The air inside the cave felt heavy after Malagar’s departure. Elden could still sense the lingering energy from the battle, but this time, fear no longer weighed on his heart. He knew who he was and what kind of power flowed through his veins.
Kaelar observed Elden closely before finally nodding. “If you’re ready, we need to get out of here. This cave might collapse at any moment.”
Renard let out a long sigh. “Finally. I’m sick of this place.”
They moved quickly toward the cave’s entrance, but just before stepping out, Elden suddenly felt something.
A gaze.
Someone was watching them.
He turned back, but all he saw was darkness within the cave. Yet, he was certain, something was there.
“Elden?” Vaelis looked at him with concern.
Elden shook his head. “It’s nothing. Let’s go.”
They stepped out of the cave and found themselves in the middle of a dense forest. The moonlight shone faintly through the tall trees, casting long shadows that swayed with the evening breeze.
“We need to get far from here,” Kaelar said. “Malagar may be gone, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of his followers are still lurking around.”
They moved swiftly through the forest, following a winding narrow path. Vaelis led the way to ensure they didn’t get lost, while Kaelar and Renard guarded the rear.
Elden walked in the middle, his mind still racing with questions.
Who was the old man with silver eyes? Was he truly a guardian of the dragon’s legacy? And if so, were there more guardians waiting to test him?
As he was lost in thought, Vaelis suddenly stopped.
“There’s something ahead,” she whispered.
Everyone immediately became alert. Elden scanned his surroundings carefully, trying to sense any unusual presence.
Then, from behind the trees, a figure emerged.
A tall man in a long dark cloak. His face was hidden beneath his hood, but the aura emanating from him felt oppressive.
Kaelar instantly drew his sword. “Who are you?”
The man didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he slowly raised his hand, and suddenly, the wind around them began to swirl violently.
Elden felt a familiar pressure. This is high level magic.
Renard muttered a curse under his breath. “Another sorcerer. I’m getting sick of them.”
Finally, the man spoke. His voice was deep and calm, yet something about it made Elden’s skin prickle.
“You have ventured too far.”
Elden narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”
The man stepped forward, and under the moonlight, his face was finally revealed.
He was young, perhaps only a few years older than Elden. His silver eyes gleamed beneath his hood, cold and emotionless.
Kaelar’s expression shifted in shock. “Silver eyes… Impossible.”
Elden immediately understood what Kaelar meant. Silver eyes were a distinctive trait of those connected to dragons, whether as heirs, guardians, or enemies.
The man nodded slowly. “I am Luthen. One of the last guardians of dragon blood.”
Vaelis stiffened. “A guardian?”
Luthen looked directly at Elden. “I have come to test you, Heir.”
Elden clenched his fists. He had just endured a grueling trial in the cave, and now another test awaited him?
“Haven’t I proven myself enough?” he asked.
Luthen shook his head. “The previous trial only determined whether you could accept who you are. But that is not enough. The dragon’s legacy is not just about acceptance, it is about power. About whether you are worthy of the blood that flows in your veins.”
Kaelar stepped forward. “We don’t have time for another test. Elden just fought Malagar. He needs time to recover.”
Luthen remained unmoved. “This is not about time. It is about destiny.”
Renard clicked his tongue in frustration. “This ‘destiny’ thing is really getting on my nerves.”
Elden took a deep breath. He knew there was no point in resisting. If this was part of the journey he had to take, then he would face it.
“What do I have to do?” he asked.
Luthen stared at him in silence before finally raising his hand. The air around them began to tremble, and Elden felt an overwhelming surge of energy surrounding him.
“We shall see if you can truly control your power,” Luthen said. “And if you cannot…”
He didn’t finish his sentence, but Elden understood the implication.
If I fail, then I am unworthy of being the Heir of Dragon Blood.
Without warning, Luthen swung his hand, and suddenly, Elden felt his body being pulled into darkness.
The world around him shifted.
He was no longer in the forest.
He stood upon scorched rocky ground, beneath a sky ablaze with red flames. The howling wind carried the distant roar of a dragon, rumbling like a storm.
