Above the mountain peak, the clouds were a brilliant white against the azure sky. Lucas could feel the power of the Dragon Blood artifact coursing through his veins, his muscles rippling and expanding as they absorbed its energy. He bit his lip against the searing pain, feeling as if his very bones were being reshaped."Agh... it hurts so much... I can't take it anymore," Lucas muttered through gritted teeth, as he fell to his knees. He could feel his skin peeling away, revealing the raw, red flesh beneath. He retched violently, blood and bile spewing from his mouth.As the transformation reached its peak, Lucas gasped as scales began to sprout from his skin, shimmering in the sunlight. They were a deep, iridescent black, and they seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. The pain was unbearable, and Lucas screamed in agony as the scales tore through his flesh.The scales quickly receded, leaving Lucas's skin smooth once more, but he could feel that his body was forever changed. He

Near the thundering waterfall, the beautiful and petite Mei lay asleep, her short hair splayed out around her like a halo. She was a True Immortal, and as such, her senses were heightened. Suddenly, she bolted awake, her eyes snapping open as she felt a powerful aura approaching.Mei sat up, her heart pounding in her chest as she scanned the area for any signs of danger. That's when she saw him - a figure descending from the sky, his wings spread wide and his aura radiating like the sun. It was Lucas."Lucas!" Mei cried out, her voice echoing through the canyon. "What are you doing here?"Lucas landed gracefully on the ground, his wings folding behind him. "Mei, I need your help," he said, his voice urgent. "I've absorbed three Dragon Blood artifacts, and I need the Dragon Hearth that's hidden behind this waterfall."Mei's eyes widened in surprise. "But Lucas, I was assigned by my master to protect that artifact. It's too dangerous to fall into the wrong hands."Lucas nodded solemnly.