Transmigrate inside a Web Novel as a Side Character.

The source of flame that lightens the cave, casting flickering shadows onto the rugged stone walls. The air grew cooler and damper as they stepped further inside, the ray from the sunlight behind them gradually leaving their side. Further ahead, the cavern stretched in a single way without any branches.

Their footsteps echoed on the uneven rocky floor, causing a rhythmic beat that mixed with the riot sound from the stream outside.

As the three of them venture deeper. The light that came from Hina flames captured the pretty wide open space that could accommodate dozens of people to stay. However, the thing that captured their attention the most was.

"This was".

Soma, followed by Hina and Xiao Lian, approached the innermost wall and revealed the discovery of a strange symbol that filled the entire walls to the brims. Not only the walls even the ceilings, it was filled with an ancient text that gives a mysterious vibes. However, there is a unique existence despite being circled by hundreds of symbols.

"Soma, that was".

"... Yeah".

Hina, who beckoned Soma to follow her, saw a picture of the legendary figure that was believed to exist in ancient times.

"...Dragon".

Xiao Lian, who happened to see the painting, uttered those words, and a faint trace of a soft emotion leaked from her. Soma and Hina turned their gaze. Watching a rare moment when Xiao Lian showed a definite emotion, she longingly stared at the figure painted on the ceiling.

The figure of the dragon was described menacingly: a long body swarming around the clouds, thousands of scales, and deer antlers that protrude from its head. With no fear, he imposingly roared to the heavens, announcing that he was the ruler of the lands. Xiao Lian stretched her right hand, trying to grasp the painting, but alas, the distance was something she couldn't reach.

She could only stare longingly as she bit her lips.

"I see".

Soma, who saw the scene, turned his gaze upward toward the dragon. Dragon itself was something related to the Xiao Lian family in the Chronicles Saga. Even the Blue Spear in her possession was created using the part of dragon bone, bathed by its blood and purified by the lightning for days until it reshaped into a weapon.

So, it is no wonder Xiao Lian could show some expressions like that. Xiao's Family is in aeons trying to search for a trace of a dragon that was once said to be the benefactor of their ancestors. However, in the Chronicles Saga, the existence of dragons is said to be already extinct in the previous great war in ancient times.

That is why Xiao Liann, in the story, could only swallow her dreams in trying to find a dragon in her life.

"Xiao Lian, Hm?".

"Oi, silver hair".

"Oh?".

The room in the dim cave starts to turn bright. The source of the light was coming from Xiao Lian's storage in the form of a bracelet that coiled around her right wrist. The bracelet let out a faint chime of a bell, making the three of them stand still in shock.

Then, as if responding to the call. The stilled cave began to show a sign of moving. Soma's vision slightly swayed as the floor below his feet also trembled, making the people inside face pale.

"Everyone, let's get out of this place".

Using his hands, Soma each grabbed Hina and Xiao Lian's wrists. Then, when he tries to dash outside, the bracelet starts to shine brightly, and an azure magic circle starts to appear below their feet.

"What the hell? Another teleportation?".

The magic circle started to emit a blinding light before it swallowed the three figures in place. After the cave was empty, the surrounding walls began to crack, and it spread to the whole place, burying the untold story that was hidden from the world's eyes until now.

***

As the light subsided, Soma slowly opened his eyes only to find himself standing inside a vast space filled with the smell of earth. The atmosphere was tranquil and mysterious, giving a sense of ancient feeling to those who witnessed the room.

The ceiling that soared above was estimated to be ten meters tall. Plastered on the ceiling was a vast translucent crystal that gave an intense light illuminated the massive room. Many pillars were carved from rough boulders, standing imposingly, supporting the ceiling that was too high for human beings to reach.

Below him stretched a red carpet that looks ancient but still retains its glorious shapes stretched toward the innermost part of the room where there are two massive twin doors and elevated stairs on each side.

"Soma, this place?".

"...".

Hina and Xiao Lian seem to have an understanding of their surroundings already.

"We don't know yet. Hence, I ask you two to keep vigilance and prepare yourself before we continue".

Soma awaits the two girls while scanning his surroundings. Xiao Lian, who was in the process of wearing her black knee-length socks, halted her hands. Her gaze was focused on her bracelet, which still let out a faint blue light in this room, making her thoughts wander.

"I am sorry…".

"Stop!".

Before Xiao Lian could finish her words, Soma, who noticed her dark expression, cut her words off, making her body stiffen.

"You shouldn't blame yourself for what's happened. This is clearly not your fault".

"But the painting reacted to my…".

"Rather than blaming yourself, let's think of a way for us to escape this predicament together, okay?".

"...Hm, okay. Thanks, Soma".

"You're welcome".

Xiao Lian resumed her activity and put on her shoes before straightening her posture.

"I am ready".

Hina, who watched Xiao Lian's slightly darkened mood, shrunken her gaze as she turned to Soma.

"Let's go".

***

On the other outskirts of the unknown forest, a lone blonde boy felt lost in the same scene he witnessed for half a day. The event that happened in the academy considerably shook him to the core because of the appearance of the higher being that rarely descended upon the planet.

Leon, who is resting his tired body below the canopy of a towering tree while sipping a mineral water he brought inside his storage rings, sighs. Half a day he spent searching for other people and trying to solve this trial that suddenly being given to them started to take a toll on his mind.

However, he couldn't give up just yet as the sun had already shifted its place to the west. Leon thought at least he needed a good place to stay the night. He was having a new goal in mind and tidying up the place. Leon put strength in his knee and began to pursue his small goal before the forest darkened.

"Which way should I…?!".

However, the moment he finished with his words, a slight rustle from his right side tensed his expression, and with a trained mind, he summoned the sword he brought inside his storage and prepared his battle stance.

"Wait, wait, wait. I am not your enemy".

A flustered voice began to leak from the other side before the source revealed itself. Three people wearing the same Academy uniform appeared behind a tree. A plain man, a flashy girl, and a petite girl in one group with messy uniforms adorned with tiny branches and leaves.

"You are?".

"...Ah, sorry. My name is Eiji, this is Eri, and this is…".

"Um, …Lydia. Pleased to meet you".

"Yeah, likewise. My name is Leon Pendragon".

The first meeting leading toward Leon's downfall occurred on the other side of the forest.