Chapter 69: Memory

Chapter 69: Memory



In the sky, Terra and Cinder, mid-flight, were suddenly stopped by a surge of oppressive energy coming from the ground. They exchanged concerned glances, their dragon eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"That aura... it feels familiar," Cinder murmured.

Terra nodded, her mind racing. "I feel the same, but I can't quite place it," she replied, her tone filled with worry.

Before they could think further, another wave of energy, this time raw and unfiltered, waved past them. It was a wave of pure agony, a loud cry of pain that resonated with their primal instincts.

"Our Lord is in danger!" Cinder yelled.

Without hesitation, she surged forward, her wings beating furiously against the air.

"We mustn't let anything happen to him!"

Terra followed close behind, her own fear propelling her forward. She roared, her voice echoing through the sky.

Meanwhile, on the ground, Alister was engulfed in a maelstrom of pain. His body convulsed as the awakening process intensified.

The system's words made him confused.

"What is this?" he groaned, his mind was practically in a haze due to all the pain he was going through. For a brief moment, clarity returned, allowing him to think about the system's message.

'Dragon soul... could this be related to my Draconic aspect?' he wondered, barely able to think straight.

Ignoring the pain, he focused his will on the system. "Y-yes, re-assimilate the memory fragment," he said, though his voice was filled with pain.

[Processing...]

Suddenly, Alister felt a weird sensation; it was like the reality around him shifted and changed, and for a moment, he didn't even know he was Alister. Suddenly a scene played before him.

His eyes cracked open; the world was bathed in a crimson light. A violent cough racked his body, and a spray of golden blood spilled from his lips, each droplet shimmering briefly before fading to dullness on the scorched earth. The air was thick with the scent of iron and decay.

Alister was taken by surprise by her sudden show of worry; this wasn't her usual stoic demeanor she usually had about her. He awkwardly shrugged, attempting a reassuring smile.

"I'm fine," he managed to croak out.

'What was all that just now? My head feels so fuzzy; I can't think straight... a deal? What was that thing talking about?' Alister's thoughts raced.

Trying to sit up, he found himself tumbling back to the ground. Cinder and Terra exchanged worried glances.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Cinder asked, her voice gentle and still sounding worried.

"Yeah, I'm fine, you don't have to worry," Alister insisted, though his voice was weaker than he intended. As he tried to rise once more, his vision blurred, and he suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion come over him.

Before he could fully succumb to darkness, a system notification flashed before his eyes.

[All Skills leveled up to Level 2.]

[Draconic Rage Gate 1: Emergence (Unlocked!)]

The notification was lost in the growing fog of unconsciousness. As his senses faded, he heard Terra and Cinder's worried calls, their voices growing distant.

Suddenly, a bright glimmer of light caught his attention. It was momentarily blinding, but he couldn't muster the strength to shield his eyes.

Suddenly, a woman, cloaked in a powerful red aura, stood before him. Her silver hair and crimson eyes were striking against her black and white armor.

'Wait... who is she...' Alister wondered, weak as he was, his vision was blurry and fading.

Gently, she lifted him into her arms. Beside her, another woman could vaguely be seen, her

featurs were blurry, watched with an unreadable expression. And then, darkness enveloped him completely.

Although he was now unconscious, the system's voice echoed.

[New skill discovered!]

[Draconic Hunger Lvl 2!]