Jormund and Glory managed to reach the throne room without encountering any further incidents with the enemy Stand. They silently opened one of the door wings and entered the still-empty throne room, making their way back to the outrolled scrolls where they intend to waiting for Cinder's return.

As they settled down, Jormund couldn't help but glance around, ensuring that they were truly alone. The air of the throne room felt less oppressive now, but the tension lingered.

Glory, her scales shifting colors with blue, turned to Jormund and asked, "Any idea who might have attacked us? And when Cinder returns, I think it's time to explain how stand abilities work. We need to be prepared for whatever we might face."

Jormund, his expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern, pulled out the wristwatch. As he turned it in his hands, he mused, "I think Professor Alexander might have lost it when he was pulled into that portal. A dragon patrol might have found it."

Glory's scales shifted with intrigue as she asked, "What is it?"

Jormund took a moment to explain the concept of a wristwatch to Glory. "It's a device used to measure time. In my world, the idea of time is crucial – it governs our schedules, plans, and practically every aspect of our lives. Time is considered more valuable than any treasure."

Glory, her scales reflecting a mix of blue in fascination and pondering, responded, "An interesting concept. Dragons don't measure time in the same way. Our natural instincts and the sun's position guide our daily activities."

Jormund nodded in understanding, chuckled and added, "Back in my world, there's a saying about time: 'Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.' It's a quirky way to remind ourselves of the swift passage of time."

Glory, her scales reflecting shades of yellow in amusement, responded with a light chuckle. "Your world seems to have a lot of interesting sayings. I guess we dragons have our own unique perspectives on the concept of time."

Glory thought for a moment, her scales shimmering in shades of contemplation. "Well, among dragons, we don't have as many sayings about time, but we do have some wisdom. We often say, 'Time heals all wounds,' acknowledging the idea that given time, most problems or hurts will eventually fade away. Of course, that's a bit simplified, considering the complexities of life in Pyrrhia."

Jormund nodded appreciatively. "It's fascinating to learn about the different perspectives on time. I suppose each culture has its unique way of understanding and expressing the passage of time."

Cinder slipped back into the throne room, a furrow in his brow indicating that his investigation hadn't yielded much clarity. Jormund, seizing the opportunity for a jest, remarked, "It's about time."

Cinder, not catching the pun, gave Jormund a perplexed look. "What do you mean?"

Glory, finding humor in the situation, burst into laughter. Jormund winked at her, leaving Cinder even more befuddled. Cinder noticed Jormund's wristwatch and raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

Before Jormund could explain, Cinder cut in, realizing he had more pressing matters to address. "Never mind. We've got important things to discuss. The noise outside, it was the dragonets of destiny causing trouble. Queen Scarlet's hatchday feast is disrupted, and she's furious."

Jormund and Glory exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation

Cinder, still in the middle of explaining the urgency, added, "Queen Scarlet moved Clay, Starflight, and Tsunami to Peril's tower. They are imprisoned behind a wall of fire she created. We have to act quickly before they are moved again or the situation escalates."

Jormund, still a bit uneasy, interjected, "There's another issue. In the treasure chamber, we were attacked, likely by a stand. The user and the stand itself stayed hidden during the attack. We barely escaped."

Cinder furrowed his brow, concern evident in his eyes. "Another stand user? That complicates things."

Glory chimed in, "Jormund, you should explain how stand abilities work. It might help us understand and counter whatever we're dealing with." She glanced at Cinder, urging him to consider this new dimension to their challenges.

Jormund carefully stowed away the wristwatch back into his pocket. Clearing his throat, he began his explanation, "Alright, listen closely. There are two ways to become a stand user. You can either be born with it or receive it. Stands can take on any form imaginable – a dragon, a human, an object, anything. They usually present themselves as an ethereal figure hovering over or near the user, and they possess abilities beyond that of an ordinary being."

Cinder and Glory exchanged intrigued glances, absorbing the information.

Jormund continued, "A stand user can be a human, animal, a plant, basically anything that's alive. Each stand has a different range of effect. The math behind it is that the lower the range, the stronger its power, and vice versa. Stands are normally visible only to other stand users, but I've noticed that dragons seem to see them naturally."

