A Dragon Core

Boris placed the black crystal into Ashan's hands. Ashan examined it carefully, his eyes reflecting intrigue. Seeing his interest, Boris smiled.

"It seems you like it. That makes me happy."

"Is it expensive, Father?" Leone asked.

"Hmm… Before buying it, I thought it might be. But the seller gave it to me at a fair price. He found it in a mine, but no one wanted it because of its odd appearance. So he dropped the price and sold it to me. The moment I first touched it, I felt… rejected."

Boris turned to Ashan.

"Son, do you feel anything strange?"

Ashan studied the crystal again.

"It's cold, and it looks unusual… but nothing more."

"Hmm… is that so? Never mind."

Shifting his focus, Boris looked at Leone.

"Son, when I arrived, I heard there was trouble in our territory—something about mercenaries causing problems. Is that true?"

Leone nodded, his expression serious.

"You heard right, Father. There's an issue."

Boris turned to Ashan and Elowyn and smiled.

"The rest of this conversation won't be very interesting for you. If you'd like, you may leave."

"Alright, Grandfather. We'll excuse ourselves."

Ashan and Elowyn stepped out of the living room. As they walked, Ashan noticed something off about Elowyn. She was staring at the black crystal, her eyes filled with fear—like a prey animal facing a predator.

"What's wrong? Do you not like it?"

He held the crystal toward her, but she looked away.

"Ashan… I don't know why, but I feel like if I touch that, I might die. It scares me."

Ashan smiled gently, as if he understood her unease.

"Is that so? Alright, alright. I'll keep it somewhere you won't see it. Happy now?"

He patted her shoulder reassuringly. She nodded, still silent.

"By the way, do you like the mirror Grandfather gave you? I bet the princess isn't satisfied with it."

"No, it's not that. I like it… I'm just not used to him."

"That's fine. It takes time to grow familiar with people. We'll get used to him."

Elowyn hesitated, then looked at Ashan.

"Ashan… was what he said earlier true?"

"You mean about the sect leader?"

She nodded.

"Yes. Is something like that even possible? Back in my tribe, I never saw or heard of anything like it."

Ashan sighed as he met her gaze.

Of course not. It's not surprising. Physical enlightenment isn't something demi-humans can attain. Because of their animal instincts, they rely on senses rather than intellect alone. Only pure humans, who develop intelligence above all else, can reach that state.

He glanced at the sky.

I achieved physical enlightenment in a non-supernatural world a long time ago… but back then, it didn't affect me physically. It was only after I was born into a supernatural world that things changed. My appearance stopped aging—it became a problem. So I had to forcefully restart my aging process using divine power.

"It seems to be true, Elowyn. I know it's hard to believe. But this is the first time after my birth I've heard of something like it, too."

"Son."

Ashan and Elowyn turned back. Maria was approaching them.

"Mother? You're not joining their discussion?"

Maria shook her head.

"You know I don't like political talk. So I gave them space and left."

She smiled warmly.

"By the way, do you like the gifts your grandfather gave you?"

"Of course, we do. You also received something amazing, right, Mother?"

Maria nodded.

"Hmm… yes, it's lovely. Son, can you show me the crystal Grandfather gave you?"

Ashan handed the black crystal to Maria. She examined it with interest.

"This is strange… sometimes it looks black, and other times, a bit gray. That might be one of its properties. Keep it safe."

She returned the crystal to Ashan and then turned to Elowyn.

"Darling, your uncle asked me to make you a dress for the upcoming event. Shall we design one to your liking?"

Elowyn's cheeks flushed pink.

"No, it's alright. I'm fine with what I have."

"That won't do."

Maria gently took Elowyn's hands.

"A princess can't have just one outfit. You need more. So don't be shy—come with me. I'll make you something wonderful."

(Elowyn.)

Elowyn looked at Ashan.

(Go with her. You should have a better dress.)

She smiled.

"Alright. I'll come."

…

Ashan went to his room and locked the door. He placed the golden bag on his table and sat nearby. He picked up the black crystal, examining it once more.

I wasn't wrong. This isn't a crystal—it's a black dragon's core.

Ashan ran his fingers over the core, then injected a small amount of mana into it.

Let's see…

Suddenly, the core shook and released the mana back at him. Reflexively, he raised his hand, blocking the blast before it could hit his face. The energy dissipated.

As I thought. This dragon died in pain and anger.

Looking at the core's size and color, Ashan deduced its origins.

A male black dragon… at least 500 years old. Normally, dragons live up to a thousand years. Black dragons are rare—and very strong. They have a higher mana absorption rate and thicker aura than other dragons. They can't fly, but their speed is unmatched. Their roar alone terrifies lower-ranked dragons.

Yet, despite their strength, they remain hidden. Their existence is still a mystery. What's even stranger is that black dragons only exist in this world. I've been reborn in multiple supernatural worlds, but I never found them elsewhere. Since I've only lived here twice before, my knowledge about them is limited.

Ashan gripped the core tightly.

Dragon cores are rare because dragons are nearly impossible to kill. That makes this core even more valuable. I don't know how its owner died, but at the very least, I will put this to good use.

Closing his eyes, Ashan focused. The core began to vibrate, pulsing with a dim, colorful light.

When the dragon died, it harbored immense negative emotions. That's why its core is in a dead state. It survived like this because of that lingering resentment. But I'm going to awaken it—and absorb its energy.

There's only one way to revive it. This core was sealed by the dragon's mind. So the key to unlocking it… is also the mind. To counter its negativity, I will give it positive emotions.

Ashan sent mind waves into the core.

Suddenly, the light within the core darkened. A faint, eerie sound echoed from it. But Ashan remained calm. He hugged the core tightly.

"I know you died in pain and anger. Every living being deserves a peaceful death. I'm sorry for what happened to you… but someone as powerful as you shouldn't be bound by hatred. Please, let go. Forgiveness will bring you peace."

The dark light faded. In its place, a silver glow emerged.

Ashan smiled softly.

Even in death, you still had a bit of warmth in your heart. Whoever you were, I respect you.

He looked at the silver light.

He must have been truly strong… Well then, let's absorb it.

Unlike humans, who needed to extract energy from a dragon core before absorbing it, Ashan had an advantage.

I was born as a dragon in multiple lifetimes. I don't need an extraction process—I can absorb it directly.

As the silver glow flowed into him, Ashan's body shone. Energy surged through his veins. Within moments, the core returned to its lifeless state.

He took a deep breath.

It's absorbing quickly. The energy is settling in my bones and heart. My aura and mana capacity are increasing… If this continues, I'll reach the Grand Sword Master level in a few days. My mana is already at the fifth circle. If I form more mana circles, I can become a nine-circle mage… but I'll wait until the right time. This body has its limits.

Suddenly, his stomach growled.

What the—? I just had breakfast two hours ago! Is this because of the energy I absorbed?

He frowned.

Did that dragon die of hunger too? Now I feel even worse for him…

To be continued…