The second dawn rose high, brightly illuminating Bloodwood Valley. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of earth and sap, but for Kai, Arthur, and Elara, this peace was only temporary. The threat of the Shadow Syndicate and the mystery of the Shadow Seal still lingered. Zane, though out of immediate danger, still needed time to recover.
Arthur and Elara stood guard, while Kai meditated beneath the largest Bloodwood Tree, focusing on the Evolution Pointhe had just gained. The light from the Ancient Soul Emblem in his chest faintly pulsed, as if urging him to make a decision.
What should I choose? Enhance current strengths, or open a new path?
Kai recalled the recent battles. "Tidal Burst" and "Venom Breath" had saved him in many situations, while "Mist Camouflage" and "Powerful Water Barrier" were effective defensive and control tools. But facing a Dark Assassin who could seemingly teleport and ethereal entities, he needed more.
He realized that, despite his strength in water and stealth, he still lacked a direct, high-damage attack and an ability that could counter non-physical enemies. Especially with the information about the "World Devourer" and the Shadow Seal, he needed something more versatile.
In his mind, three evolutionary paths appeared, suggested by the Ancient Soul Emblem and his experiences:
Reinforced Aquatic Dragon: Greatly enhances water-related skills and defensive capabilities, turning Kai into an impenetrable wall and a master hydromancer. (Increases HP, DEF, efficiency of existing water skills).
Shadow Guard Dragon: Focuses on stealth skills, surprise attacks, and crowd control, turning Kai into an extremely dangerous night assassin. (Increases AGI, crit rate, enhances Mist Camouflage, unlocks new crowd control skills).
Awakened Soul Dragon: Taps into the power of the Ancient Soul Emblem, unlocking skills related to spirits and pure energy, allowing Kai to combat ethereal entities and influence enemy minds. (Increases Mana, WIS, unlocks soul skills, increases mental resistance).
Kai carefully considered. The Shadow Syndicate and the coming threats would demand versatility. The "World Devourer" sounded like it couldn't be harmed by normal physical attacks. Awakened Soul Dragon seemed like the most suitable choice to deal with these types of enemies and to delve deeper into the Seal.
This isn't just about becoming stronger, but about becoming more suited for what's to come.
He made his decision.
"I choose Awakened Soul Dragon," Kai whispered.
Immediately, an intense surge of energy from the Ancient Soul Emblem erupted, engulfing Kai's body. The scales on his body emitted a faint blue light, then gradually shifted to a deeper blue, with shimmering, crystal-like veins appearing beneath his skin. His eyes became deeper, as if containing the wisdom of millennia. A subtle yet powerful transformation.
Evolution 'Awakened Soul Dragon' complete!
Mana: +50.
Wisdom (WIS): +10.
Soul Power: +20.
New skill unlocked: 'Soul Taming' (Level 1) - Ability to deal damage or control spiritual entities. Mana Cost: 15 MP.
New skill unlocked: 'Echoes of the Past' (Level 1) - Ability to read lingering spiritual traces or memories in ancient locations/objects, gathering crucial information. Mana Cost: 5 MP.
Skill 'Keen Senses' has been upgraded to 'Awakened Senses' - Range and sensitivity significantly increased, with enhanced ability to detect non-physical entities.
Kai felt a new flow of power in his veins, not just mana but a form of spiritual energy, allowing him to perceive things he couldn't before.
Just then, Zane, still lying there, suddenly groaned softly, and from his mouth, a faint whisper escaped, not words, but an ancient, demonic sound, as if something else was speaking through him.
"The Devourer... draws near... The Legends... sleep deep..."
Zane's energy suddenly fluctuated wildly. Elara and Arthur immediately became alert.
"What's happening?" Arthur roared.
Kai approached Zane, activating his newly learned "Echoes of the Past" skill. He gently touched Zane's forehead.
Attempting to read 'Echoes of the Past' from Zane.
A fragment of painful memory and an urgent plea for help has been received.
An image flashed through Kai's mind: Zane, before he fell, had attempted to send a final message with his own soul power, aiming to warn the "Legendary Guardians." But the message was interrupted, and a part of it had become a curse, attracting the attention of another force. Zane's whisper was not just a warning, but a plea for help directed to a specific location: 'Ancient Dragon Sanctuary', a place said to be safe, deep within the Eternal Forest.
"Zane is calling for help," Kai said, his voice deepened. "He tried to contact the 'Ancient Dragon Sanctuary'. A place in the Eternal Forest. He believes the Legendary Guardians will hear him there."
Elara looked towards the distant, dense forest. "The Eternal Forest... it's a dangerous place, but if there are Legendary Guardians..."
Arthur looked at Zane, then at Kai. "So our next objective is clear. We must go to the Ancient Dragon Sanctuary. That's probably our only hope to better understand the Shadow Seal and find a way to stop the Shadow Cult."
With Zane still unable to fight, and a dangerous enemy hunting them, the path to the Eternal Forest would not be easy. But with newfound strength from his evolution and an unyielding will, Kai and his companions were ready to face whatever Aethel threw at them.