《Tales of the DragonHeart: AshBorn [LitRPG • Progression • System • Comedy]》 Chapter 0(Prologue):- Perfect Hero : A Glimpse into the future The winds howled as they blew through the deserted wastelands, carrying the metallic scent of blood in it''s cloud of dust. The battlefield stretched endlessly, littered with corpses and dying warriors struggling to cling to life. The echoes of war spilled red across the land. It all began with the emergence of the Towers, their unknown forces launching relentless attacks upon the world. The demons, seeking to merge all Realms into one, tore through the dimensional cracks and unleashed destruction upon Elhime and the the other realms. Five realm had already fallen to their assault, merging into a single larger realm with only 4 remaining Elhime, the Dragon realm, the Murim, and The Dead Valley. Now, amidst the slaughter, a single scream of agony pierced through the storm. "AAAAAHHHH!" Baron lets out a gut-wrenching scream in pain, his voice raw as his arm was torn from his body. Blood gushed from the wound, soaking the earth beneath him. He gritted his teeth, refusing to give in to the unbearable pain. Standing before him, towering over four meters tall, was the 110th Demon King. The monstrous being had a body similar to an ogre, its muscles bulging, beneath dark, scaly skin. Its crimson eyes gleamed with amusement as it lifted Baron effortlessly by his throat, dangling him like a broken doll. "HAHAHA!" The Demon King''s voice roared like thunder. "Give up, human! You cannot win! Give up, and I might just let you live." Baron struggled, to breath. His vision blurred, but his determination did not waver. Through gritted teeth, he spat out his response "You¡­ will never¡­ beat us¡­ you damn DEMON!" The Demon King mocked him, tightening his grip. "You think you can stand against the Demon God?" The Demon King laughed. "HAHAHA! You fool! I am the weakest of the Demon Lords! Even if you somehow manage to defeat me, there are 110 more waiting for you¡ªeach stronger than the last!" Baron''s gaze never faltered. He knew fear, but he refused to surrender to it. The demon''s amusement faded. "Tch! You''re not fun at all." With a growl of irritation, the Demon King slammed Baron into the ground. "UGH-AAAHH!" Pain wracked his body as his bones cracked upon impact. The Demon King loomed over him, lifting his massive battle-axe. "You would have made a fine servant. Too bad you chose your own death." Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. As the axe came swinging down, Baron closed his eyes. He thought of his fallen comrades, the friends he had lost in battle. In his last moments, he thought of his wife, Emma who was carrying his unborn child. He closed his eyes as a tear slid down his cheek. "I''m sorry, Emma¡­" KLANG! A powerful shockwave erupted as something stopped the Demon King''s strike. The battlefield trembled under an immense pressure. The air grew heavy.. The Demon King staggered back, his feet sinking into the ground under the weight of an unknown force. Baron, barely conscious, forced himself to look up. A figure stood before him. He was tall¡ªaround 190 cm¡ªwith broad shoulders and a strong, well-defined physique. Yet, despite his build, his face appeared to be of someone no older than sixteen. His clothes were tattered, drenched in blood, but he stood firm, radiating an overwhelming presence. "A¡­ kid?" Baron muttered in disbelief, his eyes wide open. The newcomer turned his head slightly, his expression were unreadable. "Sorry, I''m late. Ran into some unexpected guests on the way." He tossed a bag toward Baron. "High-rank healing potions. Use them! Save as many as you can!" Baron caught the bag with trembling hands. He could see it clearly now¡ªthis man had fought through hordes of demons to get here. And yet, he looked unfazed. "HOW DARE A HUMA¡ª!" The Demon King''s roar was cut short as the boy''s foot slammed into his gut, sending him hurtling across the battlefield. He crashed through debris, carving a deep trench in the blood-soaked earth. The young man dusted off his boot, sighing. "Damn! Your breath stinks Dude!" The Demon King''s body trembled with rage. "I''LL KILL YOU, YOU DAMN HUMAN!" His dark aura surged violently, coating the battlefield in an oppressive dark aura. Yet, the young man took a step forward, completely unfazed. "Bruh! Do you even have what it takes?" The boy said nonchalently The air grew heavy. A single word followed, like a decree from a higher being. "KNEEL." The Demon King collapsed. "Wha¡ª?!" The Demon king panicked, his body refused to obey. He struggled, but his limbs wouldn''t move. He frozen, as an overwhelming force crushing his very essence. The young man tilted his head. "Oww! Look at you- Your instincts are screaming at you, aren''t they?" The Demon King''s let out a roar in rage, but then, he saw them¡ªthose eyes. Slitted pupils. Golden irises that shimmered like molten fire. The eyes of a dragon. A shiver ran down his spine. Without thinking, he leapt back, jumping over a hundred meters in a single bound. But it was too late. By the time he landed, the young man was already there, waiting for him. The Demon King barely had time to react before his attacker vanished again¡ªno, he was too fast to follow. A sharp pain erupted in his neck. His vision spun, it was as if the whole world had turned upside down. Then, he saw it¡ªhis own body standing headless, his blood painting the battlefield in crimson. The young man caught the severed head, staring into its eyes. "What were you thinking? You were already dead the moment you looked into my eyes." He dropped the head abruptly, before turning back to Baron. Though Baron was one of the strongest knights of the continent, he was left speechless. He had seen countless battles, faced terrifying foes, but never had he witnessed such overwhelming dominance. By a kid at that. "Who¡­ are you?" Baron managed to whisper. The young man extended a hand, his expression calm yet firm. "Ashborn..... Ashborn Dragonheart." Chapter 1 :-Where It all began Our protagonist, a 67-year-old man, wakes up in the evening. It''s 12:30. "Ahh¡­ that felt good," he muttered, savoring the rare, peaceful sleep he had finally managed to get in weeks. As he swung his legs off the bed and placed his foot on the floor, but surprisingly something warm and mushy greeted him. He felt a chill run down his spine almost as if he instinctively knew that it was "Huh?" He glanced down and froze. He had stepped on dog poop. "Damn you, LITTLE SHIT! COME HERE!" he shouted at his dog, Rafale, chasing the mischievous pup around the room. Though he might seem like an ordinary old man, he was far from it. He was a business tycoon who built unicorn startups, a multibillionaire, a certified genius, a fitness industry icon, and a 13-time Ironman competitor. The list of his accomplishments went on and on. But today, something big was about to happen, big enough that even he, who had accurately predicted the 2032 stock market crash, could never have seen it coming. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Suddenly, a secretary from King Corporation barged into his room. "Boss, you''re late! How could you forget about your meeting this evening?" Distracted by the chase, the old man tripped over a chair and hit the floor with a loud thud. "Ahh¡­ there was a meeting?" he asked, groaning. Though he was quite the genius but he could be quite a handful. "Sir, get ready! We''re leaving now!" the secretary urged. "Alright, alright, I''m coming. Can''t let an old man some rest, huh? And as for you, you little shit," he added, glaring at Rafale. "Woof woof," Rafale barked, almost mockingly. After a tiresome of activities, the meeting was done by 6 PM. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the city. In front of the office building, there was a park where the old man liked to take a walk after work¡ª it was a small ritual of his. As he strolled, lost in thought, he decided to head back to his car. Just as he approached the car, a child dashed out from the park onto the road while chasing a ball. The screech of tires and the roar of an oncoming truck filled the air. The child was about to get hit. Without a second thought, he lunged forward, shoving the child out of harm''s way. *Thud. The truck hit him. Blood spilled across the pavement as he lay there, struggling to breathe. His vision blurred, but a single thought crossed his mind: I hope the kid is safe¡­ The next moment. Surprisingly, he felt no pain. When he opened his eyes, he was no longer on the road. Instead, he found himself in a vast, pure white space. The ground beneath him shimmered like water but felt solid underfoot. In front of him floated a glowing, orb-like figure. "God?" Chapter 2:- God? "God?" The protagonist guesses who¡ªor what¡ªwas before him. "Surprised, are you?" said the glowing sphere, its voice sounded deep and omnipotent as it echoed through the pure while space, and yet strangely warm. "Ahh¡­ a bulb? Hello!" "Hmm¡­ I''m surprised you''re not screaming. Most people struggle to come to terms with death. And no, I am not a bulb." "Ahh, yes. I''m dead. So¡­" "Yes, go on," the voice urged, as if it already knew what the protagonist was about to say. "Are you God?" "Well¡­ something like that. My status in Elhime is equivalent to what you''d consider a god, but I am not as omnipotent as your definition implies, I too was created at some point... by some higher power" the voice replied. "So, sir¡­ am I going to Heaven or Hell?" Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. "Well, in a typical case, you''d go to one of those. But¡­" "But what?" the old man asked, surprised. "You know the novel you wrote?" "You mean the first one?" "Yes, that one," the voice said with an amused tone. It turned out that this so-called "God" was a fan of his work! The entity had loved his novel so much that it decided to reincarnate him into a world similar to the one he had created. But there was a twist¡ªhe was tasked with saving the world, all for the entity''s entertainment, of course. "No way! Reincarnated, huh?" he thought, barely able to contain his excitement. Back when he was alive, he had often dreamed of something like this happening. "You know what? Let''s do it! I''ll show you something perfect!" "Haha, now that''s more like it," the voice said, brimming with joy. "I will assist you on your journey." "Looking forward to it!" Suddenly, the entire area was bathed in a blinding light. When the brightness subsided, the protagonist heard a voice. "Congratulations, Duchess. It''s a boy," a maid said. "Wow, he''s so cute," a woman¡ªhis new mother¡ªsaid lovingly. "Let''s name him Ashborn," she said softly, her voice warm and gentle. The baby opened his eyes. "Huh¡­ wait! I really got reincarnated!" he thought, taking a moment to orient himself. He looked down at his small, chubby hands. "Wow! I''m a baby again!" He glanced up at the woman holding him. "So this is my mother¡­" he thought. Then, something struck him. "Wait, did that woman say ''Duchess''? I''m a noble!" He grinned internally, his thoughts shouting, My name is Ashborn! "This is awesome!" he thought excitedly, though all that came out of his mouth were babyish babbles. Chapter 3:- Family and Cake-Fight Ashborn, now reborn as a baby, currently he is only 2 months old. "I wonder what''s new in this world?" he thought, his tiny eyes sparkling with excitement. Unable to speak properly yet, he let out incoherent babbles. He attempted to move. "UuuuAAaa!" He let''s out a funny sound, as he tried summoning all his strength, only managing to wriggle out of the cradle. He was still not used to his new body. "Haaaa!" he sighed in frustration, throwing a cute little tantrum. "Why! Why do I get tired so easily?" he pouted, his adorable expression making the moment even more amusing. Suddenly, an idea struck him. "OH! I know! Status Window!" Stretching his tiny arms forward, closing his eyes as if trying to summon a mysterious power. Suddenly, something appeared before him. "Ahh!" he gasped, startled by the unexpected result. [ [ Status Window ] ] Name: AshBorn DragonHeart Age : 1.5 years Title: Son of the Dragons Strength : 7 Agility : 10 Endurance : 5 Stamina : 3 Senses : 15 Health : 75/75 Mana : 1250 Vitality : 100 Intilligence: 300 Fatigue: 7/10 [ Skills- [Yet to be unlocked]] "WOW!" His eyes sparkled as he clapped his tiny hands, thoroughly delighted with himself. He studied the status window curiously until another notification popped up: [Status Window: A Message has been received. Would you like to open it?] [Y/N] "A message?" he babbled, tilting his head. "Yes." [Deity of Light: I see you have opened your status window. So to help you properly accommodate your new body I had to seal most of your memories from your previous life... So essentially you mental age actually matches your real age, except you may be a bit smarter than the other kids your age... that''s it,Enjoy your reincarnation.] "Huh? Seriously! only this? I still have so many questions!" Ashborn blabbed angrily, puffing up his cheeks again. Another notification appeared. [A new message has arrived.] "Hmm¡­ Finally, something useful." "Open." [Deity of Light: Oh, by the way, your family is the same family you had in your previous life. Though they don''t have memories of their last life, they are the same souls of your family from before.] "Oh!" Ashborn sighed in relief, a sense of belonging settling over him. He had been feeling slightly out of place, but knowing this made him feel at home again. "Thank God! Now let''s see the other important bits..." He searched the Status window, only to find nothing else. