I sat on the park bench, my eyes fixed on the children playing on the vibrant playground. Laughter filled the air, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being different, of never quite fitting in. From a young age, I knew I was unlike my peers, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why.
As I watched the carefree joy of those around me, a sense of longing stirred within me. I yearned to be part of their world, to experience life with the same innocence. But something deep inside me told me that my path was destined for a different course.
Lost in my thoughts, a soft voice interrupted my contemplation. "Ryutō, are you okay?"
I turned to see my best friend, Hiro, standing beside me, concern etched on his face. Hiro was the one person who had always been there for me, who accepted me despite my quirks and idiosyncrasies.
I forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, Hiro, I'm fine. Just lost in my own little world, as usual."
He chuckled and took a seat beside me. "You've always been a dreamer, Ryutō. But that's what makes you unique. It's what I love about you."
His words warmed my heart, but deep down, I knew there was more to my uniqueness than mere daydreaming. I had sensed it since childhood, the whispers of something extraordinary residing within me.
Days turned into years, and my feelings of being different only intensified. The mundane routines of everyday life never quite satisfied me. I craved adventure, mystery, something beyond the ordinary. Little did I know that destiny had a grand plan in store for me.
One day, as I was going through old family photo albums, I stumbled upon a picture of my late mother. She held a pendant, an intricately crafted dragon symbol. Memories flooded back, and a surge of excitement coursed through my veins. This was the missing piece, the key to understanding my true identity.
Driven by curiosity and a desire for answers, I threw myself into research. Countless nights were spent poring over ancient tomes and scouring the depths of the internet. And then, one fateful night, I stumbled upon a hidden online community—a society of supernatural beings coexisting in alongside humans.
I couldn't believe my eyes. The stories, the legends, the firsthand accounts—they all pointed to a world that existed in the shadows, unbeknownst to ordinary mortals. And within that world, I discovered the truth about myself. I was a half-dragon, a being of power and ancient lineage.
Heart pounding, I decided to seek out guidance. I confided in Kaida, an experienced half-dragon who became my mentor. She knew the path I had embarked upon and understood the risks it entailed. With her guidance, I began to unlock the dormant abilities within me, learning to control the fire that burned within my soul. "Ryutō, you possess the blood of dragons," Kaida said, her voice filled with wisdom and curiosity. "But there's a resonance within you that suggest it's much more than we know. Responsibility and power will become your companions. You must learn to balance your human life with the challenges of the hidden world."She paused, allowing the information to sink in before continuing. "Ryutō, bloodlines are an essential aspect of the supernatural world. They define our innate powers, strengths, and even our connections to our ancestors. In the Dragonic DAO, bloodlines are classified into nine distinct grades. Each grade represents the potency and purity of a bloodline. A higher-grade bloodline signifies a stronger connection to the supernatural realm, granting enhanced abilities and potential. These grades are determined by the lineage, the strength of the supernatural being's ancestors, and the presence of specific genetic markers within the blood."Kaida took a deep breath, preparing to delve into the intricate knowledge she possessed. "Reincarnation plays a significant role in our world as well. It is the belief that our souls transcend death, being reborn into new bodies in subsequent lifetimes. This process allows us to carry forward the experiences, knowledge, and skills accumulated over multiple lifetimes. The concept of reincarnation fuels the idea of a deeper connection to our ancestors and their bloodlines. Through this continuous cycle, we can tap into the wisdom and powers of those who came before us, adding to the strength of our own abilities. Similar can be done with ritual magic."
Kaida's eyes sparkled with excitement as she delved into the realm of ritual magic. "Ryutō, ritual magic is a powerful practice within the Dragonic DAO. It involves the manipulation of mystical energies and the invocation of ancient spells to bring about desired outcomes. Rituals serve as a conduit for channeling our inherent powers, enabling us to tap into the raw forces of the supernatural realm. These rituals are often conducted with precise incantations, sacred objects, and specific gestures, allowing us to access realms of magic beyond our everyday reach. Through ritual magic, we can amplify our abilities, gain insights, and even affect the world around us. It requires focus, discipline, and a deep understanding of the fundamental forces that govern our existence.It also happens to be my expertise. So kid, are you ready?"
I nodded, eager to embrace my destiny. "I'm ready, Kaida. I've always felt like I was meant for something greater. Now, I'm fired up."
She smiled, a mix of pride and caution in her eyes. "Remember, Ryutō, with great power comes the need for awareness and control. It's not just about fighting and dominance. It's about finding your place within the Dragonic DAO." Her words resonated deep within me. I had always yearned for a purpose, and now it lay before me. "Dragonic DAO..." The words echoed inside my being as if it were calling me to a home I never knew. Kaida took a moment to gather her thoughts, preparing to enlighten Ryutō about the intricacies of the Dragonic DAO.
"Ryutō, the Dragonic DAO is an ancient organization that operates within the hidden world of supernatural beings. It serves as a governing body, striving to maintain balance and order among our kind while ensuring the harmony between humans and the supernatural realm. It is a community where beings with extraordinary abilities come together to share knowledge, forge alliances, and protect one another."
She paused, observing the curiosity in Ryutō's eyes before continuing. "It's not just an organization; it's a way of life. The DAO's main purpose is to foster unity, strength, and protection among individuals like us—those gifted with extraordinary abilities and lineage. It serves as a haven, offering support and guidance as we navigate the challenges that arise from living in secrecy alongside humans, shapeshifters, witches, vampires, and other unique beings. Together, we uphold a code of conduct that prioritizes the preservation of both worlds. "She continued, her voice filled with conviction. "Within the DAO, there are diverse factions that represent various supernatural lineages. Each faction has its own strengths, traditions, and responsibilities. We come together to share knowledge, forge alliances, and ensure the balance between our kind and the human world. It's a society where the true potential of our gifts can be unlocked, where we can find a sense of belonging and purpose."