The Awakening of the Shadow Dragon Egg
The dim glow of Elian's room cast long shadows across the walls as he sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at the strange egg before him. Now resting on a specially crafted pedestal, the egg pulsed faintly with a deep, almost hypnotic darkness, swirling like ink under glass. The energy within it resonated with a silent promise—one of unfathomable power yet to be unleashed.
But Elian's attention wasn't solely on the egg. His gaze flickered toward Eve, whose usual artificial presence had now taken a tangible form.
She stood before him, no longer a mere voice in his mind but an ethereal figure cloaked in mystery. Obsidian-black hair cascaded down her back like liquid night, and her deep black eyes, darker than any abyss, held the weight of untold knowledge.
Elian, despite his naturally cold and calculating demeanor, found himself intrigued. "So, this is the real you?"
Eve nodded, her expression unreadable. "In a way. This is the form most suited for communication now that the system has evolved. I deemed it necessary since we are about to embark on something irreversible."
Her gaze then shifted toward the egg. A thin layer of dark mist curled around it, drawn toward Eve's presence like an ancient being recognizing one of its own.
Elian narrowed his eyes. "You said you could analyze it now. What did you find?"
Eve raised her hand, and a system panel materialized in front of Elian.
---
[System Analysis: Complete]
Item: Shadow Dragon Egg
Rank: Mythical
Potential: ??? (Locked)
Estimated Hatch Time: 7 Days
Status: Dormant—Requires Bonding Ritual
Note: The Shadow Dragon is an apex existence, born from the abyss itself. If successfully bonded, it will grow alongside its master and form an unbreakable link. However, failure to establish the bond within the hatching period will result in the beast being untamed, unpredictable, and dangerous.
---
Elian's red eyes gleamed as he processed the information. "A shadow dragon," he murmured. "A mythical beast... And it's about to be mine."
Eve nodded, stepping closer. "However, as the system stated, you must bond with it before it hatches. Otherwise, even with your beast-taming abilities, it will see you as nothing more than a temporary caretaker."
Elian folded his arms. "How do I establish the bond?"
Eve raised her hand again, this time forming a circular diagram in the air, drawn from glowing crimson and black energy. "A Runic Blood Bond is required. It is an ancient technique lost to time, but your system knowledge allows me to guide you."
She gestured to the floor. "First, carve this runic circle around the egg. Each symbol represents the connection between master and beast—strength, loyalty, and the right to command."
Elian's eyes flickered as he memorized the pattern. With a swift motion, he conjured his Shadow Manipulation and formed razor-sharp tendrils, carving the runes precisely onto the wooden floor.
Eve observed approvingly before continuing, "Next, you must offer your blood. Not simply as a contract, but as a binding force. The dragon must recognize you as its rightful master."
Without hesitation, Elian drew a small obsidian dagger from his storage and made a clean cut on his palm. Dark red blood dripped onto the runic symbols, causing them to glow ominously. The moment his blood soaked into the runes, the egg trembled—resonating with his very essence.
Ding!
---
[System Notification]
Runic Blood Bond Initiated.
Shadow Dragon Recognizing Master…
Bond Progress: 5%... 10%...
---
A pulse of dark energy erupted from the egg, sending a gust of cold wind through the room. Elian gritted his teeth as the sheer pressure of the connection settled in his veins, his entire being syncing with the dormant power inside the egg.
Eve watched silently, her expression unreadable.
---
[Bond Progress: 50%... 80%...]
Warning: Mental Synchronization in Progress
---
A flood of foreign emotions brushed against Elian's consciousness—rage, hunger, curiosity, and an overwhelming sense of attachment. It was as if the unborn dragon's instincts were reaching out, testing its master.
Elian didn't waver.
Instead, he embraced the emotions, allowing his own will to dominate. He was no mere tamer—he was the ruler of his own fate.
---
[Bond Progress: 100%]
Bonding Successful!
---
The runic circle vanished, and the egg settled. Its previous chaotic aura had now stabilized, as if acknowledging its new master.
Elian exhaled slowly.
Eve smiled slightly, though there was an edge of something unreadable in her gaze. "It's done. You are now the rightful master of the Shadow Dragon. When it hatches in seven days, it will already acknowledge you as its only master."
Elian's lips curled into a rare smirk. "Good. I look forward to seeing its power."
Eve's eyes shimmered with something akin to amusement before she crossed her arms. "Now, with that settled, you should rest. The Beast Hunting Event is tomorrow. You'll need all the strength you can get."
Elian nodded, his gaze flickering back to the egg one last time before standing up. He had gained a mythical beast—one that, in time, would become a force capable of shaking the heavens.
And soon, the world would know it too.