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Huh? AT LEAST TELL ME WHAT I HAVE TO DO, GOD DAMN IT!" he shouted, pouting in frustration. Exhausted from his little adventure, Ashborn soon fell asleep. --- Sitting right behind the baby, a tall and handsome man with long black hair and dark eyes, towering over 200 cm, had been watching the baby''s adorable actions. His gaze sparkled with amusement. This was none other than Gray DragonHeart, Ashborn''s father¡ªthe strongest man on the continent, head of the DragonHeart family, and Northern Duke of the empire. The DragonHeart family was a legendary bloodline, tracing its origins to a union with a dragon, where a great ancestor of their''s had married an actual dragon out of love. Their immense strength, mastery of mana, innate combat abilities, and the presence of a "Dragon Heart" were undeniable proofs of their extraordinary legacy. Their influence rivaled, and even surpassed, that of the royal family. Gray himself had once beaten up the current emperor during their youth for disrespecting his parents, and the royal family had been powerless to retaliate. "HONEY! Please come here!" a soft melodic voice called out. It belonged to Feronia, Ashborn''s mother and Gray''s wife. She was a high elf of unmatched beauty and the daughter of the Elf King himself. Her silver hair and luminous blue eyes were legendary, granting her special powers which was the result of the blessings he recieved from the world tree. They say all the animals of the forest had gathered to celebrate her birth in the elven kingdom. --- Hours later, Ashborn stirred awake, dreaming of flying through the skies in his dreams. "Wooo!... The world is spinning!" he thought groggily, still half-asleep. Spinning circles with a funny expression Khyaa! "You- Young master is FLYING!" a maid screamed, startled as she saw the baby hovering mid-air. "WAA...WA..! What just happened?" Ashborn blinked in confusion. He was indeed flying! Convinced it was just a dream, he decided to have some fun while he was at it. "YEAAAAAAAAAHHHH BOIIIIII !!! You''ll never catch me!" he blabbled cutely, zooming around the mansion as the servants chased after him in panic. The maid who originally saw Ashborn floting had already fainted. Ashborn, enjoying his newfound abilities, slid beneath feet and darted through hallways, outmaneuvering everyone. The knights standing by couldn''t help but laugh at the chaos but chose not to intervene, judging to make fun of the servants to be more important. The situation escalated to the point where the servants pleaded with Gray for help, but he, ever the jokester, only made things worse. "I''ll give 1000 gold coins to whoever catches him!" Gray announced with a laugh, casually flying alongside Ashborn, recording the entire escapade and even offering tips on evasion. "That''s my boy!" he cheered. Eventually, Feronia returned from shopping, only to dodge a flying chunk of cake that nearly hit her. "What are you guys doing?!" she yelled, glaring at her husband and child, who were having a full-blown cake fight. "Hah haa!" The father-son duo laughed, completely ignoring her presence. With a snap of her fingers, Feronia reversed the mess, restoring the room and its contents to their original state. "GRAY DRAGONHEART!" she shouted, her voice leaving no room for argument. Gray froze, realizing he was in trouble. "Oh-oh! Let''s continue this some other time, son!" he said, vanishing before Feronia could scold him. Ashborn spun in the air, clapping his hands in laughter, but Feronia quickly caught him. "You''ve caused a lot of trouble today, Ashborn," she said, falling into a laughter herself. Holding her mischievous son, Feronia couldn''t help but laugh. "Hahaa! You two really are alike.You literally took Like father, like son to a whole another level!" Ashborn giggled as he drifted off to sleep, tired from the day''s excitement. The next morning, Ashborn woke to a startling realization¡ªhis flying antics hadn''t been a dream. The recordings were broadcasted across the entire dukedom, earning him the nickname "God of Mischief." "Damn! That''s kinda cool, right?" Ashborn thought, grinning with pride. Chapter 4:- Meaning of Life AshBorn was three and a half years old now, and today, his family was visiting his mother''s side of the family today. They were going on a trip to the Elf Kingdom¡ªthe home of the royal elf family, their grandparents. His mother had been eager to introduce him to her parents¡ªhis grandparents, but they couldn''t visit them earlier because of a massive gate that had suddenly opened in their kingdom, causing all kinds of trouble. AshBorn was also an older brother now. He had a cute little sister named Aelwyn. She was only six months old and was always with their mother. Her name meant "fairy from another world." "We''re here! At the teleporter!" AshBorn exclaimed excitedly. Their family was using a teleportation circle for the journey. It was expensive, but for a duke, it was just another convenience, nothing speacial. As they stepped into the glowing mana circle, a bright light enveloped them, and in an instant, they teleported the Elf Kingdom. In the distance, the majestic World Tree towered over everything, its enormous branches stretching toward the skys grabbing glowing mana crystals hight in the sky. "Hello there, little ones," a beautiful elf woman greeted them, in a warn voice¡ªjust like Feronia''s. "Who...?" "Say hello, kids. These are your grandparents," Feronia urged, introducingher mother. AshBorn blinked in surprise. "Huh? But you look like you''re in your late twenties!" He had expected someone old, but the woman standing before him looked almost as young as his mother. The realization caught him completely off guard. "Oh my, late twenties, huh?" The woman chuckled. "Cut it out, Mom," Feronia said, looking embarrassed by her mother''s playful nature. "We elves age much slower than humans, even though our lifespans are roughly the same," a tall man explained. His had a deep, warm voice, carring a sense of wisdom, and his towering height of nearly 190 cm added to his dignified presence, befitting of a king "And this is your grandfather," Feronia introduced him. "Wow, you''re really tall!" AshBorn said in amazement, he looked at the man with sparking eyes. "Haha, I know! But your father is still taller than me," he responded with a hearty laugh. Gray Dragonheart, AshBorn''s father, was one of the tallest men on the continent, standing at an impressive 201 cm. "Come on, we''re getting late for the banquet," the grandfather announced. The Elf King had organized a grand feast at the royal palace in honor of their visit. The halls were filled with magical lights, and the scent of exotic dishes filled the air added to the royalty of the banquet. After the banquet, in the tranquility of the royal garden, the Elf King stood beside AshBorn, gazing at the World Tree. "You see that?" he asked, pointing toward the world tree. Stolen story; please report. "Yes... it''s huge," AshBorn said, awestruck. "The World Tree protects us, and in turn, we protect it. Legend says its branches hold the Nine Realms together." "Wow..." he whispered. "It has given life to countless creatures over time. Some thrive, others perish... It''s the natural order of things." As he spoke, AshBorn noticed a small fish swimming in a pond nearby. Suddenly, a larger fish devoured it in one swift motion. "Grandpa, look! It ate the other fish!" he exclaimed. The Elf King chuckled and then asked, "What do you think about the circle of life?" It was the same question that the previous elf king had asked him when he was 13 years old. The elf king didn''t mean to ask a child such a deep question, he just wanted to see Ashborn''s reaction, but somewhere in his heart it was test of character. AshBorn frowned in thought. He probably expected a simple, childlike answer, but the question felt deeper than that. "The circle of life, huh..." AshBorn paused. "I think it makes life more precious." The Elf King, taken aback, looked at him curiously. "Hunting and being hunted... it makes you appreciate being alive. If nothing ever changed, life would just be boring, right? The struggle to survive¡ªthe uncertainty that you may not live the next day¡ªI think it just makes life more meaningful." He turned to his grandfather, his voice steady. "A deer runs from a lion to live, while the lion hunts the deer to survive. The outcome unpredictable, and that''s what makes life precious." The Elf King stared at him in silence, his expression were unreadable. But then, a smile formed on his lips, a smile filled with something proud, something deeper. "AshBorn, come with me," he said. Without hesitation, the boy followed. They walked through the grand gardens until they reached a cliffside overlooking the vast kingdom. "Grandpa, where are we going?" AshBorn asked. "You''ll see." The garden grass began to glow in a green-hue, the Elf King released a small amount of his spirit energy and let out a sharp whistle. A glowing creature emerged from the depths below. It looked like a jellyfish with glowing pattern which resembled stars, but much larger, floating gracefully in the air. "This is a Jeldo," he explained. "They only come out at night and spend the day underwater. He will take us to the World Tree." AshBorn watched in awe as they stepped onto the creature''s translucent back. It glowed softly beneath their feet as it lifted them into the sky. The city below was alive with golden lights, but as they soared closer to the World Tree, a peaceful silence fell over them. "Let me introduce you to the World Tree," the Elf King said with a proud smile. As if sensing his words, a small branch from the tree extended toward him, as if greeting an old friend. Then, it shifted, reaching out toward AshBorn. "This is my grandson, AshBorn, son of Feronia and Gray," he introduced the boy. The branch gently touched AshBorn''s forehead. In that instant, a surge of energy rushed through him. A powerful wind swirled around his body, lifting Ashborn off the ground. His heart pounded wildly, but strangely, he didn''t feel afraid. Instead, an overwhelming sense of calm washed over him. The World Tree began to glow¡ªits leaves shimmering in a brilliant emerald light. The sky blazed into a dazzling spectacle as stars shone brighter, and birds awakened, singing in harmony with a mysterious, fairy-like voice. The entire kingdom watched in awe. Suddenly, intricate patterns climbed up AshBorn''s skin, glowing like veins of pure energy. A final burst of light flashed before everything settled, leaving behind plum blossoms along with a peaceful silence. His body felt... different. Heightened and connected to the universe. The Elf King stood still, his eyes wide in surprise. "The World Tree... has given its greatest blessing to AshBorn..." he whispered, a tear forming in his eye. From a distance, Feronia and Gray rushed toward them. "Dad! What just happened? Is AshBorn okay?!" Feronia asked, with worry in her voice. The Elf King turned to her with a rare expression of pure joy. "You did well raising this child," he said softly. Feronia looked stunned. "Thanks...?" she replied, her voice filled with confusion. The Elf King rarely gave out compliments, yet here he was, praising her. As AshBorn stood beneath the World Tree, he felt something new¡ªsomething profound. A connection. A destiny waiting to unfold. Chapter 5:- Meeting with the