Chapter 277: Embodiment of the Ancient Dragon
“Master… You’ve finally returned.”
At the portal leading to The Underdark, Lanpu waited with cautious reverence, head bowed low. His grotesque nose twitched, catching the unmistakable scent of blood clinging to the Red Dragon’s scales—but he said nothing more.
“Mortifer—” Kai Xiusu spoke flatly, as if stating a trivial fact, “the mouse from the gutter is dead.”
Lanpu suddenly recalled Mortifer’s leadership over Dragonshadow City—a strategically vital, thriving trade hub. It could serve as a frontline stronghold for the Kingdom of Ashen’s advance into The Underdark. But as he covertly studied the Red Dragon’s watchful expression, he saw unmistakable impatience in the creature’s gaze. The moment passed, and Lanpu instantly silenced any thought of inquiry.
“Your might is enough to make even the gods tremble.”
“From this day forward, no being shall threaten Northwind Keep.”
Bowing deeply, the Cannibal Magician’s massive, fleshy form resembled a mountain of meat. Yet Kai Xiusu remained distant, barely acknowledging him. With a subtle flick of his wings, he soared toward the Iron Dragon Wing Palace on the city’s outskirts.
Only after the Red Dragon vanished into the horizon did Lanpu slowly lift his head. He pulled out a golden-threaded handkerchief, dabbing at the sweat beading across his brow.
“Master… He’s grown stronger. But his nature has changed.”
“Whether that’s good or bad… I don’t know.”
Staring at the fiery crimson sky, the Cannibal Magician murmured uneasily, his voice trembling with apprehension.
Meanwhile, within the Royal Palace, Kai Xiusu exhaled a plume of sulfurous smoke. His entire body shimmered with white vapor, his pupils flickering with sparks of flame. Cracks in his scales pulsed with molten streams of fire, as if the very essence of the dragon burned within.
He stared blankly at his Character Sheet.
- [You killed [Male Lion Guard - Oklan], gained 1,800 experience points]
- [You killed [Guardian Sword - Thaland], gained 1,600 experience points]
- [You killed [Human Soldier], gained 400 experience points]
- [You killed [Human Stablehand], gained 5 experience points]
- [You killed [Human Merchant], gained 1 experience point]
On his way from Northwind Keep to the Royal Palace, he had casually obliterated a human caravan en route from Stravburg—trading goods with considerable wealth. Among its ranks were several high-level professionals serving as guards, more than capable of fending off bandits or even mountain-dwelling Snowmen. Yet to the Red Dragon, they were utterly insignificant.
In an instant, the caravan was swallowed by an immense shadow. Men turned up in terror, mouths agape, but no cry of “Danger!” or “Alert!” could escape them. Then, like divine retribution, a torrent of crimson fire rained from above—scorching, devouring, reducing them to ash. Not a single挣扎 left behind.
No one would miss them. Perhaps a single line in a ledger would mark their disappearance—unnoticed, unremembered.
Yet even so, the caravan had granted Kai Xiusu a final, meager trickle of experience points.
After a brief hesitation between the two classes—Bloodscaled Fury and True Dragon Mage—he made his choice.
- [Your total Class Level reaches 17]
- [You choose to raise True Dragon Mage to level 14]
- [Due to Dragonborn Spellcasting, your current Spellcaster Level is: 19]
- [You are now among the elite Sorcerers of this world. You gain an ability granted by your Origin of Magic]
In his past life, this level represented a monumental leap for any professional. For a Sorcerer, it meant unlocking the full power of their Origin of Magic—ascending to true mastery, a force capable of shaping nations. It was precisely this realization that led him to abandon further progression in Bloodscaled Fury.
- [You gain an Origin of Magic ability: Embodiment of the Ancient Dragon]
【Embodiment of the Ancient Dragon】
True Dragon Mages often seek wisdom from elder mentors or trace their bloodline back to ancient progenitors. To truly understand their heritage, some even transform into Ancient Dragons themselves. You may choose one of the common True Dragons—Five-colored Dragon, Metal Dragon, Gemstone Dragon—and spend one drop of Dragon Blood Essence to manifest as a true Ancient Dragon. During this form, you possess all base stats and spell-like abilities. However, these powers are meant for experience and understanding, not sustained use. Once combat begins, their effectiveness fades rapidly.
“Not bad.”
Kai Xiusu assessed the ability with a cool, detached tone.
An Ancient Dragon—a being of unmatched power in the Prime Material Plane. Merely experiencing its might would be invaluable. And with the added twist of temporary use? That made it priceless.
After all, even a Ancient Red Dragon carries a Challenge Rating of 22. An Ancient Gold Dragon reaches a staggering 23—power enough to dominate Ailezegai with impunity. Even Kai Xiusu, without unleashing Chaos Breath, would struggle to defeat one.
- [You gain an additional Dragon Spell: Primordial Hunter]
Primordial Hunter
2nd-Level Alteration Spell
Your flesh swells with the remembered strength of your ancestors, tensing in preparation for swift action.
This spell recalls the primal might of your lineage—the era when survival demanded constant struggle. You gain a +5 bonus to Climb, Jump, and Swim checks.
“Useless.”
Kai Xiusu’s expression darkened. For a being of his stature, such a spell was barely worth the breath.
- [You gain an additional Dragon Spell: Dragon’s Justice]
Dragon’s Justice
6th-Level Transmutation Spell
A radiant golden light bursts from your body, as if you were encased in glowing spines. You create an arcane Force Field around yourself—when attacked, the field retaliates. Any creature wielding a weapon against you will be pierced by the field’s spines.
“This… might actually be useful.”
Kai Xiusu tilted his head casually, exhaling a stream of crimson embers. He felt the heat dance along his tongue, a thrill coursing through him.
Yet his mind lingered on a more intoxicating thought.
“Kill every living being in the Prime Material Plane.”
“Continue leading the Kingdom of Ashen… or destroy this world entirely, in pursuit of ultimate power.”
“Perhaps this is true purification.”
The Red Dragon brooded, his heart pounding in rhythm with the pulsing Heart of Karex, its energy flowing through basal vessels like molten rivers. Never before had he felt so full of power—so alive with untapped potential. It was as if every fiber of his being yearned to unleash itself.
“Strength.”
“That is all there is.”
With a clawed hand, Kai Xiusu summoned a stream of dark red fire from his palm—then clenched it shut. The resulting explosion tore through the air, sending waves of hot wind rippling across miles.
Power surged through his dragon body, stronger than ever before. Even a Divine Being descending in physical form would be consumed by his Chaos Flame—though this wasn’t mere destruction. This was ambition—raw, unrelenting, and burning bright.
“Hahahaha…”
The Red Dragon grinned, fangs bared, wings trembling with anticipation.
He had made his choice.
(End of Chapter)
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