Chapter 20: A Father’s Guidance and the Journey Begins
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The morning light filtered through the high windows of the Demon Palace, casting soft rays onto Alen's face. He lay awake in his chambers, still feeling the surge of power from the previous day. His bloodline had fully awakened, and his connection to his dragon and demon heritage had never been stronger. Yet, as the sun rose higher, so did the weight of his responsibilities.
Alen's thoughts lingered on his father and grandfather. The pride in Raiden's eyes, the approval of the Dragon King—both had left a profound impact on him. He had waited years for that moment, and now that it had come, he felt both reassured and burdened by the expectations ahead. The path before him was becoming clearer, but it was also more perilous.
A soft chime echoed in his mind as the **System** stirred to life.
**[New Quest Unlocked: Rite of the Ancients.]**
**[Prepare for a unique trial that will test your strength, mind, and spirit. Failure is not an option.]**
Alen sat up, running a hand through his white hair. He had known the trial was coming, but to hear the **System** confirm it now brought a sense of finality. His grandfather had mentioned that this would be no ordinary trial—it would be a version unlike any the dragon warriors had faced in centuries. A trial worthy of the **Saint of Dragons**.
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Later that morning, Alen found himself in the palace's high-tech training arena. The environment was a mix of ancient and modern—stone columns adorned with glowing dragon symbols stood alongside advanced simulation technology. The arena could shift its terrain at will, creating mountainous regions, volcanic plains, or even battlefield-like conditions for combat.
Raiden, his father, stood across from him, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You've come a long way, Alen. But you're only at the beginning."
Alen nodded, stepping into position as the arena shifted into a volcanic landscape. Lava pools bubbled beneath jagged rock formations, and the air shimmered with heat. The perfect setting for testing draconic abilities.
"We'll start with your **Full Dragon Transformation**," Raiden instructed. "Mastering it is key to the trial ahead."
Alen focused, calling upon the draconic power within him. His body shifted seamlessly into his **partial dragon form**—his skin hardening into scales, wings extending from his back, and his muscles bulging with newfound strength. The transformation was almost instinctual now, a part of him as natural as breathing.
Raiden shifted into his own partial dragon form and attacked, sending a blast of **dragon breath** toward Alen. Alen dodged with ease, his wings propelling him forward in a blur. They clashed mid-air, trading blows that sent shockwaves through the arena.
Raiden landed gracefully, nodding in approval. "Good. But there's more to transformation than just power." He stepped closer, his golden eyes meeting Alen's. "The trial will test not just your strength, but your spirit, your mind. You'll need more than brute force to succeed."
They practiced for hours, honing Alen's ability to switch between human and dragon forms fluidly. Raiden taught him how to control the intensity of his **Dragon Breath**, adjust his wings for combat, and enhance his **Dragon Heart** for prolonged endurance.
As they sparred, Raiden shared stories of his own trials. "When I competed for the throne," he said, breathing heavily from the exertion, "I faced challenges that nearly broke me. But those challenges weren't just about strength—they were about leadership, responsibility. What you'll face in the **Rite of the Ancients** is about more than just power. It's about proving that you can lead."
Alen absorbed every word, understanding that this trial was unlike anything he'd faced before. It wasn't just about him—it was about what he represented to the **Dragon Continent** and the **Demon Kingdom**.
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After the intense training, Alen was summoned to the grand chamber of his grandfather, the **Dragon King**. The room was a blend of ancient dragon history and advanced technology. Holographic images of past Saints of Dragons flickered around the room, showing their heroic feats and the trials they had endured.
The Dragon King, seated on a massive throne, looked up as Alen entered. His eyes gleamed with pride.
"You have done well, grandson," the Dragon King began, his voice resonating with power. "Your ceremony was only the beginning. Now, you must prove your worth through the **Rite of the Ancients**."
Alen stepped forward, his heart steady. "I'm ready."
The Dragon King smiled, a rare expression from the ancient ruler. "You will not face the same trial as those who came before. Your trial will be... different."
