"But before I proceed I want you to meet someone from your lineage —a truthbearer, he can testify as the first Drakon to be born that you were never born crippled."
"Allow me to introduce him to you, your flesh and blood."
Kaelar smiled whiles pointing to the void.
From the darkness, a figure emerged—as a soul. He had long white hair that cascaded to his waist, a bulky frame, and golden eyes identical to Abaddon's, paired with a long white beard.
He resembled Abaddon in every aspect, except one was old and robust, while the other was young and lean.
"So, you are my descendant."
Abaddon, scrutinizing him in shock, muttered under his breath.
"The... first patriarch of the Drakon family."
"Indeed."
The figure replied.
"I am the First Ancestor and the first Drakon to make a pact with a true dragon and ascend to become a demi-god."
"You are... No'el Von Drakon," Abaddon whispered.
But the moment he spoke No'el's name, a heavy slap struck his head. Despite being a soul, Abaddon felt the impact keenly.
"Calling your ancestor by his first name?"
No'el scolded.
"Even though you're my descendant, I'll still beat you senseless in the afterlife."
No'el turned to Kaelar and bowed slightly in greeting.
"So... he's the one. I can't decide if I feel pity for this brat or anger at his mistreatment."
Pointing at Abaddon, No'el continued.
"Don't blame yourself, child. Blame your father, that foolish descendant of mine. You were born with a double divine soul-ore, a rarity never recorded in the history of rankers outside the three soul-ores known to mortals."
Abaddon remained silent, unsure how to respond.
"With Kaelar's help, reaching out to me from Naraka, I've kept an eye on the Drakon lineage, waiting for the day the chaos vessel would be born. Finally, that day came."
No'el's expression darkened as he continued.
"But after your birth, something terrible happened—a secret long kept from you. A month after you were born, your father's second concubine, Cecilia Von Drakon, drugged your mother and kidnapped you. She cruelly extracted your two soul seeds, which would have developed into soul-ores."
"With the help of a powerful ranker, she implanted the stolen seeds into her own children—your two elder siblings. When your mother awoke, you were on the brink of death. Only the intervention of powerful clerics saved your life. Yet in the end, you were deemed... useless."
"Your father knew what had happened and brushed it off, saying, 'So long as the soul-ores remains within the Drakon family, it doesn't matter who wields it.' And with that, the matter was silenced. Your mother endured countless humiliations, and ultimately... it cost her life."
Silence fell over the space as Abaddon stared into the endless void.
"You're telling me..."
He finally said with his voice trembling with suppressed rage.
"that my father knew I had no soul-ore, yet he allowed me to embarrass myself for years? And not only that... my soul-ores were stolen from me?"
Abaddon burst into cruel laughter, unable to process the weight of the revelation. But what came next was even more shocking.
"Everything was orchestrated by the gods."
No'el revealed.
"After your birth, it was confirmed you were the one foretold in prophecy. In exchange for blessing your elder siblings, Cecilia was tasked with destroying you. The gods couldn't interfere directly in the mortal realm without facing the Organs of Existence, so they used her as their instrument."
Kaelar let out a long sigh and interjected.
"But through it all, I never once gave up on you, my boy. Your destiny was always to meet me. Now that you know the truth, it is time for you to make a choice."
Abaddon, trembling with anger, glared at Kaelar.
"A choice? What choice?"
Kaelar smiled knowingly.
"To be given another chance at life. You would be the first mortal to escape death. Krypharoth is with me, and I can grant you power and strength beyond mortals and gods. I can also resurrect your fallen comrade."
At the mention of Orlan, Abaddon's eyes widened. But he quickly composed himself and asked.
"What's in it for you, Kaelar? I doubt a Primordial would help me out of kindness."
Kaelar chuckled darkly.
"No'el, your descendant is as sharp as you are. Indeed, child of destiny, I do want something in return. In exchange for this power, you must promise to free all the Primordials when you grow stronger. We've suffered for eons in the shackles of the infinite, pocket-dimensional prison. We, too, seek freedom."
Kaelar's voice lowered ominously.
"So, what do you say?"
Abaddon remained silent, deep in thought.
'Another chance... something I've only dreamed of. I know he's using me, but it wouldn't hurt to use him as well. Vengeance! Still... why didn't my destiny skip all the useless chapters before this and head straight to my glow-up?'
His thoughts were interrupted by a firm tap on his shoulder. Turning, he saw No'el staring at him intently.
"This isn't something you even need to consider. You must seize it."
With his ancestor's encouragement, Abaddon finally gave his answer.
"I accept."
Kaelar stretched his arms wide, summoning a dark energy that gathered in his palms. After what felt like an eternity, he presented the result.
"This is the Heart of Ashura. It is crafted from my very essence of chaos, the bloodlines of ancient Shura race, and the energy of true demons. It will serve as your soul-ore when you awaken."
A heart, covered in red and black scales, pulsed with a violent, ominous aura. Even No'el stepped back in awe.
"I've begun reforming your body in the mortal realm. Once you return, using this power will be entirely up to your will. The stronger you become, the more the power will consume your emotions. This is a burden only you can bear."
Kaelar's gaze pierced Abaddon.
"Are you ready, child of destiny?"
Abaddon nodded, and Kaelar released the heart. It floated slowly toward him, and as it reached his chest, it began bonding with him. His once blue soul turned crimson as chaos consumed it.
Kaelar turned to No'el.
"Now, it's your turn. As a ranker from the ancient era, you are the ideal master for him. I will merge your soul with his butler's body so you can guide him."
Without hesitation, No'el bowed. Kaelar raised his hand, casting a golden sphere around them both.
"This will likely drain me into slumber."
Kaelar said.
"I must send you on your way. If the Erythrians discover I had visitors, all my plans would be undone. Now go!"
The two vanished into the void, and right after their departure a new voice broke the silence.
"Are you certain about this, Kaelar?"
Kaelar turned to see Krypharoth astride his bone dragon.
With a smirk, Kaelar replied.
"I've waited eons for my revenge on the Erythrians, haven't you too Krypharoth. I even sent the Mourning Fiend to speed things along. Now, the seed of chaos has been planted."
He turned back to the empty space with a wide smile.
"All that's left is to watch as the disastrous tree blooms with chaotic fruits. Just wait, Zuryxal... the very thing you feared has already begun."