Evolution of in 2nd stage

Volume 2: Rise of the Vessel

Chapter 20: Evolution of Flame

Lee Hwan stood in silence, catching his breath as the system notifications faded from the air. But then—something unexpected began to happen.

His right hand, still glowing faintly from the final attack, suddenly flared up. The fire was no longer the usual aggressive orange.

It shimmered… blue.

A calm, yet impossibly hot flame danced across his palm. It didn't rage—it roared quietly. The flame felt alive, as if it understood its purpose now.

Ding!

[Skill Evolution Detected]

[Flame Burst has reached a threshold beyond normal development]

[Due to affinity with Dragon Monarch lineage, flame has evolved into a higher form]

[Skill Renamed: Azure Wrath (Lv. 6)]

[Properties: Blue Flame, Aura Amplification, Soul Burn Effect, Area Expansion]

Lee blinked. "Azure Wrath…?"

He watched as the blue flame coiled around his fingers, reacting to his emotions. It was hotter, yet didn't burn him. It listened. It responded.

Then came another surprise.

Behind him, the air rippled—and his two dragons appeared. But they… had changed.

The red-scaled dragon now had light-orange scales, gleaming under the artificial sun of the 6th Floor. Its eyes glowed with deeper intelligence, and its aura was more refined, focused.

[Dragon "Veritas" has evolved to Light Ember Class]

[Veritas now possesses a passive ability: Flame Vortex]

Lee turned to the other. The second dragon, slightly smaller, radiated a sharper pressure than before. Its crimson wings now glinted with golden undertones.

[Dragon "Kael" has evolved to Ember Fang Class]

[Kael now possesses a passive ability: Piercing Breath]

He stood between them, his upgraded flame swirling around his hand, dragons watching silently like loyal guardians.

"…So this is the power of a Vessel," Lee whispered.

His flames, his dragons, and even his aura had grown beyond what a normal player could achieve at level 75.

And yet… the system had hinted this was only the beginning.

Ding!

[Hidden Trait Unlocked: Dragon Monarch's Resonation]

[Due to synchronized evolution of your flame and dragons, your bond has reached 2nd Stage]

[Future evolutions will trigger new monarch abilities]

Lee looked at his hand once more, the Azure Wrath dancing softly, quietly roaring with pride.

"I'm not like the others anymore."

He clenched his fist.

"I've already stepped into the realm of monsters."