Alen's eyes narrowed in curiosity. "Different how?"
"This trial is tied to the **legacy of the Dragon God**, the first of our kind," the Dragon King explained. "It hasn't been attempted in centuries because of its difficulty. No one has successfully completed it in modern times."
The **System** pinged again in Alen's mind.
**[Special Trial Unlocked: Rite of the Ancients – Legacy Version. Success will unlock deeper draconic abilities and elevate your status beyond any Saint of Dragons before you.]**
The weight of the challenge settled over Alen, but he did not waver. His bloodline demanded more from him than others. If he was to fulfill his destiny, he needed to surpass even the greatest of the Saints of Dragons.
His grandfather's expression softened slightly. "I will accompany you. This trial will push you beyond your limits, and I want to ensure you are ready."
Alen nodded. Having the **Dragon King** by his side was an honor, but it also increased the pressure to succeed. There could be no failure here—not with the eyes of the most powerful dragon watching him.
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Later that afternoon, Alen stood on the palace hangar, gazing at the sleek, high-tech **levitating battle cruiser** waiting for him and his grandfather. The cruiser was an impressive blend of draconic symbolism and cutting-edge technology. Its polished, dark steel frame shimmered with golden draconic markings, and energy shields rippled over the surface, providing a protective barrier.
The cruiser was designed for both speed and combat, capable of reaching the **Dragon Lands** in record time while navigating through any danger that might appear on the journey. Inside, the luxurious cabin was fitted with control panels that allowed for the manipulation of draconic energy, ensuring it could traverse even the most treacherous paths.
Before departure, Alen's mother arrived to bid him farewell. She embraced him, her arms holding him tightly for a moment longer than usual. "You've made me proud, Alen. But remember—this trial is not just about power. Stay true to who you are."
He nodded, appreciating the wisdom in her words. Power wasn't everything; it was how he wielded it that would define him.
Raiden, standing beside the cruiser, gave him a final nod of encouragement. "You've proven yourself before, and you'll prove yourself again. Trust your instincts."
With his father's words echoing in his mind, Alen boarded the cruiser, joining his grandfather inside. The vessel lifted off smoothly, soaring into the sky with breathtaking speed.
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As they sped across the skies, the world below blurring into a tapestry of forests, mountains, and rivers, the **Dragon King** spoke, his deep voice resonating in the cabin.
"Your trial will not just test your body. It will challenge your soul," he said, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "The **Valley of the Elders** holds the spirits of our ancestors. They will judge you not on your strength alone, but on your heart, your mind, and your ability to lead."
Alen listened intently. His grandfather's words carried the weight of centuries of wisdom, and he knew that this trial would determine his future.
"There were times in my youth," the Dragon King continued, "when I thought power was all that mattered. I was wrong. Power without purpose is meaningless. The Rite of the Ancients will teach you that."
Alen nodded, understanding the gravity of his grandfather's message. This trial was about more than proving himself physically—it was about proving himself worthy of leading dragons, of carrying their legacy forward.
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As the battle cruiser descended toward the **Valley of the Elders**, the landscape below shifted into an ancient, mist-covered world. Towering cliffs surrounded the valley, and massive statues of long-forgotten dragons lined the entrance. The air was thick with ancient magic, a hum of power that vibrated in Alen's chest.
The **System** pinged as they landed.
**[Quest Updated: Special Rite of the Ancients. Survive the trial in the Valley of the Elders and prove your worth. Rewards: Draconic Power Enhancement, Title Upgrade.]**
Alen stepped off the cruiser, feeling the weight of the trial ahead. His grandfather stood beside him, his presence a comforting force as they approached the valley's entrance. A **guardian**, shrouded in mist and draconic energy, appeared before them.
"The trial begins now," the guardian intoned, his voice like the rumble of distant thunder. "You will face challenges unlike any before."
The gates
to the trial creaked open, revealing a dark and dangerous path ahead. Alen took a deep breath, his resolve firm, and stepped forward into the unknown.
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