrow!"
"Yes, ma'am!" they said, saluting.
"I got here in time, so that doesn't apply to me, but I'll be happy to do it again a hundred times if it means I can become stronger than Thuggory," said Leo.
"Pathetic!" Victoria spat. "What about 1000?"
"Totally!"
"All right, you simpletons, ready to enjoy the hot spring!"
'Finally,' said Dak dreamly. 'Back at Huttsgalor, I used to love a good post-training soak.' However, he looked around to see a trace of any kind of hot spring. 'Hold on though, why don't I see a hot spring anywhere?'
A split second later, a huge geyser erupted from the crater.
"Whoa, so tall," said Dak.
The geyser finally calmed down, and soon hot water began to fill the base.
"Check it out, Ley; that bath is enormous; this is the best hot spring I've ever seen," said Dak.
"It is incredible," said Leyla.
"These are extremely restorative waters, the best in the kingdom, but not just anyone can waltz here. It is very exclusive, a rare and special treat," Victoria explained.
"I suppose the burning hot magma puts people off," said Hiccup.
"All right, imbeciles! Get naked!" Victoria commanded.
Everyone stared at her because, apparently, they could see a problem that she could not.
"Hang on a second, sis, we can't do that right here, out in the open like this," said Leo.
'He's not kidding, considering there are girls here,' said Dak.
"She must be crazy. She thinks that going to happen," said Summer.
Astrid's face turned bright pink as she looked at Hiccup. 'I don't mind showing a hot spring with Hiccup, but not with other people watching.'
"I'm not going to let a bunch of men see Astrid's rocking body," said Terra and extended her hands. "Now Earth Magic: Earthen Wall Partition!"
Suddenly erupting from the water was a stonewall that cut the hot spring in half.
"If anyone of you scum tries to climb this, your lives are going to be over!" Terra threatened.
"That certainly sold this awkward situation," said Dak.
"See, all fixed; it's time to get in there!" said Victoria.
"Yeah!" everyone cheered.
Instantly the men and women separated, the men taking the left side while the women took the right side.
"Did I tell you this hot spring is incredible," said Victoria as she entered it. "The view is pretty spectacular, isn't it?"
Astrid plunged her foot into the hot spring, and it was the perfect temperature. "And the water temperature is just right."
"Oh wow, Astrid is so gorgeous," said Terra looking at her dreamily. "Did I die and go to heaven because this is great?"
Victoria leaned back and drank some blue she had brought with her. "There's nothing better than a refreshing drink when you soak in a hot spring." She then turned her eyes towards Astrid. "Astrid, you want not one back?"
"Sure," said Astrid.
Victoria then gave her a drink. "So, how are things with you and Hiccup."
Astrid is grateful for the hot water because she felt her face turning bright pink. "I don't know what you mean."
"Come on, you too obviously have a thing for one another," said Victoria.
"Hiccup is married, in case you forgot," Astrid reminded her.
"Yeah, but no one has seen his wife, and everyone suspects that a noblewoman with unparalleled beauty."
Adelaide was busy washing her hair and looked towards the men's side with a little bit of concern.
'That wall isn't going to suddenly disappear, is it?' she said.
"Wow, you're spaced out," said Terra and then began washing her hair.
"Hey, stop that!" Adelaide protested. "I can wash my hair myself!"
"It's okay; let me do it," she insisted. "Your Adelaide, right? I think that tough girls like you are the best kind in the world. You want to join the Blue Rose Knights?"
"But I'm already a member of the Black Dragons," she reminded her.
"Come on, it's just a grubby old boys club; what's so special about it?"
"Oh, I wouldn't say that. It is mostly guys, but we do have a couple of strong women. Sure a few of our members are loudmouthed idiots, but it's not like it's the worst."
"Well, only girls are allowed to join the Blue Rose Knights is a shame that Leyla girl decided to join Golden Dawn. We could accuse someone like her on our squad."
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm happy where I am in sure Adelaide feels the same," said Leyla as she approached them.
"Yeah, you can't just take members of the squad arbitrarily," Summer nodded.
Adelaide soon entered the hot spring with her hair tied in a bun when she smiled at the starry night sky.
"Beautiful stars," she said.
Victoria looked at her briefly, and for a second, she thought she was looking at Adelaide's mother.
