Chapter 17: After the Storm

The arena was still recovering from the battle, its once-pristine stone floor now a patchwork of cracks and scorch marks. Debris lay scattered, and the air hung heavy with the remnants of energy from Alen's earlier clash. Workers and mages were already moving through the wreckage, beginning the slow process of repairing the damage caused by the intense fight.

Alen stood in the center of it all, his body feeling the strain from the confrontation. Though physically healed thanks to his vampiric regeneration, he couldn't shake the weight of the encounter with the mysterious figure. His strength had been enough to win, but it left him with a gnawing sense of uncertainty.

"System," he thought, checking in for any updates.

The familiar cold voice echoed in his mind.

[Host has fully recovered physical stamina. Regeneration complete. Be advised: The battle has drawn attention from several unknown parties. Stay alert.]

Alen frowned at the last part. It seemed his victory hadn't gone unnoticed.

The crowd, which had been so lively earlier, was now a mixture of stunned silence and hurried whispers. Nobles and warriors who had watched the display of power exchanged nervous glances. Many had marveled at Alen's abilities during the core formation, but the sudden appearance of the dark entity had shaken even the most confident spectators.

Alen's sharp gaze scanned the arena, his mind lingering on the mysterious figure's words. "The calamity is coming." Even now, the warning echoed in his thoughts, carrying a weight that felt almost suffocating.

A familiar presence cut through the tension. The Demon Queen, Alen's mother, stepped forward with her usual regal grace. Her pale, flawless face held an expression of calm, though her crimson eyes glinted with something darker—concern.

She approached Alen, her long white hair flowing like silk, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You did well, Alen," she said softly, though there was an edge to her voice that he couldn't ignore.

"That wasn't just any opponent, was it?" Alen asked, his voice level.

His mother's eyes narrowed slightly, but her lips curved into a faint smile. "No," she admitted. "There are powers in this world even I have yet to fully understand. That… creature was no ordinary being. It came here for you, drawn to your rise in power."

Alen's chest tightened. Even his mother, one of the most powerful figures in the Demon Continent, wasn't fully aware of what had attacked him.

"I've heard whispers of this 'calamity' before," the Demon Queen continued, her voice low. "But never anything concrete. If what that entity said is true, then you'll need to grow stronger, much stronger."

Alen nodded, his resolve hardening. He had already pushed himself far, but the path ahead was longer and more perilous than he had imagined.

She stroked his cheek gently, her expression softening for a brief moment. "But don't worry, Alen. You're my son, and I will always protect you." The unspoken message was clear: no matter what, she would stand by him.

As his mother stepped back, General Kael approached. The general's imposing figure, clad in dark armor, radiated authority. He had watched the entire battle from the sidelines, his hawk-like eyes missing nothing.

"You've proven your strength once again, Alen," Kael said, his voice rough but filled with a touch of pride. "But that creature… it was no random foe. It was a warning, and it's clear your rise in power has drawn eyes from across the world."

Alen met the general's gaze, sensing the gravity of his words. "You think others will come after me?"

General Kael nodded. "It's only a matter of time. The stronger you become, the more attention you'll draw. Enemies and allies alike will seek you out, some to test you, others to use you."

The weight of responsibility settled even heavier on Alen's shoulders. The battle wasn't just a test—it had opened the door to greater dangers.

After a brief conversation with his mother and General Kael, Alen retreated to a quiet corner of the arena. He needed to think, and more importantly, he needed to review his options.

"System," he thought. "Show me the store."

In an instant, the familiar interface appeared before his eyes, displaying a variety of options. His Draconic Demon Points (DDP) were now at 1000 DDP, earned from his recent battles and victories.

The System Store was divided into multiple categories, each filled with tempting options:

Skills: Appraisal skills, alchemy skills, elemental mastery, rune skills, crafting, and more. Techniques: Battle techniques, cultivation techniques, secret arts, stealth skills, and defensive formations. Items: Enchanted weapons, armor, rare materials, and powerful artifacts. Beasts: Summon creatures, spirit beasts, mounts, and combat companions .Potions: Healing elixirs, mana restoration potions, and strength enhancers. Miscellaneous: Special talismans, teleportation scrolls, space-expanding bags, and other unique items.

The sheer variety was overwhelming. Alen quickly browsed the available selections, taking note of which items he could afford and which skills or techniques were locked behind higher levels or more DDP.

"System, highlight the skills that I can use to upgrade my existing abilities."

A list of upgradeable skills appeared, each requiring a combination of skill points and DDP. Alen focused on two areas: lightning mastery and light affinity—both of which had proven crucial in his battle.

Lightning Mastery – Intermediate Tier:

Cost: 5 skill points + 200 DDP

Effect: Increases the power, control, and speed of lightning-based attacks.

Light Affinity – Intermediate Tier:

Cost: 5 skill points + 200 DDP

Effect: Enhances the strength and versatility of light-based magic, including healing and offensive spells.

