Part 1: The Problematic Dungeon
The day began like any other. Xiǎo Hǎiyáng adjusted the straps of his backpack and tightened his grip on the enchanted lantern he carried. This was his third dungeon exploration that week, and though his previous quests had gone smoothly, the faint buzzing in the air made his skin crawl.
The dungeon's entrance loomed ahead of him, a massive stone arch carved with symbols of water beasts: koi fish twisting in an eternal loop, droplets suspended mid-fall, and powerful currents swirling in intricate patterns. It was supposed to be a standard water dungeon, one of the easiest for an adventurer of Hǎiyáng's skill level. Yet, the atmosphere felt... wrong.
BǎoBǎo, his loyal Doberman humanoid beast, stayed behind at the city gates as usual, watching his master with a protective gaze. "Don't forget, Yáng Yáng," he had said earlier that morning, his voice gruff but filled with concern, "if anything feels off, leave immediately. You're not invincible yet."
Hǎiyáng had laughed it off, his confidence unwavering. "Don't worry, BǎoBǎo. Mǔmǔ and I can handle this. It's just another dungeon."
As he stepped inside, the air shifted. A cool, damp breeze swept past him, carrying the scent of moss and stagnant water. Mǔmǔ materialized at his side, her small, humanoid jellyfish form glowing faintly in the dim light. She glanced around warily, her tentacles twitching as if sensing something amiss.
Suddenly, the dungeon began to tremble.
Hǎiyáng barely had time to steady himself before the familiar walls of the water dungeon began to crack and shatter. The serene blue glow was replaced by a violent storm of shifting colors and chaotic energies. The ground beneath him rumbled as massive chunks of stone fell away, revealing a swirling vortex of light.
Outside the dungeon, chaos erupted.
At the city guild hall, alarms blared as magical detectors went haywire. Guild members scrambled to understand what was happening, their faces pale with fear. "The dungeon's energy is evolving!" someone shouted. "It's turning into an unknown-type dungeon!"
Xuě Fú Fèn, who had been practicing with her Snow-White Manta near the river, overheard the commotion. Her heart sank when she realized which dungeon was involved. "Hǎiyáng went into that dungeon this morning," she whispered, her voice trembling. Without a second thought, she sprinted toward the guild hall, her Snow-White Manta trailing behind her like a streak of frosty light.
When she arrived, the scene was pure pandemonium. Adventurers argued loudly, demanding answers from the guild master, while city officials tried in vain to calm the crowd.
Xuě Fú Fèn forced her way to the front and grabbed the guild master by his sleeve. "Where is Xiǎo Hǎiyáng?" she demanded, her voice breaking.
The guild master, an older man with deep worry lines etched into his face, shook his head. "He's still inside. We can't get to him. The dungeon is sealed. No one can enter or exit until it stabilizes."
Xuě Jīn Mán and Xuě Shā arrived soon after, both of their faces grim. Xuě Shā's booming voice cut through the chaos like a knife. "Explain this! How could a dungeon evolve without warning? What's being done to rescue the adventurers inside?"
The guild master stammered, "We... we don't know what caused the evolution. This has never happened before. We're doing everything we can to stabilize the dungeon's entrance, but the energy levels are—"
"Unacceptable!" Xuě Shā roared, slamming his fist onto a nearby table. The force splintered the wood, and the room fell silent.
Meanwhile, at the dungeon's entrance, BǎoBǎo stood motionless, his eyes locked on the swirling vortex of energy. His normally calm demeanor was replaced by a fierce intensity. Without a word, he raised his paw-like hand and began tracing ancient symbols in the air. Golden light streamed from his fingertips, forming intricate patterns that shimmered against the chaotic backdrop.
The crowd watched in stunned silence.
BǎoBǎo's attempt to stabilize the dungeon was valiant, but the vortex remained impenetrable. Frustrated, he growled under his breath.
Inside the dungeon, Hǎiyáng remained calm despite the chaos around him. He knew that panicking wouldn't help. Instead, he focused on the bond he shared with Mǔmǔ.
The jellyfish girl floated protectively at his side, her tentacles glowing faintly. She tilted her head, her expression surprisingly serene. "Master," she said softly, "we've faced worse than this. Trust me, we'll get through it."
Hǎiyáng smiled, her confidence bolstering his own. "I trust you, Mǔmǔ. Let's see what this dungeon has in store for us."
As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, the environment began to change. The once-familiar watery landscape morphed into something entirely different. The air grew lighter, the ground beneath them gave way to floating platforms of stone, and the sky above was filled with swirling clouds and flashes of lightning.
Hǎiyáng's eyes widened in wonder. "This isn't a water dungeon anymore," he muttered. "It's... a sky dungeon?"
