NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 23: Mount Letonia
The world around them faded to black. When Kai opened his eyes, he was no longer in the ruins. Instead, he stood atop a towering mountain, its jagged peaks piercing a sky painted with swirling auroras. The air was heavy with power, crackling with energy that seemed to hum in his bones.
"Mount Letonia," the Dragon's voice resonated within him, deeper and more commanding than ever before. "This is where our kind awakens. You are here because you must learn, Kai. You must begin your journey as the Dragon Heir."
Kai turned slowly, his breath catching as he saw a colossal form emerge from the shadows. The Dragon itself was awe-inspiring—scales of molten gold shimmered with every movement, eyes like burning stars boring into him. Its presence was overwhelming, ancient, and powerful.
"I... I'm not ready for this," Kai stammered, his fists clenching.
The Dragon chuckled, the sound like rolling thunder. "No one ever is. But readiness comes through trial, not hesitation. You will begin with the basics, and I will guide you. Fail, and your journey ends here."
Before Kai could respond, the Dragon spread its massive wings, creating a gust that nearly knocked him off his feet. A faint glow surrounded him, and suddenly, symbols etched themselves into the ground in a wide circle around him.
"Let us begin," the Dragon said, its tone leaving no room for argument.
Elemental Mastery
The Dragon raised a claw, and a flame burst into existence, floating in the air before Kai. "Dragonfire Manipulation. The foundation of your power."
Kai hesitated, extending his hand toward the fire. As he focused, the flame wavered, then began to swirl around his palm. It flickered uncontrollably, nearly burning him.
"Focus," the Dragon instructed. "Fire is not merely destruction; it is life, warmth, and creation. Command it, do not fear it."
With gritted teeth, Kai steadied his breathing, concentrating on the flame. Slowly, it calmed, forming into a steady sphere.
"Good," the Dragon rumbled. "Now, unleash it."
Kai hurled the flame at a boulder nearby, shattering it into glowing shards.
The Dragon nodded approvingly. "Next, Aeromancy."
The air around Kai shifted as the Dragon summoned a powerful gust. Kai staggered but quickly planted his feet. "Feel the wind. Let it carry you, guide you."
Kai closed his eyes, spreading his arms. The air responded, lifting him off the ground slightly. He wobbled, nearly falling, but managed to maintain balance.
"You are attuned to the skies," the Dragon said. "Master this, and the heavens will be your domain."
Finally, the Dragon stomped, causing the earth beneath them to tremble. "Terrakinesis. Feel the strength of the mountain beneath you."
Kai placed a hand on the ground, feeling the energy of the earth. With a grunt of effort, he raised a jagged pillar of stone from the ground. It wasn't perfect, but it stood tall, a testament to his growing abilities.
Dragon-Inspired Abilities
"Now, abilities born of our lineage," the Dragon continued.
Scales shimmered in the air around Kai, forming a protective barrier. "This is Scale Shielding. It will protect you from harm, but only as long as your will holds firm. Doubt, and it will shatter."
Kai practiced summoning the scales repeatedly until they formed a solid barrier.
"Next, Dragon's Breath."
The Dragon released a deafening roar, shaking the entire mountain. "Harness this power not only to attack but to intimidate. Let your enemies feel the might of the Dragon Heir."
Kai tried to mimic the roar, but the first attempt came out weak. The Dragon growled. "Louder. You are a dragon, not a mouse!"
On his second attempt, Kai's roar echoed across the mountain, a shockwave rippling through the air.
Heir-Specific Abilities
The Dragon lowered its massive head, its gaze piercing. "Now, the gifts unique to you, Kai. These will define your legacy."
A sudden clarity washed over Kai as his senses heightened. The Dragon's voice explained, "This is Dragon Sense. You will perceive dangers before they strike and sense the presence of dragons or their kin."
Kai blinked as the faint glow of dragon energy became visible, threading through the mountain like veins of molten light.
"Hereditary Healing," the Dragon continued, exhaling a golden mist. Kai instinctively reached out, and the mist flowed into him. A small cut on his arm from earlier closed instantly.
"This is not just for yourself," the Dragon added. "You can use this power to heal your allies, but it will drain your strength."
Finally, the Dragon's eyes gleamed with intensity. "The last is Legacy Shift, the pinnacle of your potential. This is the essence of what it means to be the Dragon Heir."
Kai felt an overwhelming surge of energy as his body began to shift. Scales emerged along his arms, his fingers elongating into claws. Wings sprouted from his back, and for a brief moment, he felt truly invincible.
"You will not yet master this form," the Dragon warned. "But one day, it will define you."
As the training session ended, Kai collapsed to his knees, drenched in sweat but filled with a sense of purpose.
"Your training has only just begun," the Dragon said, its tone softer now. "Return to your companions. Protect them. And remember, Kai—you are no longer just a man. You are the Dragon Heir."
The mountain began to fade, the auroras dimming as Kai was pulled back to the ruins.
Kai woke with a start, the ruins coming back into focus. His companions were huddled around him, concern etched on their faces.
"Kai?" Lyria asked, her voice trembling.
Kai sat up, his body aching but alive with newfound power. "I'm fine," he said, his voice steady. "But we need to move. There's more to this than we thought."
Though they didn't know what had transpired, his companions saw the fire in his eyes, and they nodded, ready to follow him once more.