The cavern beneath Volantis was cold and silent, lit only by flickering braziers casting long, trembling shadows on the rough stone walls. Kaerys knelt before a circle of ancient runes etched deep into the floor, the cursed dragon egg resting in the center, wrapped in cloth embroidered with sigils from the Ancient Valyrian Grimoire.
Neron carefully added powdered ash from the Heartfire tree, the rarest ingredient needed to cleanse the dark magic. "This ritual is dangerous. One misstep and the curse could spread — poisoning the dragon, or worse, you."
Kaerys's eyes burned with resolve. "I've survived worse. If this power is to be ours, I will bear any risk."
The Arcain System Awakens
Within her mind, the Arcain system flickered to life, guiding her movements with precision:
Level: 38 — Master of the Arcane Flame
Experience: +3100 (Performed complex cleansing ritual, resisted curse influence)
New Skill Unlocked:Flame of Purity — Purges corruption from allies or objects, restoring vitality and strength.
Dragon Bond Level: 17/20 (Bond strengthening through shared magic)
Inventory Update:
Cleansed Dragon Egg (No longer cursed, but volatile)
Amulet of Warding (Protects bearer from dark magic)
The Ritual's Test
As the final incantation left her lips, the egg trembled violently, emitting a deep, haunting hum that filled the chamber. Shadows writhed at the edges of the rune circle, and Kaerys felt a cold presence reaching out — an echo of ancient malevolence trying to resist.
"Hold steady," Neron urged, gripping her arm.
Kaerys focused, drawing upon her will and the power of the Flameheart Amulet. The shadows hissed but slowly receded, retreating into the egg like smoke.
When silence fell, the egg glowed softly, a brilliant golden light pulsing beneath its surface.
The Cost of Power
Exhausted, Kaerys collapsed back, her breath ragged. Lady Mirana stepped forward, eyes wide with both awe and concern.
"The curse is lifted, but not without cost. Your bond with the egg now binds you deeper into the ancient magics — and that link can be a double-edged sword."
Kaerys met her gaze. "Then I will wield that edge — and carve a new destiny."
The birth of the cursed dragon's power marked a turning point. The stakes were higher, the enemy closer, and the shadows longer than ever before.
End of Chapter 63