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The territory of the Water Dragons lay in the deepest trenches of the ocean — where pressure could crush mountains and darkness swallowed light.
When Izumi arrived, colossal dragons blocked his path.
Their scales shimmered like polished sapphire, and their eyes burned with ancient wisdom.
"State your name," one dragon growled.
Izumi stood calmly, his demonic aura flowing like cold currents.
"I am Izumi. Prince of the Water Demons."
Gasps echoed through the trench.
"I seek an audience with Dragon Lord Azore Torrent."
"And I challenge him to battle."
Silence fell.
Moments later, the ocean trembled violently.
A presence descended.
The currents spiraled wildly as a massive figure emerged from the abyss.
Azore Torrent.
His body was vast enough to eclipse an entire fortress. Storm-like wind currents swirled around his serpentine frame.
His voice boomed like thunder.
"Young demon…"
"Why do you seek death?"
Izumi met the dragon's gaze without fear.
"I seek power."
"For what purpose?" Azore asked.
"To end the war between races."
The dragon's golden eyes narrowed.
"A demon… who seeks peace?"
Izumi clenched his fist.
"If I must rule to protect peace, then I will rule."
Azore laughed — a deep, rumbling sound that shook the sea floor.
"Very well."
"Show me your resolve."
The Battle Begins
In this world, six primary mana elements existed:
Water.
Fire.
Wind.
Earth.
Light.
Dark.
Most beings were born with one elemental affinity.
Some rare individuals possessed two.
The legendary First Hero of Humanity once possessed five.
Izumi was born with Water affinity.
Or so everyone believed.
He raised his hand.
The ocean surged violently.
"Water Dragon Surge!"
A massive torrent shaped like a dragon lunged toward Azore.
But in a flash—
Azore vanished.
Wind currents exploded outward.
The attack missed entirely.
Izumi attacked again.
And again.
Every strike was effortlessly dodged.
His breathing grew heavy.
His mana rapidly drained.
Azore's voice echoed calmly.
"You rely too much on raw power."
Izumi gritted his teeth.
Then he activated his hidden technique.
The temperature of the ocean dropped instantly.
Cracks formed in the water itself.
"Ice Crash!"
A colossal frozen wave erupted forward.
For the first time, Azore's eyes widened slightly.
"Ice…?"
The dragon twisted, narrowly evading the devastating strike.
The frozen current shattered against distant rock formations.
Silence followed.
Izumi's vision blurred.
He had exhausted all his mana.
Darkness swallowed him.
When he opened his eyes again, he was lying inside a magnificent crystal hall within the Dragon Castle.
Azore watched him silently.
"You possess rare talent."
"But talent without mastery is meaningless."
Izumi slowly sat up.
For the first time in his life…
He felt small.
If even one Dragon Lord was this powerful…
How could he ever defeat the Water Lord?
How could he unite the world?
His fist tightened.
Then he spoke.
"Dragon Lord Azore…"
"Make me your student."
The hall fell silent.
Azore's golden eyes glowed.
"You wish to learn from me?"
"Yes."
"Then prove yourself."
Azore's voice deepened.
"In the deepest part of the ocean lies an ancient being."
"Mizuchi."
"The Fourth General of the Serpent Lord."
"He cannot be killed."
"But if you can defeat him…"
"I shall personally train you."
Izumi's eyes burned with determination.
"I accept."
And thus began the journey that would change the fate of the entire world.