Sai and Tai stood before their master, Shi, in a barren training ground, surrounded by ancient symbols etched into the earth. The air was heavy with an unspoken promise of transformation.
Shi observed the two with a stern expression. "Today marks the beginning of a journey that will test every part of your being. Sai, you will unlock the truth of your family's power—the Blood of the Eternal Flame. Tai, you will master your Snake Eternal Form so you can embody it forever."
Sai frowned, his doubt evident. "Are you sure about this? My parents were weak. They never spoke about any great power."
The sharp crack of Shi's slap echoed through the clearing. Sai staggered, clutching his cheek.
"Your parents were not weak!" Shi's voice was sharp, his words cutting. "Your mother chose peace, and because of that, she never trained her flames. But that was her strength, not her weakness. And your father... he sacrificed everything to protect you. Do not dishonor them with such words again."
Sai's voice wavered. "I... I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry, Master. So, what is the Blood of the Eternal Flame?"
Shi stepped closer, his tone softening. "The Blood of the Eternal Flame is your family's legacy, a power older than any kingdom. It is a flame that lives within you, not merely a weapon but a force of creation and destruction. It has the potential to heal, destroy, or even rewrite reality itself in the hands of a master."
He raised his hand, conjuring a small flickering flame. It shifted colors—blue, orange, white—its glow otherworldly. "This is the Eternal Flame. It burns within you, and now, we will awaken it."
Placing the flame against Sai's chest, Shi allowed it to sink into him. Sai gasped, his eyes wide as the warmth spread through his body.
"I can feel it," Sai whispered, awe lacing his voice. "It's alive."
Shi nodded. "It is. The flame will test you, Sai. It will push you to your limits, and if you falter, it will consume you. Your journey will not be easy."
Turning to Tai, Shi's gaze hardened again. "Tai, your path is equally arduous. The Snake Eternal Form is not simply a transformation. It is a merging of your spirit and body into a singular, perfected state. In this form, you will gain strength, speed, and wisdom unlike any other. But to achieve this, you must endure the trials of the Snake Kingdom for two years."
Tai straightened. "What kind of trials?"
"Trials that will test your resolve, your worth, and your essence," Shi replied. "You must prove yourself before the Snake King and earn his blessing. Only then will the Eternal Form be yours."
Tai's fists clenched, determination shining in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Shi inclined his head. "Good. Both of you will. Now, let me tell you about the Snake Kingdom."
The Snake Kingdom, Shi explained, was a vast and ancient realm hidden deep beneath the surface of the world. Its caverns, illuminated by bioluminescent plants and rivers of molten gold, were home to countless serpents and the mythical Snake King—a being of unmatched power and wisdom.
"The Snake King himself will judge you, Tai," Shi said. "Only those with an unbreakable spirit can earn his favor."
Two years passed. The trials were brutal, and the training relentless. Sai, now in full mastery of the Eternal Flame, stood beside Tai, whose Snake Eternal Form radiated a powerful, otherworldly aura. The two faced Shi at the edge of a battlefield, the world teetering on the brink of chaos.
But amid their growth, Tai had discovered a chilling truth. The Snake King, the very being whose approval he had earned, was none other than his estranged father, Zarathiss—the Eternal Serpent King. The revelation burned within Tai like venom, filling him with rage and confusion.
"He's my father?" Tai had demanded of Shi during their final trial. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Shi's expression had been grave. "You had to prove yourself without the burden of that knowledge. If you had known, your anger might have clouded your judgment."
Now, standing at the edge of a battlefield, the shadow of Zarathiss loomed over them. His scales gleamed like molten obsidian, and his golden eyes burned with cold malice.
"My son," Zarathiss said, his voice echoing like thunder. "You've grown strong. Strong enough to rule at my side."
Tai stepped forward, his aura flaring with defiance. "I'll never join you. You've brought nothing but pain and suffering to this world."
Zarathiss chuckled, the sound sinister. "Pain and suffering are the currency of power, boy. And you are my heir. It's time you embraced your destiny."
Sai moved to stand beside Tai, his flames igniting in a protective barrier. "Tai doesn't belong to you, Zarathiss. He's not your pawn."
Zarathiss's gaze flicked to Sai, a sneer curling his lips. "And you must be the Eternal Flame's latest bearer. How quaint. Do you truly believe you can stand against me?"
Shi stepped between them, his presence grounding. "This battle isn't for today. Sai, Tai—fall back."
Tai hesitated, his fists clenching. "I can't just run."
Shi's voice was firm. "You'll face him when the time is right. Not now."
As the trio retreated, Zarathiss's laughter echoed behind them, a haunting reminder of the battles yet to come.
Two years of trials had forged Tai and Sai into warriors, but the shadow of Zarathiss loomed large. Their journey was far from over, and the final confrontation with the Eternal Serpent King would test every ounce of their strength and resolve.