The Last Blood Mage

Toward the Goblin Camp

Amidst the crowd, Atheria's voice held authority as she began to weave tales of the Lone Dragon's heroic exploits. "He stood alone against the raging wyrm in the Cursed Woods, its fiery breath no match for his unyielding spirit. Remember the village of Alden? When darkness loomed, he lit the way, quelling the evil that haunted those very streets."

Bloodhound's cynical tone cut through within Xander's mind, "She's a master of deceit."

Xander, however, was lost in Atheria's words, finding himself taken aback by the truth in her stories. "It doesn't sound like a lie," he mumbled.

As Atheria spoke, the villagers' expressions shifted from skepticism to rapt attention. They exchanged glances, slowly beginning to believe in the tales of the Lone Dragon's bravery.

"He forged through the Blighted Marshes, where the poisoned air threatened even the strongest of us. Remember the lost expedition? His courage brought them back from the edge of despair," Atheria's voice rang clear, and the villager