"Wake up."
"Wake up, kid."
A deep, majestic voice echoed through a pitch-black void—a space where time stood still and not a single ray of light could pierce the darkness.
A white-haired boy lay still, lifeless like a corpse. Until his eyes snapped open—crimson, like fresh blood.
Noah sat up slowly, confusion clouding his gaze. He couldn't make sense of where he was.
"Where… am I?" he muttered.
"Wasn't I… fighting the Shadow Prince?"
"Did I...die again?"
His thoughts spiraled as he tried to reason through the situation. But before he could lose himself completely, the voice returned.
"You didn't."
Noah flinched. "Who—?!"
"Foolish boy."
Suddenly, golden light flooded the void, pushing away the darkness. A towering, majestic figure began to form before him—massive and radiant.
A dragon.
A divine, golden-scaled beast stood tall, exuding power and sharpness from every shimmering scale. Its presence alone was overwhelming.
Noah's eyes widened in disbelief. "You—what are you doing here?!"
"We meet again, Noah," the dragon said, its voice calm but powerful.
Still stunned, Noah stammered, "Ah—yes. It's good to see you again…"
He took a deep breath and asked, "Where are we?"
"Inside your subconscious," the dragon replied. "Since I've granted you my blessings, I can visit you like this."
"I see… So, what brings you here, sir?" Noah asked respectfully, not daring to offend the divine being.
The dragon's eyes narrowed. "I came to inform you about your weapon trial. But after witnessing your pathetic control of power… I changed my mind."
Noah blinked. "W-What? Did I do something wrong?"
"You're asking me?" the dragon growled, voice laced with disappointment. "Do you remember how recklessly you fought the Shadow Prince? You had countless abilities—why didn't you use them? I gave you my blessing, yet you couldn't even utilize ten percent of it."
"The Azure Flame I granted you… you still haven't refined it. Had you done so, the battle would've been far easier."
His voice grew harsher.
"Power without control is just as dangerous as no power at all. That final attack of yours—do you remember how much collateral damage you caused? If not for the Azure Flame protecting your soul, you'd be dead from the backlash alone."
Every word struck like thunder, yet Noah said nothing. Deep inside, he knew the dragon was right.
I became arrogant… blinded by revenge.
I should've known my limits.
"I apologize," Noah said finally, his voice low but sincere. "I lost myself. I let my emotions control me. You're right—if I had been more disciplined, things might've turned out differently. I can't change the past… but I'll learn from it. This will be my lesson."
The dragon stared at him for a long moment. Then slowly nodded.
"Hmph. It's your life, your choice. But I will not allow my successor to be consumed by power. Everyone who's been blinded by it… met the same end."
Noah lowered his head. "Thank you. Then… can you tell me now? What is the weapon trial?"
"No."
Noah blinked. "Why not?"
"Because you're still too weak. If you attempt the trial now, you'll die."
"But I can—"
"No, you can't." The dragon's tone brooked no argument. "Not until I approve. The moment you're ready, the knowledge will come to you. But now… you've slept long enough."
He extended a claw and touched Noah's forehead.
"Wake up, Noah."
"Wait—ahhh!"
Noah screamed as his consciousness was thrown out of the void. It was terrifying. And humiliating.
But seriously… who argues with a dragon?
The majestic beast sighed as its golden body dissolved into particles, and the realm collapsed into nothingness.
------
"Ahh—huff, huff…"
Gasping for air, Noah jolted awake in a luxurious bed. Silk sheets, high ceilings—he was back in the royal chamber.
Alone.
He sat up with effort and looked down. His body was wrapped in bandages.
"So no one's here… phew, that's good."
"What's so good?"
A sweet voice rang out from behind.
Noah flinched. "Who—Oh. Layla where did you come from?"
She stood in the doorway, smiling mischievously. Her dark hair was tied back neatly, and her amber eyes shimmered playfully. The soft pink dress she wore added an innocent charm… but Noah knew better.
"I've been here the whole time," she said sweetly.
"My bad. How long was I out?"
"You've been unconscious for over twelve hours. Ever since you defeated the Shadow Prince."
She stepped closer, gently inspecting his wounds.
"I see. I was reckless… I'm sorry," Noah muttered. "I'll be more careful next time."
Layla blinked, momentarily surprised. Then she smiled.
"Hmm. Good. Because if you weren't, I was about to teach you a very painful lesson."
She leaned in, hands looping around his neck, her lips brushing against his ear.
"If you ever try something reckless again… I'll lock you up in my room. Forever."
Her amber eyes glinted with darkness. She was serious.
And knowing Layla? She'd absolutely do it.
A yandere is fine—until you push her too far.
She's already sharing me with two other girls. Any more strain, and she'll go full possessive mode.
Then blood will be the least of my concerns.
Any more… and I'll become a prisoner. Or worse, a pet.
Noah shivered slightly. Best to play it safe.
"I promise. I won't do it again," Noah whispered, hugging her and resting his head on her shoulder.
Layla sighed contentedly. "You should rest more. I'll tell the others you're awake."
She left the room with a smile.
One by one, visitors poured in.
His parents. Alea. Lyra. Scarlett.
Even the Emperor and Charlotte came.
Olivia had to leave for church, but she'd healed and checked on him before departing.
The day had just begun, and yet Noah was already suffering—through nonstop scolding and endless lectures.
After an hour of chaos, he hid behind Layla, giving her the most pitiful puppy eyes he could muster.
"Save me...please,"
And the protective yandere in her awakened instantly.
"Enough!" she snapped. "He still needs to recover fully—let him breathe!"
Everyone froze.
Scarlett and Lyra exchanged awkward glances.
"Weren't you the one scolding him the most a minute ago?"
The rest of the room just sighed and left, not wanting to pick a fight with Layla.
She turned to Noah with a smug look. "See, honey? I can protect you."
Noah nodded and smiled softly.
Who would dare mess with her, anyway?
:::::::::
Somewhere near the empire where laughter used to play around.
Now Ash floated through the wind like gray snow.
The streets were dead—no laughter, no music. Only the sound of crackling fires and crows circling above the broken remains of a city.
Near a collapsed house, a woman knelt in the rubble. A sheet covered a child's body—her son. His small hand lay exposed, limp and lifeless.
Her tears had dried. Her grief was empty.
From the smoke, a man stepped forward. Hooded. Cloaked. His face hidden.
His voice was gentle.
"You prayed. But no one came."
The woman said nothing.
"You screamed. But the heroes didn't arrive."
Her hands trembled.
"The gods were silent. The nobles laughed. But we heard you."
He held out a pendant. A black flame flickered at its center—pulsing like a heartbeat.
"Take this. Let your son's death mean something."
The woman stared.
"I… I can't fight."
"You won't need to," he whispered. "We'll give you power. All you need to do… is accept the flame."
Her fingers shook. But slowly… she took it.
And the flame pulsed brighter.
To be continued...