In a dimly lit chamber hidden deep within a forgotten mountain shrine, an air of unease settled like mist. Shadows flickered along the cracked stone walls as the dark-robed figures of the Shadow Clan knelt before their master—a man shrouded in a violet cloak, his crimson mask glinting with menace. His aura twisted the air, and even the bravest of his followers dared not breathe too loudly.
The masked master slammed his hand against the ancient obsidian table, cracking it. "The dragon has awakened?!"
One of the shadows nodded. "Yes, Master. The seal is broken. The girl—the author—was involved."
The room chilled as the master stood slowly, the violet cloak rippling with invisible force.
"He should not have awakened. The ancient pact... The blood of the dragon must not flow freely."
Another shadow added, "His power will unbalance the realm. If he regains full control, even the Forbidden Seal won't stop him."
The master's voice turned low and sharp. "Then we must act before he remembers who he truly is. Before his strength returns fully. Bring me his blood."
Meanwhile, far from this gathering of darkness, atop a quiet rooftop under the moonlight, Cheonsa stood with her fan loosely held in her hand. Her gaze was fixed on the stars.
"She's doing well," she murmured to herself.
Behind her, the system's faint light flickered once more, speaking only to her.
:: The story moves now. The dragon is awake. The test has begun. ::
Cheonsa's eyes narrowed with a mysterious glint. "Yunxi, don't tell anyone—not even Chen. This story needs to unfold naturally. Only then will we survive the end."
The wind rustled the trees below as the game's next chapter whispered into motion… and danger stirred in silence.
As the dragon soared through the sky, his roar echoed across the lands like a divine thunderclap. The clouds split apart, the stars trembled, and a beam of golden energy surged upward — a flare so bright it pierced the barrier between realms.
High above, in the Celestial Domain, the gods stirred.
In the Hall of Heavenly Records, scrolls trembled and bells rang without wind. An elder celestial, draped in flowing robes of starlight, rushed toward the jade throne, his expression pale.
"Your Majesty," he gasped, bowing deeply. "The sealed power… it has awakened. The Ancient Dragon's aura has returned to the mortal plane."
The Heavenly Emperor stood slowly, eyes sharp as cold steel. "Impossible. That bloodline was eradicated centuries ago."
Another god stepped forward. "But the signal is clear. It wasn't just any awakening… it was a soul-bound resurgence. The mortal who bears it is regaining memory. Identity. Form."
Murmurs rippled through the celestial court.
"They said it was destroyed…"
"They said the dragon line had perished…"
"But now—?"
The emperor's voice cut through. "Silence. This means the prophecy may still unfold. The final guardian has risen."
Back in the mortal realm, Chen landed heavily in the Moonlight Pavilion courtyard, his body steaming, his breath slow and quiet. Yunxi lay unconscious beside him.
He clenched his trembling fists. He had felt it.
Not just the awakening… but the call. The world — not just this one, but those above — had seen him.
And they would come.
Chen turned toward the moon, a dark shadow crossing his gaze.
"They're watching now…"
Imperial Court – Hidden Chambers of the Palace
Thunder rolled across the skies, though no storm cloud was in sight. The Emperor, cloaked in midnight-blue robes embroidered with celestial beasts, stood before a massive jade mirror that shimmered with divine light.
He turned to his most trusted advisor, voice low and heavy with ancient fear. Emperor:
"We destroyed that clan... centuries ago. For failure. For betrayal. The dragon bloodline was cursed to slumber forever. Yet now… it breathes again."
The advisor, a pale scholar with golden eyes, bowed deeply. Advisor:
"Your Majesty, perhaps… this is not a curse returning, but a prophecy awakening."
The Emperor's eyes narrowed. Emperor:
"The Princess… she carried the mark. But she died—didn't she?"
The advisor hesitated, then unrolled an ancient scroll, pointing to a faded passage:
"When moonlight returns and the silent veil breaks, blood once spilled shall rise in flame."
