Aura and Mana.
Basically, the world revolved around these two things.
Aura was something that was used by sword wielders to augment their bodies at first and then slowly as they increased their proficiency, they could use it to form external extensions of their bodies as well. Like the aura extending as a part of the blade.
Mana, as the word implies is used to perform magic. Even in my previous world, it was a pretty common term, albeit it wasn't considered real. Basic Magic is control over elements like water, fire, wind and earth. However, there might exist other kinds of magic, since the books in Storm Castle are not bound to be perfect.
These are the two things that most know of.
However, there is another thing that no one knows of...or rather, they know of it but can't use it.
The power of Gods.
It can be basically used by contractors.
Such as me.
When I was chosen by Solderet, or rather the original owner of this body was chosen and was sent back into time, I had gotten my hands over the Shadow Energy. It was a physical manifestation of Solderet's powers.
Sovereignty over the shadows. Shadows of everything in this world. Of course, just like Aura and Mana, Shadow Energy also had to be advanced in order to have complete ascendancy over all the shadows of this world.
The power level is basically decided with the system of [Stars] which naturally start from 1-Star and so on. The absolute limit is unknown. I asked my nanny---Gilly, about Cyron's rank, however, she didn't know about it.
From what I can assume, it has to be higher than the Runcandel's competitors---Zipfel's patriarch. With all said and done, magic has a much higher and better use to be used in wars. Swordsmanship is just as lethal as Magic, however sword techniques cannot be integrated into war machines.
Like warships---one could use canons infused with magic to fire spells. It can also be used in a way that multiple magicians concentrate their mana into a single place, resulting in much more potent spells.
If Zipfels have managed to capitalise on it, Runcandels don't really have a chance against them. Still, Runcandels are considered to be just as prestigious and grandiose. The only possible conclusion I can draw is that it is because of him.
Cyron Runcandel.
Someone who has far ascended the realm of humanity. A demigod.
So, it means as long as he is alive, war and apparent opposition would not be possible. This means I have until then to enjoy my life. However, that would've been the case if I hadn't let Solderet's energy lead me.
The children of the Runcandel family go through a ritual called 'Selection' on their first birthday. And I, on that day, still inheriting the bad luck from my previous life, accidently touched Barisada---the sword of the founder, Temar Runcandel.
Now I not only have the eyes of everyone in the family, but I was also inflicted with a curse. I have no idea what the curse is about, but it exploded before it acted, thanks mainly to my contract with Solderet. If I have to guess....hmm, it might be my eldest brother. Or someone who supports him.
The eldest of all siblings is the most neutral one and has shown no interest in the throne. The current most likely candidate could be behind this.
This is so tiresome.
Due to these circumstances finally dawning on me, I have finally decided to train enough that I can defend myself. But then again...Runcandel's star system shouldn't be compared to the ordinary fighters. Pureblood Runcandel's have blessed physiques and access to centuries old archives of [Decisive Killing Moves]
And almost most of my siblings are 9 stars. Which means...yep! I have to surpass them. To not get killed. Of course, I can join a faction of siblings to get their protection, but that is not something one should do. It's better to take one's own life than make a deal with a Runcandel.
Back to the Star System. According to Runcandels' standards, of course.
For generations, members of the Runcandel Clan became 1-star knights by the age of 13. In the long history of the family that exceeded 1000 years, there was not a single child that had failed to become a 1-star knight before turning 14. And an average Runcandel would become a 3-star knight by the age of 16 and would later travel the world after becoming a 5-star knight before turning 20.
However, the eldest sibling has already broke that norm. She became a 5 star at the tender age of 15. If I can reach her level and then withdraw from the Hegemony, I can live the peaceful life without being pestered. Although, I would still be under scrutiny of new patriarch or matriarch, but I can stay away from the troublesome things.
"This is tiring."
"This is tiring."
I was leaning against the wall as I watched my siblings leave the confines of Storm Castle when I suddenly heard the same tired as voice as mine. Although, the foreign voice was accompanied by an elongated yawn.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as the two lazy orbs landed on me. It almost felt as if someone had placed a whale on my shoulders, weighing me down with a crushing intent.
'I didn't even feel her standing here all this time...'
I straightened my posture and looked directly at her.
The Third Flagbearer---Luntia Runcandel.
Her scarlet eyes bore into mine and my body almost took an instinctual step back. Almost.
Standing my ground, I greeted her. "Hello, sister."
It's good to get along with my siblings anyways. They're such a "loving" bunch.
