The morning sun filtered softly through the windows of his new fortified home, dust motes dancing lazily in the light. Kairis Ash lounged on the edge of his bed, coat draped over a chair, Graviton Edge resting across his lap. Elyra and Aeren were already up, training with Kaiyara in the backyard, their movements crisp but still raw — far from awakened, but their potential was undeniable.
Kairis let a smirk tug at his lips as he sipped his water. Relaxing doesn't last long in this world, he thought. And, as usual, the world didn't disappoint.
A sharp vibration in his mind drew his attention — a call from the Awakeners Association. The interface flickered in his mind:
Incoming Communication: Awakeners Association HQ
Priority: Extreme
Kairis raised an eyebrow, his fingers brushing over the system panel in his mind. "Extreme, huh? Couldn't have been a normal morning call."
The voice of an older man came through, clipped and urgent. "Kairis Ash. A squad of five on the continent of Eryndor is under siege. They are facing a zombie dragon — evolved, high-level. Reinforcement is required immediately. Time is critical."
Kairis leaned back, letting the words sink in. Eryndor was one of the northern continents, largely ruined, with a mix of undead hordes and rogue awakened preying on weakholds. The association rarely sent word unless a situation was beyond ordinary.
"What's the squad's name?" he asked, already standing, coat in hand.
"Squad name: Iron Fang. Members: Tharen, Lysael, Boryn, Mirek, and Kaelis. All Level 8–9. They are skilled but cannot hold the dragon long-term without reinforcement. You are our best candidate in proximity."
Kairis smirked, adjusting his coat. "Iron Fang, huh? Sounds like fun."
Before leaving, he checked on his siblings. Elyra and Aeren looked up, noticing the serious expression on his face.
"I'm heading out," Kairis said. "Elyra, Aeren, stay with Kaiyara. Train, but don't overdo it. I'll be back."
Elyra frowned slightly, worry flashing in her eyes. "Kairis… be careful."
He crouched, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "I always am. Don't wait for me to do everything. Learn, adapt, survive."
Kaiyara nodded approvingly. "You handle this one like you always do. I'll keep an eye on them."
With that, Kairis opened the interface.
Level: 10
Class: Void Warrior
Subclass: Apostle of Void
Gravity Affinity: Moderate
HP: 2350
MP: 1250
STR: 27
DEX: 25
AGI: 28
INT: 26
Divinity: 5
Authority: 6
Abilities: Gyro-Telekinesis, Black Hole (Small), Gravity Crush, Gravity Manipulation
System Features Unlocked: Gacha (1 Draw/Day), Roulette, Quests, Rewards, Store
He activated the teleportation network provided by the association — a dark swirl of void energy opened in front of him, and with a single step, he vanished from the stronghold.
The northern continent of Eryndor stretched out below him, mountains jagged, forests blackened from fires, rivers dark with debris. Smoke plumes marked destroyed villages, and the faint groans of undead resonated across the winds.
Iron Fang was in a clearing near a ruined castle. Trees had been splintered by claw and wing. A massive shadow moved in the distance — the dragon. Its scales were charred black, bones visible in parts where decay had broken through. Its eyes glowed with faint purple-dark matter energy, emanating an aura of decay and ferocity. The creature had clearly evolved beyond ordinary zombie limits, likely feeding on both undead and rogue awakened over time.
Kairis landed lightly on a ridge overlooking the battlefield, assessing the situation.
System Update:
Zombie Dragon
Level: 13
HP: 9000
STR: 50
DEX: 30
AGI: 35
Abilities:
Necrotic Breath: A wave of dark matter-infused energy that decays organic and awakened tissue.
Tail Slam: Capable of crushing small buildings.
Wing Gust: Creates localized tornadoes of debris and dark matter.
Predator Instinct: Can sense high-level awakened in a 500-meter radius.
Kairis smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Alright… let's see what Iron Fang has managed to survive so far."
He dropped down into the clearing, boots crunching over debris. Iron Fang was battered, fighting in perfect coordination but clearly overmatched. Tharen, the leader, blocked a swipe from the dragon's tail, while Lysael and Mirek tried to distract it with ranged attacks. Kaelis and Boryn were flanking, but every strike seemed to bounce ineffectively off its decayed scales.
The dragon's Necrotic Breath scorched part of the forest behind Kairis, sending a wave of ash into the air.
Kairis tilted his head, activating Gyro-Telekinesis. Objects around him — trees, boulders, shattered debris — floated in a controlled gravitational orbit. The moment the dragon lunged for Tharen, Kairis swung the Graviton Edge, releasing a concussive gravitational pulse.
The dragon staggered, momentarily stunned. Kairis's boots left the ground as he launched himself into the air, circling around the beast while manipulating gravity to slow its movements.
"Finally! A real fight," he muttered, eyes flickering with the faint purple glow of his combat state.
Iron Fang shouted commands, coordinating with precision. "Kairis, flank from the left! Lysael, distract its head!"
With a smirk, Kairis twisted midair, gravity propelling him at impossible speeds. He landed behind the dragon, slamming the Graviton Edge into its flank. The gravitational surge ripped through its muscles, slowing its body while he created a small Black Hole beneath its feet, immobilizing the hind legs.
The dragon roared in frustration, thrashing violently. Kairis rolled under its swinging tail, narrowly avoiding the impact. He grinned. "You're strong… I like strong."
The fight became a ballet of destruction.
Gravity Manipulation: Kairis lifted debris into a swirling maelstrom, battering the dragon while keeping the squad safe.
Black Hole Deployment: Immobilized parts of its body, slowing attacks just enough for Iron Fang to coordinate effective strikes.
Gyro-Telekinesis: Kairis spun logs, boulders, and even the remains of a ruined tower around the dragon, creating a dynamic battlefield trap.
Close-Quarters Combat: When the dragon lunged at him directly, Kairis countered with a gravity-boosted melee combo, slashing scales, and destabilizing joints.
The ground shook with every strike. Trees splintered, boulders shattered, and the air shimmered with dark matter energy.
As he battled, his interface quietly updated:
Quest Progress: +35%
Dark Matter Infusion: +2
New Ability Available: Gravity Crush: Enhanced (increases damage by 25% for 10 seconds, drains 10% HP per second)
Level Check: 10 → 11 upon quest completion
Kairis smirked, feeling the familiar thrill of risk and growth. "Not bad for a day's work."