Mǔmǔ nodded, her tentacles twitching as she scanned their surroundings. "It seems like the dungeon has been... switched. But why? And by what?"
Little did they know, the answer to that question was waiting for them deeper inside the dungeon.
Part 2: Inside the Switched Dungeon
Hǎiyáng and Mǔmǔ navigated the floating platforms with caution, the shifting winds and occasional bursts of lightning making each step treacherous. The once-clear waters of the original dungeon were nowhere to be seen, replaced by an endless expanse of clouds that glowed faintly with an ethereal light.
Despite the strange surroundings, Hǎiyáng remained focused. His senses were sharp, his instincts honed from countless battles. He could feel the dungeon's energy pulsing around him, alive and aware.
As they pressed forward, Mǔmǔ's glow intensified. She floated ahead, her tentacles trailing behind her like ribbons of light. "There's something up ahead," she said, her voice tinged with both curiosity and caution.
Hǎiyáng nodded and quickened his pace. The air grew colder as they approached a massive platform surrounded by swirling clouds. At the center of the platform lay a young beast, its body battered and bleeding.
The creature was unlike anything Hǎiyáng had ever seen. It resembled a dragon, but its single head was adorned with shimmering blue scales that glowed faintly in the dim light. Its wings were tattered, and its breathing was shallow.
Mǔmǔ floated closer, her expression softening. "Master, it's hurt. We have to help it."
Hǎiyáng knelt beside the creature, his hands hovering over its wounds. He could feel its pain, its fear, its desperation to survive. Without hesitation, he began channeling his healing energy, the warmth of his power spreading through the creature's broken body.
The dragon stirred, its eyes fluttering open. It looked up at Hǎiyáng with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. Despite its injuries, there was a spark of intelligence in its gaze, a glimmer of something ancient and powerful.
Mǔmǔ tilted her head, her tentacles twitching. "Master, I think this is no ordinary dragon. It feels... different."
Hǎiyáng nodded, his brow furrowing. "You're right. But for now, let's focus on saving it. We can figure out what it is later.
Part 3: The Important Meeting
The young dragon stirred under Hǎiyáng's care, its shimmering blue scales glinting faintly in the dim light of the dungeon. Its breaths, once shallow and ragged, grew steadier with each passing moment. Hǎiyáng continued to channel his healing energy, sweat forming on his brow from the effort.
Mǔmǔ hovered nearby, her glowing tentacles swaying protectively. "Master," she said softly, "it's responding. Keep going."
Finally, the dragon's eyes flickered open fully, revealing orbs of deep azure that seemed to hold the weight of countless stories. It tilted its head, studying Hǎiyáng with a cautious yet curious gaze.
The connection was immediate. Hǎiyáng felt a pulse of understanding pass between them, an unspoken bond forming in the stillness of the dungeon. "You're safe now," he said gently, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
The dragon let out a low rumble, a sound that resonated deep within Hǎiyáng's chest. It wasn't a growl of hostility, but a soft acknowledgment—a hesitant acceptance of the stranger who had saved its life.
"What's your name?" Hǎiyáng asked telepathically, a small smile forming on his lips.
The dragon blinked, its gaze shifting to Mǔmǔ, who gave a faint nod of encouragement. Slowly, the creature spoke, its voice like a whisper carried on the wind. "I... am Xiǎolóng."
"Xiǎolóng," Hǎiyáng repeated, the name rolling off his tongue with ease. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Xiǎo Hǎiyáng, and this is Mǔmǔ."
The jellyfish girl waved a tentacle in greeting, her usual playful demeanor softening in the presence of the wounded dragon. "We're here to help," she said, her voice light yet sincere.
As Xiǎolóng attempted to rise, a wave of pain washed over him, and he stumbled. Hǎiyáng moved quickly, steadying the dragon with both hands. "Easy," he said. "You're not fully healed yet."
Xiǎolóng's expression wavered between gratitude and frustration. "I... was being chased," he admitted, his voice tinged with shame. "They wanted me dead."
Hǎiyáng's brow furrowed. "Who? Who would do this to you?"
The dragon hesitated, glancing at Mǔmǔ before answering. "The sky beasts. They feared my power... feared what I might become."
Mǔmǔ's glow dimmed slightly, her tentacles curling in thought. "Sky beasts? That's... strange. Why would they go to such lengths unless..."
"Unless what?" Hǎiyáng pressed, his gaze sharp.
Mǔmǔ hesitated, her usual playful tone replaced by one of somber realization. "Unless he's not just any dragon."
Hǎiyáng's mind raced as he processed the information. "So, the dungeon's evolution... the switch... it was because of you?"
Xiǎolóng nodded, his gaze steady. "I triggered it to escape. It was my only chance to survive. But it seems I've only traded one danger for another."