"Oh? Hello." She waved her hand and then softly rubbed her eye.
I was about to speak something but the moment I blinked; I felt her face close to mine. She had crouched down and was now at my eye level. There was no hostility from her. Yet it seemed like I was thrown in a room with a predator.
"You find it tiresome as well? This whole ordeal?" She asked, her expressions still as tired as the first time that I saw her.
"I do." I replied, flatly.
I was expecting something else since it was the first time that I was meeting her, but the corner of her lips suddenly curled into a miniscule, barely perceptible smile. A contended, satisfied smile.
Her hand moved and I felt every hair on my body stand up. However, it landed simply on my head. Ruffling my hair, she silently stood up, pushing my head down and using it as support.
Without saying a word, she turned around and started leaving.
'She reminds me of myself.'
As the thought crossed my mind, she looked over her shoulder. "Take care, youngest."
My lips parted to speak but she was gone. My gaze flicked to the outside as I saw her already reuniting with the other siblings.
There was a jarring feeling about her. She seemed aloof and yet so autocratic that it made me recoil. But then again, I suspect that almost all of my siblings are like this. If they are not like this, it wouldn't have been possible for them to rule the world as a close contestant to the Zipfels.
'Well, I guess I will start with magic.'
I thought as I conjured a small ball of fire on the tip of my finger. There were a few things Solderet told me about the Runcandels which might help a lot in the long run. I will check that out as well.
But later.
(***)
"Young Master."
"Yes, Gilly?"
Turning around, Gilly stood waiting at the entrance.
"The patriarch has announced his departure. You must come to see him off."
"Okay."
"But... are you alright?"
Gilly asked with a deep furrow of concern etched upon her face.
She had borne witness to the Tona twins' return, their countenances ashen and their expressions marked by terror. Consequently, her anxiety for Jin was uncontainable.
"I'm okay. Are my elder brothers and sisters leaving as well?"
Gilly nodded. "Yes. They only came here to greet the patriarch. Ah! But Lady Mary has left a gift for you, Young Master."
"Hmm, I'll open the gift later. I should go see father off first."
Over 200 guardian knights had mustered at Storm Castle, each accompanying their respective Runcandel flag-bearers. As Cyron readied himself for his departure, there was little reason for the others to linger.
Once they had left, Jin could relegate the Tona twins to the periphery of his attention and engage in quiet, unnoticed self-improvement within Storm Castle's walls.
"All hail!"
"All hail!"
The knights raised their swords to the sky in a collective salute as Cyron passed through the gates. Jin and the Tona twins stood alongside them, bowing their heads in reverence.
With his gaze fixed on the receding figure of Cyron, Jin contemplated the forthcoming change in his daily routine.
The individuals who had anticipated Cyron's leadership in a bloody clash against the Zipfel clan concealed their disappointment deep within their hearts as the reason for his movement was to meet his youngest son and not world domination.
The Runcandel flag-bearers, one by one, retreated to their initial posts, trailed by their loyal guardian knights.
Cyron's presence would not grace Storm Castle again until Jin reached the age of 10 and embarked on his own journey. Nevertheless, one of the guardian knights, Khan, would intermittently set forth towards the Black Sea, tasked with relaying to the patriarch any news regarding Jin's recent endeavors.
Cyron was deeply invested in Jin now.
"What is this?"
Jin asked himself, more than anyone else. Before his eyes was the heart of a beast summoned by a magician from the Zipfel Clan. Mary had personally killed the summoned beast in the continent's southern region.
A rare and precious gift.
Mary was wishing for his well-being and wanted her youngest brother to grow up strong and healthy.
"Young Master, that is a phoenix heart." Gilly interjected, looking at the glowing heart.
"Hm? A phoenix heart? What is it supposed to do?" Jin asked, curiosity bubbling inside of him.
Currently at the age of 19, the one who left a gift for Jin was renowned worldwide as 'Stormwind Mary.'
In the storied thousand-year history of the Runcandel Clan, not a single scion had failed to achieve 1-star knighthood before the age of 14. By the time they reached 16, most had already ascended to 3-star knight status, and the average Runcandel would attain the esteemed rank of 5-star knight before their 20th birthday.
Mary's journey, however, defied the traditional trajectory of Runcandel heirs. She surpassed the clan's established norms with remarkable ease. She became a 1-star knight at the age of 12 years old. By the time she reached 16, she was already a 5-star knight.
What set her apart even further was her current status as a 6-star knight. Not yet 20, she had reached a level of prowess that was the stuff of dreams for most individuals worldwide.