"Lady Acier was especially fond of the view of the night sky from here," said Victoria.
Adelaide looked at her. "My mother came here? I didn't know."
"She did indeed; in fact, she's the one who told me about this place to begin with."
"What kind of person was she?" Adelaide asked curiously. "I want to know everything; I mean, no one ever tells me anything about her, so I'm kinda in the dark."
"She was very strong; she gave me lessons all the time. I may be undefeated in battle, but I was never victorious against her. Regardless of the fact that my magic affinity should have given me an advantage. The Steel Princess who flew around the battlefield, Acier Jorgenson. Her strength and beauty captivated one and all.
In terms of your looks, you resemble her a lot, spitting image even. But your magic power is another story; your control is sloppy, to say the least, makes it hard to believe that you're her daughter. Her magic was refined to an unparalleled degree. It was so dignified, but despite your royal stat as your magic is ugly and coarse."
Adelaide was a little crestfallen upon hearing this.
"Work hard, improve," said Victoria, and Adelaide's eyes lit up as she gently placed her fist against her forehead. "You don't have her strength, but you are not like her that you can overcome that."
"Okay," said Adelaide cheering up upon hearing this encouragement. 'That's right, Dak is improving, and he doesn't have any magic. Lacking ability doesn't mean you should run away or make excuses, and now I'm fired up.'
Meanwhile the other side, the men were relaxing in the hot spring.
"Got to give Victoria this; she knows a good hot spring when she finds one," Hiccup smiled as he rubbed his stump. "My leg hasn't felt this good in a long time."
"That was some crazy power used," said Leo looking at Dak. "Not that I expect anything less from my rival."
"Thanks, but I still need to work on controlling it," said Dak rubbing the back of his head.
"You're improving in leaps and bounds, kid," said Hiccup. "Makes me wonder what you will accomplish in a few years."
"Well, I do plan on becoming the Wizard King," said Dak.
"Not unless I surpass you first," said Leo and then he turned to Hiccup. "Hey, Captain Hiccup, I was wondering about something."
Hiccup looked at him. "Oh, ask away."
"I remember during the Award Ceremony that both my brother and Captain Astrid mentioned that the fight that broke out was very similar to something that happened to you."
"Ah, well, that was just after I joined the Magic Knights," said Hiccup. "Unlike most Magic Knights, I didn't take the Entrance Exam; curious saw my potential right away and maybe part of his squad."
"You skip the Entrance Exam?" Dak blinked.
"The Entrance Exam isn't the only way to join the Magic Knights; if a Magic Knight Captain sees a promising recruit, they can recruit them right away," Hiccup explained. "How do you think we got so many members in the Black Dragons?"
Hiccup then began to think back to that fateful day, he had only joined the Grey Deer only a week ago, and many people in his squad didn't think he belonged. However, that didn't stop Julius from bringing him along to a party for nobles.
"You sure it's all right dragging me along?" Hiccup asked.
"Of course, I'm sure," Julius smiled. "It's not uncommon for the Magic Knight Captain to bring members of his squad to a party, so they can show them off."
"That's not the issue; I'm a little bit more concerned with the fact that I'm a foreigner," Hiccup pointed out.
"Don't be, you've only been with us a week, and you've already proven yourself capable," said Julius.
Hiccup wanted to argue some more, but he had a sneaking suspicion that it would fall on deaf ears.
"Ah, it seems that he's arrived," said Julius.
Hiccup looked up and was relieved to see Ragnar; he was one of the few friends he had made in the Grey Deer. Both their magical affinities were similar to one another, so it was no surprise that they got along well.
"Captain, I hope I'm not late," said Ragnar.
"No, you're right on time," Julius smiled.
"At least only one friendly face amongst these nobles," said Hiccup.
"I will worry too much about it; they may grumble, but there's not a lot they can do about you," Ragnar assured him.
"That doesn't exactly reassure me."
Regardless they made their way into the mansion and quickly proceeded into the dining room; there was already a good number of nobles present, along with a few Magic Knights. Many of them stopped what they were doing as they entered the room, and Hiccup noticed they were giving him an ugly look.
"It's at from another joined the Grey Deer."
"He doesn't look like much."
"What was the captain of the Grey Deer thinking recruiting him?"
"Well, at least you got their attention," Ragnar smiled.
