The air was still heavy with tension even after the dragon had retreated. Adam stood at the castle's entrance, his mind racing with thoughts of the immense power the dragon had displayed and the likelihood of its return.

He clenched his fists, frustration and fear battling within him. The safety of everyone in the castle, perhaps the entire empire, rested on his shoulders, and the weight was nearly unbearable.

He was lost in these dark thoughts when the sound of hurried footsteps broke through his haze. Adam turned to see Raziel and Rossette rushing towards him, their expressions determined yet reassuring.

"We're here to help," Raziel declared firmly, his eyes locking with Adam's. "You don't have to do this alone."

Rossette nodded in agreement. "We've faced many dangers together, Adam. This won't be any different. We're with you every step of the way."

Adam felt a wave of relief wash over him. Their presence, their support, was a beacon of hope in his moment of despair. His heart swelled with gratitude, and he managed a small, genuine smile. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft but sincere. "I can't express how much this means to me."

Meanwhile, outside the castle, Mary and Layla were in hot pursuit of the dragon. Determined to track it down before it could regroup or attack again, they navigated the skies with fierce determination.

Layla clutched her staff tightly, her mind racing for solutions, while Mary, ever vigilant, scanned the horizon for any sign of the beast.

Flying beside them, Luna was visibly strained. Despite her own considerable strength, the other dragon's power was overwhelming, a force she could not easily contend with. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty, a rare vulnerability for the usually confident creature.

"I'm trying to find where it went," Luna admitted, frustration seeping into her voice. "But it's stronger, much stronger than I am. I can't keep up with its magic."

Layla's heart sank at Luna's words, knowing that without locating the dragon, they were at a significant disadvantage. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in Layla's mind—her system, the ever-present guide that had been both a blessing and a curse in her journey.

[There is a way to boost Luna's power. But it will come at a cost. A part of your body, such as an eye, must be sacrificed.]

Layla felt a jolt of shock but quickly masked it with resolve. The suggestion was chilling, the thought of giving up a part of herself daunting. But the stakes were high, and the safety of countless lives hung in the balance. She took a deep breath, considering the system's offer.

"Is it a permanent loss?" Layla asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

[The physical loss will be permanent. But the power gained will be substantial, enhancing Luna's abilities significantly.]

Layla closed her eyes, weighing the options. The thought of losing an eye was terrifying, but if it meant empowering Luna enough to confront and subdue the dragon, it was a sacrifice she was willing to make.

"I'll do it," she finally said, her voice firm with conviction. "Take my eye."

Luna, hearing Layla's words, turned sharply, her expression one of shock and concern. "Layla, you don't have to do this," she urged. "We'll find another way."

Layla shook her head, her gaze unwavering. "There's no time, Luna. This is the only way to ensure we have the strength to face that dragon. I won't risk everyone's lives by hesitating."

Mary, who had been silent up to this point, looked at Layla with a mixture of admiration and concern. She knew how stubborn Layla could be and understood that there was no changing her mind once it was made up. Still, the thought of Layla making such a sacrifice was hard to accept.

"Just be careful," Mary said softly, placing a hand on Layla's shoulder. "We'll get through this together."

Layla nodded, taking comfort in Mary's support. "We will," she agreed. Then, she turned her attention inward, focusing on the system.

"I'm ready," she said.

The process was instantaneous but excruciating. A sharp pain seared through Layla's head as her right eye closed for the last time, leaving a hollow void where it once was. The magic from the system coursed through her, transferring the lost power directly to Luna.

Luna gasped as the surge of energy filled her, her body glowing with newfound strength. The dragon's eyes sparkled with power, and she let out a powerful roar that echoed across the sky, a signal that she was ready to face the threat once more.

Layla, despite the pain, felt a sense of vindication. She had made a difficult choice, but one that would turn the tide in their favor. "Let's find that dragon," she said, her voice strong despite her sacrifice.

With Luna now more powerful, the trio set off, determined to end the threat once and for all. Layla's vision was halved, but her resolve had never been clearer. The battle was far from over, but with the combined strength of her allies and the enhanced Luna, she knew they stood a fighting chance.

______

Luna launched herself at the massive dragon, her newly enhanced powers crackling around her like a storm. The elder dragon roared, meeting her attack with a force that shook the skies. Claws clashed and teeth snapped, each creature trying to gain the upper hand. Despite Luna's incredible strength, it quickly became apparent that the elder dragon was not going to be subdued easily.

Layla watched the battle with a mix of awe and worry. Luna was holding her own, but the elder dragon's sheer size and experience were undeniable advantages. Layla knew they needed more power if they hoped to defeat it.

The system's voice echoed in her mind again, offering another deal. "You can boost Luna's power further, but it will require another sacrifice. Your leg this time."

Layla's heart pounded, but she didn't hesitate. "Do it," she commanded. She steeled herself as the excruciating pain returned, this time taking her leg. She collapsed onto Mary, who caught her with wide eyes, understanding the gravity of what had just happened.

Luna let out another roar as the new surge of power flowed into her. Her body began to grow mid-fight, muscles expanding, her form becoming more majestic and fearsome. The boost gave her the strength to push back against the elder dragon, making it stagger for the first time.

But even with this power, Layla could see it wasn't enough. The elder dragon was relentless, and it became clear that Luna alone couldn't contain such a furious force. They needed another dragon, another ally to turn the tide.

Just as despair started to creep in, a powerful gust of wind heralded the arrival of help. Out of the sky swooped Falkor, a dragon known for his impressive size and strength, accompanied by a figure radiating immense magical energy—'First Class' Great Wizard Rodric Burnance.

They landed beside Layla and Mary, Falkor's eyes blazing with determination. Rodric dismounted with an air of calm authority, his gaze scanning the battlefield before resting on Layla. "We came as soon as we heard," Rodric said, his deep voice steady. "We're here to help."

Layla's relief was palpable, her one good eye shining with hope. "Thank you," she managed, her voice strained but grateful. "We need all the help we can get."

Falkor roared, a sound that reverberated through the very bones of those present. He took to the sky, joining Luna in the fight against the elder dragon. The two dragons circled their opponent, working in tandem to keep it off balance.

Rodric stood beside Layla and Mary, his hands glowing as he prepared his spells. "Even though we're half-breeds," he said, referring to Falkor and himself, "we have enough power to assist the younger dragon. Together, we can hold back the elder."

Mary nodded, her grip tightening on her weapon. "We'll do whatever it takes."

Rodric turned to Layla, his expression solemn yet encouraging. "You've done well, Layla. But you need to rest now. Let us handle this."

Layla, despite her pain, shook her head. "I can't just sit back. I need to see this through."

"You already have," Rodric said gently. "Your sacrifices have given us the edge we need. Now, trust us to finish what you started."

Layla, though reluctant, finally nodded. She leaned on Mary for support, watching as Rodric took his place at the front, his magical energy intensifying.

Above them, Falkor and Luna worked seamlessly together, their combined might starting to wear down the elder dragon. The tide was turning, and with Rodric's magic ready to tip the balance, hope glimmered once more.

The final battle against the elder dragon was far from over, but with their reinforced team, victory felt within reach.

Layla's despair and sacrifice was not about to go in vain and that single thought pushed all the pain away from her mind, making her focus on what needed to be done.