Dragons "Today, we''re visiting Dad''s side of the family!" Ashborn announced loudly, smiling . "Well¡­ his dragon family." He paused for dramatic effect, nodding to himself. "Turns out, Dad''s parents passed away when he was thirteen. They say it was of natural causes¡­ but Dad did say he has his doubts." He rubbed his chin like a detective deep in thought. "So, to protect dad, the family of our great-great-dragon-ancestor-grandma came here!" "Long name, I know. I just don''t actually know her name yet." With that, the family entered into the secret underground path beneath their castle. It was a stone passage with hundreds of traps and magic circles that led them into a massive dungeon-like chamber. At its center, an orb pulsed with light, it floated above a network of glowing magic circles. But these weren''t ordinary magic circles. Ashborn felt it. Something was¡­ different. Ashborn looked closely. "Dad! These magic circles¡ªthey look different, and they feel¡ª" "Nice? Yeah, I know." Gray Dragonheart smirked, as if enjoying his son''s curiosity. "These circles come from ancient ruins. This is a security system. To activate it, you need to say the right phrase in Dragon Tongue. (The language, not an actual tongue)" "But why does¡ª" "It feels nice here because of draconic magic," Gray explained, as he worked on unlocking the security code. "Since we have dragon blood, its energy resonates with us, that''s why it''s soothing. As for most people, though? They''d pass out from the sheer presence of dragon power." "Ohhh, that makes sense¡ªWAIT! What about Mom?!" Gray chuckled. "She''s fine. If you have any connection to dragons, the magic reacts accordingly. Besides, she already met your great-dragon-uncle¡ªthe one who built this teleporter." "Whoa," Ashborn was amazed, his eyes widened with wonder. "So, Dad¡­ does this mean I can learn Dragon Tongue too?!" His eyes sparkled with excitement. "You already know it."Gray replied with a smile. "Huh?! No, I don''t¡ª" Gray ruffled his son''s hair. "All dragons and dragon-blooded beings know Dragon Tongue by birth. Your case was just¡­ special. But don''t worry. By the end of today, you''ll remember all the Dragon Tongue you''ll ever need." Ashborn grinned. "Come on, Dad, hurry up!!!" "Bahh! Bahh!" Aelwyn, his younger sister, called out too. "Hurry up, honey!" Feronia called from behind. Gray sighed. "Alright, alright. On it." Gray spoke a phrase in dragon tongue, thought Ashborn didn''t understand it, the ruins responded to his voice. They started glowing with golden light and in the next instant, the family was swallowed by the magic They teleported to a new place. A dragon''s nest. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. A massive shadow loomed over them. Towering high above them, a black dragon with piercing golden-green eyes gazed down at them, its voice rumbling like thunder, strangely felt friendly. "Look who we have here. I thought you had forgotten me." Ashborn stood frozen. He felt something. A strange connection. Like meeting someone he''d known forever, even though he had never seen this dragon before. His body reacted. A strange power surged within him, his heart started beating faster. His deep-sea-blue eyes flickered, turning slightly golden. His pupils sharpened, taking on a more draconic shape. "Sorry, Uncle," Gray said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Things have been¡­ busy." "Enough. I know that. Now hurry up and introduce me to these kids." The dragon''s tone was impatient, but there was a hint of amusement in his gaze. Gray nodded. "Ashborn, Aelwyn¡ªthis is your dragon uncle, Amaya." Ashborn stepped forward. "Nice to meet you, Uncle!" "Bahh! Bahh!" Aelwyn giggled, waving at the dragon. Amaya looked at them closely, then let out something that almost looked like a smile. "They will grow strong," he mused. Then, his gaze locked onto Ashborn. "This young one¡­ his aura has changed. It''s gotten a lot stronger." Gray''s expression slightly darkened. "I guess the World Tree''s blessings weakened the seal. At this rate, he would''ve broken it on his own in two or three months." Ashborn blinked. "Seal? What seal?" Gray exhaled. "Your birth was¡­ unique. When you were still in your mother''s womb, your draconic aura became too strong. To make sure you were born safely, your uncle sealed away your Dragon''s Authority." Amaya nodded. "It''s also why you don''t remember Dragon Tongue. But your sister does." Ashborn''s jaw dropped. "WHAT?! Aelwyn knows Dragon Tongue?!" The little girl just smiled, giggling innocently, almost as if she perfectly understood what was going through Ashborn''s head. A wave of jealousy hit him. "That''s so unfair!" Amaya chuckled. "Come. I shall remove your seal now." He reached out, one massive claw pressing gently against Ashborn''s chest. In a deep, ancient voice, he spoke the words of Dragon Tongue. The air trembled. Magic circles ignited beneath Ashborn''s feet, they kept growing, expanding in layers, until they covered the entire cave. Then¡ª *CRACK! The seal shattered. Releasing a sound which resembled that of breaking glass. A huge wave of power flooded Ashborn''s body. He gasped, his mind filling with memories, knowledge that felt like it had always been there, waiting to return. His connection to the world sharpened¡ªhe could feel the laws of nature, the pulse of magic around him itself. Golden light flared around him, taking the form of dragons swirling through the air, it was a mark of his majestic lineage. His eyes snapped open. His vision was different. It was sharper. He could now see things he hadn''t noticed before. "You''ll need time to adjust," Amaya rumbled. "Until then, control your power." Then, the dragon''s gaze shifted focusing on something unseen to AshBorn. "You! Come out! He can see you now. No point in hiding." A tiny, glowing orb floated into view, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Man, I wanted to observe a little longer," the spirit whined. "Things were just getting interesting too!" Ashborn tensed. "Who are you?! How did you get here?" "Hey, hey! Chill out, little guy!" The spirit waved its tiny hands. "They already know about me." Ashborn glanced at his father for confirmation. Gray just sighed with a slight nod. "I am a spirit of the World Tree. You can call me Apollo," the spirit introduced itself. "The World Tree sent me to look after you and teach you about spirit magic." Feronia nodded. "He came with you when you received the World Tree''s blessings." Ashborn still wasn''t sure how to process this, but before he could question anything further¡ª "Enough introductions." Amaya''s deep voice cut through the conversation. The dragon''s eyes bore into Apollo, it was a silent warning not to interfere further. Apollo chuckled nervously. "Alright, alright. I''ll leave you guys to it." He retreated into the world tree mark on Askborn''s forehead, curling up in Ashborn''s mind realm. For the rest of the day, the family spent time with Amaya talking, laughing, and playing in the vast dragon''s nest. Then, as the sun began to dip below the horizon¡ª "Ashborn," Amaya called. "You want to learn more about Draconic Magic, don''t you?" "YES! PLEASE!" Ashborn nearly jumped in excitement. Amaya''s lips curled into a grin. "Then fight me." "...Huh?! Fight?!" Chapter 6:- Duel with a Dragon "Huh!..Fight?" Amaya looked over to Gray with an excited expression, as he challenges Gray "Gray wanna bet who wins?" With a smirk Gray confidently states "5000 Gold" "Deal"Amaya replied as he looks over to Ashborn who was still confused" "Wait! You mea..aaAAHH!!!"Ash remarked as be starts falling into an unknown space With a snap of his fingers Gray Transforms the area into a Dark empty space using spatial Magic. The space was dark,noticeably lacking in oxygen.Before Ashborn could say anything, a creature covered in purple flames roared loudly. It looked like a smaller version of Amaya but something about it was a little different. It reached about Four feet in height on his 4 legs, still bigger than Ashborn who was 2 inches shorter. "Since you are still young, you will be fighting a lesser wyvern" Amaya stated in a loud echoing voice, thought he could not be seen anywhere. "But I don''t even have a weapon. How am I supposed to fight it, I''v never been taught to fi¡­aaAHHH!"Ashborn was interrupted by an Attack from the lesser wyvern. He fell back trying to Dodge the attack. "A Dragon blood needs no weapon! they can break any moment. Your hands are enough!" Amaya replied nowhere to be seen. "But..Ahh!" Ashborn gasped not being able to say anything because of the never ending attacks of the lesser wyvern. He realised he had no choice but to fight. With a loud roar which echoed through the arena, the arena was covered with a strong pressure which made it hard to move .The wyvern leaped onto Ashborn trying to get hold his neck. Ashborn retaliated by throwing a punch of his own. As his punch met the wyvern''s face. *Bam The wyvern flew back, Ashborn''s hands were slightly burnt because of the flames, but something about his punch was different. He had used Mana. The Status Window opened. [The User had unlocked Mana] [Skills have been unlocked] [Mana efficiency: 00.1%] [Skill: ''Mana Reinforcement'' has been unlocked] [Mana Reinforcement: Strengthens attacks and Defence using mana] Ashborn could feel a mysterious force which flowed through him. He remembered all the fantasy system manhwas he had read in his previous life. A smirk appeared on his face. He knew what he had to do. AshBorn took an offensive stance. "To think, I would experience this" Ashborn''s heart beating loudly filled with excitement he looked into the eyes of the wyvern. Although defeating the lesser wyvern seemed impossible at first, he felt his heart urging him to fight. The Instincts of a Dragon to Dominate and hunt his prey Awakened within him. His eyes shined brightly as they changed to resemble that of a Dragon''s. "COME AT ME!"he challenged the wyvern Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. With a Burst of Mana, Ashborn strengthened his legs and leaped onto the Wyvern, and slammed into the ground throwing bits of arena in the air. The Wyvern was taken aback, it sensed the Huge amount of mana within Ashborn. The wyvern stepped back, with a roar it surrounded the arena with flames. The flames along with the already lacking oxygen made it hard to breathe. Ashborn knew he had to finish the fight quickly. The two attacked each other, both pushed back the other. Injuries started to accumulate and blood rained over the arena. Ashborn has suffered burns all over his body, the flames were hurting him and his mana was depleting quickly. He stepped back. He remembered the words of his father, as he trained the knights in the Dukedom. ''Mana is like water; it flows through you and is very strong . Water can slam you with its force but if you focus it at a small point, it will cut through you deeper with half the force . The same can be said about mana.You can heighten your senses with it and if you focus you mana you can cut through your enemies with less than half the effort'' Ashborn stood still, he closed his eyes. Heightening his senses and focused inside himself. The flames continued to climb on top of him but he focused. The Wyvern sensing the opportunity charged his attack and leaped onto the boy to deliver a final attack. As Ashborn focused, he felt time slow down. He could sense the wyvern slowly getting close, at the last moment with a fluid motion, his body moved the shortest path it could and he delivered the final blow. *Bam [Skill obtained: ''Stab''] [Skill obtained: ''Mana control''] [Skill obtained: ''Heightened Senses''] [The ''Player'' has reached ''Level 1''!] "Level 1¡­ huh!" His hand had penetrated the lesser wyvern through the middle, the flames now extinguished. Ashborn stared at the lifeless body of the lesser wyvern, as it turned into dust. He took a sigh of relief. "Dad! Mom! Uncle! .. I.. Did it!" Ashborn panted as he tried to gather his breath. The battle was over. Or so it thought. Before Ashborn could gather himself. Two more lesser wyvern attacked him from the back. Ashborn was caught off guard. The two wyverns delivered deep slashes on his back. Ashborn fell down, he coughed out blood. The slashes had left huge claw marks on his back. "How could I forget it¡­" "The First Law of the wild¡­ never let your guard down"Ashborn said as he picked himself up again, disappointed in himself he prepared to fight again. The second round began, this time Ashborn