Darkness…
Just pure, pitch-black, silent darkness…
Alister found himself hovering in a black void as a golden, spectral figure.
The warm, bright glow emanating from his body didn’t help him discern anything around him—not that there seemed to be anything to begin with.
“What is this… Where am I?” Alister murmured, turning slowly as his eyes scanned the endless void.
Suddenly, he felt his feet touch down on what seemed like water, though he didn’t sink.
It was as if the water itself recognized his presence and solidified beneath him.
Two golden orbs of light appeared ahead, gradually revealing a spectral figure with humanoid form and draconic features.
The figure’s cold, distant gaze locked onto Alister, exuding an aura of authority.
Alister narrowed his eyes, his voice calm yet sharp. “You brought me here, didn’t you? Who are you? What do you want?”
The figure let out a heavy sigh, his golden eyes piercing through Alister’s. “I don’t have time to answer every question. So listen carefully, find your answers yourself, and don’t forget—or doubt—what I’m about to say. The moment you do, a future of pain and loss is all that awaits you.”
Alister studied the figure, sensing no hostility. Instead, he felt the weight of regret and an undeniable sense of urgency. “Your voice… wait, are you—”
“A crimson war is coming, Alister. Beings of unimaginable power will descend upon this world. What you witnessed at the hands of Ju’Nero was merely the tip of the iceberg.”
The figure’s voice grew heavier, each word carrying the gravity of destiny. “What I’m about to tell you is the key to protecting those you care for—and to winning this war.”
“Everything must be done before your 25th birthday.”
Alister remained silent, his eyes steady. The figure continued, his tone unwavering.
“First, under no condition should you or any of our kin bleed again, for with our blood, a hand in the shadows shall create abominations that shall aid in their mission of chaos and ruin.”
“Second, prevent the rise of the three major calamities—beings who will bring the world to its knees. Do not simply defeat them. Devour them. Their power will be essential.”
“Third, ruins will soon surface across the world. You must claim every relic within them. If any fall into human hands, eliminate the holders. No exceptions. No hesitation. Regardless of who they are.”
“Hunt them down.” The figure’s voice tightened with pain. “Do you understand, Alister?”
Alister’s expression hardened, his voice steady. “I do.”
The figure nodded, his gaze softening momentarily. “Fourth, prevent the death of your father, the Union President. He is crucial to keeping the world from total ruin.”
Alister was shocked by such a statement and wanted to speak, but the man raised his hand, silencing him, he then continued. “Fifth, find all Dragonkin clans and establish yourself as their lord. Raise their collective levels to 500. Build an army… The world below shall serve you well in these times. You must be ruthless—there’s no room for mercy or weakness. Time is not your ally.”
“Sixth… Never let Alameck… Our brother, out again, for if you do only regret shall await you.” “Seven… Do not disregard the words of the hearts that choose to open up to you.” “And finally…” The figure’s voice dropped to a near whisper, yet the weight of his words was deafening.
“You must obtain all the pieces of Restria… Lian can help you in your search, do whatever is necessary to pull her to your side.” “And once you have succeeded…”
. . . . . . . . . . . . “You must kill Yuuto.” The man said with a look of anger and grief. “What!?” Alister said, eyes widening in shock. But before he could get any answers. His eyes snapped open.
He found himself gazing at a white ceiling of what appeared to be a hospital room. A sterile silence filled the air, except for the faint hum of machinery in the background. He tried to sit up slowly, the slight stiffness in his limbs reminding him of his recent ordeal.
He whirled his shoulders a bit to free himself. As he adjusted to his surroundings, his gaze fell on a familiar face. Cinder, her silver hair falling over her shoulders, was seated by his bedside. Her head rested lightly against his arm, sleeping. Her soft breathing and the way her hand clutched his as though afraid to let go stirred something in him.
He blushed slightly, then smiled. Just then he recalled all the things that man said in that dream a moment ago. He clenched his fist lightly. “That man…” Alister mumbled, his voice hoarse.
“In that dream… It was me. From the future.”