Advisor:
"If the dragon awakens, and the veil breaks… then the author has entered the world."
The Emperor took a breath. Emperor:
"Is it a good sign for Heaven… or a warning?"
The mirror flickered. A vision flashed — Chen as the dragon, Yunxi unconscious at his side, the crystal flower beginning to glow, and far away, the shadow clan's master watching with a blood-red moon overhead.
Royal Palace – Throne Hall
The Emperor raised his hand, his voice cold and clear.
Emperor:
"Prince Chen, I command you—search the mortal world. If the dragon blood has awakened, the lost princess may yet live."
Chen, who had just begun to recover from the intense battle, stiffened. His fingers clenched. Prince Chen:
"The Princess… my sister… she's alive?"
A rush of memories—soft laughter, a child's voice, a protective promise made long ago—flashed before his eyes. Prince Chen (whispers):
"Am I going to see her again?"
System Realm – Yunxi's Inner World
As Yunxi stood alone under a glowing sky of shifting code and light, the system's voice echoed with finality.
System:
"Mission update: Win the heart of Prince Chen. Only love can unlock the path forward."
Yunxi:
"What? You want me to… love him?"
Her voice cracked with disbelief.
"He's a dragon! He drinks blood, he's powerful beyond reason… and you want me to fall for him? What if I die? What if I'm just another tool in this crazy story?"
The system paused. Then:
System:
"Love is the thread that weaves destiny. Without it, the ending will collapse. The world depends on your heart… and his."
Yunxi clenched her fists, her eyes reflecting the glowing code of fate. Yunxi:
"Then I'll do it… my way. I won't be just a pawn. If I fall in love, it will be my choice. But first—I'll protect them all. Even him."
Palace Courtyard – Early Morning
Princess Roa adjusted the leather cuffs on her wrists, her hunting bow strapped to her back. She stood beside her steed, her eyes glinting with excitement.
Roa (cheerfully):
"We're heading to Mount Feilian for a hunt. Bye, Yunxi! Don't miss me too much."
Yunxi, who had been quietly sipping tea, suddenly stood up. A spark of determination lit her eyes.
Yunxi (calling out):
"Wait! Can I… join you?"
Roa blinked in surprise, her hand still on the saddle.
"You? Hunt?"
Yunxi smiled, a bit nervous but sincere.Yunxi:
"I may not be strong yet, but I want to learn. And being out there… might help me understand some things."
There was a moment of silence before Roa's lips curved into a teasing smile.Roa:
"Well, don't slow us down. Mount up! "Forest Trail – Later
As they rode through the misty woods, Yunxi listened to the wind, the rustling leaves, and the sound of her own heartbeat. She wasn't just here to hunt — she was chasing something deeper.
Memories. Hints. Answers.
Somewhere in these woods, fate was waiting.
And unseen, hidden deep in the trees, someone else was watching.
Forest Edge – Dusk
The party was preparing to ride out — Roa at the front, Chen silently adjusting his gear, Xiuming trailing behind with his usual sharp gaze.
Chen (firmly, to Yunxi):
"No. It's dangerous. Stay behind."
But Yunxi stepped closer, determination in her eyes.
Yunxi:
"I'm not a porcelain doll. I've seen worse. And besides… I have a feeling I'm meant to go."
There was a flicker of something unreadable in Chen's eyes — worry? Anger? Fear?
He turned away, his voice flat.Chen:
"Do what you want. Just don't get in the way."
Deep Forest Trail – Nightfall
As they traveled deeper into the woods, a thick fog curled along the ground. The air felt heavy, like something was watching. They reached a small, old hunting cottage near a cliff edge surrounded by flowering trees.
Yunxi (thinking):
"This place… I wrote this. The fog, the flowers, the silence. Even this old cabin. It's all in Chapter 12…"
Her pulse quickened. Had she written a danger here? Or a revelation?