The darkness inside the cave was thick and suffocating, broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing off the damp walls. Lian's body lay sprawled on the cold, uneven floor, his breath shallow and labored. Pain radiated through every muscle, and his consciousness wavered on the brink of fading completely.

  The fierce storm that had forced him into this cavern seemed a distant memory now. All he could hear was the eerie stillness, punctuated by the faint rustle of unseen creatures.

  Somewhere deeper in the cave, a faint, flickering glow caught his attention. Summoning the last of his strength, Lian forced his eyes open. His vision was blurry, but he could just make out a massive form lying in the shadows—a creature unlike anything he had ever seen.

  A dragon.

  Its scales shimmered faintly in hues of deep blue and silver, though many were cracked and dulled with age. The beast's breathing was ragged, each exhale accompanied by a weak tremor. Beneath its chest, a faint glow pulsed erratically—a crystal embedded in its flesh, flickering like a dying star.

  Lian's heart pounded. Dragons were creatures of legend, beings of immense power and wisdom. To see one in the flesh was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

  Summoning his courage, Lian dragged himself closer. His body protested with every movement, but curiosity and a strange sense of urgency drove him forward.

  As he neared the dragon, its eyes—once fierce and commanding—flickered open. A deep, ancient voice echoed in Lian's mind.

  "A child of men... How curious."

  Lian's breath caught in his throat. The dragon was speaking directly to him, its voice resonating like a distant thunder.

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  "You're... you're hurt," Lian managed to rasp, his voice hoarse.

  The dragon let out a low, rumbling sigh. "My time in this world is at an end. I have fought many battles, guarded countless secrets... but even a dragon's flame must one day flicker and die."

  Lian's chest tightened with sympathy. Despite the dragon's immense presence, there was a profound sadness in its words.

  "But why are you here? Alone in this cave?"

  The dragon's gaze softened. "I was drawn here by fate, just as you were. Perhaps it was destiny that brought us together."

  Lian's brow furrowed. "I don't understand."

  The dragon's voice grew fainter. "There is little time to explain. But know this, child—within my chest lies a crystal of mana, the core of my being. When I die, it will be lost forever... unless..."

  It paused, its massive form trembling. "Unless I entrust it to you."

  Lian's eyes widened. "To me? But I have the lowest mana level in the kingdom. I'm not special."

  The dragon let out a weak chuckle. "Mana is not simply measured by birthright. It is shaped by will, by determination. I see a spark within you—a potential that even you do not yet comprehend."

  Lian's hands trembled. "But... what does that mean? What will happen if I take it?"

  "The crystal will become a part of you," the dragon explained. "It will bond with your very soul, granting you strength beyond imagination. But be warned—this power is not easily controlled. It will require discipline, courage, and an unyielding spirit."

  Lian's heart raced. The weight of the dragon's words was overwhelming. Could he truly bear such a burden?

  Before he could respond, the dragon let out a shuddering breath. "There is no more time. I can feel the end approaching."

  Its eyes locked onto Lian's. "Will you accept this gift? Will you carry my legacy?"

  Lian hesitated for only a moment. Despite his doubts, a fierce determination ignited within him. He couldn't let this creature's sacrifice be in vain.

  "I'll do it," he said firmly. "I'll carry your legacy."

  The dragon's eyes gleamed with approval. "Then brace yourself, child of men. This will not be easy."

  With a final, mighty effort, the dragon raised its head and pressed its chest against Lian's palm. The crystal flared to life, its light blinding and searing.

  Pain shot through Lian's body as the crystal's energy surged into him. He gasped, his veins burning with raw power. His vision blurred, and the world tilted around him.

  Through the chaos, the dragon's voice echoed one last time. "Remember... strength is born of hardship... and true power lies within the heart."

  With that, the dragon's form dissolved into shimmering motes of light, leaving only the faint glow of the mana crystal embedded in Lian's palm.

  The cave fell into silence once more.

  Lian collapsed to the ground, his body trembling from the ordeal. The warmth of the crystal pulsed through him, a constant reminder of the dragon's final gift.

  As darkness claimed him

  , one thought echoed in his mind:

  This is only the beginning.

  ---