The world snapped back into focus as Arin collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. The burning light that engulfed him faded, leaving the cavern eerily silent.
The colossal dragon form had vanished—only scattered embers drifted in the air like falling stars.
But the voice remained.
"Do not fear. I reside within your core now… until your body can withstand my return."
Arin placed a trembling hand on his chest.
The spot where the flames touched him pulsed with warmth—steady, alive, unlike anything he had ever felt.
A soft chime echoed in his mind:
---
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Dragonheart Stabilization: 84%
Warning: Host body weak. Further awakening may cause collapse.
Recommendation: Strengthen physique immediately.
---
Arin blinked.
A system.
An actual system.
"Why me?" he whispered.
The dragon's voice rumbled deep within him.
"Because you carry the Echo of the Emberborn. Long ago, your bloodline ruled the skies. But your family lost their flame… until now."
Arin froze.
"My family? They were just simple villagers—"
"All embers appear small before they ignite."
The cavern trembled again, dust falling from the ceiling.
"Leave this place. Your awakening has not gone unnoticed."
Arin didn't need to be told twice.
He sprinted out of the cavern and into the cold night air. A faint red glow pulsed under his skin with every heartbeat.
For the first time in his life… he felt powerful.
---
🌑 Back at Arcanis Magic Academy
It was past midnight when Arin slipped into his dorm, exhausted but electrified. His roommate, Jalen, slept soundly—curled up with a book on elemental theory under his arm.
Arin sat on his bed and whispered:
"System… show me my status."
A bright pane of light appeared.
---
[STATUS]
Name: Arin
Race: Human (Emberborn ♦ Awakening)
Level: 1
Physique: Average → Tempered (New)
Mana Capacity: Locked
Dragon Skills:
✦ Dragonheart Resonance (Tier 0) — Dormant
Skills Locked…
Special Quest Unlocked:
"Prove Your Flame"
Objective: Defeat a magic beast within 48 hours.
Reward: First Dragon Skill Awakening.
---
Arin's eyes widened.
A real quest.
A real timer.
And he had effectively no magic.
He exhaled shakily.
"Great. I'll die before becoming cool."
But before he could panic, warmth spread across his chest again—reassuring, steady.
"I will lend you guidance," the dragon murmured.
"But strength must be earned, not given."
---
🌅 The Next Morning — Training Grounds
Students trained with elemental spells as instructors yelled corrections.
Arin arrived silently, gripping the old wooden staff… which suddenly felt lighter in his hand.
He struck the training dummy.
CRACK.
Everyone turned.
The dummy's upper half had snapped clean off.
Whispers erupted.
"What the—? That kid had no affinity yesterday!"
"Did he awaken something?"
"Impossible. He has no mana."
Professor Kaelis narrowed her eyes at him—suspicious, calculating.
Arin swallowed. He hadn't meant to show strength.
"Control your power," the dragon warned in his mind.
"Your body is adjusting. Too much force will reveal you too soon."
But it was too late.
A noble student, drenched in confidence, stepped toward Arin.
Derek Valisar.
Top of their class.
Arcane prodigy.
Expert in fire spells.
He glared at Arin like staring at an insect.
"You broke academy property," Derek sneered.
"How about you show us how strong you really are?"
Students formed a circle.
A duel.
Arin couldn't refuse.
Not if he wanted to survive the academy.
The dragon's voice whispered:
"Good. A flame is born only when struck."
Arin tightened his grip on the staff.
The duel was about to begin.