on the losing side. The injuries from the last fight had already made it tough to fight, Ashborn was losing. Finally the two wyverns, each biting into both of Ashborn''s hands, put his attacks on a hold. "AAAHHHHHH!" Ashborn screamed in agony. The wyverns further tried to burn Ashborn with their flames. That moment Ashborn felt his instincts take over, his pupils now disappeared. Ashborn lets out a Dragon''s Roar and the whole arena is covered in bone crushing pressure. The wyverns freeze under the pressure, unable to move. Ashborn''s body gets covered in a Gold Aura. He had gone berserk, his strength skyrocketed fueled by his rage, he ragdolled the wyverns crushing and ripping the wyverns apart with his sheer strength. He destroyed the arena into bits, and until he regained control he had destroyed everything. Now conscious he looked at himself covered in scars and bitemarks, his tiny hands burnt, blood trickling down his head. He smiled proud of himself. "HAHa.. ha..I look like a True Warrior" he spoke these words before he faints. The arena disappears, Ashborn lies unconscious on the floor. Gray DragonHeart visibly upset said" You went too far " he stared into Amaya''s eyes with an angered look. "I apologize, I sensed something in the boy. His Dragon blood might have some other latent powers within it. So I had to test it to see if it was dangerous, " Amaya apologized, trying to calm Gray down. "You are supposed to ask me before you test something on MY BOY! AMAYA!!!" Gray spoke out loud in an angry tone. "I truly apologize! If you wish, I shall take responsibility for my actions" Amaya said as he lowered his head in apology. Gray sighed* "You are excused¡­ I know you did it out of concern. Just tell me before you try something man! "Gray tried to calmed himself down. "I thank you for your generosity"Amaya replied back Gray understood Amaya''s actions were out of concern. Being a Dragon blood, if Ashborn''s energy had gone out of control it could make him vulnerable to evil energies and make him dangerous or worse, it could even lead to death. Thus making him use up his energy could help me get a better understanding of his powers. The previous Duke, Gray''s father, had to kill his own elder brother because of the same reason. Amaya and Gray looked over to Ashborn, now in Gray''s lap they focused on healing him. moments later, they saw Feronia returning from her trip to town down the mountain, and Gray looked over to Amaya. "How are we going to explain this to her?" "Ohh! Looks like I have to go now. I had a really Important appointment."Amaya, being particularly afraid of angering Feronia,tried to escape the mountain before Feronia arrived. "HEY! You COME HERE!... DAMN YOU AMAYA" Gray screamed who knew it was in trouble today. Chapter 7:- A Fairy Spirit After the exhausting battle with the lesser wyverns, Ashborn found himself in that same familiar white space. "Huh?! AM I DEAD?! AGAIN?!!" A chuckle echoed around him, followed by a voice he recognized. "Haha... Don''t worry, you''re still alive." Ashborn turned to see a towering figure¡ªa three-meter-tall humanoid cloaked entirely in white. "Wait... Are you who I think you are?" "Yes, it''s me. The one who sent you to your new world," the figure confirmed. Ashborn pouted, puffing his cheeks. "You know, you sent me off way too fast last time! It was really confusing, you know!" The figure chuckled. "Summoning a soul from another universe takes a lot of energy¡­ Our time was limited." "You really seem to enjoy being a kid again," he added, watching Ashborn''s expression with amusement. Ashborn blinked, realizing what he was doing. "Ugh! This is embarrassing!" He quickly turned his head, trying to hide his flushed face. The figure only laughed. "Relax, you really are just a kid." And he was right. To ensure Ashborn''s soul could fully adapt to his new body, most of his past life memories had been sealed. His mind, in every sense, was now that of a three-and-a-half-year-old child. Ashborn''s expression softened. "So I really am a kid now¡­" He hesitated for a moment before bowing his head slightly. "I just want to say¡­ thank you." Deep down, he had been carrying a weight¡ªan unshakable feeling that it was wrong for him to enjoy childhood again. But knowing that he truly was a child lifted that burden. "Now that that''s out of the way¡­ I should properly introduce myself," the figure said. "My name is Xeno. I can''t say much about myself due to causality." Ashborn tilted his head. "Causality?" Xeno''s expression grew serious. "Yes. I called you here to make a final modification to your system and warn you about something important." He crossed his arms. "Because I broke the laws of the Universal Tree to send you here, your soul accumulated an immense amount of causality. I managed to clear most of it, but¡­ some still lingers." Ashborn''s expression turned serious as well. "Okay, so what exactly is causality?" "It''s a force that builds up when you defy the laws of the Universal Tree. It eats away at the soul over time and can cause severe damage to one''s mind realm," Xeno explained. "The only way to remove the remaining causality is to strengthen your mind realm, grow stronger, and heal the damage yourself." Ashborn nodded. "Got it! And what exactly is the Universal Tree?" "It''s similar to the World Tree you may have heard of, but far greater. It holds all the infinite universes in existence. Even we do not know its true origins." Ashborn absorbed the information before remembering something. "And last time, you mentioned something about saving the world¡­ What did you mean by that?" The moment he asked, his body started fading, as if he were being pulled away. Xeno sighed. "Looks like our time is up¡­ I''m afraid I can''t tell you the full truth yet. But know this¡ªthere is a threat capable of destroying your entire universe." His voice turned solemn. "You need to get stronger. Fast." As Ashborn''s vision blurred, he heard Xeno''s final words. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. "Take care, Ashborn. We will meet again when the disaster begins." Ashborn closed his eyes. "Goodbye, Xeno." The next moment, he woke up in bed. Bandages covered his body, but most of his injuries had already healed. He barely had time to process what had happened before he felt tiny fingers pinching his cheeks. "Aelwyn! Can you stop¡­ playing with my¡­ face?" Ashborn mumbled, his voice soft and tired. "Ba! Baaa!!" His little sister giggled, completely ignoring his protest. Just then, the door burst open. "My baby!!" Feronia rushed in, eyes filled with worry. "You finally woke up! You slept for three days! Are you feeling okay? Does anything hurt?" Ashborn felt a little awkward being fussed over like a child¡­ but he was a child now. He chuckled. "What about Dad and Uncle?" Feronia''s face darkened. "Oh, you don''t even need to ask. I gave them a nice three-hour-long lecture." She then handed him a bracelet¡ªmade from a gold alloy with a large green mana stone embedded in it. "This is an artifact I made. If they try anything funny next time, just use the bracelet. It''ll alert me to your location, and it''s imbued with an 8-circle defensive and offensive magic spell." Ashborn''s eyes widened. Artifacts of that caliber were so valuable that wars could break out over them. Only an 8 or 9-circle mage could craft them, and there were fewer than 50 in the entire world. As for Feronia¡ªshe was a 9-circle mage, one of the Seven Sages. Ashborn clutched the bracelet, feeling grateful. "Thanks, Mom¡­ but can I take a bath now?" A Few Hours Later¡ªCastle Training Grounds The sun was beginning to set when Ashborn stepped onto the training grounds and called out. "Hey!! Mr. Spirit, can you hear me?" A swirl of wind appeared before him. "Finally!! You called me! So, how can I help you?" The spirit circled around him before stopping midair. "Why were you following me?" Ashborn asked, crossing his arms. "To watch over you and teach you about the energy of nature." Ashborn frowned. "Energy of nature?" He vaguely remembered his mother mentioning it but never fully understood. "It''s the life force that flows through all of nature¡ªplants, trees, animals. It gives life and, if controlled properly, can rapidly boost your recovery, strength, and potential." The spirit grinned. "With the blessing of the World Tree you received, you can even heal soul-related attacks." Ashborn''s eyes sharpened. He already knew he needed to get stronger¡ªthis only confirmed it. "Alright. Since Mom and Dad already knew about you, I''ll trust you." "Of course! As a Spirit of the World Tree, I would never lie!" The spirit puffed out its tiny chest proudly. "Then¡­ teach me!" Ashborn''s voice brimmed with excitement. "Hoho! That''s the spirit! Let''s form the contract now!" Wind swirled around them, carrying bright green leaves and glowing pink plum blossoms into the air. The spirit''s voice rang out. "Ashborn, do you accept me as your spirit?" "I accept!" A burst of green light, tinged with pink, flashed. As it faded, the spirit took on a new form¡ªa tiny humanoid figure, only five inches tall, with shimmering fairy-like wings. It struck a peace sign. "Yo!" The spirit grinned. Chapter 8:- Awakening "Yo!" A tiny figure appeared in front of Ashborn, flashing a peace sign with a big grin. "Haha¡­ Finally! I can manifest myself!" the spirit cheered, stretching his arms as if he had just been freed from a long confinement. "You have no idea how long I''ve been waiting for this moment!" Ashborn blinked in surprise. "Wow¡­ that was quite the entrance." The spirit puffed out his chest proudly. "Well, I guess I should introduce myself properly. I am a fairy spirit of the World Tree. The name''s Alan!" He floated around Ashborn as he continued, "There are three main types of spirits. First, fairy spirits like me, who mostly live with the World Tree. Then there are dead spirits, which are souls of powerful beings who refuse to leave this realm even after death. Lastly, there are elemental spirits, born from the condensation of pure natural energy, capable of controlling elements like fire, water, and wind." Alan paused for dramatic effect before adding, "And then, there are the rarer unique spirits and the primordial spirits¡­ but those guys almost never show themselves." "Whoa¡­" Ashborn''s eyes sparkled with fascination. Alan glanced at the setting sun. "Hmm¡­ the time looks good. Let''s start training." Ashborn sat up, eager. "Right now?" "The time and place where you begin your training have a huge impact on your progress," Alan explained. "The best times are sunrise and sunset¡ªwhen natural energy reaches its peak. The presence of both the sun and moon acts as a catalyst to speed up your growth." Ashborn nodded and sat down in a lotus position as Alan instructed, ready to meditate. "Natural energy is similar to mana, but there''s a key difference," Alan continued. "Mana exists everywhere, but natural energy only exists where life thrives. It''s closer to life energy itself." "To absorb it, you need to first sense the life energy inside you. Only then can you connect to the life energy around you." Ashborn closed his eyes and focused. Minutes passed. Then hours. Sweat dripped down his face, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t sense it. Frustrated, he opened his eyes. "Alan, how am I supposed to sense life energy? I can''t find it at all!" Alan scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh¡­ I don''t know. Just focus more, I guess?" Ashborn stared at him, dumbfounded. "What do you mean you don''t know?! Aren''t you supposed to be training me?!" Alan averted his gaze. "W-Well, we fairies can sense life energy naturally from birth¡­ so, uh, I never really had to learn it myself." Ashborn groaned. "You mean I have to figure this out on my own?" "Pretty much," Alan admitted with an innocent shrug. Ashborn exhaled sharply and went back to meditating. He tried again and again, but the results were the same. That night, he went to bed feeling frustrated. The next morning, Ashborn buried himself in the castle library. