The King Returns

Drayk's final test had begun.

Everything around him disappeared, leaving only him and Nexum in an empty space.

"This is the true appearance of the rune universe," Nexum explained calmly. "In its original form, the rules here are different. Time is practically at a standstill."

"What do you mean?"

"One second outside equals nearly a year in here."

Drayk frowned, confused. "But what's the point of all this time if there's nothing to train with?"

"You'll need that time for your final test."

"And what is it?"

As soon as Drayk asked the question, Nexum assumed her original form, transforming into a gigantic black dragon with blazing red eyes.

"You have to defeat me!" Nexum announced as a new rune appeared, immediately attaching itself to Drayk's body.

Mor'dai

(Sealed)

"Sealed? What does that mean, Nexum?"

"Your challenge is to defeat me without using your original form."

"But that's impossible..." Drayk could clearly feel Nexum's overwhelming power.

"Relax," she said calmly. "You can't die in this place."

"So no matter how lethal your attack is?"

"You'll feel all the pain and psychological effects of death, but you'll keep fighting. The question is: how long can you endure?"

"So it only ends when I defeat you, give up, or go insane?"

"Exactly. Your test starts now!"

Instantly, Nexum manipulated the gravity around Drayk, immobilizing him with absurd force.

Barely able to move, Drayk saw Nexum form a massive purple fireball in her mouth.

"Prepare for your first death..."

Determined not to be hit, Drayk focused all his energy.

"She said no original form — but said nothing about the draconic form."

[Draconic Form – Activated]

Immediately, he broke free from the gravitational control, dodging the deadly fireball at the last second.

Free to move, Drayk drew Solar Igris and charged at Nexum with impressive speed, landing consecutive strikes.

"He's faster than I imagined!" Nexum admitted mentally, surprised by the young man's agility.

However, Drayk's blows were not enough. Nexum regenerated much faster than he could hurt her.

"Even with Solar Igris enhanced by the star fragment... she's on another level."

A brief moment of distraction came at a high cost.

Nexum's claw pierced through Drayk's chest — the pain was real. Blood gushed from his mouth as he was thrown back, killed in an instant.

But shortly after, he was back — alive and gasping.

"This is worse than dying in the dungeon..."

No time to reflect — Drayk was already under attack again.

"I can't make another mistake. One slip and it's over."

Realizing his attacks were ineffective, Nexum flapped her massive wings, taking to the skies.

"You've got to be kidding me," Drayk muttered, following her with his draconic wings.

However, in the air, Nexum was faster. Purple fireballs rained down on him relentlessly.

"I need to bring her to the ground or I won't last much longer."

That's when he had an idea.

Using multiple short-range portals, Drayk became unpredictable. Nexum couldn't follow his movements.

The sky was filled with portals, and every time she tried to hit him, Drayk vanished and reappeared elsewhere.

Finally, he appeared close enough to strike a dragon's weak spot in its original form: the wings.

With a single, precise blow, he cut off Nexum's wings, and she plummeted violently to the ground.

"I'll slow time — I need to finish this now!"

But his plan failed.

Even with time slowed for brief moments, Nexum dodged his final thrust.

"Impossible!" he complained, frustrated.

"Do you really think you can manipulate time in my own domain?" Nexum laughed ironically.

Drayk sensed the arrogance in her voice and, angry at himself, launched another attack. Now wingless, Nexum was vulnerable.

"His speed... This shouldn't be possible!" Nexum thought, as Drayk charged with absurd velocity, determined to defeat her at any cost.

What Nexum didn't understand was Drayk's evolutionary ability. Even as a young dragon, his power already rivaled the great ancestors.

Now, Drayk's attacks were causing real damage. Each blow was felt with growing intensity.

"He's... stronger," she realized, surprised.

Unaware, Drayk's aura was starting to affect her deeply.

[Kneel before the king.]

The voice echoed in Nexum's mind.

"He's trying to subjugate me?"

Drayk noticed her movements had slowed, as if she were weakened. Even so, it wasn't enough — despite the damage, Nexum still regenerated quickly.

"You leave me no choice, Nexum. Let's end this!"

She looked at him with wide eyes.

"What is he planning now?"

Drayk's blood began to boil, and a golden, familiar, powerful aura enveloped his body.

"Witness the power of the last primordial heir."

[Primordial Blood – Activated]

In the blink of an eye, Drayk tore off one of Nexum's limbs.

"I-I didn't even see him move... Where did he go?" Nexum was completely disoriented.

The space, once consumed by darkness, began to brighten rapidly.

"What's happening...? Where is this light coming from?"

When Nexum looked up, she saw Drayk, seemingly fused with his sword, falling toward her like a true sun.

"I can't move... how strong are you, young king?"

Like a guillotine, Drayk decapitated Nexum.

In the next instant, everything returned to normal, and both were back in the village.

"What a magnificent fight, young king!" Aru'mathis congratulated him immediately.

Drayk was gasping, still exhilarated from the battle he had fought.

