The crimson mist of the lake swirled around Kairo as the Divine Dragon's immense form loomed over him, wings casting shadows like mountains upon the water.
Its voice rumbled through the night, low and deliberate, each word weighing heavy on Kairo's mind.
You ask how to set me free, the dragon said, eyes like molten rubies scanning the boy. It is simple, yet perilous.
When you reach the Immortal Emperor level, you will form a contract with me. You… will be my master. I… your bound companion. Our souls intertwined.
Kairo's brow furrowed, the weight of the revelation settling in like a storm cloud.
And… if I die? His voice was cautious.
The dragon's gaze sharpened. Then I live. If I die… you live. That is the essence of our bond.
A flicker of thought ignited in Kairo's mind, a question too dangerous to ignore.
Wait… does that mean… my ancestor and you… share a soul bond as well?
The dragon's wings shuddered, a subtle tremor in the air.
Yes.
Kairo's pulse quickened. Then… my ancestor is still alive.
The dragon's eyes narrowed, a storm of judgment and curiosity.
He exists… in hiding. Concealed by choices made long ago. His power restrained… but not gone.
Kairo's mind raced faster than lightning.
Then… when we—when we form this bond, what happens to your bond with him?
Nothing, the dragon replied, voice steady yet loaded with weight.
But when our contract is broken… he will know.
Only then will the truth awaken in him.
A chill ran down Kairo's spine, a pulse of excitement and fear intertwining.
So… he's out there. Watching. Waiting. He could be the greatest obstacle in the path of the devastation we might unleash.
The dragon tilted its head, a shadow of amusement crossing its ancient features.
Indeed. That is why you intrigue me, boy. You… think faster than most mortals. You anticipate moves I did not even conceive. Interesting.
Kairo's eyes narrowed, alert, heart hammering. But… you said this is not truly my body.
The dragon's voice softened, almost a whisper over the turbulent wind.
Do not fear. I will not harm you. Bring me the body, and I will reveal all within it. You will face a trial of one against two:
your evil cultivation… against the black dragon body and pure, righteous cultivation.
Kairo's breath caught in his throat, shadows of doubt coiling around him.
I must warn you, the dragon continued, wings flexing like the night itself, if the body cannot withstand it… you will die. If you had waited until you turned twenty… perhaps you could have even commanded Heaven itself. But we will hasten the process. Your fate… your skill… your will… they will decide the outcome.
Kairo's eyes burned, mind racing through every possibility, every consequence.
The night seemed to tighten around him, as if the shadows themselves leaned in to watch this moment.
One misstep… and he would be gone.
One miscalculation… and centuries of legacy, of bloodline, of the Kelric name, could vanish.
The dragon's voice echoed one final time, a whisper of doom and promise:
Prepare yourself, Kairo. The storm is coming… and only your courage, cunning, and darkness will determine if you survive it.
The water trembled around him, red and black energy spiraling like a living storm.
Kairo's heart pounded. The trial had begun.
And the world… would never be the same.