The journey to the Golden Dragon Sect was long, stretching across a vast landscape that seemed both familiar and foreign to Yuto. The land was dotted with ancient ruins and strange structures, their designs unlike anything he had ever seen. Some appeared to be remnants of civilizations long past, while others seemed to be impossibly advanced, as if they were crafted by beings of great power.As the group of robed figures led him through the terrain, Yuto couldn't help but notice the subtle way they watched him—eyes narrowed, hands resting on their weapons. He had no idea whether it was his newfound strength or the strange energy radiating from him that made them so wary, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were waiting for him to make a wrong move.
The bearded man, who had introduced himself as Elder Karun, kept a steady pace beside him, his golden beard swaying with each step. "Tell me," Karun said, his voice low and thoughtful, "do you know what a cultivator is, stranger?"
Yuto frowned. He hadn't had much time to process the strange terminology that had been bombarding him since he woke up in this world. "Cultivator?" he asked, trying to recall the strange words that had been filling his mind earlier. "Is it like… magic? Fighting energy?"
Elder Karun nodded. "In a sense, yes. Cultivators are those who train their bodies and minds to harness the power of the world around them. They tap into the energy known as 'Qi' to enhance their strength, and over time, they can achieve feats beyond the limits of ordinary men. Some even gain control over the elements themselves."
Yuto felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "So... you think I'm one of these cultivators?
Yuto frowned. He hadn't had much time to process the strange terminology that had been bombarding him since he woke up in this world. "Cultivator?" he asked, trying to recall the strange words that had been filling his mind earlier. "Is it like… magic? Fighting energy?"
Elder Karun nodded. "In a sense, yes. Cultivators are those who train their bodies and minds to harness the power of the world around them. They tap into the energy known as 'Qi' to enhance their strength, and over time, they can achieve feats beyond the limits of ordinary men. Some even gain control over the elements themselves."
Yuto felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "So... you think I'm one of these cultivators?"
Karun's gaze sharpened. "You've already displayed strength that most cultivators would envy. The way you dispatched that Flame Tiger—it was as if you were born for battle."
"Yeah, but I'm not a cultivator. I just… woke up here." Yuto rubbed the back of his neck, still struggling to process the fact that he had a tail and could fire energy blasts from his hands.The younger man from the group, who had drawn his sword earlier, scoffed. "He doesn't know what he is. But he certainly reeks of power. Whatever he is, we should watch him closely."
Karun held up a hand, silencing the others. "Patience, young one. There is much we do not understand about this man, but he may be of great importance."
Yuto clenched his fists. "Importance? I don't even know why I'm here. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on. I… I'm not from this world. I died. I remember dying."
Karun's expression softened, a rare flicker of compassion in his otherwise stern demeanor. "We have heard whispers of a new arrival—someone not of this world. Perhaps you are that person. The stars have aligned in strange ways lately. The power you possess, the bloodline you carry, may be tied to something much larger than you realize."
The words "Saiyan bloodline" echoed in his mind again, a chilling reminder of the mysterious voice that had spoken to him earlier. Was that part of this? Was he… part of some kind of cosmic plan?
As they walked, the air grew thicker, and Yuto noticed the terrain starting to change. The cracked earth gave way to lush forests and towering mountains in the distance, their peaks hidden behind mist. The path they traveled became steeper, winding through treacherous cliffs and narrow ravines.
After what felt like days of traveling, they finally arrived at the Golden Dragon Sect—a massive temple complex nestled on a high plateau surrounded by ancient stone walls. The architecture was awe-inspiring, with colossal golden dragons carved into the walls and banners fluttering in the wind. The entire area radiated an aura of immense power, and Yuto couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine as they approached.
"This is where the answers lie," Karun said, leading him toward the grand gates.
As they entered the sect, Yuto was struck by the bustling activity. Cultivators in flowing robes trained in the courtyards, their movements fluid and graceful as they practiced martial arts and channeled energy into their strikes. Everywhere he looked, he saw people pushing their limits—humans, creatures, and beings that defied any category Yuto had known in his previous life.
They were led into a massive hall, where a group of elderly figures sat in a circle, their eyes glinting with wisdom and experience. At the center of the hall stood a large stone tablet, glowing faintly with blue energy. The elder seated at the head of the table, a woman with silver hair and piercing green eyes, spoke in a voice that resonated with authority.
"Elder Karun, you have brought the stranger," she said, her gaze falling on Yuto. "Tell me, child, what is it that you seek in this place?"
Yuto swallowed hard. "I… I'm not sure what's happening. I don't know where I am or why I'm here. I just want to understand."
The woman studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. The Golden Dragon Sect is a place of knowledge, and you are welcome here. But you must understand that the forces at play in this world are far beyond the comprehension of most."
Yuto clenched his fists, feeling a growing sense of urgency. "I need to know what I am. Why do I have this power? And why does it feel like something's hunting me?"
The woman's eyes softened. "Because you are the one they have been waiting for. The Saiyan bloodline runs through you, but it is not merely your heritage that has brought you here. There are greater powers at work, and the destiny of this world may depend on the choices you make."
Yuto's heart pounded. "Destiny? You're telling me I'm supposed to be some kind of… hero?"
"Not a hero," she corrected gently. "But perhaps the key to preventing a catastrophe. The darkness is growing, and it seeks to consume this world."
Before Yuto could ask more, a sudden tremor shook the ground beneath their feet. The walls of the hall trembled as if something immense was approaching.
The woman stood swiftly, her expression hardening. "It has begun."
Yuto felt a deep sense of dread coil in his stomach. Whatever was happening, it was coming for him—and he had no idea if he was ready to face it.