As Rain stood outside the cave, the cool breeze of the mountain air ruffling his hair, the weight of everything he had accomplished in these past two years settled on him like a heavy mantle. His muscles ached, but it was a satisfying ache, the kind that only came from pushing oneself beyond human limits. But was he even human anymore? That question lingered in the back of his mind as he gazed out at the horizon, the sky ablaze with the colors of dusk.
Two years, he thought, his hands clenching and unclenching reflexively. Two long years of training, of mastering every technique my parents taught me, of surpassing every challenge without breaking a sweat. And now... now what?
The truth was, no matter how strong he became, no matter how many techniques he mastered or how much power he unlocked, there was an emptiness inside him. A gnawing, insatiable hunger for something more. Something that training couldn't satisfy.
His parents, two of the most Powerful Dragon in existence, had given him everything—skills, knowledge, and even the legendary Dragon Crystals. Fused with the essence of both the Sun and Moon Dragons, Rain possessed abilities that should have taken a lifetime to master. Yet, for him, it had all come too easily, like a game where every cheat code had already been entered.
Rain flexed his fingers, sparks of Silver and Yellow energy crackling between them. He could transform into a dragon at will, control Sun and Moon with ease, and wield strength beyond measure. His mother's Monn powers and his father's Light Flames surged within him, a duality of destruction and creation. But it was his Instant Mastery skill that had robbed him of the struggle. With it, every technique, every combat art, every spell was instantly learned, instantly perfected.
What good is power if it's handed to you on a silver platter? he thought bitterly.
"Rain!" A soft, melodic voice broke through his thoughts. "Dinner's ready!"
It was his mother, Selene, calling from within the cave. Her voice, always so warm and gentle, had a way of grounding him, pulling him back from the storm of emotions that often brewed inside him. He smiled despite himself.
"I'm coming!" Rain called back, shaking off the melancholy. He made his way inside, the familiar warmth of the cave enveloping him like a comforting embrace. The cave wasn't just a shelter—it was home. The walls were adorned with runes and symbols from ancient times, a testament to the legacy of dragonkind that his family was a part of. The air was thick with the rich aroma of stew simmering over the fire, and the hearth's glow bathed the stone walls in a soft, golden light.
Selene stood by the fire, stirring the pot with a practiced hand. Her long, silver hair fell in graceful waves down her back, catching the firelight and giving her an ethereal glow. She looked like a figure out of legend—a Dragon and a mother, all wrapped into one. Rain had always admired her strength, but it was her kindness and warmth that he cherished the most.
"Sit down, Rain," she said, flashing him a gentle smile.
Rain took his usual seat at the small wooden table, designed for three. The modest setup might seem out of place for a family with such power, but it was home, and it was enough.
Selene brought over a steaming bowl of stew and set it in front of him. "Here you go. Eat up."
"Thanks, Mom," Rain said softly, the word Mom always filling him with a strange warmth. He knew she cherished it, too. Selene had always wanted a child, and even though Rain had come into her life in unusual circumstances, she had loved him fiercely from the moment they met.
She sat across from him, her silver eyes studying his face as they ate. "How's training going?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer.
Rain shrugged, scooping a spoonful of stew into his mouth. "Same as always. I've already mastered everything."
Selene chuckled softly, shaking her head. "That Instant Mastery skill of yours... I suppose it makes everything a bit too easy, doesn't it?"
Rain nodded, not really wanting to dive into the frustration that had been building inside him. Instead, he shifted the conversation. "Where's Dad?"
"He's with Igneel," Selene said, her tone growing a bit more serious. "They're discussing what comes next... for you."
Rain's heart skipped a beat. So it's happening... The final step in their plan, the reason for all his training—the time machine.
Just as he was about to ask more, a shadow appeared at the cave's entrance. A tall, imposing figure with fiery red hair and bronze skin stepped inside. His golden eyes glowed with intensity, and his muscular frame seemed barely contained by his battle-worn clothes.
"Ignia," Selene greeted him warmly. "What brings you here?"
Ignia's gaze fell on Rain, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm here for his final test."
Rain stood up from the table, his heart pounding with anticipation. "I'm ready," he said simply.
The two of them stepped outside, the crisp evening air biting at Rain's skin. The plateau outside the cave was vast and empty, a perfect battleground. The earth here had been scorched, frozen, and shattered countless times from the battles that had taken place on it.
Ignia turned to face Rain, his expression serious. "This is your final test, Rain. Wound me—without using magic."
Rain's eyes narrowed. No magic... He had faced tougher challenges, but this was personal. Ignia wasn't just another enemy; he was family, a mentor. But Rain wouldn't hold back—not today.
Without warning, Rain vanished, his speed blinding. He reappeared behind Ignia, aiming a strike at his ribs. But Ignia was ready. He spun, catching Rain's arm and throwing him to the ground with a force that sent shockwaves through the earth. Rain rolled, quickly regaining his footing, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"You're holding back," Ignia taunted, his voice a low growl. "Fight me like you mean it!"
Rain smirked. If you insist. He lunged again, this time faster, sharper. His fist collided with Ignia's defenses, a flurry of blows that seemed impossible to follow. But Rain wasn't aiming for the obvious. As Ignia moved to block his upper strikes, Rain shifted, delivering a crushing blow to his midsection.
Ignia staggered back, blood trickling from a split on his lip. He wiped it away with a grin. "Now that's more like it."
But Rain wasn't finished. With a burst of speed, he was behind Ignia again, delivering a blow to the back of his knee, forcing the larger man down. In one fluid motion, Rain landed a final strike to Ignia's temple, sending him crashing to the ground.
When the dust settled, Ignia was lying on his back, laughing. "You did it, kid. You've passed."
Rain stood over him, panting slightly but not winded. His fist still hummed with the energy of the fight. That wasn't even close to my full power, he thought.
As they made their way back to the cave, Ignia clapped a hand on Rain's shoulder. "You've grown strong, Rain. Stronger than even I imagined."
Back at the cave, Chronos, Rain's father, stood waiting with Selene. His dark, ancient eyes regarded Rain with quiet pride. "You're ready," Chronos said, his deep voice resonating with authority. "It's time. Igneel is waiting."
Rain nodded, the weight of what was to come settling in his chest. The time machine. Their next mission. The fate of the world.
He glanced back at his parents, then forward, where his future awaited.
This is it, he thought, his heart pounding with excitement and purpose.
No more holding back.