Chapter 60: Awakening (Part One)
With a low rumble, Cassius slowly opened his eyes, feeling a slight fogginess in his mind as a flood of information had poured in during his sleep, awaiting his processing.
"It seems I've been asleep for quite a while this time."
A thick layer of dust covered his scales.
Cassius shook his massive head, gently flexing his wings, and the long-unmoved bones made crisp sounds, sending ash swirling around him.
"I've grown even more imposing this time. Not bad."
He nodded approvingly at the giant glass mirror already prepared in the underground palace.
Perhaps due to deepening his bloodline power, Cassius now appeared far more mature than a typical red dragon. His enormous body spanned fifteen meters, nearly matching an adult red dragon's proportions, with none of the young dragon's immaturity left.
The thick, curved horns atop his head had lengthened, their surfaces a yellowed bone-white. Small horns extended across his head, and the ones on his cheeks and jaw were more pronounced, making his large head even more menacing.
The golden color of his pupils had slightly faded—an age marker; it was said the oldest red dragons' eyes looked like molten lava.
His bright, crimson scales had darkened, with their glossy texture replaced by a smooth, matte finish. Due to the metallic nature of his scales, a hint of gold still rimmed the edges.
His wings had grown broader, with a faint blue frill along the trailing edge, akin to the blue flames of burning metal.
"Dragons' intellect also grows with age."
After examining his appearance, Cassius began processing the vast, complex legacy in his mind and discovered, to his delight, that his capacity to absorb and comprehend information had also improved.
"So this is 'Dragon Fear'?"
According to the knowledge he inherited, Cassius directed his body to emit an invisible aura—the so-called "Dread Presence," or "Dragon Fear."
Simply existing as a dragon could make animals flee in terror and shake the resolve of the staunchest warriors.
Unfortunately, in this underground palace, there were no other creatures around (and any that had been here would have perished from his dormant influence), so Cassius couldn't yet test this fearsome aura on living beings.
Having tested Dragon Fear, Cassius resumed sorting through the information in his mind.
This time, it was about spells.
Due to their innate magical nature, all dragons develop inherent magical abilities as they mature.
At Cassius's adolescent stage, he could exhibit his first signs of magical talent.
"This is the dragons' innate magical power."
"Truly terrifying."
Cassius was astonished.
As he processed this legacy, notifications began to flood his panel.
[Dragons are powerful magical beings, naturally attuned to numerous supernatural phenomena. As a red dragon, reaching a certain age unlocks latent casting abilities within your bloodline.]
[You gain an additional casting level: 3.]
[Your racial spellcasting level is now combined with your sorcerer casting level, bringing your total casting level to: 9.]
Cassius's excitement surged.
"Finally, combined casting levels!"
"Now you'll witness the sorcerer-dragon's rapid ascent!"
Cassius felt his understanding of the world expand instantly, granting him access to the fifth layer of the Weave.
His connection to the Weave deepened, allowing him to channel magic with a mere thought, reaching the Weave's depths through sheer will.
However, notifications on the panel continued to update.
More intricate knowledge flooded into his mind.
"Is this..."
[Some scholars insist that humanity first learned the arcane arts from dragons. If true—and even the elves contend this in their honor—dragons likely retained secrets beyond mortal comprehension, secrets only a true dragon with awakened bloodline can access.]
[Such dragons refer to themselves as 'True Dragon Sorcerers,' a title they use to distinguish themselves from the lesser draconic sorcerers.]
Discussing spells with mortals is as pointless as discussing seasons with grasshoppers. —Sarimosk, Ancient Gold Dragon.
[[True Dragon Sorcerer] class requirements: Level 5 base sorcerer, pure-blooded dragon.]
[You meet the class requirements and possess the necessary legacy. Would you like to advance?]
"A hidden advancement class!"
Cassius was elated; it was the perfect timing.
He'd been frustrated by the limitations of the draconic sorcerer class, and here was an advanced class exclusive to dragons, which surely promised formidable power.
"Confirm."
Cassius chose to proceed without hesitation.
An intricate surge of arcane knowledge flooded his mind.
Indeed, if dragons, with their exceptional talents and longevity, devoted themselves to study, their achievements would surpass any mortal's.
[You have acquired the sorcerer advanced subclass: [True Dragon Sorcerer].]
[[Ability: Dragon Spells]: You gain access to unique spells known only to dragons. Sorcerers and wizards might learn these spells, but only if a dragon teaches them, and most are useless to mortals.]
[You have acquired dragon spells: [Raking Claws], [Sheltering Egg], [Energy Scales], [Into the Flames].]
[Raking Claws]
Evocation Cantrip
A flickering, claw-like magical force appears before the dragon, allowing it to channel energy at the target with a clawing gesture.
[Sheltering Egg]
2nd-Level Transmutation Spell
When cast, a flickering, purple energy egg encases the dragon and disappears, transporting it to a pocket dimension where it cannot be harmed.
The dragon can't see the material world or cast spells or attack from this place but can use spells or magic items that affect only itself.
[Energy Scales]
3rd-Level Transmutation Spell
The dragon's natural defenses manifest as a magical aura, causing its scales to shimmer with energy and form countless tiny orbiting fragments, like thousands of miniature satellites.
[Into the Flames]
4th-Level Evocation and Conjuration Spell
The dragon fills its lungs with swirling, searing energy. Then, with a powerful exhale, it unleashes a devastating cone of flame.
As the final strand of energy leaves its mouth, the dragon becomes one with the breath weapon, allowing it to traverse space and reassemble its body anywhere within the breath's range.