The sky was fracturing. Jagged cracks spread across the heavens, radiating a blinding, otherworldly light. The clouds churned violently, unleashing a torrential downpour unlike anything the world had ever seen. Winds howled with ferocity, faster and more destructive than any storm in memory. Black and white lightning streaked across the sky, striking the ground with deafening force.
They stood on a mountain, its surface unnaturally flat, as if carved by some ancient, unimaginable power. The ground below was invisible, shrouded in an abyssal void that seemed to stretch into infinity.
"I will resurrect my god—the Ruler of Destruction, the Sole Great Dragon of Annihilation, Quazar Azranteias. You cannot resist. You Can't but become the perfect vessel for my god,"
Declared the ominous figure. The man floated mid-air, his tattered, soiled cloak fluttering over his ornate Archnecromancer robes. Behind him, a colossal magical circle spun with intricate, glowing runes, pulsating with dark energy.
"...Was it you behind everything?"
Asked the boy. His light gray hair was styled in a two-block cut, and his Green piercing eyes glimmered with a mix of sorrow and fury. He wore a black cloak adorned with purple dragon trim, layered over a black tank top and trousers. In his hands, he gripped two massive daggers—one shaped like the head of a Leviathan, the other with an eerie eye embedded in its guard. Its blade was pure black, accented with purple and gold.
"THAT GIRL WAS MERELY AN OBSTACLE TO MY GRAND DESIGN! SHE WAS THE REASON YOU DISCOVERED THE TRUTH. AND SO, I KILLED HER MYSELF!"
The man roared, his voice reverberating with such force that the cracks in the sky widened further. As he spoke, his body began to twist and contort, transforming into something monstrous.
The gray-haired boy looked down, a single tear tracing its way down his cheek.
The man's transformation was horrifying. His body expanded, morphing into a colossal dragon—a grotesque wyvern with tattered wings, a shattered skull, and bleeding eyes. Its elongated neck twisted unnaturally, its jaw split into two grotesque halves. Ribs tore through its decaying flesh, protruding like jagged spears. With every passing second, the dragon grew larger, more terrifying, its very presence suffocating.
The boy released his daggers, letting them clatter to the ground. He raised his head, his glowing green eyes locking onto the dragon's soul. The light in his eyes was not just power—it was hatred, anger, and an unyielding resolve.
"It's your funeral, Ergnathio,"
The boy said, his voice cold and steady.
BREATH OF DESTRUCTION!
The dragon bellowed, unleashing a cataclysmic beam of black energy laced with a crimson aura. The attack tore through the air, distorting reality itself, leaving a void in its wake.
The boy dashed forward, his movements a blur.
Dream Eater
He whispered. In an instant, his left arm absorbed the destructive beam. But the power came at a cost—his arm cracked like shattered glass, blood pouring from the wounds. Yet, he did not falter.
With a burst of speed, the boy pierced through the dragon's massive form, ripping through its spine. He landed on the beast's neck, his right hand slamming down with crushing force. With a swift, brutal motion, he twisted the dragon's head to face him.
"GHRAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
The dragon screamed, its roar deafening.
The boy gritted his teeth, using both hands to pry open the dragon's gaping maw.
BREAAAATHHHH OF DESTTRUUUUUCTIOOOONNNNN!!!!!!
The dragon shrieked, preparing to unleash another devastating attack.
Dominator's Dare
The boy said, his voice calm yet chilling. Time itself seemed to freeze.
In an instant, the dragon's body began to tear apart, from its neck down to its tail. The boy leapt into the air, his body glowing with an ethereal light.
Dragon Pulse
He declared. From his mouth erupted a black beam, speckled with golden dots and radiating pure white light. The attack struck the dragon with unrelenting force, melting its monstrous form until only its head remained.
Exhausted and battered, the boy had no strength left to land safely. He plummeted from the sky, his body smashing against the mountain's edge before tumbling down, down, down—until he finally crashed into the ocean's surface.
He sank deeper into the dark waters, the cracks in his arm glowing faintly with white light. Blood spilled from his mouth and wounds, staining the water around him. His vision dimmed, the light in his eyes fading as he drifted further into the abyss.
"Forgive me, Lux,"
Whispered, his voice barely audible as the ocean claimed him.
——————————————————
The season was nearing the end of Crystalautumn, a time of transformation in the Aethyra.
The air carried a peculiar warmth, despite the chill that hinted at the approaching Flowerfrost. The trees, their leaves a vibrant orange, shimmered with the faint glow of magical crystals that sprouted from the organic soil.