He placed his free hand on this temple as he felt some pain recalling the dream, “Ugh… What did he mean by that… To kill the guildmaster…” Thinking about it, Alister’s thoughts raced, ‘I don’t understand… Is he going to become my enemy? No… There were some traces of regret in his words… Like there was no other choice.’ ‘So something beyond his control… Something he realized that even if he got a head start he still wouldn’t be able to change it… And he truly searched and realized there was no other way.’ Alister gritted his teeth then suddenly sighed, he then said, “Indeed… And it sounded like he had suffered.” His words seemed to break the stillness. Cinder stirred, blinking groggily as she slowly came to. Her crimson eyes, still dulled with sleep, gradually focused on him. For a moment, she froze, her gaze locked on his.
“Cinder,” Alister said with a faint smile. “Did you sleep well?”
Cinder’s breath hitched… her hands trembling as they clutched the edge of the bed, her cheeks flushed, tears welling up in her eyes. “M-My lord… You’re awake…” she stuttered. Suddenly without warning, she moved forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him as she began to cry. Alister stiffened in surprise as Cinder buried her face in his shoulder. Her body shook with each sob. “I-I was so scared… I thought I’d lost you forever… I thought you’d never wake up again…”
Her words were raw and unrestrained, unlike anything he’d ever heard from her before. Cinder, who was always composed, sometimes intense, and strong, now clung to him as though her very life depended on it. Alister was caught off guard at the sight of her tears, realizing just how deeply his absence had shaken her.
“Cinder,” he whispered softly, hesitantly raising a hand to pat her head. “I’m fine now. You don’t need to worry anymore. I only fainted, it isn’t like you to make a big deal out of such a thing.”
She pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face looking up at him with a touch of relief and lingering fear. “Don’t say that, my lord. You don’t understand…” Her voice shook as she wiped her eyes. “You didn’t just faint. Your heart stopped. I couldn’t feel your presence no matter how close we were… your mana… It was completely gone. It was as if you’d… died.”
Her voice cracked on the last word, and more tears spilled down her cheeks. “No matter what we tried, nothing worked. You didn’t breathe. You didn’t wake up. The only thing I had to hold onto… was that your body was still warm. That was the only sign that told me you might still be alive.”
Alister’s expression softened as the weight of her words settled over him. He hadn’t realized just how much she’d endured while he was unconscious. Guilt crept into his chest as he gently pulled her close again, wrapping his arms around her. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to make you worry like that. But I’m here now. I won’t leave you.”
Cinder clutched his tunic tightly, her voice muffled against his chest. “Promise me… You’ll never do something like that again. I… I can’t lose you. Not like I lost my family… Please I… I don’t want to be all alone again.”
‘All alone again…?’ Alister wondered, his thoughts racing after he heard Cinder’s words. ‘That means she must have been along for a bery long time before I summoned her.’
‘She seems so calm and reserved on the outside but has such fears in her heart.’ He thought. “I promise,” Alister said firmly. “I’m not going anywhere.”
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Cinder allowed herself to breathe freely. Though her tears still fell, a sense of relief began to fill her heart… The place the gnawing dread that had consumed her. In that moment, Alister silently vowed to protect not just Cinder but everyone who had placed their trust in him, no matter the cost.
Suddenly. The techy room door made a BEEP before it slid open. Miyu stepped into the room, she carried a plate of peeled and neatly sliced apples, she was about to start scolding Cinder again for crying. “Cinder, I’ve told you a hundred times,” Miyu said, walking toward the bed with a teasing smile, “you can’t keep crying every morning like this. I get it, you’re a dragon, and—”
Her voice stopped mid-sentence as her eyes landed on Alister. The plate in her hands wobbled, then slipped from her grasp entirely, crashing to the floor with a loud clatter. The apple slices scattered across the floor, but Miyu didn’t seem to notice.
Her eyes widened, filling with shock as her lips parted, forming a trembling word. “B-Big brother…”
Her hands shook as she took a hesitant step forward, her gaze fixed on Alister as though afraid he would vanish if she blinked. “Y-You’re awake…” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “Really… awake?”
Alister chuckled softly. He leaned back slightly, his expression warm as he replied, “Well, I suppose I am. Unless, of course, your eyes are deceiving you.”
Miyu’s breath hitched, and then she broke into a sudden, tearful laugh. She rushed toward him, crossing the room in mere seconds before throwing her arms around him. Her body collided with his as she buried her face against his chest, her body trembling with sobs of relief.
“Big brother!” she cried, her voice muffled. “I was so scared… so scared you’d never wake up again.”