As the purple glow surrounding Ray began to fade, he felt a shift within himself, a subtle yet profound change. Before he could fully comprehend it, Luna's voice was heard.
[Death Sense acquired.]
Ray's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly asked, "What does that mean, Luna?"
[The Death Sense skill allows you to perceive any imminent danger around you. You can sense and wield killing intent, induce fear into opponents, and discern malicious intentions. This skill will grow stronger as you do.]
Ray glanced at Kametsu, who watched him with an expression of solemn pride. The guardian's deep voice followed,
"A gift, young one, for naming my son and for saving my family. I hope this power aids you in the challenges ahead."
Ray met Kametsu's eyes, a wave of gratitude washing over him.
"Thank you, Kametsu," he said sincerely.
After exchanging a few more words with Domara and gently playing with the newborns, Ray knew it was time to leave. A sense of peace settled over him, mixed with a determination to return one day. He said his farewells, feeling the bond that had formed with these powerful beings. Turning toward Sage, he signaled his readiness.
A soft white glow enveloped him, and in the blink of an eye, he was somewhere else entirely. He found himself standing on a mountain plateau, a majestic waterfall cascading nearby. The roar of the water and the thick, almost tangible mana in the air took his breath away. Ray's eyes sparkled with wonder as he took it all in. The power in the atmosphere buzzed, and he felt more alive than he had in a long time.
"How did we get here so fast?" Ray's voice was full of awe.
Zen, observing him with a slight smile, responded,
"It is space magic, a spell known as Teleportation."
The term sparked questions in Ray's mind. He knew so little about magic, the world beyond his blade, and the basic survival skills Eldric had taught him. Zen seemed to read the confusion on his face and spoke with a gentle, reassuring tone.
"I am Zen Dracos, the priest of the Dragon God's temple, known among humans as the Sage. I hold many titles, but more importantly, I am a dragon, Ray." Zen's eyes, golden and deep, glimmered with an ancient light.
"I have watched over you since the moment you awakened your dragon core. You've endured much, from hardships to loss. Eldric was a good man, but fate can be cruel."
Ray's fists clenched at the mention of Eldric, a pang of anger and grief shooting through him. If Zen had known about him all along, why hadn't he saved Eldric? But the feeling simmered down as quickly as it flared, replaced by the heavy reality of his own inadequacy. He hadn't been strong enough then. He needed to be stronger now.
Zen's expression softened, and he continued,
"You are one of us, Ray. You have the blood of dragons in your veins, that too of royal lineage..I don't know but.....I know, I know, about the promise you made to Eldric, and I have no intention of binding you here. You are free to choose your path."
He also felt nostalgic, as the boy in front of him resembled a lot like his idiot friend, a human, contracted to the queen of Dragons, who perished saving this treacherous world. He pushed those thoughts aside and said,
"I am not that selfish, am I?" Zen chuckled softly, a warm, melodic sound.
Ray felt a strange warmth well up inside him. The man before him, who could command fear from beings like Kametsu, didn't demand obedience. Instead, he offered guidance. It filled Ray with an unexpected sense of belonging. He looked up at Zen, resolve in his eyes.
"I'll be in your care, Zen," Ray said, his voice steady and sure. Determination replaced any lingering doubts. Also evident curiosity, stars filled his eyes..
Zen nodded, a look of approval crossing his face. "A dragon is always a dragon, no matter their age. I see that spirit in you, Ray."
The waterfall's roar seemed to echo the new beginning Ray sensed was unfolding before him.
Zen took Ray to his hut, which was as small as it could be seen, but after entering inside, you can see a whole new world that had a large area with weapons and other big boulders on one side and a big chamber to the center surrounded by water, which had space enough for a single person to sit. To the more right of the land, there were two large buildings, one seemed like a palace and the other a tower, with the remaining area covered in trees or mountains as far as you can see.
Ray's mouth was dropping so low it could touch the ground, he was in awe and what he didn't was it was all a space created by Zen using magic, and if he knew that, he would certainly leave his sword and start learning magic...well, maybe.
Zen interrupted Ray's admiration and said,
"You will be practicing here for the next 20 months, I will personally teach you...even I am intrigued by your potential to absorb whatever is thrown at you, your dragon core too, has this unusual golden silver hue, which is unprecedented, having a silver core is itself rare and paints you as royal lineage but....that golden hue, its energy had not yet awakened, we'll see about it."
Ray simply nodded.
"First we will work on your muscles, you need to gain some muscles for that to happen...let's eat, eat a lot from now on", said Zen and proceeded to take him to his palace.
Ray's gruel journey to power and his origin is beginning....