It was a sight unique to Aethyra and three moons, was a world of endless marvels. But for us, it was just home—a home he was still trying to understand.
The Kingdom of Valoria stood as the crown jewel of the human race, A sprawling nation that dominated the continent. While other races existed, scattered across the lands, Valoria was a bastion of humanity.
Its grandeur was unmatched, its influence unparalleled. And at the heart of Valoria lay the Valorian University of Grandmasters, an institution renowned across Aethyra for its unparalleled education. It was a place where the brightest minds gathered, where knowledge was revered above all else. And now, it was a new beginning.
____________________________________
The clock struck 9:58 AM,
and the halls of the university buzzed with life. Students hurried to their classrooms, their chatter filling the air. In one such classroom, a group of students sat in anticipation.
The professor, an elderly man with a grand presence, stood at the front. His deep blue cloak, adorned with golden trims, draped over a sleek black suit. His white-gray beard cascaded down his chest, and his eyes, though aged, sparkled with wisdom. This was Professor Archwood, a name that commanded respect.
As the students settled, a collective sigh of relief swept through the room.
"Gosh, We're saved this semester"
one student whispered. Another chuckled,
"Professor Archwood's covering for us. No need to worry about homeworks."
The room buzzed with quiet laughter until Professor Archwood cleared his throat, silencing the chatter.
"As we neat the end of this season,"
he began, his voice steady and commanding,
"We welcome two students. One is a transfer, And another is returning."
A girl with dark brown hair raised her hand.
"Is one of them princess mizuko?"
she asked eagerly. Professor Archwood nodded.
"Indeed, She is."
A bald student in the back smirked.
"And who's the other chump?"
he asked, his tone laced with mischief. Without hesitation, Professor Archwood hurled a piece of chalk at him, striking him square on the forehead.
"You'd do well keep your mouth in check this semester,"
the professor warned.
"You've already failed last three, don't make it four."
The bald student rolled his eyes but stayed silent.
The professor continued.
"The new student will introduce himself shortly. For now, He's with principal Kenshinton."
As if on cue, a soft knock echoed through the room. A melodic voice followed.
"May I come in professor?"
"Yes. you may, princess,"
Professor Archwood replied.
The door opened, and in walked a girl who seemed to radiate light. Her golden hair cascaded like waves of wheat, her pale skin glowed softly, and her eyes, deep as the midnight ocean, held a warmth that could melt the coldest of hearts. She smiled, and the room seemed to brighten. This was princess Mizuko, the beloved daughter of Valoria's royal family Waikatsu.
"Good morning, Everyone,"
she greeted, her voice like a gentle melody.
"I've missed you all."
The students responded with equal enthusiasm, their admiration for her evident. Professor Archwood gestured to her seat.
"Ms. Princess, You may take your place."
Mizuko nodded and made her way to her desk, where her best friend, Bonnie, awaited her.
"Wuaaa! Long time no see, Bonniiieeee!!!!"
Mizuko exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her friend. Bonnie grinned.
"I missed you tooo, My bbguurlll! Where have you been????"
The two giggled, their bond unshaken by time.
Before the chatter could resume, another knock sounded at the door.
"May I come in?"
a voice asked, this one deeper and more reserved. Professor Archwood nodded.
"You may."
The door opened, and in stepped a boy with striking green hair and crimson-red eyes. His left hand was covered by a black glove, adding an air of mystery to his appearance. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him.
"Hmnn... You must be the new student?"
Professor Archwood stated. The boy nodded.
"Affirmative."
"Introduce yourself then."
The boy turned to face the class, his gaze steady.
"Ray, Woeven Ray."
He paused, as if unsure of what else to say. The professor raised an eyebrow.
"Umm.. Your Nation?"
He prompted.
"Shinwa."
Ray replied. A murmur rippled through the room.
"Shinwa? That's the kingdom under Evyon!"
one student whispered. Another added,
"Evyon? The land of dragons? Central Aethyra??"
Ray nodded, confirming their suspicions. The students exchanged impressed glances. Professor Archwood cleared his throat, regaining control of the room.
"Uhh...so, Woeven, What inspired you to enroll in our academy?"
Ray's answer was simple.
"Better Education."
The professor chuckled.
"Valid answer. Very well. You may take the seat near Sakushi. SAKUSHI!!"
A boy with Brown hair raised his hand.
"YES SIR!!!"
"Guide Woeven about everything after today's class."
"Yes, Sir!"
Ray made his way to his seat, the weight of curious stares following him. As he sat down, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.