Alen selected both, feeling the System integrate the upgrades into his core. His mastery over these elements would now be stronger, allowing him more control in future battles.

Satisfied with the upgrades, Alen moved to his stat points. He had received 5 stat points from his recent battles, and he needed to use them wisely. After considering his options, he decided to allocate points to two key areas:

Strength: +3 points (Increasing his physical power for close combat).

Agility: +2 points (Boosting his speed and reflexes in battle).

Alen felt the changes ripple through his body, his muscles tightening with newfound strength and his movements feeling sharper, more fluid.

The System then offered a suggestion.

[With more DDP, the host may unlock new skills in areas such as alchemy, rune mastery, or summoning. It is recommended to explore these paths to broaden your versatility.]

Alen nodded thoughtfully. He had focused on battle-oriented skills so far, but he knew that versatility would be key in the long run. Perhaps it was time to invest in skills beyond combat.

For now, though, he decided to save his remaining DDP. He would need to be patient, waiting for the right opportunity to unlock the more advanced abilities the System had to offer.

With his upgrades complete, Alen left the arena and began walking through the quiet hallways leading to his quarters. The weight of the day's events still lingered, especially the final words of the dark figure.

The calamity.

It had been mentioned with such certainty, and even the System had confirmed its existence.

"System, explain the calamity again," Alen requested, needing more clarity.

The System responded promptly.

[The calamity is an ancient convergence of dark, chaotic energy. It has destroyed entire civilizations in the past. Only those blessed by the gods have ever been able to withstand its power. The Dragon God chose you as his successor because of your unique bloodline and potential. The calamity is distant, but inevitable.]

Alen's steps slowed as the implications sank in. He wasn't just destined to be powerful—he was chosen to stop something that had wiped out entire worlds. The weight of that responsibility pressed down on him, but at the same time, it fueled his determination.

He had always known his path would be difficult, but now the stakes were clearer than ever.

He would need to be ready, and that meant growing stronger—not just physically, but mentally and strategically. Every decision from now on would shape his ability to face the calamity when it arrived.

As Alen continued walking, several nobles and warriors approached him, eager to speak after witnessing his display of power in the arena.

"Lord Alen," one of the nobles, Duke Veldris, called out, his voice filled with admiration. "That was an extraordinary display of strength. Your control over your elements is remarkable."

The duke was a seasoned warrior and a political heavyweight in the kingdom. He was known for his shrewd tactics on the battlefield and his ability to forge powerful alliances.

Alen inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Duke Veldris."

The duke smiled, though there was a calculating glint in his eyes. "I would be honored if you visited my estate sometime. I believe we have much to discuss—particularly regarding future alliances and how best to… support one another in the coming times."

Alen understood the unspoken offer. His power had drawn attention not just from enemies, but from those seeking to ally themselves with him. The political landscape was as dangerous as any battlefield, and alliances would be key to navigating it.

"I will consider your offer, Duke," Alen replied, his tone measured. He had to tread carefully. He knew that forming alliances would be important, but he also couldn't afford to align with the wrong people too early.

The duke smiled again, clearly pleased with Alen's response. "I look forward to our future discussions."

As the duke departed, several other nobles offered their praise and respect to Alen, though some of them couldn't quite hide their unease. They had seen what he was capable of—and that kind of power always invited fear, even from supposed allies.

By the time Alen returned to his chambers, his mind was already racing with thoughts of his next steps.

His fight with the mysterious figure had exposed weaknesses he couldn't ignore. While he had been victorious, it was clear that he needed more control over his bloodlines, especially when using multiple elements simultaneously.

He would need to train harder and smarter.

General Kael had already hinted that his next training sessions would be more intense, focusing on combining his elemental mastery with his bloodline transformations. If he could achieve seamless transitions between his partial and full transformations, he would be able to wield his draconic, vampiric, and incubus powers with far greater efficiency.

Alen knew that mastering these abilities would take time, but the urgency to prepare for the calamity pushed him forward.

His next phase of training would begin soon, and he was determined to be ready for whatever came next.

As Alen prepared to rest for the night, he felt a sudden shift in the air.

The temperature dropped, and a strange, dark energy rippled through the room. The shadows in the corners of his chamber seemed to grow deeper, more alive.

He stood still, his senses sharpening.

From the darkness, a figure stepped forward, cloaked in shadows. Their face was hidden, but the aura they exuded was unmistakably powerful.

"You have much potential, Saint of Dragons," the figure said, their voice low and smooth. "But you still have much to learn."

Alen's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

The figure didn't answer directly, instead offering a proposition. "I can help you grow. Accelerate your power. But… it comes at a price."

Alen remained silent, his instincts screaming at him to be wary. The figure radiated danger, but their offer was tempting.

The figure's glowing eyes flickered beneath the hood. "Think about it. Your destiny is far greater than you realize. And you'll need allies… ones far more powerful than those in your current circle."

Before Alen could respond, the figure melted back into the shadows, leaving him with nothing but the echo of their words.