The mountain range that guarded the jungle like impregnable walls was as quiet as ever, until a pillar of light broke through the clouds from within.

  In the forests at the base of the western range, a bright light carved a magic circle into the ground. From it, a man and a beast stepped out, scanning the area, prepared to fight.

  Kai sighed as he noticed that the area was empty. Not even normal beasts could be found here.

  Scry appeared in the outside world and took a deep breath.

  “Oh boy, the smell of freedom is amazing!” he exclaimed happily.

  Kai laughed and nudged the small spirit. “Get used to it. Who knows what we’ll see and experience going forward?” His face turned serious. “Or what enemies we’ll encounter.

  Nobody may learn that I’m the Nameless on the ranking list!”

  “Don’t worry, Kai. We’ll keep the secret,” Umbra responded aggressively. “And if anyone tries anything, they’ll become my dinner.” She was as overprotective of Kai as he was of her.

  Scry floated, enjoying the fresh mountain air. “Yep, keep it a secret, we shall.” Then he smiled. “But keep in mind, if the time comes when that information could help us, we must use it.”

  Kai nodded. He understood what Scry meant.

  “Let’s go. Our current goal is to find the first inhabited village or city and gather information about the region and figure out where we should go next from there,” he explained.

  “Our real goal is to find you a swordsmanship mentor,” Scry added. “You won’t be able to fight non-beasts with your crude techniques. Or you could just overpower them with your draconic body… but let’s keep that a secret for now.”

  Umbra listened intently, her tail betraying her excitement.

  Slowly, they headed north. They were currently at the southernmost edge of the continent. Behind them lay only jungle, and even beyond that, the world sea, which housed countless sea creatures, nightmarish monsters.

  Kai hopped on Umbra’s back. They didn’t fly, not knowing who could see them, they decided rather to walk for now and scan the area to avoid any surprises.

  As they moved further from the mountain range, a brilliant light flared behind them. They turned in awe.

  The mountains that had once guarded the jungle now shone with pure light as a massive barrier rose around the region. Then, in an instant, the entire mountain range, along with the jungle within, vanished. Only the shimmering barrier remained, standing where the mountains used to be.

  Kai couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His heart clenched as his blood roared.

  Behind the barrier, a bright red sun exploded with a draconic roar. A thirty-meter dragon burst forth, spreading its massive reptilian wings like a king of all dragons.

  Kai felt a powerful connection to the majestic being. His eyes flickered with respect.

  The dragon gave a hopeful look, then soared into the sky, breaking the sound barrier and vanishing in a flash of red.

  The Dragon King Arthraxius had left this region for the first time in billions of years.

  Nobody knew where he went, but one thing was certain: the world would never be the same.

  ***

  Slowly, the trio made their way through the mountain forests, not encountering a single living being.

  Kai came to a conclusion that probably the reason for this was that the dragon lived in the region, so nothing wanted to live close to such a being. Or at least that’s what he thought.

  Once they emerged from the woods, Scry suggested they make camp. He was getting hungry.

  “Not yet, Scry. We need to find safe cover for the night,” Kai commanded.

  “But I could just summon Arcanum. We’d be safe inside,” Scry offered.

  “Let’s hold off on using Arcanum. Summoning it might alert something or someone. I’d rather lay low until we know more,” Kai replied honestly.

  He might have been overly cautious, but life in the jungle had taught him to be prepared for anything and to stay alert at all times.

  “He’s right, Scry. We don’t know where the enemy is,” Umbra agreed.

  “You two are crazy,” Scry muttered, then smiled. “But fine. I’ll play along.” He knew what they’d both endured in the jungle.

  After a short break, they continued northward. Kai kept his spirit sense activated to maximum at all times; this had become his default state. His mind and soul had long ago adapted.

  Any regular person would probably lose their sanity by scanning everything in a hundred-meter radius constantly, but Kai’s soul had long ago ceased being ordinary. His mind also evolved after absorbing the memories of different souls.

  Umbra, on the other hand, used her senses sporadically; she couldn’t maintain them constantly.

  They pressed on, slowly leaving the mountain region behind. Valleys and meadows began to appear. The area looked peaceful, more peaceful than anything they’d seen in the jungle.

  Green grass stretched as far as the eye could see. Small insects buzzed about. Even deer-like beasts roamed freely.

  If one were to describe an idyllic place, this would be it.

  Kai found a small hill, which he designated to be their camp for the night.

  They settled beneath it. Umbra assisted Kai with building a simple shelter from the wood they gathered along the way. With his storage, carrying supplies had become much easier.

  Meanwhile, Scry prepared a modest fire and retrieved bowls and a small cauldron from within Arcanum, setting up everything so Kai could cook dinner.

  Kai laughed at the sight. Once he ensured they were safe, he began preparing the meal while Umbra stood guard on the hill.

