The moon hung low over the village, casting silver beams across the quiet fields. Inside Lian’s modest home, the faint glow of the mana crystal illuminated the room, flickering like a gentle flame in the darkness.

  Lian sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, his breathing steady as he focused on the warmth coursing through his body. He could feel the energy of the crystal, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. For hours, he had tried to guide its flow, but the mana remained stubborn and untamed.

  His brows furrowed in frustration. What am I doing wrong?

  Just as doubt crept into his thoughts, a sudden surge of energy rippled through the crystal. Lian gasped, his eyes snapping open. The glow intensified, filling the room with blinding light.

  “W-what’s happening?” he stammered.

  The air around him shimmered, distorting like heatwaves on a summer day. The walls of his room faded, replaced by a vast expanse of shimmering stars and swirling clouds of energy. Lian found himself standing on a glowing platform suspended in the void.

  Before he could comprehend what was happening, a familiar, thunderous voice echoed through the space.

  "Child of men, your journey has only just begun."

  Lian's breath caught in his throat. "Dragon?"

  A massive spectral figure materialized before him, its scales shimmering like liquid starlight. The dragon's presence was overwhelming, its eyes filled with ancient wisdom and unyielding strength.

  "You... you're still here?" Lian asked in disbelief.

  The dragon's voice was solemn. "My physical form has faded, but my essence remains bound to the crystal within you. I will be with you always."

  Relief and awe washed over Lian. "I thought I had lost you forever."

  The dragon's gaze softened. "Fate is never so simple. But listen well, Lian—there is a prophecy you must understand."

  Lian's heart raced. "Prophecy?"

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  The dragon's form flickered, and images began to swirl around them—visions of a fierce battle, a kingdom in flames, and a lone figure standing amidst the chaos.

  "When you turn twenty, I will return as your summoned guardian. But until that day, you must train, grow stronger, and prepare for the trials ahead."

  Lian's fists clenched. "Why me? I'm just a boy with the lowest mana level in the kingdom. How can I possibly face such a destiny?"

  The dragon's voice was gentle but firm. "Strength is not born of privilege but forged through hardship. You have already taken the first step by accepting my gift. Now, you must continue forward without fear."

  The swirling images faded, leaving only the dragon's glowing form.

  "Remember this, Lian: when the world crumbles, only those with unwavering hearts will rise from the ashes."

  The dragon's presence began to wane, its form dissolving into shimmering motes of light.

  "No, wait!" Lian shouted. "Don't go!"

  "I am always with you," the dragon's fading voice echoed. "Trust in yourself... and trust in the crystal."

  The light enveloped Lian, and the next moment, he was back in his room, gasping for breath. The mana crystal pulsed faintly in his palm, as if echoing the dragon's final words.

  ---

  A New Resolve

  Lian sat in stunned silence, his mind racing. The dragon's prophecy had ignited a fire within him—a determination stronger than any doubt he had ever felt.

  "I'll train," he whispered, his voice resolute. "I'll become strong enough to face whatever comes my way."

  The first rays of dawn crept through the window, painting the room in hues of gold and pink. Lian rose to his feet, his exhaustion forgotten. He knew what he had to do.

  Without hesitation, he gathered his belongings—a simple satchel, some food, and a sturdy cloak. He left a note for his parents, explaining that he needed time to train and grow stronger.

  With one last glance at his home, Lian set off toward the mountains, where the dragon's cave awaited.

  ---

  The Return to the Cave

  The journey was long and arduous, but Lian pressed on, driven by the dragon's words. By the time he reached the cave, sweat soaked his clothes, and his muscles ached.

  The entrance loomed before him, dark and foreboding. But Lian felt no fear. This place, once a symbol of danger, now felt like a sanctuary.

  He stepped inside, the mana crystal illuminating the path ahead. The air was cool and thick with the scent of damp stone. As he ventured deeper, memories of the dragon's final moments flickered in his mind.

  Reaching the heart of the cave, Lian found the spot where the dragon had once lain. The stone was scorched and cracked, but the lingering warmth of the dragon's presence remained.

  Kneeling on the ground, Lian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "This is where it all began," he whispered. "And this is where I'll begin again."

  ---

  The First Breakthrough

  Days turned into weeks as Lian immersed himself in relentless training. He meditated, fought against wild cave beasts, and pushed his body to the brink of exhaustion.

  The mana crystal's energy was a wild and untamed force, but Lian gradually learned to channel it. His control grew stronger with each passing day, and his confidence soared.

  One evening, as he sat in deep meditation, a sudden surge of energy coursed through him. The crystal flared, and Lian's body lifted off the ground, suspended in a vortex of shimmering light.

  His eyes snapped open, glowing with radiant blue energy. "What's happening?" he gasped.

  The cave trembled, and the walls shimmered with ancient runes. The crystal's power surged through Lian, merging with his very essence.

  In that moment, Lian felt an overwhelming sense of clarity. The chaotic energy that had once defied him now flowed smoothly, like a river finding its natural course.

  A fierce grin spread across his face. "I did it," he whispered. "I finally did it."

  The light gradually faded, and Lian's feet touched the ground. His body felt lighter, stronger, and filled with boundless energy.

  He clenched his fist, feeling the crystal's power at his command. "This is just the beginning," he vowed. "I'll become strong enough to face anything."

  The dragon's words echoed in his mind once more: Trust in yourself... and trust in the cry

  stal.

  Lian's journey had only just begun, but he was ready to face whatever destiny awaited him.

  ---