Novel's Extra: The Lost Heir of Dragon Queen

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(Trial Number : ??)

Kael’s breath was ragged as he took another step forward, the fire orb in his trembling hand glowing with a searing intensity.

His focus was razor-sharp, but his body was battered beyond recognition.

He couldn’t remember how many times he had fallen into the molten abyss.

The number of trials had long since escaped his memory, lost to the haze of pain and failure.

His skin had peeled and regenerated countless times, the agony becoming a cruel companion.

His mind was numb from the repetitive cycle, but his spirit clung to a singular goal: reaching the end.

Every time he respawned, his screams of frustration and despair echoed in the cavernous trial.

The pain had stripped away everything he thought he was. The word "genius" meant nothing here.

The fire orb cared not for talent or pride. It demanded discipline, resilience, and an unrelenting will to endure.

The faint glow of the final platform came into view, just a few steps ahead.

Kael forced his legs to move, each step feeling heavier than the last.

His hands were steady now, the orb pulsating like a heartbeat.

He no longer fought it; he had learned to guide it, to embrace it. It wasn’t about controlling the flames but harmonizing with their chaotic energy.

Mom’s words were right… don’t fear it, embrace it.

He stepped onto the platform, his legs buckling as he collapsed to his knees.

Relief washed over him like a cool breeze, though his body still throbbed from countless burns and regenerations.

It had been almost four months. Four agonizing months since he had first stepped into this trial. He didn’t even recognize himself anymore.

The boy who entered was gone, replaced by someone who understood the price of perseverance.

As Kael stared at the flickering orb in his hand, he muttered to himself, "I’m not a prodigy. I’m not some chosen hero. I’m just… stubborn. Maybe that’s all I’ve ever been. But if that’s enough to keep me moving forward, I’ll take it." He clenched his fists.

"Power isn’t handed to anyone. It’s carved out of failure, out of pain. And I’ve had plenty of that."

The voice returned, its tone calm and indifferent.

"Second trial complete. Will you proceed to the third trial?"

Kael exhaled deeply, wiping the sweat from his brow. He looked up at the glowing path leading to another unknown challenge.

For a moment, he hesitated. Then, shaking his head, he answered, "No." His voice was firm, steady.

"I’ve pushed myself this far, but I know my limits," Kael said aloud, as if reassuring himself.

"This isn’t about pride. It’s about growth. And I’m not ready for whatever comes next. Not yet."

The cavern seemed to hum in acknowledgment as the path ahead dimmed.

Kael stood up, his body screaming in protest, but his mind was clear.

He turned away from the trial, walking back towards the entrance.

As he reached the edge of the cavern, he looked back one last time. "I’ll return. When I’m stronger… when I’m ready. This isn’t the end for me."

As Kael trudged toward the exit, his body aching and his mind heavy with exhaustion, he muttered under his breath,

"Status window."

As the familiar blue colour screen pops up

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[STATUS WINDOW]

Name: Kael

Race: Half-Dragon

Rank: S

Age: 17

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[Attributes]

Strength: 242 (S+)

Agility: 215 (S-)

Magic Power: 249(S++)

Intelligence: 179 (B++)

Endurance: 241(S+)

Dragonic Bloodline Awakening: 1.45%

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Title:"The Masked Prodigy"

"Rebirth of the Fallen"

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[Skills]

Venezia Sanguis (level-4) {max level 20}

Umbra Void ( level - 3) {max level 20}

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[Elemental Mastery]

Fire: Advanced (29%)

Water: beginner (5%)

Lightning: beginner (2%)

Darkness: Intermediate (20%)

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[Overall Combat Efficiency]: 89% (Relative to rank S opponents)

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Kael’s gaze lingered on the Dragonic Bloodline Awakening percentage.

He clenched his fists, realizing how far he still had to go.

"Venezia Sanguis and Umbra Void... powerful, but I’m still weak compared to what I need to be," he muttered, his voice tinged with frustration.

The 2% mastery over lightning mocked him the most.

As Kael Emerges from the Cave

Kael stepped out of the cave, the cool water brushing against his skin, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat of the trial.

Without hesitation.

Kael swims outside the water, letting the chill engulf him as he swam across and reaches the River bank.

Reaching the bank, Kael collapsed onto the grass, his breaths labored.

After a moment, he sat up and reached into the void space.

From it, he retrieved his phone—a sleek, black device that glinted in the sunlight. As he powered it on, the screen lit up, and to his surprise, a series of messages awaited him.

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[MESSAGES]

Sender: Luna

Hey Kael,

You are coming tomorrow?

Meet me at the academy. Don’t be late!

(Today-12:25 Am)

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Kael blinked at the message. Luna...

He chuckled softly. So, someone still remembers me.

He closed the tab and slipped the phone back into the void space, a small smile tugging at his lips.

The warmth of the moment, however, was interrupted by a soft voice.

"You did great, Kael."

Kael turned his head to see Sephina standing a few feet away, her ethereal presence radiant against the backdrop of the forested island.

"Thank you, Mom," Kael replied, his voice steady but tinged with fatigue.

Sephina stepped closer, her golden eyes gleaming with pride.

"No need to thank me," she said, kneeling down to his level. "You truly did your best."

Her gaze, however, shifted, softening with a mix of concern and sadness.

"But, Kael..." she began, hesitating. "Why do you push yourself so hard?"

Kael stiffened, the question striking a chord he wasn’t ready to address.

Sephina could see through his silence, her eyes searching his for an answer.

Kael finally replied, his voice measured but distant, "I want to become stronger, Mom."

Sephina frowned, her sharp instincts telling her this wasn’t the truth.

She stepped forward and pulled him into a tight embrace, her hands trembling as they rested on his back. Kael froze, startled by the sudden gesture.

It was then he felt it—a warmth on his shoulder, not from the sun or the trial, but from her tears.

Sephina was crying, her emotions spilling over as she held him close.

"Why, Kael?" she whispered again, her voice cracking.

Kael hesitated, his heart aching at her vulnerability.

Though he didn’t want to say it aloud, the weight of his knowledge about the world’s impending doom gnawed at him.

Instead, he tightened his embrace, burying his face in her shoulder.

"I’m sorry, Mom," he whispered.

For a moment, there were no more words, only the quiet sound of the river and the mutual comfort of their embrace.....