Deep into the Beastly-Highlands, there laid a beautiful, cascading waterfall with rushing rapids and pure, blue, sparkling water. The roar of the waterfall concealed any sound that might be heard from the illuminating cave that dwelled behind it.
Behind this beauty of nature, there was a cave that was simply awe-inspiring!
The sight was nothing short of magical as it opened up to a vast expanse, the ceiling lit up with thousands of luminescent crystals that bathed the place in a soft, ethereal glow!
The light also reflected off of the cavern walls, which were embedded with veins of shimmering minerals, creating a mesmerizing, otherworldly effect.
In this cave, there were three young children, all with white hair. One of the children stirred and regained consciousness, revealing his red eyes to the world.
Number 102 awoke up with a start, 'Where am I? Where are my siblings? What happened? Did we make it out? What..' His mind raced with worry, as he thought about the aftermath of their actions.
However, as he looked around briefly, he saw his siblings peacefully sleeping beside him, making him relax a little. His eyes widened as he noticed that his sibling's wounds were non-existent and couldn't help but feel surprised to find that his wounds had healed as well!
He felt better than normal actually!
He jumped to his feet and moved around a bit as he smiled because he didn't feel any pain!
'Okay, so we escaped, but to where?' He thought in confusion as he finally paid attention to his surroundings.
His eyes were filled with adoration and awe as he beheld the sights around him!
He saw that in the center of the cavern lay a pristine lake, its waters a crystal blue so clear that the bottom was visible despite its depth. The surface of the lake was like glass, perfectly still except for the occasional ripple from an underwater current.
The water seemed to radiate its light, adding to the cavern's luminescence and ethereal dancing reflections on its surroundings.
Further back from the lake, nestled against the gargantuan cavern wall, was what could only be described as a dragon's castle!
It was a grand structure carved from natural resources, blending seamlessly with the cave. The dragon's abode was a series of interconnected chambers and halls, each one filled with more splendor than the last!
The main hall was vast, with high ceilings and intricately carved pillars that had dragonic designs and swirling runic carvings. These pillars along with murals on the walls depicted ancient dragon lore and history! Glowing crystals set into the walls provided ample lighting, casting profound shadows and adding to the ambiance!
It was truly a wondrous sight to behold, nothing Number 102 had ever seen even came close to this!
He then saw a red-haired, very tall man appear out of thin air! The man's yellow eyes intimidated Number 102, however, he stood defiantly in front of his siblings!
This sight made Agni Igris smile as he explained himself in an attempt to assuage the boy's caution of him, "Relax boy, I am the Dragon Emperor Agni Igris Dragoncrest. I took you from the human kingdom because you three managed to impress me with your daring escape from servitude"
Number 102 looked at him in doubt for multiple reasons. One, he didn't trust anyone besides his family anymore, this stranger might just be a new master for all he knew!
Second, this guy was clearly human, did he think he was stupid?!
Seeing the boy's doubt written all over his face, Agni Igris released a sliver of his Ki Aura and partially transformed his arms into dragon claws, let his horns shape around his face, and his wings came out!
The sight scared the sh*t out of Number 102 as it was as terrifying as it was regal!
'This…This is the kind of power I want!' Number 102 thought, his mouth hanging from shock as a nervous smile bloomed on his face and sweat dripped down his face!
Agni Igris retracted his aura as he saw the other two kids stir awake from the commotion.
He explained to them that the human king had found out about the count's activities and sentenced him to life in prison as well as stripping his family of their land and noble status! They were now being ostracized by everyone and living lowly lives!
Anyone involved besides the count was swiftly executed and the kids were returned to their families or various orphanages around the kingdom.
Agni Igris told him about his involvement in the situation and how he decided to adopt the three of them because he liked their determination, grit, pride, and strength!
He told them that he saw potential in them! They all took some time in silence to comprehend this new information. They were happy that the kids got freed and Number 102 in particular was happy with the results of the count's punishment!
'I'll kill you yet, you ba*tard' he thought with a vicious and cruel smile.
This didn't go unnoticed by Agni Igris as he thought, 'Oh, this one's got a temper' as he chuckled inwardly.
"So," Number 104 questioned hesitantly, "You're our new father?"
Agni Igris nodded his head as he explained, "You probably don't have a good relationship with your parents so I won't force you to treat as a father figure, but yes, you are now my children"
"I won't demean you in pathetic ways as the humans did, but you are now royalty, princes and princesses of an entire kingdom. If not the affection of a father, you will treat me with the respect of a king" He declared in an authoritative tone.
Hearing him say this, the kids realized that this man before them was really strong and that they had no choice but to agree.
"You are now dragonlings, you will wear my Dragoncrest name with pride," He said as he narrowed his eyes, his tone serious and absolute.
The kids nodded their heads as they understood now.
"Name?" Number 103 muttered to herself, feeling conflicted. They had never had names before and she hardly counted the dungeon's numbers.
She didn't know how to feel about now having a last name. She lightly thought it was ridiculous.
After all, her name right now was technically, Number 103 Dragoncrest! It was absurd!
Hearing her mutter and the dazed looks of the two boys, Agni Igris realized that he had forgotten to ask their names.
"Kids, what are your names?" He inquired, feeling slightly embarrassed but not showing it outwardly.
They looked at each other for a second as Number 102 stepped forward and said, "We don't have any, our parents never named us and we were called by numbers in the dungeon"
Agni Igris frowned upon hearing this and stayed silent for a few seconds.
He then said, "Then I shall name you three"
Although the kids didn't show it due to distrust and fear, they secretly felt warm at the notion of their new father giving them names!
After all, they didn't care about the naming ceremony that is customary for humans and Agni Igris didn't know about it.
Mainly, they were tired of being called numbers!!
He thought for a few seconds as he pointed at Number 102 and said, "Your name shall be Rudra Dragoncrest, after one of the gods of battle, meaning the mightiest of the mighty"
Rudra's eyes shone as he absolutely loved his bad*ss name! He tried and failed to hide the gleeful smile that tugged at his lips!
He pointed at Number 103 and declared, "Your name is now Iris Dragoncrest, meaning the goddess who ruled the seas"
She loved her new name as well as she repeated it over in her head!
Number 104 looked at him expectantly as Agni Igris said, "You are now Thor Dragoncrest, after the god of lightning and thunder"
As the kids went over their new names, Agni Igris chuckled as he thought about the names he gave them. He was in a realm of power high enough to see children's elemental affinities and simply named them after their elements!
Rudra had the fire element!
Iris had the Water affinity!
And Thor wielding lightning!
After leaving them to smile like idi*ts for a few moments, Agni Igris told them to follow him as he led them to different rooms throughout the cavern's carved castle.
He showed them each to their bedrooms, the throne room which was filled with gold and shiny treasures, the bathrooms, the training rooms, the kitchens, and everywhere they might need to go.
He talked with them as he did, learning about their lives prior to this and answering their questions to the best of his abilities.
Although he was indeed prideful, he could tell that these kids needed a kind yet authoritative influence to grow up strong. And how could he accept taking on a responsibility and being too inadequate to handle it? Never!
So he treated the children with respect and slowly taught them the way that dragons were meant to behave!
In this manner, the kids became somewhat comfortable with him by the time it was time for them to sleep.
*****
Mass Release Goal:
Join the Patreon to get exclusive content, fan art, character ideas, and bonus chapters!
5 new members- 2 extra chapters!
10 new members- 5 extra chapters!
25 new members- 10 extra chapters!