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "Where is it?! Why can''t I find anything?!" he groaned, lying on the floor surrounded by books. He had spent the entire day searching for something¡ªanything¡ªabout life energy, but found nothing useful. Taking a break, he absentmindedly picked up a book on mana devices. It described a security system that used mana frequencies to detect intruders. The device worked by releasing a broad range of frequencies, using the principle of resonance to amplify specific signals and make them easier to detect. Something clicked in Ashborn''s mind. "If resonance amplifies signals¡­ then what if I use the same concept to amplify life energy?" His exhaustion vanished as excitement took over. He dove into books on wave theory and energy resonance, piecing together a method to detect life energy. Alan observed quietly from the side, wondering if Ashborn had given up on training. But as time passed, he realized something¡ªAshborn hadn''t quit. He was just approaching the problem in his own way. After three days of relentless study, Ashborn finally had a solid theory. He rushed to his parents with his findings. Feronia studied Ashborn''s notes carefully. "Hmm¡­ this does seem possible. I don''t see why it wouldn''t work." Gray, however, frowned. "If this is true, it could revolutionize our understanding of energy. But if it falls into the wrong hands¡­ it could also be dangerous." Feronia nodded. "We must keep this a secret." Ashborn''s eyes burned with determination. "Mom! Dad! I want to try it!" After some discussion, Feronia decided to test his theory herself. A moment later, she opened her eyes in shock. "It works¡­" Ashborn pumped his fist in the air. "Yes! I knew it! I knew it!!" Feronia smiled proudly. She had spent six months learning to sense life energy, achieving it at age seven¡ªa record only broken by Gray, who had done it at six. But Ashborn? He wasn''t even four yet. That night, they celebrated Ashborn''s achievement. The next day, Ashborn began applying his theory. For a full week, he practiced relentlessly. And then¡­ finally¡­ He felt it. A flame-like energy surrounded his body¡ªnot burning, but cold and soothing. It pulsed softly, like a heartbeat, wrapping him in a gentle warmth. Ashborn widened his senses. Slowly, he reached beyond himself¡ªand he felt it. The life energy of everything around him. The world came alive in his mind. Every plant, every creature, every breath of wind¡ªhe could feel it all. The deeper his concentration, the stronger the energy became. Time slowed, and in his mind, he floated within an endless sky, surrounded by glowing particles. More and more gathered, as if drawn to him, before surging toward his chest¡ªabsorbed by the World Tree''s mark, which began to glow brightly. Ashborn''s eyes snapped open, now shining with newfound power. Alan beamed with pride. "Congratulations! You did it." Chapter 9:- Debut & A Girl Ashborn would be turning five in just a few days. After becoming the youngest in history to gain control over natural energy, his name had already spread across the continent. Today was a big day¡ªhis official debut as a noble. Nobles from all over the empire were coming to introduce themselves in hopes of forming good relations with the DragonHeart family, including the emperor himself. But what truly excited Ashborn was the chance to finally meet other kids his age. Maybe, just maybe, he''d make a friend today. The banquet preparations were grand. Ashborn, not one to sit idly by, even helped the maids and butlers, going as far as building a vacuuming robot inspired by cleaning machines from his previous life. The robots were an instant hit, selling out their first batch of 2,500 units within a week and spreading throughout the empire. As carriages arrived one by one, each more extravagant than the last, nobles stepped out in their finest attire, hoping to impress the DragonHeart family. For them, this was more than just a banquet¡ªit was a chance to secure favor with the strongest family on the continent. "Ashborn." Gray DragonHeart called out to his son, who was dressed in a finely tailored suit, a silver-Black dragon emblem stitched onto the left side of his chest pocket¡ªthe proud symbol of the DragonHeart family. "Son, today is important. Keep your head high and don''t mind the stares." "The stares?" Ashborn asked, confused. "Not everyone comes with good intentions," Gray said, his tone serious. "You''ll understand soon enough. Just trust your instincts, and don''t waste time on those who don''t deserve it." Ashborn nodded, understanding the weight behind his father''s words. He had already heard about the two-faced nature of nobles from the maids. "But," Gray added with a grin, "if anyone gets too persistent, don''t be afraid to slap some sense into them." His voice was loud enough for the nobles waiting outside to hear. A shiver ran down their spines, making some reconsider attending. "Yeah... I''m not doing that," Ashborn muttered, slightly embarrassed. Gray laughed. "Alright! Time to head in." The butler''s voice echoed through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, the DragonHeart family has arrived!" Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. The family entered, dressed in the finest silks and adorned with precious jewels. "Look at that dress! She''s wearing the Feather Fairy today¡ªI''m so jealous!" one noblewoman whispered, admiring Feronia''s elegant gown, intricately designed with shimmering gemstones that mimicked the beauty of a fairy''s wings. Gray stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present my son and heir¡ªAshborn DragonHeart!" Ashborn confidently walked onto the stage, where a massive crystal stood at its center. The ceremony required nobles to showcase their magical aptitude by channeling mana into the crystal. The intensity and color of the glow would determine their elemental affinity and overall potential. Placing his hand on the crystal, Ashborn released his mana. The crystal''s glow intensified, shifting through every color at once before¡ª CRACK! The crystal shattered into pieces. "Huh?!" Ashborn blinked, stunned. "Why did it break? I didn''t even use half my mana!" A deep, boisterous laugh erupted from Gray. "Hahaha! See? I told you! You can''t measure a dragon''s mana with a puny crystal!" He turned to the emperor with a teasing smirk. "What now? That was your crystal, wasn''t it?" The emperor remained silent, swallowing his embarrassment. Feronia sighed, massaging her temples. "He''s at it again. What a headache." "Why does Dad always do that?" Ashborn asked, slightly embarrassed. Feronia shook her head. "Honestly? I have no idea. Maybe he just enjoys keeping the emperor in check." With that, she grabbed Gray by the ear. "Ow! Ow! Wait, honey, the fun just started!" "Sorry, everyone, we have urgent family matters to discuss," Feronia said before dragging him out of the hall and slamming the door behind her. Ashborn sighed. "There he goes, getting into trouble again." "Even the strongest man is weak against his wife." A familiar voice chuckled from behind. Ashborn''s eyes widened. "Grandpa! You''re here! Finally!" The Elf King smiled and lifted Ashborn into his arms. "Haha, you''ve grown taller." Ashborn was about 130 cm now, quite tall for his age. "Don''t forget me now, kid!" A deep voice called out. Ashborn turned to see a tall man dressed in black, his aura familiar but his appearance completely different. "Uncle Amaya?" he asked hesitantly. Amaya grinned. "Good! Now come here and give me a hug." Ashborn ran up to him, hugging him tightly. "How did you do that? Aren''t you a dragon?" "Of course. It''s called Polymorphing," Amaya explained, still smiling. "I thought you weren''t coming?" "Well, let''s just say your mother wasn''t too happy with me after our last duel." Amaya chuckled, remembering the three-hour lecture from Feronia¡ªand the ten-hour one from his wife afterward. "But I couldn''t disappoint you." The banquet was lively, though the DragonHeart family paid little attention to most of the nobles, only entertaining a select few. Needing a break from the crowd, Ashborn stepped outside into the garden, enjoying the quiet night air. But what he saw next would stay with him forever. A girl, about his age, flew across the sky, sitting on a broom. Her long silver hair shimmered under the moonlight, and her deep red eyes sparkled like rubies. For a brief moment, their eyes met. And then, she was gone. Though the moment was fleeting, her image was burned into his mind. A strange sensation stirred in his chest. "Huh¡­!?" Chapter 10:- Trip to capital The day after the ceremony, on Ashborn''s actual birthday. The Status Window too finally completed its synchronization. [Status Window: Synchronization with the ''Player'' has reached 100%] [System update complete] [Daily Quests activated] [Complete Daily Quests to earn rewards and experience. Penalty: ???] Ashborn stared at the glowing window, confused. "Daily Quests? What is this?" He tapped the screen to check the details. [ Daily Quest: ] [ 100- pushups : 0% ] [ 100- Pullups : 0% ] [ 100 - Squats : 0% ] [ 10km - Running : 0% ] "What?? That''s basically a copy of their workout!" Ashborn mumbled, referring to 2 heroes we all know and love. "Next thing you know, you''ll give me a Dungeon Key to fight monsters in¡­" Ashborn chuckled [Status Window: ¡­] [You have received a Dungeon Key.] Ashborn almost choked from laughter. "What?! Now you''re just copying every manhwa out there!" [Status Window: But they work so well!] "¡­Fair point." Just as Ashborn finished with the quest and status screen, a voice called out to him. It was Feronia. "Ashu! Come on now¡­ it''s time to get going!" To celebrate Ashborn''s fifth birthday, the family had planned a trip to the capital.So they decided to teleport to their mansion in the capital and ride a grand carriage to tour the city. Moments later, they arrived at their grand estate and set out in a luxurious carriage to tour the city. As they passed through the bustling streets, Aelwyn suddenly pointed at a massive theater banner. "Mama! Papa! Look!" The sign read "Love of Rivals", and right beside the title was the unmistakable emblem of the DragonHeart family, a Dragon. Ashborn frowned. "Why is a theater using our family symbol?" Gray, who had been casually observing, suddenly burst into laughter. "HAHAHAHA! Oh, this one takes me back!" "Mom?" Ashborn turned to his mother, expecting an explanation. Instead, Feronia turned red and immediately fanned herself. "I have no idea, honey!" she replied, avoiding Ashborn''s gaze, looking embarrassed. "We''re watching it!."Gray declared excitedly. "Huh!? Wait! I''m not ready!" Feronia protested, but before they could do anything, Gray had already dragged her into the theater. The play was the love story of none other than Gray and Feronia. A tale so famous that they had been crowned "The Lovers of the Century." For the theater director, the presence of the DragonHeart family was nothing short of Divine Intervention. He had poured his entire life savings into this production, betting everything on its success. Now, with the very subjects of his play in the audience, he gathered his cast and delivered an impassioned speech backstage. