A hush descended over the sanctuary.
Rayzen's hand hovered above the void-black core — Etherstorm Wyvern Seed.
Lightning snapped around it in slow motion, each spark tearing through space itself.
Seraph's eyes narrowed.
"A dangerous path."
Rayzen smirked.
"Danger is all I've known."
His hand touched the core.
💥
Reality shattered.
Dark clouds erupted across the sky — the spirits of ancient dragons roaring like thunder in judgment and rage.
⚡ Trial of the Void
Rayzen fell into a realm without horizon — endless blackness streaked with purple lightning.
A voice tore through existence:
"Why do you seek the power of the void?"
Rayzen stood straight, despite trembling legs.
"Because the world has decided my fate.
I want my own."
Lightning slammed into him — his bones screamed.
The voice boomed again:
"Power earned through pain.
How much can you endure?"
A serpent of lightning descended — scales made of storms.
The Etherstorm Wyvern itself.
It struck — faster than thought.
Rayzen flew backward, skin burning.
Can't… give up…
He staggered up — broken fingers resetting with glowing cracks.
The Wyvern lunged again — but Rayzen dashed, barely dodging. His fist ignited with primal silver flame — he struck the beast's jaw.
Nothing.
The Wyvern growled — amused.
Rayzen panted.
"I'm not here to overpower you…
I'm here to prove I'm worthy to command myself."
He steadied his breath.
Focused.
Lightning gathered around him — controlled, precise.
He leapt and plunged his hand into the Wyvern's chest — gripping its heart of thunder.
The beast roared, but Rayzen roared louder.
"I am the storm you fear!"
💥
The Wyvern burst — its power flooding into Rayzen's veins.
🌩️ Etherstorm Ascension
Rayzen's body levitated — hair turning white-silver at the tips, eyes becoming glowing amethyst storms.
[SYSTEM: EVOLUTION COMPLETE]
Etherstorm Link Initialized
Abilities Gained:
• ⚡ Void Lightning Control
• 🔗 Ether Phase Shift
• ⚡ Dragon-Speed Amplification (Stage 1)
A new tattoo-like mark appeared across his arm — dragon wings made of lightning.
Seraph watched — pride glinting behind calm fury.
"You've chosen the path of destruction…
A king who commands storms."
Rayzen smirked, lightning flickering across his fingers.
"Then let the world tremble."
🐉 The Lunar Dragon Girl's Warning
Chains rattled again.
Lyra — the girl trapped in the crystal barrier — appeared, breath trembling.
Her silver eyes widened at Rayzen's new form.
"You did it.
The Etherstorm… chose you."
Rayzen stepped closer.
"I'll free you. I promise."
Lyra shook her head urgently.
"No. Not yet. The more strength you gain…
the closer they come."
Lightning around Rayzen crackled violently.
"Who is 'they'?"
Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper:
"The Heavenrend Tamers.
The ones who killed the Dragon Monarchs…
and created the Forbidden Crown inside you."
Rayzen froze.
Seraph growled.
"So the truth begins to claw its way out…"
But before Lyra could say more—
A thunderous horn echoed across the sanctuary.
The air split apart — dozens of elite armored hunters teleported in, cloaks adorned with the Royal Crest of Drakon Empire.
Rayzen recognized the symbol instantly.
"Remiel sent them…"
Seraph's wings flared, divine fire rising.
"Let them come."
But this time, they didn't just come with beasts.
A woman stepped forward — elegant, merciless, wearing a crown of steel thorns.
Ice-blue dragons swirled behind her like hurricanes.
Rayzen's heart stopped.
"The Dragon Queen…"
Not a title.
A literal ruler — one step away from godhood.
She smiled — cruel and fascinated.
"So you are the defective tamer…
…who dares awaken forbidden royalty."
The hunters aimed their spears — all pointed at Rayzen's heart.
"By decree of the Dragon Throne—
—Rayzen Eragon is sentenced to execution."
Rayzen's new storm power surged, stormwinds spiraling.
He grinned — fearless.
"Then come claim my head."
Seraph roared — the Etherstorm sparked to life.
The Queen raised her hand.
"Kill the Crown-Bearer."
Every dragon spirit above them roared in unison —
The sanctuary shook —
Destiny erupted —
And the battle for Rayzen's life began.