  Night fell, and they cozied up by the fire, enjoying the food Kai had made

  “Kai, I must say, your cooking talent is unbelievable. Where did you learn to cook like this?” Scry asked in between his bites.

  “Haha, well, thank you, Scry. To be honest, I never cooked before you gave me those cookbooks. Back on Earth, my mother usually made dinner…” He sighed, his thoughts drifting.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Umbra gave him a gentle look; she felt his sorrow.

  Kai continued, “And for lunch or breakfast, I would eat whatever I could find, or I would order takeout.”

  Scry’s eyes lit up. “Takeout. What is that?”

  “On Earth, you can order ready-made meals and have them delivered to your home for a small fee,” Kai explained with a smile.

  Scry shook his head in amazement. “Woooooooooow, that sounds incredible. Food made and delivered just like that? What a life!” He dreamed of visiting Earth one day; it felt like a world made for him.

  Umbra burst out laughing, “Scry, you love food more than me. Admirable.”

  Kai also laughed; he cherished their company. They truly were his new family.

  The night went on. Scry fell asleep on a log next to the fire, and Kai and Umbra took turns standing guard and resting every few hours.

  ***

  Morning light bathed the valley in gentle warmth as the trio prepared to move on.

  Kai sat cross-legged on a patch of soft grass, eyes closed, his breath slow and steady.

  He meditated, drawing in the ambient mana that drifted through the valley like mist.

  It flowed into his channels and core, nourishing his body.

  He was still adjusting to his second magic circle, struggling to mentally harmonize with the new element and its fusion within him. The process felt unnatural; he was used to controlling water and moonlight, but Thunderfire was something completely opposite.

  It was pure destruction.

  He would need time to make it his own.

  Deep within his right arm, the draconic wolf spirit slumbered, slowly absorbing fire mana, not moving in the slightest.

  The winged serpent at the center of his being pulsed with quiet power, watching everything unfold inside him like a silent guardian.

  Cycle by cycle, his heart absorbed and pushed pure mana through his body.

  This body of mine truly feels powerful, but it still feels like it’s not truly mine.

  He feared that one day, he would lose control, that the power inside him would consume him.

  That’s why he still meditated.

  Even though his heart now absorbed mana and circulated it without his guidance, he forced himself to remain still, to breathe, to remember who he is.

  Umbra woke him from his trance. “Kai, it’s time to go; we have been here for too long.”

  Kai came to his senses and stood up. “Yes, sorry. Let’s move on.”

  He jumped on her back, and they rushed further north. Scry flew above them, enjoying the morning air.

  ***

  In a small forest valley, sturdy wooden walls encircled a village of a hundred humans and Beastfolk who lived together in quiet harmony.

  They were hunters, survivors, living on the edge of civilization. The nearest town lay three thousand kilometers away, visited only once or twice a year to trade furs, meat, and rare herbs for supplies.

  At the heart of the village stood a massive wooden cabin, the tribal gathering hall.

  Inside, the strongest members of the community had assembled.

  A young, feral-looking man with wolf ears and a tail stood tall, his voice sharp with urgency.

  “I swear it’s true!” he barked. “The dragon left the mountain range. We saw it fly from afar; it looked like the sun had descended!”

  A middle-aged man stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. A long dark bow rested across his back, a quiver of black arrows at his side.

  “I never thought I’d live long enough to see a true dragon… but the boy speaks truth. I saw it too.”

  Two similar-looking Beastfolk chimed in, their voices eager.

  “We were with Kran when it happened, we saw the dragon too, “ one said, the other continued, “The mountains and the valley within, unguarded for the first time in forever. This could be our chance to strike it big!”

  “Enough.”

  The voice cut through the room like a blade.

  An ancient fox-like elder stood at the head of the table, his fur grizzled, his eyes sharp with memory. The cabin fell silent, the air heavy.

  “We have not survived this wilderness by chasing legends,” he said solemnly.

  “Even if the dragon has left, that doesn’t mean his territory is unguarded.”

  He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.

  “And even if it is… who knows what monsters have nested there over the centuries?”

  “Do you not remember what happened two hundred years ago, when a Divine Beast left that region and devoured an entire tribe in the eastern marsh?”

  He slammed his hand against the table.

  “I forbid anyone from going. I will not risk our lives for greed.”

  With that, he turned and left the cabin. Most of the men followed, silent and grim. Only a few remained.

  Kran, the wolfman, muttered under his breath.

  “I’ve had enough of that scared old man. Two hundred years ago this, two hundred years ago that…”

  The hunter, Hansen, spoke next, his voice low.

  “He’s right, you know. He was young when the Silverheart Viper roamed these lands. Those were dark days. But I agree with you, Kran. If we keep living like this, we won’t survive the winter. We need a big hunt.”

  Kran’s eyes gleamed. He had longed for adventure, and now it was within reach.

  “Hansen… are you certain?” one of the warriors asked, concern in his voice.

  Hansen nodded, his decision made.

  “We’ll need a few hunters, some warriors, and a mage. Just in case.”