Hǎiyáng placed a reassuring hand on the dragon's scales. "You're safe now. I promise."
Part 4: Bringing Xiǎolóng Home
After ensuring that Xiǎolóng was stable, Hǎiyáng and Mǔmǔ began their journey back to the dungeon's entrance. The dragon, though still weak, managed to walk alongside them, his movements slow but steady.
As they approached the exit, the environment around them began to shift once more. The ethereal glow of the sky dungeon faded, replaced by the familiar sights and sounds of the water dungeon.
The transition was seamless, as if the dungeon itself had finally settled after its chaotic transformation.
Outside, chaos awaited.
The moment Hǎiyáng stepped out with Xiǎolóng by his side, a wave of stunned silence swept over the gathered crowd. Guild members, adventurers, and city officials stared in disbelief at the sight of the young dragon, its azure scales shimmering in the sunlight.
Xuě Fú Fèn pushed her way through the throng, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and awe. "Hǎiyáng!" she called out, her voice trembling. "You're safe!"
Hǎiyáng offered her a small, reassuring smile. "I told you I'd be fine."
"Is he okay?"
"He was the only person still inside the dungeon when it was switched its level."
"Hey move aside, I also want to see who he is"
Xuě Shā and Xuě Jīn Mán were not far behind, their expressions a blend of stern concern and quiet admiration. "You've caused quite a commotion, boy," Xuě Shā said gruffly, though there was a hint of pride in his tone.
Hǎiyáng was shocked. Just after he stepped out of the dungeon, many outsiders are approaching him and asking so many questions at the same time.
The attention quickly turned to Xiǎolóng, whose presence seemed to command both respect and unease. Elder Wēn Shì, who had been observing silently from the sidelines, stepped forward, his gaze sharp and analytical. "This... this is no ordinary beast," he murmured.
Understanding the situation, Xuě Jīn Mán and Xuě Shā approached Hǎiyáng and pulled him aside, before any one did. Otherwise, the crowd will "eat" them alive with so many questions raised simulatenously.
Then, with his authority, Xuě Shā shouted lout, "Listen, every one. I am marquis Xuě Shā. Please go home now. Every one including Beast Master and Guild...Leave this dungeon immediately. No more exploration today until we understand what happened was before." "Go...Go."..!"
Xuě Shā then looked at BǎoBǎo and gave his suggestion,"BǎoBǎo, you also. Please bring your master home. He must be tired. Tomorrow please come to my office for reporting today's incident."
Xuě Shā also pointed at the dragon and requested it softly.."also, explained to me that....is it a dragon? Why's bleeding? What happened to him?"
Meanwhile back to BǎoBǎo and Hǎiyáng, BǎoBǎo's usual stoic demeanor was replaced with a rare seriousness when he saw the dragon behind his Master, his sharp Doberman eyes reflecting the weight of what he was about to reveal.
"Let's go home. We need to talk, Master!"
Hǎiyáng shocked. The moment Hǎiyáng stepped out with Xiǎolóng by his side, a wave of stunned silence swept over the gathered crowd. Guild members, adventurers, and city officials stared in disbelief at the sight of the young dragon, its azure scales shimmering in the sunlight.
Xuě Fú Fèn pushed her way through the throng, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and awe. "Hǎiyáng!" she called out, her voice trembling. "You're safe!"
Hǎiyáng offered her a small, reassuring smile. "I told you I'd be fine."
Xuě Shā and Xuě Jīn Mán were not far behind, their expressions a blend of stern concern and quiet admiration. "You've caused quite a commotion, boy," Xuě Shā said gruffly, though there was a hint of pride in his tone.
Xuě Jīn Mán, approached with grim expressions. Xuě Shā spoke first, his voice low and controlled. "What kind of dungeon did you walk into, boy? We've never seen anything like it."
Hǎiyáng hesitated, glancing at Xiǎolóng. "It... evolved," he said simply, not wanting to draw too much attention to the dragon. "It wasn't like any dungeon we've studied before."
Understanding the hesitation, Xuě Shā announced to the crowd,
"Everyone...I am Marquis Xuě Shā. Since now the last person was already out safe and sound, please go home and stay away from this dungeon. We still do not know what triggered the dungeon to switch its level. Therefore, for your own safety, we prohibit any one to enter the dungeon, except the city defense army with some medical practitioners. Thank you for your attention"
Xuě Shā looked at Hǎiyáng and said gently,
"You owe me for this, Kid. Now, you also please go home with Xuě Jīn Mán and Xuě Fú Fèn. Take all your belongings," He gazed at the dragon, 'including him. But reporting to me, tomorrow. I need to know every thing happened with you and the beast."
