Kai's world went silent. In the darkness, he felt nothing but empty pain. He wondered, Why was I born? Am I really so worthless?
Then, a warm light broke through the dark. When Kai opened his eyes again, he found himself not on a hard road but in a strange, bright place. He looked down and saw that his body had changed. He was now huge, with shining scales and eyes that glowed like fire.
"Where am I?" Kai asked, his voice shaky.
A deep voice answered,
> "I am Etrion, the guardian of forgotten places."
Kai looked around in wonder. "Etrion, what did you do to me? Why am I different now?"
The light parted, and a great dragon appeared before him. Its wings spread wide, and its scales shone like stars.
> "You, Kai, have been chosen," the dragon said. "For too long, you suffered in silence. I have seen the goodness inside you, even when you were hurt. I now give you my power so you may rise and protect others."
Kai's voice was soft,
> "But why me? I have always been so weak and alone."
Etrion replied kindly,
> "Your heart is strong, even if your body was not. With this power, you can be a protector. You can make a difference."
Kai felt both fear and a new hope. "I'm scared," he admitted, "What if I can't control it? What if I hurt someone?"
The dragon's eyes shone warmly.
> "Every gift has its challenges. Use it with care and kindness. Do you accept this destiny?"
After a long pause, Kai nodded.
> "Yes. Teach me, guide me. I want to be more than I was."
"Then prepare for the ritual of Ascension," Etrion boomed. "Let the magic change you. Use it for peace, not revenge."
A rush of light and power surged into Kai. "I feel it inside me!" he cried, and soon everything went black.