the Rise of the twin monarchs

Volume 2: Rise of the Vessel

Chapter 9: Soul Infusion – The Rise of the Twin Monarchs

The battlefield had gone quiet.

Ash drifted gently through the air like snow, remnants of the mighty Dire Flamebeast that had once ruled the fifth floor. Lee Hwan stood tall amidst the devastation, his aura fading slowly, chest rising and falling in rhythm with his slowing breath.

Behind him, the dragons Pyron and Nerok hovered in the air, their wings wide, their eyes watching him with silent loyalty.

Lee turned his head, glancing at them both. "You two… were amazing."

But as he raised his hand to recall them, a soft ding echoed in his mind.

[Notification]

You may now power up your contracted dragons.

Use Soul Fragments to strengthen your summons.

Current Soul Fragments: 2,500

Pyron – Current Level: 44

Nerok – Current Level: 43

Infusing 1,250 Soul Fragments into each…

Both dragons have reached Level 66.

Lee's eyes narrowed with surprise. "Soul fragments… so that's what those things were for."

Golden particles surrounded Pyron and Nerok. Their forms shimmered and glowed, twisting as their bodies changed, growing larger and more majestic.

Pyron's scales, once crimson, now shone with burning gold. Horns curved from his crown like a crown of fire. His aura pulsed like a volcano about to erupt.

Nerok, the shadow dragon, became more terrifyingly elegant—his obsidian wings stretching wider, eyes glowing violet. His form blurred slightly, like he existed in two dimensions at once.

They both let out a powerful roar that echoed across the floor, shaking even the strongest trees nearby.

[Pyron – Level 66: Evolved into "Infernal Drake Monarch"]

[Nerok – Level 66: Evolved into "Phantom Drake Monarch"]

[New Skills Unlocked – Refer to Dragon Menu for detailed information]

Lee Hwan couldn't help but grin.

"Monarchs, huh? I guess it's fitting."

He raised his hand. "You two deserve rest. Take it."

With a flash of dragon sigils, both Pyron and Nerok vanished into thin air, returned to the inner realm connected to Lee's soul.

The field went quiet once more.

Lee opened his status menu, letting the interface hover before him like a floating hologram. His fingers moved quickly as he looked through his stats, skills, and now—Dragon Menu.

Under it, he saw detailed information about both dragons, their new abilities, and the soul resonance percentage—which had jumped from 40% to 68%.

More synchronized, more powerful.

Just as he was about to close the window, another ding echoed in his ears.

[Special Notice]

You have awakened the path of the Dual Monarch Tamer.

Title Earned: Twin-Bonded Sovereign

Effect: Dragon Summon limit increased to 3. Aura efficiency +30%.

Lee Hwan's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Three dragons, huh… I'll need to find a third worthy one."

He turned his gaze toward the glowing portal to the sixth floor. A new trial waited, but he felt different now.

Stronger.

More complete.

He wasn't just a vessel anymore. He was the beginning of something greater.

Lee cracked his neck and started walking toward the portal. "Let's see what this floor has for me."