Cinder raised an eyebrow, "Dragons can see them naturally? So that's why I could see yours, that's interesting."

Jormund nodded, "Yes, and here's another piece of information. If you hurt or damage a stand, the wounds and damage reflect on the user."

Glory added, "So, it's a symbiotic relationship, in a way."

Jormund affirmed, "Exactly. That's why it's crucial to understand the nature of the stand and its user." He, leans slightly forward, asking another question, "Has there ever been a record or mention of someone having a stand before my arrival here?"

Cinder and Glory exchanged thoughtful glances before Cinder replied, "Not that I recall. The concept of stands seems foreign to Pyrrhia, or at least it hasn't been documented in any of the histories we know."

Glory added, "And it's not like dragons typically discuss these matters openly. Anything related to supernatural abilities would've been quite a secret, if it existed at all."

Jormund nodded, absorbing the information. "Got it. This adds another layer of complexity to our situation."

Cinder, raising an eyebrow, asked, "How does that add complexity to our situation?"

Jormund leaned back, contemplating the revelation. "It means that anyone who wasn't a stand user before could potentially be one now. Like the other human I fought on my first day in the arena. If stands are appearing in Pyrrhia now, there might be more stand users we're not aware of. They could be allies, enemies, or just bystanders caught up in this mess."

Cinder and Glory exchanged glances, realizing the implications of this newfound information. The dynamics of their situation had just become even more uncertain.

As Jormund looked at Cinder, he asked, "Did you see the crystalline artifact on Queen Scarlet?"

He nodded with a hint of regret. "I'm sorry, Jormund. I could spot it on her but the chaos in there made it impossible to get close to her."

Jormund reassured him, "It's okay. You made it back to us in one piece, and that's what matters."

Cinder then inquired, "What exactly happened in the treasure chamber? Can you both walk me through it?"

Jormund and Glory took turns explaining the events, from their arrival in an unguarded room to the sudden attack by an unseen Stand. Cinder listened intently, absorbing the details of their harrowing encounter. As they finished recounting the events, Cinder's expression grew more serious, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Cinder hesitated for a moment, carefully considering the unforeseen challenges they had encountered. "Given the unexpected turns, I think it's too risky to proceed with our original escape plans," he suggested.

Glory's scales shifted with concern, taking on a subtle shade of green for worry. "Does that mean Jormund has to face Peril in the arena tomorrow?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Cinder's eyes widened at the news. "Peril? The royal champion herself?" he exclaimed, realizing the gravity of the upcoming battle.

Jormund's expression tightened with a mix of chills and worry. The reminder of the impending duel weighed heavily on him, not just for himself but for everyone involved. However, he acknowledged Cinder's point – with an unknown Stand user in play, attempting any further escape plans would be too risky. They needed more information before making their move.

He then thought about Peril's motives for a while. "Peril has a reason not to lose," he mused, his voice carrying a thoughtful tone. As he spoke, he absentmindedly pulled out the wristwatch, examining it with a distant look in his eyes. "But so do I."

Cinder, intrigued by the unfamiliar item, couldn't help but ask, "What's that you're holding? Some kind of artifact?"

Jormund looked up, recognizing Cinder's curiosity. "It's called a wristwatch," he explained. "Back in my world, it's a device to measure time. A concept that weighs heavier than any treasure can ever be."

Cinder, thought for a moment before he ask, "So, it's like a little piece of time you can carry with you?"

Jormund nodded. "Exactly. It's a reminder of how precious and fleeting time is." He sighed, looking at the non-functional wristwatch. "Unfortunately, it's not working anymore. Must have broken down during the transition to this world," he remarked with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Glory, being naturally inquisitive, chimed in, "You say it's broken? But it's still there, right?"

Jormund nodded, "Yes, it's still physically here, but the winding mechanism is jammed or damaged. Without winding it, the gears won't rotate, and it won't function. Unfortunately, it seems to have sustained some damage during the transition between worlds." He sighed, realizing the sentimental value it held for him might now be lost.

