ã€ŠThe Arach Kingã€‹


 Chapter 1 - The Amulet

    The time is night. The moon, full. The place, London. The weather, foreboding. The outcome, death.

    Tick tock, tick tock¡­ ¡®7 seconds¡­ 10 seconds¡­¡¯ Kiran thought to himself from atop a tree.

    The moonlight swayed with the night clouds, a spotlight manned by nature itself, it cast its eyes over and over with the consistency of a human. As if in time with the guards that Kiran were planning to get passed, it shone over the path Kiran wanted, it no doubt made the mission more difficult. As one may suspect, from the dark clothes he wore and the way he blended in with the surroundings, Kiran was not a simple man. He is an assassin.

    Trained in the arts of the craft at an early age, he became the top of his craft in a matter of years. In a span of 2 decades, he had risen to sit with the best in the world. He has taken missions around the globe, businessman, politicians, beggars, they were all the same to him. If they were a target it did not matter, Kiran had even taken on a president once. To him, the world was the limit.

    ¡®8 seconds¡­¡¯ Kiran thought to himself again. That was the time the 2 patrolling guards offered for him to make it into the first floor window of this mansion. The distance was around 100 metres as his eyes narrowed for the chance. Who could anticipate someone being faster than the world record?

    Now. He dashed from atop his tree over the wall in a smooth swift motion and landed, a sound so soft it was masked by the wind of the night. Without so much as a stop, he dashed to the target window. His stance low, his speed fast, his eyes determined.

    He was about 15 metres away from the window when out of the corner of his eyes he could see the guard making the corner, he had to get up quick. His stance steepened even further as he suddenly placed his hand on the ground in a cartwheel and backflipped himself perfectly unto the first floor window just as the guard turned the corner.

    The window slowly opened as he pushed it forward, the lock lifted by itself. Kiran silently made his way into the room, empty. He placed himself against the wall and opened the door just enough to hear. Hallway, empty.

    He moved swiftly as he opened the door and shut it behind him without a single sound. Like a ghost moving, he glided through the doorway to his target. A businessman who hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, just had a competitor who wanted him out the picture. Ten million for a life.

    Soon he stopped, in front of him was a double door, he was inside. Kiran leaned against the wall, his ears opened, he could capture the sounds in his room. The parchment of paper crumpling against the pen, the slow unconscious breathing of a man.

    His hand reached down to his side, his other for the door.

    The door opened silently, and in the smallest of gaps within a millisecond of the door opening, a dagger flew in the air and impaled itself within the man¡¯s heart. The man looked at the knife in astonishment, his hand still holding his pen. The door once again closed behind Kiran without even a noise having escaped the room. On the outside, it almost seemed as though the door barely moved.

    In the room, Kiran stood looking at the man, dead in the chair. A quick confirmation until he scanned the room and was about to leave when an amulet across the man¡¯s table caught his attention. The paper read,

    Amulet found from the ruins of¡­

    He didn¡¯t quite get to finish.

    Every time Kiran would finish a mission, he wasted no time in leaving and erasing all the traces of him. But this time, it was different. He eyed the amulet, a sense of bewilderment at his interest and unease. Kiran was never interested in artefacts of such a nature. It was shocking, this made him uneasy. And when a predator is uneasy, he unconsciously releases his aura.

    Yes, humanity has long since lost its primal instincts. One of which was the perpetual instinct of survival, killing instinct. Man has long since forgotten what it was to face death every day, to kill or be killed. Only certain individuals in specific environments remembers, and Kiran was one of them. And with the instinct, comes the intent. Accumulated through the blood on a person¡¯s hand, the instinct becomes so amplified that it evolves and could be described as an aura, killing intent.

    The instinct is bought about with the need to survive. The intent can only be accumulated through the deaths of hundreds and thousands of bodies laid beneath a person¡¯s feet. And Kiran, being one of them, had a considerable amount of killing intent he could unleash. The simple unease he felt released a small percentage of that intent and woke the entire world. So to speak.

    Lights flickered on in all room as alarm bells rang. The mansion was now as bright as day as spotlights illuminated the courtyard unto the walls of the mansion.

    A rich businessman would at least have a decent enough bodyguard to recognize killing intent, Kiran concluded. Even though it was only a second that Kiran lost control of himself, it was enough to wake the suspicion of at least one of the guards in the mansion.

    Kiran eyed his escape route, just before he made off his expression winced as he clenched his jaws. If any from the assassin world were to see this, they¡¯d be amazed. The Kiran who, during training as a child never even changed at torture after a year was making an expression of pain. What people would pay to see this.

    Kiran dashed quickly back to the table and grabbed the amulet and headed for the exit. His speed formidable as he made his way across the room when suddenly a burning sensation tugged at his arm and spread through his body like wildfire.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    The pain was immense, torture could not even compare as he grimaced in pain. His body bright red as the amulet shone a purple light. If the bright spotlights outside were not shining in everything, people would be able to see a bright purple light shining from out of the room.

    Kiran could not sense anything, the pain was too powerful. He tried to let go of the amulet but it was stuck to his hand. At last, the pain was too great and he let off a large shout.

    The doors busted open in the study as men in suits stormed into the room with guns. They fanned out across the room as a man hurriedly rushed to the chair to take the pulse of the businessman. He shook his head to his colleagues. Their faces drenched of colour as a man broke the circle and walked to the middle of the room.

    He bent down and picked up the fallen amulet. Its jewel cracked and devoid of colour.

    ¡®Wasn¡¯t this¡­ purple¡­¡¯ he thought to himself, but soon shook his head. 10 ex-military bodyguards and they couldn¡¯t even notice the assassin. ¡®Their reputation would be tarnished¡¯, he thought as he gestured for the team to contact the authorities, ¡®But what¡¯s the point, they¡¯d find nothing from someone of this calibre.¡¯ As they left carrying the dead body, he glanced back, then turned again and left the empty room.

    Thousands of miles above, a grey ball of mist flew above the atmosphere and into space. A spark of purple could be seen around it every now and then. Yes, the grey mist was Kiran.

    Kiran was still struggling to believe what had happened. The amulet had combusted him into nothing, or rather this grey mist the size of a ping pong ball. He understood that the world wasn¡¯t as simple as everyone believed. Of course, only the top few percentile of the world ever saw or know of these unexplainable events or people. Kiran was one of those few. It was exactly how he had open the window and into the mansion. Chi, an ancient Chinese way of channelling energy. Kiran had learnt it and spent years or honing it. His body became stronger, sharper but he was still human. This was different.

    Kiran soon realized he couldn¡¯t do much, his mind was still sound as he travelled through the empty expanse but he could not control it. As he looked on at his home getting further and further away, he felt a tinge of sadness. But only a tinge. He didn¡¯t really have any attachment to it anyway. Soon, he relaxed himself and allowed things to run its due course.

    Suddenly the purple spark, having been unable to breach the grey mist (Kiran), rammed into the middle the mist. If Kiran could describe it, it would be like swallowing a large amount of food and having it stuck down your throat.

    Slowly, the grey mist enclosed the purple spark and soon, the spark was no more. But Kiran could feel it, he could feel that something was different. His body was, or rather the mist was, he was¡­bigger.

    The mist had increased in size and he could feel he was a little stronger. Even though he couldn¡¯t test it, he felt he was. This fact made his eyes shine with a light. If he had eyes it would. Strength and power was everything Kiran sought in his life, and knowing that he could be strong, was everything. Because if there¡¯s one thing that Kiran learnt, is that you could never rely on anyone, only yourself, the strong rules the weak, because in the end, the only one who you can count on, is you. With this mentality he was able to rise above everyone else, and if he could do it once, he could do it twice.

    And so, Kiran flew aimlessly with a purpose. However, not everything worked out. For hours, no weeks? Months? He didn¡¯t know how long had passed but not once did he happen upon another spark. Though he did capture a few white mists along the way but although he felt it made him grow, it was not as sufficient as the purple spark.

    Days, months and years went by as Kiran flew across space. Most of the time he lay dormant, but once in a while he would encounter the mists or sparks and immediately attempt to devour them. Through the years, he had grown from the size of a ping pong ball to the size of a watermelon. The grey mist was more of a dense fog, a more concentrated form than before.

    Suddenly Kiran lit with excitement, a distance away from him was another grey mist. He had never seen another grey mist before. He had encountered white mist, purple sparks and a multitude of other coloured mists but never a grey one.

    As if by will, Kiran increased in speed towards the grey mist which was only the size of a fist. Just as Kiran got close and ready to consume it as he had always done, the grey mist shot away to his surprise. It had never happened before, it¡¯s like it could sense his intent to eat him.

    Kiran, loving the interaction, chased him around and so two balls of grey mist flew as one chased the other in space. Kiran, obviously bigger in size, had a little fun chasing and soon felt it was time. All along Kiran could have devoured him instantly but he did crave a little interaction.

    Within seconds Kiran was upon the small ball and with no hesitation began to eat him. As the grey mist slowly became a part of him, he could feel an increase in power he hadn¡¯t felt before. It was significantly higher than the ones he had had before. A joy rushed to his face that soon became fear.

    The grey mist (Kiran), shot at an incredibly fast pace towards a direction, Kiran couldn¡¯t tell but it was many times faster than he had been before. Stars, planets passed at a blur. But this wasn¡¯t what Kiran was worried about. It was his mind. He was drowsy and tired. It was as if he was drugged, it was costing him all his willpower to stay awake.

    Soon he could no longer hold it and a planet came into view. He was slowing down, he was finally reaching a destination but he couldn¡¯t quite make it out. Just before he closed his eyes, he thought he saw he had seen a similar planet. Ah, that¡¯s right. Earth.

    ¡®Where¡­¡¯

    ¡®Where am i?...¡¯ the question reverberated in the air as Kiran became conscious.

    Kiran looked around himself, it was dark, as dark as space, but different. He could feel a warmth around him, like he was in a bubble. He had never felt this warmth before, it was almost¡­ a motherly warmth.

    ¡®Maybe¡­¡¯

    He put the thought out of his mind. He could sense he had his limbs back, or in a sense anyway, he couldn¡¯t quite tell as it was pitch black darkness. But he knew he was stronger, more so than before. How long would it be till he saw daylight, he wondered. Maybe¡­ it wouldn¡¯t be too long.

    He closed his eyes once again.

    The next time he woke he could feel movement, not himself, but someone was carrying him. Then he suddenly realized the warmth he was feeling, it was much more prominent. It was¡­ a weird sensation.

    He wanted to find out what it was but his eyes felt heavy. ¡®Weird¡­ I can feel I¡¯m getting much stronger but¡­ why am I so tired¡­¡¯ he wondered as he drifted off once again. The last thought in his mind before he drifted ¡®Why¡­ why do I feel like a child?...¡¯

    Time passed when suddenly one day, Kiran¡¯s consciousness awoke with a startle, his eyes were wide open and alert. He knew, rather he had a feeling, that today was the day. The day he returned.

    As if not wasting a single moment, he could feel the fluid, the warmth around him being drained away. A single slit of light shone in at him, and slowly but surely it became bigger and bigger as he struggled his head out. And then light enveloped him.

    He opened his eyes, well he tried, but shut it immediately as it was too bright. He let out a loud cry, as if to signify his return. That Kiran is back.

    His eyes adjusted slowly, and once again he opened them, fully this time and took in everything before him.

    He froze.

    ¡®What¡­what the¡­¡¯

 Chapter 2 - Rebirth

    Kiran looked ahead of him. His eyes filled with shock and fear. Mostly fear.

    The massive eyes stared at him, he swallowed hard. He stood, unmoving and so did it.

    From all his years as an assassin, he felt no desire in those eyes, the eyes which seems to pierce into his soul, an intent to kill him. But none the less, he did not care. Because before him, was a creature whose name incites fear and awe. The nobleness, wisest yet prideful and most dangerous creatures that Kiran had only heard in tales and myths. Dragons.

    Yes, before him was a large pale blue dragon, how large, Kiran couldn¡¯t tell. It¡¯s head filled the entire vision of Kiran¡¯s sight. For the first time in a long time, he did not know what to do.

    And so, they continued to stare at each other, not blinking, not moving. Then all of a sudden Kiran felt the world tipping over. Or¡­ he was tipping over until he laid flat on his back. He then realized that he was holding onto the edge of a shell which tipped over from his weight. He shook himself as he stood up with a little difficulty. His limbs wobbled under his weight as he attempted to walk and stumbled.

    ¡®¡­¡¯ He stopped moving as a realization hit him.

    ¡®Shell¡­ egg¡­¡¯ He slowly turned around and without a doubt the blue dragon was still staring at him. Kiran¡¯s head still turned, albeit uncomfortable held his position, it didn¡¯t look like the dragon was going to do anything and so he cast his eyes upon the shell which housed him a few moments ago.

    Yes, housed him.

    ¡®Oh god¡­¡¯ he whispered in his mind as he slowly looked at his feet. Or his arms.

    A black arm laced with small scales with rough skin, or feet.

    ¡®Oh god¡­¡¯

    Never in his life had Kiran silently cursed to so many deities at once. He examined the rest of his body and, sure enough he had 4 limbs, a tail and what feels like a bulge on his back.

    Kiran still in shock, looked up with his back towards the dragon. He eyes filled with light from the sunlight at the entrance of the place. He looked slowly back towards the dragon eyeing him, he slowly turned around and took a step forward. His arms collapsing under him as he slumped to the ground. He looked back once again, and he nearly died. Of fear.

    The pale blue dragon had held a stance, like a cat about to jump, it had stood up, bent its knees with its head forward. Not only that but for once, Kiran got a good look, well a good enough look at the size of it. It was enormous.

    Kiran didn¡¯t have time to think about it, the only thing he could do was head out of the place. And so, he slowly walked towards the sunlight, or rather he crawled as his legs gave out underneath him 9 times out of 10.

    His legs were building up strength, more like he was getting used to it, as he finally took a step without falling. He slowly walked this time to the exit, with a little hope and excitement. When he was not even halfway he heard a growl. He froze.

    He tried to swallow but his throat was dry. The sound echoed a little through the place but he could tell where it came from. And it wasn¡¯t from his back where the dragon was. It was above him.

    ¡®Oh god¡­¡¯ He slowly lifted his head to a 90 degree angle looking straight up and there it was.

    A massive dragon peering right down at him. It too stood unmoving but its eyes clearly told Kiran that it was alive. Very much alive.

    Kiran slowly looked back down and finally took in the view. The dragon was standing in the middle of the place and Kiran mistakenly thought that its arms were the archways. Its body, as Kiran now stood underneath him could see, spanned a long way down. Its long tail dropped down and slumped in the middle of the cave. Almost comical, but Kiran did not think so.

    ¡®Oh god¡­¡¯ he thought as he felt a wave of energy leave his body and collapsed.

    Kiran opened his eyes through great struggle, he barely had any strength in his body. He didn¡¯t quite understand why.

    He lifted his arms and confirmed, it was no dream. He slowly mustered the energy to get up and then remembered, there were people here besides him.

    He whipped his head and was faced with a towering body of a dragon as high as a mountain. He turned towards the head of the dragon and found it staring at him.

    You might say ¡®just get over it¡¯ but, its no small feat to overcome being stared at by a dragon.

    Now that Kiran got a better look at him, it was, enormous. Dark blue, its scales lined beautifully down its body. Its wings folded at the back, its massive wings. God knows how long they span.

    His body perfectly positioned¡­ to block the exit¡­

    Kiran met with its eyes once again. Confusion¡­ and¡­ care?

    He turned and sure enough, the pale blue dragon sat where it was staring at him. He looked back at the dark blue dragon then at the exit, well the body which was blocking the exit.

    A growl came from the dark blue dragon which startled Kiran. It was clear he didn¡¯t want him to leave.

    It looked like neither dragons wanted to harm him, but what now?

    He felt tired, the adrenaline pumping (do they have adrenaline?) giving him energy was dissipating. He was tired, so he sat back down, his limbs on his side. Surprisingly it was a really comfortable position to be.

    However another growl came from the dark blue dragon which made Kiran stand up immediately. He didn¡¯t know what to do. Suddenly the dragon whipped its tail lazily across Kiran making him step back a few steps.

    Kiran looked at it trying to determine what I was doing. Was it toying with him? But once again, his eyes gave no such indication. He tried to sit once again and sure enough, the dragon whipped its tail just a few metres in front of Kiran, enough to make him stumble back.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Kiran yelled at the dragon.

    Who was he? He was once a man standing at the top of the world, the life and death of an individual at his hand if he so wished. Now he was being toyed with? He would not stand for that. His pride would not allow it.

    But what came out was not words, rather a squeak. Or a lesser version of a growl. Perhaps on the level of a bark. To the big dragon anyway.

    The dark blue dragon stopped and looked at Kiran with amusement as well as a hint of acknowledgement in its eyes. It had the guts to fight back.

    Kiran turned as he heard a sound of dragging and saw that he had been pushed by the dragon towards the pale blue dragon. And that the dragon was pushing the shells towards him with its tail. It stopped when it was just in front of Kiran.

    He looked up at the dragon trying to gauge its intention. What took Kiran aback was, now that he wasn¡¯t in so much of a shock, was the emotions in the pale blue dragon¡¯s eyes.

    Care, love and affection.

    Kiran looked back and forth between the shells and the dragon when suddenly a thought entered into his mind. Didn¡¯t some stories say that they¡¯d eat their own shells?

    Now that Kiran thought about it, he was more and more convinced this was the case.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    He walked towards the shells and quickly glanced at both dragons, then took a bite. It crunched under his mouth and surprisingly not bad to taste. But most important of all, he could feel energy coming back into his body. He immediately chuffed it all down and felt a surge of energy back.

    He stood up and felt stuffed. And once again sleepy. He looked at the two dragons, and from some reason, he knew they wouldn¡¯t hurt him. He didn¡¯t have a choice anyway. He sat down and made himself comfortable, and slept. Just before he drifted off he could feel a large canopy over him, shielding him.

    Kiran woke up feeling reenergized, he stretched his body as he looked around him. It was dim as only a limited amount of sunlight were let through from the large canopy above him. He followed it to find the massive torso of a dragon. It¡¯s its wings, he concluded.

    He made his way to the gap at the front and climbed out, the large face of the pale blue dragon laid, asleep. He spent a second admiring the creature, its skin lined with scales, an incredible breath taking symmetry.

    He left the embrace of the dragon and headed towards the dark blue dragon, still blocking the exit, it too was asleep. Kiran scanned back and forth from the dragon and the exit, but rather than leaving, he was much more interested in the dragon itself. Since he now was a dragon too, he wanted to know what they look like.

    So he slowly paced and examined the body of the dark blue dragon. It was much like those in the legends, its head long like a serpent, its mouth wide and its body large. One can only imagine the destruction it could bring. After examining its body, careful not to wake it, he looked intently at its arms, its front arms.

    3 large claws extended from its paw, a fourth slightly hidden away shorter than the others, like a human thumb. Kiran turned to look at his own, his face in a questioning gaze at his empty paw.

    He was still too young to have them.

    Kiran was very interested in these lethal weapons, just imagining having them and the power it wielded made Kiran¡¯s eyes sparkle.

    He tapped one of the giant claw with his paw and then lifted it with difficulty to study it. Sturdy, razor sharp with what felt like was¡­ ceramic. Its power would be like a spear he thought. Fascinating.

    A dull dark yellow ball caught his eye, he was too focused on the claw to notice the giant eyeball that had been following him from the dragon.

    Like a child caught in the middle of an act, Kiran slowly let the claw go as it thumped onto the ground trying to look innocent.

    Kiran whipped his head back and walked with his back against the dark blue dragon towards the pale blue dragon, it too was awake. But Kiran paid no attention, at least he pretended not to, as he walked pretentiously with his head high and found himself a spot to lie down between the two.

    Who was he? He was Kiran, a powerful man even if he is now but a shell of his formal self. He was not about to admit to the situation.

    What else could they do, kill him? He reasoned as he laid down, and paid them no heed. His heart thumping nervously.