Her extraordinary achievement transcended the commonplace notion of 'genius' that applied to all Runcandels, underscoring her exceptional talents and accomplishments.
'Why did she leave a phoenix heart for me?'
"It helps one to resist fire to a certain extent. And it also boosts one's magical strength. However, despite the fact that Young Master can't wield it, it's still a valuable gift." Gilly explained.
"Hmm. I see." Jin replied, looking down at it.
'I heard I can summon a phoenix once I reach 6-Star in Magic. Hmm. Will this heart help somehow?'
"Can you prepare it for consumption?" Jin asked, thrusting it in Gilly's direction.
"Sure thing. But it might take some time." She replied with a bow.
(****)
One month had elapsed since Cyron's departure from Storm Castle. During this time, the aroma of the Phoenix Heart being prepared in the castle's kitchen had permeated the entire fortress. Several corridors and halls in proximity to the kitchen had become heated due to the special properties of the Phoenix Heart.
Despite the chaos it had caused, Mary had returned to the southern region, seemingly unconcerned about the heart's significance.
Ordinarily, a Phoenix Heart was considered a rare delicacy, akin to an elixir, which even monarchs could not indulge in frequently. Its meat was tender and softer than veal, its fragrance richer than truffles, and its effects more potent than herbal tonics.
"Young Master, in just a couple of hours, you'll finally be able to savor the heart. You've been very patient all this time," Gilly remarked.
Jin nodded with a flattened expression; his eyes dark, although he was still curious as to how it would taste. Mary's gift had taken a full month to be fully prepared. Gilly had spent the entire month tending to the simmering Phoenix Heart for her young master, often losing sleep in the process.
Despite the demands of this task, she felt a deep sense of contentment.
Jin's happiness was her own happiness.
Within the Runcandel Clan, a nanny played a pivotal role in the upbringing and development of a Runcandel child, and the clan's future depended greatly on the strength and capability of its young members.
"Young Master may not be aware, but the Phoenix Heart is an elixir that holds particular potency for children. Consuming it at a young age can significantly enhance one's resistance to flames. Lady Mary has bestowed upon you a truly priceless gift."
'Potency? Hm. Maybe she means mana.'
"Is that so?" Jin responded.
"Indeed," Gilly continued her lengthy discourse, prompting Jin to contemplate the magnificent creatures known as phoenixes.
As Jin sat in his room, savoring the aroma of the Phoenix Heart, his thoughts were filled with the pursuit of magic and the dream of becoming a Magic Swordsman.
He was well aware of the strict prohibition against learning magic within the Runcandel clan, but he had no intention of letting that hold him back. As long as he remained undetected, he was determined to continue his studies in both martial arts and magic.
'The first flagbearer. That is my current goal. If I can be as strong as her, I will be left alone for the most part.'
The aroma of the Phoenix Heart filled the room, tantalizing Jin's senses and deepening his anticipation.
After Gilly left to prepare his meal, the Tona twins, who had been waiting outside, hesitantly entered. They were clearly drawn to the aroma of the Phoenix Heart but were cautious about approaching Jin.
As Jin observed them, he couldn't help but wonder if they had been sent by Emma Niltro, another nanny in the Storm Castle who seemed to have a hidden agenda and a plan of her own.
'Their nanny seems to be deeply interested in the battle for Hegemony. She was the one who motivated the twins to bully me.'
Jin thought.
Jin slightly tapped the table with his finger, turning his head towards the twins. "Brothers." His voice made them flinch. "What do you want?"
"Um... you see... the Phoenix..."
"That... isn't there... a bit too much to eat... on your own?"
"What was that? I can't hear you." Jin asked, taking a huge slurp from the phoenix soup, masking their voice.
"The Phoenix Heart soup. Could you share a bowl with us? Otherwise, we'll get scolded by Emma."
"Do us a favor, brother."
"You are afraid of your nanny?" Jin asked, tilting his head as his scrutiny landed on their shoulders. "If that is why, then I don't want to."
"Ah, please..."
"We're begging you!"
The Tona twins were on the verge of crying, but Jin had not a speck of sympathy for them within his heart. Not just the twins. He lacked it for anyone. Although, the third flagbearer was in a slightly better light, due to the small moment they shared.
Although was it goodwill or his curiosity of dismantling her, no one could know.
"Ah, fine then. I will give you some of it." Jin replied with a happy look all of a sudden. "Gilly, can you bring two more bowls? I want to share a little with my brothers."
