Kael approaches his father, Adam, in the grand hall of their family estate, the weight of his decision evident in his determined stride. Adam, sitting behind a large wooden desk with various scrolls and maps scattered about, notices his son's approach and lifts his gaze from the documents.
Kael, without hesitation, speaks with a calm yet resolute voice. "Father, I intend to travel to the Dragon Empire."
Adam's brow furrows slightly at the sudden declaration, his eyes narrowing with concern. "The Dragon Empire? Kael, you know the dangers of such a place. Their power may be great, but their arrogance is even greater. They do not welcome outsiders lightly, especially those from Veridian. Why would you risk such a journey?"
Kael meets his father's gaze without faltering. "I have my reasons, Father. There is something there that I must test—my devouring physique. I want to absorb the blood qi and soul essence of a dragon. Only in the Dragon Empire will I find a suitable challenge to fully realize the potential of my abilities."
Adam's expression darkens further. He had known for a long time that his son was different, that the path Kael had chosen would lead him into dangerous and uncharted territory. Yet even as his father, he could not deny Kael's will or the strength of his ambition. Still, the Dragon Empire was not a place to be taken lightly.
"You underestimate the consequences," Adam said sternly. "The dragons are proud and unforgiving. If they catch wind of your actions, there will be more than just consequences for you. They might come after our entire family. Are you prepared to risk that?"
Kael didn't waver. "I have no intention of being caught, Father. My actions will be swift and unnoticed. I need this, not just for myself, but to ensure that our family remains at the top. I will succeed."
Adam let out a slow breath, rising from his chair and walking toward a large window that overlooked their sprawling estate. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the grounds. "If you truly believe this is necessary, then I will not stop you," he said at last, his tone softer but still filled with caution. "But know this, Kael: once you step into the Dragon Empire, you will be on your own. There will be no diplomatic immunity, no protection. One wrong move, and they will devour you whole."
"I understand, Father," Kael replied firmly. "I have prepared for this. I will not fail."
Adam turned to face him once more. "Then make sure you don't." His voice was heavy with the weight of finality. "Go, but tread carefully, my son."
Kael gave a respectful nod before turning to leave the room, his mind already shifting to the next phase of his plan. Once back in his chambers, he summoned Kieran Voidstrider, his protector and one of the few he trusted implicitly. Kieran appeared silently, stepping out from the shadows with his signature calm demeanor. His black cloak seemed to blend into the darkness, his piercing eyes ever-watchful.
"Master," Kieran greeted with a slight bow.
"We are leaving for the Dragon Empire," Kael announced. "Prepare the space immortal traveling artifact."
Kieran did not question the command, as he was well aware of Kael's iron will and the futility of dissuading him once his mind was set. Instead, he nodded and retrieved a small, gleaming object from his cloak—a compact, jade-like artifact that pulsed with faint traces of spatial energy.
The artifact, forged from the remnants of an ancient spatial beast, allowed for instantaneous travel across vast distances, one of Kael's most prized possessions. Kieran activated it with a flick of his fingers, and space itself seemed to ripple in response.
As Kieran prepared the artifact, Kael allowed himself a brief moment of reflection. His father's warnings echoed in his mind, but they did little to shake his resolve. He had long since abandoned the notion of safety or comfort. His path was one of power, of absolute dominance. To achieve that, he had to go where others dared not tread.
Before the portal fully opened, Adam appeared in the doorway, his face a mixture of worry and authority. "Kael," his voice was strong, yet tinged with concern, "Tell me the real reason why you've set your sights on the Dragon Empire."
Kael faced his father once more, his gaze steady. "I told you the truth. I want to test my devouring physique. The dragons possess powerful bloodlines, their blood qi and soul energy are unmatched. To truly understand the depths of my potential, I need to absorb the essence of a dragon. Only then will I know what I'm truly capable of."
Adam's eyes darkened as he listened. "That is a dangerous gamble, Kael. The devouring physique is powerful, yes, but it is also volatile. Absorbing a dragon's blood and soul could unleash consequences even you might not be able to control."
Kael's lips curled into a faint smile. "I am aware of the risks, Father. But this is the path I've chosen. I won't back down."
For a long moment, Adam said nothing, simply staring at his son with an intensity that seemed to weigh the full measure of his resolve. At last, he nodded slowly. "Very well. Just remember, Kael, strength without control is nothing more than destruction waiting to happen. Master your powers, or they will consume you."
Kael gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. "I will return stronger, Father."
With those final words, Kael stepped into the spatial portal, with Kieran following close behind. The world around them seemed to twist and blur as they were pulled through the fabric of space, hurtling toward the heart of the Dragon Empire.
The journey was swift, the spatial artifact cutting through vast distances in mere moments. When the world around them finally snapped back into focus, they stood on the outskirts of the Dragon Empire near a massive, imposing city built upon the bones of ancient dragons, its towering spires seemingly clawing at the sky.
Kael took in the sight before him, the weight of the empire's grandeur pressing down like an invisible force. But even as he stood in the shadow of one of the most powerful civilizations in Odyssia, his resolve remained unshaken.
The Dragon Empire would serve as both his test and his proving ground. He would face its might, absorb its power, and emerge stronger than ever before. The devouring physique within him pulsed eagerly, already anticipating the battle ahead.
This was only the beginning.
And Kael Ardent was ready.