Before him, Luthen stood with a long sword in hand.
“This battle will determine everything,” he said.
Elden took a deep breath and raised his sword.
I will not lose.
...
Elden stood on the scorching rocky ground, feeling the wind carry the scent of sulfur. The crimson sky above him burned like an endless inferno. A distant rumbling echoed, resembling the roar of a dragon shaking the air.
Before him, Luthen stood with a calm expression, his longsword gleaming under the blazing sky. Elden knew this was no ordinary battle. This was a trial to determine whether he was truly worthy of becoming the Heir of Dragon Blood.
Without warning, Luthen shot toward him at an astonishing speed. Elden barely had time to react as Luthen’s sword swung toward him. With lightning-fast reflexes, he raised his own blade to parry the strike.
CLANG!
The clash of their swords sent a shockwave rippling through the battlefield. Elden staggered back a few steps, feeling the tremor in his arms from the force of Luthen’s attack.
Luthen gave him no time to think. He immediately continued his assault with swift, precise movements. Elden could only defend, parrying each slash that came at a speed nearly impossible to follow.
He’s so fast! Elden thought.
Luthen leaped into the air and brought his sword down with full force. Elden barely dodged in time, rolling to the side as the strike split the ground where he had just stood.
Without hesitation, Elden countered with a swift slash toward Luthen, but the silver-eyed warrior effortlessly evaded and retaliated with a kick to Elden’s chest. Elden stumbled backward but managed to regain his balance.
“If this is all you have, you will never be able to control the dragon blood within you,” Luthen said coldly.
Elden gritted his teeth. He knew Luthen was testing him, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to be toyed with like this.
He took a deep breath and tried to feel the power within his body. The dragon’s energy coursed through his veins, but he had always been hesitant to fully unleash it.
I can’t hold back anymore.
With newfound determination, Elden raised his sword and let the dragon’s power ignite within him. Golden flames began to flicker around his body, enveloping his sword in a radiant glow.
Luthen observed the transformation with keen interest. “Interesting,” he murmured.
Elden didn’t wait any longer. Moving faster than before, he lunged at Luthen and slashed his sword. This time, Luthen couldn’t completely avoid it. Elden’s blade grazed his shoulder, leaving behind a smoldering burn.
Luthen stepped back, eyeing the wound on his shoulder before giving a slight smile. “At last, you’re showing your true potential.”
However, instead of retreating, Luthen increased the intensity of the battle. He raised his sword to the sky, and suddenly, dark energy began to swirl around him.
Elden felt an immense pressure. This was no ordinary magic.
Luthen swung his sword downward, sending a wave of dark energy hurtling toward Elden. He leaped to the side, but the blast struck the ground behind him, causing an explosion that shook the entire battlefield.
Elden couldn’t just keep defending. He had to strike back.
With a battle cry, he leaped into the air, swinging his dragon-flame-clad sword. His attack cut through the air like lightning, carrying overwhelming force.
Luthen parried, but this time, he was pushed back. Elden didn’t relent. He kept attacking, harnessing the power he had just begun to understand. Every swing of his sword left a trail of fire in the air, each strike stronger and faster than before.
Luthen finally showed a serious expression. He knew Elden was no longer the hesitant boy he had faced moments ago.
“Very well,” Luthen said. “You’ve proven something to me.”
He sheathed his sword and looked at Elden with respect.
Still panting, Elden felt his body pulsing with the energy he had just unleashed. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“This battle was never about winning or losing,” Luthen said. “It was about whether you could control your power. And you have proven that you can.”
Elden frowned. “So… this was just a test?”
Luthen nodded. “I needed to see if you were worthy of being the Heir of Dragon Blood. And now, I have my answer.”
Elden lowered his sword, feeling his body start to calm.
Luthen gazed at him intently before finally saying, “Your journey is far from over, Elden. But today, you have taken an important step.”
Suddenly, the world around them began to fade. Elden felt his body being pulled back to reality.
As he opened his eyes, he found himself back in the forest with Kaelar, Renard, and Vaelis.
Kaelar immediately rushed to him. “Are you alright?”
Elden nodded slowly. “I did it.”