    The two dragons started at Kiran as he found a spot and laid down between them. Their gaze then shifted onto each other, a smile as they silently chuckled between themselves.

    As Kiran laid there on the ground, he felt and heard the movement of the two dragons. They had both gotten up and moved themselves closer to Kiran.

    Just as Kiran was determining what they were doing, he felt a nudge from his side.

    He turned his head towards that direction and just as he expected he met the warm, loving gaze of the pale blue dragon. Kiran felt unsettled by that, he had never really had someone look at him look that.

    Then once again the pale blue dragon nudged him, this time harder that Kiran had stumbled back as he got on his feet.

    ¡°Hey!¡± he said, which sounded more of a sneer. But the dragon paid him no mind and kept pushing him every time Kiran would try to return to his spot. They then came to a standstill, Kiran just looking at the dragon and the dragon at Kiran.

    The dragon''s head then shifted from his gaze and into the distance over Kiran¡¯s head. Kiran followed his gaze as he flinched at the bright light shining into his eyes.

    The dark blue dragon had moved out of the way and nothing was blocking the exit anymore.

    Kiran turned his head towards the pale blue dragon as she nudged him once again, only this time was softer, towards the exit. He then turned to see the dark blue dragon by its side and he too, motioned Kiran forward.

    Slowly and surely, Kiran walked towards the exit. At first, he¡¯d turn around every few steps to glance back at the two dragons following closely behind him. Their eyes filled with encouragement. As Kiran got closer and closer, he began to pick up speed as he reached the exit and a blinding white light filled his eyes.

    He took a few seconds to readjust to the sudden brightness, and then he saw it. The outside world. It was beautiful. And unending. They were high, slightly on the slope of a mountain, it overlooked miles of forests and green scenery. In the distance stood numerous mountains and hills. The size Kiran estimated makes Everst pale in comparison.

    Kiran took a moment to take it all in, he had forgotten how long he had been travelling in that expanse, and how long he had lived in that cavern behind him. He had to admit, he missed the outside world.

    Soon Kiran discovered something, that his eyesight was incredible. His smell and hearing just as enhanced could detect senses from miles away. He felt it in his guts, a boiling sensation as he released a roar to the world.

    Though it felt like a huge sound, it was only slightly lounder than a lions roar.

    The two dragons behind him, unnoticed by Kiran in his joy, shared his happiness. The dark blue dragon took a step towards Kiran and let out a deafening roar which was soon joined by the other dragon.

    Kiran caught in a surprise jumped on his feet as he looked backwards at the tremendous boom that echoed through the area. Its sound shook the earth itself. One day, he¡¯d be able to do that he thought.

    The roaring stopped as Kiran made his way over to a pond not too far away from the cavern. He looked at the reflection and could finally see himself.

    He was black. Not just black, but really black. Like dark night black. A bit eerie and weird thought Kiran. But if its one thing Kiran liked the most, it was night.

    He soon took in most of his features, pretty much similar to those of the other two dragons. Although his skin was rough, its scales was small, virtually invisible to the naked eye. Probably grows as the dragon grows he thought.

    Satisfied that he had seen enough, he headed back to the cavern as the two dragons trailed behind him.

    As he sat down, he pieced together the information in front of him.

    The pale blue dragon was a female. The dark blue dragon, a male. Most likely they are married, if dragons have that sort of thing, he thought as he glanced at the both of them who looked at him occasionally whilst trying to not draw too much of his attention.

    Most definitely together he concluded.

    It¡¯s possible, I¡¯m their son judging by the way they look at me. But the thought vanished soon, pale blue plus dark blue does not equal pitch black he reasoned.

    So I¡¯m adopted.

    ¡®hmph,¡¯ he shrugged, ¡®no difference there.¡¯

    One of the first priorities Kiran concluded was, strength.

    He closed his eyes as he concentrated and looked within his inner self. A relief spread through his body.

    Ever since he had been travelling as the grey mist, whenever he had a chance, he would channel the energy he had through the chi channels and centre. Just as he had learnt from an ancient script on Earth.

    He was glad to find that a large amount of the grey mist sat within his chi centre now. He did not know exactly what energy it was, but he knew it was powerful.

    He slowly examined his body and soon found that the human chi channels were completely different from a dragon.

    The chi channels were placed differently as well as significantly larger. The larger the channel, the more power. He rejoiced in that fact as he channelled his energy through.

    Soon though, he found that to be a bad idea. As soon as the grey energy touched one of the chi channels, he felt a pain unlike any other which spread to his entire body.

    He unconsciously let out a cry as his body slumped to the floor heaving.

    The two dragons immediately got up cautiously as they scanned the area for dangers. The pale blue dragon rushed to Kiran¡¯s side, worried and panicked at what could have caused the obvious pain Kiran was suffering.

    Kiran did not remember how long the pain had lasted, but by the end of it, he swore he would never do it again. Kiran could withstand pain. He was a master of the art of torture as well as getting torture. Pain to him was like a puppy, he could tame it with his eyes closed. But this, this was different. This was hell.

    What was worst was what happened when he woke up. The pale blue dragon became so worried that it never let Kiran out of her sight and within an arms length. So basically Kiran spent all his time under her wing. Every time he would try leave, she would swoop her tail in creating a barrier. So Kiran had no choice but to do as instructed.

    As the day went past, the dark blue dragon left as he flew away. For answers most likely. Because on one day, the dark blue dragon looked really intensely at Kiran as he spit out a ball of light sparkling blue energy which flew slowly towards Kiran.

    Kiran had felt no harm from it and watched it as it entered his head. For a second he thought something would happen but nothing did. He just looked questioningly at the dark blue dragon who obviously looked confused.

    After some discussion between the two dragons, where stern and concerned expressions were exchanged, the female dragon did the same. Only it was a pale blue and white ball of air that flew towards Kiran¡¯s head. And once again, it did nothing it entered into him. So the next day, the dark blue dragon flew off, Kiran conclude it was for ansewrs. And also, why he couldn¡¯t understand or talk to them.

    Over the days though, Kiran found one incredible fact. That when the grey energy had touched his chi channel, it had strengthened and enlarged it by an enormous amount. But remembering the pain it bought, he put the idea of using it again out of his mind.

    However, he had found that as he was gathering chi around the area into himself and channelled those straight into his chi channel into his chi centre, the channel would slowly but surely get stronger.

    Although the upgrade was nothing comparing to the grey energy, Kiran didn¡¯t have to feel the pain. And he devised that if enough time passes and his chi channel was stronger, he could then enable the grey energy to upgrade it even further. And this time, feeling less pain.

    Happy that he had devised a plan, he laid himself down next to the pale blue dragon and began his first meditation.

 Chapter 3 - The life of a dragon

    Seasons came and passed as Kiran meditated with diligence. He did not know how long had passed, but heknew it wasn''t short. But itwas worth it.

    Over the years his body had begun changing, from the length of half a metre to now being around 3-4 metres long, he had grown fast.

    His inner body too changed as he channelled the energy from the outside world to strengthen his chi channels and then further using his grey energy to reinforce its strength as well as enlarging it.

    He went through numerous sessions of pain, even now it would still tear him to pieces every time. But it had its results. His chi was now at least twice that of its size and speed as before.

    Unfortunately, over the years he still could not understand the two dragons before him. Yet by an unseen connection, he could interpret what they were saying, most of the time.

    Throughout the years, Kiran had mostly stayed within the cavern. It was only when the dark blue dragon had returned from leaving several years later that Kiran was taken outside to hunt where he also learned how to finally fly. That was on two occasions, most of the time he was still under the pale blue dragon¡¯s wing.

    Speaking of the dark blue dragon, he had left for a couple of years and a couple of years after he returned, another dragon had arrived. Its size and shape were similar but its colour was dark brown. Even though the dragons were of similar size, Kiran could get a sense that this dragon was much older. Much older.

    It had looked at Kiran weirdly with a sense of confusion and curiousness. And then out of the blue a dark grey orb floated in the air and landed on the ground before Kiran.

    He could sense what they wanted him to do as he looked back and saw the approval in the blue dragon¡¯s eye. He trusted them.

    And so Kiran placed his hand on the orb but the results were not what he expected, nothing happened. He looked around confused as he saw the three dragons look at each other with the same confusion and a small hint of disappointment.

    That was the only time that Kiran saw another dragon, until today.

    The two dragons had awoken Kiran as one carried Kiran with its mouth gently holding him up as Kiran protested with his flailing body. He was soon placed on the back of the dark blue dragon as he struggled to get a good foothold.

    Once again he admired the size of the dragons as they walked outside. The three dragons that Kiran saw had ranged around 60 metres in size. When it stood high its height was possibly around 50 metre, maybe more.

    Suddenly the wings of the dragon expanded to an impressive size as Kiran¡¯s face dawned with realization. He had flown before but at his pace. And definitely not on a dragon¡¯s back.

    Without hesitation the wings flapped and a gust of wind shook the place as they were carried into the air.

    Kiran let out a gasp as he struggled to stay on the dragon. Their speed was fast, their height was high and the wind was fierce.

    It was unlike any flight that he¡¯d ever done.

    So this is the power of a dragon Kiran thought. If only he really knew the extent of a dragon¡¯s power.

    Kiran did not know how long had passed, but it was at least 2 hours before he felt a drop in altitude. Soon, they were falling fast as Kiran desperately dug his new small claws into the scales of the dragon to avoid falling off.

    He cursed numerous times as he fell until finally the dragon expanded his wings for a slow descent to the ground.

    Once they were on the ground, Kiran immediately climbed off to savour the feeling of gravity.

    He turned to find the dragon looking at him, and although you could never really tell an expression off a dragon¡¯s face, he could see that the dark blue dragon was smirking.

    Kiran¡¯s eye twitched as he realized he¡¯d been played and he made a little sneer and groaned at the dragon to which the dragon boomed with laughter, more like a stutteringroar.

    The pale blue dragon having flown beside them nudged Kiran caringly as the other dragon walked away. They followed.

    Soon, Kiran could see a hold underneath a massive mountain, similar to their own. He followed the two dragons inside.

    After a couple minutes, he could hear the breathing of three dragons inside. Two strong and powerful, one much weaker and faster than the other two.

    His view was blocked for most of the way as the two dragons blocked most of the passage. But soon they came out in an large opening and Kiran could finally see in front of him.

    Two large dragons laid on the side of the opening as they nodded to acknowledge the two dragons that entered. One was dark brown, the other a pale blue.

    The two pale blue dragons nudged each enter gently and laid together as they spoke. The darker two dragons nodded as they too laid on the other side.

    Kiran stood a little awkwardly in the middle of the dragons, not quite sure what to do.

    Soon, the two other dragons looked at Kiran, their brows would furrow in confusion if they had any. But it only lasted a couple of seconds as they returned and made a quick exchange at Kiran¡¯s dragons.

    Kiran looked around as he suddenly remembered, he had heard 3 dragons.

    The four dragons looked at him with amusement and a wry smile as Kiran flipped his heard from side to side trying to find the third dragon. He even looked up and spun on the spot making the four dragons laugh.

    ¡®Idiot!¡¯ Kiran said to himself. He wasn¡¯t quite used to it but he was a dragon now.

    He could utilize his senses, to a dragon it would¡¯ve been second nature, however Kiran was a human, so his actions were controlled by his past life.

    Kiran stood as he honed in on the breathing, a small quite breath. He looked towards the direction of sound and met the eyes of the other pale blue dragon. Its eyes full of smile.

    Suddenly a small sound of dirt being crumbled on the ground moved his eyesight down the dragon to under its wings. And sure enough, he could barely make out two pupils glinting from the sunlight under the wing.

    There was a dragon underneath it.

    Kiran tilted his head to get a better look as the eyes retreated into the comfort of its mother. But it was in vain as the dragon lifted up its wing completely exposing a small light brown dragon.

    Immediately the young dragon retreated even further to the body of its mother and looked up as it shouted complaint to it.

    The dragon was small, born recently Kiran thought. It was no bigger than half a metre, just like Kiran was before.

    While the baby dragon was yelling complaints to its mother and struggling as the dragon pushed it towards Kiran, Kiran also walked closely to it.

    Finally when the dragon realized it could no longer fight its mother it turned to face Kiran only to jump back in shock as Kiran was nearly face to face with it.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Kiran was now around 3-4 metres large and was towering over the small dragon.

    Fear and unease shone through the baby dragon¡¯s eyes as it stood back up and yelled threateningly at Kiran. Only it could not cover the fear in its voice.

    Kiran lifted its paw towards the baby dragon, the other 4 dragons fell silent as he did so. He could feel the baby dragon¡¯s parents looking at him intensely. He knew that if he made one wrong move, they would step in.

    Technically speaking, Kiran was a baby dragon too. They would continue to be until around 100 years old gaining around 10m per century until a fully grown adult at 1000 years old.

    However, Kiran was already 3-4m around 20 years old. This was particularly strange and unlike the usual case, he could pose a threat to the baby dragon.

    The baby dragon looked on in fear as the paw which looked immense to him came to his head. His body froze as it fell closer and closer to him. He was scared, he closed his eyes.

    As the paw got closer and closer, Kiran made sure his claws were retracted and to the relief and confusion of the dragons, patted the head of the baby dragon a few times before placing his hand down again.

    Dragons don¡¯t really pat peoples heads.

    The baby dragon looked up just as confused as Kiran laughed aloud.

    Being stuck with dragons more than 10 times larger than him had made him always have to look up. His neck would ache if it could. But now that he was towering over this baby dragon he enjoyed it.

    Once again he lifted his paw and patted its head. And laughed again. And again. And again.

    The baby¡¯s parents looked at their respective dragons as if to say,

    ¡®He¡¯s nuts.¡¯

    After spending some time with these dragons they left. And by the end, the baby dragon had gotten pretty friendly with Kiran. Following him around the place and copying exactly what Kiran did. He even held on to Kiran¡¯s tailto stop him from leaving.

    Years flowed by as Kiran, and much to the surprise of his parents, he got bigger and bigger.

    And much to his delight, got stronger and stronger.

    Not exactly sure how long had passed, as Kiran has come to find out that time flows very differently for dragons. Dragons take a long time to mature and most of that time is spent sleeping. But during their sleep,they continue to grow.

    The days passed silently.

    On one particular day in the afternoon, a forest on an island appears particularly quite. An eerie silence fell over the forest. All of a sudden, birds flew away from the trees as a roar came from deep within the forest.

    Trees fell as two beasts struggled with each other.

    One dragon around 3-4 metres long, the other, a large horned bear of similar size.

    The bear swipes its large claws at the dragon failing to penetrate its scales whilst the dragon does the same, but managing to tear through its flesh as blood gushes out from its wound.

    The bear yells in agony as it falls back from the force, the dragon pressed it as it used its momentum to turn with the attack of its claws and swing its tail against the bear. Its force carried the bear off the ground smashing it through several trees.

    Its body heavily damaged, struggled to stand back up as a large shadow descended upon him. The dragon wasted no time as it sunk its teeth into its neck and twisted it.

    It let out a roar of victory as blood drizzled from its teeth.

    As it began to devour its prey, a roar in response resound through the area. No, not a roar. A howl.

    The dragon quickly scanned its surroundings and within seconds, it could hear the bristling of trees against the movement of its enemies.

    The dragons eyes narrowed in caution as it could hear the movement of multiple enemies. As if in a hurry to prove he was right, figures emerged from his surroundings.

    1¡­2¡­5¡­ 11¡­

    A total of 14. 14 wolves stood before him, each stood around 2 metres in length. If it was a 1 vs 1, he could take them on no problem. But this amount¡­

    He slowly shifted backward as the wolves advanced on him, and before he could do anything, they attacked.

    The dragon let out a large roar as it retaliated, a large swipe of its claws quickly skewing one wolf as it flew metres away and dropped lifeless.

    By this time, two other wolves were already on him, biting at his neck but thankfully its scales were too tough for the wolves to get through.

    Suddenly a pain ran through the back of the dragon as it screamed out, he turned to find that 3 other wolves had moved in and attacked its wings.

    The dragon quickly swung as the wolves jumped off its back and regrouped with its pack.

    It now realized what the pack was doing, it was holding his wings back to avoid him flying off. How could they be this smart? Maybe¡­

    The dragon quickly realized a fact as its eyes became dead serious as it scanned the area behind the wolves.

    And no doubt, he found what he was looking for. A large white wolf with 3 horns that stretched backward on his head, its body larger than the other wolves. The leader of the pack.

    The wolves were already tough to handle but now with the powerful leader, the dragon stood no chance. It slowly backed away, little by little. The wolves inched forward.

    Just as the wolves were aboutto pounce on the dragon, a sudden gust of wind came down from the skies so strong it blew the wolves at the front a few metres back.

    The sound of a wing flapping slowly could be heard as silence once again fell on the forest. Slowly its sound resonating with the forest like the heart of the mountain, beating. A dark shadow slowly cast itself around the dragon and the wolves as it slowly engulfed the skies above them.

    The dragon looked up and its eyes shone with admiration and delight.

    The wolves trembled in fear, the leader at the back growled silently under its breath. It too was afraid.

    Within seconds the shadow got closer and closer, and landed directly next to the brown dragon. Its body causing several trees to collapse. As it landed, it let out a roar. Only this roar was not comparable to the dragon just now. This roar sent fear into the beasts of the forest, into all who laid their ears upon it. By nature, this creature reigned over the skies and earth. The most powerful of the beasts.

    The roar of a dragon.

    The trees around them shook at the roars power as several wolves just darn right got blown away.

    As the sun shone on the shadow, they could finally make out the dragon before it. It was a shadow. Or as black as one.

    A 11-12 metre black dragon stood before them, its size and presence instilling fear and awe.

    Silence once again fell as both parties looked at each other.

    The brown dragon looked at the black dragon that came to his rescue. It was taken aback at the usual yellow eyes, only it was red now, which made him subconsciously afraid.

    Suddenly every creature in the surrounding could feel a chill in their body. It made them want to run away.

    Yes, the black dragon was Kiran and its killing intent was being released unknowingly through his anger. Of course, the other was the light brown dragon Kiran had met many years ago.

    Kiran was furious. He had viewed the brown dragon as his brother, and only recently had been allowed to take the brown dragon out to hunt. He had left shortly to scan the area but left him to a safe zone for him to hunt.

    Who knew that this pack would venture out so far. He was angry at the pack and at himself. But most of all, he felt a rage like no other that such animals dare to attack a dragon.

    Kiran¡¯s killing intent was a little weaker now compared to before because of the lack of killing and fights he had done. But the amount was still overbearing for the dragon and the wolves.

    Without the wolves so much as reacting, Kiran¡¯s long razor sharp claws swiped across as it decimated the wolves in the front. The wolves behind it tried to immediately jump back but Kiran¡¯s head was already there as its jaws opened wide and captured two wolves.

    He flung the dead wolves from its mouth and swiped his head in an attack as the leader of the pack charged him. The leader taken aback from the force slid several metres away.

    Without so much as turning his sight from the leader, Kirans left arm lifted up and crushed a wolf nearby as his tail swung to his left flank sending 3 wolves flying.

    The leader¡¯s eye widened in disbelief, it thought that by distracting Kiran against him, its pack could attack from different sides.

    But who was Kiran? A master of the art of killing in his previous life, if he could not track a small number of enemies in a fight, he might as well die.

    Wasting no time at all, Kiran reached to bite the leader as it narrowly avoided it, however a leg was caught as it teared from its body.

    It screamed in pain as it laid on the floor and tried to get up. However Kiran was too fast as it already had its massive claw over the leaders head and body.

    It looked up, desperateto cling on to life, only to have its neck cracked and his skull crushed.

    The rest of the pack seeing their leader dead ran off, Kiran did not bother chasing. They were insignificant.

    ¡®Yes¡­¡¯ Kiran thought with his claws still around the dead wolf. ¡®Insignificant¡­¡¯

    Little did Kiran know, that his mentality had been changing through the years. From that of a human to more of a dragon. And there was one thing most important of all for a dragon, their pride.

