The Little Dragon

The real Cyrillus stirred from his dreams as the carriage continued to move at a moderate pace. He felt that the sleep he'd just had was the best in years, both during his time on Earth and in this new place. As he awoke, a surge of energy coursed through him.

'I feel like I could run for miles without stopping,' he mused, brimming with newfound vitality.

"Oh! You're finally awake, Mr. Cyrillus. You had quite a long nap this time. I thought about waking you up a few times, but seeing you smile even in your sleep, I decided to let you be," Sagaris said with a smile.

Cyrillus nodded at Sagaris, his memory apparently unclouded by the past events.

"Just couple more days until we reach our destination, Mr. Cyrillus. I'm sure you have many questions about the magic academy. Feel free to ask whatever's on your mind, and I'll do my best to provide answers," Sagaris offered.

With gratitude in his expression, Cyrillus began to inquire about his doubts, and Sagaris provided information to the best of his knowledge.

In summary, the academy was an autonomous governing entity not under the rule of the kingdom. Even the Mage Association was part of the academy's administration.

To secure a position as a student, one had to pass a minimum of three tests. The composition of the judging panel remained undisclosed until the day of the examination. After securing a place as a student, individuals would undergo various tests every three months, ultimately striving to become at least a greater mage.

Gold and silver coins from the outside world held no value within the institute's confines. Instead, a unique credit system reigned. Students who excelled or displayed remarkable talents were rewarded with a specific number of credits, which they could then use to acquire necessary materials.

The institute had always provided free lodging and meals, but resources for personal development had to be earned. Jobs for students were posted in the community hall, allowing them to select positions that aligned with their skills and interests. For example, one could undertake the task of acquiring a particular herb required by the alchemy department.

Obtaining the herb itself wasn't overly challenging, but accurately identifying the right one proved to be the more demanding part. There might be a plant closely resembling the description provided by experts, but one could be highly toxic, while the other might possess life-reviving properties.

Once the correct herbs were secured, the alchemy department paid the individual a predetermined amount of credits, and sometimes more if the herb was in impeccable condition. In rare cases, a lower payment would be made if the herb had suffered significant damage.

-----

The other Cyrillus, born from the smoke of the dark orb, arrived at a place that defied the imagination of a typical human in this world. He stood before a colossal cave, an immense structure that dwarfed him, making him appear no larger than an ant in comparison.

Barely audible growls emanated from the cave's depths, but Cyrillus proceeded calmly, venturing further inside toward the source of the sound.

"These pests are everywhere these days. If time allowed, I'd have a word with that cursed psychopath," Cyrillus thought as he advanced deeper into the cave.

After a few steps, he vanished from sight, reappearing right before the origin of the growling.

Chained to the ground was a fearsome creature with bat-like wings, a serpentine, scaly body, and a tail lined with barbs—a dragon. Known for its violent and ferocious nature, this dragon was bound by massive chains. Both of its wings had been torn into two, and its limbs were impaled with hooks as large as elephants. The chains themselves were of such size that the mind of an ordinary person would struggle to comprehend what sort of creature required such restraints, were it not for the dragon's relentless efforts to break free despite its grievous injuries.

"You won't escape those chains, even if it costs you your life, small lizard," Cyrillus remarked, observing the dragon's struggle with an expressionless face.

The dragon ceased its futile attempts when it heard Cyrillus's voice. "It's been far too long since I heard that voice. Is it really you, or am I succumbing to delusions as I approach my end?"

The poignant exchange between the dragon and Cyrillus is a significant moment in the narrative. Here's your text with some minor refinements:

The dragon turned toward the source of the voice, whispering, "If it's you, I'm afraid I won't be able to see you for the last time with my own eyes, Father." The dragon then lowered its head slowly in the direction it believed Cyrillus to be.

"I've told you many times before, and I'll say it again, little dragon. I am not your father. I am a human, and you are a dragon. Stop calling me 'father.' People always get the wrong idea because of you," Cyrillus's voice responded once more from behind the dragon.

Despite the pain coursing through his body, the dragon chuckled. After an immeasurable span of time, he was finally smiling. His body, once weighed down by agony, now felt as light as it did when he was a child. He gently lowered himself to the ground, and on his face, there was no anger or pain, only pure happiness.

"You're finally back. I knew you would return! But why did it take you so long? Do you have any idea how long I waited for you? 961 years, 9 months, and 21 days! I was lonely after you left me here. I believe our reunion may be brief, but I have no regrets. At least now I know you've kept your promises. I can pass on in peace... but please be aware, Father, those dark beings that arrived here are not like the ones you battled in the past. They're much stronger now. Their leader sought me out, searching for the last shard you concealed here."

"I know. Don't exert yourself, little dragon. Just stay put for the moment. Everything will be over in the blink of an eye."

Cyrillus replied interrupting the dragon as he was about to continue talking.

'You are right this meeting will be a really short one'