The first thing Kael's optical sensors registered was a pair of curious eyes mere inches from his face. Large, bright eyes, framed by messy strands of hair.
"Mika," Kael's voice buzzed low with surprise as he pulled his head back with a metallic creak. His internal systems flagged a spike in alert.[PROXIMITY WARNING. PERSONAL SPACE VIOLATION IMMINENT.]
Mika laughed, not backing off. "Good morning, big guy! I was just checking if you were still functioning. You were so quiet... for a second I thought I'd have to give you a good morning kiss to wake you up."
Kael stared at him for a moment, the memory of his dream—the terrible fate awaiting him—still fresh in his processors. Mika's flirtation, once an amusing distraction, now felt trivial in the face of his impending sacrifice.
"Meeting," Kael said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Wake the others. Now."
The serious, urgent tone made Mika retreat, the playfulness fading. He nodded and ran to wake Zaya, Lyren, and Kaien. Minutes later, all five were gathered around the embers of the previous night's fire. The air was heavy with expectation.
Kael rose to his full height, an imposing figure in the morning light. "I had… a vision," he began, choosing his words carefully. He couldn't tell them about his final destiny; it would only spread despair. "A confirmation. Our path is clear, and our purpose is real. Neth'Rakul is anchored to this world through his ten Commanders. Defeating them isn't just a matter of power—it's the only way to sever the ties that bind him here."
He looked at each of them in turn. "Nyxra Vellshade, leader of the Umbraclaw Clan, is our first 'anchor.' Her domain lies three days northeast, beyond this forest. The journey will be dangerous. Her castle, nearly impenetrable. But she is our first target. We need to prepare."
No one questioned it. Kael's certainty was contagious.
Zaya nodded, ever pragmatic. "Right. We'll need more supplies, detailed terrain maps, and intel on Umbraclaw patrols."
"I can get the maps," said Lyren, eyes focused. "And I know the clans' patrol patterns. Nyxra values efficiency—her routes are predictable."
"And I can create a distraction! A performance so fabulous every guard will come watch!" Kaien declared, striking a pose.
Mika simply looked at Kael, his eyes saying more than any words: I'm with you.
They spent the morning preparing. Zaya packed their bags with travel rations and healing potions Lyren had prepared. Lyren drew a detailed map in the dirt, pointing out safe and dangerous routes. Kaien sharpened daggers while humming a cheerful melody. Mika checked his new outfit, ensuring every buckle was secure.
While they worked, Kael drifted from the group. He found a secluded spot at the edge of the clearing, sat in a posture vaguely resembling lotus, and shut off his external optical sensors.
He dove into his own consciousness. The dream returned—not as a memory, but as a truth etched into his core code. You will die... because YOU are part of him.
He saw his old life. The messy apartment. The glowing screen. The face of the man he used to be. It was like looking at a faded photo of a stranger. That man was dead. His story, over. "Kael'Zarion" was a system designation, nothing more. "Metal DragonDev" was a description. Neither of them was him.
He was no ghost. No mere program. He was an entity—forged in fire and tragedy, with a body of metal and a soul burdened by a grand and terrible purpose. He needed a name that reflected this new reality. A name chosen, not given. A name for the hero, and for the sacrifice.
Aeron. A name that echoed sovereignty and battle.Mithral. The metal of his body, stronger and lighter than steel.Drake. The beast he had become.
He reopened his sensors. The decision was made. He stood and walked back to the group.
"Before we depart," he announced, and everyone stopped to listen. "There's been a change."
He paused. Silence stretched.
"My name is not Kael. That's a system echo—nothing more." He stood tall, his metal body seeming to shine with newfound conviction."From this day forward, my name is Aeron Mithraldrake."
There was a moment of silence as the name sank in.
Zaya was the first to speak, a smile of approval on her lips. "Aeron Mithraldrake. That's a good name. Strong. Dramatic. I approve."
"A name worthy of a leader," Lyren agreed with a solemn nod.
"Sounds super heroic!" Kaien exclaimed, clapping excitedly.
Mika just smiled—a warm, genuine smile—and whispered the name to himself, as if trying it out. "Aeron..." He liked the sound of it.
Aeron Mithraldrake looked at the path stretching out before them, leading toward Nyxra's domain. He no longer thought of his old world, his old life. That door was shut, locked.
He was a new being, with a new team, and a new name.
His mission was all that mattered.
And he would fulfill it—no matter the cost.