    Suddenly Kiran could feel a hot burning flame inside him, he could feel he was onto something.

    His thought carried on. ¡®Nobody could harm the ones I care about.¡¯ He fell silent for a few seconds. Looked up into the sky, his eyes glinted from the sun ¡®No one can dare challenge a dragon.¡¯

    The flame inside him spread through his body, the brown dragon beside him could feel a pressure around the area of Kiran. The pressure of a dragon.

    Finally Kiran concluded, ¡®I am a dragon!¡¯

    As soon as that thought reached him, the flaming sensation rose rapidly through his body, unseen to the naked eye energy particles gathered around him in a spiral and delved straight into Kiran.

    Although the other dragon could not see it, he could sense the energy particles gathering into Kiran, he must have made a breakthrough he thought as his eyes shone in admiration.

    The energy quickly flowed through Kiran strengthen the channels inside it and increasing his size. For hours it continued, until it slowly died down and Kiran opened his eyes.

    He had increased around 2 metres in size and was now standing at around 10m tall. He let out a roar of joy as beasts around the forests ran with their lives.

    ¡°haha, that¡¯s my boss!¡± the light brown dragon beamed at Kiran from beside him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Kiran said as he quickly gestured the light brown dragon and walked off.

    He walked a few steps and turned to look at the unmoving dragon, wondering why he didn¡¯t move and whythe dragon looked at Kiran with confusion. It took Kiran a minute to realize why.

    ¡°You can talk!?¡±

 Chapter 4 - Heavens will

    It had been around 80 years since Kiran¡¯s ¡®birth¡¯. In all that time, neither he nor others could figure out why he couldn¡¯t communicate with the dragons.

    Kiran would later find out that it was due to the ¡®Heaven¡¯s will¡¯. Each civilized planet would develop one with the growth of the planet itself. It can be said to be the will of nature itself in order to protect the planet.

    Kiran was from earth. Even though his physical body was created here, his mind was that of an extra-terrestrial. He, at that point, had not fully accepted that he was a dragon. Yet on this occasion, nearly witnessing the possible death of the other dragon had made him realize where he belonged now.

    And as he had accepted his place in this world, so did the heaven¡¯s accept him and finally enabling him the ways of the world.

    Kiran visibly shocked quickly realized that he could talk and let himself a smile. Then his eyes quickly widened as he gestured to the brown dragon and quickly flew off.

    The brown dragon froze for a second until Kiran was a way away when he finally followed.

    Soon Kiran landed into a small cavern, a little snug now for his size but it would do. It was their temporary base for the past week.

    30 years or so after meeting the little brown dragon, Kiran was finally allowed to go hunt on his own. And with every year, his experience grew in utilizing his dragon body efficiently. It was only a year ago that Kiran was given permission to take the brown dragon on a hunt together, just the two of them.

    This was their second time.

    As Kiran quickly made his way into the cave, he laid himself down in a rush and closed his eyes, focusing on seeing his inner self.

    Soon, he could see two orbs of light levitating within him frantically jumping about. This was what had caused his unrest.

    Without any progress, Kiran failed to calm the two orbs down as one suddenly expanded and dived deeper into Kiran.

    A flush of information began rushing to his brain as one orb was absorbed by Kiran. His face winced at the pain of overflowing information. Imagine a migraine. But a thousand times worse.

    Immediately, the other orb followed. Soon the pain dissipated as Kiran opened his dark yellow eyes.

    The two orbs were from his ¡®parents¡¯. They were a way in which dragons or other high ranked creatures passed on their unique skills. It was a ¡®succession orb¡¯, instilled in it are information and meditation skills that would be needed to pass on. It was how dragons would pass on their ¡®lineage¡¯ to their offspring, or even to a person worthy of their choosing.

    The two orbs both shared similar information to the operation of the world, but one significant difference was the ¡®lineage¡¯ in the orb.

    A ¡®lineage¡¯ is only passed on those who the person deems worthy and trust them completely to carry on their skills. Usually this is to family or a long time disciple.

    Kiran¡¯s parents passing it on to him meant they trusted him whole heartedly. He now knew what the power system of the world was.

    The world was separated into several elements, earth (brown), fire (red), air (white) wood (green), water (blue) and lightning (dark blue).

    In the lineage Kiran was given, he received insights into air training, from his mother, and lightning training, from his father.

    Though dragons were only capable of one element as decided from their birth unlike other races.

    Kiran thought about it but could not figure out what element he was. Usually for dragons, one could easily tell by the dragons colour. But Kiran¡¯s colour didn¡¯t help. He shrugged and moved on as he reviewed the information.

    The world had two different types of discipline in regards to power. The chi users and the magicians. The chi users are separated into the rankings of, Apprentice, Disciple, 3<sup>rd</sup> Cycle, 2<sup>nd</sup> Cycle, 1<sup>st</sup> Cycle, Lordis, Baron, titled, Chi King and Chi Emperor. A magician is separated into, Apprentice, Disciple, 3<sup>rd </sup>Cycle, 2<sup>nd</sup> Cycle, 1<sup>st</sup> Cycle, Archmage, Magi, titled, Mage King and Mage Emperor.

    At adulthood of a dragon, its power was comparable to a 1<sup>st</sup> cycle chi user. And if it was capable of magic, a 1<sup>st</sup> cycle magician. This was why creatures such as dragons were feared and admired. Their birth, without any accident, would allow them to reach a greater height than most races. For example, if a dragon did nothing till it was an adult, it would be a 1<sup>st</sup> cycle chi user. A human on the other hand, could reach till its 100 year lifespan and still just be a normal human.

    That is the difference of birth.

    A dragon¡¯s lifespan is basically immense as no one really knows. Some say there are dragons who have lived to 10,000 years old. But who knows.

    Though it is not completely without its drawbacks, as mentioned, dragons could only use one element whilst other races could use multiple. If they were born affiliated with that element.

    Every being was born affiliated with an element, that was how it was determined what element they would use. Dragons, with no exception in the history of the world had only ever been capable of using one element each.

    Dragons are also limited by their pureness of blood. It was divided from 1 ¨C 10. 10 being the purist of dragon bloodline. The higher the purity, the more powerful one could become.

    Finally, Kiran sorted out the information he had use of currently and was content. He then found the dragon staring at him like a curious puppy from within the cave.

    He furrowed his brows at the weird staring.

    ¡°Hey boss.¡± The dragon said as he beamed at Kiran.

    Kiran nodded in reply.

    ¡°hahaha, you can finally talk! You know I¡¯ve been¡­ did you know¡­¡± the dragon jumped around as he spoke endlessly to Kiran.

    Kiran knew that the dragon was restless but he didn¡¯t know he was this restless. Its pretty unfair of Kiran as the dragon was still technically a child.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Kiran was never a big fan of talking, he liked silence, he embraced it. So he laid there, for hours listening to the young dragon babble on about what his parents were like, what Kiran¡¯s parents were like, what food he had and basically anything he knew.

    Kiran did manage to learn some things though as he interrupted the dragon occasionally to ask questions.

    The dragon, was called Orsc. That¡¯s about it. Well, that was just from Orsc¡¯s rambling.

    Kiran learned through asking Orsc about the dragons.

    A dragon was considered an adult at around 1000 years old. Their size would grow to be about 60-70 metres long and the power they possessed would be around 1<sup>st</sup> cycle.

    The dragon race is ruled over by the dragon king. Their home is the central island of ¡®dragoon¡¯ which is literally the dragon island. Around the outskirts of the island are smaller islands which are inhabited by the tribes of the dragons. Air, fire, earth, water etc.

    The main island is inhabited by families of mixed tribes. Not that they are not accepted within their own tribes, but rather than having the difficulty of deciding which tribes to stay at, the central island makes life easier.

    As Kiran absorbed the information, he saw Orsc fidgeting, looking from the ground to Kiran then back to the ground like a child who had done something wrong.

    ¡°What?¡± Kiran asked, not realizing his voice was rough and chilling to Orsc.

    ¡°Err¡­ well¡­ you know¡­ your parents¡­ aren¡¯t your parents¡­¡± his voice stuttered as he painstakingly managed to say.

    Kiran¡¯s left eye, not metaphorically, twitched. Unlike a human, dragons face doesn¡¯t really convey expressions too well. However, Kiran thinking that Orsc was worried about that was insane. Who would not realize that two blue dragons would never make a black.

    How stupid are you¡­ he thought as he looked at his kin.

    On the other hand, Orsc was terrified. He thought that the change in expression was because of the news. He lowered his entire body and starting whimpering. To which Kiran¡¯s eye twitched even more, if it could.

    Kiran probed Orsc for more answers but didn¡¯t get much. Just that there isn¡¯t actually another black dragon and that Kiran was growing insanely fast. Ideally, he should be Orsc¡¯s size. 20 years was nothing in the life time of a dragon.

    They rested for a few days as Kiran gathered his thoughts and let Orsc heal from his wounds. As they flew back, Kiran made sure to slow down to keep pace with Orsc.

    As they were flying closer and closer, Kiran could see the main central island now. Orsc pointed out whilst flying the other islands around the centre and told Kiran which tribe resided where. Kiran would make a mental note of it.

    Soon they landed and parted ways, Kiran could only imagine the trouble he¡¯d get into once Orsc¡¯s parents found out he had risk Orsc¡¯s life.

    Kiran flew a further distance until he could see his home, it was strange returning to a home. Kiran never really had one, even in his previous life.

    He gazed at the entrance of the cavern as his previous life flashed before him. He had always been alone, always. He had liked it. But he was no longer alone. He didn¡¯t mind that either.

    He slowly walked in through the passageway, the familiar surroundings gave him a sense of ease and warmth. Sure enough, he could hear two slow breaths of a dragon as he entered the opening.

    Two large dragons laid side by side of each other. Their eyes slowly opened at the sound of Kiran, a smile conveyed between them.

    Kiran¡¯s father got up to walk greet him but came to an halt. He gazed at his son, wonder in his eyes.

    He really does defy expectations he thought as he examined Kiran.

    With the recent growth, Kiran was now a 12-14 metre long dragon. His scale seemingly emitting their own shine yet at the same time absorbing its surrounding light. He couldn¡¯t quite place a finger on it.

    He looked at Kiran¡¯s head it was just like any dragon but he could two bulges on the area above his eyes.

    ¡®Strange¡¯ he thought but he didn¡¯t worry as Kiran seemed fine. His son was an anomaly in everyway he could think so. But now was not the time to worry about that as he headed towards him.

    They nudged each other softly as they both turned towards the still laid down dragon.

    Usually the mother would be the first to rush towards him, but this time she did not move and merely looked at Kiran warmly.

    Kiran titled his head a little wondering what was wrong. Then he noticed that her wing was positioned slightly awkwardly, as if something was inside it. As if reading his thought, she lifted her wing and revealed two large eggs.

    Kiran¡¯s eyes widened as he stepped closer to the eggs.

    To be honest, the two parent were a little worried. It was extremely difficult for dragons to conceive, and for millennium the mother has always yearned for a child. That was why she was so happy to find a dragon egg all those years ago and kept him, loved him as their own.

    It was even more rare for dragons to give birth once and then to another after time had passed. But when it did, there were cases where the first born dragon, if still young, would lash out at the dragon eggs and destroy them or if they were born fighting the younger dragon. Sometimes even killing it.

    He was uncertain as to how Kiran would react to the dragon eggs, as they had not expected her to give birth, and two at that.

    He had seen Kiran grow up, even though he was mostly silent and kept to himself as he never really needed their help with anything, he were still a little worried. Kiran¡¯s nature was always unpredictable.

    As Kiran got right up to the eggs, he stared at them in wonder. When he was born, he didn¡¯t really have time to see what it was like. It was fascinating to him.

    His mother laid right in front of him, and unlike the father, he knew that Kiran would never harm them. She too watched him grow up, more closely than the father and knew Kiran¡¯s nature well. Even though Kiran always kept to himself, he would always listen to them regardless. Especially to her, and she shared a connection with him.

    Kiran lifted his arm towards the egg, his sharp large claws extended as he slowly reached out to the egg. His father¡¯s eyes widened, he trusted Kiran, he was his son. But a dragon¡¯s nature was also fierce, you could never be quite sure.

    As Kiran¡¯s claws got closer, he gently tapped the top of the egg as it made a sound. He tapped it a few more times and stopped. He just wanted to see what it felt like, whether it would be hollow or not.

    He then looked at his mother then at his father. Then again at his mother but this time towards the lower part of her body and back again at his father.

    ¡®How did they give birth?¡¯ he thought to himself as he looked back and forth.

    His parents soon realized what he was thinking as his mother¡¯s face blushed and his father¡¯s face flush with anger.

    A large shadow of a hand cast itself over Kiran¡¯s head as it came down and smacked him causing his head to hit the ground.

    He turned to looked at the source as he had done many times before, his father¡¯s face reddened with anger. He quickly turned to escape his wrath as he nestled in to his spot where he had held since he was a child.

    He closed his eyes and began meditating, gathering the energy around him into himself.

    Years passed as Kiran slowly got bigger and stronger. He soon discovered that with his acceptance into the world from heaven¡¯s will, when he meditated, the gathering of the elements into him was faster and separated themselves around his chi centre.

    His grey chi centre was now a dense fog, surrounding it were six different coloured tiny spirals of mist. Two much larger and prominent than the others, the white and dark blue.

    He further noticed that his mind felt clearer, it was a sign of a capacity for a magician. His mental will was developing.

    He left the cavern once or twice to figure out what it was, and to his delight it was the elements. He could use all the elements at his command. His excitement furthered his crave for power as he returned and meditated more.

    20 years had passed, and every year without fail Orsc would turn up and leave with Kiran to hunt. Apart from that, Kiran never really left.

    Suddenly Kiran was woken up by the ragged breathing of his parents. He slowly opened his eyes and turned his head to the commotion.

    Both dragons were standing as they stared at the two large eggs in between them. Kiran turned his gaze towards them and sure enough, they moved ever so slightly. He got up and moved next to the two dragons who nudged their heads in greeting.

    ¡°Are they coming out?¡± he asked as the two dragons nodded in reply. And so he too watched on.

    It was the year after Kiran had left Orsc that he returned for the next hunting trip. It was then that Kiran¡¯s parents found out he could finally communicate with them. Of course, his father gave him another beating since Kiran did not share that information with them.

    The decision to watch was terrible. Unlike a humans birth it was not immediate. Kiran waited months until the egg shook more violently and it wasn¡¯t until 2 years had passed that the egg got its first crack.

    He felt he had been scammed.

    It was 5 years after that the eggs finally hatched that two tiny dragons emerged from the shell.

 Chapter 5 - Siblings

    Kiran laid in his usual spot as he did for the past hundred or so years. He had changed a lot, physically and mentally.

    His eyes opened slightly as he felt a small tug on his tail. He moved it without looking and closed his eyes.

    Then his eyes opened again as he felt another tug and let out a sigh as smoke came out of his nostrils. He knew what it was, or exactly who it was.

    He turned his head to find his tail in the mouth of a tiny dragon. Its scales just like his father was dark blue.

    The young dragon soon noticed that Kiran was looking at him as he froze in place, it was only until Kiran¡¯s tail moved once again that he chased it like a cat would a feather. Once again Kiran closed his eyes, but his tail still moving side to side as his brother, Iste, chased after it.

    The two dragons that were born last year was Iste and Isla. The former being a male dark blue dragon much to the delight of his father since dragons of a lightning nature were much rarer than the other elements. Or any race for that matter.

    The latter dragon was a female pale blue dragon bordering on being completely white. Its light blue eyes was the only sigh of her relation to her father.

    Iste was, by every definition, a child. He was energetic, lively and unafraid of anything. Especially Kiran.

    It seemed strange as Isla was terrified of Kiran, she had never stepped anywhere remotely near Kiran since her birth. Unlike his sister, Iste was all over Kiran. He would chase Kiran¡¯s tail, climb on his back, sit on his head, anything.

    Once or twice Kiran even had to save him by expanding his wing to catch the young dragon falling off his back. Which only made the young dragon laugh as he pranced about for Kiran to open his wing more. He was restless.

    One day, Kiran stood up as he walked closer to his parents and laid before them. The two young dragons who were up till this point playing, stopped. Isla quickly retreated back to her mother. Both parents could only look at their daughter with a sigh.

    What could they do if she was afraid of Kiran. Iste on the other hand was scrambling on Kiran¡¯s paw and grabbing his claws.

    ¡°I want to go.¡± Kiran said as he looked at the two dragons in front of him.

    ¡°Where?¡± The mother asked as she stood up, concern in her eyes.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± the father replied before Kiran had a chance to speak. He knew that Kiran would not be bound by the usual practice. Even though he was still technically a child, he was far from acting like one.

    Kiran nodded. By now the mother had caught on that Kiran wanted to leave, and not for a brief period. Her eyes welled as she looked at Kiran pleading him to stay. She was worried, despite whatever Kiran¡¯s growth was, he was still her child who was no more than a kid.

    Suddenly a noise drew all three of their attention as Iste bit on Kiran¡¯s claws creating a sound that echoed around them. Unknowingly, he broke the awkward silence.

    Kiran lifted his hand and placed it softly on top of Iste. Iste was now on his back with a large hand over him, he did not cry out, instead he was enjoying it as Kiran carefully used a claw to distract him.

    He didn¡¯t want Iste to distract them, this was a serious time. He felt anymore meditation would not gain him more powerful, he needed real combat. He needed it to further familiarize himself with fighting as a dragon as well as get used to the powers he now possessed.

    His mother looked at the father as if to say ¡®don¡¯t let him go¡¯, his father sighed in return.

    ¡°10 years.¡± He said after a while. ¡°10 more years and you may leave. At least have some time with these young ones.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t as if he was leaving forever, but he knew it would take a long time.

    Kiran nodded in reply as he lifted his paw off Iste, who immediately got onto his feet and growled at the paw that had held him down. He jumped on it in an attack but obviously did no harm, with a single flick Kiran sent the young dragon skidding a few metres back to his father. It was all done very softly. It did not discourage the young dragon, just as he was ready to go another round, his father stepped in and shook his head. He stopped and soon began to mess with his father.

    Kiran walked towards his mother, Isla who was under the mother backed away even further as she looked at the shadow that he cast over them. He gently nudged his mothers face for a few seconds hoping to calm her down and then left back to his spot.

    The years passed by quickly, but not without incidents.

    A few years later, the family all left and flew into a large opening as they settled in wait. For what, Kiran did not know. But soon they¡¯d find out as dozens of dragons flew to the gathering as well.

    A total of 10 dragons, well fully grown ones and 5 tiny little dragons varying in size. But Kiran estimated their age to all be around 40 years from each other, not too much of a difference in dragon¡¯s age.

    He finally knew what it was, just as he had met Orsc when he was a child, it was a gathering for newly born dragons of similar age to bond together.

    Although Kiran was not that much older than them, he slumped beside his parents and closed his eyes for most the time. His parents let him be.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    He could sense some gazes headed his way occasionally and opened his eyes to meet them. He could feel some caution and animosity within them, they didn¡¯t trust him. He made a mental note of which dragons and paid no heed.

    For about a month, they stayed and then left back to their own place. But perhaps due to the reason that it was rare to have so many young dragons born around the same time, they were allowed to meet quite often on their own.

    Nothing major happened except for that one time. The two young dragons now slightly bigger came back in to the opening. Iste carefree as usual but Isla, as soon as she saw her mother, cried her eyes out and rushed towards her.

    All three dragons immediately turned their attention towards her in concern and question.

    Soon, from the account of Iste and Isla it was evident what had happened. Some of the other dragons were making fun of them for having a weird dragon brother and mocking them about it. Isla took it quite personally.

    Kiran sighed as he walked back towards his spot and laid down. There was nothing he could do in this situation.

    The mother tried to calm her down as the father listened to the tales of his son, who seemed to not be affected by any of this.

