The northern lands were no longer silent.
The snow-covered forests trembled as whispers of his existence spread like wildfire. Kingdoms, factions, and ancient hunters had begun to stir. Even beasts that had lived for centuries felt the weight of his presence, retreating deeper into hidden lairs. He moved through the skies, wings cutting sharply through the bitter wind, golden eyes scanning the land below.
It was then he sensed them—faint, deliberate pulses of mana. Not chaotic, not random. Controlled. Precise. Each pulse was like a beacon, a trail left intentionally for him to follow.
He descended slowly, landing atop a jagged ridge overlooking a frozen valley. Snow swirled violently around him, stirred by the residual dragon energy clinging to the world.
From the forests below, dozens of figures emerged. Clad in dark armor etched with silver runes, faces hidden behind masks, weapons crackling faintly with mana. They moved with perfect coordination, calculated steps like a dance meant to trap or test him.
He folded his wings slightly, stepping forward, his presence alone bending the air around him.
"You've come far," he said calmly, his golden eyes sweeping over them. "But you've made a mistake."
The tallest figure, clearly the leader, stepped forward. "You walk unchecked, defying the system, surpassing every limit. We are here to correct that."
He smirked faintly. "Correction? I don't need it. And I don't take orders."
The leader raised a hand. In an instant, the figures moved as one—speed, precision, and lethal intent combined. Shadows darted across the snow, weapons gleaming, mana flaring.
He didn't move recklessly. Every dodge, every counter, every strike was calculated. A strike of his fist shattered a spear midair. A kick sent another flying. Dragon energy pulsed subtly, controlled yet devastating.
But they didn't relent. They adapted, probing, testing, measuring his reactions.
Golden eyes narrowed. "Interesting," he murmured. "Finally… a challenge worthy of attention."
He let loose a controlled surge of power, enough to stagger them without killing. Snow and wind erupted around him, his aura casting a golden light across the battlefield.
"You think the system, kingdoms, or hunters can contain me?" he asked, voice calm but resonant. "You're all wrong. I answer to no one. And I will not stop growing."
The figures hesitated, then retreated silently into the forests, leaving him standing amidst the swirling snow, aura glowing faintly golden.
Far above, the Great White Dragon watched from the clouds, one eye open, calculating, approving.
The world was awakening.
And he had just become the storm.