The dimly lit corridors of the Imperial Fort felt colder than usual, though it had nothing to do with the weather. Lucien emerged from the depths of the trial chamber, his steps steady yet heavy, as though the weight of the Dragon's Heart pressed on his very soul. His clothes were scorched and tattered, but his posture radiated an unshakable confidence, the kind that only power could bestow.
At his side, the Ashrend, the sword he had gained from the relic, gleamed faintly. The runes along its blade pulsed in rhythm with his Aura, a constant reminder of the immense power now coursing through him.
Lucien stepped into the open air, greeted by the sharp contrast of the bustling fort. Soldiers moved about, unaware of the monumental shift that had occurred beneath their feet. But as he walked past, their heads turned, almost instinctively.
"Why are they staring?" he thought. Then, he realized—it was his Aura. It was no longer something he could suppress entirely. It exuded a faint but commanding presence, drawing attention even from the untrained. He had been a peak Rank 6 knight before, but after absorbing the Dragon's Heart, he had ascended to the mid Rank 7 knight.
---
The Watchful Eyes
Waiting at the fort's command tent was Alaric, flanked by General Marquis Kaelion Ardent and General Marquis Tyrian Blackforge. The Crown Prince's sharp blue eyes locked onto Lucien as he approached.
"Lucien," Alaric said, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. "You've been gone longer than expected. What happened down there?"
Lucien met his brother's gaze, his expression unreadable. "The depths held more than we anticipated," he replied smoothly.
Alaric's eyes flicked to the sword at Lucien's side. "And that?"
"A relic," Lucien said, his tone dismissive. "One that belonged to our ancestors, buried and forgotten. It has been reclaimed."
The tension between them was palpable. Alaric's gaze lingered, but he chose not to press further. Instead, he turned to the generals.
"Prepare the men," Alaric commanded. "The demons won't wait for us to debate ancient artifacts."
Lucien smirked faintly. His brother's restraint was admirable, but he knew Alaric wasn't a fool. The Crown Prince had noticed the change in him, even if he chose not to address it outright.
---
The Power Within
Later that night, Lucien found himself alone in his tent, the Ashrend resting against the table. He sat cross-legged on the floor, his breathing steady as he focused on the immense power within him.
The Dragon's Heart had fused with his Aura, becoming an inseparable part of his being. He could feel its influence deep in his core, like a sleeping dragon coiled within him. Every breath he took seemed to stoke its flames.
He stared at his hand, flexing his fingers. The raw power coursing through his veins was unlike anything he had ever felt before. The Dragon's Heart hadn't just advanced him to Rank 7; it had transformed him. Flames answered his call, not just as a weapon but as an extension of his will. The fire held a purity, a strength that demanded mastery.
His Dragon's Sight flared to life, and he could sense the faint emotions of the soldiers around him—anxiety, determination, weariness. It was a subtle but invaluable tool, one that could turn the tide in battles both on the field and in the court. He let his awareness spread. Emotions lit up like beacons around the camp—the quiet resolve of seasoned knights, the faint unease of younger soldiers, and even the steely determination of his brother, Alaric. A small smirk tugged at Lucien's lips.
---
The First Test
Lucien's musings were interrupted by a knock at his tent flap. He quickly masked his Aura, allowing only the faintest traces to seep out.
"Enter," he said.
A soldier stepped inside, bowing low. "My lord, General Tyrian Blackforge requests your presence. There's a matter that requires your attention."
Lucien rose, his hand brushing against the hilt of the Dragon's Fang. "Lead the way."
As he followed the soldier, he noticed the way people stepped aside, their eyes lingering on him longer than usual. It wasn't just his Aura—there was something in his demeanor that demanded respect.
They arrived at the war room, where General Tyrian Blackforge and several commanders were gathered around a large map. The discussion halted as Lucien entered.
"Lord Lucien," Tyrian Blackforge said, his tone measured. "We've received reports of unusual movements from the demons. Scouts claim they've seen signs of a large gathering near the eastern ridge."