"I-I won...?"

"Ah, how I hate that feeling of dying!" Nexum complained with a sigh.

"You're not used to it, are you?" Aru'mathis teased.

Nexum wore a sad expression from losing.

"Did you really have to cut off my head?" she asked, looking at Drayk with teary eyes.

"Sorry, Nexum... I got a little carried away," Drayk replied awkwardly, realizing he had upset her.

"It's okay... I just didn't expect you to be this strong. Is this about that conversation you had about levels and seals?"

"Yes, Nexum. I'll explain it better later, but Drayk has the potential to surpass me one day," Aru'mathis revealed.

"Surpass you?" Nexum and Drayk asked at the same time.

"Exactly. For the first time, I see a dragon whose potential seems limitless."

Drayk felt even more motivated by those words.

"Well, Drayk, you defeated me. It's time for your reward for completing the training."

"Yes! What will it be?" Drayk was excited, like a child about to open a gift.

"Close your eyes," Nexum asked.

She approached and placed her hands on the young king's shoulders.

"This test proved that you've surpassed my power. More than that, you were about to subjugate me."

Drayk listened intently.

"Your reward will be..."

Before he could react, Nexum touched her lips to his, transferring all her energy to the young man.

"What's happening?"

The young Assoi had never experienced anything like it and didn't know how to respond.

Shortly after, sensing Nexum's absence, he opened his eyes and saw only Aru'mathis.

"Where's Nexum?"

"She finally found her king."

"What do you mean?"

"Nexum created the runes in search of someone worthy to be her king, but she had never been defeated... until now. She chose you, Drayk," Aru'mathis explained. "You've probably already realized what your reward was."

"I can feel... this universe," Drayk said, gazing in awe at his hands.

"Nexum gave all her power to you. We are now inside Drayk's runes," Aru'mathis joked.

Drayk was amazed. He began to shape the universe around him, recreating the city where the Assoi once lived.

"Wow... Wait, does this mean I can create my own runes now?"

"You can do everything Nexum could — and more. After all, you've already proven yourself superior to her."

Drayk fell to his knees before Aru'mathis. Ten fragments pulsed around him like unstable satellites, radiating lights of gold, purple, sky blue, and fiery red. Each one vibrated to the same frequency as his heart.

Then, the familiar notifications appeared.

[Requirements met] – [10 Origin Fragments gathered] – [Class evolving]

The ground trembled. A rune formed beneath Drayk, glowing and expanding until it engulfed the entire room. His vision distorted — as if the world was trying to undo his existence and recreate it at the same time.

[Class Updated: Ascending Fragment > Anomalous Echo]

[Status recalibrated] – [New abilities unlocked]

A translucent interface appeared before Drayk's eyes, like a floating panel.

[Status Updated]

Class: Anomalous Echo

Form: Human (Unstable)

Fragments Collected: 0/10

Current Attributes:

Strength: +300 (1325)

Intelligence: +300 (1300)

Dexterity: +300 (1300)

HP Regen: +75%

[Unlocked Abilities]

[Judgment Gaze (Passive)]

Allows full status view of any target. Command: "Evaluate"

[Echo Breaker (Active)]

Fires primordial energy that bypasses resistances. Area damage + Ignores 50% magical defense

Cooldown: 30s

[Temporal Distortion (Active)]

Temporal folds increase speed and perception.

Duration: 5s | Cooldown: 2 min

[Reality Fragmentation (Passive)]

20% chance to avoid death by splitting into fragments.

Activates once every 24h

Drayk was panting, on his knees, feeling every cell in his body vibrate with an energy he had never experienced before.

...

Meanwhile, Lady Sylren was meeting with a mysterious presence at Lord Darius' mansion in Valnark.

"Master, to what do I owe the honor of your presence?" Lady Sylren knelt before an imposing shadow.

"Hello, my dear. The council has decided to intervene directly in that troublesome boy's case."

"I assure you I can handle the situation myself, Master."

"We trust you, Sylren. However, we feel we've neglected this matter for far too long. So, we'll give you a little help." The shadow summoned a rune, handing it to Sylren.

"This rune… I feel absurd power coming from it."

"That artifact is the result of years of research by the Order. It can summon the spirit of a primordial dragon that fought in the Great War."

"You're saying that here..."

"Yes, the Order managed to create a few of these artifacts. This isn't the most powerful one we have, but I believe a dragon less than six months old won't be able to overcome it."

"A primordial dragon… under my command."

"And not just any dragon. This one was one of the generals who fought against King Vorthaz'Darun."

"Thank you so much, Master. With this rune, I'll eliminate the boy easily."

"Actually, my dear, I'd like you to capture him alive."

"Alive?"

"Yes. That boy has something special. I want to study him before handing him to the council."

"Understood. I'll bring him to you soon."

The shadow then vanished, leaving Lady Sylren ready to invade the Drakhors' village.

Inside the mountain, the group was gathered, discussing their next step.

