Legacy of the Dragons

Eric Jean was just another 17-year-old, trapped in the suffocating routine of studying, studying, and studying. He knew it was the only way to secure a good future, but that didn't make it any less exhausting.

— Another day gone… — he muttered, tossing his backpack into the corner of his room before collapsing onto his bed.

Frustration grew inside him. Every day felt the same, an endless cycle of obligations and fatigue.

— If only all of this could just… end.

It was a fleeting thought, but an honest one. Of course, he knew reality wouldn't simply vanish or change with a snap of the fingers. So, as always, he just sighed and moved on.

To clear his mind, he grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, opening his streaming app. He searched for something to watch—anything to break the monotony of real life.

Anime.

For Eric, these stories were more than just entertainment. They were windows into extraordinary worlds, where ordinary people like him became heroes, ventured into unknown lands, and defied the impossible.

Just imagining a life like that made his blood race with excitement.

— Too bad it's all just fiction…

With a deep sigh, he turned off the TV and closed his eyes. Sleep took over quickly, and this time, he dreamed.

The Golden Dream

Eric found himself in an empty room—no walls, no ceiling, no floor. Just an infinite void stretching in all directions.

The absolute silence was shattered by a deep rumble.

Before him, a golden table materialized, shimmering brilliantly in the emptiness. Resting upon it was an envelope, sealed with an intricate emblem: a dragon engraved in gold. The symbol radiated both fear and reverence.

With hesitant fingers, Eric opened the letter.

"Dear Hero,

We would like to inform you that we will contact you soon. Please prepare yourself mentally for what is to come.

Sincerely, The Dragon King."

Before he could even process the words, everything around him vanished. Darkness swallowed the scene, and in an instant, Eric woke up in his bed.

He sat up, breathing heavily. The dream had felt so real that he could still sense the weight of the letter in his hands.

— Maybe I've been watching too much anime… — he muttered, rubbing his face.

Shaking his head, he decided to ignore it. Dreams were just dreams.

Or so he thought.

The Message Becomes Reality

The day went on as usual—or at least, it was supposed to. On his way home from school, Eric felt a strange discomfort. Something was off, out of place.

He rubbed his eyes.

— I really need to get more sleep…

Ignoring the sensation, he kept walking. But then, he stopped abruptly.

A letter.

Identical to the one from his dream.

It was in his hand. But… how? When?

His heartbeat quickened. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he opened the envelope.

"Be prepared, young hero."

His blood ran cold.

— This again?!

On impulse, he crumpled the paper and tossed it aside. This joke was going too far.

Taking a deep breath, he reached for his front door.

Or at least, he tried to.

What he saw beyond the doorway was not his house.

It was a vast, black void.

— W-what the hell is this?!

A shiver crawled up his spine. Before he could react, a voice echoed through the space—powerful, authoritative.

— Do not be afraid, young Eric. Or rather… our hero.

The Dragon King

From the shadows, a colossal presence emerged.

A dragon covered in golden scales, so radiant they seemed to reflect an unseen sun. Its mere existence exuded overwhelming majesty.

Eric's eyes widened.

The being before him was unlike anything he had ever seen in his favorite stories. His instincts urged him to kneel, to show reverence. But before he could, the voice spoke again.

— You are not required to kneel.

The authority in its tone was absolute, yet there was no arrogance—only respect and power.

— Young Eric, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Aetherius, known by many titles, but you may call me the Dragon King.

Eric opened his mouth, but no words came out. His brain was still struggling to comprehend what was happening.

Aetherius continued, not giving him time to hesitate.

— I have brought you here for a mission. Are you willing to listen?

Eric's heart pounded.

— Is… is this real?

— Yes.

The words were firm, unquestionable.

Eric took a deep breath, gathering his courage.

— Alright. I'm listening.

— Excellent. I need you to save the world of Alduria. Many dangers are approaching, and you have been chosen to face them. Of course, I will not send you unprepared. I will provide you with support and power. So… do you accept?

Eric blinked, trying to process the words.

Save a world? This was insane.

But at the same time…

It was the chance he had always dreamed of.

Still, he wasn't a protagonist in some anime. He was just a regular student.

A doubt crept into his mind.

— Why don't you do it yourself? If you're this powerful…

Aetherius nodded, as if expecting the question.

— In my celestial form, I could indeed solve everything with ease. However, universal laws prevent me from directly interfering. That is why I need a champion.

Eric absorbed the explanation and asked another question.

— And what kind of support would you give me?

— I will remake your body, granting you my blessing and those of the other Celestial Dragons. With this, you will have the power necessary to face the challenges ahead.

Eric's blood boiled with excitement.

A life of fantasy and power? He wanted to say yes immediately! But something held him back.

— Before I accept… Is there anything else I should know?

Aetherius smiled—or at least, Eric thought he did.

— If you accept, you will be sent twenty years before the disaster. Use that time to train and become as strong as possible.

Twenty years? That changed everything.

But… did it even matter?

Eric closed his eyes for a moment.

And when he opened them, a grin formed on his lips.

— I'm in.

The dragon nodded.

— Wonderful. But before we proceed…

Aetherius raised his voice, and the very air trembled.

— Come forth, Celestial Dragons!

Six towering figures emerged from the darkness.

Eric swallowed hard.

— What have I gotten myself into…?