"Sure thing, young master."
Gilly hopped off as Jin directed the Tona Twins towards the chair.
"You're a lifesaver, Jin!"
"Thanks, brother!"
Gilly came back and handed the bowls to the twins and started eating it as well.
"There's enough to last you for three days...no, 2 days now that Young Masters Haytona and Daytona have joined as well." Gilly reported with a rather sullen look.
After a while, the twins pushed the bowls away, patting their bellies.
"Ahhh~ That was tasty."
"It was?"
"It really was! Thanks brother!"
"So, you consumed the soup that was mine. Did you enjoy it?"
"Yep, yep."
"Hm, that's good. Well then, from now on, until the time I feel like you've broken down the calories you've gained from it, you're my slaves." Jin said with a straight face.
"Don't mess with u--"
"Do you want to get locked in the basement again? Guardian Knight Khan isn't here this time to save you." Jin's eyes started glowing as the room got darker.
"Tch..."
"W-We will obey what you say."
Daytona interrupted.
"Good thing. Go back now. I will call you when I need you." Jin flicked his hand, motioning for them to leave. They bit their lips but left regardless, defeated and mentally battered.
'The food trap never fails. Thanks, Horikita.' Jin gave a mental tribute to her.
(***)
(JIN RUNCANDEL)
[Contractor. You can find many usable things inside the Storm Castle. Our time is running out so I can't go in specifics. Hence, you have to find it out yourself.]
"Runcandel's descendant has come to solace Murakan."
The jarring sensation of the dream faded out as I gasped and woke up. There were voices in my mind, not mine. I almost felt my thoughts overlap each other before crashing down on a single point as with a dissonant sensation.
I looked around. It was raining, again. The flash was blinding and the thunder deafening. It almost felt like seeing the world from the other side of a double paned misty window.
I pressed the bottom of my palms against my eyes, my blurry vision replaced by a static white. Then I rubbed them, ridding of the wedged monotone colour as my myopia finally got somewhat better.
"What was that?"
My own voice sounded foreign to me.
Throwing my feet over the edge of the bed I landed on the floor. Wrapping the robe around my shoulders I walked towards the window. It has been a week since I completely integrated with the phoenix heart. I have been looking in every corner of the Storm Castle.
I couldn't find anything inside, but there was a place that was quite peculiar.
Putting the hood over my head, I quietly sneaked outside. While going, I stopped to check on Gilly. However, I avoided doing it. I am not aware of Gilly's rank, but the aura she gives off is one of the strongest inside the castle.
I should avoid checking up on her altogether.
My progress was coming along pretty good. While my swordsmanship wasn't even 1-Star, my mana capacity was at if not above than 1-Star. As for Shadow Energy, I was able to wrap it around my body to dull my presence.
To test it, I played hide and seek with Tona Twins and Gilly. While Daytona and Haytona were unable to find me, Gilly was able to do it rather quickly. That was what I based off my assumption of her being one of the strongest ones inside the Storm Castle as of now.
Back to mana, every time I aged by another year, I could feel more mana generating within me. It seemed like a natural occurrence. On the surface level, no amount of training could increase my mana or anything. However, when I experimented a bit, I could somehow force my mana reserves to increase.
It consumed a huge amount of Shadow Energy. I almost lost consciousness doing so. Therefore, I don't think I am going to try this method very often. Shadow Energy is stronger than Aura and Mana. Mana Overload causes drastic effects. I can only imagine with Shadow Energy Overload would do to me. Especially that I am inside such a young body---be it a blessed physique or not.
Arriving in front of the only place that I didn't check, I placed my right hand on it.
Accumulating mana into my hand, I sent a slight pulse forward. It was kind of a SONAR. Since the wave was made of mana, it would resonate against anything that has mana in it. This whole research can be a loss as well, since there might be a worthless object in there.
But Solderet said there was something inside this castle before he disappeared for good.
The SONAR wave came back, with a huge distortion. Only a minute fraction came back. It was as if it was sucked, destroyed by something inside it.
Hmm.
I placed my left hand on it and ignited a 1-Star Magic Spell.
[Resonance]
With each passing minute, the wall displayed its vulnerability.
The smooth stone surface carried an intricate web of cracks and fissures. Dust and dirt cascaded down like a gritty rain, revealing the evolving patterns beneath.
The vibrations I channeled through my hands felt like a subtle earthquake, a power harnessed from deep within the earth itself. I sensed the stone wall's response, shearing apart.
