Max's mind buzzed with curiosity and anticipation as the system spoke again, its voice calm yet imbued with an unusual solemnity.
"Host, your questions are valid, but some truths lie beyond your current comprehension. The one who granted you this system exists on a plane so far beyond your reality that their name and nature would overwhelm you. However, you were not chosen randomly. The essence of your worth lies in your Radiant Dragon Soul—a rarity that glimmers with unmatched brilliance in the vast cosmos."
Max froze, the words resonating within him like a distant echo of something long forgotten. Radiant Dragon Soul? The term felt both alien and strangely familiar, as if it had always been a part of him, hidden beneath the surface, waiting to emerge.
The system's voice remained steady, continuing its explanation. "The being who bestowed this gift recognized the latent potential within your soul. It mirrors their own—a reflection of power, creation, and boundless possibility. However, your soul stands apart in its form: a dragon, the ultimate symbol of supremacy and strength. When fully awakened, your body will evolve to harness and channel the immeasurable power of your soul, aligning with its majesty."
Max's thoughts spiraled as he recalled the cryptic words of the mysterious figure he had encountered. Their hints about his potential suddenly seemed monumental. His fists clenched, and determination blazed within him. If my soul is truly that extraordinary, I'll do whatever it takes to awaken it.
"System," he said aloud, his voice resolute. "Show me my status."
Before him, a translucent panel materialized, shimmering faintly as text began to populate its surface.
Status Panel
Name: Max
Class: —
Bloodline: —
Physique: —
Soul: Radiant Dragon Soul (Dormant)
Level: 0
Attributes:
Strength: 7 Agility: 8 Endurance: 6 Intelligence: 14 Charm: 9
Skills: —
Affinities: —
Max studied the panel, his brows furrowing. His intelligence was notable, reflecting his sharp mind and knack for learning. But everything else—his class, bloodline, physique, skills, and affinities—remained empty or dormant.
"Why is everything so incomplete?" he asked, frustration creeping into his tone.
The system's reply was calm and instructive. "Your attributes and abilities are intrinsically linked to your soul. Only after your Radiant Dragon Soul is fully awakened will your true potential begin to manifest. Until then, you are simply a vessel preparing to house greatness."
Max exhaled deeply, his fingers curling into fists. So, the first step is to awaken my soul.
"Precisely," the system affirmed. "However, this process is rigorous and time-intensive. It will require 90 days for your Radiant Dragon Soul to fully awaken. During this period, your body and soul will undergo significant transformation."
Max's heart sank at the thought. Ninety days? How could he vanish for three months without his mother noticing? His responsibilities, his part-time jobs, and his daily life couldn't just pause.
He rubbed his temples, thinking aloud. "I can't just disappear like that. Mom would notice immediately, and she'd worry."
The system's response was swift and reassuring. "Host, the solution lies within your Divine Dimension. This private realm allows you to manipulate time flow, accelerating it by up to 100 times. By utilizing this feature, the 90-day process will translate to only 12-18 hours in Earth's time. This ensures that your awakening will not disrupt your daily life."
Max's eyes widened in astonishment. Time dilation? He had vaguely remembered the system mentioning a private domain, but its potential was far beyond anything he had imagined.
"Your Divine Dimension is a secure and exclusive space, gifted as part of the system. Within it, you will find an abundance of pure energy, essential for nurturing your transformation. This realm ensures complete safety, and only those you deem absolutely trustworthy may enter."
Max nodded, the weight of the situation settling over him. This was his path forward—the key to unlocking his potential. But before he could begin, he needed a plan to ensure his absence wouldn't raise suspicion.
Preparing for the Awakening
The next morning, Max approached his mother at breakfast. She was bustling around the kitchen, preparing their simple meal. Taking a deep breath, he decided to play it casual.
"Mom," he began, keeping his tone light, "I've been working on a group project with some classmates, and we've decided to spend a day or two in another city to focus without distractions. It's pretty important for my grades."
She turned, concern flickering in her eyes. "Another city? Max, you've been working so hard lately. Are you sure you're not overdoing it?"
He smiled reassuringly. "It's nothing too stressful, I promise. I'll just be gone for a day, maybe two, and then I'll be back to my usual routine."
After a moment's hesitation, she nodded. "Alright, but make sure you take care of yourself. And call me if you need anything, okay?"
"I will, Mom. Don't worry," he said, relief washing over him.
The Divine Dimension
Later that evening, Max booked a hotel room under the pretense of his trip. Locking the door behind him, he ensured he wouldn't be disturbed. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he closed his eyes, his resolve firm.
"System," he said, his voice steady. "Take me to the Divine Dimension. I'm ready to awaken my Radiant Dragon Soul."
The system's voice responded instantly. "Acknowledged. Initiating transfer. Prepare yourself for the process."
A brilliant light enveloped Max, and the room around him dissolved. When the light faded, he stood in a boundless realm of shimmering energy. The air buzzed with vitality, and the landscape seemed to pulse with life.
Max gazed around in awe. This was his Divine Dimension—a sanctuary where he would undergo his transformation.
Taking a deep breath, he clenched his fists, determination surging through him. This is it. The first step toward becoming who I was meant to be.