Elias furrowed his brow in confusion as they approached the Place of Draconite Gates. "Wait, Draegon, you seem familiar with the Guardians. Do you know them?"
Draegon's eyes held a hint of nostalgia as he gazed at the Guardians. "Why yes, Elias. In fact, this place is my hometown, I mean after all i am one of the Draconite race."
Elias's surprise was palpable. "Oh i see, then can you tell me more about yourself?"
Draegon's voice held a tinge of sorrow as he began to share his past. "My position among the Draconites was complex. I held a role that required me to traverse realms and maintain balance. My departure from here was met with mixed emotions, but my duty called."
Elara's expression was a mix of curiosity and sympathy. "What was your role among them?"
Draegon's gaze turned distant as he recounted his history. "I was a Nexus Guardian, entrusted with safeguarding the Nexus Realms from threats and imbalances. My connection to the realms allowed me to traverse them and maintain harmony."
Lumina's eyes shimmered with understanding. "And that's why you're so well-versed in the Nexus Realms."
Draegon nodded. "Indeed. It was a duty I took upon myself willingly, but the weight of my responsibilities often kept me away from Korius."
As the Guardians welcomed them through the portal, Elias and his companions found themselves on the back of the colossal Draconite, Korius. The deity regarded them with a serene yet ancient wisdom.
Lumina's voice was filled with awe as she surveyed their new surroundings. "This place... it's like an entire world."
Elias turned to Draegon, his curiosity still lingering. "So, you've returned to your homeland after all this time."
Draegon's gaze held a mixture of nostalgia and acceptance. "Yes, and it is as wondrous and majestic as I remember."
As they explored the lush landscape on Korius's back, Elias couldn't help but feel a deeper connection to Draegon. The Draconite's past and his sacrifices became clearer, adding a new layer of respect for his friend.
Leo, his analytical mind ever at work, observed the ecosystem and mused, "The balance here is extraordinary. It's as if every part is interconnected."
Elara pointed towards the distance. "Look, there's the palace—the home of the Seraphim."
Draegon's voice carried a mixture of respect and admiration. "Korius is a symbol of the Draconite race's ancient lineage. Here, you can learn from them and unlock your Draconite bloodline."
Elias felt a surge of determination. "Let's make the most of our time here and continue to grow stronger."
As the group delved deeper into the realm of Korius, Elias knew that they stood on the threshold of new abilities, knowledge, and challenges that would test their bonds and capabilities like never before. And in Draegon, he found not only a mentor but a friend who had shouldered the weight of his responsibilities with grace and purpose.
Draegon's eyes gleamed with a sense of homecoming. "First of all, we must meet with the king of the Draconites. It's crucial that they know of our presence and are informed about the plans of the Umbral Cult."
Elias nodded in agreement, his curiosity piqued. "So, there's a king here?"
Draegon smiled. "Indeed. The Draconites have their own governing structure. We'll need their cooperation if we're to navigate this realm."
The group soon arrived at the heart of the city, where an impressive palace stood—a testament to the grandeur of the Draconite civilization. At the entrance, they were met by a regal figure adorned in ornate armor—a majestic Draconite king named Tharion.
Draegon bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, allow me to introduce my companions—Elias, Lumina, Elara, Alex, and Leo."
Tharion's eyes held a mixture of curiosity and caution as he regarded them. "Draegon, it has been a long time. You return, and with outsiders no less."
Elias felt a tinge of tension in the air, his instincts telling him that there was history between Draegon and the king. He cleared his throat and extended a hand in greeting. "Your Majesty, we mean no harm. We seek your assistance in confronting the Umbral Cult's plans."
Tharion's gaze bore into Draegon, a flicker of anger in his eyes. "Draegon, how dare you come back here after abandoning your duty? You have the nerve to return?"
Draegon's expression was a mix of regret and determination. "Your Majesty, I understand the weight of my actions. But now, the realms face a threat greater than ever before. We need your alliance to stand against the darkness."
Tharion's stern facade wavered, his gaze softening slightly. "Very well, Draegon. We will hear your plea and assess the situation."
As the group's fate became intertwined with the Draconites of Korius, Elias knew that their journey was far from over. New challenges awaited them, along with the opportunity to learn from a race that had mastered harmony and unity in a realm of wonder. And in the midst of it all, the past of Draegon slowly began to unveil, shedding light on the complexities of his character and the choices he had made.