The cavern was silent except for Kael's breathing. His fists were bruised from striking stone, yet they healed quickly, scales forming and fading where skin had torn. Every moment in this place was a reminder that he was no longer fully human.
The system's cold voice still lingered in his mind.
> [New Quest: Step into the World]
– Exit the Cavern.
– Test your new powers against the living.
– Claim your first ally.
Kael stood before the rune-covered arch at the far end. Before, it had been locked, glowing with runes that denied his passage. Now, after slaying the guardian beast, the light shimmered differently, as though it awaited him.
He pressed his hand to the surface. The runes blazed, and slowly the barrier dissolved into smoke. Beyond lay a dark tunnel, stretching upward. A faint breeze touched his face, carrying scents of soil, rain, and the world above.
Kael's lips curved. "At last."
He stepped forward.
Into the Forest
The tunnel opened into a wide forest at the mountain's base. Tall trees stretched toward the sky, their leaves thick and green. Birds scattered at his appearance. The air was cool and alive, filled with the sound of rushing water from a stream nearby.
Kael inhaled deeply. After the emptiness of death and the silence of the cavern, the forest felt like a second rebirth.
But the peace was short.
Voices carried through the trees — rough, cruel. The clink of weapons followed. Kael narrowed his eyes and followed the sound.
In a small clearing, a group of armored men surrounded a lone traveler. The traveler was thin, with torn clothes and a rusted sword. His gray hair and weary stance marked him as an old knight, though long past his prime.
"Hand over the satchel, old man," one soldier snarled. "Or we'll spill your blood right here."
The knight spat at the ground. "Cowards. You serve the false king, don't you? Darion's dogs."
The soldiers laughed. "False king or true, he sits on the throne now. And you? You're just another relic."
The knight raised his sword, trembling but unbroken.
Kael's heart tightened. He knew that stance, that stubbornness. Once, many knights like him had sworn loyalty to the Dragon Throne. And now they were hunted like prey.
He stepped into the clearing. His voice was calm but sharp. "Step away."
The soldiers turned, eyes narrowing at the stranger with silver hair and crimson eyes. "And who are you supposed to be?" one mocked. "Another beggar?"
Kael walked closer, his gaze steady. "Leave him. Now."
The soldiers laughed. "Big words. Kill him."
They charged.
Kael raised his hand. Flame burst from his palm, a wave of fire that knocked two men off their feet. The others froze, eyes wide with fear.
"What—what sorcery is this?" one stammered.
Kael didn't answer. He stepped forward, striking with fists that burned like steel. Every movement was clean, powerful. The soldiers fell one by one, their screams echoing through the trees.
The last man stumbled back, dropping his sword. "M–monster…" he whispered before fleeing into the forest.
The clearing grew quiet again. Smoke rose from the ground where Kael had stood.
The old knight stared, his eyes wide. He gripped his rusted sword tighter. "That power… No. It cannot be."
Kael turned toward him, his expression softening. "What is your name, knight?"
The man hesitated. His voice was rough. "Sir Aldric. Once sworn to Kael Draven, the Dragon Lord… before Darion's betrayal."
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then you still serve him."
Aldric frowned. "What do you mean?"
Kael stepped closer, letting the silver of his hair and the crimson of his eyes show in the light. He spoke slowly, each word heavy with truth.
"I am Kael Draven."
The knight froze. His sword fell to the ground with a dull clang. For a moment he simply stared, his mouth opening and closing. Then he dropped to one knee, his voice breaking.
"My lord… You live. By the gods, you live."
Kael looked down at him, a fire burning in his chest. This was the first spark — the first ally to see the truth.
"Yes," Kael said. His voice was low, filled with promise. "I live. And together, we will take back what was stolen."
In the Capital
While Kael gained his first follower, Darion sat on the black throne in Eldrath's palace. The great hall was empty now, save for him and the flicker of torchlight.
But he was not at peace.
Whispers had begun to spread in the city. Old men in taverns muttered of strange lights in the mountains. Peasants spoke of hearing a roar carried on the wind. Some even said they had seen fire in the sky.
Darion slammed his fist on the throne's arm. "Lies," he growled. "They are lies."
But even as he said it, doubt gnawed at him. He remembered the battlefield. He remembered Kael's last roar.
High Priestess Elara entered quietly, bowing. "My king, the people need stronger proof. Crush these rumors, or they will spread."
Darion clenched his jaw. "Then we will burn the villages near the mountain. If anyone dares whisper Kael's name, they will pay in blood."
Elara's eyes flickered with unease, but she bowed. "As you command."
Darion leaned back on the throne, his grip tight. He would not allow a ghost to undo his reign.
The Oath
In the forest clearing, night had fallen. A small fire crackled, casting shadows across the trees. Kael and Aldric sat beside it, silent for a time.
At last, Aldric spoke. "My lord… what happened that day? We saw you fall. We thought the bloodline was ended."
Kael's gaze was on the flames. "I did fall. But death could not hold me. The blood of dragons does not end so easily." He lifted his hand, letting fire curl around his fingers. "I was reborn. Stronger than before."
Aldric's eyes shone with fierce loyalty. "Then we will rise again. Darion sits on your throne, but he is nothing compared to you. I will serve until my last breath."
Kael looked at him, his chest tightening with something he had not felt since betrayal — trust.
He extended his hand. "Then rise, Sir Aldric. Stand not as a broken knight, but as the first of my new order. Together, we will gather the lost, awaken the bloodline, and bring fire to those who betrayed us."
Aldric clasped his hand firmly, bowing his head. "By my blade and my soul, I swear it."
The night wind stirred the flames higher, as if sealing their vow.
Kael lifted his eyes to the stars above. His voice was steady, filled with iron.
"Darion, enjoy the crown wh
ile you can. Soon, the world will remember who the true Dragon Lord is."
The fire roared, and the forest seemed to hold its breath.