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. "This is it. Give it everything you have!" With renewed determination, the Actors took the stage. Before the performance began, the director stepped forward to address the audience. "Honored guests, tonight''s play is more than just a story. It is history, the true tale of the DragonHeart couple. Who we are Greatful to have present her with us" The theater erupted in excitement, from the news. Then, the story unfolded. For years, Gray and Feronia never met face to face, yet their names were always spoken in comparison. They were the prodigies of their generation, always competing, always trying to outdo one another. This rivalry reached its peak when, at the age of 21, Feronia openly challenged Gray. "Gray DragonHeart, meet me in the Gladiator''s Arena. Let''s settle this once and for all." She wrote to him in a letter. Gray Being the energetic warrior he was, instantly accepted. He declared it a grand event, drawing the attention of the entire continent. The fight of the century was set. Tickets sold out in less than a day. After all, this wasn''t just a duel between two geniuses, it was a battle between two of the most admired figures in the world. Funnily it was also dubbed as a showdown between two of the most beautiful people on the continent in some areas. And when the fight began, it shattered through all expectations, transcending all logic of power. Each strike was countered flawlessly. Each attack met with an equal force. Their speed defied even the most advanced high-speed cameras, leaving nothing but afterimages. The shockwaves alone trembled the very foundations of the arena, causing earthquakes in the area. Both of them even came up with new techniques that had never been seen on the continent before, mid battle. Even with the most advanced defensive magic, the coliseum crumbled into dust on the first day. but still, they fought. For five days straight, neither side yielded to each other. Their rivalry burned hotter than ever, pushing them beyond their limits, as both fought excitedly, enjoying every moment of their fight. But in the end, Gray emerged victorious. For the first time, he had fought an opponent who could match him blow for blow¡ªand she was human. (Well¡­ technically human. Given that elves, dragon-bloods, and lizardmen etc.. were all classified as human subspecies, the term was broad.) Yet, what happened after the battle would change both of their lives forever. The sun had begun to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and violet. The moon peeked over the horizon, casting its soft glow over the battlefield''s ruins, it was the perfect background for what was about to unfold. And then, as Gray looked into Feronia''s eyes, he kneeled on one knee. "Feronia¡­ Will you marry me?" Gray said as he stretched out one hand towards Feronia The words came with absolute sincerity. Feronia''s breath hitched. "W-WHAT?!" Her face turned bright red. "I know this isn''t the best way to propose. I don''t even have a ring." Gray chuckled, but his gaze remained firm. "But I couldn''t risk not seeing you again." Feronia froze. Normally, she would have brushed off a confession without hesitation. But his sincerity shook her. For the first time in her life, she didn''t see Gray as a rival. She saw him as someone she wanted by her side. "¡­Mmm!" she muttered as he accepted Gray''s hand. She gave the faintest nod, hiding her face behind her hand. And just like that, the arena fell into chaos. Many Tried to cheer for the new couple but stopped immediately. Because sitting on the sidelines was the Elf King himself. His eyes twitched. "WAIT A DAMN MINUTE!" His voice cracked through the Arena. "THAT BRAT IS TRYING TO STEAL MY DAUGHTER!!" The audience collectively turned to watch the Elf King scramble toward the stage, only to be effortlessly restrained by his wife. "Oh, hush! Let them have their moment!" the Elf Queen smirked, as she enjoyed the scene. "She''s old enough to marry anyway!." "She''s STILL too young!!" The Elf King cried out loud in desperation. Despite his protests, the Elf King was ultimately powerless. But he wasn''t going down without a fight. When Gray formally asked for Feronia''s hand, the Elf King gave three impossible conditions: Slay the Nine-Headed King Sea Serpent and use its Crystal Heart for the ring. Be acknowledged by the World Tree. Reach the level of a Demi-God. All within three months. It was an impossible demand¡ªone designed to end all discussion of marriage. But to the Elf King''s horror¡­ Gray completed them all in two months. The man had become one of only six humans to ever reach the Demi-God level. Panicking, the Elf King issued a final demand. "Bring me a Dragon''s Heart." The moment Gray heard this, his heart sank. As a dragon-blood, he could never slay one of his own kind. So instead, he offered his own. As a dragonblood, his heart was everything¡ªhis honor, strength, and connection to mana. He couldn''t sacrifice it. But to prove his love for Feronia, he offered his own heart. That was the final straw. Feronia burst into tears, begging her father to stop. The Elf King''s heart softened, and he finally relented, giving them his blessing. The wedding was the most grandiose celebration the world had ever seen, even outshining the royal family''s ceremonies. Gray, thoroughly entertained, tossed 5000 gold onto the stage. "Call the director. I''m sponsoring this." The play ended to thunderous applause. Back in the carriage, Ashborn was still processing what he had just witnessed. "Mom! Dad! Why didn''t you tell me about this sooner? Your story''s even more popular than Romeo and Juliet!" Ashborn said, proud of his parents. The family laughed together, enjoying the moment. But later that night, as Ashborn sat alone in the carriage, he saw her again. As he looked out the window, he saw a familiar face. His heart skipped a beat. It was the silver-haired girl with ruby-red eyes. This time, she was holding a bag of bread. Their eyes met, and she waved at him with a smile. Ashborn''s heart raced, and a slight blush appeared on his face. It was like something inside him had recognized her, but he couldn''t understand why, it was a strange feeling But before he could respond¡­, a passerby blocked his view, and¡­ She vanished. "¡­What just happened?". Ashborn whispered to himself, still blushing, confused by everything. Chapter 11:- Orphanage and A Friend The next day, as the Dragonhearts toured the surrounding area, they passed by an orphanage. Gray had planned to visit with the children. He had something important to teach them. Before stepping outside, he turned to Ashborn. "Son, how do you think your life has been until now?" Ashborn smiled. "Really nice! I get to enjoy every day, play with Aelwyn¡­ I''m grateful to have such a good life." But as he spoke, he could already sense where this conversation was heading. Gray nodded. "That''s good. Gratitude keeps you grounded." He gestured toward the children at the orphanage, they laughed while playing. "See them? Their lives are much different from yours. Some lost their families to war, others were abandoned, some got separated¡­ and many never made it." His voice carried a weight of sorrow, his expression darkening as memories surfaced. He, too, had lost his parents young. But he had been fortunate that others had been there for him. He saw himself in those kids. "Sometimes, when you live a better life than others, it''s easy to feel superior. But that path¡­ it leads to Ruin!" "Many nobles are guilty of that," Ashborn murmured. Gray met his eyes. "Exactly. They forget their duty. They start mistreating their people, believing nobility makes them above others." His gaze turned distant as he spoke, but his words were firm. "Being a noble does not make you superior. No matter how high your rank, you are still just human, one creature among many. Even with dragon and elf blood in your veins, your essence is no greater than that of any other." His voice grew softer, yet carried a profound deep meaning. "Compared to the vastness of the universe, your existence is nothing. And yet, in that vastness¡­ your existence is precious. Just like any other being, human or any other." The carriage slowed to a stop. As Gray stepped out, he looked up at the endless sky, as if speaking to something beyond. "Do you know how this empire was formed?" Ashborn shook his head. "It was through unity. People working together, protecting each other, surviving as one." His gaze hardened. "And in that unity, some were chosen to lead, not because they were better, but because they were capable. Nobility was once a position of respect, honor, and duty. And that is how it should be." Turning back to Ashborn, he placed a hand on his shoulder. "A true noble serves his people, not the other way around." Ashborn clenched his fists, determination burning in his chest. "I understand, Father. I will serve my people with honor."he said with a smile. Gray smiled, with a hint of nostalgia in his expression. The same words had once been spoken to him. That evening, the family spent time at the orphanage, talking and playing with the children. Ashborn even made a friend¡ªMark, a boy a year older than him. A thin scar ran across Mark''s left cheek, a reminder of the war that had taken his parents. He was shy, quiet, carrying the weight of fear on his small shoulders. But Ashborn''s warmth reached him, and for the first time in a long while, Mark had opened up to someone. As they played, they ran beyond the orphanage, toward the town road. It happened in an instant. Mark, distracted, accidentally bumped into a noble. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Baron Garfield. A bloated man, infamous for his greed. His face twisted in disgust. "You filthy little mutt!!!" Before Mark could react, Garfield''s hand shot out, grabbing his hair. "Ahhh!" Mark screamed, struggling against the noble''s grip. A crowd gathered, murmurs spreading like wildfire. "Again? That fat pig is at it again¡­" someone whispered. But no one dared to step forward. Garfield sneered. "Bring me the whip! How dare this¡ª" "OI!" A voice cut through the air like a blade. Ashborn stepped forward, his eyes blazing. "What the hell are you doing grabbing a kid like that!?" Garfield''s face contorted in rage. "HOW DARE YOU! I''ll KILL YOU¡ª" He swung his whip¡ª But it never landed. Something stopped it. A pressure swallowed the street, suffocating, heavy. A tall figure stood behind the noble, fingers wrapped around the whip. The crowd gasped. It wasGray Dragonheart. His golden eyes bore into Garfield''s soul. "BARON GARFIELD." The voice alone sent a chill down the noble''s spine. His body locked in place. "L-Lord Gray! I-I was just¡ª" "What exactly are you doing?" Gray''s voice was low, but the weight of his presence was crushing. Garfield stammered. Gray''s lip curled. "You truly have no honor." Then, loud enough for all to hear: "For the crimes of fraud, tax evasion, drug trafficking, attempted manslaughter, and dereliction of noble duty¡ªI, Duke Gray Dragonheart, sentence you to death." Garfield''s breath hitched. His eyes darted in desperation. He had always thought of himself as untouchable. His greed had made him powerful, for which he committed various crimes. But now¡ª Now, it had led him to his end. Darkness surged from Gray. The air thickened, the crowd''s vision blurred. "Son. Cover the boy''s eyes." Ashborn obeyed, shielding Mark. The last thing he saw¡ª Was Garfield''s head rolling to the ground. The aura dissipated. The body was gone. Gray turned to the crowd. "Baron Garfield is dead. His land will be reassigned under my watch. You may disperse." The people stared, then slowly, relief washed over them. "Finally¡­ that bastard''s gone." Mark had fainted. After everything was settled, Gray and Ashborn sat in their carriage, silence thick between them. Ashborn stared at his hands. "¡­Are you alright, son?" Gray finally asked. Ashborn hesitated. "Yes¡­ Just a little surprised, I guess. It''s the first time I''ve seen someone die." His voice wavered. "I hope Mark will be okay¡­" Gray sighed, gazing out the window. "Don''t burden yourself with guilt. That man''s end was inevitable. I just expedited the process." Ashborn clenched his fists. "Didn''t you say every life is precious? Then why¡­?" Gray closed his eyes for a moment. Then, softly¡ª"Because some people throw away that preciousness." His gaze turned sharp. "As a ruler, your duty is to protect your people. And sometimes¡­ that means blood must be spilled. You will understand it better as you grow." He placed a hand on Ashborn''s shoulder. "One day, you too will have to make these choices. You must be strong enough to carry their weight." Ashborn didn''t reply. As they reached the capital mansion, he quietly made his way to his balcony. Alone, under the vast night sky¡ª He sat. His heart heavy. Chapter 12:- The Escape "Son, you must leave¡ªNOW!" Ashborn jolted awake, his mind still clouded by sleep. "Wha¡ª?! What''s happening, Dad? What''s going on?" His voice wavered as the heavy atmosphere pressed down on him. The restless sleep he had earlier did little to sharpen his senses, but something in the air¡ªsomething dark¡ªmade his skin crawl. "No time to explain!" Gray snapped, his voice edged with frustration. His face was twisted in barely contained anger, though whether at the situation or himself, Ashborn couldn''t tell. His father stood clad in full armor, weapons strapped to his body as if ready for war. Twin war axes rested on his back, two swords hung from his waist, and several daggers gleamed under the dim light¡ªeach one covered with a smell that seemed poisonous. "Papa¡­?" Aelwyn''s small voice trembled. She clung to the doorway, her eyes wide with uncertainty. But the weight in the air silenced her. Gray tossed a bundle of clothes to Ashborn. "Here! Disguise yourselves!" Ashborn caught them, recognizing the insignia of another noble house. This¡­ His thoughts were racing, but there was no time to question. He hurriedly dressed, his fingers trembling as he secured the unfamiliar fabric. Feronia stepped forward, her expression unreadable, but the sadness in her eyes was unmistakable. "Be safe, my children." As Ashborn turned to leave, Gray grabbed his wrist. Their eyes met, and in that moment, no words were needed. His father''s gaze bore into him, as Gray handed Ashborn a Magic Dagger Ashborn knew what his father was asking of him. "Do not hesitate when the time comes." Ashborn swallowed hard, his voice heavier than before. "Yes, Father." A knight approached swiftly, his tone urgent. "We must depart now, sir!" It was Adam, one of Gray''s most trusted men. A seasoned warrior and commander under the DragonHearts. Without another word, the children entered the disguised carriage. The carriage passed through a hidden tunnel beneath the castle, they escaped into an unknown Forest ¡ªa forest shrouded in thick darkness, where twisted trees loomed like silent sentinels. The night felt alive, watching. Pairs of glowing eyes flickered between the shadows, sending shivers down Kid''s spine. Aelwyn clung to his arm. "Brother¡­" Ashborn exhaled, steadying himself. "Sir Adam, what is happening?" The knight''s jaw tightened. "We don''t know yet, young master, but there are rumors¡­ A demonic cult stirring in the capital." Aelwyn''s grip tightened. "Your parents and the knights are investigating. Do not worry. They are strong¡ªthis threat will be dealt with." Adam''s words carried confidence, but the tension in his shoulders told another story. