Midoriya swung the curved blade, it had been hard at first but after a few days he was used to the way it was balanced. The golden dragon batted it away with its spiked tail, turning to attack with his claws. Midoriya dodged by running underneath it, stabbing his blade upwards into it's soft belly. The dragon roared in rage and golden lighting surrounded it. It grew taller, more muscular and more powerful. It span around with incredible speed, the tip of it's tail catching the knight's shoulder and sending him flying into the rocky cave wall.

"That's cheating!" Morya yelled, throwing his blade to the ground. The golden dragon simply watched in amusement, having returned to its smaller and more feeble state.

"Tis not cheating young one, I merely used the power at my disposal. Any dragon would go all out if they're about to be killed." The dragon closed it's eyes before lowering it's head to be before the now sitting knight who crossed his arms in annoyance.

"I don't see why I have to do this, he could just send me home." He lay back into the wall, the dragon curling up on the floor before him.

"The spirit Walker has his reasons, wait and you shall see them. They may benefit you more than you think." Midoriya huffed, picking up the sword once more to stare at the blade. He was used to it, but it would never be the same as the one he used. The kind of blade he had spent years training with.

The dragon stood up and shifted to his human form. A frail man with long yellow hair. He motioned for Midoriya to follow him and he did without question.

They traveled into Toshinori's cave. Far deeper than Midoriya thought the mountain even went. Eventually they stopped before a door made of a dark wood with dragon engravings. Toshnori opened the door and Midoriya couldn't believe it. Before him was his master's hoard.

Piles of gold, gems, weapons and armor lay before him. Toshinori walked in so of course Midoriya followed. They walked for what felt like ages through piles and piles of treasures. Some which the young man had never even seen before. Eventually hey stopped in a wide open space. The ground here was softer, and several ornate and brilliant looking blades were stabbed into the ground.

"Choose one, and your final test shall be held." Midoriya turned to stare at the dragon, shocked. But Toshinori's face showed nothing but steeled resolve. This was really it. "I shall be in my nest when you have decided." And then he left.

Midorya spent hours wandering through what he dubbed 'the blade graveyard', each of these swords had a master, and all had fallen at the hands of his teacher. Foolishly hoping for the title of dragon slayer.

Midoriya praised at a blade. It was the same style as the one he had trained with, but it had an ornate dragon handle that kind of looked like Toshinori. The eyes had sapphires embedded in them, and ou of he dragon's mouth hung a string with rubies and pearls on it. It was the perfect blade.

He grabbed the handle and tugged with all his might, stumbling backwards when it came out with no resistance. He held the blade up, marvelling at how it was still so sharp despite probably decades of mistreatment. He swung the weapon a few times. The balance was a little different to what he would prefer but it would work.

He exited the cave, finding Toshinori lying near the entrance of his cave staring up into the sky. The moon was bright here in the forest, countless stars shone and colourful lights danced through the airs as the pixies danced with them.

"It is truly a beautiful sight. I am glad my last night looks so peaceful." Midoriya stopped when he heard that. The reality of what he had to do hit him. He had to kill Toshinori. Kill he dragon who has done so much for him. The elder looked over and noticed the man's tears.

"Do no mourn me boy, I've been alive for far longer than you could imagine. It is time my life came to an end." The dragon turned to face him, his face a picture of peace. "Once I am dead, take my horn as proof of your feat. The spirit Walker will then tell you what needs to be done.

Midoriya tightened his grip on the sword. His hands were trembling but he refused to show his sadness. He readied his blade, expecting a fight. But the old dragon offered none. He lay down and raised his left leg.

"I am ready my boy." Tears streamed down Midoriya's face as he plunged the blade into the heart of his teacher. The dragon let out a sigh before slowly laying his head down. "Thank you." He breathed, before he could no more.

Despite what he had been told Midoriya mourned. He cried untill he could no more. And then once he was done, he uses his new blade to chip off one of Toshnori's black and gold horns. Cradling it like he would is own child he left the cave. Kirishima came down and said nothing, merely offering a ride back to the barbarian village. Midoriya took it. The cold winds stinging his tear stained face.

Bakugo stepped out of he shadows, his blue glow having somehow not being spotted. He walked to the dragon elder and sighed before he sat down.

"You really love to be dramatic don't you." He said to the corpse. The corpse laughed before sitting up. The injury already slowly healing.

"Maybe spirit walker, but it will teach him to be strong."

"He thinks you died." Bakugo huffed before standing up again. The first thing he had been taught about dragons was about their hearts. Their hearts that were the opposite of all creatures, and were instead on their right.

"You should leave young one. Remember how I taught you." Bakugo nodded and closed his eyes, feeling for the connection between him and his body. Once he found it, he tugged. A sudden rush of vertigo hit him and he was back in his own body. Not too long after Midoriya returned with Kirishima who came bounding over as usual.

Midoriya just slowly walked in, his eyes still red from earlier.

"Go wash up, then fight Kiri, you need believable battle injuries."

"Do you mean?"

"That's right knight cadet, you're going home."