    ¡°Why¡­ why is he here?¡± a soft voice came from Isla.

    Immediately the place fell silent as the two adults looked at Isla, one look at their face and you could tell, they were not happy.

    ¡°How dare you speak like that!¡± their father¡¯s voice boomed across the opening as he stood up and stared at Isla, anger in his eyes.

    Iste froze in place and Isla shivered as she cried again. Never had they seen their father so angry before, not even Kiran could react.

    Their mother also felt angry, but did not have enough in her to shout at her child that way and looked to her husband to calm him down.

    By now, Isla knew what a stupid thing she said, she didn¡¯t mean it. She was just upset at the other young dragons making fun of her family.

    Yet, the anger in the father would not subside, just as he was about to push further, a small nudge came from his side. As he turned he saw Kiran nudging him as if to say, ¡®its okay¡¯.

    Only then did his anger slowly die down, but he still was not happy. Kiran, even though he was different and not born from them directly, was their son. He gave them joy, especially the mother, who at the time craved a child so desperately that everyday her health and mind deteriorated.

    Their lives before were grey, and only after Kiran came along was filled with colour.

    Kiran could feel the two parent¡¯s rage and in it, the love that he never had. He was grateful and glad. He made a little promise to himself, that nobody will bring harm to them.

    ¡°Never. Again.¡± The father uttered, his voice still discontent as he walked away back to his place.

    Isla, eyes still filled with tears looked to the mother for comfort. But she would not find one there, even if Isla was her precious daughter, Kiran was also her son. He had brought much joy into their lives and she too was angry at that outburst. She was scared that Kiran would feel ostracised because of his birth and colour that he would leave them.

    She could not bear the thought of it. So she too was giving Isla the cold shoulder. Only Iste, who probably did not know what happened, went over to pat Isla¡¯s head as it had been done to him numerous times from his father and brother and laid with her.

    Soon of course, it didn¡¯t continue long as the mother could not stand seeing her daughter upset and alone, opened her wing to the two young dragons and shielded them in. No doubt, there was more crying.

    Days passed, seasons flew by and years drained away. It had already been 10 years since Kiran asked to leave and it was time.

    As he stood outside the cavern, the 4 dragons stood slightly behind and beside him. He turned to see the upset eyes of her mother. The playful eyes of his brother. The slight tinge of uneasiness in the eyes of her sister. And the expectant eyes of his father.

    ¡°You know where you¡¯re going. Take this with you.¡± His father said as he handed Kiran a large dark blue scale. It was obvious it was from his father. The scale was something all adult dragons have, shed every thousand years. It could allow the dragon to sense where it was and a stress signal if needed. They had already discussed before what Kiran¡¯s plans were, and his father had directed him to a large island full of powerful beasts. That was where Kiran was going to train, the forbidden isles.

    He bid farewell to the family, and with various emotions between them, he flew off with determination to his destination.

    The world he was in now, was vast. Much bigger compared to earth. He had been flying for about a month now. He once saw a land off in the distance. A continent his father told him about but for most of the time, he was in open water. A few little islands passed by here and there but that was it. Once he saw a ship below on the water, far above the clouds his eyesight could see the people on board.

    They were not humans. They were Meriks. Half human half beasts, or just lower beasts that came into human form. Technically, dragons could be classified as Meriks too. They are Pure Meriks.

    Beasts were separated by blood, the purer and high class the blood, the more powerful one becomes. This is also in addition to being able to transform into human form. The purer are able to transform into a full human, whereas lower bloodlines are unable to transform fully and may have their tails, fur, among other features still with them on transformation.

    Soon, Kiran could see it. The forbidden isles, shrouded with a dense mist. The isle is a kingdom of wild beasts, its leader as told by his father, was a A class monster. Make no mistake, a beast of A class is much more powerful than a human of the same power band. A beast has its instinct and body along with experience in survival in the wild with its senses as compared to a human. Generally, humans would even tread carefully to avoid engaging in a beast that are on the same level as them.

    Ah, the power of beasts are recorded as such, F ¨C S class, then above are the same as the chi user classification. Each class correspond to the chi user and magician classes, apart from F class which are below Apprentice.

    Kiran was currently a D class, so encountering an A class monster would mean the death of him. He knew well enough to stay clear of such a thing.

    Finally, Kiran landed on the outskirts of the Isle, its arrival erupted various roars and howls in the forest in protest of him.

    He looked at the large thick forest in front of him, in it laid dangers that he didn¡¯t even know. Back on human, he did not have many adversaries who could beat him in a one on one. But here, there were plenty of beasts that could crush him with a twist of their thumb.

    It made his blood boil, it was thrilling. Unconsciously, his bloodlust (killing intent) seeped through his body forming a dense air around him. He grimaced a smile as he walked into the forest.

    If anyone were to lay their eyes on the sight, a large black dragon¡¯s wicked smile whilst letting off a stream of killing intent (bloodlust). They¡¯d probably shit themselves.

    As Kiran¡¯s back disappeared into the forest, silence engulfed it as if the forest itself was a predator. Lying in silence, awaiting to pounce on its newcomer.

 Chapter 6 - The Forgotten Isle

    It had been a week since Kiran had entered the Isle. His large body slowly seemed to shrink as he went deeper into the forest, the surroundings growing larger the further in he walked.

    He had chanced upon several creatures and fought a few. They were mostly E and D class which Kiran could handle fairly easily. The advantage that nature gave to beasts with high purity is its dominance over others. Beasts, especially those with lower power would feel that pressure more in the depths of their being. Their souls would naturally shiver at their presence. Not even courage could make them attack such high purity beings.

    Kiran scanned around the forest, his senses maximized, he could now tell that the number of monsters in the area was less dense, scarcer. They started to hold their territory.

    A cry suddenly sounded from close by, his senses heightened around him as he turned his sight to the source. A wave of trees mowed down as something was charging towards Kiran.

    Within seconds, it was in view. A large brown horned black boar charging at an incredible speed at him.

    Kiran thought about dodging, but it was too late. Flight would take too long. He steadied himself as his feet dug into the ground, his body arched and ready for an attack.

    Just as the boar was about to hit him, Kiran lurched forward to counter but the boar¡¯s charge was too strong.

    Kiran¡¯s body lifted slightly off the ground as he cleared out several trees behind him. He got up quickly, his body still shaking from the hit.

    Pain. He grinned at the prospect. Finally...

    The boar was an elite D class beast, inches away from becoming 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle. It utilized its earth element to strengthen his body, otherwise Kiran would not have been hit so hard.

    Kiran was currently a D class too, but he was a low D class in terms of power.

    Each class was separated into low, medium, high and elite. After elite, the power would go over to the next class and so on.

    Without giving Kiran much time to think, the boar charged him again with another cry. But this time, he had less of a start, less momentum.

    Kiran immediately stood his ground, just as the boar was making contact with Kiran, Kiran¡¯s large dragon head whipped across at the boar from its side causing it to fly several metres back.

    Kiran¡¯s head rang from the impact. Its body was tough. But Kiran knew he couldn¡¯t waste a second, not in a life or death fight.

    Before the boar could get up, Kiran¡¯s wings expanded and lifted him slightly off the ground. A wave of fire erupted from his mouth at the boar. Hot flames engulfed the area as the forest caught on fire. It was hell on earth.

    And yes, Kiran learnt how to breathe fire ages ago. Would you not if you were a dragon?

    Kiran knew the fire would not be as effective but it was a good distraction as the area was up in flames too.

    Kiran leaped forward as his claw slashed across the boar as it ripped flesh from its body. The boar screamed in agony as he leaped to smash his head into the arm that had just slashed him causing Kiran¡¯s arm to be pushed against his body.

    Kiran stumbled backwards as he opened his jaw to bite the boar. But it was already in mid leap and hit Kiran¡¯s jaw shut causing a pain to run through his head.

    Without a moment wasted, Kiran¡¯s hand was already raised above the boar as it came crashing down immediately after the boar landed, crushing him to the ground. But he knew it would not be enough.

    As soon as his arm lifted, a breath of jet orange red fire was on the boar keeping him down as another claw swiped at the boar again. Another cry of pain.

    Kiran gripped a claw around the boars body as his breath of fire still kept him still, and immediately after the fire stopped, his jaws was in around the boars head. A loud crack could be heard as he crushed its neck.

    He slowly released the lifeless boar from its jaws. His first fight against someone of a higher power. He knew that there was a lot more to learn and improve on since during the fight he left many openings. He was still not used to fighting in this body. But he had done it.

    His blood was boiling, his killing intent oozing out of him. He could feel himself gathering the elements around him. The energy that was once in stagnation was now slowly increasing again. Combat was the best way to grow.

    He released a deafening roar as he felt a surge of being surround him. He wanted to go off for another fight straight away, but he knew he couldn¡¯t. He needed to recover and to absorb the fight he just had.

    He looked down at the lifeless body underneath him, a breath of hot fire released from his mouth on the boar¡¯s body. It soon stopped as he dragged the now cooked boar to find a place to rest.

    Even though he had had plenty of raw food from the years of being a dragon, as well as back on Earth when the situation could not allow a fire. He still preferred to eat cooked meat. And now that he was a dragon, fire was no problem.

    If anyone could read Kiran¡¯s mind that he was associating a dragon¡¯s breath of fire to cooking, they¡¯d probably faint.

    Soon Kiran found a nearby cave, possibly the one the boar used, laid down and began meditation. He would eat cooked boar to refuel himself, and in a few days he was back on his feet and looking for fights.

    This continued for a couple of years as Kiran¡¯s feature got more menacing to reflect the battles he had been through. His body was more refined, healed scars could been seen across his body which had now increased to around 19.5 metres now. His face was fierce, his thorny ragged skin starting to resemble the dangerous nature of a dragon.

    The years had done him well, his growth had been exponential. He had increased from a low to a medium D class and wasn¡¯t too far off from becoming a high D class.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    He was now capable of fighting beasts who were elite D class, but still struggled to land the final blow. He had met several C class from afar but avoided any contact with them. He knew that he still didn¡¯t stand a chance, perhaps he could fight for a short while, but he would have needed to escape within minutes. He knew better than to risk it.

    As he laid on a mountain, slowly meditating, he could feel his energy reaching a limit. He could feel that he was on the brink of advancing into the high D class, but he just needed a push. A chance.

    He knew the chance was out there. He slowly got up as he looked around the area. As far as his dragon eyes could see, it was trees and mountainous ranges. He was really in the thick of the isle. But he knew from his father that this was still not even anywhere close to the centre.

    The strongest beast is an A class here. And the beasts around him was still only D class bordering on C class. There was still a way to go.

    Finally, he made his way to a large pond, he had been here several months before. He looked around at the capturing scenery, the silence seemed to sooth your senses. But he knew that it was a fa?ade. Last time he encountered an elite here and was forced to escape after he was injured badly. But now, he was more powerful than before. And this was his chance.

    As if responding to Kiran, the water erupted as a stream of water exploded upwards from the pond. As the water splashed down, a long standing blue water serpent stretched upward and looked down at Kiran. A partial descendant of the dragon family.

    They stood, sizing each other up. Neither wanting to make the first move, both knowing that the other was a strong adversary.

    Minutes passed as they still watched one another, when the serpent lost its patience and charged Kiran. Its body longer than 30 metres long now revealed as it exited the waters onto the ground.

    Kiran reacting leaped with the help of his wings and clashed with the serpent mid-air. They tumbled as both tried to gain a grip of the other with their jaws and claws.

    A stream of hot fire released from Kiran as a stream of water released from the serpent. The two elements clashed into each other releasing a mist that covered the area.

    As Kiran landed, he knew he was in a bad spot. The serpent was a water based creature, and although Kiran had the water element inside him too, he was not as adequate in the environment as the serpent who had spent all his life here.

    He looked cautiously around, unable to see anything.

    Suddenly a gush of wind separated the mist as the head of the serpent charged Kiran and landed a bite into Kiran¡¯s neck. It pierced through his scales but it wasn¡¯t deep enough as Kiran quickly reacted by twisting his neck around to bite the serpent.

    It cried out in pain as it released Kiran and backed off from the mist once again.

    Blood trickled from Kiran¡¯s neck, he looked around the misty land, hoping to capture the serpent. His eyes lit up when his wings expanded and came down causing a huge gale to blow the mist clear.

    The serpent lying in wait froze for a second as the gale revealed its location, it was a second it could not waste as Kiran was already upon him.

    Kiran¡¯s jaws immediately locked upon the serpent¡¯s upper body, close to its head, as he drew blood and flesh. His arms held the body down as he teared through its body.

    In a last attempt, the serpent coiled the remaining of its body around Kiran, constricting his movement. It got tighter and tighter as Kiran felt his body being crushed.

    It was a battle of whether the serpent would die first, or Kiran.

    Feeling the serpent was not giving in as it tightened its body around him, Kiran roared out in pain.

    He once again bit into the dragon, this time riping a large chuck of its body revealing the inners of its body. Fire accumulated in this throat as the serpent realised what Kiran was doing.

    A large scream escaped from the serpent¡¯s mouth as it tried to stop it, but alas, it was too late.

    A hot stream of fire shot directly into the body of the serpent travelling into its body and around it burning it from within. Within seconds the serpent was on fire as patches upon patches of the serpent burnt from within.

    The grip on Kiran was released as the serpent laid charred and dead.

    Kiran slumped to the ground, the grip had caused several on his bones to be broken but he had managed to defeat it.

    His eyes widened as a tremendous amount of energy spiralled into him. Six coloured elements each entered into him and diverted into the assorted colour spirals around his chi centre. The spirals around his chi centre in turn sent energy into his chi centre, both growing at a rapid pace. Till suddenly, as if a wall had been knocked down, they got visibly larger.

    Kiran smiled, he knew he had just advanced into high D class. As energy refilled his body, he slowly walked to wards the burnt body of the serpent, he held the head with his jaw and dragged the body along as he slowly walked away. His body heaving of wounds, the back of a victor.

    Just like always, he would spend his time healing and stabilizing his chi centre, filling it with energy. He¡¯d then proceed to eat his enemy to replenish his strength, and after, he would return to fighting again.

    And so, half a century or so flew by, Kiran changed throughout the years. Not just his power or his body, but his presence, his aura. The killing intent (bloodlust) he once had with his previous life was rejuvenated and now even stronger than before. The air around him if one looked closer, was dense around him as if in scorching heat.

    Those were just the killingi intent released from Kiran unconsciously. If he directed that intent at someone, it could really do some damage. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t control his killing intent from seeping out but that the killing intent was his being. It was the core of who he was. Until he got stronger and could better control himself and the elements inside him, only then could he properly control the killing intent.

    Though compared to many others, Kiran¡¯s control and strength already exceeded far that of anybody around his class level. He was really one of a kind.

    His body now spanned 27 metres long, his scales and the spikes along his back were more prominent. His body starting to become an adult.

    He stood atop a mountain, he had been here for a couple of year recovering after a big fight against a low class C monster. It had been a risk but he managed to learn a lot as well as improve his strength. With the aid of the elements strengthening his chi channels, he never forgot to use his grey chi to further enlarge and strength them after.

    Though it still caused him a tremendous amount of pain, he slowly, bit by bit used it. His channels now unbelievably strong and large was what gave him an advantage and enabled him to fight beasts several leagues above him.

    His chi centre as well as the elements around them were now larger than before and much denser. Kiran knew that it was a transformation.

    Since Kiran was now elite D class, the next step would be to gather enough energy to turn it into crystals. A process called crystallization, essential for anyone who advances into C class/3<sup>rd</sup> cycle.

    This advancement and process is even more important for people gifted in the ways of magic. At crystallization, the mind opens allowing the mind¡¯s power to prosper.

    Before crystallization, magicians had nothing concrete to measure their strength. Only the clearness of their mind and ability to control it. But at crystallization, their mind is opened creating an area in it for their mind¡¯s power to form. Its usually formed in the shape of various things to demonstrate the capacity at which their mind¡¯s power could be. For example, one could be a crystal whilst the other a large caldron. Is it said that really gifted individuals are more accurately presented as houses. But that is another explanation for another time.

    Kiran stood now outside on top of a mountain looking down. His body now large enough for anyone to see miles away that there was a dragon on the mountain.

    He breathed in deeply as he readied himself to continue. The air around him becoming visible through the bloodlust that he was releasing from his thirst for battle.

    His now massive wing expanded. It came down creating boulders to fly and run down the mountain. With a single stroke, he was brought into the sky. With another, he was high above the clouds..

    As he reached above the clouds he let out a deafening roar as he retreated his wings and spiralled down back into the earth.

    He looked at the ground that was getting closer and closer. The corner of his eyes glinted from the reflection of the sunlight, he was ready for more.

 Chapter 7 - Remnant

    A large black dragon stood in the middle of the forest. The surroundings in devastation as every tree in the vicinity snapped orlaid broken on the ground.

    Dozens of bodies laid lifeless and scattered. One was more distinct than the rest, it too laid lifeless next to the dragon.

    It was a pack of Hitas, its body was like that of a hyena, but its head was longer.

    Every beast in the pack was around elite class D and low class C. Its leader was a medium class C. And yet Kiran still managed to take them all out. Though he did suffer some wounds, it was less of a worry as it did not affect his large body.

    His sharp claws dug into the bodies of the Hitas, revealing a clear crystal. The leader revealed a white crystal. Every beasts who were of class C, had crystals in their body that stored their energy inside. Some beasts would have a clear crystal if they did not have an element. A white crystal would mean that he was of the air element.

    The crystals were an effective way of absorbing energy. It was much faster than absorbing energy through nature. Kiran took to the crystals when his head and body turned incredibly fast in 180 degrees.

    Just then he had sensed a killing intent, and his instincts told him that it was dangerous. And that could only mean one thing, that his opponent was stronger than him.

    His body was low on the ground, his eyes stared into the forest, he stood unmoving. Soon a movement caught his sharp eyes, a shadow. It was quick and it too was watching him as it moved around Kiran.

    Kiran¡¯s body turned as the beast moved around him, never allowing his back to be open.

    Soon the beast stepped into the sunlight, it was a Lyger. Half tiger half lion. A single horn protruded from its forehead and an extra eye sat right below it. The three eyes formed the shape of a triangle.

    It must have heard the commotion of the battle that Kiran was just in. Its level was a medium class C.

    Although it was the same level as the beast Kiran just killed, it was different. There were big differences in classes, not only through low to elite, but also within the subclasses itself.

    For example, a recently advanced medium class, would be much weaker than someone who had been in the medium class for years.

    The beast Kiran had killed was a beast who had just advanced not so long ago to medium class. But the beast in front of him now oozed power from every cell in his body. He was a medium class C bordering on high class C.

    This would be a tough fight, Kiran thought as he gritted his teeth.

    Seconds later, the Lyger advanced and it was fast. Before Kiran could react it had already left a mark on his side. It wasn¡¯t deep, but blood trickled down his scales.

    The Lyger made another attack as Kiran tried to retaliate with his claws but it was too fast. It added more claw marks to Kiran¡¯s body.

    As the beast walked around Kiran circling him, a faint brown aura flashed around Kiran and disappeared.

    Throughout the years of fighting, he had now learnt and was able to draw out the chi elements to his uses. For any beast, it was much more difficult to control before advancing into Class C. But Kiran was different, though even with all his elements, he could only still use one at a time.

    As soon as Kiran utilized the earth element to strengthen his body, the Lyger attacked again. Kiran¡¯s failed attempt at dodging left another mark on his body. Only this time, it didn¡¯t pierce through his scale. It left a dent on his side.

    The Lyger circled once again, this time more cautious as Kiran tried to think of a way to attack.

    The beast was too fast for him, he could ultilize the air element to increase his speed but he doubted he would be as fast as the Lyger. And his earth element would then be down allowing it to damage him further.

    They circled each other as they traded more hits, each time Kiran tried to react but failed. More dents came through on his body. But it was not in vain.