"How can we fight her without hurting the innocents under her control?"

"Maybe we can infiltrate the mansion and attack her directly, Kaelon."

"You know... it might even be dangerous to bring Drayk with us," said Varian. "His power is too great."

"I agree. His power could be destructive — surely some civilians would get hurt," Orzoth said, thinking. "We could keep him one more day inside the runes until we free the civilians from mind control."

"Are you guys insane?" Kaelon was alarmed. "Without Drayk, she could destroy us easily. And then, he'd be trapped in there forever."

"Calm down, Kaelon. We're just analyzing possibilities—"

BOOOOOM!

"What was that?!" Varian asked, startled.

"The barrier… it's been broken! She's here!" Orzoth realized too late.

Footsteps echoed through the mountain corridors as hundreds advanced toward the village.

"Prepare yourselves! They've arrived!" Kaelon shouted.

"Varian, go to Nexum's altar and bring Drayk immediately!" Orzoth ordered.

"Understood!"

She ran toward the mansion but was intercepted before she could proceed.

Lady Sylren was already there, mounted atop a massive primordial dragon. Within moments, all the Drakhors fell under her control.

Only Kaelon and Varian could resist, though suffering immense mental pressure.

"Hello, rebels," Sylren greeted them mockingly.

"What the hell...? A dragon...?" Kaelon was in disbelief.

"Do you like my new pet?"

"You damned witch! How dare you call a dragon a pet?!" Kaelon clenched his fists, charged with draconic energy.

The dragon took a threatening step forward.

"You'd better behave, or I'll kill all your friends," Sylren threatened coldly.

Only then did Kaelon notice the number of innocents under her control. Varian stood frozen, overwhelmed by traumatic memories.

"I know the boy is training in Nexum's runes." Sylren dismounted slowly. "Tell me, where's the altar?"

Everyone remained silent. One wrong move could cost hundreds of lives.

"I see. Since you won't cooperate, let's give you some incentive."

A mind-controlled villager slowly approached the dragon, who devoured her immediately.

"Come on, where's the altar?"

"Leave the civilians alone, you lunatic!" Kaelon shouted angrily.

"Wrong answer." Sylren smiled coldly. "Who's next?"

A young Drakhor walked toward the dragon. Furious, Varian rushed forward, stopping him. Annoyed, Sylren attacked Varian.

In a swift combat, Varian was easily defeated and left unconscious. Sylren grabbed her by the neck, choking her.

"One of you two — where's the altar?"

Kaelon almost spoke, but Orzoth stopped him.

"I know her life is important, but the future of the dragons is at stake here."

"But, Orzoth—"

"I'm sorry, but it's necessary."

Both remained silent, helpless.

"What an interesting decision," Sylren tightened her grip on Varian's neck.

Then suddenly, time stopped.

Inside the runes, Drayk had finally fully recovered after his class transition, stabilizing the immense power now flowing through his veins.

"Wow, that was intense," he sighed in relief.

"Congratulations, young one. I see you'll soon achieve your goal of bringing glory to our race," Aru'mathis said with a pleased smile.

"Cool, but now what? What do I do?"

"You can stay in here, training and creating your own dungeon, or return home."

"But there's no way to return yet, right? Orzoth said I can only leave when someone calls me from the outside. There's no exit."

"Drayk, there wasn't an exit because that's how Nexum set it. Now, what do you want to do?"

Drayk then realized the truth: he was no longer bound by the rules Nexum had imposed. Focusing, his power reverberated through the space, and a portal opened in front of him.

"It worked!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Wait… did you say I can keep training in here?"

"Yes, why?"

"I just had an idea." Drayk focused again and created an exact copy of himself.

"Drayk number 2, you'll stay in here and build the most epic dungeon ever seen. I've set a condition — you can't leave. But by living here, over time, you'll become stronger than me."

"What are you planning, Drayk?" Aru'mathis asked, intrigued.

"If my copy becomes stronger than I am, the challenges it creates will also be greater. I've realized I can't create something stronger than myself — so this is the perfect solution. When I return, I'll be able to face ever-greater challenges."

"You truly are peculiar, Drayk. Very well, I'll stay and help him then. Good luck out there."

Drayk smiled, satisfied, and stepped through the portal, emerging directly into the great room of the altar of runes.

"Finally, back!"

He rushed toward the mansion.

"Time to find the others. We've got a lot to talk about!"

As soon as he opened the door to his home, the scene before him left him stunned.

"I don't know who you are, but take your filthy hands off Varian!"

For a brief moment, time stopped completely.

When Lady Sylren could move again, her hands had already been cut off, and blood was pouring onto the floor.

"Aaaaaargh!" she screamed in pain. "You miserable brat!"

Drayk ignored her cries, turning calmly to Orzoth.

"Orzoth, who is this woman? And why is there a dragon glaring at me like that?"

Orzoth and Kaelon were relieved, sensing the power now radiating from Drayk — they were finally safe.