Chapter 54: Draconic Inferno

As Raiden approached the admissions area, the room was bustling with people—some groaning over lost bets while others rejoiced over minor gains. Amid the chaos, Tonya Blain, a stunning young woman with sharp features and a commanding presence, stood behind a large desk piled with silver coins. Her calculating eyes and graceful movements made it clear she was no stranger to handling large sums of money.

As Raiden reached her, she looked up and smiled faintly. "Ah, you must be here for Xavier's winnings," she said, her tone professional but laced with curiosity. She handed him a sleek storage ring. "Your master has made quite the stir today. The total winnings, after deductions, are one billion silver coins."

Raiden's eyes widened slightly as he took the ring. Even though he had expected a substantial amount, seeing the figure confirmed was exhilarating.

As Raiden secured the storage ring, Tonya leaned forward, her voice dropping to a more personal tone. "How did you know Xavier would win? A lot of people thought he'd fall to Lord Walden, but you seemed so confident."

Raiden straightened, his chest swelling with pride. "He's my master," he said simply. "I've seen what he's capable of. Losing was never an option."

Tonya raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Your master, huh? Does that mean he takes on disciples often? Someone of his caliber must be in high demand."

Raiden shook his head. "I'm not sure. I might be his only one for now, and he hasn't spoken about taking on more students."

Tonya tapped her chin thoughtfully, her curiosity deepening. "Well, if he ever does, let him know he has potential students already interested. A man who can do what he did today… people would line up for a chance to learn from him."

Before Raiden could respond, Tonya grabbed his arm firmly but not unkindly. "Come on," she said, her tone brisk. "You're coming to the palace. If you're his disciple, you belong there with him, not wandering around the city. Let's go."

Raiden blinked in surprise but didn't resist as she ushered him out of the admissions area and toward the grand palace. Despite her assertive demeanor, there was a warmth to her actions, and Raiden couldn't help but feel amused by her energy.

As they neared the palace gates, Tonya glanced at him sideways. "So, what's he like? Your master, I mean. Is he always this composed, or did today bring out something special?"

Raiden chuckled, thinking back to Xavier's grueling training sessions and unshakable resolve. "He's always like that—focused, determined, and relentless. But today… today was something else entirely. Even I've never seen him unleash that kind of power before."

Tonya's eyes sparkled with admiration as the palace doors opened before them. "Sounds like a man who's destined for greatness. Let's hope the rest of the kingdom realizes it soon enough."

As they stepped inside, Raiden couldn't help but smile, knowing that Xavier's path was only just beginning—and that he had a front-row seat to the rise of a legend.

Xavier's body ached with exhaustion as he rested in the lavish quarters provided by the king. The soft glow of the lanterns in the room cast long shadows across the ornate furniture. He lay on the grand bed, gripping his dragon medallion tightly. Its faint warmth was the only thing keeping the raging flames within him from spiraling out of control. His breathing was labored, each inhale accompanied by a searing heat coursing through his veins.

As he closed his eyes, focusing on calming the fire inside, a firm knock echoed through the room. Xavier opened his eyes, his senses immediately on alert. Stowing the medallion beneath his shirt, he sat up slowly, his vision swimming slightly.

"Come in," he said, his voice steady but weary.

The door creaked open, and two figures stepped inside. The first was Raiden, standing tall and proud, though there was a flicker of worry in his eyes. Beside him was Tonya Blain, her sharp gaze scanning the room before settling on Xavier.

"Master," Raiden began, his voice tinged with concern, "we have some questions for you."

Xavier squinted slightly as his sight blurred momentarily, the strain of the day catching up to him. He blinked, forcing himself to focus on the two standing before him. "Questions?" he echoed, his tone calm but guarded.

Tonya stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her. "Yes," she said, her voice firm but respectful. "After what we witnessed today, it's clear you're not just an ordinary warrior. The way you fought… the way you commanded the battlefield. We need to know—how did you do it? What drives someone to achieve that level of strength?"

Xavier leaned back against the headboard, a faint smile playing on his lips despite his weariness. "Strength like mine isn't gained overnight," he said, his voice low but steady. "It's forged through countless battles, relentless training, and an unbreakable will. But more than that…" He paused, his gaze turning distant. "It's fueled by purpose. A purpose strong enough to endure pain, loss, and sacrifice."

Raiden frowned, stepping closer. "Master, you were injured during the fight. I could feel the intensity of your flames from the stands. Are you… are you really okay?"

Xavier waved a hand dismissively, though the motion lacked his usual vigor. "I'll recover," he said. "This isn't the first time I've pushed myself to the brink, and it won't be the last. What matters is that the mission was a success. We've secured resources and reputation for the clan."

Tonya studied him closely, her expression softening. "You carry a lot on your shoulders, don't you?" she said. "You're not just fighting for yourself—you're fighting for something far greater."

Xavier nodded, his eyes meeting hers briefly before shifting to Raiden. "That's what it means to lead," he said simply. "Raiden, remember this. Power without purpose is meaningless. Everything I've done, every risk I've taken, has been for the clan, for the people who depend on me. One day, you'll understand."