Renard whistled softly. “I don’t know what happened in there, but you look like you just walked out of hell.”
Vaelis eyed Luthen warily. “Are you going to be our enemy now?”
Luthen shook his head. “On the contrary. I am here to guide him.”
Elden was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
Luthen met his gaze firmly. “I will help you find your destiny, Elden. There is much you still don’t know, and I can help you understand it all.”
Kaelar looked skeptical. “And what do you want in return?”
Luthen gave a faint smile. “I only wish to ensure that the last heir of dragon blood does not fall into the wrong hands.”
Elden studied Luthen, sensing the sincerity in his words.
And deep within, he knew that his journey had just entered a new chapter.
Related Chapters
Heir of the Dragon’s Blood 19 : Shadows Behind the Steps
The night grew deeper as Elden and his group continued their journey. After the grueling trial he had endured with Luthen, his body still felt weary, but his mind was filled with questions.Had Luthen truly come just to test him? Or was there a deeper reason behind it?Kaelar walked beside him, occasionally casting wary glances at Luthen. Renard, as usual, appeared relaxed, but Elden knew the man was always on guard for danger. Meanwhile, Vaelis walked slightly ahead, ensuring the path they traveled was safe.They finally reached a cliff overlooking a vast valley. From up here, Elden could see scattered campfires in the distance. They likely belonged to travelers or groups of soldiers setting up camp.“We’ll rest here,” Kaelar finally said. “We need our strength before moving on.”Elden sat on a large rock, steadying his breath. Renard dropped to the ground with a long sigh.“I think we need to talk about our new companion,” he said, eyeing Luthen with a scrutinizing gaze.Luthen mere
Heir of the Dragon’s Blood 1 : The Awakened Mark
The night wind swept through the forest, carrying the scent of damp earth and freshly fallen leaves. Amidst the dense foliage, a young man clad in ragged hunter’s garb moved cautiously, his sharp eyes scanning every movement around him. Elden, a simple village hunter, gripped his bow tightly. He had spent hours in the forest, yet his prey had not appeared."Just one deer is all I need…" he muttered under his breath, almost as if speaking to himself.Life in his small village on the kingdom’s edge had always been simple—rising before dawn, hunting for food, and returning before nightfall. But tonight was different. The air felt heavier, denser, as if unseen eyes were watching him from the shadows of the trees.Suddenly, the bushes ahead rustled violently. Elden swiftly raised his bow, nocking an arrow, and aimed toward the source of the sound."Hrrr…"A low growl sent chills down his spine. Emerging from the darkness of the forest was a wolf—but not an ordinary one. Its body was larger
Heir of the Dragon’s Blood 2 : The Hunt Begins
Elden began to run out of breath as the current of the water pushed him closer to death."I have to... get out of here..." he thought in panic.Then, something strange happened. The mark on his arm started glowing faintly underwater, and suddenly, his body felt lighter. His muscles reacted faster, and it was as if his instincts were guiding him on how to fight the current.With his newfound strength, Elden kicked hard and swam toward the riverbank. It took a few seconds, but he finally reached the edge, dragging himself onto the rocks, gasping for air.In the distance, he could still hear the muffled voices of the knights. They seemed to be struggling to find a way across the gorge."I made it..." Elden exhaled, relief washing over him despite his exhaustion.But he couldn't stay there for long. He had to keep moving.Hours later, Elden continued walking along the riverbank, trying to put as much distance as possible between himself and his pursuers. The forest grew denser, with sunli
Heir of the Dragon’s Blood 3 : The Awakening Flame
Elden was still staring at his palm, his breath ragged after what had just happened. He had never experienced anything like this before. He had always thought of himself as just an ordinary young man from a small village, not someone who could wield fire.Kaelar, sitting across from him, gave a slight smile. "This is just the beginning, Elden. If you don’t learn to control it, that power could become your weapon… or your downfall."Elden swallowed hard. "How do I control it?"Kaelar crossed his arms. "Just like controlling your breath. You can’t force it, but you can guide it. You must understand the power, not fight against it."Elden furrowed his brow. He wasn’t sure he could do it. When the fire had erupted from his hands earlier, it felt uncontrollable, an untamed explosion bursting from within him. If he wasn’t careful, he could burn himself… or worse, the people around him.Kaelar seemed to sense his unease. "Don’t fear your own power, Elden. Fear will only make it wilder."Elde
