Four months ago, somewhere within the Infinite Nest…

  A colossal red dragon tore open the fabric of space and emerged. Its wings were tattered and ancient, yet the fire in its eyes burned eternal, alive, defiant. He roared as if for the first time, and the sound reverberated through the void of the cosmos, as though reality itself answered his cry.

  Space twisted and spiraled before the dragon as a wormhole formed, and the beast leaped into its depths.

  ***

  The rift opened into a hidden realm, tethered to the Infinite Nest by a single thread of reality.

  ?The red dragon shot through the space tunnel like a blazing meteor, leaving a fiery trail of mana in its wake. As soon as he crossed into the realm, his body began to glow, filling with raw, potent energy. His wings regenerated, gleaming with reborn light, no longer torn or broken. His scales shimmered like living fire, and his horns stretched skyward, majestic as they had been in his prime.

  The dragon roared again, this time with his full might, as if summoning something from the depths. The realm pulsed in answer, and a massive planet revealed itself, a world orbited by ten smaller spheres like silent guardians. Each of these planets radiated a distinct elemental essence.

  The smaller worlds were half the size of Earth, while the colossal planet they encircled measured nearly sixty percent of Sacra’s size.

  ?The dragon soared toward the planet, blazing with fire mana. As he approached, a singular star showed its face, casting its light across the western expanse of the great world.

  ?With a final roar, the dragon dove into the crimson planet, descending with regal grace.

  Sensing his arrival, other red dragons stirred from their halls, their eyes snapping open as they launched into the skies at blinding speed.

  Arthraxius landed upon the grand square of the largest city on the fire planet. He smiled, spreading his wings wide, his mana surging outward like a storm, announcing his return as it shook the area.

  ?The other dragons descended, their gazes sharp and suspicious.

  “Who are you?” one of the younger dragons demanded, his tone edged with arrogance.

  Arthraxius smirked and raised a clawed finger toward the insolent youth.

  ?“Didn’t anyone teach you manners?” he said calmly, then flicked his finger downward.

  The young dragon slammed into the stone floor, pinned by an overwhelming force, the oppressive weight of true dragonforce, the presence of an ancient king.

  Cries of pain escaped the youth as his body trembled under the crushing aura. The others roared in alarm, then bowed low, unwilling to risk insult.

  “We greet you, Dragon King!” they chorused.

  “Good. Good. That’s more like it.” Arthraxius’s voice rumbled like distant thunder. “I leave for a few billion years, and this is how you welcome me?” His gaze swept over them, his mana speaking louder than words.

  “Now,” he said, his tone sharp, “who will take me to your king?”

  ?He smirked, eyes locking on the dragon sprawled at his feet. “You. Lead the way.”

  With a flick of his claw, the youth was hurled into the air, landing hard before Arthraxius. Bruised and gasping, he rose and nodded, then launched toward the distant palace.

  Arthraxius unfurled his wings and followed, his presence trailing like a blazing comet.

  Minutes later, they arrived before a colossal palace, its towering doors carved with intricate draconic motifs. Arthraxius did not wait for an invitation; he strode forward, pushing through the massive gates as if they were nothing.

  ***

  Inside the palace’s grand hall lay a colossal ancient red dragon, hot red mana twisted around him as he drank from a huge barrel. The ancient dragon was even larger than Arthraxius himself.

  Lizardmen scurried about, serving the mighty creature. They were lesser species compared to the Dracorious of Sacra, who were freed from servitude long ago by decree of the Primal Dragon.

  Sensing Arthraxius’s presence, the old dragon chuckled, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. “I’ll be damned… If it isn’t my dead brother.” His laughter shook the palace walls.

  Arthraxius strode in, grinning. “Aren’t you fat, you old snake?” His roar carried warmth and challenge.

  The lizardmen froze, and even the young dragon trailing behind Arthraxius paled. None dared speak to the Red King this way. Brother?! the youth thought, trembling.

  In a flash of crimson light, the two dragons launched into the air, colliding mid-flight. Claws locked, wings blazing, they pushed against each other with titanic force. After a tense moment, they broke apart and landed, laughter echoing through the hall.