Lucien studied the map, his mind already working. "They're regrouping," he said. "Likely preparing for a counteroffensive."
General Marquis Kaelion Ardent frowned. "That ridge is heavily fortified. Even with their numbers, it would be a suicidal move."
"Unless they know something we don't," Lucien replied, his gaze sharp.
He turned to Tyrian. "Send a small scouting party to confirm the reports. I'll accompany them."
The room fell silent. Kaelion raised an eyebrow. "You? With all due respect, my lord, that's unnecessary. A simple report doesn't require—"
"This isn't up for debate," Lucien cut in. "If the demons are planning something, I want to see it for myself. Besides," he added with a faint smirk, "I could use the fresh air."
---
In the Shadows
The next day, Lucien and a small team ventured out of the fort, tasked with scouting the demon encampment. The Ashen Woods loomed ominously around them, the air thick with an unnatural stillness.
Lucien's Dragon Sight proved invaluable. Even as they approached the ridge overlooking the demon forces, he could sense them—emotions of rage, hunger, and ambition swirled like a storm below. His senses locked onto a singular presence, a beacon of malice that made his skin prickle.
"Their commander," Lucien whispered, his voice low. "He's not just strong—he's calculating. This isn't a mindless horde."
The others exchanged uneasy glances. Alaric, who had accompanied them, raised an eyebrow. "You sound certain."
"I am," Lucien replied evenly. "Their movements aren't random. They're preparing for something big, and their leader is orchestrating it."
Alaric frowned but didn't argue. Instead, he turned his attention to the encampment below. The tension between the brothers was palpable, but for now, they worked in uneasy alliance.
As they retreated to report their findings, Lucien couldn't shake the sensation of being watched. His Dragon Sight flickered, and for a brief moment, he caught a glimpse of something—an immense shadow in the distance, its eyes glowing with fiery hatred.
---
The First Test of Flame
The demons struck that night, their forces swarming toward the fort under the cover of darkness. Alaric led the charge, his blade cutting through the enemy ranks with brutal efficiency. Lucien fought alongside him, his newly refined skills on full display.
The flames he wielded were unlike anything the soldiers had ever seen. They burned hotter, moved faster, and seemed almost alive as they consumed the enemy. With a flick of his wrist, Lucien incinerated an entire wave of demons, the heat forcing even his own allies to shield their faces.
"Hold the line!" Alaric bellowed, his voice commanding. But even he glanced at Lucien, his expression unreadable.
When the battle ended, the fort stood firm, though the cost had been high. As the soldiers regrouped, whispers of Lucien's flames spread through the ranks. Some called him a savior, others a monster. Lucien cared little for their opinions.
What mattered was the result: he had proven himself, not just to Alaric, but to the entire fort.
---
Closing Reflections
Later that night, Lucien sat alone, the echoes of battle still fresh in his mind. The Dragon's Heart pulsed within him, a reminder of the power he now wielded. He knew the road ahead would only grow more treacherous, but for the first time, he felt ready.
He was no longer in Alaric's shadow. He was a contender, a force to be reckoned with. And soon, the entire Empire would know it.
---
The Path Forward
Back at the fort, Lucien convened with the generals, sharing his findings. The demons' movements were a cause for concern, but Lucien's newfound powers gave him a quiet confidence.
As the meeting ended, Alaric pulled him aside.
"You've changed," the Crown Prince said, his tone low but pointed. "I don't know what you found down there, but don't let it blind you. Power can corrupt, even the best of us."
Lucien met his brother's gaze, his expression unreadable. "I haven't forgotten what's at stake, Alaric. Everything I do is for the Empire."
Alaric studied him for a moment before nodding. "See that it stays that way."
As his brother walked away, Lucien's hand brushed the hilt of the Drago
n's Fang. The path ahead was treacherous, but with the power of the Dragon's Heart at his side, he was ready to face whatever came