Heir of the Dragon’s Blood 4 : The Hidden Village
Elden was still sitting, breathing heavily. The dream felt so real, as if he had truly stood before the massive black dragon speaking to him. Its words echoed in his mind, "You have awakened, my heir."Kaelar watched him with a calm expression, as if he had expected this to happen. Elden swallowed hard, trying to steady himself before asking, "What does all of this mean? Why did I dream about that dragon?"Kaelar sighed. "That was no mere dream, Elden. It was a call from your bloodline. The dragon within you is beginning to recognize your presence, and it is trying to speak with you."Elden frowned. "So... there's a dragon inside me?"Kaelar nodded. "Dragon blood is not just about power, it is a legacy of the soul. Every heir of dragon blood will experience a moment like this, where their ancestral dragon reaches out to them in a dream to test their readiness."Elden stared at his own hands, trying to comprehend what was happening to him. It felt as if he was walking a dark path with
Heir of the Dragon’s Blood 5 : Escape in the Shadows
Elden and Kaelar rushed through the tavern’s back door, following Merida toward the secret passage. Merida lifted a floorboard in the corner of the room, revealing a dark and narrow underground tunnel.“Get in,” Merida whispered. “This tunnel will lead you out of the village. Don’t stop until you reach the end.”Kaelar nodded and jumped in first, followed by Elden, who still felt uneasy. Once Elden was inside, Merida replaced the floorboard above them, leaving them in darkness.“Elden, stay behind me,” Kaelar murmured. “Don’t make a sound.”Elden could only nod in the dark. He heard the sound of royal soldiers entering the tavern above, making his heart pound faster.“Search this place! They’re around here somewhere!” a soldier’s voice commanded.Elden held his breath, trying not to make a sound. The tunnel was narrow and smelled of damp earth, but he couldn’t stop now. They carefully moved forward, distancing themselves from the danger above. Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the end o
Heir of the Dragon’s Blood 6 : The Journey to the Lost Clan
The dawn slowly broke, banishing the remnants of the night’s darkness. Elden opened his eyes, feeling slightly refreshed after a few hours of sleep. However, his mind was still filled with worry.Nearby, Kaelar was already preparing their gear. As usual, the man looked vigilant, checking his sword and bag before finally glancing at Elden.“We need to move now,” Kaelar said curtly. “Merida mentioned someone who could help you control your power. We have to find them before the kingdom finds us first.”Elden nodded and got up. The pain in his shoulder from a sword slash still lingered, but he tried to ignore it.“Do you know where this person is?” Elden asked.Kaelar sighed. “I have a lead. They are part of the dragon guardians, a clan that disappeared long ago. If they’re still alive, they’re most likely hiding in the ruins of an ancient temple to the north, at the foot of Mount Veldrath.”Elden hesitated. “Mount Veldrath? Isn’t that place considered cursed?”Kaelar smirked slightly. “
Heir of the Dragon’s Blood 7 : The Unquenchable Fire
Elden stood in the center of the ritual circle, panting heavily. Sweat trickled down his temples, and within his chest, he could feel something different. No longer was he shackled by fear. The fire within him was no longer just a wild force, it was a part of him that he had to accept.Vaelis observed Elden closely. "Good. You have passed the first trial, but this is only the beginning. The dragon's fire within you has now merged more deeply with your soul, but to master it fully, you must learn to control it."Kaelar, who had been silently watching, crossed his arms. "What’s the next step?"Vaelis raised his wooden staff and tapped it against the stone floor. "Training begins now."Immediately, flames erupted around Elden, forming a blazing ring. The heat was so intense that he could feel his sweat evaporating instantly."Maintain your control!" Vaelis commanded. "If you cannot tame these flames, you may burn yourself alive!"Elden struggled to remain calm, but this fire felt differe
Latest Chapter