Unexpectedly, after a few minutes, a small crevice opened, barely enough for me to get through.
There was an elongated hallway, evoking the ambiance of an ancient, forgotten ruin. In the distance, a massive steel gate loomed.
The 'Storm Castle' was a fortress that even the Zipfel Clan's elite troops wouldn't be able to easily conquer. I am lucky as he was a member of the Runcandel Clan that I am residing within this place.
It doesn't seem like a place that is hidden from the entire clan. That would mean...only flag-bearers have permission to come here.
Flag-bearers.
They were the clan's representatives who stood on the front lines, waving the clan's emblem. All the children of the Runcandel Clan became flag-bearers when they reached a certain level.
"Well, I am not going to wait that long just to get access to this place." I spoke to myself.
Heaving out a deep breath, I continued my walk. The path was dimly lit by a few torches on the walls, where oil dripped down. I was about to create a flame with magic to illuminate the place but decided to grab one of the torches instead. Walking down a worn-down corridor barefoot with a torch in hand, I feel like I had become a monk.
Should I become bald? Hmmm. That is not a bad idea. Maybe I should get rid of all the hair I have and become a real monk. Me living in a secluded place in some mountain would make sense.
But since Cyron is interested in me, I don't think he'd leave me alone...alive if I do that.
Haaah...just what kind of crazy place I have reincarnated into. I want to eat ice-cream.
"Hm? Huh? How hypocritical." I couldn't help but mutter out loud as I looked down at the magic circle just beside the door.
It was a large magic circle. Although I have no idea what this is, it seems like some kind of encryption has been embedded into it. Hmmm.
I can read and write this world's language. But the language in this circle....
The encryption was rather flimsy. If I had to describe in earth terms, it was [Caeser Shift Cipher.]
Simply put, a cipher was present for each letter of the alphabet, for example ROT1 is one of the ciphers. To decode the message, the person has to be aware which cipher has been used. In G cipher, A becomes G, B becomes H and so on. In Y Cipher, A becomes Y and so on.
What the secret sequence embedded into this circle was that this circle would let anyone in who was not a threat. In simple words, Flagbearers. In even simpler words, pureblood Runcandels. However, newborn and flagbearers have the same blood.
Holding my thumb between my canines, I bit it slightly.
But I have to say, this magic-hating family really went out of their way to have a magician cast a spell inside Storm Castle. Counterfeit. But who cares. Although it does speak volumes about the clan's mild tolerance.
From all four directions, a luminous blue aura began to permeate the air, casting an ethereal glow throughout the surroundings.
So bright. I might go blind at this point.
A little baby touching swords and a pureblood detecting magic circle. They never fail to amaze me.
As the circle's activation proceeded, my ears detected the distinct sounds of gears and mechanical components grinding and shifting beneath the floor. The magic circle's power was effectively halting the operation of the traps that would have otherwise posed a peril me.
Lost in silent anticipation, I stood motionless, patiently waiting for the noises to gradually fade into the background.
As the magic circle gradually dimmed, its radiant glow fading, and I noticed that all the traps had been effectively deactivated. I had successfully navigated the first of the Storm Castle's secret chamber security systems.
The next challenge was for me to safely unlock the door—a task that I had no idea how to accomplish.
"Open sesame."
*SILENCE*
"Open Chocolate Mint."
*SILENCE*
"Open, Resplendent Portal."
*SILENCE*
"Open, Obscured Passage"
*SILENCE*
"Open, Utter the Phrases of Enigma."
*SILENCE*
"Open, Nexus of Dreams"
*SILENCE*
"Open, Shrouded Egress"
*SILENCE*
"Open, Elysian Archway"
*SILENCE*
Hmmm. Nothing seems to be working.
However, at that moment, the voice along with Solderet's flashback coruscated in my mind.
"Runcandel's descendant has come to solace Murakan."
*Creaaak!*
What is wrong with these people?
Wait...Murakan? The black dragon? The cliff that the Storm Caste was present was named as Murakan as well. Mount Murakan Summit to be exact.
Murakan was defeated 1000 years ago by the first Runcandel patriarch and went into a deep slumber after handing over the Storm Castle. This story was the most popular legend of the Runcandel Clan, known to everyone around the world.
The first thing that I saw when the door opened wasn't a shelf with countless books, but a glass coffin. Inside the glass coffin was a human body. My senses reacted automatically to it. The shadow energy leaking from my body started to react to his presence.
Gods gave human blessings in the form of their powers. One other gift that they gave them was a Guardian Dragon.
