: Preparation

The morning sun rose gently over the hill. Kaelan sat on a small wooden bench outside the little home, the cool breeze ruffling his hair.

The stars were beginning to show above, and the city had settled into a quiet hum. Lucian came over with two steaming mugs of herbal tea and handed one to him.

"Thanks," Kaelan said with a small smile, taking the mug.

After a few moments of silence, Kaelan looked at Lucian. "Lucian, can you tell me a little bit about the kingdoms in Elarion? I barely know anything about them as I have lived in jungle."Lucian sipped his tea, then nodded. "Yes, definitely.

This world has seven major kingdoms and many smaller cities like this one. Among all the kingdoms, the most powerful one is Skydome."

Kaelan's eyes widened. "Really? What makes Skydome the most powerful?"

Lucian chuckled.

"Well, It's said to be home to the strongest warriors and beast-bonded elites. Not just anyone can go there.

You need a permit, and most people are never allowed in. I tried once or twice, but eventually gave up and settled here."

Kaelan nodded, already imagining visiting the kingdom "Could you tell me something about Thornvale as well?" he asked.

Lucian's eyes softened. "Ah, Thornvale... it's a strong and beautiful kingdom. Covered in thick forests, rivers, and blooming nature.

The king there is very powerful and strict. He doesn't like change and tries to keep control over everything.

But his kingdom is peaceful and well-guarded. I've been there myself, and it was stunning. The forests almost seem alive."

Kaelan listened closely, feeling more and more excited.

"I've visited three kingdoms myself," Lucian continued. "Thornvale, Ironspire, and Emberheim. All of them were beautiful in their own way. Ironspire is strong, filled with mountains and tough stone- armored beasts.

Emberheim is all about fire and volcanoes — their beasts are fierce and wild."

"Wow," Kaelan muttered. "They sound amazing. I want to visit all of them someday."

Lucian laughed. "You should! They are worth seeing. But remember, don't cause any trouble there, or you might get executed! Haha."

Kaelan laughed along, but then reached into his bag and pulled out a folded parchment. He spread it on the bench — it was an old map of Elarion, marked with symbols and lines.

"Lucian, do you know what these nine symbols mean?" Kaelan asked, pointing to the icons scattered across the map.

Lucian leaned over and smiled. "Ahh, those. Those are the guardian beasts of this world. Each one controls a different element. They are also called the Legendary Beasts because they are in the final stage of their evolution.

No other beast has reached their level in thousands of years."stepped outside Lucian's home, taking in the fresh air.

Beside him, Kuro trotted happily, white eyes blinking and tail swaying like a playful pup.

Lucian watched from the doorway, smiling softly. "You two really do share a bond," he said.

Kaelan scratched Kuro's head. "I guess we've been through a lot already, even if it's only been a short time."

As Kaelan and Kuro played, something unexpected happened. From the edges of the forest, small monsters began to appear — rabbit-like beasts with horns, floating jellyfish creatures, and even a chubby lizard with wings.

They gathered near Lucian, who scattered dried berries and nuts on the ground.

Kaelan froze. "W-why are there so many monsters?!"

Kuro tilted his head, eyes wide, then stepped closer to Kaelan as if seeking protection.

A small question mark seemed to float over Kuro's head in confusion. Lucian laughed gently. "They're my friends."

Kaelan blinked. "Friends? But… they're monsters." Lucian shook his head. "Just like Kuro is your friend, I've made many friends throughout my life.

They've stayed with me here on this hill. Some were injured when I found them; others were born here. They're not evil, Kaelan. They're just… alive, like us."

Kaelan looked at Kuro, then back at the little monsters eating calmly around Lucian.

His heart softened a bit. "I see… so it's really about trust, isn't it?"

Lucian nodded. "Exactly. Trust is what makes the Power Share possible."

Kaelan sat down beside Lucian, Kuro curling up next to him. "Lucian… can I ask you something?" "Of course."

"In the city, I heard people whispering about a prophecy. Do you know what it is?"

Lucian's expression darkened slightly. "Yes. They say that a dragon will come to this world and bring destruction to Elarion.

That it will burn the city and kill thousands."

Kaelan swallowed. "And… do you believe it?"

Lucian looked at Kuro, who was now sniffing curiously at a horned rabbit monster.

"Listen, Kaelan. Dragons are creatures of immense power and intelligence. Far more than these little monsters, and even more than most humans.

Without a reason, a dragon would not attack. The real danger lies in people's fear — their obsession to destroy what they don't understand.

In trying to kill the dragon, they may bring about the prophecy themselves."

Kaelan nodded slowly, gripping Kuro's small body closer.

Kaelan lowered his head. "All I want is to protect him, no matter what."

Lucian placed a firm hand on Kaelan's shoulder and said I know kuro is a dragon you don't need to hide it from me and Kaelan shocked looking at lucian with fear in eyes but lucian says promise me this: if I help you, you must do everything you can to keep him under control. If you fail… many innocent lives could be lost."

Kaelan met Lucian's gaze, eyes firm. "I promise. I'll protect Kuro and keep him from harming anyone."

Lucian's expression softened. "Good. Then let's prepare for the ritual."

Lucian led Kaelan and Kuro to a clearing behind his house. The ground there was smooth and flat, surrounded by tall trees that filtered the morning light into dappled patterns.

Lucian knelt and began drawing a large circle on the ground with white chalk.

Strange symbols formed around the edge, some that Kaelan couldn't recognize. Lucian hummed softly as he worked, a melody pretty calming.

Kuro watched closely, tilting his head left and right, eyes wide with curiosity.

Kaelan felt nervous, palms sweating. "Is it dangerous?"

Lucian didn't look up. "Only if your bond isn't strong enough. But I've seen how Kuro looks at you. That trust may save you both."

After finishing the circle, Lucian opened a small wooden box. Inside lay a smooth, deep-blue stone shaped like a teardrop.

"What's that?" Kaelan asked. Lucian picked it up carefully. "A dragon stone. Rare, and very old. It holds a small fragment of draconic energy.

In the ritual, it acts as a bridge between your spirit and Kuro's." He handed it to Kaelan. "Keep this in your hand. No matter what happens, don't let go."