Cinder and Glory listened intently to Jormund's explanation about the inner workings of the wristwatch. Cinder, with his scientific curiosity, seemed intrigued by the intricacies of the tiny gears and buttons. Glory, on the other hand, showed a genuine interest, her scales shifting to blue.

Cinder tilted his head, clearly intrigued by Jormund's explanation. "So, it's like a tiny mechanism you wear on your wrist? Interesting," he said, studying the broken wristwatch before he asked, "But why is it so important to you, Jormund? Is it that valuable in this state?"

Jormund, with a somber tone, replied, "It's not valuable in terms of currency, but it holds great sentimental value to me. This wristwatch belonged to my friend and mentor, Professor Alexander." Jormund gently touched the engravings on the back, a mix of sadness and nostalgia in his eyes.

Cinder, examining the engravings, admitted, "I can't read these symbols. They're unknown to me."

Jormund sighed, "Yeah, they're from my world. It's a way of writing we use." He closed the wristwatch and placed it back into his pocket, his expression still heavy with emotion.

Glory turned to Cinder, her scales shimmering with concern in green. "Jormund's friend is missing, somewhere here on Pyrrhia."

Cinder furrowed his brows, "Missing? How does one go missing in a whole world?"

Jormund chimed in, "He disappeared through a portal. First I thought he was dead but then I've found his wristwatch, I'm absolutly sure he is alive. I'm trying to find him ever since. That's why this wristwatch means so much to me. It's a reminder of him and the hope that he might still be out there."

Jormund turned to Cinder, "Pack up those scrolls and get them back to the library. We don't want anyone getting suspicious. Once we figure out who the stand user is and what his stand is capable of, we plan our next moves."

Cinder, nodding in agreement, started to gather the scrolls, while Jormund turned to Glory, "You should probably climb back onto the white marble tree and put the neck restraint back on over your head. We need to avoid suspicion."

Glory sighed, not pleased with the idea, but she complied, disappearing from view and reappearing perched on the white marble tree. She pulled the neck restraint back on, securing it in place.

Jormund stored the broken wristwatch back in his pocket and kept a watchful eye on the surroundings to make sure their activities went unnoticed or for any stand other activities.

After Cinder stored the scrolls back into the pouch, he secrued it around his neck and turned to Jormund, his expression serious. "I'll take these scrolls back to the library now," he said, his tone determined.

As Cinder prepared to leave with the scrolls, Jormund caught his attention. "Hey, Cinder," he began, "I noticed you've become less shy around us. Guess you're getting comfortable, huh?" he said with a smirk.

Cinder looked a bit bashful, scratching the back of his head. "Oh, well, um, yeah. You guys are alright, so I guess it's easier." He smiled nervously before heading out of the throne room with the scrolls.

Glory observed the interaction between Jormund and Cinder from her perch on the white marble tree. She chuckled, her scales shifting to a warm and amused yellow color. "Looks like you're quite the charmer, Jormund. Even Cinder can't resist your charm."

Jormund grinned at Glory's comment and replied with a playful tone, "Well, I did take a crash course in dragon diplomacy. It seems to be paying off."

Glory chuckled at Jormund's joke, her scales shifting to a shades of amused yellow. "Dragon diplomacy or not, you're certainly making an impression," she remarked.

Jormund nodded, a small smile still playing on his lips. "Agreed. Let's turn in for the night, we'll need all the rest we can get for tomorrow," he said, glancing at the marble tree. "You comfortable up there, or do you want a more dragon-like sleeping arrangement?"

Glory shifted, struggling to find a comfortable position on the tree. "I'll survive," she replied with a wry smile. "But maybe I should practice my dragon sleeping skills for the future."

With that, they settled in for the night, the throne room quiet except for the occasional creaking of the marble tree and the distant sounds of the SkyWing palace. Sleep came slowly, with the anticipation of the upcoming challenges weighing on their minds.

As Jormund stirred awake, the throne room greeted him with its marble grandeur. The first light of morning bathed the room in a soft glow, casting long shadows on the polished floor. The air was still, and the distant sounds of the waking palace echoed through the corridors.

With a stretch and a yawn, Jormund rose from his makeshift resting place. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and nervousness for the day ahead. The events of the previous day played in his mind like a reel, and the reality of facing Peril in the arena loomed over him.

