Several years passed in a flash, and the little dragon grew like he was juiced on steroids. By the time he was just a few years old, he already towered at over five meters tall. The clan had even begun discussing building a new house—something massive enough to contain his ever-growing frame.
But just as plans were being drawn up, the child shimmered with multicolored brilliance. A radiant pulse surged through the village, and before anyone could react, his body shrank. Down, down—until he stood as a human child, slightly taller than the average toddler, yet still just as adorable and lively as ever.
Much better, he grumbled internally. I love my dragon form, but it's a damn pain to squeeze into these tiny buildings… The dragons here build such cramped houses. My old palace was larger than this entire village.
His new form bore a striking resemblance to his draconic self—pale skin that shimmered faintly in the light, snow-white hair tousled and soft atop his head. It was short for now, but already regal. And those massive sky-blue eyes? They stole hearts left and right. Within days, he was already a celebrity in the clan—the shining jewel of the valley, as irresistible as a crashing wave slamming into a boat during a storm.
At first, the villagers were horrified. Their only hope—the last true dragon—had turned humanoid. The terror that spread through them was worse than anything they'd ever experienced, even in the most brutal of wars.
Puny mortals… little one mused, his eyes cold as he watched their frantic movements. They swarm around me like insects, trembling without reason. Let them stew for a while. I don't need them testing me or poking around with their meaningless rituals.
He paused, a strange thought crawling into his mind. Though, this new life… living like this feels… different. Makes me wonder—how do they grow stronger? What fuels them besides mother's milk?
The small dragon, now called Dravion, felt the familiar pull of his body shifting. His human form thickened, lengthened, his limbs reshaping into something more draconic, more him. The villagers couldn't help but marvel, their shock now blending with awe. The sight of him transforming brought both relief and wonder to their hearts. Was he really a genius? Or something… more?
Some whispered doubts. They questioned whether he was truly a pure-blood. The murmurs spread like wildfire, sparking calls to the chieftain to test Dravion's bloodline.
But those voices were quickly snuffed out. Thalrygos, in all his ancient authority, shut down every inquiry with the ruthless efficiency of a king. And those who dared to rebel? They were silenced by the rule of the fist, a reminder that Dravion's blood was not just special—it was sacred.
And right now, the dragon god who had stirred his tribe with his rebirth was lying on the ground, his head resting on the cold wooden floor. Despite being only two years old, he could already speak and read, leaving his parents to wonder if they were witnessing a once-in-a-million genius unfold before them.
"Father," Dravion said, not minding calling the one who had made his existence possible 'father,' even though he had once created the universe itself. "Tell me, when will I be able to learn how to fight?" It was an unusual question from a child so young, and his mother rushed to him immediately.
"My little angel, what fighting? You're only two years old! Have you been reading too many war books?" She quickly snatched the book out of his hands, one that explained the history of the dragon clans, how they had once been part of a mighty empire whose name had been lost to time. Millions of years ago, they were the strongest beings on this planet. But their dominance and power had plummeted, and other races took advantage, wiping out ninety percent of the dragons from the broken world of Arakhor.
The little one wasn't pleased with how he, the dragon who had created the universe, was being treated. But he had to bite back his ego and obey his biological mother. If he didn't, the spanking that followed was inevitable. The butt of the god was often marked by the sting of his mother's palm.
"Hahaha! It's alright, honey. I'll teach him if he's eager to try. After all, he's growing faster than the other children his age. Without the Awakening Ceremony, though, he'll only be able to train in weapon arts."
"Awakening Ceremony?" Dravion asked curiously. To him, the mortal power system was completely new and endlessly fascinating. He was determined to study it and adapt it to his own abilities once he regained all of his divine power.
"It's a special tradition in all of the sacred springs. Each of the ten civilizations in this world occupies one, and when the time comes, the child is baptized and tested to determine their future. When you turn six years old, you will undergo one, and at that time, all the dragon clans in the area will finally learn of the great name Dravion, the Champion of all Dragons!" His father's enthusiastic voice echoed through the library, the place where the small dragon would spend most of his days, studying a world he hadn't seen in millions of years.
"But... Isn't he a little young to concern himself with such matters? He barely just came out of the egg, and now he already wants to learn the arts of war?" His mother held him close, as though afraid that he would grow up too fast and leave her.
Interesting… Mother's love is something I've never had the chance to experience. Somehow, this feels good. For once, it's not so bad to have someone care for you and worry about you. It's not something a lover can ever replace. Dravion's eyes curiously traced his mother's worried expression.
"The earlier he learns, the better," his father continued. "Think about it. Do you think the other dragon races will accept us taking control if he rises to become the leader? If he can't control them by strength, they'll either try to kill their own kind or make him submit." He took his wife's hand, sitting down next to them both.
"Fine, I trust you more than anyone else."
"Good. You hear that, Dravion? Tomorrow, you and I will start the hellish training!" His father laughed, his voice booming.
"Normal... training..." His mother snapped, glaring at her husband in frustration.
"Yes, father. Mother." Dravion replied, his voice lacking excitement. He was already reaching for another book, the one that detailed the power system of this world.