Dawn had barely touched the horizon when the first wyverns arrived at the Imperial Palace.
Mikhail watched the magnificent creatures being led into the royal stables. Their scales gleamed in the early morning light - with green, blue, and red hues that put the nobles' finest jewels to shame. Each beast moved with a grace that belied their massive size, easily dwarfing twenty war horses.
The leather-armoured stablemen moved efficiently, though their nervousness was evident in every gesture. Even after generations of domestication, wyverns commanded respect. A single swipe of their barbed tails could slice through armour, and their bite force could crush iron ore. Yet these creatures submitted willingly to House Draconus's handlers.
House Draconus's mastery over wyverns went beyond mere animal handling. Through centuries of selective breeding and magical enhancement, they had created bloodlines specialised for different purposes.
The green-scaled mounts were bred for speed and agility, capable of outmanoeuvring even the swiftest aerial predators.
The blue sentinels, with their heightened senses and unwavering loyalty, served as perfect guardians.
But it was the red warstriders that truly embodied House Draconus's martial legacy - living weapons that combined raw power with tactical intelligence.
The Western Reach, the ancestral home of House Draconus, was a land of towering peaks and deep valleys, where ancient wyverns had made their nests long before humans claimed the land.
House Draconus's unique relationship with these creatures stemmed from their own draconic heritage - a gift from their founder's union with a dragon in human form. This bloodline manifested differently in each generation: some showed physical traits that enhanced their aura capabilities, while others displayed magical affinities that made them into great mages.
House Draconus controlled the largest wyvern rookeries in the empire, their breeding grounds stretching across vast mountain ranges. The secrets of their training methods were jealously guarded and passed down through generations and their mastery of these creatures had made them indispensable to the empire's military might.
A formation of six wyverns circled overhead, their wingspans casting vast shadows across the palace grounds. Each beast moved in perfect synchronization, demonstrating the legendary discipline of House Draconus's aerial corps.
To Mikhail, the sight brought back memories of burning cities and screaming civilians - scenes from a future he intended to prevent. Under Bartholomew's deranged command in that other timeline, these majestic creatures had become instruments of indiscriminate slaughter.
A particularly large wyvern, with scales of deep crimson, that seemed to absorb the morning light, caught Mikhail's attention. The beast's movements spoke of both power and intelligence, its head swaying in gentle arcs as it surveyed its surroundings.
[System Alert: Divine Insight activated]
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Name: Crimson
Title: Elite Warstrider of House Draconus
Type: Greater Wyvern (Enhanced Bloodline)
Age: 12
Bond: Soul-Linked with Valerie Draconus
Status: Peak Condition
.
Physical Stats:
Length: 58 metres
Wingspan: 86 metres
Weight: 18000 kg
Flight Speed: 670 km/h (Maximum)
Combat Speed: 420 km/h (Sustained)
.
Attributes:
Strength: 85
Agility: 67
Constitution: 78
Intelligence: 45 (Far above average)
Battle Instinct: 92 (Elite)
Loyalty: 100 (Absolute submission to Valerie Draconus)
.
Special Abilities:
Draconic Breath (Fire-based, enhanced by bloodline)
Scale Hardening (Can temporarily increase defense)
Thermal Detection (Natural ability to detect heat signatures)
Mana Sensitivity (Can detect and navigate magical currents)
Battle Coordination (Enhanced tactical awareness)
Soul Resonance (Unique connection with rider)
.
Bloodline Traits:
Dragon Heart (Increases stamina and magical resistance)
Flame Affinity (Enhanced fire breath and heat resistance)
Enhanced Growth Potential (Capable of further evolution)
Ancestral Memory (Instinctive understanding of aerial combat)
.
Equipment:
Custom War Saddle (Enhanced with protection runes)
Ceremonial Armor (Lightweight dragonscale)
Navigation Crystal (Aids in long-distance flight)
Combat Harness (Specially designed for aerial maneuvers)
.
Special Notes:
One of the few wyverns showing signs of potential draconic bloodline.
Exceptional compatibility with Valerie's research experiments.
Demonstrates unusually high intelligence and problem-solving ability.
Potential candidate for advanced bloodline awakening.
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Seated on top of this Greater Wyvern was a slender figure, hunched over a book, seemingly oblivious to the grandeur of her mount or the nervous glances of the stable hands below.
Even from this distance, Mikhail could see the hand-sized egg secured in a specialized sling across her chest.
[System Alert: Divine Insight activated]
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Name: Valerie Draconus
Title: Young Lady of House Draconus
Age: 15
Status: Healthy (Deeply focused on research)
.
Health: 310/310
Stamina: 250/250
Magic Circle: 3rd Circle Adept Mage
.