19 : Shadows Behind the Steps
The night grew deeper as Elden and his group continued their journey. After the grueling trial he had endured with Luthen, his body still felt weary, but his mind was filled with questions.Had Luthen truly come just to test him? Or was there a deeper reason behind it?Kaelar walked beside him, occasionally casting wary glances at Luthen. Renard, as usual, appeared relaxed, but Elden knew the man was always on guard for danger. Meanwhile, Vaelis walked slightly ahead, ensuring the path they traveled was safe.They finally reached a cliff overlooking a vast valley. From up here, Elden could see scattered campfires in the distance. They likely belonged to travelers or groups of soldiers setting up camp.“We’ll rest here,” Kaelar finally said. “We need our strength before moving on.”Elden sat on a large rock, steadying his breath. Renard dropped to the ground with a long sigh.“I think we need to talk about our new companion,” he said, eyeing Luthen with a scrutinizing gaze.Luthen mere
18 : New Steps, New Dangers
The air inside the cave felt heavy after Malagar’s departure. Elden could still sense the lingering energy from the battle, but this time, fear no longer weighed on his heart. He knew who he was and what kind of power flowed through his veins.Kaelar observed Elden closely before finally nodding. “If you’re ready, we need to get out of here. This cave might collapse at any moment.”Renard let out a long sigh. “Finally. I’m sick of this place.”They moved quickly toward the cave’s entrance, but just before stepping out, Elden suddenly felt something.A gaze.Someone was watching them.He turned back, but all he saw was darkness within the cave. Yet, he was certain, something was there.“Elden?” Vaelis looked at him with concern.Elden shook his head. “It’s nothing. Let’s go.”They stepped out of the cave and found themselves in the middle of a dense forest. The moonlight shone faintly through the tall trees, casting long shadows that swayed with the evening breeze.“We need to get far
17 : Eyes Behind the Shadows
They stood amidst the ruins of the cave, remnants of battle scattered around them. Elden’s breathing was still heavy, but his eyes had returned to normal, bright blue, no longer the deep purple darkness that had nearly consumed him. Kaelar, Renard, and Vaelis watched him cautiously, ensuring he was truly back to himself.Across from them, Malagar stood with a calm expression, though it was clear he was slightly surprised by what had just transpired."Interesting," Malagar murmured, a thin smirk forming. "I thought you would succumb to the darkness, Elden. But it seems you're more stubborn than I expected."Elden clenched his fists. He could still feel the remnants of the dark energy swirling inside him, but now he was more prepared to control it. "I won’t let myself fall into your game."Malagar chuckled softly. "Oh, Elden… this is not my game. This is fate, one that was decided the moment you were born."Kaelar stepped closer to Elden, his stance wary. "We need to leave. We've fought
16 : Confronted by Darkness
Elden stood tall, the blue flames still blazing across his body. His eyes locked onto Malagar with pure hatred, yet deep within, he began to feel something strange. The power of the dragon’s blood, newly awakened, was incredible, but also… uncontrollable.Malagar smirked. "You feel it, don’t you? That power… it doesn’t want you to resist it."Elden gritted his teeth, trying to block out Malagar’s voice. He stepped forward, raising his sword, which burned with blue fire. "I won’t let you manipulate me."Malagar lifted one hand, and dark shadows began swirling around him. "Let’s see how long you can hold out, Dragon Heir."Without warning, Malagar shot forward with incredible speed. Elden had only a split second to raise his sword and block the attack. The clash between blue flames and dark shadows sent shockwaves through the entire cavern.Kaelar, Renard, and Vaelis stepped back, trying to avoid the destruction unfolding around them.Kaelar drew his sword. "We can’t just stand here and
15 : The Battle in the Dragon’s Cave
