Only I Awaken The Forbidden SSS-Rank Dragons

The system came online abruptly, and a stream of notifications immediately appeared in Aleron's line of sight.

[Your contracted beasts have killed 5 creatures.]

[2 Rank 1 creatures and 3 Rank 2 creatures.]

[You have leveled up to Origin Initiate Rank 4.]

[Origin Initiate Rank 4: 200/400.]

[Host, your strength has increased significantly.]

Aleron stared at the information with mild surprise.

He didn't expect to be able to increase his strength whenever his contracted summon killed creatures, will it also apply to me if i kill beasts and humans alike?

Aleron was curious, but he knew now wasn't the time to ponder on these things since he hadn't received any Exp even after killing the two men from before.

His thoughts returned to the rewards and he circulated his origin energy through his body and felt an unusual surge of power. He was slightly startled.

System, how strong am I now? Show me my stats.

[Strength: 14]

[Agility: 15]

[Defense: 13]

[Origin Energy: 24]

Aleron was stunned. No wonder he felt stronger. His gaze shifted downward to his chest, where he remembered sustaining an injury. To his amazement, it had vanished completely.

He did not dwell on it for too long. He already had a theory regarding how the wound was healed. It was most likely due to the regenerative abilities he possessed while in his fused form.

Aleron recalled the feeling of fusion. It had been the sensation of overwhelming strength.

Taking a deep breath, he began questioning the system about what had been bothering him.

System, what does Origin Initiate mean?

[It is the standard for measuring strength in the Origin World.]

[Origin Initiate, Origin Apprentice, Origin Adept...]

[Each level is divided into 12 ranks. After completing all 12 ranks, you evolve and ascend to the next level of strength.]

Aleron nodded thoughtfully at the system's explanation.

By the way, how do I evolve my Infernal Eyes? It shows level one here. He asked a question that had puzzled him for some time.

[The Infernal Eyes grow alongside the dragon. The stronger Ashkar becomes, the more powerful the eyes will be.]

Aleron clicked his tongue and shifted his gaze to Ashkar, who was resting nearby. He gently patted the dragon's head, and just then, his stomach growled.

Standing up, he decided to get something to eat. Before leaving, he activated the Infernal Eyes to check their surroundings.

Despite the comfort, safety, and warmth he had received, he remained cautious. After all, this was still a stranger's home.

[Infernal Eyes activated.]

Aleron's eyes shifted into crimson slits, and his vision deepened. The world around him changed colors as he began to perceive heat signatures instead of just visible objects.

Looking around, he frowned. The couple was nowhere to be seen. Instead, what he observed were glowing red orbs of light.

What is that? His eyes locked onto two glowing red spheres. One was only a few feet away, while the other was several meters off.

Aleron hurried in the direction of the closer light.

Ashkar, sensing his movement, quickly followed.

Exiting the room, Aleron noticed another room adjacent to his. The heat signature was coming from there.

Without hesitation, he entered.

Inside, he was met with a pile of ash and dust.

What is this doing here? And why is it emitting heat waves? Aleron frowned and crouched to examine the ash.

After inspecting for a few moments and finding nothing conclusive, he decided to head to the kitchen.

Dad, what are you doing? Ashkar looked at him curiously.

Do not worry, son. I am just checking a few things. Afterward, we will eat.

Eat bad guys? Ashkar perked up at the idea of consuming humans again.

Not that kind of food. Aleron laughed and led the dragon to the second source of heat.

Surprisingly, the other heat signature was coming from the kitchen. There too, a pile of ash lay ominously in the corner.

Aleron frowned deeply. A thought struck him, and he quickly questioned the system.

System, can you tell me what this is?

The system was silent for a moment, seemingly analyzing the scene.

[That will cost 20 Origin Energy.]

Aleron blinked in confusion. Since when do you need Origin Energy to answer my questions?

[That only applies to questions related to your status or Ashkar. Anything beyond that requires an energy exchange.]

Aleron paused, then deactivated the Infernal Eyes and glanced at his status screen.

[Origin Energy: 21/24]

Take the Origin Energy and answer the question. After a moment's hesitation, he gritted his teeth and gave the command.

Immediately, 20 points vanished from his pool, leaving him with only one.

[The ashes belong to the couple from before.]

[Host, this is serious. It has been discovered that you are afflicted with a curse.]

[Karmic Backlash (Curse): Anyone who treats you kindly, helps you, or holds goodwill toward you will suffer a tenfold Karmic Backlash in return.]

Aleron's eyes widened in horror.

He had been cursed?

When? Why? Why would someone do this?

Fury exploded within him. He stared at the screen and mentally roared at the system.

System, tell me who cursed me.

Just when he thought freedom was within his grasp, when he thought he and his dragon could explore the world without chains, he discovered he had been bound by fate once more.

He could not accept this.

[Host, please remain calm. To access the source of the curse, a large amount of Origin Energy is required.]

Damn it! Aleron shouted aloud. Do not tell me to calm down! I need to know the answer!

This time, his voice was no longer confined to his thoughts. He was screaming into the air.

Dad, what is wrong? Ashkar asked, confused, but Aleron ignored him completely. Just then, the system responded.

[Please provide the required amount of Origin Energy to unlock the information.]

The system's tone seemed to carry several emotions at once. Was it pity? Was it indifference? A blend of warmth and coldness?

Aleron could not tell. His voice cracked. From loud outbursts, it quieted into soft sobs.

System, please tell me who cursed me. I promise to give you anything.

Anything you want!

The system remained quiet for a long time before finally responding.

[Host, please pay the corresponding Origin Energy to unlock the information.]

Damn it all! Aleron clenched his fists as veins bulged across his arms, writhing with intensity.

Just then...

A loud bang erupted above.

It felt as though the skies had collapsed. The entire Origin World dimmed, and a portal suddenly tore through the fabric of the sky.

The portal floated ominously, eerie and vast.

And from within it emerged something that would change the fate of the Origin World forever.