Arthur lay on the floor of the 19th floor. As he opened his eyes, he saw a huge, dark figure looming over him. Blinking to clear his vision, he realized it was a black dragon. The dragon spoke in a terrifying voice, "Oh, are you awake?"
Still groggy, Arthur narrowed his eyes at the dragon. "Are you a dragon? Aren't they extinct? They disappeared a few years ago," he asked, his voice still sleepy.
"To humans, perhaps," the dragon replied. "Now, let's get to the point. You are the first person to defeat that snake. Many have tried and died by its fangs, but you not only defeated it—you killed it. I have an offer for you." After a long pause, the dragon continued, "I will heal your arm."
Arthur, surprised, thought to himself, Dragons are generally known as selfish. Why would a dragon offer something like that to me? He responded loudly, "What do you want from me?"
"You are quick to catch on, that's for sure," the dragon said. "I am healing your arm and your other injuries because I want you to become my master."
Arthur was stunned. "Why do you want to become my familiar? I can't understand," he asked immediately.
"Hmm, well, it's because you are strong. Not just a little strong—perhaps the strongest in the future. So, I want to become your familiar. Is that simple enough?" the dragon explained.
Arthur, still processing the dragon's words, felt a mix of disbelief and curiosity. The idea of having a dragon as a familiar was both daunting and thrilling.
"Hmm, that's not enough. How about this: I will give you my special abilities to compensate for my request too," the dragon interrupted Arthur's thoughts.
"Really? You would do that for me?" Arthur asked incredulously.
"Yes, why not?" replied the dragon.
"But I don't know how to form a contract with a dragon," Arthur admitted.
"It's simple, really. You can give me a name as a contract signature, and I will give you what I promised as compensation," explained the dragon.
Arthur, now standing up, considered this. "Okay, so I just give you a name, huh? How about Garudax?"
"Garudax is a fine name indeed," the dragon acknowledged. Feeling the power of the name, it continued, "Now, I shall give you what I promised." With a gesture, Garudax healed Arthur's hand and bestowed upon him four abilities: "Gazing Paralyze," "Poison Resistance," "Unbreakable Shield," and "Dragon Claw."
Arthur's face lit up as he beheld his newly restored right arm, The arm was slightly darker than Arthur's original skin tone. "You've given me some pretty strong abilities. Thanks!" he exclaimed. Then, looking at the dragon, he asked, "Do you think you can do something about your appearance? It would be more convenient if you were a little smaller."
"Oh, sure, I don't mind," Garudax replied nonchalantly. With that, the dragon transformed into a small, cute creature, just the right size to perch on Arthur's shoulder.
Perched on Arthur's shoulder, Garudax asked in a childlike, cute voice, "Where do you want to go now?"
Arthur replied, "It would be best to go to the capital since I plan on meeting someone special."
"Is it someone you like or love?" Garudax asked.
"Yes, there are two people I really love and one that I truly hate."
"Ohhh, would you like to teleport to the nearest teleportation area to the capital?" Garudax offered.
"Yes, sure," Arthur said.
Just after that, Garudax teleported Arthur to a nearby mountain overlooking the city. From the cliff, Arthur could see the entire capital sprawled out before him.
Arthur stood on the cliff, the city sprawling beneath him like a living map. The wind whipped around him, carrying the distant hum of life from the capital. He clenched his fists, feeling the newly restored strength in his arm, and thought to himself, I've come too far to turn back now. It's been five years since that fateful day.
Memories of the incident surged through his mind, the pain, the loss, and the helplessness. I swore then that I would protect everyone I care about. My sister, Casia, my dear friends—I am coming for you. Gridiron, be ready. Your reign of terror ends now.
With determination burning in his eyes, Arthur vowed silently, I will have my revenge.
to be continued.....
Author's Note:
Hey everyone, Hemal Prajapati here! This marks the end of the first season of my series. In this initial season, I focused on developing our main character and granting him new powers.
For those wondering why Gimir hasn't spoken with Arthur since the clash with the Malvani clan, it's because Gimir chose to remain silent. Arthur was under the care of Samarth, the strongest sage, and Gimir didn't want to interfere.
Season 2 will be released tomorrow, and we'll see significant progress in the main story. I hope to have your continued support as we dive deeper into the adventure. Thank you for reading!
And remember, this is the end of Season 1, or Arc 1, not Volume 1.