"You always do see the bright side of things," Hiccup sighed.
Ragnar then grabbed his arm. "Come on, those of you people I want to introduce to you."
Before Hiccup could reply, Ragnar dragged him off to nearby tables, Magic Knights about their age. One of them was a proud-looking young man a few years older than him with flaming red hair; his robes indicated that he was part of the Crimson Lion Kings. Next was possibly the most beautiful girl Hiccup had ever seen in his life; she had long blonde hair, which he tied in a ponytail and fearsome steel blue eyes around her shoulders. She wore the road belonging to the Blue Rose Knights.
"Hiccup Haddock let me introduce to you Thuggory Vermillion of the Crimson Lion Kings and Astrid Hofferson of the Blue Rose Knights," said Ragnar.
Astrid looked at him with a cold look. "So you're the foreigner I've heard so much about."
"I dread to think what you heard about me," said Hiccup awkwardly.
Astrid merely narrowed her eyes before turning her attention back to her drink.
"I don't mind Astrid; she's like that to practically everyone," said Thuggory. "I can't be certain that. I'm pretty sure I've heard the name Haddock before."
"I think you might be referring to my father, Stoick the Vast," said Hiccup.
Astrid immediately spat out her drink. "Wait, Stoick the Vast, the Spade Kingdom mage infamous for his strength and tactical prowess, is your father."
Hiccup shrugged. "I take after my mother, apparently."
"I have to admit you've piqued my curiosity even more," said Thuggory.
"What's this filthy foreigner doing here?" said a voice.
Hiccup turned and saw a boy his age marching up towards him; he was a good few inches taller than him and was packing way more muscle. He had greasy black hair and a snobbish face as if saying he was the most important person in the room. Judging from the silver robe he was wearing, he was part of the Silver Eagles.
"And you are?" Hiccup asked.
Ragnar sighed. "Hiccup, allow me to introduce to you Snotlout Jorgenson of the Silver Eagles."
"And a member of the Royal family," Snotlout added, narrowing his eyes at Hiccup. "And again, I must ask what this foreigner is doing here and, more importantly, why is he talking to people above his station."
"We're all Magic Knights, Snotlout," said Astrid coldly.
"Everyone here present is either part of loyalty or nobility, but this foreigner is neither; in fact is, not even a citizen of this country," Snotlout spat.
"There is no rule preventing foreigners from joining the Magic Knights, Snotlout," said Thuggory narrowing his eyes. "In fact, there is no rule preventing peasants from joining them as well."
"That's a matter of opinion, and I can't believe you even humouring the idea that he is one of us," Snotlout growled. "Truly, House Vermillion is in decline, truly sad for someone of royal blood."
"You tell him, Snotlout!"
"Put him in his place!"
Hiccup saw two other members of the Silver Eagles. Both of them looked as if they possessed more muscle than brains. That said, Hiccup didn't like the notion of tangling with them in a dark alley.
"I see you've brought your flunkies," said Thuggory.
"Dogsbreath and Clueless are capable Magic Knights," said Snotlout.
"Please, that hardly smart enough to tie their own shoelaces," Astrid scoffed.
"There's no need to be like that, Astrid and I have to say you're just as radiant as always," said Snotlout.
Astrid just groaned in disgust. Clearly, this was not the first time that Snotlout tried to woo her, nor was it the first time he'd been rejected.
"What's going on over here?" Julius asked as he approached them with a man who resembled Snotlout greatly.
"I hope you're not causing any trouble, boyo," said Spitelout.
"Just trying to teach the foreigner here some things about our kingdom, like showing respect," said Snotlout.
"I barely said a word," said Hiccup.
"You know there is a more productive to settle this," said Julius. "Why don't the two of you have a sparring match."
"You want us to fight one another?" Hiccup stared incredulously.
"You sure that's wise, captain?" Ragnar asked, looking a little uneasy.
"I think everyone here should see just what Hiccup is capable of… unless you have any objections, Spitelout?" said Julius turning to Spitelout.
"No, but I get the feeling it will end rather quickly," said Spitelout.
"I'm all for it," said Snotlout and sneered at Hiccup. "I'm going to make you regret ever stepping foot in this kingdom."
Soon they made enough room for them to fight, and everyone just watched as the two of them made their way to the centre.
