Chapter 28 - The Dragon's Heart Cavern
Three days passed after the battle.
The Dragonbone Fortress was alive with celebration.
The Bone Dragon, now free of corruption, had flown into the northern mountains, promising to answer the call of the Beast Sovereign should the world ever face darkness again.
For the first time in decades, hope had returned to the frontier.
Yet Kai did not remain.
The words of the Four Divine Guardians echoed in his mind.
"A beast has waited centuries for your arrival."
---
At dawn, Commander Arcturus met Kai outside the fortress gates.
Lyra Frost stood beside him, Snowfang resting quietly at her side.
Arcturus handed Kai a leather satchel.
"Food, medicine, and a map."
"You'll need all three."
Kai accepted it with a respectful bow.
"Thank you, Commander."
Arcturus smiled.
"You've already done more for this frontier than many veterans."
"But remember..."
"The strongest hunters aren't the ones who always win."
"They're the ones who come home."
---
Lyra stepped forward.
"I'll guide you as far as the Dragon's Ridge."
"Beyond that..."
"Even I've never gone."
Kai nodded.
"I appreciate it."
The Crimson Flame Fox stretched lazily on his shoulder.
"Adventure number two?"
Kai laughed.
"It seems so."
---
The journey north took four days.
The land grew stranger with every step.
Crystal rivers flowed uphill.
Trees with silver leaves whispered in the wind.
Massive dragon skeletons lay half-buried beneath fields of crimson flowers.
At night, ancient dragon spirits could be seen soaring silently beneath the stars.
Kai couldn't help but stare.
"This world..."
"...is far larger than I imagined."
---
On the fifth day, they reached Dragon's Ridge.
Beyond it stood a mountain unlike any other.
It resembled the skull of an ancient dragon.
Its open jaws formed the entrance to a vast cavern.
Golden mist drifted from within.
The Book of Infinite Beasts appeared.
---
Destination Reached
Dragon's Heart Cavern
Danger Level: Unknown
Ancient Aura: Extremely High
Probability of Sovereign Beast: 99.7%
---
Lyra stopped walking.
"I can't go any farther."
Snowfang whined softly.
"It's... afraid."
Kai looked at the usually fearless wolf.
For the first time, he saw uncertainty in its icy blue eyes.
"Then I'll continue alone."
Lyra smiled.
"I had a feeling you'd say that."
She extended her hand.
"Good luck, Kai."
He shook it.
"I'll return."
---
Kai stepped into the cavern.
The temperature rose immediately.
The walls glowed with veins of molten gold.
The deeper he walked, the quieter the world became.
Not even the sound of dripping water remained.
Only silence.
Then...
A low heartbeat echoed through the darkness.
THUMP.
THUMP.
THUMP.
The ground vibrated with every beat.
The fox's ears twitched.
"It's awake."
---
The tunnel suddenly opened into an enormous chamber.
Kai stopped in awe.
At its centre stood a colossal crystal.
Inside the crystal slept...
A dragon.
Unlike the Bone Dragon, this one was alive.
Its scales were black with streaks of molten gold.
Two magnificent horns curved backward like crowns.
Golden flames flickered gently around its body.
The Book of Infinite Beasts flashed urgently.
---
Sovereign Beast Candidate
Name: Ignis
Species: Eclipse Dragon
Rank: Unknown
Status: Sealed
Compatibility with Kai Dragonbane: 100%
---
Before Kai could take another step...
The dragon's golden eyes slowly opened.
A voice, ancient and powerful, filled the chamber.
"You are late, Kai Dragonbane."
Kai froze.
"You... know my name?"
The dragon's lips curled into the faintest smile.
"I have known your name..."
"...since before you were born."
The entire cavern trembled.
Ancient chains wrapped around the crystal glowed crimson.
The dragon lowered its head.
"Break my seal..."
"Before they find me."
Suddenly, the Book of Infinite Beasts blazed with crimson warnings.
Emergency Alert
Multiple Hostile Signatures Detected
Distance: 800 metres... 600 metres... 400 metres...
Identity Confirmed:
The Seven Holy Hunters of the Divine Temple
Kai's expression hardened.
"They're already here."
The Crimson Flame Fox stepped in front of the crystal, flames dancing around its paws.
"Then they'll have to get through us first."
Outside the cavern, seven figures in white-and-gold armour emerged from the mist.
Each carried a relic weapon.
At their head walked a tall man wearing a golden mask shaped like a dragon.
He raised his hand.
"No matter the cost..."
"The Eclipse Dragon must never awaken."