Attributes:
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 33
Constitution: 21
Intelligence: 32
Wisdom: 21
Charisma: 8 (Unusually low for a noble)
.
Notable Skills:
Wyvern Taming (Prodigy)
Beast Communication (Advanced)
Draconic Studies (Expert)
Research Aptitude (Master)
Aerial Combat (Proficient)
Ancient Bloodline Theory (Advanced)
.
Special Equipment:
Ancient Wyvern Egg
Research Journals
Draconic Resonance Crystal
[Note: Additional details hidden, but available for Host to view.]
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Mikhail watched as Valerie dismounted, her movements graceful despite her attention never leaving the book in her hands. The egg, in its sling, pulsed with a faint warmth visible to his enhanced senses.
Unlike the common wyvern eggs that glowed with a steady light, this one's aura fluctuated in complex patterns. The specialized sling itself was a marvel of magical engineering, covered in runes that regulated temperature and magical resonance.
Mikhail had to get close to Valerie as soon as possible. He needed her strength, and he needed her help - or rather he needed her blood - to take advantage of an opportunity that existed on Imperial grounds at this very moment. An opportunity that only an heir of House Draconus could open for him.
"Admiring the view, little brother?" Bartholomew's mocking voice suddenly appeared from behind Mikhail, carrying the weight of years of contempt. "Though I doubt someone of your... limited abilities could appreciate the true majesty of House Draconus's wyverns. The bond between rider and mount requires actual talent, after all."
Mikhail turned, carefully arranging his features into the mask of meekness he had perfected. "Elder Brother, I was just-"
"Save your excuses," Bartholomew cut him off, his expensive robes rustling as he moved to stand beside Mikhail in the welcoming procession.
The morning light caught the golden threads woven into his ceremonial attire, creating an aura of authority that Mikhail knew was carefully calculated. "The preparations for the duel are beginning. Do you best, at least your dirty blood and incompetence make the rest of us look even more impressive by comparison."
Several of Bartholomew's attendants snickered at their master's words, their laughter a chorus of sycophantic approval. Their amusement died quickly when they caught sight of the cold gleam in Mikhail's eyes before he lowered them submissively.
Something in that brief look made them shiver, though none could say exactly why.
"Yes, Brother," Mikhail murmured, his voice carefully modulated to convey both submission and shame. "I'll do my best not to shame the family."
Mikhail reflected on his brother's arrogance as Bartholomew strode away, his entourage trailing behind like well-trained dogs, it would be his undoing, just as it had been in his past life. But for now, there were more pressing matters to attend to.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Evening arrived and the Great Hall had been transformed for the pre-duel ceremonies. The air was thick with ritual incense, its sweet-sharp scent designed to enhance awareness and honour the gravity of what was to come.
Nobles moved through carefully choreographed social patterns, discussing what amounted to an upcoming death match with the same polite detachment they might use to describe the weather.
Their voices never rose above a genteel murmur, even as they debated odds and potential political ramifications. The art of appearing unconcerned while calculating advantage was an imperial speciality.
In one corner, partially hidden behind a pillar carved with scenes of ancient battles, Mikhail spotted Valerie Draconus. Unlike the other young nobles who clustered in gossiping groups, she sat alone at a small table, still absorbed in her book. The egg in its sling continued to pulse gently. Occasionally, she would pause in her reading to make notes in a separate journal, her quill moving with quick, precise strokes.
Mikhail made his way through the crowd and positioned himself near her table. From this vantage point, he could see the title of her book: "Theoretical Approaches to Draconic Bloodline Awakening in Lesser Wyrms." The book looked ancient, its binding reinforced with strips of what looked like wyvern hide.
"The conventional wisdom about bloodline dormancy in wyverns is wrong, isn't it?" Mikhail said quietly as if speaking to himself. His voice carried just enough to reach her ears without attracting wider attention.
Mikhail knew this would catch her interest, after all, she would pioneer this area of reseach in the near future.
Valerie's head snapped up, her eyes sharp behind her glasses. For a moment, she seemed ready to dismiss him - another noble's son trying to curry favour with House Draconus - but then his words registered. "What do you mean?"
"The theories about genetic degradation being irreversible," Mikhail continued, his voice carrying a depth of understanding that momentarily made Valerie forget she was speaking to the supposedly incompetent fourth prince.
"They're based on flawed assumptions about how draconic essence interacts with lesser bloodlines." Mikhail continued, "The key isn't in forcing the dormant traits to express themselves, but in creating the right conditions for natural awakening."
Her eyes widened perceptibly, the book in her hands lowering slightly. "You've studied this? But I thought..." She caught herself before mentioning his reputation.