Raiden clenched his fists, determination flickering in his eyes. "I already do, Master. Watching you today… it's made me realize how far I still have to go. I'll train harder, fight smarter. I won't let you down."

Xavier smirked faintly, pride evident despite his fatigue. "Good," he said.

Tonya stepped forward, her voice softer now. "Rest, Xavier. You've earned it. We'll leave you to recover."

She gestured to Raiden, who reluctantly nodded and followed her toward the door.

Xavier's voice cut through the quiet as Raiden and Tonya reached the door. "Wait," he called, his voice trailing off but firm enough to stop them in their tracks.

Raiden turned back, concern flickering across his face. "Master?"

Xavier reached into his storage ring, pulling out a small jade bottle containing ten spiritual pills. "Take these, Raiden," he said, handing them to his disciple. "Cultivate with these for the next two months. If I end up going into seclusion to recover, don't worry about me. Once you're done cultivating, return to the others and let them know I'm okay."

Raiden hesitated, the weight of his master's words sinking in. "Master, are you sure?"

Xavier chuckled softly, his exhaustion evident but his resolve unshaken. "I'm sure. But before you go…" He extended his hand, a mischievous grin on his face. "Give me the earnings from the fight."

Raiden smirked, reaching into his own storage ring and handing over a separate ring containing the one billion silver coins. "Here you go, Master. A fortune well-earned."

Xavier nodded in approval, slipping the ring into his possession before withdrawing another hefty sum. He handed Raiden a ring containing five million silver coins. "Use this for your travels," Xavier instructed. "Get whatever else you need to continue your journey. You're my disciple, and I expect you to be well-prepared for what's ahead."

Raiden bowed deeply, gratitude clear in his expression. "Thank you, Master. I won't let you down."

Xavier then turned his attention to Tonya, who had been watching the exchange silently, her gaze occasionally flicking toward Raiden. A faint smile played on Xavier's lips as he noticed the slight blush on her cheeks. "Tonya," he said, his tone lighter now, "I see you have an interest in Raiden."

Tonya's face turned crimson, and she stammered, "I—uh—"

Xavier waved a hand, cutting her off with a chuckle. "Relax. I'm not here to embarrass you. But if you want to be part of something greater, go ask your father for permission to become my disciple. Perhaps in time, you'll grow alongside Raiden."

Tonya's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting as she tried to process his words. She glanced at Raiden, who looked equally stunned but remained silent.

"Think about it," Xavier added, his voice steady despite his fatigue. "Now go, both of you. I need to rest."

With a nod, Raiden and Tonya left the room, leaving Xavier to finally settle back into the bed. As the door clicked shut, he exhaled deeply, the weight of his responsibilities mingling with the faint hope that his actions would prepare his disciple—and perhaps Tonya—for the challenges to come.

The fires within Xavier, which he had struggled to suppress, finally overtook him. His vision blurred, and his body trembled uncontrollably before everything went black.

When Xavier opened his eyes, he found himself in the ethereal dream world once more, a realm of endless skies and shimmering stars. He rubbed his temples, shaking his head to clear the lingering haze, a wry smirk spreading across his lips. "I suppose I owe you a thank you, Elior," Xavier said, his voice calm but edged with curiosity. "Your advice… it saved my life back there."

Elior, his ethereal form as calm and composed as ever, nodded with a faint smile. "You handled it well, Xavier. Though I warned you, relying on your bloodline comes with risks. Your control is still fragile."

Xavier folded his arms, his curiosity intensifying. "That move I used against Lord Walden," he began, his golden eyes glinting with intrigue, "what was it? I've never summoned anything like that before. A dragon of flames… it was like it moved on its own, tearing through his life force."

Elior's expression grew serious, his voice taking on a deeper tone. "That technique wasn't something you consciously performed. It was the awakening of your bloodline—a manifestation of your inner fire and the raw essence of your dragon lineage. It is an ancient skill called 'Draconic Inferno Manifestation.'"

"Draconic Inferno Manifestation?" Xavier repeated, testing the name on his tongue.

Elior nodded. "It is a primal ability tied to your lineage. When your bloodline resonates with your spiritual energy, it manifests as the embodiment of a dragon, consuming your opponent's life force and spiritual energy. However, such power comes at a cost. If you're not careful, it can burn through your life force as well."

Xavier's smirk faded, replaced by a more solemn expression. "So, it's a double-edged sword."

"Precisely," Elior confirmed. "It is not a technique to be used recklessly. You must master your bloodline and gain complete control over it if you wish to use it without harm. For now, you were lucky your innate strength and willpower carried you through."

Xavier clenched his fists, a determined fire igniting in his eyes. "Then I'll train harder. If this bloodline is part of me, I'll make it my own. I won't let it control me."

Elior's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. You have great potential, Xavier, but the road ahead will not be easy. Rest and recover, for challenges greater than Lord Walden await you."

Xavier nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I'll be ready. No matter what comes next."