Evolution Path Set

Boy clenched his fists, claws digging into the ground. He had spent his existence clawing for survival, forced into battles where he was nothing but a tool- disposable.

But the dragon? 

It was beyond tools and masters. It was something no one could command. Something that no one could simply discard.

He wanted to ascend. To be feared… Respected…

The dragon exhaled, a new wave of destruction engulfed the battlefield. Boy stood witness to this annihilation, watching as entire companies of warriors were reduced to cinders in an instant.

And yet, he didn't flinch. He could almost picture himself there, standing in the dragon's place… The idea was intoxicating…

He had decided.

'System'

[Yes, Host?]

'What set my evolution path to be a dragon.'

[Evolution path set to be 'Draconic'. Can Host confirm?]

'Confirm.'

[Confirmed. Evolution path set to 'Draconic.']

[Ding! Evolution Path Refinement in Progress]

[Ding Evolution Mission issued]

["To the Draconic Path", Evolution Mission:

Defeat five creatures of equal or higher rank that wields shadow affinity (Not Completed)

Defeat one creature that contains the bloodline of a dragon (Not Completed)

Increase Strength to at least 50, Agility to at least 45, Endurance to at least 50, Intelligence to at least 35 (Not Completed)

Accumulate 5,000 experience through battle and survival (0/5,000)

Rewards: Unlocks Evolution]

Boy exhaled slowly, his heart pounding with anticipation. The system had set his path, but the journey to becoming greater had only just begun.

The battlefield was still alive with fire and screams, the weight of the dragon's presence pressing down on all who remained.

Then, reality crashed back into him.

The battlefield was collapsing into chaos, but the soldiers hesitated. Fear gripped a large number of them, their gazes flickering between retreating and the towering form of the dragon. Some had already begun to retreat, their resolve crumbling in the face of annihilation.

Despite the overwhelming fear gripping the battlefield, the commander stood unshaken.

However, before he faced the dragon, he turned to Boy, his eyes firm as he began, "Listen to me, hyena. You are different from other summons, your intelligence is something I have not seen in any other summons so far. You have great potential."

He then got down to one knee as he placed his hand on Boy, "Please accept this last request of this old man."

Saying this, he reached into his belt, pulled out a small, rune-inscribed recording crystal and he pressed a button on it and in that moment, he began to speak again, "For my son, his wife, and for my grandson… If they are to hear my final words, let it be from my own voice. Deliver this to them. No matter what. Please."

His gaze locked onto Boy, filled with unspoken trust. Boy hesitated for a few seconds before he nodded.

The system had chimed.

[Mission Assigned, "Commander's Final Wish]

["Commander's Final Wish", Unique Mission:

Get the final message of Commander Darius to his family (Not Completed)

Rewards: Skill upgrade x2, 50 stat points]

The commander exhaled, then with a solemn expression, spoke once more, "One more thing… To my family, this summon… is unlike any I have ever seen before. Treat him well, guide him and he will make a great companion for little Lucas."

And towards the end, his voice grew softer, "Bennett, this summon will be able to lead other summons."

After he said this, the commander exhaled once again as he pressed another button. He then pressed another button and in that moment, all the other buttons retracted into the object. 

He then placed the crystal ball in front of Boy, staring intently at him.

'Commander Garius…' Boy spoke to him, causing Garius's eyes to widen slightly as it was his first time hearing the hyena communicate, 'I will make sure your final words get to your family. Thank you for saving me.'

Hearing this, the commander's shoulders relaxed as if he had been relieved. 

"It would have been nice to have met you before this war began…" Garius spoke as a rare happy smile stretched across his face. Then, he steeled once more…

"Head straight into the stronghold and there will be a rune portal that heads back to the capital of the kingdom. You will be granted entry there," Garius spoke as he pulled out an insignia that he kept on his armour and he then pinned it on Boy's fur. He also took off his cape and swung it around Boy, trying it around the area that Boy had the wound to protect it.

"Now go," he spoke as he stood up once again.

Boy hurriedly nodded as he placed the crystal ball in his mouth before sending a final message and running off, 'You are a good human. I will never forget you.'

Seeing Boy slowly get up after recovering his stamina, he then hardened himself as he grabbed his sword once again and walked to a vantage point.

The commander raised his sword high, its blade gleaming even in the dragon's burning glow.

He saw countless soldiers on his side, running away, while some were brave enough and still fighting courageously. And as he turned to his side, he saw his closest warriors, ones that had fought by his side for years, turning towards him for guidance and instruction- men who would not abandon him, even now.

"Do you think running will save you?" his voice boomed across the battlefield, resonating into the hearts of all the soldiers and summons around the battlefield, "You think you can escape what this war has become? If we flee like cowards, do you think they will stop right here? Are we going to let the sacrifices that were made today mean nothing?"

His eyes scanned his warriors, hard and unwavering, "We are soldiers of Eldoria! We do not abandon our brothers! We do not run like prey! If this battle is lost, we will not let it be in disgrace! We will stand! We will hold! We will die fighting!"

At this, the hesitant murmurs died. Backs straightened, hands gripped weapons tighter. Men stole one last glance at their commander, and their shame turned to steel.

"Those who live today will carry our memory! Those who stand and fight will ensure Eldoria will see another dawn! We are the wall that shields this kingdom! And if we are to fall today- then we fall as warriors, not cowards!