Glory, still perched on the marble tree, also seemed to be stirring awake. Her scales glittered in the morning light as she adjusted her position. Jormund decided to let her wake fully before initiating any conversation. As he waited, he scanned the room for any activity.

The double-winged doors swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Queen Scarlet. Close behind her was another dragon, and as she stepped into the throne room, it became clear that this dragon was none other than Queen Burn, the formidable SandWing queen known for her strength and ruthlessness.

Queen Scarlet, ever the dramatic host, gestured dramatically to the assembled dragons, "Look who I brought! The mighty Burn herself! Isn't this a delightful surprise, pet?"

Jormund's eyes met Burn's, and a shiver ran down his spine. Her appearance was indeed striking—large, muscular, with scales in a warm, sandy color, resembling the hues of the desert. Burn's black eyes, however, held a calculating glint. A small, wicked grin played on her lips as Queen Scarlet introduced her.

"Burn, meet my latest addition to the collection," Scarlet continued, oblivious to the tension in the air. "Quite the interesting creature, don't you think?"

Burn's grin widened, and she responded in a voice as sharp as her scales, "Interesting indeed. A pet, you say? How charming."

Jormund, irritated by the term "pet" once again, couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Burn's aura felt different, menacingly so. It struck him suddenly—Burn was the unknown stand user. As the realization hit him like lightning, Jormund's inner dialogue raced. So, she's the one behind the stand attack. What does she want? What's her stand capable of? He needed to tread carefully; the stakes had just been raised significantly.

Queen Scarlet, reveling in the anticipation of her hatch day event, ordered the guards to move the white marble tree, along with Glory perched upon it, outside to the balcony of the arena.

With an air of excitement, Scarlet turned her attention to Jormund. "Are you as thrilled as I am for the festivities, my dear pet?" she asked, a glint of anticipation in her eyes.

Jormund, not one to miss an opportunity for sarcasm, responded, "Oh, absolutely ecstatic. I live for the joyous occasions when I'm paraded around like a prize possession."

Burn, who had been observing quietly, couldn't help but comment, "So this scavenger can really talk?" Her tone carried a mix of amusement and curiosity, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded Jormund.

Jormund, maintaining his sarcasm and a hint of irritation, clarified to Burn, "Well, aren't you perceptive? Yes, I'm a human, not a scavenger and mostly not some exotic pet."

Burn, still with that wicked grin, responded, "A human, you say? Never heard of that therm before. You must be special." Her tone suggested a mocking edge as she continued to regard him with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Jormund mentally slapped himself as he realized that Burn had a penchant for collecting oddities. He wondered, "Did I just make myself more of a target? " The concern crept into his thoughts as he pondered the implications of drawing the attention of someone known for collecting peculiar things.

Queen Scarlet, observing the interaction between Jormund and Burn with a sly smile, suggests to Burn, "Oh, Burn, you should wait until you see my pet in action. He has quite the unique skills. It's bound to be entertaining."

Her eyes gleam with a mix of amusement and anticipation as she imagines the upcoming events in the arena.

Jormund clenches his fist, a surge of frustration coursing through him. In his inner dialogue, he reflects, "If that crystalline artifact weren't in her possession, I wouldn't be in this predicament. It's the key to everything, and it's right there with her." He glances toward Queen Scarlet and Burn, a steely determination in his eyes as he contemplates the challenges ahead.

Queen Scarlet issues a command, her tone leaving no room for refusal. "You, pet, come with us. You're going to witness something spectacular." With that, she heads towards the royal balcony of the arena, closely followed by Burn, who watches Jormund with an intrigued and predatory gaze. Jormund, feeling the weight of the situation, follows them reluctantly.

The royal balcony of the arena offered a grand view of the expansive battleground below. Pillars stood tall, each holding a prisoner, their wings and scales chained, forming a peculiar pattern that intricately intertwined with chains between them. The arena floor sprawled out, a vast expanse with sand covering its surface. Dragons of all tribes filled the stands, their excited murmurs creating a low hum of anticipation.

