Zevi and Alex went to the river to wash themselves after the hunt.
The water flowed gently, reflecting the golden light of the afternoon sun. The forest around them was calm, the earlier chaos of battle now replaced by the soothing sounds of nature—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the soft ripple of water.
Zevi stood near the edge of a large lake connected to the river, holding a simple fishing spear. His sharp eyes scanned the surface, waiting patiently for the right moment.
Meanwhile, Alex splashed happily nearby, enjoying the cool water.
"Don't go too far!" Zevi warned without looking at him.
"I won't!" Alex replied, already drifting farther than he should.
Curiosity flickered in his eyes.
Then—
He took a deep breath and dove into the water.
The world beneath the surface was quiet and dim. Light filtered through in soft beams, illuminating patches of the lakebed.
As Alex swam deeper, something caught his attention.
A faint glow.
"…Huh?"
He squinted, kicking downward.
There—buried slightly beneath the silt—was a small cylinder, emitting a soft, unnatural light.
Alex's curiosity instantly took over.
He reached for it.
As soon as his fingers touched the surface—
The glow intensified.
'WHAT—?!'
A strange force pulsed from within the cylinder.
'Shit… curiosity kills the cat!'
Panic set in.
Alex tried to push himself upward, kicking hard toward the surface.
But it was too late.
The cylinder cracked.
A liquid metal substance—shimmering and alive—burst free.
It moved.
Not like liquid… but like it had a will of its own.
Before Alex could react, the Gallium surged forward—
And entered his mouth.
"—!"
His eyes widened in terror.
He swallowed both water and the strange substance at the same time. His body froze as an unfamiliar sensation spread through him—cold and burning all at once.
Everything went dark.
Above the surface—
Zevi suddenly stiffened.
His instincts screamed.
"…Alex?"
He turned sharply toward the water.
No movement.
No sound.
Without hesitation—
He dove in.
The water parted as Zevi pushed downward with powerful strokes. His eyes scanned the depths frantically.
Then he saw him.
Alex.
Floating… unmoving.
Zevi's heart dropped.
He surged forward, grabbing his son and pulling him up with all his strength.
They broke the surface with a splash.
Zevi dragged Alex to the lakeside, laying him flat on the ground.
"No… no… no…"
He quickly positioned his hands and began compressions.
"Come on, Alex! Breathe!"
He pressed down hard.
Again.
Again.
Water spilled from Alex's mouth.
"Come on!"
Then—
COUGH!
COUGH! COUGH!
Alex's body jerked as he gasped for air.
Relief flooded Zevi's face—
Then instantly turned into anger.
TWACK!
"Ack! Why did you smack my head, Dad?!" Alex complained, holding his head.
"You almost left the world of the living, you bastard son of mine!" Zevi shouted, his voice shaking with emotion.
"What did you just call me, old man?! I'm gonna tell Mom!" Alex shot back, offended.
"WHAT?!"
"NO! I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING!" Alex quickly corrected himself, raising his hands defensively.
Zevi let out a long breath, trying to calm himself.
After a moment, his expression turned serious again.
"What happened down there?" he asked.
Alex frowned, trying to recall.
"I'm not sure… I saw a light at the bottom. When I tried to grab it… something came out. Then I passed out."
Zevi narrowed his eyes.
He carefully examined Alex's body—his arms, chest, even his eyes.
"…Nothing seems wrong," he muttered.
Still, unease lingered in his heart.
"Let's not stay here any longer," Zevi said finally. "Get dressed."
They changed into dry clothes.
Zevi lifted the carcass of the fire lizard onto his shoulder.
"Let's go before evening catches up. We need to sell this and buy food for your mother and sister."
At the mention of his sister—
Alex's expression softened.
Luna.
She had been born just last week, under the full moon. That was why they named her Luna.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Yeah… let's go."
The capital of Drakoria was as lively as ever.
The marketplace buzzed with activity, filled with creatures of different races. The moment they entered, a strong smell hit them—raw meat, blood, spices, and smoke all mixed together.
Stalls lined the streets.
Carcasses of various monsters hung from hooks. Butchers skillfully cut through thick hides, separating meat with practiced precision.
It was chaotic—but normal.
Zevi and Alex made their way through the crowd.
Humans were present—but noticeably fewer.
And quieter.
They eventually reached their trusted shopkeeper.
The man examined the fire lizard carcass carefully.
"As expected of you, Zevi," he said. "The meat is in good condition… minimal damage."
He stroked his chin.
"A normal fire lizard would sell for around 2 gold and twenty silver…"
He paused.
"But since you're the one selling it… I'll give you three gold."
(AN: Currency System
100 copper = 1 silver
100 silver = 1 gold
100 gold = 1 platinum
10 platinum = 1 mana stone
* i just simplified the currency conversion, it do more trouble than good to me in the long run so, yeah this is it)
In this world, paper money no longer existed.
The currency had returned to minerals—gold, silver, copper, and other valuable metals. These were not only used for trade but also essential in crafting weapons, artifacts, and magical tools.
With the Earth expanding a hundredfold, resources had become abundant.
But that didn't make life easier.
Exploration was dangerous.
Beyond safe zones lay forbidden territories filled with demonic monsters—places where only the strong dared to venture.
After the transaction, Zevi and Alex bought supplies for their family.
As they walked through the streets, dragonborn—humanoid dragons—could be seen everywhere. Their presence alone commanded respect.
Other races passed by as well—members of powerful clans.
Humans…
Were at the bottom.
They weren't slaves.
But they weren't equal either.
Every step had to be careful.
Every word measured.
"HEEEEEEY, ALEEEEEEEX!"
A loud voice called out.
From a distance, a boy waved enthusiastically.
Draco.
A member of the Dragon Race—and the heir of the Azure Dragon Clan.
"Zup, Draco," Alex replied casually. "We just got back from hunting."
Zevi nodded toward him.
"Go ahead, son. Play with Draco," he said, then turned to the boy. "Give my regards to your old man."
"Aye aye, captain!" Draco saluted playfully.
The two boys ran off toward the playground.
Draco's appearance stood out.
Two proud horns curved upward from the sides of his head, a clear sign of his lineage. His features carried the unmistakable mark of a pure-blooded dragon.
Not all dragonborn were equal.
Only those who could transform into human form were considered true members of the Dragon Race.
This Classification came from history.
During the Great War, dragons were unmatched in raw power. Their massive forms could summon storms with a single flap of their wings. Their breath could reduce entire cities to ash.
But their size was also their weakness.
Large bodies consumed enormous stamina. Prolonged battles drained them quickly.
Against humans—who were smaller, faster, and more adaptable—they became vulnerable.
So they evolved.
By adopting human physiology, they reduced energy consumption and increased speed. Though their raw strength decreased slightly, their overall combat ability improved drastically.
They could now wield weapons.
Use techniques.
Fight intelligently.
But not all dragons could achieve this form.
Only the talented.
Only those with strong bloodlines.
And so—
Hierarchy was born.
From lesser dragons…
To pure-blooded elites…
To the royal family.
That was the history of the Dragon Race in the Drakoria Empire.
As Alex ran beside Draco, laughing and talking—
He didn't notice it.
The faint glow deep within his body.
The beginning of something… unknown.