Since Solderet never gave it to me himself---be it a lack of time or opportunity, it seems like I've found myself one on my own. I will make sure to make good use of him.
Placing my hand on the glass coffin, I released the Shadow Energy inside of me. His hands started to curl, ball into fists as his body twitched. A crack ran through the glass coffin. And then another. I took a step back. Before long, the glass coffin shattered into a million pieces before flying off in every direction.
One of the shards stabbed my cheek as I stood like a stone, watching the black scales getting absorbed inside the man. Despite the three streaks of blood rushing down my cheek and forehead, I couldn't get my eyes off of him.
"Hey." A low and deep voice reached me. A few chaotic seconds went by.
(THIRD PERSON PERSPECTIVE)
"Hey." A low and deep voice reached me. A few chaotic seconds went by.
"So, you're my guardian knight, huh." Jin casually spoke to the tall man.
"Ha!" Murakan snorted. "Guardiannnn? Guardian? Did you just say 'guardian'? Huh?" All he had done was speak out loud, but the mana inside the room began to tremble and spin around like a vortex. "Say that again, you shitty brat. Did you just say that I'm your clan's guardian?"
Murakan's body disappeared into a handful of black smoke, only to materialize right before his eyes.
"Uh, if my memory serves me right, that is exactly what I said. Unless I have an acute case of dementia." Jin cocked his head to the side.
When Jin answered properly, Murakan stared at him and blinked several times. "Sigh, I see. Those damned Runcandel bastards... So that's what you told your descendants. Haha! And it's not like I can take out my anger on this chestnut-sized kid. This is driving me crazy!"
"Are you not? You look exactly like what a guardian dragon would look like though." Jin spoke again.
"Temar, you son of a bitch. Not only did you stab me in the heart but also passed my name as a guardian knight. Fuck you. Fuck your soul. You soul be damned. God damn it." Suddenly Murakan started sniffing all over the place, "Kwah! This is delicious. I sense Solderet's contractor nearby. Where is it? Where is he?"
"I woke you up so that would be me." Jin pointed his index finger towards himself.
"Y-Y-Y-Y-You? Impossible. This is madness! Solderet made a contract with a kid like you?" Murakan began to retreat in fear. He almost fell down from tripping on his own feet, as the panic in him began to grow. "This is crazy. Unacceptable. Oi, Solderet! You're listening, right? Did you finally go batshit? Explain yourself!"
Suddenly, Murakan stopped and looked at Jin, "How old are you?"
"I am seven."
"And you just released Shadow Energy to awaken me?"
"That's what I said."
A vein popped on Murakan's head. "What's your name, cocky brat?"
"Jin."
"Hooh? Not going to flaunt your last name?" Murakan asked with curiosity.
"You don't really care about me being Runcandel or not. Even if you did, that doesn't matter. I am Solderet's contractor. That makes you bound to me. Nothing more, nothing less."
The sudden shift in demeanor made Murakan smirk as he cackled. "I take it back, Solderet. Looks like it's not just any stupid sod. The promised thousand-year contractor. I like the selfish look in your eyes. It's going to be worthwhile after all, kuahahaha."
Jin watched him cackle with a deadpan look.
"It seems that you're the individual with whom I must adjust my breath, as according to my promise with Solderet."
"Adjusting your breath?"
"You're still too young to understand the details. And I'm not in the right mind to explain it to you right now."
Jin silently nodded at his answer.
"First and foremost, as a friend of Solderet's, allow me to formally introduce myself to Solderet's contractor."
A powerful gust of wind swept through the room, accompanied by an ominous, dark energy coalescing in the atmosphere. This ominous force began to swirl around Murakan's form, enveloping him in an eerie aura.
Murakan's metamorphosis into his dragon form was underway.
The shroud of dark energy enveloping him expanded like a billowing cloud, and before Jin stood a colossal black dragon that entirely occupied the underground chamber, a formidable and imposing sight.
[I am Murakan. Solderet's proxy as well as his friend. The last descendant of the first being to be created from shadows. Following the thousand-year promise, I shall be your life-long partner from today onwards. State your name.]
A majestic voice resonated throughout the room, its authoritative tone in stark contrast to the earlier display of hot-tempered attitude.
"I am Jin Runcandel. Thirteenth child of the Runcandels."
Murakan nodded and extended his huge hand towards Jin. Instead of shaking it, Jin placed the lower side of his palm over his huge nail, sending a clear statement.
The hierarchy was already established.