However, Jormund's attention was immediately drawn to two familiar dragonets, Starflight and Clay, chained on the sides of the arena walls. The sight struck a chord in Jormund, a mix of worry and determination. His inner dialogue acknowledged the severity of the situation, realizing that this hatch day event wasn't just for entertainment but held potential danger for those he cared about.

Jormund spotted Cinder, who was now one of the guards on the royal balcony. Their eyes met, a silent acknowledgment passing between them in the face of the unfolding events.

As Queen Scarlet took her seat, Burn followed suit, and Jormund positioned himself a bit closer to Queen Scarlet, though not entirely willingly.

"Fellow dragons! Loyal SkyWings! Visiting MudWings! Honored SandWing guests! We have a full slate of thrilling games today!" Queen Scarlet announced with enthusiasm, her voice echoing across the arena.

Jormund couldn't help but retort in his mind with a touch of sarcasm, "Thrilling games indeed, especially for the participants." The gravity of the situation didn't escape him, and a sense of irony colored his thoughts as the grand event unfolded.

"But first! Let me welcome our honored guest, Queen Burn of the SandWings!" Queen Scarlet declared with a grand gesture, acknowledging Burn's presence.

Burn's sharp eyes didn't miss Glory on her perched white tree. "A RainWing pet too? This is a frivolous kingdom," she remarked, displaying her disdain for such curiosities.

Queen Scarlet snapped back, "Careful what you say to your allies."

Jormund couldn't help but react mentally, acknowledging the political tensions and underlying power dynamics among the queens. This was far more than just an arena spectacle; it was a complex dance of alliances and rivalries.

"First, we have a so-called dragonet of destiny. Can she fulfill the prophecy? Let's see if she can survive the arena first," Queen Scarlet announced with theatrical flair.

Tsunami resisted as two SkyWing guards pulled her into the arena, clearly showing her defiance.

"I give you.... TSUNAMI OF THE SEAWINGS!" Queen Scarlet proclaimed.

Jormund couldn't help but feel a mix of concern and frustration for Tsunami, one of the dragonets he had met earlier. The arena was proving to be a dangerous place, and he couldn't shake off the sense of impending conflict.

The announcement of Tsunami's presence in the arena stirred up the audience. Dragons began shouting, expressing their surprise and excitement.

"It's really them, the dragonets of destiny!"

"Did you see what the MudWing did to Fjord?"

"What was that move?!"

"WOOOS" and "HORRAYS" echoed through the arena as the crowd shared their reactions. Amidst the mixed emotions, there was hope and anticipation, and even wishes for Tsunami's victory. The atmosphere in the arena became charged with the energy of the audience.

Queen Scarlet took the opportunity to announce Tsunami's opponent. "And for her opponent... some of you may remember a SeaWing a few months ago who refused to fight. And what's the best way to punish a SeaWing?"

The crowd responded with vicious suggestions, shouting, "Chop off his head!" and "Drown him!" one even proposed. "Take away their water. All their water, for months!" Queen Scarlet revealed her cruel punishment in the bloodthirsty atmosphere.

Jormund couldn't hold back as someone suggested to drown a creature of the sea. "Downing a SeaWing!? What a dumb suggestion! Can he even hear his own stupidity?" he blurted out, unable to contain his disapproval.

The unexpected outburst caught the attention of the dragons around him. The atmosphere shifted, and the crowd fell into a momentary hush. Some dragons exchanged puzzled glances, while others seemed amused by the human's unexpected interjection. Queen Scarlet herself turned a cold gaze toward Jormund, her eyes narrowing as she took note of the defiant statement.

Queen Scarlet paused for a moment, considering the audience's suggestions and Jormund's unexpected outburst. After a brief contemplation, she decided to let it slide this time.

Queen Scarlet, with a cruel smile, continued her announcements, "Dehydrated, mentally unstable, and ready to fight. It's Gill of the SeaWings!"

Jormund couldn't help but feel a sense of horror at the thought of a SeaWing being deprived of water for months. The cruelty of the SkyWing arena and its treatment of prisoners weighed heavily on him as he watched Gill being dragged into the arena, looking insane and bloodthirsty. The situation only fueled Jormund's growing discontent with the brutality of the SkyWing palace and its events.