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. The carriage pressed on in silence. Ashborn shut his eyes, focusing. He stretched his senses outward, searching for any sign of danger. And then¡ª "PREPARE FOR BATTLE! MONSTERS!" Adam''s voice boomed through the night. The carriage jolted as knights leaped into action, steel flashing under the moonlight. The shadows moved¡ªno, they swarmed. Dark Hounds. The monstrous beasts prowled through the trees, their hulking forms barely distinguishable from the darkness itself. Standing at a man''s height on all fours, they were hunters¡ªsolitary by nature. Yet now, they moved in unnatural unison, flinging themselves at the carriage with reckless abandon. Why? Ashborn''s pulse quickened. Dark Hounds weren''t mindless. They wouldn''t attack prey stronger than them¡ªnot like this. Adam cursed under his breath. As he cleaved through one of the beasts, his eyes caught something¡ªblack magic lingering in their blood. This isn''t a random attack. The realization hit hard. A sharp whistle cut through the chaos. Adam leapt onto the moving carriage, his face grim. "Young master, we''re being followed. We must abandon the carriage¡ªnow!" He shoved a scarf into Ashborn''s hands. "Hide under this!" A magical cloth¡ªone that concealed the presence of its wearer. Without hesitation, Ashborn wrapped himself and Aelwyn under it, gripping Adam''s hand just as they leaped onto a moving horse. Behind them, the knights scattered into the forest¡ªa practiced maneuver, a desperate attempt to shake off their pursuers. As the wind whipped past him, Ashborn''s heart pounded. Then¡ªhe felt it. A familiar aura. His head snapped toward the source, eyes scanning the treeline. And there, through the dense foliage, he saw her¡ªsilver hair, ruby-red eyes. Wounded. And then¡ªshe vanished. The moment froze in his mind, but before he could dwell on it¡ª A presence. From the peak of a distant mountain, a figure stood, draped in black. A mask obscured his face, but the malevolent energy curling around him was unmistakable. Black magic sparked and crackled from his fingertips as he let out a slow, sinister laugh. "Hah¡­ Looks like you got lucky, girl. But I''ve just found a better source." His gaze turned. Straight to Ashborn. A suffocating pressure filled the air. "Go get the boy." The command was spoken softly, but its weight sent an unnatural chill through the forest. Ashborn and Aelwyn felt it¡ªtheir instincts screamed at them of the danger . They were being hunted. Chapter 13:- Escape(2) "Go get the boy." The command was spoken softly, yet it carried a weight that made the very air tremble. The ancient trees of the forest shuddered, their leaves rustling as if whispering warnings to those who dared trespass. Ashborn felt it. So did Aelwyn. They were being hunted. The forest, which had been teeming with the distant chirps of crickets and rustling of leaves, now felt eerily silent. The night air grew thick, suffocating, pressing down on them as if the trees themselves were conspiring to slow their escape. The wind howled past them as they raced through the twisting paths of the forest, the hooves of their steed pounding against the earth in a frantic rhythm. Shadows danced wildly with every flicker of moonlight breaking through the canopy. And then, without warning¡ª BOOM! A deafening crash tore through the air as an enormous boulder, large enough to flatten a house, came hurtling toward them, uprooting trees and obliterating everything in its path The deafening roar of destruction echoed through the night. "Sir Adam, ther¡ª!" Ashborn barely had time to warn Adam before the knight had already acted. "I know." With a single swing of his sword, Adam cleaved the boulder into countless fragments. Sharp pieces of rock scattered through the air like deadly shrapnel. But before Ashborn could breathe a sigh of relief, his eyes widened in horror¡ªa beam of mana shot through the falling debris, heading straight for him. Time slowed. His muscles tensed. He tried to move, to dodge, but his body refused to keep up with his mind. The energy closed in, the air around it crackling with deadly force. And then¡ª CLANG! A flash of steel intercepted the beam. Sparks erupted as Adam deflected the attack, his stance firm, his face set in a deep scowl. The knight gritted his teeth, his entire body tensed from the impact. A faint scorch mark burned on his armor, but he remained unshaken. His gaze locked onto the assailants¡ªthree masked figures, cloaked in black, floating just above the ground. Ashborn barely had time to process what was happening before the assassins attacked again. The men surged forward, their hands charging with dark energy, preparing to strike. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Adam frowned. He could tell their strength¡ªthey were no ordinary assassins. Each one held power comparable to a Sixth-Circle Mage. If he fought them while protecting the young master, their chances of survival would plummet. He made his decision in an instant. "Young master!" Adam''s voice was sharp, commanding. "Take Aelwyn and run!" "Huh?! But¡ª" No time for debate. Adam leaped off the horse, his boots digging into the earth as he landed. With a swift motion, he handed the reins to Ashborn. "Go. Now." His voice softened just a fraction. "Stay safe." Then, without hesitation, he charged. A blur of steel and mana, Adam met the three assassins head-on, the impact shaking the very air. Ashborn swallowed hard. He wanted to argue, to fight, but he knew Adam was right. Staying would only get them killed. With gritted teeth, he turned the horse and plunged deeper into the forest. They rode in silence, the only sound the rhythmic pounding of hooves against damp soil. Even with the magic robe concealing their presence, Ashborn wasn''t taking any chances. He heightened his senses, suppressing his mana until it was almost nonexistent. If those men could track them, he wouldn''t make it easy. Then¡ª A flicker. A shift in the air, just ahead. Ashborn''s breath hitched. He tugged at the reins, slowing the horse to a quiet halt. Aelwyn, still clutching onto him tightly, whispered, "What''s wrong?" He didn''t answer. Instead, he slid off the saddle, motioning for her to follow. Together, they crept forward on foot, their bodies low, barely disturbing the undergrowth. Then, voices. Muffled, agitated. Peering through the dense foliage, Ashborn spotted two figures standing atop the trees. Their cloaks billowed slightly in the night breeze, the glow of their enchanted masks casting an eerie light against the bark. One of them kicked at a nearby branch, growling in frustration. "Bastard! Where is this damn mutt? We''ve been walking in circles!" "Keep your voice down, idiot," the other snapped. "If the commander hears you complaining, he''ll have your head on a spike." "Tch. I was promised some real action, not hunting down some snot-nosed brat." "You''re an idiot. That ''snot-nosed brat'' is a dragon. The chief wants his core. You should know what that means." Ashborn held his breath, listening intently. "His core? Why?" The realization hit him like a hammer. They weren''t just hunting him¡ªthey were harvesting him. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palm. He forced himself to focus, to listen. "Why does he need it, anyway?" The second man chuckled darkly. "I could tell you, but then I''d have to kill you." "Pfft. Like I care." "You search this area. I''ll check up north." One of them flew off, leaving only a single assassin nearby. A shudder ran down Ashborn''s spine. Their pursuers were experienced, dangerous, and far too close. He turned to Aelwyn, whispering so softly it was barely audible. "We need to move. Now." But the forest had other plans. A sudden rustle¡ª A sharp twang¡ª *SHUNK! An arrow tore through the air, narrowly missing Ashborn''s head. The razor-sharp tip grazed his cheek, drawing a thin line of blood. "AHHH! So close!" A voice rang out, playful yet laced with menace. Ashborn spun around, pushing Aelwyn behind him. A figure emerged from the shadows, stepping lightly onto the forest floor. He was tall, his face obscured beneath a hood, but his smirk was clear as day. "Well, well..." The man tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "What do we have here?" Chapter 14:- Its Fight or Die now "Well, well..." The man tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "What do we have here?" Ashborn glared, gripping his dagger tighter. "Who are you?" The man let out a chuckle. "Oh? You think you can fight me?" He spread his arms wide, as if inviting the challenge. "How adorable." "Answer me. Now." Something in Ashborn''s tone must have struck a nerve. The man''s smirk twitched, a vein appearing on his forehead. "I don''t like your attitude, brat." And then¡ª He moved. Faster than Ashborn could track. WHOOSH! A blur of motion. A shift in the air. Then¡ªpain. The force of impact sent Ashborn flying. A sharp, searing ache spread through Ashborn''s ribs as his body slammed into the cold, damp earth. The impact knocked the wind out of him, leaving him gasping for breath. Aelwyn screamed his name, but her voice felt distant, drowned out by the ringing in his ears. Through blurred vision, he saw the man approaching, slow and deliberate, like a predator savoring its wounded prey. "Tsk." The masked assassin clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "I barely touched you. What, did you think you could fight me?" Ashborn forced himself up onto his elbows, every breath sending a fresh wave of pain through his chest. His fingers dug into the dirt. The assassin sighed dramatically. "I honestly expected more from a kid with a dragon core. You should be tougher than this." His words were like venom, sinking deep into Ashborn''s mind. Why are you after us?" Ashborn demanded, tightening his grip on his weapon. The assassin scoffed. "Like I''d tell you." And then¡ªhe moved. Ashborn forced himself to stand up and slashed with his dagger, but the assassin dodged effortlessly, leaping onto a tree. Then, in a blur of motion, he propelled himself off the trunk, launching toward Ashborn with a charged mana blast. "Brother!!!" Aelwyn threw a desperate attack¡ªa sphere of crackling energy. It struck the assassin mid-air, slowing him down, but he still managed to fire his own attack. A deafening explosion followed. Ashborn was sent flying, his body slamming into the ground. Dirt and debris scattered as a crater formed beneath him. His clothes were tattered, his skin covered in cuts, and his vision blurred from the impact. