Fight!

Bruce regarded the goblin, whose gestures and babbling were more frenetic than informative. The creature's limited intellect made it difficult for Bruce to ascertain the precise size of the black dragon. Deciding to seek clarity, Bruce extended his claw, gently lifting the goblin and employing conscious communication to ask, "How does the size of the black dragon compare to mine?"

"It's a bit thicker than you, Master, but only just," the goblin stammered, leaning back in fear as if expecting to be devoured at any moment.

Relieved by this description, Bruce surmised the intruder was likely a young black dragon, not yet fully matured or magically adept, relying solely on physical strength for battle.

"Lead the way to this black dragon," Bruce commanded, setting the goblin back on the ground.

The goblin, still hesitant, expressed his concerns, "Master, that black dragon is incredibly cruel and larger than you. I fear for our safety... Perhaps we should consider relocating?"

Bruce's sharp breath made the goblin flinch. "Just lead the way. Any more hesitation and I'll consider you a snack," Bruce stated firmly.

Torenço, swelling with bravado, interjected, "Ho ho, Bruce, let us accompany you. The descendants of the great green dragon never shy away from a challenge."

Carona, skeptical of Torenço's boastfulness, retorted, "You're not overestimating yourself, are you? I heard the black dragon is larger than Bruce."

Undeterred, Torenço maintained, "Even if we cannot defeat it, we will not cower."

Bruce, however, was pragmatic. "Follow me, but don't interfere and become a liability," he warned, lightly thumping Torenço on the head.

Bruce understood that Torenço's brazen strength was more instinctive than reasoned. Despite any attempts at education, some traits were simply ingrained.

As Bruce prepared for the territorial defense battle, he was resolved but cautious. The black dragon was a formidable opponent, yet not unbeatable with strategic cooperation.

Turning to Carona, Bruce instructed, "Take Torenço with you. Follow us but maintain a distance. When I engage the black dragon, stay hidden but make enough noise to cause a distraction."

Carona, understanding her brother's plan, guided Torenço to a safe position, her eyes shining with the cunning of their ruse.

Torenço, full of battle-ready zeal, struggled with the idea of hiding. To him, a warrior of the great green dragon lineage, retreating to the shadows felt like an affront to his heritage.

Yet, as Carona held him back, he still yearned to step forward, only to be restrained once more.

"Why are you hitting me again?" Torenço protested, his eagerness to fight undiminished by Carona's reprimand.

Torenço, accustomed to Bruce's disciplinary actions, looked at him with a mix of resignation and confusion. Gone were the days of defiant resistance; repeated encounters had taught him the futility of challenging Bruce's authority.

"Torenço, you must listen to Carona this time," Bruce instructed firmly, leaving no room for argument.

"Alright," Torenço replied, albeit reluctantly. He watched his brother head towards the battlefield, feeling a mix of envy and frustration at being sidelined from direct combat.

Once the plan was in place, Bruce, guided by Goblin Mike, quickly approached the goblin's cave. Parting the jungle foliage, he spotted the black dragon, Dix, lounging outside the cave, its eyes shut in rest.

The black dragon was indeed young but noticeably larger than Bruce, who was about three meters long compared to Dix's four.

As Bruce neared, Dix sensed the approaching danger and stood up, roaring defiantly, "Ho, what meager life dares approach? I am Dix, descendant of the great black dragons. Show yourself and meet your end!"

Goblin Mike trembled at the sound, but Bruce reassured him, "Stay back and watch how I handle this black dragon."

Emerging from the underbrush, Bruce assessed his opponent. Despite Dix's size advantage, Bruce was undaunted. He knew the young dragon hadn't developed its magical abilities yet, meaning the fight would be purely physical. With his own strength and the hidden support of Carona and Torenço, Bruce felt confident.

Dix, initially startled by Bruce's imposing aura, scoffed upon seeing his smaller stature. "Ha, just a young green dragon. This land is mine now. Flee if you wish to live," he taunted.

"Enough talk. Let's settle this," Bruce retorted, launching himself towards Dix.

Dix, taken aback by Bruce's boldness and indifference, felt his anger ignite. No one had ever shown such disregard for him before.

The two dragons collided with a thunderous impact, Dix staggering back under Bruce's assault. The realization dawned on Dix that this green dragon was a formidable adversary.

They grappled fiercely, claws extended in a brutal dance of power and agility.

"You're a fool to engage in a straight fight," Bruce thought, preparing his primary dragon breath.

With a forceful exhale, Bruce sprayed a stream of green liquid, aiming for Dix's eyes. Though Dix, as a black dragon, had strong resistance to venom, the spray blinded him temporarily, obscuring his vision and giving Bruce a critical advantage in the skirmish.