The prophecy of the Black Dragon

A new day dawns, bringing challenges I'm ready to face. I'm working on a dragon legend, accompanied by Liam, a companion who is both annoying and endearing. As a passionate archaeologist, I adore ancient tales, those legends that transcend time. Right now, I'm devoted to a burning case: the famous legend of the black dragon. The mystery is thickening, as it's been six weeks that I've been searching for clues, without success. My boss, Nadia, keeps constant pressure on this investigation. I dress quickly this morning, slipping into jeans and a loose top, then grab an apple for the road. Arriving at the office, I greet my colleagues before heading straight to Nadia's office. To my great surprise, Liam, my unbearable teammate, is already there. "Good morning, everyone, I hope you slept well," I say politely, closing the door behind me, then sit down next to Liam. "Hey, beautiful, slept well?" he throws at me with a mischievous smile. "Cut the nonsense, Liam. It's been six weeks you've been searching with nothing to show for it. Nadia warns you: this is no time to play the seducer," my boss replies, visibly tense. "Calm down, Nadia. We'll get there, I'm sure of it. This legend is real," I say to rekindle hope. "I'm starting to doubt. What if this legend is just a children's tale?" Nadia murmurs, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "No, no..." I begin, but Liam interrupts me immediately, as if he loves stealing the spotlight. "Only today, if we don't have anything concrete, we'll give up and focus on another case," he declares with determination. I'm surprised by his sudden seriousness, but I'm touched that he finally feels the gravity of the situation. I choose to believe in him, in us, because we make a team. "Alright, if by the end of today nothing new comes up, you'll give up, okay?" Nadia asks, seeking our confirmation. "Okay," Leo and I answer in unison. We leave the office, determined to find something today. Our investigation focuses on the city of Irma, where our statistics give hope for progress. "Ready, my little heart? Today, we give it our all," Liam says, gently lifting my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Stop it, Liam. We're not a couple, and besides, we're at work! We have a challenge to face, you, the dragon hunter," I retort, freeing myself from his hold. "Jealous, my dear? Don't worry, I've already told you, you're my main one," he murmurs to soothe me. But I remain indifferent, for he acts as he pleases—after all, he's a twenty-five-year-old man. "Jealous? Don't make me laugh. Jealous of what, exactly? Well, enough talk, let's eat, we've got work to do," I say with a hint of enthusiasm, ready to get back to work. No sooner have we arrived than a woman throws her arms around him. I must admit, she is strikingly beautiful. "Oh, darling, what are you doing here? I thought we didn't have a date? Or did we?" she says, ignoring me superbly. "No, indeed, no date. Calm down, Mira, there are people around," he replies, shooting me a pointed look. "I can leave, sorry to bother you like this," I say, embarrassed by the situation. "I was joking, relax a little. Alright, I'll make the introductions. Dasha, this is Mira, a recent acquaintance, and Mira, this is Dasha, my work partner," he says, clearly uncomfortable. "I didn't know I was just an acquaintance. I thought I was the only woman in your life, your main one," Mira confides, disappointed. "Don't worry, Liam is like that: he says the same thing to every girl he fancies," I retort, disgusted. "Forgive me, girls, I went too far. To make it up to you, this one's on me. I'll place the order, don't worry, I know your tastes. Meanwhile, get to know each other," he says, slipping away. "Dasha, is that right? Listen carefully. Here, take my business card. Contact me if you need anything. If I were you, I'd keep it safe, because you'll soon need me," Mira says, handing me the card. I hesitate for a moment, then finally take it. She continues: "Sorry, I have to go. Tell Liam I send him a tender kiss and that I'm still mad at him. Goodbye, see you soon," she concludes, disappearing. Shortly after, Leo returns with the waiter who places our order on the table before stepping away. "Where's Mira?" Liam asks. "She said she had work and was busy. Besides, so are we, so let's eat," I reply, trying to hide the rest of my conversation with Mira. We eat, and I must admit that they cook wonderfully well. Once the meal is finished, we return to our task. This time, we scour the Akila library, an old abandoned library. We explore every corner, but without success. Until I discover a parchment adorned with ancient writings and images evoking the legend of the black dragon our grandparents told us about in childhood. Could this parchment be linked to the famous legend?