  “Still not stronger than me, I see,” Arthraxius teased, shifting into his humanoid form, a middle-aged figure with crimson wings, a scaled tail, flowing red hair, and two horns crowning his head.

  The other dragon laughed and transformed as well, appearing older, his wings broader, his presence heavier, but his face oddly similar to Arthraxius’s.

  The lizardmen bowed and withdrew, knowing better than to intrude. Dragons rarely revealed their humanoid forms, which they referred to as their “weaker” side, except to those they trusted.

  The youth hesitated, then shifted too, revealing a teenage boy with small wings and fiery hair, his features faintly echoing the two elders.

  “I see you’ve met my son,” the king said with a chuckle.

  Arthraxius smirked. “Met and beaten into the ground.”

  “He’s a handful. More prideful than even you were back then,” the king laughed. “Come, sit! I’ve missed you, brother.”

  “Sorax, this is your uncle Arthraxius,” he called out. “You’ll be punished later for failing to recognize the royal bloodline.” His glare sent the boy fleeing.

  The two dragons chuckled. “So, how come you’re here? I thought you were bound to that cursed place,” the elder asked.

  Arthraxius placed a hand on his shoulder. “Xerxius, my brother… I missed you, too. My mission is over. Finally, I’m free of the goddess’s chains. My body, my reward.” He exhaled deeply.

  “I see. I won’t ask more. I know you can’t speak of it,” Xerxius sighed.

  “How are things here? When I landed, I saw only young dragons. Where are our comrades?” Arthraxius asked, puzzled.

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  Xerxius’s expression darkened. “There’s trouble. Aetherwing has broken through the realm walls and leads an army against Dragonkin. By order of the Primal Dragon, we kings must remain here. Others have gone to stop him.”

  Arthraxius’s mana flared, barely contained. “Is this fate? Or something else?”

  “Indeed… mortal enemies destined to clash again,” Xerxius growled. “His goal is the same: slay the Ten Kings. If he absorbs our mana, he’ll be unstoppable. Just what his master desires.”

  Arthraxius slammed his clawed hand into the table, splintering it. “Then I’ll go. My body is immortal now, and with the realm’s blessing, I’m at full power. This time, I won’t lose.”

  “Brother… I disagree. You just returned. You gave up your claim to this realm when you died. You owe us nothing,” Xerxius pleaded.

  Arthraxius’s gaze burned. “I am a dragon of this realm, Xerxius. I was once its King. Let me fight, just this once.”

  Xerxius sighed in defeat. “Fine. But first, drink from the Source. It should still work on you.”

  Arthraxius grinned. “Ah, the Origin Mana, the nectar of gods. Don’t mind if I do.” He rose, following Xerxius toward the sacred chamber.

  ***

  Current time – Eastsun Continent: Frontier Village

  Everyone had gathered near the main gates, ready to bid farewell to Kai and his team. No one knew how long it would be before they met again.

  Harrietta hugged Lisa tightly and whispered, “You will always have a place here, dear. If anyone dares treat you poorly, your aunt will burn them to a crisp.” She smiled warmly as Sparky let out a sad meow.

  Lisa gently stroked the cat spirit. “I’ll miss you too, Sparky. We’ll see each other again, I promise.” Then she turned to Harrietta and embraced her harder. “Thank you, Aunt. I’ll miss you as well.”

  Nearby, Kran, Eira, and Hansen spoke with Kai and the rest of the group.

  “If you want, I’ll keep a spot open in the military for you two,” Nerva offered again. “I don’t think so,” Eira chuckled. “I’ve had enough of following orders.”

  Nerva nodded firmly and sighed. “Understood. Still, there will always be a place for all of you in Fallhaven.”

  “Kran, I’ll see you at the tournament!” Lucius shouted as he strode through the gates, unwilling to linger for goodbyes.

  “Don’t mind him, he is upset that we are leaving,” Nerva said with a laugh.

  Hansen clasped Kai’s shoulder. “Kai, we’ll always be grateful for everything. We’ve been through a lot together. Don’t forget us, huh?”

  Kai smiled. “Never. I’ll be back someday.”