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. As he lifted his gaze, he saw something that sent a chill down his spine¡ª The assassin had Aelwyn by the throat. Something inside Ashborn snapped. Until now, he had been holding back. Some part of him had feared losing control, feared hurting¡ªkilling. But now? Now, that hesitation was gone. His pupils vanished. The world around him seemed to darken. The air grew heavy, suffocating. A deep, primal force that had been waiting, lurking beneath his skin. And then¡ª His blood boiled. A furious, overwhelming heat erupted from his core, flooding his veins like molten fire. His vision sharpened, the pain in his body melting away, replaced by something else. Power. Ashborn moved. Faster than thought. Faster than sight. CRACK! The assassin shuddered. "W-What the hell...?" Before he could react¡ª Ashborn struck. A single punch to the face sent the assassin flying, crashing through trees. "You think you can take on a Third-Circle Mage?!" the assassin roared, preparing another spell. Boom! Ashborn''s fist met his gut before he could even finish his sentence. The man coughed up blood. Ashborn was behind him now, standing tall. His breath came slow, controlled. His muscles thrummed with new energy. The aching in his ribs had vanished, replaced by a deep, pulsing strength that surged through him like a raging storm. He tried to retreat, tried to call for backup, but Ashborn gave him no time. A barrage of attacks followed, each blow heavier than the last. Blood splattered against the trees, staining the leaves red. His fist, wrapped in golden energy, slammed into the assassin''s stomach with the force of a warhammer. BOOM! The impact sent shockwaves through the air, the sheer force launching the man backward. He crashed into a tree with a sickening CRUNCH, bark shattering from the force. Aelwyn gasped. "Brother..." Ashborn stared at his own hand, watching as golden sparks flickered across his skin. His body felt light. Unstoppable. This power... It was his. But there was no time to question it. The assassin coughed violently, blood trickling down his mask. His voice was weak, but laced with disbelief. "Y-You..." He groaned, forcing himself to stand. "You''ve awakened it already? The dragon''s¡ª" Ashborn didn''t let him finish. He moved again. This time, he didn''t hold back. With terrifying speed, he closed the distance, his fist colliding with the assassin''s chest. A pulse of golden light erupted from the impact, sending the man flying once more, deeper into the forest. He didn''t get back up. Silence filled the clearing. The distant sounds of the night creatures slowly returned, as if the forest itself had been holding its breath. Ashborn exhaled, his golden aura flickering before fading. The power within him settled, like a storm retreating to the depths of the ocean. He turned to Aelwyn. "Are you hurt?" She shook her head, eyes still wide with shock. "You... what was that?" He hesitated. He didn''t know. But one thing was clear. He wasn''t the same as before. And neither were the enemies hunting him. They knew something about him¡ªabout the dragon core within him. And if they wanted it so badly... Then they were far from done. He clenched his fists. If they wanted a fight, he''d be ready. Ashborn stood still, his body humming with energy, yet his mind was in turmoil. This strength¡ªthis awakening¡ªit felt so natural, yet terrifyingly foreign at the same time. His body remembered movements his mind had never learned. His instincts had sharpened, guiding him before he could even think. What the hell was happening to him? Aelwyn took a cautious step forward, her voice soft but urgent. "Brother... are you okay?" Ashborn turned toward her. Her small hands trembled, but her eyes held no fear¡ªonly concern. Concern for him. He forced a smirk. "Better than ever." But deep down, he wasn''t so sure. The weight of what had just happened pressed against him. He had won¡ªbut not through skill, not through experience. He had let something else take over. And for a moment, it felt like he hadn''t been in control at all. Before he could dwell on it further, a rustling sound snapped him back to reality. His head whipped toward the source. The assassin. He wasn''t dead. Coughing up blood, the man struggled to stand. His once-confident posture was gone, replaced by trembling limbs and shallow breaths. His mask had cracked, revealing a single bloodshot eye glaring at Ashborn with pure hatred. "This..." He wheezed, spitting blood onto the ground. "This wasn''t supposed to happen." Aelwyn grabbed Ashborn''s arm, her voice urgent. "We need to go. More of them could be nearby." Ashborn''s instincts screamed¡ªMOVE! BUT... TOO LATE.... Chapter 15:- Fight or die(2) Ashborn¡¯s instincts screamed¡ªMOVE! Too Late¡­ The assassin pulled out a small, black pill and shoved it into his mouth. Instantly, his body convulsed. Veins bulged across his skin, turning an unnatural shade of purple. His breathing turned ragged, sharp claws sprouting from his fingers. His single eye widened, now glowing with a sinister red light. Ashborn¡¯s blood ran cold. A forbidden pill. Ashborn had read about them in the library. It was a strange pill used in ancient wars by evil forces that transformed its user into a monster in return for their life span. It was a dangerous tactic as recovery after using it was almost impossible. It was thought to have gone extinct but the assassin¡­.. He had just consumed it. The assassin grinned, his jagged teeth now resembling those of a beast. ¡°You think¡­ this is over?¡± A violent crack echoed through the clearing as his bones twisted, his body growing larger, more monstrous by the second. But then¡ª "What¡­? Why isn¡¯t the transformation¡ª?" His body had failed to fully mutate. His mana reserves weren¡¯t enough. His injuries had weakened him. "Tch. No matter. I can still kill you." Aelwyn gasped. ¡°Brother¡­ what is that?¡± Ashborn clenched his fists. Something he should have killed before it came to this. The man¡ªno, the beast¡ªlet out a guttural snarl. His aura had shifted. Suddenly the Status window popped up. [An evil aura has been detected] [ Quest: ] [ Escape the monster! ] [ Failure : Dead ] Ashborn¡¯s suspension was confirmed Before, he had been a predator. Now, he was a monster. And monsters¡­ Had no reason. No restraint. No limits. The assassin¡¯s body lunged forward, faster than before. Ashborn barely had time to react as claws slashed toward his face. He dodged, but not completely. Pain shot through his arm as a deep gash opened across his forearm. Blood splattered onto the dirt. He gritted his teeth. ¡°Tch¡­¡± The assassin¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Now we¡¯re even.¡± Ashborn didn¡¯t respond. No words would stop what was coming. Only violence would. The air crackled around him as his golden aura flared back to life. This time, he was ready. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. --- A Battle of Instincts The beast lunged again. Ashborn sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp claws that tore through the tree behind him like paper. Bark exploded into the air, showering them in debris. The assassin was stronger. Faster. His movements were wild, unpredictable, driven by a hunger for destruction. But Ashborn had something stronger. Control. As the beast swung again, Ashborn ducked low and countered. His fist shot forward¡ªslamming into the assassin¡¯s ribs. A shockwave burst through the forest as the impact sent the beast skidding backward, feet digging into the dirt. But he didn¡¯t fall. He grinned through the pain. ¡°Not bad, kid.¡± Ashborn exhaled, his golden eyes narrowing. ¡°I can do better.¡± The air tensed. The beast roared¡ªcharging. Ashborn met him head-on. Fists clashed against claws, golden light colliding with dark energy. Each blow sent ripples through the air, shattering the ground beneath them. The battlefield became a blur of movement¡ªtwo forces fighting for dominance. For the first time, Ashborn felt equal to an enemy. For the first time, he wasn¡¯t helpless. He weaved through attacks, his instincts sharper than ever. A well-timed step to the side¡ªa fist to the gut. A duck under a claw swipe¡ªan elbow to the jaw. Bit by bit, the beast faltered. He was winning. But victory never came so easily. The assassin snarled. His aura darkened, thick tendrils of black mist rising from his body. And then, the monster spoke¡ª ¡°You are forgetting something kid!¡± ¡°I AM A MAGE!¡± The realization hit Ashborn like a truck, his eyes widened. ¡°BIND!¡± The ground cracked beneath Ashborn¡¯s feet. The assassin¡­ No, Monster had cast a spell. An invisible force slammed into him, sending him flying backward. He twisted in the air, trying to regain control, but the next attack came too fast. Dark chains, covered in cursed energy, shot toward Ashborn¡ª Restraining him, as the monster used them to slam him into the ground. Ashborn coughed out blood. But the attacks continued¡ª His back slammed into a tree, the bark splitting from the force. He gasped, struggling against the crushing grip. A shadowy hand shot forward, wrapping around his throat. Choking him. The assassin grinned, his breath ragged. ¡°You almost had me.¡± Ashborn clawed at the vice-like grip around his throat. His vision blurred. His lungs burned. Aelwyn¡¯s scream cut through the air. ¡°Get away from him!¡± A crackling surge of lightning exploded across the battlefield. The assassin screamed, releasing Ashborn as electricity surged through his body. Ashborn collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. His vision swam, but he forced himself to focus. Aelwyn stood nearby, her small body trembling, her golden aura sparking like wildfire. Golden-White electricity crackling around her. Tears welled in her eyes, but her gaze was sharp¡ªfierce. She was awakening her dragon form too. She had fully activated her Dragon Eyes. The assassin growled. His body twitched, smoke rising from his charred skin. ¡°You¡­ little¡­¡± Ashborn clenched his fists. His vision cleared. The fight wasn¡¯t over. He forced himself up, standing beside Aelwyn. His breath steadied, his golden aura flaring to life once more. The assassin panted, glaring at them. His body trembled¡ªnot just from pain, but from something else. Fear. For the first time, he was outnumbered. Outmatched. Ashborn smirked. ¡°Your move.¡± The assassin hesitated. His instincts screamed at him¡ªthis was a battle he wouldn¡¯t win. He snarled, hatred burning in his eyes. Blood spilled from his mouth. He staggered, then sneered. "Screw it. I¡¯ll kill you both." Ashborn and the monster exchanged blows again, each attack heavier than the last. Ashborn weaved through attacks, and then the opportunity presented itself¡ª the beast faltered. Ashborn ducked under a claw swipe¡ª BANG! a fist to the gut. The Monster was sent flying back. But then¡­ He vanished, moving at blinding speed, attacking from all angles. Projectiles flew toward them¡ªonly to be repelled by Aelwyn¡¯s protective shield. Quake! The ground trembled. The earth beneath them caved, threatening to swallow them whole. The monster lunged¡ª His giant body crashed in the ground covering the landscape in a cloud of dust. Something flashed within the cloud of dust Bind! It was Aelwyn. Massive roots erupted from the ground, trapping the assassin in place. "ARGH!" He thrashed. But before he could free himself¡ª A dagger pierced his heart. Ashborn stood before him, his gaze was cold. The assassin¡¯s body slumped. Blood pooled beneath him. [ Quest Complete! ] [ You have killed the source of evil energy ] [ The Player has achieved a remarkable feat ] [Extra- rewards will be given ] [ Level up!¡­ ] [ Level up!¡­ ] [ Level up!¡­ ] [ Level up!¡­ ] [ Level up!¡­ ] [Level 5 reached!] [ Notification: You can now use the Dungeon Key! ] Ashborn blinked. His breath hitched. For the first time, he had killed. His knees buckled, his body weighed down by an unbearable heaviness. A single tear traced down his cheek. Aelwyn ran to him, wrapping her arms around him in a desperate embrace, her sobs muffled against his shoulder. The fight was over. For now. ¡­Or so they thought. A suffocating presence descended upon them. A force so overwhelming, it sent a primal shiver down their spines. Ashborn¡¯s instincts roared in alarm. The children trembled. From the distant mountains, a lone figure stepped forward¡ªthe very man who had commanded the assassins. He gazed down at them with cold disdain. ¡°Tch. Can¡¯t believe I had to come down myself.¡± His voice dripped with irritation. ¡°How utterly useless.¡± Notice: Break for 2 weeks Hey there guys this is the author of "Tales of the DragonHeart:Ashborn" your one and only ''AshBornTheGreatest'' ... Hm.. same name as the Protagonists I know but it''s me. As you seeI haven''t been able to write much as of late... It was because I have been ill these past few days. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. So to recover properly and also to focus on my studies properly, I think it''s only fair if I take a break. So... The story is going on a 2 week BREAK , it will resume on the 10th of April. Hope you all have a great day and enjoy the story. Enjoy the story and yeah have a nice day.