The northern winds howled through the empty plains. Snow whipped across jagged rocks, stinging his face, but he welcomed it. Every step was deliberate, every breath sharpening his senses. The world beyond the ruins, beyond kingdoms, was alive—and alive meant danger.
He paused on a ridge, golden eyes scanning the horizon. Nothing moved. Nothing breathed. Yet he felt it.
> [Presence Detected: Unknown]
[Mana Signature: Powerful, Controlled]
A shadow flickered on the snow, too fast to be a bird, too purposeful to be the wind. He tensed, dragon instincts rising, wings unfurling just slightly as if to measure the space around him.
A figure appeared suddenly, materializing from the swirling snow like a ghost. Cloaked in dark fur, carrying a spear tipped with glowing blue crystal, the being's eyes glowed faintly—calm, intelligent, and dangerous.
"You are…" the figure said, voice calm but sharp. "Not like the others."
"And you're not human," he replied simply, studying the being. Its aura was strong, controlled. It didn't attack immediately. It was curious.
"I am not here to fight," it said. "But the world is changing because of you. You walk where no one should."
He chuckled softly. "Good. Let it change."
The figure took a step forward. "I am sent to measure you. The factions… the ones behind the system… they are not pleased."
Golden eyes narrowed. "Measure me? I've already faced the system. I survived it. Twice."
"Not enough," the figure said quietly. "The one who watches you… the White Dragon… has plans. You are its experiment. But experiments attract predators."
He let that sink in, wings flicking subtly as mana danced along his veins. "Predators? Then I suppose it's time to hunt them first."
The figure nodded once, almost in approval, then disappeared into the snowstorm with the same silence it had arrived.
He exhaled slowly, scanning the horizon again. The northern lands were vast, dangerous, and now… awake. Kingdoms, hunters, and system factions alike would soon realize a force was moving among them.
And that force… was him.
He spread his wings fully, golden eyes burning like twin suns, and leapt into the sky.
The snow below churned as the wind carried him forward. The world would notice soon enough.
But he didn't care about recognition, crowns, or obedience.
He cared about growth. Power. Freedom.
And nothing would stop him from walking that path.