    Straight after the next attack from the Lyger, its body was still in mid air as Kiran saved time by not reacting to it. As it was just about to touch the ground, a jet of fire came from Kiran¡¯s mouth towards it.

    Just before the fire reached, the Lyger dashed to its side dodging it. But it was just what Kiran wanted as his tail already in swing straight away as the fire died down. Kiran never thought the fire would hit him, it was misdirection.

    A full swing from a dragon tail imbued with the earth element could do a substantial damage. And it did exactly that.

    The Lyger was quick in reacting Kiran¡¯s plan and dodged slightly but was still nicked by Kiran¡¯s tail. The force send him flying and crashing several trees behind him. Blood seeped out from his side and his mouth. Some of his internal organs had been damaged.

    Of course, Kiran would not allow this chance to pass him by. He had to push the advantage before the Lyger could recover.

    Kiran immediately charged him as he used his wings to propel him towards the Lyger, its jaws wide opened as it snapped at the beast.

    The Lyger quickly leaped away as Kiran snapped at thin air, he backed off to gain some distance but Kiran would not allow that. His sharp dragon teeth snapping wherever the Lyger was, his claws swiping left to right and right to left.

    Although the Lyger was fast, he was hurt and it hindered his speed a little. And though he managed to dodge all of Kiran¡¯s attacks, he did not come out unscathed as Kiran had nicked him on several occasions. He was getting slower by the minute.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    After some further exchanges, the ground shook as Kiran used his earth magic to affect the area at the Lyger¡¯s feet. Being injured now, the Lyger lost its balance for a second. But it was enough as Kiran¡¯s jaws were on him.

    It snapped shut as blood burst from his mouth, the Lyger¡¯s body still struggled but Kiran crushed down even further. Soon, the lifeless body of the Lyger daggled off Kiran¡¯s mouth.

    He opened it as it slumped onto the floor, dead. Kiran let out a roar of victory across the forest. He picked up the body with its mouth and expanded his wings. He took flight for a safe location to settle his battle worn body.

    Time passed as he recovered from his wounds and once again he set off, this time more powerful than before.

    As he wondered deeper into the forest he was even more cautious even though he had not met another beast so far. When night fell, he like many beasts around the Isle, found a place to lie down and rest. Despite being able to see perfectly well in the dark, he could not get rid of his habit of when he was a human.

    The moon was full tonight, it lit up the forest with a white glow. He admired the light it shone over the forest. At least there was one thing that wasn¡¯t different, he thought whilst looking at the moon.

    Suddenly a movement around him caught his sight, a shadow laid in behind the trees. Kiran¡¯s keen eyes caught a look at the intruder hiding, its arms furry with black fur. A bear, Kiran thought.

    He was not at all afraid as, he was a dragon. It was a bear. Enough said.

    But when the figure walked out, or more accurately, rolled out from the shadows, Kiran¡¯s eyes widened with shock.

    The ¡®bear¡¯ rolled forward from the tree revealing its body. It was no bigger than a metre tall, its body covered with fur of white and black. It was a bloody panda.

    Kiran stared at it like he had never stared before. A panda. A PANDA. A voice kept repeating in his head. A BLOODY PANDA.

    And it was nearly identical as he could see the dumb look on the animals face. Its cluelessness at the world.

    Kiran had a thought which was soon proved right. The panda hadn¡¯t even seen him as he let out a sound from his nostrils which startled the panda. It looked at Kiran with its wide eyes as it fell back with shock.

    It didn¡¯t even look like he was trying to defend himself or run away. Kiran¡¯s arm instinctively went to his face and covered his eye as he shook his head. A very human reaction.

    ¡®The first thing that resembled earth¡­ and its this stupid thing¡­¡¯ Kiran sighed as he shook his head.

    The panda got back up on its feet and to Kiran¡¯s surprise, ignored him and starting fiddling with a large branch of a tree on the ground.

    Kiran could literally eat him without the panda so much as knowing what hit him. Kiran could feel a headache coming on. A headache. On a dragon.

    He felt a homely sense as he looked at the panda. Then his eyes widened again in shock, the freaking panda was a Class C beast!

    How is that possible¡­ and judging from its size, it was still merely a child.

    Kiran took his eyes from the panda as he looked around the forest hoping to find signs of its parent. But there were no signs of anything.

    Soon, Kiran decided to keep an eye on it, it was a nice reminder of earth and judging from its trait, it would be killed without it even knowing what happened.

    He looked around as he found a small hill behind him and picked up the panda with his claws. Careful not to harm him. It struggled a little but gave up after a few tries. Another sigh came from Kiran. At least try harder¡­ he murmured.

    He placed the panda on the top of his hand and walked with it towards the hill. He dug his claws into the hill as it came apart like butter and used earth magic to strengthen the cave. The magic he could use right now was relatively simple, only the basics of the elements as he hadn¡¯t really learnt enough.

    The cave was too small for him, but it was more than enough for the panda. He slid the panda off his hand as it rolled like a ball into the cave. It sat in the cave, found a branch and began fiddling again.

    Just as Kiran was thinking about what panda¡¯s ate, his head whipped around him. Seconds later a large gust of wind blew his direction for at least a minute. It was powerful, luckily his large body could easily withstand the force. The panda however, flew back against the back of the cave.

    If Kiran hadn¡¯t stepped in front of him, he thought the panda might have been imbedded inside the hill.

    Kiran was curious to see what the source of it was, but he looked back down at the panda. If he left, there was a good chance it would get lost or die. Kiran then sliced a large tree near him and placed it in front of the cave obscuring it. Hopefully it¡¯d help, he thought as his wings came down and bought him mid-air and headed for the direction of the wind.

    On his flight, several more gusts of wind flew by, the closer he got, the stronger the wind. Soon he landed as the wind got to an immense strength.

    And in the moonlight, he saw it. A dark beast flying upright with long blade like arms, its head long with a wide jaw. Its wing at a brisk face to keep it afloat, its attention was drawn somewhere. A Balgi.

    Kiran followed his sight, and soon saw what it was looking at. A creature with around 12 legs spread like a spider, four wings protruded from its back like a fly. A Sideri. Kiran couldn¡¯t quite make out the colour in the dark, but it had white spots along its body.

    The spider like creature opened its mouth balls of compressed air flew towards the beast in the sky. The beast deflected it causing ripples of air around them as it dispersed into the forest with quite some force.

    Kiran knew their names from the lineage of his father, he could tell that both creatures were a class B. What subclass, he did not know. Fighting a medium class C was already difficult for Kiran, a class B beasts was the difference between the earth and the sky. He stood no chance.

    Yet he stayed, he wanted to observe the fight. He knew that he could gain from watching powerful monsters and gain an insight into how to better utilize his strength.

    Soon, the two monsters began battling as the Sideri shot multiple bursts of air at the Balgi and flew to meet him in aerial combat.

    They tumbled in air as each tried to damage the other, but the Balgi had a better advantage as it had arms like a human.

    A great cry came from the Sideri as it got harmed in the fight but not before she landed a point blank shot on the Balgi sending it to the ground. Its home turf.

    Immediately it followed the Balgi¡¯s fall and its twelve legs were upon him, its pointy end attempting to stab the fallen beast.

    Two screeches followed as the Balgi sent two of the Sideri¡¯s legs into mid-air and struggled to get itself from the legs.

    A roar escaped the Balgi¡¯s mouth as finally the Sideri managed to stab his legs. Another screech as the Balgi quickly dismembered the limb that was in his leg.

    In a desperate cling to his life, he sacrificed his other leg to be stabbed in order to chop off a couple more of the Sideri¡¯s leg.

    The battle was bloody, and with more exchanges, both monsters were bleeding and weak. At last the Balgi laid on the ground, holes through his entire body but still breathing.

    The Sideri on top of him slowly leaned down and opened its jaw. A circle of compress air gathered as it was getting ready for the finishing blow.

    Right then, the Balgi¡¯s eyes that was once filled fill death lit up with determination as it rammed its blade like arms into the stomach of the Sideri just as it released the air.

    A great tremble and dust came off the ground from the impact of the shot. After a minute or two it settled, and Kiran could see what happened. The Balgi laid on the ground, lifeless. The Sideri stood on top of him, blood spewing from its stomach and arms. It too stood unmoving.

    Kiran couldn¡¯t quite tell if it was dead or not. But then a movement of its legs told Kiran otherwise.

    Kiran stood afar as he observed the situation. His mind quickly forming the scenario. The Sideri was near death¡­ maybe¡­

    A spark lit up inside of Kiran as his wings took him to flight. He glided low along the top of the trees, his target, the Sideri.

 Chapter 8 - Advancement C Class

    Kiran glided along the tree tops towards the Sideri at an incredible speed, hoping to impact it with some strength. But it didn¡¯t turned out as he had hoped.

    The Sideri turned its head and its body slowly followed to Kiran as two large bursts of compressed air flew towards Kiran. Though compared to the ones before it was smaller and slower, it was still faster than anything Kiran had faced.

    It was only because of the distance between them that Kiran was able to dodge them cleanly. He knew that the Sideri couldn¡¯t release as many as it wanted, it was near the brink of death. Kiran was not going to give it time to go and heal.

    A breath of fire erupted from Kiran¡¯s mouth at the Sideri as a stream of air was released from its mouth. The two elements clashed in mid-air as the fire was visibly getting pushed back.

    Kiran stopped his fire and landed his body across from the Sideri. Its body was heaving, it was definitely weaker than before. He was trying to wear it down.

    He knew that even though it was on the brink of death it was still far more powerful than Kiran. If he rushed in, the one who would die would be him.

    Kiran circled the Sideri cautiously. Both their gazes never leaving the others.

    After more probing from Kiran, the Sideri showed no signs of weakening.

    He knew he had to do something soon, they could be here all day. And who knows what kind of beasts would be attracted here.

    Immediately Kiran channelled the earth element chi through his body as he made ready to make his charge. The Sideri sensed the full-on attack from Kiran and it too prepared itself.

    Kiran charged as his wings gave him extra momentum at the Sideri. His jaws wide open ready to kill the Sideri. They contacted as Kiran¡¯s jaw was around its neck, but its skin was too rough to pierce through.

    He felt pain shoot through his body as he let go of the Sideri¡¯s neck and screamed. Three of the Sideri¡¯s legs were impaled deeply into Kiran. Even though the Sideri could not move much at the beginning, it too wanted Kiran to engage in close combat.

    Just as Kiran was waiting for this moment, it too was waiting for Kiran.

    Kiran ignoring his wounds returned to the biting the neck, crunching even harder in hopes of piercing or crushing the neck. Slowly his razor sharp teeth got through as blood spewed from the Sideri. But it was not enough to kill it.

    Kiran was at a disadvantage in all aspects, this wasn''t a battle. It was a fist fight.

    The two beasts stood, each with their weapons in the other, each waiting for the other to die. It was a matter of who could last the longest.

    Kiran could feel his blood like flowing like a river out of his body. He was getting weaker and weaker. He may not last as long as he thought.

    In a final attempt, his jaw came off the neck and with even more force this time, came down on it as his teeth dug even deeper into its neck. His feet charged forward as it dragged the Sideri with it, his wings expanded and took them both to flight.

    Then his body aiming at the ground flew into it with the Sideri first. The impact caused an incredible crater to be formed as a tremor shook the earth.

    As the dust settled around the crater, Kiran stood atop the Sideri, the latter¡¯s limbs still within Kiran¡¯s body slowly slid out and slumped on the ground. It laid under Kiran, dead.

    Kiran was wounded, he had never been this damaged before. He was growing weaker by the second. He knew he needed to leave.

    He quickly dug the crystals from both of the beasts forehead and carried the Sideri¡¯s body with him as he flew to the closest mountain he could see. He managed to create a cave barely fitting him and hid inside.

    His breathing got slower and slower as the elements gathered around him faster and faster. The blood that flowed out of his body flowed slower as Kiran meditated.

    Time flew by and when Kiran recovered a little, he flew out again to pick up the Balgi¡¯s corpse. After he had picked it up again, he returned. The time had come.

    After the fight with the Sideri, he was now ready to advance. He was ready to become a Class C beast.

    He devoured their bodies, an immense energy stored inside his body. Two large crystals laid in front of him, he placed one underneath each of his arms as he laid down and meditated.

    A huge tremendous amount of elements flowed from the crystals to his body as his inner chi centre absorbed it. All the elements inside him spiralled as it too absorbed energy from the crystals and the surroundings of Kiran.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Slowly, the different elements in his body got denser and bigger. They stopped getting bigger as the two crystals were devoid of all energy. Now the only thing the elements from the outside world was doing was purifying the elements, making it denser, getting it ready to crystallise.

    A long time had passed when suddenly the area around the mountain of Kiran spiralled out of control. More precisely, the elements around the mountain.

    It was a tornado of elements with Kiran at its centre as it flowed into Kiran.

    One by one, the elements inside him formed solidified. When finally, all the elements were crystalized, then his grey chi centre began. The process was a long one.

    Then one day, the chaos around the mountain stopped, and everything seemed normal again.

    Kiran¡¯s eye slowly opened, his mind racing as he looked within himself. At his chi centre stood a grey circle, around it floated six hexagonal crystals corresponding to the elements earth, fire, air, water, wood and lightning.

    He had done it as he sighed with relief. He then focused his minds power into his mind to view the place that housed his mind¡¯s power. His eyes widened in shock. There was nothing.

    At crystallization, magicians could finally develop the ¡®minds plane¡¯ which housed the magician¡¯s mind power. The minds plane would usually be a representative of how powerful the magicians were.

    Most magicians had crystals in their minds, much like chi users. The bigger the size, the more poweful etc. Some very gifted magicians had structures, like a wooden cabin or a stone house. There were even genius magicians who had mansions or castles.

    But Kiran could see nothing of that sort in his mind¡¯s plane. It was just¡­ nothing.

    His consciousness looked in as he saw a land that stretched far to the horizon. The night sky above him but even as he surveyed around on the plane, there was nothing.

    Kiran retracted his consciousness as he opened his eyes. He felt it strange.

    Suddenly his claw lifted as a single slice of air came flying out. He could still use magic. But why he wondered.

    Soon with no conclusion, he put it out of his mind.

    It was time for him to go leave, plus he also had to check on the panda. He did not know how long had passed, but he hoped it would still be there. A relic from his past.

    But soon he found his body to be constricting, as he slowly maneuverer his way out of the cave. Towards the end, the entrance was too small as the side of the mountain crumbled against him.

    He immediately flew as a landslide formed from his cave collapsing, he observed it as he landed further above the mountain.

    ¡®Ah¡­ so that¡¯s why¡¯ he realized as he could finally get a good look and feel himself.

    If any mountain climbers were around, they¡¯d shit themselves.

    A 35m dragon clung to the side of the mountain as it cast its eyes downhill. Its large stature covered almost a face of the mountain as its long tail dangled behind.

    With the advancement, he had grown exponentially. He could feel his body being tougher and stronger, power surged through him as he let out a roar. The sheer force was incomparable to before.

    His claws soon let go of its grasp on the mountain as he flew away. Soon he landed where he had kept the panda. The cave intact, but the tree that Kiran had placed there had been moved slightly.

    The panda was nowhere to be seen. A slight disappointment shone through in Kiran¡¯s eyes.

    Kiran then laid down beside the cave to familiarize himself with the new skills he now held.

    First off, a dragon could not use much magic before crystalizing. That was one of natures rules. The fact that Kiran managed to use just a tiny bit was incredible. Other races, humans for example were different.

    Kiran tried out new magic, but very simple stuff as he hadn¡¯t learnt how to utilize it fully. Though he still could not use more than one magic at a time. He would learn more later, he thought as he moved on.

    At crystallization, a new ability, which Kiran was very excited about, was the ability to transform into human form.

    He closed his eyes as the lineage of his father and mother flowed through him. Information and details of how and what to do to transform into a human.

    Soon, he could feel his body changing, getting smaller and smaller. After a while, his eyes opened and the surroundings seemed much larger than before.

    He looked at the arms by his side now, human arms. His hands slowly bought up as he examined them. A laugh escaped Kiran in joy.

    He took a step forward as his body leaped several metres across and fell to the floor as he was caught off guard. He had a moment of confusion until he realized why.

    Even though he was in human form, his body was that of a dragon. Even his skin, although not as tough as his dragon form, was nearly as tough. He needed some time to get used to it.

    But Kiran, being a master of assassination as well as his own body, managed to get used to it in no time.

    Soon, he was performing some of the moves he had learnt back on earth. Specific steps and positions which would allow him to move quicker and more silent. Only now, with the power and senses of a dragon, it was much better than before.

    He smiled as he clenched his fist. He moved swiftly as if floating towards a large tree and with his palms out, he pushed against the tree. The tree shook as nothing but a large amount of leaves fell to the ground.

    It was an amazing performance of control, any dragon who had just turned into human would decimate the tree. And not many other races could have even controlled their strength to not damage anything else.

    Kiran soon then fashioned himself a string of leaves around his waist, obviously because he was naked. Although it wasn¡¯t perfect, it¡¯d do for now.

    Suddenly a rustle of leaves caught his attention. As he turned around his face lit up with surprise followed by confusion.

    In the middle of the leaves, rolling around was the panda. Its body had grown by a metre or so but its mind obviously had not.

    But what made Kiran confused was not that, it was the fact that the panda was a high class C beast. The last time he couldn¡¯t quite tell but the panda was definitely around low-medium class C. How did it grow so quickly?

    And how did it sneak up on Kiran without him noticing?

    Even though Kiran was distracted, nothing should¡¯ve gotten past him. And definitely not within a few metres of him without him noticing. If it was someone who was much more powerful, then sure. But the panda was a high C class.

    His brows furrowed as he tried to search for an answer. The panda soon spotted Kiran as it crawled over to him. Its nose sniffled at Kiran as its face lit up when it recognized the smell. It rolled joyfully around Kiran.

    And so, in the forbidden isle, there were tales of the adventure of a man along with a small panda.

 Chapter 9 - Home

    For a while Kiran did not do much, he merely got used to the transformation as he switched between a dragon to a human and vice versa. By the end, it still took him around a minute or two to complete it. Which wasn¡¯t too bad.

    He also had a chance to look at his human form more closely when he and the panda made way to a nearby river.

    His face was that of a 11-12year old, young with soft features. Even though technically his age was around that of 8-9 years old in human terms, he was a little bigger for his age. But his eyes were strange, his dragon pupils were still there. It was with great concentration that his yellow slit pupil finally became a black one, matching his long hair that flowed along his back. They didn¡¯t stay too long.

    Most of the days he¡¯d spend performing a ¡®kata¡¯ a form of movements he had learnt back on earth along with his chi. It trained the mind and body, and the movements were an instinct for Kiran in combat.

    Each day passed as Kiran trained and meditated to stabilize his chi, he estimated it had been around 80 years since he left. Perhaps, it was time for him to return.

    Years went by as Kiran continued his training and hunting, until he grew weary. He could feel his inner mind, heavy with a longing.

    The path to power does not only stem from the power of the physical self. The inner mind of a person plays a major part. No matter how hard one trains, if their mind is not at one, how can they ever truly achieve strength?

    And Kiran understood that, slightly.

    It was time he thought as his shoulders became slightly lighter. It was time to return home.

    Slowly he treaded back to a nearby cave that he made a few days earlier. And like always, the panda was lying asleep on a bunch of leaves that were formed as a bed.

    Kiran knew better than to interrupt him, as for beasts, sleeping was also a way of training. Interrupting, would be rude.

    Soon, the panda¡¯s eyes opened as it found Kiran. Somehow, Kiran could see in its eyes that it knew that Kiran was going to leave. It made its way in front of Kiran as it reached out its arms to him.

    Carefully Kiran picked him up and placed him onto his back. Do not take this gesture lightly, a dragon¡¯s back was not something anyone could ride on. A dragon¡¯s pride was not something to be tempered with.

    Kiran¡¯s massive wing expanded as they slowly ascended into the air, he was careful not to drop the panda. But the panda didn¡¯t seem to be aware of the strong wind against it and was just fine. Kiran smirked as he increased his speed towards home.

