Chapter 171: A Formidable Hero

Ophelia swiftly conjured her golden flames to shield herself and Esmeralda from the intense heat of the blaze engulfing the cave. Despite the chaos and fury of the firestorm raging around them, their protective barrier remained steadfast, undisturbed by the roaring inferno. Esmeralda, nestled safely within the flames' embrace, felt as though she could not have been better protected from the searing heat. Once the flames receded, Ophelia stood tall, helping Esmeralda to her feet. They turned toward the entrance of the cave, only to confront a massive dragon with red-scaled armor glaring menacingly at them from outside. Ophelia's eyes narrowed as she instinctively summoned her dagger to her hand. “Stay here, Esme,” she commanded. Esmeralda’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I’m not letting you face that dragon alone!” Ophelia exhaled sharply, her patience wearing thin. “Red dragons are the most formidable warriors in Fireria. This dragon is not like the others we've encountered. They are