Juichi paced through the narrow hallway of his home, his thoughts clouded with worry. The soft hum of the television buzzed from the living room, but the usual sight of his father, Kaito, immersed in video games, was missing.
"Dad never leaves the house... Where could he have gone?" Juichi muttered, chewing on his lip.
The air was unnervingly still, almost as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.
Determined, Juichi grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and bent down to slip on his sneakers. Just then, a faint shimmer flickered above his head.
"What the—?"
Before he could react, the flicker expanded into a swirling vortex—identical to the one that had swallowed Kaito. His vision blurred. The floor gave way beneath his feet, and a vortex of color and shadow twisted around him. He tried to scream, but no sound escaped. The last thing he saw was the portal pulling him into the unknown.
Darkness.
Then whispers.
Faint voices echoed around him—one belonging to a girl, the other an old man. Their conversation was muffled, distant.
Juichi opened his eyes. He stood in an empty void, weightless as though walking on water. A soft glow appeared in the distance, pulsing with energy. A clear, resonant voice echoed from it.
Compelled by instinct, he walked toward the light. As he drew closer, the glow shifted, taking the shape of a magnificent dragon. Its colossal body shimmered with the colors of all elements—crimson flames, sapphire waves, emerald leaves, golden lightning. A being of ancient power.
"I am the Almighty Multi-Elemental Dragon," it boomed, its voice vibrating through the void. "From this moment forward, my power shall become yours. But you must first understand its burden."
Juichi's eyes widened, but his instincts screamed caution. As he stared into the dragon's gaze, he sensed a hint of something else—concealed motives.
"Wait… what do you mean 'your power belongs to me'?" Juichi asked, narrowing his eyes. "Why would you give your power to a stranger?"
The dragon's expression remained composed, though a flicker of annoyance crept into its tone. "I am ancient, and my time wanes. The world still needs balance among the elements. I require a successor—one worthy of inheriting my legacy."
Juichi crossed his arms. "Why me? There must be others more qualified."
"You possess a rare soul," the dragon answered. "One in harmony with all elements. I have watched you, Juichi Nakamura. You are the only one who can wield my power without corrupting it."
Still, something felt off.
"And what do you gain from this?" he asked. "This doesn't sound like a favor."
The dragon's serene expression faltered. "I will finally be able to rest, knowing my power lives on... through you. My legacy continued."
Juichi took a step back. "So this is about your ego."
The dragon's eyes flared. "Foolish mortal. Do you dare question me? I offer you a gift beyond comprehension!"
"I'm not your pawn," Juichi shot back, unmoved. "Tell me the truth. What aren't you saying?"
For a moment, silence reigned. Then the dragon's tone shifted—low and calculating.
"Very well," it said. "But know this—once you hear the truth, there is no turning back."
Juichi remained silent, bracing himself.
"I am not simply offering my power out of kindness. I have a task for you," the dragon said. "A mission no one else has succeeded in. I want you to kill the Demon Lord."
Juichi blinked. "Kill the Demon Lord?"
"Yes," the dragon confirmed. "He threatens this world's balance. You are to defeat him. That is the first trial. And to unlock your full potential, you must grow. You will begin at Level 1—E-Rank."
Juichi struggled to grasp it all. "So… this is like a game?"
"In some ways," the dragon replied. "Your strength, agility, intelligence, and other attributes will evolve as you level up. You must train, fight, and survive. Only then will you become strong enough to face him."
Juichi clenched his fists. "Alright. I'll do it. I'll level up and defeat this Demon Lord."
The dragon's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Then it is done. From this moment, you are:
Level 1 – E-Rank
Stats:
Strength: 10
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 10
Endurance: 10
Luck: 10
HP: 10
MP: 10
Skills:
Basic Attack: Deal 10 damage
Basic Defense: Reduce incoming damage by 10%
"Go now," the dragon said. "Your journey begins."
But Juichi hesitated. "What about my dad? Where is he?"
The dragon's expression cooled. "Ah. Your father... He is indisposed. You will see him again—but not yet. For now, focus on your path."
Juichi's heart ached with worry. "What did you do to him?"
"That is not for you to know. Not yet," the dragon said, finality in its voice. "Your task is clear. Now go."
Before Juichi could protest, the dragon vanished. The void around him twisted, shifting into colour and shape.
He opened his eyes.
A breathtaking landscape unfolded before him—rolling emerald hills, crystal-clear rivers, and distant mountains kissing the clouds. The wind carried the scent of magic and mystery.
Juichi took a deep breath. A new world. A new life. But not without purpose.
He would grow stronger. He would defeat the Demon Lord.
And he would find his father.
His journey had just begun.
---
To be Continued