The Crown Prince asked,
"If the dragon pearl can be refined, even a mortal can become a dragon. But the process is painful. Are you willing?"
She remained resolute.
"Yes!"
In the first year, she merged with the pearl, enduring the heart-piercing pain.
In the fifth year, she absorbed dragon blood, suffering the agony of internal incineration.
In the 10th year, she grew dragon scales, causing the excruciating pain of flaying.
In the 20th year, she formed dragon claws, enduring the pain of nails snapping.
In the 30th year, she grew dragon tendons, suffering the agony of having her marrow extracted.
...
In the 50th year, her mortal bones was replaced by dragon bones.
In the 100th year, her mortal heart became a dragon pearl.