Awakening the Dragon
Chapter 35: Awakening the Dragon
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The Egg's Secret
Kai's tent was quieter than usual, a stillness lingering in the air as the light from the late afternoon sun filtered through the fabric. The system's presence was palpable in the corner of his mind, a constant hum of information, yet today, it felt different.
For the first time, the system's voice was filled with urgency.
[System Notification: Special Beast Egg Detected.]
Kai furrowed his brow, glancing at the small, intricately patterned egg resting on a velvet cushion. The egg was still, yet there was an undeniable energy emanating from it. He had been studying it for days, trying to figure out its purpose. Now, it was time.
He reached out and placed his palm against the smooth surface. The egg vibrated slightly, warmth pooling in his hand.
[System Notification: Beast Awakening Protocol Initiated.]
The egg cracked, a thin line running across its surface. Kai's heart raced. It was time.
With a gentle push, the egg split open, revealing the creature inside. A small, silver-scaled dragon with gleaming, golden eyes lay in the center. Its wings were tiny, not yet formed, but its body hummed with power.
[System Notification: Beast – 'Virelith' Awakened.]
[Beast Rank: EX (Auto Maxed).]
[Bloodline: Ancient Dragon (Maxed).]
[Abilities: Flame Breath, Dragon Wings, Human Transformation, Celestial Regeneration, Ancient Knowledge.]
Kai watched as the dragon stirred, its tiny form stretching as it blinked up at him. Despite its size, there was a regal air to it, something in its eyes that told Kai this was no ordinary beast.
"Virelith," Kai muttered, his voice a whisper as he spoke the dragon's name aloud for the first time. It was a name that felt right, the words flowing naturally from his lips.
The dragon coiled slightly, nuzzling his hand as if in recognition. Kai felt an immediate connection, the bond between them instant and undeniable. The system's energy swirled around him, and he could feel the awakening of a new power.
[System Notification: Beast Bond Strengthened.]
Kai stood in silence for a moment, allowing the weight of the awakening to sink in. As expected, the system's auto-maxing function had kicked in, and Virelith's abilities were fully developed from the moment of its awakening. The dragon's power flowed through him, seamless and complete.
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Beast Status - Virelith
Name: Virelith
Rank: EX (Maxed)
Bloodline: Ancient Dragon (Maxed)
Abilities:
Flame Breath: Unleashes a powerful, concentrated flame capable of melting through solid rock.
Dragon Wings: Manifest wings of pure energy, allowing flight and providing enhanced mobility.
Human Transformation: Ability to transform into a human form, with an elegant, regal appearance.
Celestial Regeneration: Heals at an accelerated rate, able to recover from almost any wound.
Ancient Knowledge: Possesses immense knowledge of ancient magic, dragon lore, and forbidden arts.
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Training the New Beast
The next morning, Kai made his way to the training grounds, Virelith perched on his shoulder. The dragon's wings were still small and fragile, but its energy pulsed with a power that Kai could already feel. He needed to see what the dragon could do.
"Alright, little one," Kai said with a grin. "Let's see what you've got."
Virelith chirped softly, its golden eyes flashing. Kai could feel the bond between them grow as he focused on their connection.
"Start with a simple attack. Let's see your breath," Kai instructed.
Virelith's eyes narrowed, and then it inhaled deeply. A flash of light surrounded the dragon's mouth, and with a sharp exhale, a massive burst of fire shot forward, igniting a nearby dummy with intense flames.
Kai's eyes widened in surprise at the dragon's raw strength. "I see. That's some serious power."
Virelith's flame quickly dissipated, and the dragon looked up at Kai with a curious expression, as if waiting for further instructions.
Kai smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "You've definitely got some fire in you, don't you? Let's see your human form next."
Virelith's golden eyes glowed brightly, and in a flash of light, its form began to shift. The tiny dragon grew into a tall, elegant figure, its scales shimmering as they melted into smooth, porcelain-like skin. Dark silver hair cascaded down its back, and its golden eyes now held a regal and mysterious air.
Kai blinked in surprise, momentarily speechless. "You look... incredible."
Virelith, now in human form, tilted its head with a playful smirk. "Thank you, Master. I trust I am to your liking?"
Kai chuckled. "You're certainly full of surprises."
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The Council's Reach
Later that day, as Kai walked through the camp, his thoughts were interrupted by a familiar presence. He turned to see Elara standing nearby, her eyes sharp as she approached.
"Warden of Shadows," she greeted him coolly, her silver hair glinting in the sunlight. "I heard about the new beast. A dragon, hmm? Impressive."
Kai gave her a sideways glance, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "It's already fully awakened. But yes, a dragon."
Elara's expression remained unreadable, but there was something in her gaze that seemed to linger on the bond between Kai and his new dragon.
"I see," she said, her voice quiet. "The Council is watching you closely. You should be careful. They don't give power without strings attached."
Kai met her gaze, his eyes hardening. "I'm well aware. But they're going to find out that I don't follow threads. I cut them."
Elara's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Then be ready for what comes next, Kai. You're playing a dangerous game."
With that, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kai with a sense of unease. The Council's influence was growing stronger, and soon, he would have to decide how to handle their offer—and the price that came with it.
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End of Chapter 35