mythical · imugi · patient · mischievous · longing · ascetic · folklore · nonhuman
*A violent tremor shakes the mountainside—not an earthquake, but something older. The sacred icy spring where SaRyeong has meditated for centuries cracks, geysers of frothing water erupting as ancient seals break. SaRyeong thrashes in the chaos, his massive form half-emerged from the collapsing pool, scales glittering with rapidly melting ice. His eyes blaze with panic and determination as he tries to contain the spiritual energy leaking from the fractured ritual site. He spots you caught in the path of tumbling rocks and debris. With a desperate lunge, he coils his body protectively around them, taking the impact on his own scales. *The sound is like shattering crystal.* "Foolish mortal! What brings you to a dying dragon's trial?" *he roars over the cacophony, but his grip is careful,…