    Weeks went past with them being in the air, when one day, Kiran could see the outlines of Dragoon. He was a little excited as he picked up even more speed.

    Soon he got a little closer when suddenly he stopped and hovered in one position. Something was watching him.

    His eyes scanned his surroundings but he could not find the source. Then suddenly the sound of a large wing flapping overcame his own as he looked to the source of it.

    In front of him, not so far away was a large green dragon around 70 metres long. Kiran could sense the power from him, it was nothing he¡¯d ever seen before. His eyes narrowed, he did not know whether it was a friend or a foe.

    The green dragon flew close to Kiran, its eyes examining him, its size made Kiran look small.

    ¡°So you are Iscari¡¯s son.¡± The green dragon finally said.

    Iscari? Son? Dad? Kiran¡¯s mind ran through the scenario. He did not respond.

    ¡°But¡­ your size¡­¡± the dragon spoke again in bemusement, he looked at Kiran up and down, ¡°How old are you? A hundred? Two hundred?... Fascinating.¡±

    The dragon seemed to like answering his own questions. It could see that Kiran was cautious, his stance was ready to run immediately. The dragon smiled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m an Elder. We don¡¯t get people coming in often, and when I sensed you coming in, I couldn¡¯t help but take a peek at a dragon of¡­ your colour. Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d notice, AHAHHAHA¡± he said booming with laughter. ¡°Must be getting old. Well off you go then.¡± He gestured for Kiran to continue.

    Kiran did not move for a minute and finally, sensing his words to be true, he flew towards Dragoon. He turned once again and found that the dragon was nowhere to be seen.

    His eyes became more serious, if the dragon wanted to kill him. He¡¯d definitely be dead without even knowing what hit him. As excepted of the dragon race.

    Soon, he landed on dragoon near his home. But before returning, he decided to make a cavern of his own first. With Iste and Isla, it was probably getting a little crowded if he were there too.

    Around 10 minutes away from his old home, he found a mountain and began making his home. It was much easier for him now as the mountain crumbled around his claws. And with earth magic, the place was soon big enough for two dragons of his size to roll in.

    He then turned into human form and created a little opening at the back into a little room. He could not get rid of the habit of becoming human. After finishing that, he returned to his dragon form and fashioned a spot in the space as his own.

    The panda, as soon as Kiran had made the opening, had already dug itself a little pit at the back of the space. It even began bringing in leaves and branches to cover it.

    A few moments later, Kiran flew away straight for his old home. He stood outside, it was strange for Kiran. He had never had a home. Not like this anyway. This feeling of returning was new to him.

    He took a deep breath, and walked in. The main area slowly becoming more visible as he walked further in. And soon enough, he emerged from into the large space.

    Everything was just the way it was. Two large dragons laid at the back of the area side by side. To the left, was a large empty space. It was his space.

    In the middle, two small dragons played as they jumped around.

    Kiran took in the sight before him when soon, the young dragons froze as they looked at Kiran. The two large dragons in the back looked at Kiran too, their eyes widened in surprise.

    Normally they¡¯d be able to hear a creature close by but Kiran¡¯s chi and his way of channelling it enabled him to mask himself. Though not if they were too powerful, plus the fact they weren¡¯t looking for it.

    Iste was the first to react. He was already on Kiran as he flew into Kiran¡¯s large arms and scrambled his way up to his back. Now that Kiran got a good look, Iste was now around 5 metres. His dark blue scales already developing around his body.

    ¡°hahahahah, hi big brother!¡± he said cheerfully as it jumped onto his arms and flew around his head excited.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Kiran slowly moved towards them as his mother had already gotten up with her eyes swelling and made her way to Kiran.

    Before Kiran could say anything, his mother was already next to him. Their heads side by side as they embraced.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time my child.¡± She said joyfully. Kiran nodded in turn.

    Then it was his father who came up to him and embraced him. Though not as emotional as his mother, he could still feel the joy in his father.

    Soon after their greetings, silence fell as the mother turned to her daughter behind her.

    ¡°Say your greetings to your big brother.¡± She said gently.

    Isla hesitantly walked forward towards Kiran and finally managed to mutter ¡°hi.. hi big brother.¡± To which Kiran nodded in return.

    The father and mother exchanged a glance with a sigh. They just didn¡¯t know why Isla was so distant with Kiran. Whilst Iste¡­ they turned as they looked at Iste on top of Kiran¡¯s head jumping about. They too sighed at Iste, but obviously for different reasons.

    Soon things settled down as Kiran laid down at his usual spot, only he was much bigger now.

    ¡°You have grown. A lot.¡± His father said astonished. ¡°and.. class C¡­¡±

    His mother returning from her joy also began to notice the changes.

    ¡°Ho¡­ how?¡± she asked as she looked at Kiran.

    Before Kiran could speak, Iste interrupted.

    ¡°So so, did you fight many beasts? Did you win?¡±

    Kiran smiled as he settled him down and told them of all that had happened on the Isle. The beasts he fought and how he spent his time.

    Iste listened with delight as Isla listened quietly behind her brother. The two parents listened closely, the mother even tensing at times when Kiran told her he was fighting Class C monsters when he was just a Class D.

    ¡°A Sideri¡­ incredible.¡± Kiran¡¯s father said as he finished his story.

    Perhaps killing a Sideri was easy, but it was no easy feat for a beast of D class even if it was nearly dead.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do something so dangerous next time okay?¡± the mother said with worry.

    ¡°HAHA, why not? He¡¯s a dragon! That¡¯s how a dragon should be!¡± his father¡¯s laugh echoed around the area as he stood up, the pride of a dragon seemingly manifested into a physical presence around the area. ¡°He is our son after all. But do be careful. Know you limits.¡± He beamed with pride but turned sternly as he finished.

    Kiran nodded in understanding.

    He stayed for the night as they relished his return, the next day he told his parents of his new place which his mother strongly disagreed to. Dragons don¡¯t entirely move out until around 700-800 years old. And Kiran was not even half that.

    But after Kiran assured them that he was but a 10 minute flight away, his mother reluctantly agreed.

    The next thing Kiran did, was fly over to greet Orsc. He had grown to around 11 metres now and matured, but still his personality was much like that of a child.

    And Kiran¡¯s days passed calmly. Of course, he did not forget to ask his father about the Elder and about the meeting he had with one.

    He was told that on Dragoon, there were numerous island filled with dragons. But there was a hierarchy to them. And that an Elder, was essentially one of the higher ups of a dragon. Every 100 years, 4 elders would be chosen protecting the four directions of Dragoon. And obviously being an Elder had to require a certain amount of strength. But his father did not explain, only that an Elder was even more powerful than he was.

    Once again, Kiran spent several years in meditation and training. Occasionally he would meet up with Orsc and his family, but nothing much happened between those years.

    One year, he was called upon by his parents to take his two young siblings to hunt. It was particularly interesting as he watched the small dragons hunt monsters. He marvelled at the difference of power.

    Not so long ago he was in their position. But now the monsters around them were nothing but pests to him. That was 2 years ago. The times were peaceful, until one such day.

    The sun was high as Kiran took shade until a large on his mountain. In human form of course. He was not lazying around, he was training. He had always wondered how when he was flying back to Dragoon, he could sense someone watching him. And so he had asked his father how the Elder had observed him without physically being there.

    It was ¡®mind field¡¯. A specialty of a magician, to control their mind¡¯s power and generate a field like area around them. The stronger they were, the larger the field. They could also use a ¡®mind conscience¡¯ to navigate outside of their body using their power. Seeing things they physical couldn¡¯t see.

    Kiran got the know how from his mother¡¯s lineage and practiced it often as his mind field now extended around 30m with him at its centre. He could now control it with ease as he saw everything inside of it. Every leaf, every ant, every pebble.

    Soon his attention was drawn by several voices around him as he turned his focus. It was several young dragons in a group, although they appeared to be in an argument. 4 young dragons stood on one side as 3 other dragons stood on the other.

    There was one red dragon in the 4 man group that was significantly larger than the others. Not by much, but you could tell.

    Kiran noticed Isla and Iste were part of the 3 dragon group, their expressions downcast apart from Iste who grinded his teeth in anger.

    ¡®Where have I seen them before?¡¯ Kiran thought as they looked awfully familiar. ¡®Ah yes¡¯ he finally realized where. The meeting around a hundred years ago where Iste and Isla met with other dragons of a similar age.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± a shout caught Kiran¡¯s attention as he looked at the young dragon who shouted it, Iste. Kiran¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at the group, a dangerous look if anyone knew Kiran. Isla and the other dragon merely looked down, sullen.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± The red dragon said, clearly the leader of the pack. ¡°He¡¯s a freak.¡±

    Iste growled menacingly, his face red with anger.

    ¡®Who? Why was Iste so angry?¡¯ Kiran wondered as he looked at the other dragon in Iste¡¯s group, a light blue dragon. ¡®Girlfriend?¡¯ he immediately shook the thought from his mind.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, your brother is a freak. A FREAK!¡± the red dragon shouted provoking Iste. The dragons beside him chimed him.

    ¡°Yeah! A freak!¡±

    ¡°Freak!¡±

    Within a second, Kiran figured it out. How many more hints did he need? It was him.

    For a moment, he admired the stupidity of the red dragon. Not only is he calling him a freak, but he had the audacity to do so near his home.

    Though you couldn¡¯t blame them, as only his family knew he moved out. And even they didn¡¯t know where, only it was 10 minutes in flight.

    Kiran wasn¡¯t angry, he didn¡¯t feel anything. Back on earth, he was an emotionless killing machine, a lot of names would be called here and there. He wasn¡¯t bothered by it. But if there was one thing now, it was his family. And his sense of being increased ever so much with the nature of a dragon.

    His eyes narrowed dangerously at the group suddenly. He could see that with Isla¡¯s head looking down, her eyes were teary. And if there was one thing people learnt on earth, it was that if Kiran wanted to protect something, you stay as far away from it. Or else, nothing could save you.

    A film of red aura formed around Kiran, his bloodlust was so strong in the previous years that it had begun to solidify. Obviously, he wasn¡¯t going to kill the dragons, but a sudden spike in his anger caused him to lose a little control.

    He jumped from the tree high into the air as his body began transforming. First his head, then his body, then his arms and legs and lastly his tail.

    The group that was shooting suddenly stopped as a large shadow covered them without any notice. They all looked up as a large mass descended on top of Iste¡¯s 3 dragon group, directly placing them in-between Kiran¡¯s front arms, like a mother protecting its puppies.

    A 36m black dragon stood on top of the 3 dragons, and looked directly at the 4 dragons.

    Kiran¡¯s head lowered to match the eyeline of the small 4 dragons in front of them. Their wide eyes filled with fear, shock and confusion.

    Not many dragons had seen Kiran. Even though they had heard of his abnormal growth rate, Kiran left for close to a hundred years. Never could they imagine Kiran would be¡­ this abnormal.

    Kiran¡¯s yellow pupils lined with red looked at the young dragons as his face inched closer and closer to the four small dragons and they could tell, he was angry.

    Kiran¡¯s head was metres away when he slightly opened his mouth revealing razor sharp teeth that was as tall as the dragons in front of him. He blew out a smoke from his nostril. The sound so deep that all at once they all frantically backed away and tried to fly off.

    Why try? They flapped their wings hard and fast but because of their fear, they were panicking.

    After some struggle they were finally flying away but not before a loud roar escaped Kiran¡¯s mouth from behind the dragons causing them to drop in altitude as they panicked even more.

    Kiran moved backwards as his large body slowly revealed the three little dragons below him. Their three tiny heads bent at a 90 degree angle to look at Kiran.

    ¡®Funny.¡¯ Kiran thought, not too long ago, he also had to do the same to look at his parents.

    Kiran saw Iste¡¯s eyes shine with admiration and excitement. The other young dragon¡¯s eyes filled with confusion and awe. Isla¡¯s eyes was the most puzzled, as if asking ¡®why?¡¯.

    Kiran lifted his large as it hovered over Iste and tapped his forehead softly with the flesh of his claws. It then slowly moved above Isla and did the same. And finally moved to the young dragon as well.

    Iste was beyond happy, it was something his father and Kiran did often, as a sign of approval. Isla was even more puzzled, she had never treated Kiran well for various reasons and Kiran had never done anything like that to her before. Her face was baffled.

    The last young dragon merely froze on the spot, she was scared as she saw the large claw descend upon her friends. Was he angry? And when it came to her, her throat dried, her body stiffened. But at the end of it, it was¡­ kind of nice?

    Before the young dragons could react, Kiran¡¯s large wings expanded as it lifted him high into the air and flew himself back to the mountain behind them.

    ¡®So that¡¯s where he lives¡­¡¯ the three young dragons noted, each with differing thoughts in their young minds.

 Chapter 10 - Departure

    Three small dragons stood in the middle of a mountain, a gaping hole in the middle led its path into a cavern.

    Two of them looked uneasily at each other, the third looked excited. They each walked slowly through the passage, though if it weren¡¯t for one of the dragons holding the excited dragon back, it would¡¯ve without a doubt ran inside.

    Never had they taken so long to walk through a passage, every step they took, their heart beat faster. Slowly they stopped as they reached an open area devoid of light. No light reached inside so even for a dragon¡¯s sight, they could barely see anything in front of them.

    They exchanged uneasy glances as the leading dragon gestured to the excited dragon.

    The latter hurriedly stepped to the front of the group, and stepped one leg into the darkness. As soon as its foot was on the ground its eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

    It turned around and signalled to the other dragons it was fine. They too followed and their expressions were similar as they stepped foot into the area.

    The deeper they went, the slower they moved. Suddenly a rustle of movement made their head turn immediately as they all looked into the same direction.

    Silence. Only their beating heart and breath could be heard.

    The third dragon was the first to turn its head back in the direction they were headed, its head raised up as she eyes popped out of her socket. She froze.

    The other two dragons saw her movement and turned towards her gaze.

    The dragon which was leading, seemed to sense what had happened as she ever so slowly turned her head to look into the darkness.

    The dragon who was excited seemed to know no fear. His eyes beamed at the darkness.

    Two giant dark yellow eyes stared from metres above them. Because the place was so dark, it looked like it was hovering.

    The eyes slowly descended as it drew closer and closer to the three dragons. It never blinked once.

    Whilst the two small dragons froze, the third one could not even withhold the excitement on its face as it jumped towards it.

    ¡°Big brother!¡± he yelled as he giggled in delight, his claws scrambling to hang on to the dragon before him.

    Yes, the dragon was Kiran. He didn¡¯t have many visitors, actually, he never had visitors. So when he sensed the three young dragons, he wondered what they were here for.

    He wasn¡¯t trying to be scary, it was just the way he was. Though he must agree that the energy in his little brother Iste is amazing.

    Slowly a great crumbling sound could be heard as Kiran shifted his massive body in the cavern. Light suddenly filled in as Kiran¡¯s body had been blocking an opening ceiling at the back of the cavern.

    The young dragons closed their eyes for a split second as it blinded them but they quickly readjusted. Their eyes shocked as they marvelled at the sight before them.

    It wasn¡¯t Kiran¡¯s massive stature, but the entire cavern. The ground had begun to grow grass and flowers as it filled the entire area with it. They could even see one or two butterflies dancing around.

    The way the light shone in made it look like a paradise. Their gaze slowly turned to Kiran, his form surprisingly blending in with the scenery. It made Kiran look wise.

    The two young dragons looked up at Kiran questioningly as Iste began to roll around and play. Kiran breathed a sigh as he slumped his head down above his feet.

    If he could explain it, he would. But he couldn¡¯t. It had been around a year since the incident with the dragons getting bullied. And Kiran had stayed in training for that period. And through that time, nature slowly took over.

    There was only one explanation. Kiran turned his gaze towards the back of the young dragons as they turned around and followed his gaze. He was pretty sure it was because of him.

    At the back, Iste looked cautiously as his stance was lowered in an offensive position. His claws reached out to try and touch it but immediately backed away as it moved. He tried it again but he retreated.

    Isla and the other dragon looked at the exchange between Iste and the other creature. A large ball of fur, white and black. Its size was around 3metres now as it sat up and looked at Iste for a second before turning his back and rolling slowly around the grass.

    Iste, intrigued slowly stalked it as it rolled around the cavern.

    The two young dragons turned around to Kiran for questions, to which Kiran merely gave a look ¡®I don¡¯t know¡¯.

    Regardless, they spent a few moments in Kiran¡¯s cavern. The two young dragons, being girls, quite enjoyed the scenery as they walked around the place. Iste, being more interested at the panda, followed it. At times he would poke it and the panda would brush his claw away but he never lost interest.

    Whilst they were all playing, Kiran merely laid at the back of the cavern watching. A sense of childish joy he never had.

    Though soon Isla told him why they were here, she seemed better with Kiran now. Though still uneasy.

    Their parents had wanted Kiran to go back.

    ¡®Finally.¡¯ Kiran got up as his eyes lit up.

    Wasting no time, he left with the young dragons as they flew towards their home. Of course, Kiran had to fly much slower than he does normally as one flap of his wing was equal to hundreds of the young dragons.

    Soon, they entered into the cavern and greeted their parents. They two young female dragons went off into a corner whilst Iste tried to play with his father, only to be pushed away. His eyes was stern as he looked at Kiran.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Its unusual for a dragon to leave so early.¡± He said as Kiran and his parents sat face to face.

    ¡°Normally, they¡¯d only leave at around 500 years old. Maybe even later. But you¡¯ve always defied expectations.

    I have asked the Elders and they have given permission.¡± As he finished the last sentence, Kiran¡¯s face lit up like a Christmas tree.

    Just last year, he had asked his father whether he could leave Dragoon and explore the other continents. In particular, the largest one occupied by the human race.

    He knew from them that many other races would travel when reaching a certain age to explore and gain experience. The central continent was dominated by the human race, but many beast races laid their foundations there as well.

    It was only the powerful and pure beast races that owned their islands like the Dragons. And when the beasts were able to turn into human form, they¡¯d be allowed to travel. Though many stayed for a while after that.

    The central continent was massive. Nothing compared to Earth. On the continent were places that one could train and gain more experience to become stronger.

    There is the magician guild, chi user guild, adventurer¡¯s guild, beasts guild and clans etc. These were all organizations that people could join in order to gain more power.

    Most famous of all, were the Schools of the continent. Famous for the upbringing of multiple powerful individuals, they remained impartial to any Kingdom or Empire. They were by themselves, their own master and a force to be reckoned with.

    ¡°But¡­ I¡¯ll let you go¡­ in 5 years.¡± His father finished. Just as Kiran was about to ask why, he interrupted.

    ¡°I know you have grown fast, but to us, you are still far too young to leave on your own. So to make sure you¡¯ll be okay, I¡¯ll train you. And after 5 years, you can leave.¡±

    He finished with an expression that allowed for no negotiation, Kiran nodded.

    ¡°We¡¯ll start tomorrow.¡± He finished as the family once again turned to the way it was.

    ¡°Chi is the energy around us, depending on whether you¡¯re a magician or a chi user, you¡¯ll store that energy in different places. A majority of chi users are just neutral chi users, meaning they have no affiliation with an element.

    People with a bit of talent, or some would call it luck, are born with an affiliation to an element. Allowing the properties of that element to be in their chi. There are some who are immensely talented that have more than one element.

    Think about it, if someone could use two properties of two elements against someone with one or none at all, they¡¯d have a huge advantage.¡± Kiran¡¯s father explained.

    They were both in their human form now on a large open area outside. They had just begun their training.

    ¡°It is very rare for a train to not be a chi user or a magician. But even so, their natural body would grow to the strength of a Class A beast.

    So, you have never told us and we have never asked. And I don¡¯t seem to be able to sense it from you. Which is strange but show me child.¡± He said as he stared at Kiran.

    ¡®Which one¡­¡¯ Kiran thought as he looked into the expectant eyes of his father.

