Drake sat on the edge of the wooden bench in his room, the dim light of a single candle casting flickering shadows on the walls. He leaned forward, his hands gripping his knees as he recounted the strange and overwhelming experience to his older brother, Jingwei. His voice was unsteady, but there was an undertone of determination.
"It happened back in the cave," Drake began, his eyes distant as he recalled the moment. "I had just finished eating. Everything was normal. Then, out of nowhere, my vision blurred, and my body… it was on fire. I felt it—flames engulfing me, but they didn't hurt. It was like they were part of me. And then…"
He hesitated, his voice faltering as he searched for the right words to describe what he saw.
"I wasn't in the cave anymore. I was… somewhere else. A temple. It was massive, ancient. The air felt heavy, like it was alive. There were dragons, Jingwei. Hundreds of them. Maybe thousands. They were everywhere, staring at me. Their eyes… it felt like they were judging me, waiting for something. And then I heard his voice. Father. He was calling my name."
Drake paused, swallowing hard. "And then, just as quickly as it started, it ended. I woke up back in the cave, but my body was different. It felt… stronger, like it wasn't mine anymore."
Jingwei listened intently, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. As Drake finished, a small smile formed on Jingwei's lips. "Drake," he said, his tone soft but filled with pride, "you've been chosen."
Drake frowned, unsure of what he meant. "Chosen? What are you talking about?"
Jingwei chuckled, walking over to place a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "The vision you had—of the dragon temple—it's something that only happens to those who are chosen by the dragons. It means you've inherited Father's powers. Before he died, he must have passed the remnants of his dragon legacy to you."
Drake's eyes widened in disbelief. "But why? Father hated me. He never saw me as anything but a disgrace."
Jingwei shook his head, his smile fading slightly. "You're wrong, Drake. Father may not have shown it, but he loved you more than you realized. He gave you his greatest gift. That vision wasn't just a coincidence. You've been entrusted with something incredible. The power of the dragons flows through you now."
Drake sat in stunned silence, trying to process what Jingwei had just said. For so long, he had believed he was nothing more than a disappointment in his father's eyes. Yet here he was, being told that he had been given a gift of unimaginable power.
Jingwei straightened up, his expression turning serious once more. "Very well then. I'll tell you more about what this means and how to use that power. But for now—"
Before he could finish, the door to the room creaked open. A rookie sentinel stood at attention, his face pale with nerves as he delivered a message. "Commander Jingwei," the rookie stammered, "Cade has called for a meeting of all officials. It's urgent."
Jingwei sighed, running a hand through his hair. He turned to Drake. "Sit tight. When I get back, we'll finish this conversation. There's still so much you need to know."
Drake nodded reluctantly, watching as Jingwei left the room with the sentinel.
The scene shifted to the bustling streets of the Free World, where similar messages were being delivered to other officials. Seiji, still haunted by the events at the funeral, received the same call. He said nothing to the rookie who brought the message, simply nodding before heading toward the meeting hall. Finn, Zach, and the other key officials were also informed, their expressions ranging from confusion to concern as they prepared for whatever Cade had to say.
Far away in the New World, deep within the sprawling industrial compound of Dr. Rend, Jiangshi stood alongside Lei Gong. The room was dimly lit, illuminated only by the glow of numerous holographic screens and the faint hum of machinery. Below them, countless prototypes lined the floor, towering over the workers who moved with precision and urgency.
Jiangshi's cold, calculating eyes scanned the prototypes as he folded his hands behind his back. "Are they ready?" he asked, his voice carrying an almost unnatural calm.
Dr. Rend, standing a few paces away, bowed slightly before responding. "Yes, Lord Jiangshi. The prototypes are fully functional and prepared for deployment. It took months of refinement, but we've achieved the results you desired. Each one is equipped with enhanced combat capabilities, regenerative systems, and integrated energy absorption. They are… perfect."
Jiangshi smiled faintly, though there was no warmth in it. "Good. The timing is perfect. The Free World is reeling from its losses. Now is the time to strike while they are vulnerable."
Lei Gong, standing to Jiangshi's right, smirked. "And what about Jin? He's proving to be more troublesome than expected. Shall I deal with him myself?"
Jiangshi turned to Lei Gong, his expression unreadable. "Not yet. Let him stew in his anger and frustration. It will make his eventual fall all the more satisfying."
Dr. Rend watched silently as the two council members conversed. He knew better than to interrupt, his mind already racing with calculations and strategies for the upcoming deployment.
As Jiangshi and Lei Gong continued their discussion, the camera panned to the prototypes below, their lifeless forms standing like silent sentinels. The air was thick with anticipation, the faint sound of machinery and distant alarms echoing through the vast chamber. Whatever Jiangshi had planned, it was clear that the Free World was about to face a threat unlike anything it had seen before.
The chapter ended with Drake sitting alone in Shenlog's quarters, his mind racing with questions about his newfound power and what it meant for his future. Meanwhile, in the New World, Jiangshi's plans were set in motion, the shadow of war looming ever closer.