A four-meter-long python lounged, coiled on a tree branch, basking in the sun with a sense of boredom. It was among the apex predators in this primeval jungle, its thick body and crushing strength enough to instantly suffocate even lions or tigers, leaving it without much in the way of natural enemies.
Suddenly, a tremor passed through the trees. Startled from its lethargy, the python lifted its head, its malevolent gaze sliding toward the source of the disturbance. Even as a dominant predator, it could not afford to relax its vigilance; the law of the jungle was clear—any lapse in caution could turn a predator into another creature's prey.
Under the watchful eyes of the python, the foliage rustled and a massive beast appeared, stepping over fallen leaves and twigs. Covered in scales that glittered gold in the sunlight, the creature's mere presence suggested that it was not one to be trifled with. Each part of its body was a weapon honed for slaughter. The python, lacking intelligence but driven by instinct, sensed the danger and considered retreat—an adversary of this caliber was not to be challenged.
As the golden beast caught sight of the python, its serpentine pupils locked onto the snake. There was a regal quality to that gaze, lacking the venomous intent of a snake but instead commanding respect and fear.
The python wanted to flee but found its body frozen in terror, a response triggered by the instinctive recognition of a superior predator. When prey encounters such overwhelming force, even the survival instincts are paralyzed by fear.
Seeing the pure gold monstrosity raise its claw and pounce, the python's life came to an abrupt end.
...
"So this is the legendary dragon's might? Quite handy," Drake mused after the easy kill. The python's hide was thick, yet Drake found his claws sliced through it as if tearing paper. He opened the dead python to reveal the red flesh inside.
Having become a dragon, he had started to experiment, growing from cautious to bold as he found no creature in the jungle could match him. Even as a juvenile, a dragon's might was nearly insurmountable for mundane beings.
During his playful slaughter, Drake had awkwardly learned to use his draconic aura. Though not to the point where creatures would cower at mere sight, a stern look was enough to sap the fight from even the strong python, allowing him to kill effortlessly. Smaller, weaker creatures could even die from fear alone, a morbidly thrilling discovery.
"Still, this isn't a long-term solution. Am I expected to hide away for centuries until I reach adulthood?" Lying down after he'd had his fill of play, Drake considered his future.
He wasn't a pure dragon; his soul was still human. Though he retained most draconic instincts and his body hosted a divine essence, even if his physical template was that of a mythical 'Dragon God,' he lacked one critical thing—draconic heritage knowledge.
According to the AI, dragons are born with an inherent base of knowledge passed down genetically, which Drake lacked, not having hatched from an egg himself.
"The genetic source of the host's body is the 'Five-colored Dragon God.' As a Dragon God, your being is distinct from ordinary dragons. The 'God-making Plan' has adjusted your genes to near perfection, but this also means a prolonged maturation compared to regular dragons."
AI's words made Drake jump up from his rest.
"What do you mean by that? You're not suggesting that even after centuries I may not reach adulthood, are you?"
"Indeed."
Drake was furious at the emotionless response, "...Then what's the point? Am I expected to hide in some corner for hundreds or thousands of years?!"
As a young dragon, Drake felt almost invincible among normal creatures, but human technology, particularly weapons of high calibre, posed a real threat. Could his scales withstand bullets? Even if they could fend off handgun rounds, what about anti-material sniper rifles, cannons, missiles?
Without pondering further, Drake knew the answer—he was vulnerable. And if caught, he'd likely end up a specimen preserved in formalin for study.
"Host, do not worry. The 'God-making Plan' anticipated this problem and prepared an energy source for growth. With this energy source, the host can bypass the constraints of time to reach ultimate maturity in the shortest span."
Calmed by AI's monotonous voice, Drake inquired, "...So you have this energy source?"
"Regrettably, when the 'Five-colored Dragon God' ambushed the spacecraft thousands of years ago, causing it to crash on this planet, the energy source was scattered. Only a fraction remains, which was used in the 'God-making Plan' to create your current body. Very little is left now."
"So, there is still some energy left? Then hurry up and use that energy to help me grow!"
Hearing this, Drake's eyes brightened. While not the promise of immediate full maturation, some growth would increase his chances of survival. As for the lost energy sources, they would have to be dealt with in due time.
"Dragons are magical creatures that require a specific energy for growth, an energy absent from this universe. To initiate accelerated growth, the host must travel to Saint Soren's World."
Drake's newfound joy quickly turned to frustration—if his face could still flush with annoyance.
"I'm screwed. This is just leading me to my doom! What use are you!"
Cursing, Drake was fed up with the so-called supreme intelligence. The concept of traveling to another world was beyond him—was he doomed to remain stunted forever?
"Host, there is no cause for alarm. I retain the capability to open wormhole tunnels. The coordinates for Saint Soren's World are intact, and I can send the host there at any time."
"Next time, finish your sentences. Don't leave me hanging."
Drake, trying to keep his composure, felt this AI was like an emotional rollercoaster. Intending not to waste more energy on anger, he cut to the chase.
"If I go to this Saint Soren's World, can I return to Earth?"
"The wormhole tunnel is bidirectional; the host can travel back and forth at will."
At last, the AI shared good news. Drake took a deep breath. He was more familiar with Earth, but venturing to an unknown world was not something to hesitate over when necessary.
"Alright, AI, do I need to do anything to open this tunnel?"
"The host need not do anything."
"Then, AI, open the tunnel now. Let's go—to Saint Soren's World!"
In a moment of decision, Drake's gaze hardened, resolute and serious.