Days passed since Ryuji's first trial with Kael. Every morning, the old master pushed him harder—balance, focus, stamina, control. Every night, the golden Dragon energy inside him pulsed, reminding him of its raw potential.
"Today, you will learn its true strength," the master said, leading Ryuji to a hidden waterfall deep in the mountains. The water roared like a beast, mist swirling around them.
"This is the Dragon's Gate," the master explained. "It's not just a test of your body, but of your spirit. Only those who accept the Dragon fully can awaken its true power."
Ryuji swallowed. Fear mixed with excitement. He had felt the Dragon energy yesterday, but this… this felt different. Alive.
He stepped into the mist. The water crashed around him. The energy inside surged, stronger, wilder. His vision blurred, and suddenly, he heard voices—echoes of the Dragon itself.
"You are mine… if you can control me…"
Ryuji clenched his fists. "I won't let you take over me!"
Golden light exploded from his body, illuminating the waterfall. The Dragon energy swirled around him like a living creature. Waves of power crashed into the cliffs, shaking the earth.
When the light faded, Ryuji staggered to his knees. His arms glowed faintly, still radiating energy. Something had changed. He could feel the Dragon flowing through his veins, guiding him, enhancing his speed, his strength, his instincts.
Before he could celebrate, a voice called from the cliff above.
"You… survived the Dragon's Gate?"
Ryuji looked up. A young woman in flowing robes, eyes like shimmering silver, descended gracefully. She belonged to the Scarlet Phoenix Clan, a mystical clan rumored to control fire and energy from dragons themselves.
"I'm Lyra," she said. "I've been sent to see if you are ready… for what comes next."
Ryuji's heart pounded. What comes next? He already felt unstoppable, but if this clan—one of the most powerful—was taking notice, his journey was about to get far more dangerous.
From the shadows, a faint laugh echoed. The Dark Cloud Sect was still out there. Watching. Waiting.
Ryuji clenched his fists again. The Dragon inside him had awakened, but the real battle was only beginning.