  Arama and Bjorn’s crew approached. “Sir Kai, safe travels. When you return, we’ll have a place ready for you,” Arama promised.

  Bjorn bowed deeply. “Master, we’ll keep training. When you need us, we won’t be as useless as we are now, I swear.”

  Kai sighed. “Always with the ‘Master.’ I’m your friend, not your master. But do as you wish.”

  “Men, it’s been an honor,” Nerva said solemnly.

  Thorpe, the barbarian brothers, and even the twins came to say goodbye to Kai and Umbra.

  “You four, don’t let Kran get even stronger. Work harder,” Umbra commanded, igniting a fire in their eyes.

  “We’ll do our best!” the twins shouted as the barbarians grinned.

  On the other side, Liliya and Scry spoke with Harrietta.

  “If you ever decide, the Academy could use someone like you,” Liliya offered.

  “No way. I have it good here, and with the barrier you helped raise, we’ll all be much safer.” Harrietta glanced at the shimmering shield surrounding the village.

  “It was the least I could do,” Liliya replied warmly.

  Scry added in a teacherly tone, “Treat your spirit well. And don’t forget what I showed you, that’s the fastest way to condense your sixth circle.”

  Harrietta chuckled. “Yes, Master!”

  “Okay, everyone! Time to move out!” Nerva called as the group departed, the gates slowly closing behind them.

  “I’ll miss them,” Kran murmured.

  “Yeah. Let’s hope we see them soon,” Hansen replied.

  “And not fighting for their lives, hopefully,” Eira added, drawing laughter from the group.

  Kai truly was a magnet for trouble.

  As the villagers dispersed, the barrier Liliya had raised shimmered and slowly concealed the Frontier from the outside world.

  ***

  Kai and the group left the woods and stopped at the familiar clearing where they had landed several times before.

  Nerva raised two fingers to his lips and whistled. Moments later, his gryphons descended from the sky, shrieking in delight.

  “Umbra, will you transform?” Nerva asked.

  “She doesn’t have to. I want to practice something.” Kai smirked. “Liliya, you’ll use invisibility on us, right?”

  “Yes… Why?” she replied, her tone suspicious.

  “Everyone, move back a bit, will you?” Kai grinned. He wanted to get used to his draconic form, and if he could fly while under Liliya’s spell, this would be the perfect time to practice.

  He summoned his third circle and willed it to spin. The mandala shifted shapes as it rotated, green vines glowing with the power of life.

  “Circle of Life - Draconic Visage: Fly.”

  For now, he aimed for a partial transformation. Winged tattoos on his back flared, glowing as they tore through his shirt, leaving two ragged holes. Pure crimson light burst forth, and two massive draconic wings unfurled behind him.

  Kai gave them a powerful sweep, sending gusts of wind across the clearing. He smiled.

  Xarion stared, his pulse quickening. “Those are wings of a red dragon! I’ll be damned.”

  “What’s the principle behind this? We need to investigate, Scry!” Liliya shouted, wide-eyed.

  “Well, well. Those are some fine wings. Looks like you’re trying to catch up to me.” Scry chuckled, though he already understood the source of Kai’s transformation through their bond.

  Umbra, on the other hand, laughed loudly. “That’s my brother for you! Now we both can fly!” Shadows writhed across her back, releasing a pair of majestic black, feathered wings. She beat them once and soared upward.

  “Come, brother, show me what you’ve got!”

  Kai grinned and followed, but his ascent was shaky. He spun in wild circles, nearly crashing to the ground.

  “Not like that.” Umbra chuckled. “Connect your mind with me.”

  He obeyed, feeling the air around her, sensing how she moved her wings, how she controlled the currents. He nodded and tried again, stumbling at first, but after several near crashes, he finally managed to fly with some stability.

  “Okay, looks like we’re ready. Liliya, if you would.” Nerva chuckled as he picked up Lisa on his gryphon and hugged her tightly.

  With a sigh, Liliya cast Invisibility. The gryphons shot skyward, Umbra, Kai, and Scry following close behind toward Fallhaven.

  While they flew, Umbra and Scry kept a watchful eye to make sure Kai didn’t slam into a tree or a mountain.

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