Alex had wrapped up Kaelios’ training’s final stage in just over a day, which was perfect because he needed to make his way to [Dragon City].
The [Bloodline Trial] was set to begin in about a week, and no matter what, Alex had to be there on time.
He didn’t have a clue what the trial involved, though.
When he’d asked Alphox for details, the dragon had only given him vague responses, mentioning that the trial varied every time and that even he couldn’t predict what it would entail.
But with his newly unlocked skills, minus [World Cleaver], since he hadn’t had the opportunity to use it, Alex felt ready.
“Oh, by the way,” Standing in the [Garden of Destiny], Alex tapped on his [Digital Inventory Watch].
A holographic screen appeared in front of him.
“Hm?” Kaelios raised an eyebrow.
Alex was about to pull out the [Artifact Skill Book].
[Artifact Skill Book]
[Description: This book does not contain any skill. Instead, it allows a powerful NPC or user to transfer one of their artifact skills into the book. The skill is then permanently learned by the holder of the book. The original owner does not lose the skill.]
If he could convince Kaelios to give him another Artifact++ skill, his chances in future battles would skyrocket.
But just as he was about to pull it out, Alex stopped himself.
“Never mind,” he muttered, shaking his head. “That’s for later.”
Kaelios tilted his head. “Changed your mind already?”
Alex ignored the question, thinking it over.
Kaelios was strong, no doubt about that.
But Arceus, the [Grand Mage], might have skills that were even more powerful or useful.
It would be better to hold off until he could see both of them and weigh his options.
Besides, if he showed the book to Kaelios now, the god would likely transfer a skill instantly, which might lock him out of getting something better later.
Instead, Alex turned his focus to another idea.
“Can you teleport me to [Dragon City]?” he asked, a bit hopeful. “It’d save me four days of travel.”
Kaelios smirked but shook his head.
“It’s out of my range,” he admitted. “Even gods have limits, you know.”
“…” Alex said nothing, though the response stuck in his mind.
He repeated Kaelios’ words softly, almost like a mantra: “Even gods have limits…”
The thought lit a spark of confidence inside him.
If gods weren’t omnipotent, that meant they could bleed.
And if they could bleed… they could be killed.
“Teleport to the [Abyssal Wastelands],” Alphox’s voice rumbled from within Alex. “It’ll shave a few hours off your travel.”
“Alright,” Alex agreed.
He brought up his [World Map], tapped on the location, and vanished in a flash of light.
Just before he disappeared, he caught a glimpse of Kaelios smiling.
“Don’t die on me, human,” Kaelios teased. “I can’t get another chosen one, and I’d lose half my power for two weeks if you kick the bucket.”
Alex smirked back.
“Don’t worry about me. Just make sure you don’t get yourself killed, I’d rather not go down with you,” he already knew this wasn’t gonna happen, but he still said it.
And with that, Alex was gone.
Kaelios stood alone in the [Garden of Destiny].
He strolled back to the monument in the center of the garden, his movements slow and deliberate.
The hammock from before was still hanging there, and he dropped into it with a sigh.
With a wave of his hand, Kaelios summoned a glowing panel in front of him.
‘This is going to be tricky,’ he thought, his eyes narrowing, “Keep this panel beside me at all times,” he ordered these instructions, and the panel locked into place.
The panel displayed a live feed of Alex’s whereabouts.
Right now, Kaelios could see him standing in the [Abyssal Wastelands].
Though he trusted Alex’s determination, Kaelios, like all gods, had to keep a close watch on his chosen one.
If something happened to Alex, the god of destiny would face penalties, and Kaelios wasn’t about to let that happen.
But Alex’s location wasn’t the only thing on Kaelios’ mind.
With another gesture, he summoned a second, larger panel.
[System Alert]
[All gods have now acquired their chosen ones.]
[A meeting will be held soon to determine whether to begin the “Chosen Games.”]
Kaelios grinned as he read the message.
“I knew this would happen the moment I picked a chosen one,” he muttered. “Still… I’m sure my chosen will dominate them all.”
Back in the [Abyssal Wastelands], Alex materialized in a flash of light.
This time, though, he didn’t bother being cautious.
In the distance, he spotted the [Abyssal Titan], which had respawned after he’d defeated it last time.
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Its glowing eyes locked onto Alex, but he ignored the creature entirely.
“Alphox, come out. It’s time to go,” Alex said, his voice calm but firm.
A dark aura swirled around him as Alphox emerged, his shadowy form towering above Alex.
Since Alex had leveled up several times, Alphox had grown stronger as well.
His frame was larger, and two new skills, [Predator Eyes] and [Shadow Comet], had been unlocked.
“You’ve changed,” Alphox rumbled, his voice low but full of curiosity.
“How so?” Alex asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Your aura…” Alphox chuckled softly. “It’s overwhelming now. And your eyes… they’ve turned golden, spinning like a vortex.”
“Huh…” Alex hadn’t noticed those changes himself, “Anything else?”
“Nope,” Alphox replied with a toothy grin. “You still look strong. And you’re wearing that same ridiculous armor.”
“It’s not ridiculous,” Alex retorted. “But a primordial dragon wouldn’t understand style.”
“Ex-primordial dragon,” Alphox corrected, emphasizing the “ex” with a smirk. “I don’t associate with those fools anymore. Let’s kick their asses and make you a part of the dragon bloodline, partner!”
Alex chuckled at that.
Alphox had gone from calling him a “lowly human” to “partner.”
Their bond had come a long way.
Alphox crouched down, lowering one of his massive wings to serve as a makeshift ramp.
“When I said it’d take four days,” Alphox added, “I meant four days with me flying you there. Plus, you’re going to need a guide. I can already sense the power radiating from [Dragon City].”
Alex nodded and climbed onto Alphox’s back.
With a powerful beat of his wings, Alphox launched them into the sky.
Their destination: [Dragon City].
As they soared through the skies, Alex took a moment to reflect on everything that had happened so far.
Kaelios’ training had been brutal, but it was worth it.
He now had skills powerful enough to reshape the battlefield.
[Fated Cataclysm] could obliterate anything in its path, and [World Cleaver] was a trump card strong enough to rival the gods themselves.
And yet, despite these overwhelming abilities, Alex knew he couldn’t get complacent.
The [Bloodline Trial] loomed ahead, and he had no idea what challenges it would bring.
“Hey, Alphox,” Alex called out over the rushing wind.
“What is it?”
“If I pass the trial… what then?”
Alphox glanced back, his golden eyes gleaming.
“Then you’ll become something far greater than you are now,” he said. “You’ll earn the respect, and fear, of dragons everywhere. And… if you’re lucky, you might even unlock the full potential of the [Dragon Bloodline].”
Alex nodded, determination blazing in his eyes.
“I’ll pass,” he said firmly.
“You better,” Alphox growled. “Because if you don’t, we’re both gonna die.”
Alex smirked. “Fair enough.”
The two continued their journey, the horizon stretching out before them.
[Dragon City] awaited, and with it, a trial that would test Alex’s strength, resolve, and very existence.