Chapter 3: The Trial of the Dragon
Cain tightened his grip on Yamato, the blade shimmering with a faint, otherworldly light. The cavern around them seemed to pulse with energy, the walls vibrating as if alive. Orsted's gaze was steady, yet beneath it, Cain sensed a flicker of respect.
"Your resolve is clear," Orsted said, voice echoing through the chamber. "But strength alone is not enough. To become the true Dragon King, you must face the Trial of the Dragon—an ancient test that will push your limits and reveal your true nature."
Cain nodded without hesitation. "I'm ready."
Orsted raised his hand, summoning a whirlwind of swirling energy that coalesced into a massive, translucent dragon—an ethereal projection of the ancient beast. Its eyes gleamed with wisdom and power, and its voice boomed like thunder.
"Face me, Cain. Show me what you are truly made of."
Without waiting, Cain charged forward, his demonic energy surging as he summoned the full extent of his power. The dragon lunged at him, claws ripping through the air. Cain parried with Yamato, the spatial energy weaving around him, deflecting the beast's strikes.
The battle was fierce. Cain's instincts sharpened with each clash, his control over demonic energy growing more refined. He summoned a Judgement Cut, aiming for the dragon's heart, but Orsted's projection disappeared in a flash.
Suddenly, Cain found himself in a void—a place where nothing existed but his own fears and doubts. He saw visions of failure, of losing control, of hurting those he loved. The darkness threatened to swallow him whole.
But then, a voice echoed—Roxy's, Rudeus's, and his own. "You are more than your power, Cain. Control it. Use it to protect, to forge a new path."
Cain clenched his fists. "No more running from myself."
He opened his eyes, returning to the chamber. The spectral dragon reappeared, now calmer, observing him.
"Impressive," Orsted said. "You faced your inner darkness and did not falter. That is the mark of a true Dragon King—one who commands his fears, not one who is enslaved by them."
Cain lowered Yamato, breathing heavily. "So… I've passed?"
Orsted nodded. "For now. But this was only the beginning. The real trial is what you do with your power afterward. Remember, strength without purpose is chaos. Find your purpose—your true reason to wield this bloodline—and you will become unstoppable."
Cain bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Orsted. I will not forget this lesson."
The Dragon God's form shimmered and faded into the shadows. Cain turned to Roxy and Rudeus, his eyes shining with newfound confidence.
"Let's go home," he said. "There's still much I need to learn—and much I need to protect."
Back in Buena, the household welcomed Cain with cautious optimism.
Roxy looked at him with a mixture of pride and concern. "You've grown stronger, Cain. But remember, the true battle begins now—with yourself."
Rudeus grinned. "We're ready for whatever comes next! Together, we'll become the strongest!"
Cain smiled, feeling the weight of his destiny settle on his shoulders. His journey was far from over, but he now knew one thing for certain:
He was no longer just a boy with a strange power. He was the future of the Dragon Bloodline, and the world would soon learn his name.
And so, Cain Greyrat's legend begins.