Rayder didn't hesitate. With unwavering determination, he gave Black Dragon Im the command to continue the purge—force out and eliminate every last worm hiding in the crevices of the volcanic rock.
The next two hours became a relentless hunt. Rayder and Black Dragon Im executed a brutal "encirclement and suppression" campaign within the sweltering confines of the volcano. The dragon soared from ledge to ledge, spraying Dragon Flame into the dark cracks of stone while Rayder scanned every corner, leaving no place untouched.
Again and again, shriveled, black-red worms were flushed out, squirming desperately before they met their fate in Im's jaws. The stench of burnt flesh and sulfur mixed thickly in the air, but Rayder pressed on, unbothered. This wasn't just about extermination—it was about progress. And finally, that progress was complete.
A glowing 100% appeared on his system panel.
Rayder's eyes sparkled with excitement.
He reached into his pack and pulled out the golden dragon egg. His hands trembled as he held it, his breath caught between anticipation and disbelief.
The egg was wrapped in golden scales that shimmered with faint magical light. Delicate, spider-web-like cracks had begun to form across the surface. The time had come.
Rayder watched, eyes wide and unblinking, as the cracks deepened. A faint pulse seemed to rise from within, as if something ancient was stirring inside.
And then—crack.
The eggshell split open.
From within the fragments, a majestic creature slowly emerged—a three-headed golden dragon.
Each head was small and distinct, but all three glowed with life and energy. Their eyes shone like twin stars—bright, deep, and brimming with intelligence. The little dragon's body was sleek and covered in glistening golden scales, like tiny shards of polished crystal. A pair of leathery, bat-like wings twitched gently on its back, tinged with soft sunlight-like hues. Two powerful tails curled and uncurled as if testing the air.
The creature's body was still wet from the hatching, its scales catching the ambient heat of the volcano and radiating a gentle warmth. Its form was both beautiful and intimidating—a paradox of delicate power.
The tiny dragon's three heads each moved independently, surveying their surroundings and then turning toward Rayder with what could only be described as curiosity. They blinked, sniffed, and slowly began to nuzzle against his fingers.
A wave of pure affection surged in Rayder's chest.
This wasn't just a dragon.
This was Kidora.
A system chime echoed in his mind:
> "Second phase hatching mission complete. All system permissions unlocked. System storage space activated. Pet space activated. Evolution module loading... Biological scan module loading... Loading complete. All system guidance programs complete. Management permissions released.
Third Phase Mission Activated: Become the King.
Reward: Star Devourer Bloodline."
Rayder's heart skipped a beat.
He had done it. After all the hardships, the near-death encounters, the curses and chaos—he had reached the next phase. And the reward—Star Devourer Bloodline—sounded unimaginably powerful.
But something else happened as the system updated.
A new bond formed in his mind—something deep, mental, and emotional. Through this connection, Rayder could now communicate telepathically with Kidora.
It was astonishing… but also slightly chaotic.
Each of Kidora's heads had its own distinct personality and consciousness, and each spoke to Rayder at the same time.
The middle head had a calm, commanding voice—calculated and composed. Rayder instinctively named it "Da Lang".
The right head, however, was gruff and impatient, its tone sharp and impulsive. It gave off an aggressive energy. Rayder called it "Er Lang."
The left head had a softer, more soothing voice, thoughtful and inquisitive. Rayder named this one "Kevan."
Three heads. Three voices. Three personalities.
At first, it was overwhelming—like listening to three people argue in his mind. But underneath the noise, Rayder felt an incredible warmth. Kidora loved him. That was clear.
All three heads took turns nuzzling against Rayder's cheek and hand, rubbing affectionately against him. Their tiny wings flapped slightly as they climbed up onto his shoulder, wrapping themselves gently around his neck.
Rayder laughed, brushing a hand over Kevan's nose as Da Lang chirped a command and Er Lang tried biting a strand of his hair.
"Alright, alright. You three win," Rayder muttered. "You're staying on the shoulder from now on."
He opened the system panel, ready to explore what had changed now that permissions were fully unlocked.
---
[System: Personal Panel]
Name: Rayder
Gender: Male
Age: Twelve
Evolution Points: 0
Storage Space: 100 cubic meters
Bloodline:
Ancient Valyrian Dragon King
Dragon Rider
King
Titan
Shared Abilities (from Kidora):
King's Might
Gravitational Beam
Storm Control
Electrical Manipulation
Super Regeneration
Status: Good
---
[Mission Panel]
Third Phase Mission: Become the King
Reward: Star Devourer Bloodline
---
[Pet Panel]
Pet: Kidora
Status: Hungry
Abilities:
King's Might
Gravitational Beam
Storm Control
Electrical Manipulation
Super Regeneration
Pet Space: Unlimited size (only bonded pets may enter)
---
[Companion Dragon]
Name: Black Dragon Im
Age: 191 years
Body Length: 130 meters
Wingspan: 370 meters
Status: Cursed
---
Rayder stared at the system data, stunned by his own progression.
He was no longer just a dragon rider or some lost boy with a legacy—he was becoming something far greater. A King of Dragons. A wielder of ancient power.
But then came a rude awakening.
Eager to test his new abilities, Rayder pointed toward a nearby rock and attempted to release a bolt of lightning.
What came out instead was… a weak spark.
He frowned and tried again, this time focusing on storm control.
A light breeze stirred on his palm. Nothing more.
Then came gravitational manipulation.
Nothing. Not even a nudge.
Rayder blinked. "What the hell?"
Frustrated, he dove into the system descriptions of the abilities—and that's when he understood.
The powers weren't fully his.
They were shared through his connection with Kidora. Their strength depended on Kidora's current level of development.
In other words, these incredible-sounding powers were… baby-tier.
Rayder turned slowly to look at the young golden dragon perched on his shoulder.
Kidora looked back—and Er Lang was still chewing on his hair.
"Seriously?" Rayder muttered.
The system chimed again. Status: Hungry.
No wonder the powers were weak—Kidora had just hatched and needed to grow.
Rayder reached into his bag and pulled out some of the remaining golden eggshell fragments. He held one out to the nearest head.
Instantly, Er Lang released Rayder's hair and lunged at the shell, crunching it with audible enthusiasm. Its tiny teeth tore through the fragment like a predator with prey. Kevan followed shortly, nibbling daintily at another shard. Da Lang, more composed, simply waited his turn.
Watching them feed filled Rayder with amusement and pride.
"Alright, you little gluttons. Let's get you strong. The world isn't ready for you yet."
But Rayder knew—soon, it would be.
He was no longer alone in this world. With Black Dragon Im, the fully awakened system, and now Kidora—the three-headed dragon of legend—Rayder had begun walking a path no one had dared tread before.
A path that would lead him to the throne.
To power.
To becoming King.
And the stars themselves would learn to fear the name Rayder.
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