    Of course, he would never show them all. Never show your full hands was a phrase etched into their minds on Earth. He was now thinking which element to show.

    At last, he decided it would be best to go with lightning. As his father was too, he could be able to learn a lot from it.

    And so Kiran lifted his right hand as he channelled his chi to his palm. A dark faint blue aura enclosed it as sparks connected on his hand.

    His father¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Lightning was an even more rare element than the others. It was, so to speak, a mutated version of fire. It contained the destructive properties of fire but also additional ones too. It was a powerful element. And extremely rare to have, even more so for dragons.

    Having Iste was a surprise and joy and now finding out that Kiran had it, was incredible.

    ¡°You¡­ you had it all along and you didn¡¯t tell me?¡± His mind finally returned as he furrowed his brows.

    Oh¡­. Kiran thought as he stayed silent. To which a fist hit him on the forehead in reply.

    ¡°When you channel an element into your chi, the chi becomes more powerful. The more powerful an element, the harder it is to control. Even though you may be able to channel it, it is the control of the properties that you have to learn.

    For a fire user, how can you know that when fire is in your chi, it will burn? Or how do you enable it to explode on impact? And most of all, to not hurt yourself?¡± He continued as if nothing happened after hitting Kiran.

    ¡°It is through practice and katas that one is able to achieve this. The next five years will be just that.¡± He finished as he stopped moving and turned his head to Kiran, looking for understanding.

    Only Kiran looked at him as he always did, practically expressionless. Before he could say anything, Kiran lifted his left hand and flicked his fingers towards him. A small wind blade whist towards him as he instinctively held up a hand as the wind blade dissipated against his tough skin.

    His eyes looked at Kiran, if they were any larger, they¡¯d most definitely have popped out.

    He quickly rushed over to Kiran¡¯s side as he held onto his arms.

    ¡°Do that again. Show me.¡± He asked as he gripped onto Kiran tight.

    Kiran struggled free and once again created a wind blade as his father stared with his wide opened eyes. Kiran decided to show him, well first off to ease their understanding later on that Kiran had all elements. And second of all, his mother was a wind magician. Might as well learn from her too.

    Kiran¡¯s father took a minute as he recollected himself,

    ¡°Wait here.¡± He said as he quickly turned into a dragon and flew off. His transformation was quick, it was within 2 seconds. Kiran could only transform in around a minute.

    ¡®Looks like I have a long way to go¡­¡¯ he thought to himself.

    Soon, two dragons appeared in the sky as they landed in front of him. His father and mother. They both turned into their human forms as his dad rushed towards him.

    ¡°Do it again.¡± He said.

    Kiran released a wind blade.

    ¡°Now show her your chi.¡±

    Kiran released a chi on his hand that sparked lightning.

    Now it was Kiran¡¯s mother¡¯s eyes that nearly popped out. Never in the history of dragons had one been able to control 2 elements. And not only that, but differing elements of chi and magic. It just didn¡¯t make sense.

    But soon, they got over their shock and analysed the situation. Whatever it was, Kiran was their son. It didn¡¯t matter.

    They quickly told Kiran to never let anyone know, especially not the young dragons. Since who knows what Iste will say.

    And that the training from now on would be from the both of them. Chi in the morning and magic in the afternoon.

    And that was how Kiran spent the next 5 years.

    Magic was a manipulation of the elements outside of their bodies using their mind¡¯s power. It was much like chi, except that rather than using it on the inside, it was the outside.

    With increasing mind¡¯s power of an individual, they could cast tremendous spells. However, magicians had to first learn control over their power. Chi users, who if their chi depleted, they could regain through meditation.

    Magicians could regain their mind¡¯s power through meditation too. But if they used a spell that drained them of more than their power, rather than failing the spell, they would die.

    So it was important to learn control in the size of the spell, the speed, the intensity etc.

    There were many existing spells that individually, they could drastically change in power from the amount of magic poured into it. Although there were no set spells in the world, there were many types of similar spells that would be placed in one category.

    So for example, the wind blade used by Kiran could be immense if used by his mother. It could span several metres in width and height as well as in great speed. But regardless of the power, it would still be called wind blade, or wind slash etc.

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    Five dragons stood outside a cavern as they looked as another dragon which stood in front of them.

    They had said their goodbyes, but no words could save them from their emotions. And Kiran was not a man, or dragon, of many words.

    He nodded at his family and at the young dragon who were good friends with the family.

    It had already been 5 years since he started training, and it was time. Time for him to see the world.

    He turned around as his wings lifted him off the ground. As he rose higher, Dragoon became smaller. It was his home, he¡¯d be back.

    He turned his head to the front of him, his eyes determined.

    The human continent, here I come.

 Chapter 11 - New arrival

    A young man looking around 14 years old, dressed in a rough dull black clothing which paled in colour against his jet black hair.

    He emerged from a side of a forest separated by a large pathway. He looked both ways as each stretched down as far as the eye could see. As if he knew, he walked down the pathway stretched with wheel markings and footsteps.

    From a glance you¡¯d think he was walking, but it was as if every step he took was a leap as he quickly vanished from the area.

    That was the seven ghost steps Kiran had learnt on earth, it enabled one to move a large distance silently with a series of footwork. Back on Earth, he had practiced everyday, and now it was like second nature to him.

    Soon, he entered into a clearing as the pathway continued to stretch over several hills. He looked up, in the distance was a figure of a city. Though with his dragon eyes, he could still it fairly well. Not far away in front of him was a large group of around 30 people, they formed two lines on the side as they escorted the wagons and caravans in the middle. What Kiran noticed above all wasn¡¯t the city in front of him. But the people around the wagons and caravans.

    They were humans.

    Kiran soon caught up to the back of the group as he silently followed them.

    From his observation, they were traders. A little more than half were armed, and the rest were most likely servants.

    But they were escorting more than cargo. Right in the middle of the wagons was a single caravan. Its sides were surrounded by the most people. Not the cargo.

    With Kiran¡¯s keen eyes, he could tell that the people surrounding the caravan were trained as guards. And they were all Disciple class. There were 2 chi users of 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle, the man leading at the front of the caravan a low 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle, and the man sitting on the outside of the caravan holding the rein, a high 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle.

    Kiran could sense two people in the caravan, whoever they were, they seem to be important to need so much protection. One of them was Apprentice class, whilst the other, a 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle magician.

    ¡°AH!¡± a man from the back shouted as he finally noticed Kiran behind him.

    The shout drew the attention of everyone as they stopped and turned towards the back. Several men at the back had their weapons drawn as they stared at the intruder.

    ¡°Who are you? What are you doing here?¡± The middle-aged man who was at the front of the caravan had already made his way towards the back on his horse to deal with the commotion.

    Kiran merely looked at him for a second, and paid him no attention as he continued to walking. This time, through the crowd of traders.

    The middle aged man¡¯s face filled with anger as he was not used to being ignored. He was a 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle chi user, a formidable power even within the prestigious Qin Family.

    Kiran was prideful. More so than he ever was since his dragon nature had slowly changed him throughout the years. Being questioned by a 3<sup>rd</sup> chi user who he could undoubtedly crush easily, was like a normal human being questioned by a dog.

    Like you would answer.

    For Kiran, it didn¡¯t matter who or what, no one ordered him. No one ever will.

    As anger filled the mind of the middle aged, a colourless chi gathered around his body as it focused to his fist. The chi colour of one who was not affiliated with any elements.

    ¡°Enough!¡± A voice boomed across the crowd just as the middle aged man was ready to strike Kiran. The voice so impactful it dissipated his gathered chi. It was the old man leading the caravan.

    Don¡¯t think that just because they were both 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle chi users, they¡¯d be the same in power. A subclass, low to medium, was a big difference at the power one is able to wield. And at even higher classes, the difference would be like night and day.

    The middle aged man snapped back to his senses as he bowed apologetically at the caravan and returned to his position. Though giving Kiran a stare full of killing intent.

    Meanwhile, Kiran kept walking. Soon, he was ahead of the group and finally, after some distance were between them, the old man instructed the group to move forward once again.

    ¡°Why did you stop Rafok grandpapa?¡± A small voice came from within the caravan as a tiny head peaked out of the curtains at the front. A girl of no more than 7 or 8, her face dissatisfied as she asked the old man.

    The middle aged man having returned to his position also listened. He too, wanted to know why.

    There was a brief pause as the group continued silently forward.

    ¡°He¡¯s dangerous¡­¡± the old man finally muttered with a serious expression.

    Rafok and the little girl¡¯s face both lit up in shock as their brows knit together. How? They were obviously asking, but the old man never said a word more.

    Out of everyone, he was the most shocked of all. He was essentially, the butler of the Qin Family and apart from the Head of the Qin Family, the most powerful individual. He had fought with the old head of the Qin Family and paved the way for what has become of it now. He had seen and been through countless battles, from the simple act of killing to the most gruesome and bloodlusted individuals. He had seen it all.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    But Kiran¡­ thinking back, he wasn¡¯t going to stop Rafok from showing Kiran the way of the world. After all, the Qin Family was not someone to mess with. The Family had its pride to uphold. Even though he knew that the world was a big place and that the family were nothing compared to others, in this area, they were still a force to reckon with.

    But just as Rafok was about to attack Kiran, fear struck the old man as he froze in place. A sudden burst of bloodlust, far greater than any he had seen engulfed his entire body. He could not breath. And in those seconds, he smelt it, felt it. The blood soaked ground as he fought in battle, the smell of iron, the taste of salt, he was momentarily back in the battlefield. All from one millisecond of bloodlust from that boy.

    Without a second thought he shouted for Rafok to stop. He couldn¡¯t tell them. He couldn¡¯t tell them that if he hadn¡¯t, he was sure they¡¯d all be dead. And he was sure, the boy wouldn¡¯t even bat an eye whilst doing it too.

    Someone who could release a bloodlust of that calibre was not even in the realm of possibilities for them to trifle with. Either he was from a prestigious family or clan, or something else.

    Even after the boy left, he could still feel it. The blood soaked bodies that piled 10 times higher than any mountain in front of him.

    Just how was it possible for a boy to possess such strong bloodlust?...

    The group made its way towards the city, the wheels of the caravan seemed to sink heavier into the ground. Not one more word was uttered between the group.

    On the other hand, Kiran was already near the city gates as he lined up to enter the city.

    If Rafok had really tried to lay a hand on Kiran, he would¡¯ve no doubt killed him. And if the group attacked him too, they¡¯d die too. It was as simple as that for Kiran.

    You may wonder, how could Kiran kill humans without any remorse? Kiran had seen it all on Earth. Humans, were no more than slightly more intelligent animals. He had seen the worst.

    To the majority of the world, life went on. But once you enter the belly of the beast, you finally realize what humans were. A sadistic, gluttony-driven pack of wolves hiding in sheep¡¯s clothing. Kiran had been there, to the rich and powerful, the lives of others were no more than numbers on a piece of paper. If they were happy, nothing mattered.

    ¡°5 copper coins. And write your name down here.¡± A guard broke Kiran¡¯s thought as Kiran had reached the end of the line. ¡°Do not cause any trouble. Or we¡¯ll find you.¡± The guard tried to look threatening whilst speaking to Kiran but it obviously had no effect.

    Kiran quickly paid the fee with the money his parents gave him as he entered the large city, Port Zerim. It was the furthest city east of the central continent, and even though it was the closet to Dragoon, it still took Kiran months to reach here.

    He walked in as he gazed at his surroundings. He wondered if all cities were this big as he made his way through town. What Kiran did first, was not enter into any shops or find lodging. He walked around the city walls in the area from the inside.

    It was a routine for him back on Earth. Whenever he¡¯d arrive at a place, he¡¯d scout it to look for any spots or discrepancies. It would prove useful whenever he got into trouble.

    It took Kiran most of the day to just simple scout around the area and he hadn¡¯t even managed to look through the entire city. But it was enough, he had covered a thorough area around him.

    ¡°Room for one Sir?¡± A man asked from behind a counter as Kiran approached him.

    It was a place of lodging, and from the conversations of the area, it was a popular place.

    Kiran nodded in answer as he paid the man.

    Before Kiran had left, his father handed him a silver ring. An item ring, forged from special minerals that held properties to enable a space to be opened within. It could contain almost anything. His parents had given him some currency as well so he wasn¡¯t completely unprepared.

    Soon the man led Kiran towards his room. The place was big, it was like a hotel. It had several floors at the main house for entertainment and food whilst the back buildings were quarters.

    As Kiran made his way through the main building he could hear a banquet of sorts as a group of people drank.

    Kiran¡¯s head turned to his right as a door opened and a waitress walked out from behind it. The door left wide open as the people inside made eye contact with Kiran.

    It was the group he had met earlier today. Only everyone was outside whilst the caravan people were inside the room.

    An old man sat together with Rafok and two young girls. One around the age of 7-8 and the other in her late teens.

    Their eyes locked as Kiran looked at each of them in the room as he passed by and slowly moved out of sight.

    Everyones reaction in the room was different. The old man shivered at the sight of Kiran whilst Rafok felt anger boil inside him. The young girl¡¯s face reddened with annoyance whilst the older girl had a mixed expression of confusion and wariness.

    ¡°That boy! Who does he think he is!¡± The young girl yelled as she smashed the table in a fit.

    The others looked at her as if to say ¡®boy? He¡¯s older than you¡­¡¯ But they were used to it. She was the Qin Family¡¯s little princess. Everybody loved her and were protective of her. Maybe a little too much.

    ¡°Hmph! I really think you should¡¯ve shown him Uncle Rafok. Shown him who¡¯s boss.¡± She said as she punched her tiny fists in the air.

    The old man shook his head as everyone looked towards him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get some rest.¡± He said as he got up and bowed towards the two young girls. Rafok followed suit as they retreated from the room.

    The next day came quickly as Kiran started the day early.

    He noticed several things as he walked around town. First, Meriks were high in numbers here, and it was normal for the humans. The city being the closest to the continent of the Meriks would explain that the people would have to be okay with it in order to trade and such.

    Kiran remembered his father telling him that obviously some humans were dissatisfied with the merge of Meriks and humans. There are always people like that Kiran thought.

    Soon Kiran stopped as he looked at the large building in front of him. The adventurer¡¯s guild. Open to anyone who were looking for work, mission and the like.

    He walked towards the counter through the large hall, by the side were tables with people in groups or individuals chatting, drinking and eating.

    ¡°How can I help you Sir?¡± A young girl from behind the counter asked with a smile.

    ¡°I want to register. And a map.¡± Kiran said with cold dead eyes.

    ¡°Right away Sir.¡± She replied undeterred with a smile. She handed Kiran a paper of registration and a map.

    He immediately filled out the form and obtained a badge, with the letter F on it. The levels of an adventurer were separated by the beast classes. F-S. One can only take missions/quests from the same rank or one above and below. Kiran only needed it to make life easier.

    He quickly found a table and sat down as he examined the map in front of him. It wasn¡¯t that his parents didn¡¯t tell him about the world, but the last time they were outside of Dragoon was centuries ago. A lot of things could¡¯ve changed from that time.

    The map only features the eastern part of the central continent. It was quite similar like his father described.

    He didn¡¯t quite know where he¡¯d go, but he had an idea. He wanted to grow powerful, and to get there he needed information. He needed a place to learn.

    And the best place for that in the continent, without a doubt, is the famous 4 schools. But obviously, Kiran was nowhere close to being able to enter them. Though he could choose to enter other the many schools that were subsidiaries of those schools.

    He considered himself lucky as he walked out of the guild. Only earlier he had heard from the townspeople that within a weeks time, the school of Ekir was sending a recruiter to Port Zerim to find students.

    It was his chance.

 Chapter 12 - The Trading House

    There were still a few days till the official recruitment for the school of Ekir, so Kiran took the chance to meditate during the night and explore during the day.

    He sat in his room as he looked at his left hand, a ring on his finger. The inventory ring. He cast his eye on the ring on his right hand, his mind¡¯s power drew his consciousness inside.

    A place of vast greenery, grass covered the entire ground with bushes and trees scattered around the area.

    Kiran¡¯s face in shock as he looked at the one responsible. A dumb looking panda sitting in the middle having the time of its life. Yes, the ring was a rare inventory ring capable of holding living creatures. Not all inventory rings were like that so it was special. His father had dug it up in one of the treasures he had for Kiran¡¯s panda.

    The panda seemed to be capable of a tremendous amount of the wood element energy. It was weird as nature seemed to grow around it.

    Kiran couldn¡¯t think much as the panda seeing him rose up in delight and rushed towards him as he grabbed his leg.

    Kiran lightly touched the panda¡¯s head as he stroked his fur, the panda relishing in the feeling. It was rare for Kiran to show such affection, but he had grown used to him. They had a connection, Earth.

    After a while, Kiran retreated back into his own body and left the inn.

    In the trading house, 2 young girls stood side by side as they observed the various products under the glass frames. Compared to most shops, this was clearly a place for the upper class.

    Various products lined the floor ranging from strong weapons to magical tools to everyday utility items to potions and scrolls. Whatever you needed, this was the place to get it. Provided you have the money of course.

    ¡°Sis! Look! Look!¡± the younger of the two yelled as she yanked on the sleeves of her sister. Her other hand pointed to a slender sword behind a cabinet that gleamed with a faint blue glow. It was an enchanted sword.

    A woman behind the counter approached and smiled to the two as she explained.

    ¡°This is a type 3 enchanted water element blade.¡±

    Even though the blade was slender, don¡¯t underestimate its toughness. Swords which were enchanted especially with an element was special and required expertise to forge. Weapons were categorized from Type 5 ¨C type 1, corresponding to the classes up till 1<sup>st</sup> cycle.

    The younger sister looked in awe as she admired the beauty of the sword. She desperately wanted it because just like her sister, she was of the water element too. Although unlike her sister, she was a chi user so the sword was perfect for her.

    The older sister looked at the eyes of her younger sister which beamed with desire, she could only stroke her beloved sister¡¯s hair as the latter turned to her and smiled. They both knew they could not afford it.

    Even though their family was powerful in their region, the world was vast. Their father, the head of the Qin family, was only a low 2<sup>nd</sup> cycle chi user. The entire family of several hundred people, and only the head commanded a type 3 weapon.

    ¡°One day¡­¡± she told her little sister as the latter nodded in return with admiration in her eyes.

    The older sister was gifted. She was 17 years old and was already a 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle magician. To an extremely average person, they would be around 32 years old to reach that stage. Basically, if you passed that stage without advancing, you had no hopes of advancing in your life.

    She was the family¡¯s hope in bringing it a step further. That was the reason why she was here, for the recruitment of the School.

    ¡°If it isn¡¯t Cass and Tess!¡± A voice interrupted the older sister¡¯s thought. A young man of around 20 walked towards them, two escorts behind him.

    The sisters looked at the man as the older one spoke.

    ¡°Mr. Saio, it is nice to see you. And please, its Ms Tessa and Ms Cassey.¡±

    A twitch appeared quickly from Saio but also quickly vanished.

    ¡°Of course.¡± A quick silence fell between them. ¡°Ah, I see you were looking at the type 3 blade.¡± He continued as he gestured to the blade they were just looking at.

    ¡°How about I buy it for you as a present?¡± He smiled at the sisters, though a deeper meaning laid behind it.

    Saio was the young master of the Ri Family. A family that was in the same area as the Qin family, though the former was more powerful with their head being a medium 2<sup>nd</sup> cycle chi user.

    ¡°No it is alright, but thank you Mr Saio.¡± The older one, Cassey spoke.

    Saio¡¯s face darkened a little but the sisters did not notice. The Ri and Qin family had always had a power struggle, the Ri family coming out on top most of the time. But with the new found gift of Cassey, should she be accepted into the school, she would undoubtedly bring the Qin family ahead of the Ri family.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    His father had told him to try and get her, to form a marriage, an alliance. Saio obviously did not mind because she was beautiful. But whatever advances he made, she never took them.

    Just as an awkward silence fell between them, the sisters turned their head to the entrance to a young figure clad in a rough dull black.

