Kai's breath hitched. Every second was an internal struggle. Arthur, the Unyielding Knight, stood tall on the bank, his massive warhammer resting on the ground, but his gaze was sharp enough to pierce the decaying log. Kai knew that to survive in this world, he couldn't just keep running. Zane had hinted that "Otherworlders" like them might not all be enemies.
Arthur is Level 22, much stronger than me. But he isn't attacking immediately. He just wants information. And he's looking for Zane... another Otherworlder.
Kai recalled his brief encounter with Zane. The swordsman was swift, but didn't seem inherently malicious. If Arthur was also searching for a fellow countryman, perhaps he wasn't evil. The biggest threat right now was still the Night Hyena or some other monster drawn by the scent of blood.
A soft rustle came from beneath the water's surface. Not from the log. Kai activated "Keen Senses," feeling an unusual ripple. Beneath the riverbed, a large, dark shadow was moving, slowly but powerfully. It wasn't just a big fish. It was a predator. And Arthur on the bank was completely oblivious.
An aquatic monster! If I stay here, I'll be attacked sooner or later. This is my chance!
Kai made his decision. He couldn't lie, but he could choose to tell a partial truth. He took a deep breath, and instead of crawling out, he subtly let a small dragon scale slip through a crevice in the log, reflecting the sunlight.
"You... you can see me?" Kai's voice came out, still a bit reedy like a young dragon's, but clear and laced with caution.
Arthur flinched slightly. He hadn't expected the dragon to reply. His gaze softened a little, mixed with astonishment. "Oh? You're not just intelligent, but you can speak my tongue? That's rare. Yes, I can." Arthur stepped closer to the water's edge. "I ask again, have you seen a wandering swordsman in this area? His name is Zane."
Kai deliberated. Time was running out. The underwater monster was drawing nearer. "I... I have. A very fast swordsman. He went towards... the western forest. But... I don't think this is the time to be asking about that."
Arthur frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Something... is coming," Kai said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Beneath the water. It's big. And... it's heading for my log."
Arthur looked down at the water. The river flowed calmly. He scoffed. "Are you trying to distract me, little dragon whelp?"
"No!" Kai roared, defying his own fear. "I'm not lying. You can't sense it, but I can! It's... it's a massive primeval crocodile! You have to be careful!"
Just then, the water's surface rippled violently. A huge, moss-covered head with scales as hard as steel slowly emerged from the swift current. Its murky yellow eyes stared intently at the log where Kai was hiding.
[Monster: Primordial Green Crocodile Level 9 has detected you! Danger Level: Very High!]
Arthur's eyes widened. He hadn't sensed it at all! This young dragon... it had warned him!
"Damn it!" Arthur roared, quickly lifting his warhammer, immediately adopting a defensive stance. "You were right! Thank you, dragon whelp!"
The massive Primordial Green Crocodile opened its jagged maw, lunging straight for the log. Its speed caught Arthur off guard.
"Blast!" Arthur swung his hammer, but it was too slow.
In that moment of imminent death, an option flashed in Kai's mind. Evolution! This was the time to make a decision!
[Do you wish to evolve into 'Aquatic Dragon Soul (Nascent Stage)'?]
[Accept / Decline]
Without hesitation, Kai screamed in his mind: Accept!
A powerful surge of energy exploded within the log. Kai's scales began to glow a brilliant azure, his body contracting then expanding, transforming at an astonishing speed. The decaying log couldn't withstand the pressure, shattering into pieces.
Before Arthur's eyes, a young, jade-green dragon, with small fins fanning out from its back and shimmering water patterns on its scales, appeared. Its body was much more slender and agile than before, especially in the water.
[You have successfully evolved into Aquatic Dragon Soul (Nascent Stage)!]
[All attributes significantly increased! HP: 20/20. MP: 15/15.]
[You have learned new skills: 'Wave Glide' (Level 1) - Increases swimming speed and agility underwater. 'Aqua Shot' (Level 1) - Fires a small jet of water, dealing damage.]
The Primordial Green Crocodile snapped its jaws, but Kai, now an Aquatic Dragon Soul, reacted with incredible speed. He twisted, dodging the lethal bite. The "Wave Glide" skill allowed him to move like a flash underwater. He didn't charge to attack, but circled the crocodile, his speed now sufficient to make his enemy struggle.
Arthur watched the scene unfold, his eyes wide with astonishment. This young dragon not only spoke human tongue, but it had evolved right before his eyes to fight a high-level monster!
"Incredible!" Arthur roared, swinging his hammer into the fray, no longer doubting Kai's extraordinary nature.
The battle between a Knight and a nascent Aquatic Dragon against the massive Primordial Green Crocodile began, transforming the peaceful river bend into a turbulent battlefield of splashing water and peril.