"I've read some interesting theories," Mikhail said carefully, maintaining his facade of casual interest. "About how the right catalysts, applied at specific developmental stages, might reawaken dormant draconic traits. The problem with current methods is that they try to force the transformation, rather than nurturing the inherent potential."
"That's... that's exactly what I've been researching," Valerie whispered, excitement overtaking her usual reserve. The egg near her chest pulsed more strongly, responding to her emotional state. "The conventional approaches all treat it as a problem of power - applying more and more magical energy to force the change. But I believe it's more about resonance and timing."
She glanced at the egg, her hand unconsciously moving to cradle it. "This one... I've been experimenting with subtle energy harmonics, trying to match the frequency of true dragon mana. The results have been promising, but inconsistent. Sometimes the dormant traits respond, but maintaining the correct resonance is incredibly difficult."
"The Imperial hibernation grounds would be perfect for that kind of research, unfortunately I haven't had enough time to test it out myself..." Mikhail suggested coyly, watching her reaction carefully. "The ambient draconic energy there could serve as a natural catalyst, providing the stable resonance you need."
Valerie's eyes shot up to meet his, sharp with sudden suspicion. "The hibernation grounds?"
Then a genuine smile broke across Valerie's face, transforming her from a serious scholar into an enthusiastic peer. "Yes. Let's go right now! Would you like to see some of my preliminary results? I've been mapping the energy patterns during the egg's resonance cycles, and there's this fascinating correlation between-"
She caught herself, suddenly remembering where they were and who she was talking to. "Why are you really interested in this?"
"The future of the empire might depend on understanding these creatures," Mikhail said simply, allowing a hint of his true self to show through. "And because I respect genuine scholarship, especially when it challenges accepted wisdom."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of more nobles, including Mikhail's siblings. Lyanna shot him a warning look, her hand resting casually on her sword hilt - a gesture that managed to be both protective and threatening.
"Shouldn't you be preparing for the ceremony, little brother?" Aether's voice dripped with false concern. His perfectly styled appearance and carefully modulated tone spoke of hours spent practising court etiquette. "We wouldn't want you to miss any of the proper forms. Though I suppose even you can't embarrass us more than you already have."
"Of course, Brother," Mikhail replied meekly. But before he could be drawn away, he turned to Valerie and carried a concealed whisper to her with his mana. "The Imperial stables have some interesting specimens. If you're ever interested in comparing notes..."
"Tonight," Valerie whispered suddenly, surprising them both. She could never shy away from an opportunity for scholarship. "I'll be exercising Crimson at midnight. The thermals are better then, and I could use another perspective on some anomalous readings I've recorded."
Mikhail nodded, understanding the invitation beneath the academic pretence. As he followed his siblings to their designated places for the ceremony, he could feel Valerie's curious gaze following him. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of ceremonial preparations.
The Great Hall transformed further as ritual specialists worked to prepare everyone for the upcoming duel. Ritualistic runes of warding and protection were carefully inscribed in the air by priests, speaking of the history and momentous occasion they would all witness in a week's time.
Mikhail played his part perfectly - the awkward fourth prince, barely worth noticing. He fumbled through the ritual forms, earning sighs of disappointment from the ceremony masters and looks of embarrassment from his siblings. But his mind was already racing with plans.
The Imperial hibernation grounds held more than just sleeping beasts. Hidden in those ancient caves was something he desperately needed - the Dagger of First Dawn, a legendary blade that could help him reshape his destiny. Its power, combined with his own growing strength and the knowledge from his past life, would be another piece in ensuring that history did not repeat itself.
As he watched Valerie across the hall, still absorbed in her research while others busied themselves with social niceties, Mikhail felt a glimmer of guilt pass through him. He was using her, and about to steal her opportunity for greatness, just as others had used him in his past life.
The ceremonial preparations concluded with a ritual blessing from the Imperial Spiritualists, their chants echoing through the hall as they beseeched the ancestors to witness and bless the upcoming duel.
As the nobles began to disperse, Mikhail caught one last glimpse of Valerie. She had finally closed her book and was watching the ritual with keen interest, her hand absently stroking the pulsing egg in its sling.
[System Alert: Quest "Duel of Destinies" updated. New objective added: Build an alliance with House Draconus.]
[System Alert: Hidden quest "Dagger of First Dawn" requirements partially met.]
The moon rose over the Imperial Palace, its light casting long shadows across the grounds. In a few hours, Mikhail would meet with the future greatest Wyvern Tamer in imperial history and turn her to his cause.
Aurora, sensing his satisfaction, pulsed briefly within his chest responding to his excitement before going back to sleep.