Authors' note: while reading think of a mysterious sound you like.
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In an era shrouded in the impenetrable darkness of time, an entity known as the 'Eye' emerged from the unfathomable abyss. This Eye, a relentless devourer of all in its path, was the harbinger of existence. Devoid of consciousness, it bequeathed its ominous legacy to other beings, subtly and inexorably shaping the course of reality.
Fast forward to sixteen years ago. On a chilling day in December, the city was swallowed by an unforeseen deluge. The oceans froze over, volcanoes erupted with a fury unseen, and tornadoes whirled across the land in a macabre dance. It was as if nature itself was in a state of terror, fleeing from an invisible horror that lurked in the shadows.
On that fateful day, humanity bore the brunt of immense losses. Yet, not a single animal fell. Their primal instincts had somehow shielded them from the catastrophe. But it wasn't the natural disaster they feared. All living creatures felt a dread that surpassed the very essence of nature. It was as if a supreme predator was toying with them, an entity so formidable that even the bravest dared not meet its gaze.
This event was shrouded in secrecy by the HERO Association. Even the S-rank heroes, beings who had transcended the laws of nature, were brought to their knees, gasping for breath. Only they were potent enough to sense the presence of this entity. The demon king, overwhelmed by a wave of nausea, dispatched every underling to locate this being. Even we the Mights, the Gods... trembled in fear.
Just thirty seconds ago, a baby's cry echoed through the room, piercing the silence like a chilling scream. The child had just been born, and its parents were filled with a joy that was tinged with an inexplicable dread. They thanked the gods for this precious gift. However, this child was far from ordinary. It was the embodiment of the 'Eye'... an entity that had existed before the dawn of time... before the dawn of Mights, it is the representation incarnation destruction of existence itself.
Five years had passed since the dreadful event that shook the world, an event so cataclysmic that even the demon king was not spared.
On a beautiful morning, butterflies fluttered about, painting a blissful scene akin to heaven. Cats, dogs, and birds frolicked in harmony. Among them was a small boy, Raphael, whose eyes were as clear as crystal skies and purer than ice. His hair glowed like the golden sunrise, and he smiled with the pure innocence of an angel.
A gentle voice broke the tranquility, "Master Raphael, the patriarch is calling for you."
Raphael turned to the source of the voice, his butler Sam, and replied, "Okay, Sam, I am coming." Sam held a special fondness for Raphael, caring for him like a brother. Their bond was unmistakable.
In a secluded room within the Dragon Honor Palace, a figure sat in deep thought. Williamson, the head butler and servant of the Dragon family, stood by the figure in concern. The silence was broken by a creaking sound as the door was opened by Sam. "Patriarch, I have brought young master Raphael," he announced.
The patriarch began with a hateful glare directed at the angelic boy, Raphael, and commanded, "Sam… leave." Sam bowed silently and retreated. The patriarch's gaze hardened as he stared at Raphael, then he began to speak, "I called you here for one reason… you have not inherited the Dragon power from our bloodline, so the family is going to disown you on your 16th birthday. It was inevitable. Every member in the family has the blood of the dragon except you. You are a shame…"
Here, head butler Williamson interjected, "My lord, may I explain this to young master Raphael?" The patriarch allowed him with a glare. Williamson continued, "Young master, as my lord told you, you have to leave the house and relinquish the family name on your 16th birthday. On that day, you may choose one treasure from the 'Thousand Masters Treasury'." The patriarch interrupted him and spoke to Raphael, "There are about 11 years left, so use the time wisely. Even though you have not inherited the dragon's power, you are my blood, so don't bring shame to your mother." His voice shook slightly, and his angry gaze towards Raphael softened into a pitiful one. Williamson also looked at the lord empathetically.
Unaware of what the future held, young Raphael nodded to his father and retreated. His small steps seemed to stretch into a long journey under his father's gaze.
Years turned into minutes, hours into days, and days into years until finally, the long-awaited 16th coming-of-age ceremony of Raphael arrived. The Dragon Palace's hall was crowded with family members on this day of Raphael's birthday. Raphael arrived at the palace a little late. As he entered, every eye turned to him, not with loving care but full of malice. Every person in the hall scorned Raphael for a single reason. But for him, they were nothing new. The angelic smile he once had was gone, replaced by a lifeless face. His eyes, full of void, looked like "Hollowed Eyes".
Soon, Williamson greeted Raphael with a warm welcome, "May the gods bless you, my young master. Congratulations on turning 16 today," and guided him to the patriarch's place. Williamson opened the door and asked for permission to enter, to which the patriarch responded affirmatively.
The patriarch had never congratulated Raphael, not even once in the past sixteen years. He began to speak, his voice colder than ice, "As I have reminded you in the past, today you are stripped of your name and expelled from the family. You no longer bear the name of Dragon." His words were harsh, but for Raphael, this was nothing new. He had been treated poorly by his family members and other servants, with only Sam and Williamson showing him kindness.
Raphael responded lifelessly, "Yes, father. I have not forgotten a single bit of what you told me that day. If I may, I would like to go to the Thousand Masters Treasury." The patriarch, filled with complex emotions, replied, "Very well. We have nothing more to discuss. Go get your treasure and leave. Williamson, show him the way." His face was calm, the only calm thing about him.
As per the command, Williamson guided Raphael to the treasury of the Thousand Masters. As its name suggests, it held artifacts created by the pinnacle of masters from all time and treasures received from the ancient dragon. "Young Master Raphael, we have arrived," Williamson announced.
"Very well. I may choose a good item," Raphael scoffed, his mind filled with thoughts about his life. Williamson, though saddened, cheered Raphael on and assured him about the treasures, "Young master, whatever you choose, it will certainly help your endeavor."
The grand doors of the treasury swung open, releasing a powerful aura that filled the room. Raphael found himself surrounded by an endless array of treasures. Lacking the dragon power, he couldn't discern the true power of the artifacts, so he relied on their physical appearance as he browsed.
For three long hours, Raphael wandered among the treasures, yet found none to his liking. As if guided by an unseen force, he found himself drawn towards an artifact that resembled a shard of a mirror. The moment he touched it, a surge of electric-like power coursed through him. It was so intense that it would have destroyed him if not for Williamson.
Williamson, though a butler of the Dragon family, was also an S-rank hero in his youth. He swiftly scooped up the unconscious Raphael and rushed him to the family's healing chamber. However, a problem arose - only those who had awakened the dragon blood could enter the chamber.
Riddled with concern, Williamson hurried to a nearby hero association to seek help for Raphael. Being an S-rank hero himself, he was able to find a healer of A-rank or above. The healer managed to stabilize Raphael, but the boy remained unconscious.
Williamson left Raphael to his old friends care in the hero association. Raphael still in state of unconscious. only future would tell what happened to him.