"What you say we make this more interesting?" Snotlout asked.
"What do you have in mind?" Hiccup asked.
"The loser has to do any one thing for the winner, which of course, is going to be me."
"You might end up regretting saying that."
"Doubt it, but it's not too late for you to back down now."
Hiccup knew he had no choice; if he backed down now, that would bring shame to the Grey Deer and, of course, Julius. He owed Julius a lot, and he wasn't about to let him down, so he drew his sword.
"Not only a life," he said.
"Looks like the runt has some backbone," Snotlout smiled.
"I sure hope your friend knows what he's doing," said Thuggory looking at Ragnar. "Snotlout's Mercury Magic is very versatile; even I have a hard time fighting against him, and I have an advantage over him."
"Trust me, Hiccup knows what he's doing," said Ragnar.
Snotlout was the first to act quickly and raised his hand. "Mercury Magic: Silver Bullets!"
He then fired bullets of mercury directly at Hiccup, who then quickly coated his sword in darkness. He then began moving with incredible speed, deflecting each one of the bullets perfectly.
"A unique way to use his magic," said Thuggory.
"He seems to be using Reinforcement Magic to boost his natural speed," Astrid observed.
"Not bad, but let's see if you can keep it up!" said Snotlout.
He then moulded his mercury into sharp spears and sent them straight at Hiccup, who quickly began blocking them with his blade. Snotlout watched his movements carefully and noticed something.
'He seems to be able to read my attacks, even before I launched,' he observed. 'However, his magic seems to be rather slow compared to my Mercury Magic and in the end, that will be his downfall.'
Hiccup was so busy blocking the spheres that he failed to notice that Snotlout had slivered some mercury directly behind him.
"He's got now!" said Dogsbreath.
"He should have known better than to tangle with royalty!" said Clueless.
"Ha, that foreigner is barely able to hold his own."
Thuggory folded his arms. 'They believe that Snotlout is dominating him, but they fail to see that all an act.'
Astrid, too was curious. 'Not only is he able to keep up with Snotlout's attacks, but he is able to read his movements. Additionally, his swordsmanship is flawless, and I get the feeling we haven't seen everything just yet.'
"It's over!" Snotlout yelled.
Hiccup then suddenly spun around and waved his sword creating a black orb. "Dark Magic: Black Hole!"
Then to everyone's shock, the moment the mercury touched the orb, it turned black and continued until it touched Snotlout.
'What's going on? I can't move,' said Snotlout.
Hiccup then turned to face him. "You're right; it is over. Dark Magic: Dark Blade!"
He then moved with unbelievable speed towards Snotlout, and for a split second, everyone was afraid that he was about to cut his head off. However, he stopped inches away from Snotlout, with the blade directly beneath his chin.
Snotlout just stood there, too stunned to speak, but it was clear that he had lost.
"That was incredible," said Astrid stunned. "That spell he using too paralysed him."
"It's more than that," said Thuggory. "It appears that his Dark Magic is slow to cast, but he actually used that to his advantage. He coated his weapon with his magic and used Reinforcement Magic the speed up his attacks, but then he left several openings to catch his opponent in a false sense of security."
"Not only that, but he seemed to have been able to read Snotlout's movements," said Astrid.
"That's Hiccup's fighting style," Ragnar smiled. "He likes to use the element of surprise to catch an opponent off guard rather than facing them head-on."
Thuggory looked at Hiccup curiously. "I can only imagine the discipline he had to go through to master this technique. A worthy rival, to say the least."
Hiccup looked at Snotlout. "I'll collect that favour on my own time if you don't mind."
Snotlout was still too stunned to speak.
"And that's what happened," said Hiccup.
"Wow, it's an almost similar situation to what happened at the Reward Ceremony," said Dak.
"The Jorgensons have always been rather prideful, even amongst royalty," said Hiccup.
Dak couldn't disagree with him; Adelaide was always reminding them that she was royalty, even if she was the black sheep of the family.
"So, did you ever collect that favour from Captain Snotlout?" Leo asked curiously.
"I collected rather recently, but I'm afraid that's between me and him," said Hiccup. "Now I suggest you boys will actually have the chance because the Royal Knights Entrance Exam is going to be rough."
Dak just couldn't wait to take part in the exam and show everyone his skills, especially Leyla.