Far beyond Lunaris City, beneath a sky covered by dark clouds, another battle was taking place.
Unlike the crowded streets of the city, this place was quiet.
A mountain training center stood alone near the edge of a forest.
The sound of fists striking wooden posts echoed through the night.
Long Wei wiped the sweat from his forehead.
At twenty years old, he stood taller than most people around him.
His waist-length black hair was tied into a high ponytail, swaying gently as he moved.
Even among martial artists, he was considered talented.
Yet tonight, he couldn't focus.
Something felt wrong.
The air itself seemed strange.
As if a storm was approaching.
"Long Wei!"
One of the instructors called out.
"You've been distracted all evening."
Long Wei lowered his fists.
"Sorry."
The instructor sighed.
"You should head home."
Long Wei nodded.
After gathering his things, he left the training center.
The mountain road was nearly empty.
Only the sound of wind accompanied him.
Then,
His phone vibrated.
A news alert appeared.
Mysterious Monster Attack in Lunaris City.
Long Wei frowned.
Monster attack?
Before he could open the article, the screen suddenly went black.
The streetlights ahead flickered.
His steps slowed.
That strange feeling returned.
No.
It was stronger now.
Much stronger.
A distant roar echoed through the forest.
Long Wei's body froze.
His instincts screamed danger.
The roar came again.
Closer.
The trees began shaking violently.
Birds burst from the forest and fled into the sky.
Something was coming.
Something enormous.
Then he saw it.
A gigantic creature emerged from the darkness.
Its body resembled a wolf, but its size was impossible.
Black mist covered its skin.
Its claws dug trenches into the ground.
Two crimson eyes locked onto him.
Long Wei immediately stepped back.
"What the hell is that?"
The creature growled.
Then charged.
The ground exploded beneath its feet.
Long Wei barely dodged.
The monster slammed into the road.
Concrete shattered instantly.
Long Wei's eyes widened.
One hit would kill him.
Without hesitation, he ran.
The creature chased after him.
Trees snapped like twigs as it moved.
Its speed was terrifying.
Long Wei jumped over a fallen log.
The monster leaped after him.
BOOM!
The impact shook the entire forest.
Long Wei rolled across the ground.
Pain shot through his shoulder.
Blood appeared on his arm.
The creature slowly approached.
Its glowing eyes never left him.
Long Wei's breathing became heavier.
For the first time in years...
He felt completely powerless.
The monster raised its claw.
Death approached.
Yet strangely enough
Long Wei wasn't afraid.
Instead, anger began rising inside him.
Why?
Why should he die here?
Why should some monster decide his fate?
The thought ignited something deep within his soul.
A strange heat spread through his chest.
The monster lunged.
At that exact moment
A deafening roar erupted from within Long Wei.
Not from his mouth.
From somewhere far deeper.
Something ancient.
Something sleeping.
A golden-red light exploded around him.
The forest shook violently.
The monster froze.
Its eyes widened.
As if it had seen something impossible.
Long Wei fell to one knee.
Pain surged through his entire body.
Then images flooded his mind.
A sea of flames.
Ancient dragons flying across the sky.
A golden throne.
A kingdom hidden among the clouds.
Countless warriors kneeling before him.
And a voice.
A powerful voice that seemed to shake heaven itself.
"Prince of Dragons..."
Long Wei grabbed his head.
"What is happening to me?!"
The voice continued.
"Awaken."
BOOOOOOM!
Flames erupted around him.
Golden dragon fire spiraled toward the sky.
The monster let out a terrified howl.
For the first time
It stepped backward.
Long Wei slowly stood.
His black hair danced wildly behind him.
Golden-red flames surrounded his body.
His eyes glowed like molten gold.
The creature trembled.
It recognized the power.
It remembered.
Just like the monster in Lunaris City.
The beast tried to flee.
But before it could move
A pillar of white light descended from the sky.
The monster screamed.
Chains of light wrapped around its body instantly.
Long Wei turned.
A white-haired old man stood nearby.
His expression was calm.
But his eyes contained a trace of disbelief.
For several moments, neither of them spoke.
The old man studied Long Wei carefully.
Then he smiled.
A smile filled with relief.
"The Second Light has awakened."
Long Wei stared at him.
"Who are you?"
The old man ignored the question.
Instead, he looked toward the night sky.
His expression suddenly changed.
Concern flashed across his face.
As though he had sensed something.
Or someone.
Then he turned back to Long Wei.
"We don't have much time."
Long Wei frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
The old man took a deep breath.
"The shadows have already begun their hunt."
"Hunt?"
"Yes."
The old man's eyes darkened.
"They have found the Sun."
Long Wei's heart skipped a beat.
The Sun?
Before he could ask another question
A second voice echoed inside his mind.
Ancient.
Powerful.
And terrifying.
"Find him."
"Before the shadows do."