  The room grew tense. Sweat beaded on foreheads.

  “Don’t tell me you mean to ask Harriett?” the small man exclaimed. He looked human, but barely a meter tall.

  “Yes,” Hansen replied. “We’ll need her firepower. And she can use enhancements. That’ll come in handy.”

  “I’m going,” Kran said.

  “And the coyote twins.”

  Hansen nodded. “You three are good scouts. Counting me and Thorp, we’ll need two more warriors and Harriett.”

  He scanned the room. “I need two. Who’s willing?”

  Thorp sighed. “I see you already counted me in. Fine, fine.”

  Two burly, barbarian-like men stood at once.

  “You can count on us. We need action while we’re still capable.”

  Hansen laughed and rose.

  “Then it’s settled. We leave tonight. Make your preparations.”

  He turned to Kran. “Come with me. We need to speak with a certain mage.”

  Kran tried to slip away, but Hansen grabbed him by the neck and dragged him outside.

  Laughter echoed behind them.

  ***

  Thousands of kilometers west of the Beastworld region, an eerie castle loomed in desolation. Its walls, forged from dark stone, radiated a chilling lifelessness.

  Inside one of its shadowed chambers stood a pale, hunched figure. Greasy black hair spilled over his shoulders, veiling his face. He wore a deep crimson robe, shimmering with sinister glyphs etched in shadowy ink.

  The air was thick with the scent of herbs and medicine, mingled with something darker, something unnatural.

  On a nearby table lay an unconscious, chained man. The hunched figure held a dagger that glowed with a deep green light as he carved glyphs into the man's bare chest. The man did not stir. Whether dead or bound by a spell, it was unclear.

  Suddenly, the silence was shattered. The chamber doors burst open, revealing a rat-like figure.

  Its screeching voice pierced the gloom. “Master! Master! I bring news: the dragon has left the southern mountains!”

  The hunched figure dropped the dagger onto the dark marble floor, turning sharply, eyes wide with shock.

  Then, a raspy, thin voice echoed with twisted joy. “Wonderful. At last, we can harvest those delicious test subjects from the valley.”

  As the hunched man raised his head, his face was revealed, half of it marred by horrific burn scars. Where his left eye once was, a glowing green magetech eye now gleamed, stark against his remaining black eye.

  He touched his scarred face and muttered, “Thousands of years I’ve waited for this moment. Last time, I barely survived one of that damned dragon’s warning strikes. Now, the time to build my army has come.”

  He turned to the rat-man. “Tweek, call the others. It’s time to claim what is ours.”

  Tweek hesitated. “Master… our scouts report the dragon left behind a barrier protecting the region. We won’t be able to enter.”

  A disgusting laugh erupted from the hunched man, only to be cut short by a violent cough. “A mere trifle. No barrier has ever stopped me. Call them. Don’t make me repeat myself.” He gestured to the unconscious man. “I need to finish your new brother.”

  Tweek bowed low. “Yes, Master.”

  “Go!” the hunched man roared, and the rat-like figure scurried from the room.

  He picked up his dagger once more, and as he resumed his work, a disturbingly cheerful hum filled the chamber, echoing with each carved symbol.

  ***

  Tweek ran through the dim corridors toward the gathering hall, his breath short and ragged. He stopped beside a floating crystal orb and pressed his clawed hand against it, channeling his mana. The orb pulsed with light as he whispered the message:

  “Brothers, gather in the main hall by tonight. Master's orders.”

  The orb shimmered, transmitting the command. An hour later, the heavy castle doors creaked open. Six cloaked figures entered slowly, their steps echoing through the stone chamber.

  They took their seats around a massive, rune-carved table. Tweek bowed low, respectful despite his status as the master’s right hand. He was loyal, but far weaker than the others.

  One figure lowered his cowl, revealing a boar-like face stitched together with glowing glyphs. His voice was deep and gruff. “What’s this about? I was about to go hunting.”

  Another figure hissed. Her cowl shifted just enough to reveal a young girl’s face with serpent-like eyes and a forked tongue. “Shut up, Boar. If Master hears you questioning his orders, you know what’ll happen.”

  The boar froze, then sat down silently. A third figure chuckled under his hood.

  Tweek stepped forward. “The dragon has left the southern mountains. We march as soon as Master is ready. We’re going hunting.”

  The room stirred. Some figures rose with excitement, others with hesitation.

  “Last time we attacked that region, we lost all our subordinates,” one said. “Most of us barely survived, and we needed new parts afterward. Are you sure the dragon is gone?”

  Tweek nodded solemnly. “Yes. He’s left the region. It’s never happened before in Sacra’s history. He did leave a barrier, but Master will certainly break it.”

  Another voice chimed in, eagerly. “Just imagine the parts we can harvest from those beasts that’ve been hiding in the mountains!”

  Greed flickered in their eyes; they wanted power. Something deep within them yearned for it.