Without warning, Malagar raised his hand, and a massive black energy orb the size of a boulder formed above him!“Feel the wrath of darkness!”BOOOM!The energy orb shot forward at an incredible speed!Elden and the others scrambled to dodge. The cave floor trembled violently as the energy orb smashed into the rocky walls, triggering a massive explosion that sent giant shards of stone crashing down.“Don’t let him destroy this place!” Kaelar shouted, drawing his sword and dashing forward.Renard also sprang into action, hurling several daggers at Malagar, but with a mere wave of his hand, Malagar effortlessly deflected all the attacks.Vaelis raised his staff and chanted a spell. A burst of blue light shot from its tip, streaking toward Malagar.However, before the magic could reach him, Malagar lifted his hand and conjured a shadow shield.“A good attempt… but futile.”Malagar gestured toward Vaelis, and suddenly the ground beneath him cracked open!“Vaelis, watch out!” Elden shouted
14 : The Last Dragon
The narrow passage they had been following gradually widened, revealing a sight beyond imagination.Before them lay a massive cavern, its walls shimmering like gemstones. A blue glow emanated from the crystals embedded in the ceiling, casting a magical atmosphere. In the center of the cavern, a silver lake reflected the light, creating the illusion that they were standing beneath a starlit sky.But the most striking sight of all was the enormous figure resting at the heart of the cave.A colossal dragon, its scales as black as the night, and eyes glowing blue like the stars. Elden felt his heart stop for a moment.The last dragon.Elden stepped forward cautiously, while the others remained on guard.The dragon opened its eyes, staring at them with an unreadable expression. “At last, you have arrived, Heir of the Dragon Blood.”The voice did not come through their ears but resonated directly in their minds, deep and echoing like the voice of nature itself.Elden swallowed hard, trying
13 : The Passage to Destiny
After several hours of walking, they arrived in a land unlike anything they had seen before. The desert sands gradually turned into black, rocky ground, as if they were stepping into another world.The Aether Eye in Elden’s grasp began to glow even brighter.“This place…” Elden murmured, sensing a strange energy in the air.Vaelis scanned the surroundings. “This is no ordinary place. I can feel traces of ancient magic here.”Ahead of them, ancient ruins emerged from the night mist. Towering pillars made of obsidian stone stood tall, adorned with carvings of dragons that seemed older than any human civilization.Kaelar drew his sword. “I don’t like this place.”But before they could retreat, the ground suddenly trembled.From beneath the earth, armored hands burst forth, followed by massive figures resembling ancient warriors. Their eyes glowed red, and an aura of death surrounded them.“Undead soldiers…” Vaelis exhaled heavily.Kaelar sprang into action, slashing at one of the undead
12 : Betrayal Among Us
After leaving the Buried City, Valthorien, Elden and his group emerged back to the surface, where night had fallen over the Astrahal Desert. The once-scorching heat had given way to a biting cold, while the wind whispered softly across the dunes.Elden gripped the Aether Eye tightly. The artifact pulsed gently in his grasp, as if it possessed a consciousness of its own. He still didn’t fully understand the vision he had seen of the last dragon and of himself completely transforming into one.Vaelis walked beside him, gazing at the artifact with a contemplative look. “The Aether Eye is an extraordinary object… but it can also be a dangerous burden. If you are not ready to wield it, it may consume you.”Elden swallowed hard. “I know… But if this is the only way to defeat Malagar, then I have to use it.”Kaelar, leading ahead of them, suddenly stopped and raised his hand, signaling for silence. Everyone immediately became alert.“We’re being followed,” he whispered.Renard quickly drew h
11 : The Buried City
Elden and his party left black wind fortress, the site of their previous battle, and continued their journey toward the astrahal desert. According to the Dragon's Tome, hidden within this desert was one of the keys to the ancient Dragon's Heart, an artifact capable of awakening the true dragon power within Elden.However, the journey to Astrahal was anything but easy. The desert was known as a perilous place, filled with desert bandits, magical creatures, and deadly sandstorms. Weakened and wounded from their last battle, they needed to move quickly before Malagar’s forces caught up with them.Under the scorching sun, Elden walked at the front of the group alongside Kaelar and Renard, while Vaelis stayed at the rear, shielding them with protective magic against the sandstorm. Despite his injuries from the last battle, Renard maintained his usual nonchalant attitude."You know? I'd rather face Malagar’s army than walk through this place," Renard grumbled, shaking off the dust from his