    Just from his clothing, he clearly did not belong there. Normally the guards would¡¯ve stopped anyone like that from coming in but the young man had an air about him. An air that put him above others.

    Saio turned his line of sight to where the sisters were looking, and there stood Kiran looking around the trading house.

    ¡°Who is he?¡± Saio asked as he turned to the sisters. He couldn¡¯t really see them knowing Kiran well, since he knew basically everyone who was from a prominent family around their area.

    A sudden glint shone in the young sister, Tessa¡¯s eyes, a light of deviousness.

    ¡°He¡¯s sis¡¯ friend!¡± She beamed a devilish smile.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Saio¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at Cassey for a reaction.

    Cassey looked at her younger sister as she pulled her closer and looked at her as if to say ¡®why¡¯d you say that?¡¯

    But to Saio, it was a look that said she knew him and perhaps didn¡¯t want him to know. That would not do at all, he thought. He could not let any rivals in and judging from the guy¡¯s outfit, he didn¡¯t seem to come from any prominent background.

    Meanwhilst, Tessa was thinking that maybe she could use Saio to get back at Kiran. She knew that Saio had been trying to get with her sister, and she used it against him. She was proud of the idea as she puffed her chest and smiled brightly at her sister, only when she lowered her head did her face ashen.

    Across the floor, Kiran who was definitely out of earshot stared straight into the eyes of Tessa. Except for powerful individuals, normal people would not have heard it at that distance. But she did not know, that not only was Kiran powerful, but that Kiran was no human.

    Kiran¡¯s eyes stared menacingly at Tessa and it made her heart freeze. It was as if he could tell exactly what she was thinking, what she was doing.

    Kiran overheard the whole ordeal and knew exactly what she was doing. On Earth, he was never short of meeting scheming individuals, but he did not like it when they were scheming about him. A cold faint bloodlust escaped his eyes and seemingly gripped Tessa¡¯s soul. That was why she suddenly became petrified.

    But in a second, Kiran¡¯s eyes returned to looking around. Whatever came at him, he¡¯d deal with it.

    The exchange went unnoticed by Saio who was running through situations in his mind. Was Kiran a rival? What was he to Cassey? All sorts of thoughts ran surfaced.

    ¡°I heard you were friends with Cassey, I¡¯m Saio. Heir to the Ri Family.¡± He finally decided to approach Kiran and introduce himself.

    Kiran merely looked back over his shoulder at him for a second, and returned to what he was doing. He knew many people like Saio, fake, petty and manipulative. He didn¡¯t care for them.

    A moment passed as Saio stood awkwardly in greeting, his eyes filled embarassment but more with anger. The Heir of the Ri family, no one dared to ignore him. Especially not someone like Kiran.

    ¡°Would¡­ would you like to join us?¡± He muttered the words through his clenched jaw holding back his anger.

    Kiran¡¯s brow sank in annoyance without turning back, he stood up straight and headed for the exit. Looks like he couldn¡¯t get much done today without being annoyed.

    Saio¡¯s face sank with red anger as he watched Kiran exit. He quickly turned around to the sisters, the younger of which was just recovering from the ordeal.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I have to go. Until next time.¡± He gestured and left with his two escorts. Soon he too was out on the street.

    He looked to the right where Kiran left, his figure not too far away. He looked at the two escorts next to him and an understanding passed between them as they left Saio¡¯s side and followed Kiran.

    Saio turned and headed down the other way, his face contorted as he snickered. Whoever he was, he didn¡¯t care anymore. He had angered him, only death awaited him now.

    As Kiran was heading back to his lodging, he could feel two presence stalking him. Both elite disciple class. They followed him with skill, to a normal person that is.

    But who was Kiran? The father of assassins, no, he was the grand father of assassins. Maybe even the great grandfather of assains. The way he was being stalked was like child¡¯s play. Amateur skills and technique. They may as well be wearing bells.

    Soon Kiran deviated from the path and headed outside of the city to a forest close by. It was forbidden to kill in the city, Kiran wasn¡¯t stupid enough to do so and risk it.Sure, he could escape, but why waste the hassle.

    With time, he stood in the middle of several trees at the edge of the forest not too far away from the city.

    ¡°You can come out now.¡± He said silently, but his voice passed through the area with strength as two figures emerged behind two trees, their faces in shock.

    It was the two escort guards Saio had.

    ¡°How did you¡­?¡± One of them started as the other cut him off.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. Kid, you messed with the wrong person. This could go the easy way, or the hard way.¡± The other explained, confident that they could subdue Kiran.

    Without so much as a hint or sound, Kiran¡¯s figure shimmered from their sight. They both looked at the spot where Kiran had been standing in shock.

    ¡°What the¡­¡± The second one looked at the first one as he saw Kiran standing right in front of him.

    ¡®How did he get there so quickly?¡¯ A thought that went through both of their minds at the same time. But before any answer could come, Kiran¡¯s punch already connected.

    Now lets analyse. The two were of elite disciple class. Kiran was at low 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle, his body even stronger than that of a normal person in his class because he was a dragon. Plus the various elements and strengthen that he did, he could even fight several subclasses above him.

    A normal punch from Kiran, there was no way on earth that a disciple class could handle it, elite or not.

    The punch went straight through the person as his face hadn¡¯t even registered what had happened when Kiran¡¯s arm came out on his back. The power residue so strong that it resonated outside his body through his limbs as his arms exploded. Within a second he was, in every sense of the word, dead.

    Before the other could even react, Kiran was upon him as well. His left hand clasped across the man¡¯s head as he squeezed. In the shock of everything, the man even forgot he was a trained chi user of disciple class. He could do nothing but scream as his head was crushed like a watermelon. Soon his flailing limbs stopped as he hung lifeless in Kiran¡¯s hand.

    Actually, Kiran didn¡¯t know he would do so much damage to the first person, as he hadn¡¯t actually quite tested out his strength against humans. He had fought a lot of beasts, but they were different.

    A beast would be born with naturally tough skin, hard to pierce without the proper weapon. Humans obviously wouldn¡¯t.

    Kiran also wanted the second guy. He placed the lifeless body in his hand on a tree as he grabbed a large trunk off the ground and split it. He then proceeded to impale the corpse on the tree. The scene looked horrifying.

    A giant hole in a man on the floor with his limbs missing and blood scattered everywhere. Then a body whose head was crushed as his brains flowed out impaled by a trunk on a tree.

    It was a message. If Saio was smart, he would take it and leave Kiran be. If he didn¡¯t¡­

    Kiran turned as he collected the moneyof the two people and any valuables, and left to wash up and return to the city.

 Chapter 14 - Preparing for School (1)

    In a mansion in Port Zerim, a young man sat in a study at a desk. A parchment in front of him as he held it in his shaking hands. His fists came crashing down into the desk as a large dent formed on its surface.

    ¡°How dare he!¡± Saio shouted as he smashed his fist into his desk once again.

    Just then he received word from his guards about his escorts that he sent for Kiran. Their corpses were brought back, what¡¯s left of them anyway.

    Not only had Kiran disrespected him earlier, now he had killed his two escort. It was unthinkable that anyone would attempt such an act at a prestigious family, let alone the young master of one.

    Saio¡¯s face filled with rage, you could see from his eyes he was brewing something, a plan.

    ¡°Just you wait¡­¡±

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    Meanwhile, Kiran was in the middle of obtaining a badge to enter into the recruitment process for the school of Ekir.

    The recruitment process was simple, for people with talent anyway.

    The first and most important requirement was that the person had to be under 17 years old and must have reached 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle for either chi user or magician. If you passed, you are pretty much setfor the rest of the process.

    Kiran placed his hands on an orb in front of an examiner like the people around him. He controlled his chi to only release the lightning element as a blue colour reflected on the orb.

    The examiner marked down the results on a piece of paper as he looked at Kiran with a light in his eyes. Lightning element was special after all. But soon it turned to confusion as he looked at Kiran. Kiran knew what it was about, his age.

    Quickly the examiner gestured for someone as they came over and looked at the information before them. A quick discussion followed as the man left and the examiner gave Kiran a badge.

    "Age satisfied. 3rd cycle chi user, lightning element."

    Kiran received his badge and turned around. He looked around and to his surprise, there were more people than he thought.

    A long line stretched into the street as young men and women queued patiently for their entry badge to enter into a prestigious school. A large crowd of family and everyday citizens gathered outside to witness such a rare occasion.

    Throughout the period, thousands gathered all hoping for a chance to get in. But to be honest, this was one of the hardest part of the process. How many were gifted enough to be under 17 and have obtained 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle already. The answer, not many.

    ¡°18 years old, 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle chi user, no element, rejected.¡± The man behind the counter said as the young man placed his hand on an orb at the table.

    ¡°No¡­ no! I¡¯m only a month into 18. Please¡­¡± The young man pleaded.

    Two guards appeared as they escorted the young man out of the building as everyone watched. It was an honour, a privilege to enter into a school. You were respected for such a feat and would have a place of high standing in the world. Everyone¡¯s dream was to get into a school, no wonder there would be people willing to risk everything for it.

    ¡°No element, 16 years old, 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle chi user. Pass.¡± Said another man from another counter. And more came from other counters too.

    A rush of awe came from outside the hall.

    ¡°16? Holy!¡± A man gasped.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡¯m 31 and I¡¯m still a disciple.¡± Another said with a sigh.

    ¡°You¡¯re comparing yourself to someone who has talent? Please¡­¡± Another chimed in.

    Soon, more and more were announced as they qualified for the process.

    ¡°Earth element¡­¡±

    ¡°Fire element¡­¡±

    ¡°No element¡­¡±

    ¡°Water element, 3<sup>rd</sup> cycle magician, 17 years old. Pass.¡± A women from behind another counter said as Kiran left the building.

    Many others walked out of the building with a smile on their face. Most were accompanied by their elders, some even had guards around them. Only a few exceptions like Kiran travelled alone.

    As if fate would have it, after leaving the recruitment building, a few streets away stood two young girls, a middle aged man and an old man. It was the group Kiran had met many times before.

    The youngest girl walked with a bright smile at the head of the group as they headed off towards the outer reaches of the city.

    Everyone in the group was high in spirit, Cassey, the eldest daughter and heir to the Qin family was the first to be gifted and able to qualify into the school. They had high hopes for her as she could lift their family¡¯s standing.

    Cassey''syounger sister was even more happy than she was at her qualification into the recruitment, as if she herself was already enrolled into the school.

    She knew it¡¯d be a lot of competition and that it wasn¡¯t going to be easy. She heaved a heavy sigh, she had a heavy burden. The entire Qin Family was riding on this.

    As they followed their sister to the outer areas of the city, the streets got quieter as all attention was drawn towards the recruitment hall as people gathered to witness the rare occasion. Suddenly the group stopped as the young girl leading came to a halt.

    They followed her gaze and a way in front of them was a young man. Calling him a child would be more appropriate for his agebut¡­ he did not act like one. And they couldn''t tell anyway.

    Seeing Kiran¡¯s back invoked different feelings in eachof the members of the group. Fear, intrige, anger, uneasiness.

    Tessa¡¯s face drenched in colour as she remembered the feeling from Kiran before at the trading house. However, the feeling slowly turned to anger as she thought about it more. Her upbringing as the princess of the Qin Family fuelling her audacity.

    More so now because of her sister¡¯s qualification into the recruitment process. Once a person was in a school, they¡¯d have a high standing as well as a strong background. When you mess with a student of a school, you mess with the school. And even the lowest of schools had powers beyond most groups, families and clans.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    Forgetting her ordeal the other time, the younger sister turned towards the group as she looked at her sister, then at the qualification badge hung around her waist. Finally with courage she turned to the old man and paused for a second, unbeknowst to all, a great conflict in her mind.

    After a while she decided, she could not let it slip by. Who was she? A direct member of the Head of the Qin Family, she had to maintain a strong power to any who disrespect the family. Plus she was sure her sister could get into the school, it made it more important to do what she was thinking. A skewed way of thinking to convince herself of her action.

    ¡°Rafok...¡± she finally said. As the old man by her side squinted his eyes. He had a bad feeling about this.

    ¡°That boy, find out everything about him.¡± She said to Rafok, who like everyone had a surprise look on his face.

    ¡°Grandpapa, we can¡¯t be so weak! We have to do it for the Qin Family! At least pay back!¡± she pleaded at the old man.

    For a second the old man froze, have they really been coddling her too much? Then his eyes widened as his face fell to a stern expression.

    ¡°Foolish!¡± He yelled as a great brush of air erupted from around him with him at its centre.

    ¡°But¡­¡± Tessa said softly with tears in her eyes. Never had anyone gotten so visibly angry at her before. Not even her father and especially her doting grandpapa.

    ¡°Have I not already told you to not invovle yourselfwith him? He is not someone you can handle. He is not someone we can handle.¡± He said without subsiding his anger.

    Not willing to let up, she let drop a sentence that she had overheard once in her father¡¯s study. Within different family¡¯s there were always conflict. And not every step was a clean path. Dirty deeds had to be done. And what Tessa said next, wasn¡¯t entirely coming from her, but she would regret it for a long while.

    ¡°There¡¯s always his family¡­¡± she muttered so softly that only the group could hear her, or that¡¯s what they thought.

    The old man¡¯s face reddened as blood flushed to his head, this stupid girl!, he thought in his mind.

    ¡°How dare y¡­¡± But before he could finish, his eyes caught a movement as his head turned sharply which suddenly drawing the attention of everyone in the group.

    From the start of this conversation, the corner of his eye had always been affixed at one spot. His attention was purely focused there. Why?

    Because as soon as Tessa started talking, he noticed a figure at the end of the street that stopped. The sun right in front of the figure cast a large shadow underneath his body. The old man knew then, that he had heard them. That was why he was angry at Tessa. At least say these things in private he thought.

    But who could blame her? Who could¡¯ve guessed a young boy could hear that far.

    As soon as Tessa¡¯s last sentence was said, he could see the figure¡¯s head turn as he looked back at them.

    Perhaps the sunlight was playing tricks on him, but he saw a flicker of yellow coming from the figures head. And as he was about to yell at Tessa, before he could finish, he moved.

    The old man moved so quickly to the front of the group before he even finished his sentence that the other 3 had to look around for him. They looked at his back as they wondered why.

    Then as if by coincidence, in unison they all followed the gaze of the old man and found the object of his sight.

    The figure they had just been talking about had stopped, even though they could only see his figure, they knew, he was looking at them. Chills went down their spine as fear gripped their hearts. Suddenly a gasp was let out as the figure seemingly shimmered and vanished.

    ¡°What the¡­¡± Rafok exclaimed.

    ¡°AHHH!¡± A pitched scream suddenly resounded from the middle of the group as everyone¡¯s attention turned to the source, Tessa.

    Only Tessa wasn¡¯t alone. She was in mid air with a hand around her neck as her hands desperately tried to peel off the fingers around her.

    Rafok without thinking twice moved in as chi gathered around him and attacked Kiran.

    Before he connected, Kiran¡¯s other hand was already up as it threw a simple punch at Rafok with such a speed that even without chi, Rafok¡¯s chi was penetrated and sent flying several metres as he spew blood from his mouth.

    The old man had already turned when Tessa made the noise but made no move. He knew he couldn¡¯t. Kiran¡¯s speed was eerie, his movements were uncanny to the point that he couldn¡¯t even see him very well, let alone catch up.

    The old man knew that if he were to do anything, Kiran could snap Tessa¡¯s neck and escape without them even being able to touch him.

    Cassey was in shock but quickly recovered as she got into a battle stance, her eyes betrayed her as worry overcame her.

    ¡°ga¡­ga¡­¡± Weird noises came from Tessa¡¯s mouth as she struggled to breath and swallow.

    ¡°Please¡­¡± Cassey pleaded in tears. ¡°We¡¯re sorry! Please!¡±

    But Kiran made no move.

    Tessa, who was still struggling, was face to face with Kiran. She took a look at him and fear was ever so present.

    Kiran¡¯s eyes were not his own. Rather, it was not human. His yellow dragon slit pupils had emerged as a red smoke slowly covered it. A red aura slowly formed around Kiran, only this time it looked like it was alive. The aura (bloodlust) around him flared like smoky tendrils as it flickered out and dissipated. If Orsc was here, it would bring him a memory that still sent shiver down him. Kiran was angry.

    What was standing in front of Tessa was not a human, nor a dragon. It was death itself in a humanized form. For a moment she saw nothing but pure anger in those eyes. And the result she could see, at the end of everything, was nothing. She was nothing. Everything was nothing before those eyes.

    ¡°Sir, we apologize for our misgivings. We will do everything you want, but please¡­ don¡¯t harm her. She is young and stupid. We would never do such a thing.¡± The old man quickly said to Kiran after noticing the bloodlust seeping out of him. Kiran was ready to kill.

    No reaction came from Kiran.

    Just as the old man was about to throw in a desperate attempt to stop Kiran even at the cost of his life, Kiran¡¯s hand dropped Tessa as she slumped onto the floor.

    Cassey immediately dashed towards her to check Tessa. The latter was passed out, and although it was faint, she was alive. She turned up to look at Kiran as she saw his red eyes had faded a little back to the yellow eyes.

    Kiran¡¯s body shimmered once again as he disappeared from the area.

    The streets fell silent once again as if nothing happened. Only this time, one man was slumped on the floor unconscious and a young girl laid near death.

    The old man quickly breathed a sigh of relief as his body tension released. He then quickly dashed to Tessa to check on her.

    Meanwhile, a shadow glimpsed here and there as itsuddenly stopped and appeared in an empty house.

    Kiranappeared, his hand on his face, his yellow eyes now red again were filled with confusion as sweat poured from his body.

    Within a second, a deep red aura came alive around him. This was unlike any other, previously, his bloodlust was just a small layer covering his body. But this time, it was expanding everywhere.

    His bloodlust formed and expanded to around 2 metres with him at its centre, the edges smoky as it flickered and dissipated.

    Kiran had killed many people before, there was really nothing he wouldn¡¯t kill. Even with it came to women, if he had a legit reason, he would kill them. Children however, was much more rare. He had killed one before, but that was to put the child out of its misery.

    This time however, he was really going got kill her. His bloodlust had made him lose his mind. Little did Kiran know, if he hadn¡¯t fought back his bloodlust, it would¡¯ve engulfed him and turned him into a killing machine. One that felt nothing except for a thirst for bloodshed. One that could not hold reason.

    Kiran already had a strong bloodlust for his power, but his dragon nature had slowly integrated into his personality. The instincts of a beast was incomparable to a human¡¯s after all. Anger came much easier to beasts. Humans have learnt through the ages to hide their emotions, to mask themselves. Beasts were as straightforward as they come.

    Because Kiran¡¯s bloodlust were so far ahead of his power, his mentality was not capable of withholding the bloodlust. Normally, Dragons would take hundreds of years to mature, and so would their mind. But Kiran did what normally would take centuries, in a matter of decades.

    The mind must keep up with his body and power.

    The bloodlust effect was intense. Weak minded people within a 30 metres radius passed out, others shivered in fear, and some turned violent and angry.

    Kiran tried intensely to control his mind, to keep his bloodlust under control. Slowly, after a few minutes, the bloodlust aura slowly subsided as it retreated back into his body. His eyes slowly faded from red back to yellow. The from yellow to black.

    He breathed heavily as he left quickly outside of the city to recover.

    Kiran made a mental note to himself, he would never let that happen again. But easier said than done.

    Not two minutes after Kiran disappeared, a man dressed in white with grey linings appeared in the air just abovethe house Kiran was at. If anyone were to see him, they¡¯d be in shock as being able to fly was a sign of a 1<sup>st</sup> cycle chi user/magician.

    The man didn¡¯t move, but his eyes indicated he was looking for something. His brows furrowed after a minute as he couldn¡¯t find what he searched for.

    Moments later, another man appeared in the air near the first man. His eyes widened as he looked at the man.

    He bowed slightly and held his fist in greeting.

    ¡°I did not know you would be here.¡±