Back at the second floor of his house, the air was heavy with anticipation. Hǎiyáng, Xiǎolóng, and BǎoBǎo sat together in the quiet room. The soft hum of the lanterns cast dancing shadows on the walls, but the mood was anything but calm.
"Master," BǎoBǎo began, his voice low and measured, "there's something you need to understand. This dragon, Xiǎolóng, is no ordinary beast. Do you know what he is "
Hǎiyáng shook his head. BǎoBǎo continued with lower voice,"He is... Wǔ Tóu Lóng."
Hǎiyáng blinked, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Wǔ Tóu Lóng? The Five-Headed Calamity Dragon? That's a legend. How do you know?"
BǎoBǎo shook his head firmly. "It's no legend, Master. He is real, and he's sitting right in front of us. Right now, he only has one head—his water head—
but as he grows, he will awaken the remaining four: land, desert, fire, and sky. And when that happens..." BǎoBǎo hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "He will become the most powerful creature in existence."
BǎoBǎo continued explaining, 'Back then, when Master was still trapped inside the dungeon, I used my land protection spell to open the dungeon.
BǎoBǎo stopped. He recalled such a bad memory. "However, it did not work. I could not open the dungeon. It made me so angry and desperate since I could protect my Master. But now, I know why. It is because my land protection skill will only protect master from any danger."
"Hm..what do you mean actually?"
Before BǎoBǎo could explain,
Xiǎolóng lowered his head, his once-bright eyes dimming with sadness. "It's not something I want," he said softly.
"For centuries, I've been hunted, feared, and misunderstood. All I wanted was freedom. But no matter where I go, my destiny follows me."
Hǎiyáng reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Xiǎolóng's shoulder. "You don't have to be alone anymore," he said firmly. "You're with me now. No one's going to hurt you."
"BǎoBǎo, I don't care who he was and who he will be. I am taking him."
BǎoBǎo smiled wisely, but his tone heavy with importance. "Master, in fact, what I want to say it. Wǔ Tóu Lóng isn't just any beast. He is the sacred mount of the Thoth Lord. My power does not work for our kind"
Hǎiyáng's breath caught, his hand pausing mid-motion. "The Thoth Lord? You mean, he is my sacred mount?"
BǎoBǎo nodded solemnly. "It's true. Only the Thoth Lord and his bloodline share a unique bond with Wǔ Tóu Lóng. That bond cannot be replicated or forged by anyone else.
That's why Xiǎolóng sought you out. He felt the connection, even if he didn't fully understand it."
Xiǎolóng lifted his head, his eyes meeting Hǎiyáng's with a newfound clarity. "I didn't know why at first," the dragon admitted. "But the moment I saw you in that dungeon, I felt... drawn to you. Like I had finally found what I was searching for. Are you really my master?"
BǎoBǎo's gaze hardened. "How dare you asking your master like that ? He is far more than what people think, Master. He's always been more.
The Thoth Lord was a symbol of balance and power, a protector of the harmony between humans and beasts. That legacy lives in you, Master, whether you accept it or not.
"Hǎiyáng looked down at his hands, the weight of his lineage settling heavily on his shoulders.
"If what you're saying is true, then what am I supposed to do? How do I live up to something like that?"
Xiǎolóng stepped forward, his voice quiet but firm. He said. "All I know is that you healed me, you brought me out from dungeon, and took me here. I trust you and you trust me. Please kindly continue taking care of me."
Hǎiyáng smiled faintly, his confidence slowly returning. "Alright," he said. "We'll figure it out together. Whatever this bond means, whatever this legacy is, we'll take it one step at a time."
BǎoBǎo inclined his head, his expression softening. "That's all that can be asked, Master. But remember—this secret must stay between us. If word gets out about Wǔ Tóu Lóng's true identity, you'll have enemies from every corner of the realm. People will stop at nothing to claim his power or destroy him."
Hǎiyáng nodded, the seriousness of the situation sinking in. "I understand. Xiǎolóng's secret is safe with me. His secret is also my secret!"
Xiǎolóng let out a soft, relieved sigh, his body visibly relaxing. "Thank you," he said. "I don't know what the future holds, but... I'm glad I found you. Please tame me"
Hǎiyáng reached out, scratching the dragon's neck affectionately. "Me too, Xiǎolóng. Me too. Let me by your master"
Later, after the taming ceremony, the room settled into a peaceful silence.Hǎiyáng felt a newfound sense of purpose. The weight of his lineage was heavy, but he wasn't carrying it alone. With Xiǎolóng and BǎoBǎo by his side, he knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The journey was far from over, but for the first time, Hǎiyáng felt ready to embrace it.
--------------------------------------End of Chapter 12-----------------------------