In the depths of the outer zone of the forbidden forest, Anderson stood, feeling a mix of relief and bewilderment. "What happened to you, young master?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion and concern. Anderson had always known Adams as a determined and kind-hearted individual, but the display of power he had just witnessed was beyond anything he could have imagined.
"Ahh, stop calling me young master," Adams replied, a hint of irritation in his voice. "You can call me by my name from now on."
"But—" Anderson began, but Adams cut him off.
"No buts. Just call me by my name, or I'll ignore you until we leave the forbidden forest," Adams said, walking away with an air of finality.
"Sorry, young... I mean, Adams," Anderson said, falling in step beside him. "What happened to you? When I left you back at the hut, you were still poisoned. But now, not only are you cured, you're stronger than ever."
Adams chuckled, though there was a seriousness in his eyes. "I don't know. I guess the universe took pity on little ol' me and decided to give me a second chance at life."
"But how?" Anderson pressed, bewildered. "You're even stronger than your parents. Nobody becomes that strong overnight. It's impossible."
Ignoring the curious voice of Jarvis chiming in his mind, Adams recalled the parents of the body he now inhabited. He owed them a debt, and he intended to repay it by seeking vengeance. "How did my uncle become that strong?" Adams asked, genuinely curious. It was a mystery even in the novel he had read.
"I don't know," Anderson replied. "After he went away for some time and came back, he decided to take the position of family head from your father."
Adams knew about his uncle's disappearance and return, but not the details of his newfound strength. That was the past, though, and this was the present. He could kill his uncle whenever he wanted, but he wanted to make his return grand. Shrugging off his thoughts, he focused on helping Anderson.
"Whatever," Adams said. "How about I give you a boost?" He used his abilities to discern what would benefit Anderson the most.
*STAT*
Name: Anderson
Race: Demonic-Dragon (half Demon, half Dragon)
Realm: Peak rank 4
Bloodline: Dragon Overlord Bloodline (sealed)
Physique: Nil
Magic Root: Hellfire Elemental Root
Elemental Affinities: Fire and Darkness elements
Law/Daos: nil
Domain: nil
Weapon intents: nil
Mana Cultivation method: Basic Mana Manipulation
Mana: 3000
Lifespan: 22/400
Skills:
- Fire Wall
- Fireball
Abilities:
- Partial Dragon Transformation (sealed)
- Dragon Transformation (sealed)
- Demonic-Dragon Transformation (sealed)
- Enhanced healing
Adams sighed, shocked to discover that Anderson wasn't human and had only two skills, both given by Adams himself. "So you are not human," Adams said, utilizing the laws of fate and karma to discern Anderson's origin.
Anderson, confused, tried to ask what Adams meant but was ignored. "So that's it," Adams said, looking at Anderson with mixed emotions. "You are the son of the current dragon king and a demon of low background who became an army lieutenant. Your father met your mother during a political visit to the demon empire of lust. They had an affair, and she became pregnant. She gave birth to you but was betrayed by the lust empress. Your mother used all her savings to buy a sage rank disguising artifact to hide your appearance and sealed your bloodline. She then gave you away to protect you."
Anderson was stunned. "What happened to my mother and what about the dragon king? Does he know about me?"
"Your mother died due to the power disparity between her and the dragon empress. The dragon king doesn't know about your existence. I'm sorry, my friend," Adams said, feeling the weight of the revelation.
Tears streamed down Anderson's face. The mother he never knew was dead, his father was unaware of his existence, and the woman who caused this was living her life. His anger and hatred towards her were immeasurable. "How did you know all this?" Anderson asked, his voice choked with emotion.
"Fate and karma, my friend. That's what I used to discern that Vito guy back there," Adams replied.
"Thank you for telling me my origins. Now, at least I know my background," Anderson said. He then remembered Adams mentioning a boost. "You said something about giving me a boost. How are you going to do that?"
"Simple," Adams said, addressing Jarvis in his mind. "Jarvis, give Anderson a Primordial rank dragon and demon bloodline, physique, and magic root of the darkness and fire elements. Also, grant him the sin of wrath."
After Adams mentioned the boost, he felt a surge of power as Adams removed the necklace given to him by his mother. He vowed to avenge her death and was overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through him. His vision blurred, and he blacked out.
Adams knew what was happening, so he created a personal space using the laws of space and time and placed Anderson there. "Now, time to get the hell out of this damn forest," Adams said, determined to face the challenges ahead.
As Adams prepared to leave the forbidden forest, he knew he needed the perfect ride to navigate the treacherous terrain and potential dangers. He accessed his Omni Shop, a vast system interface that provided access to an array of powerful items and creatures.
"Jarvis, open the Omni Shop," Adams commanded.
The Omni Shop materialized before him, a holographic interface displaying countless options. Adams navigated through the categories until he reached the section for mounts. He needed something fast, durable, and intelligent. As he scrolled through the options, his eyes caught on a magnificent horse, its coat shimmering with an electric blue hue, streaks of lightning dancing across its body. The description read:
*Thunderwind Steed* (Primordial Rank)
- Full comprehension of the laws of Lightning and Wind
- Speed: Unmatched
- Endurance: Exceptional
- Intelligence: High
"This is perfect," Adams murmured. "Jarvis, purchase the Thunderwind Steed."
With a flash of light, the Thunderwind Steed appeared before him, its powerful presence and crackling energy illuminating the dark forest. Adams approached the horse, feeling a connection to its raw power. "You and I are going to make quite the team," he said, patting its neck.
The horse neighed in agreement, sparks flying from its mane. Adams mounted the steed, feeling the surge of energy coursing through both of them. "Let's get out of here," he commanded, and with a burst of speed, the Thunderwind Steed took off, effortlessly navigating the dense forest.
As they rode, Adams couldn't help but think about Anderson. He had left him in a personal space to undergo his transformation safely, but he knew he would need to check on him soon. For now, though, his priority was to get to a safer location and plan their next moves.
The forest whipped by in a blur, trees bending and swaying as the Thunderwind Steed galloped at incredible speeds. Adams felt exhilaration and determination fuel his resolve. He had much to accomplish, and this newfound power was just the beginning.