Volume 2: Rise of the Vessel
Chapter 5: The Dragon's Dominance
Fifteen days had passed since Lee Hwan stepped onto the fifth floor of the Tower. What began as a survival challenge quickly turned into a training ground that forged him into something far beyond a regular player.
And now… he stood at the center of the forest, surrounded by the scorched remains of a monster horde.
His cloak fluttered in the wind, eyes glowing with golden energy.
[Lee Hwan – Level 41]
His level had skyrocketed thanks to the relentless completion of daily and special tasks. But it wasn't just his level—the true evolution was in his powers.
[Dragon Summon – Level 3]
He could now summon two dragons at once. One stood at level 44, a red-scaled fire dragon named Pyron, and the other at level 43, a black wyvern with blade-like wings, Nerok. Both dragons were intelligent, fast, and ruthless. Together, they could turn a battlefield into ash and ruin.
Lee's bond with them was deepening each day, and it showed in his aura.
[Dragon Aura – Level 4]
It had evolved into something terrifying. Now, Lee could infuse his aura into non-living objects, strengthening weapons, trees, even the very ground beneath his feet. An arrow infused with Dragon Aura could pierce steel. A rock could become harder than diamond.
Even the terrain bent to his will.
He stood silently, staring at the remains of a pack of armored wolves that had ambushed him during the night.
They didn't last a minute.
He moved forward without hesitation, vanishing instantly.
[Shadow Step – Level 3]
What used to be four afterimages was now eighteen shimmering reflections darting around him. It was almost impossible to tell which one was real. In battle, Lee Hwan became an illusion of speed—untouchable and unpredictable.
But his most terrifying skill remained his eyes.
[Eye of the Dragon – Level 6]
He could now see with terrifying clarity up to 1 kilometer in detail—every leaf, every movement, every heartbeat. Beyond that, his vision extended in a 10-kilometer sensory radius, detecting heat, mana, danger, and even emotions. Nothing could surprise him now.
"This forest isn't dangerous anymore," he muttered. "It's a training ground."
Suddenly, a ripple spread across the air. Something massive was moving.
Lee's eyes narrowed.
[Danger Level: Very High]
Source: Unknown – Approaching at 8 km/h
Estimated Distance: 2.8 kilometers
"Finally," he smirked, "something strong enough to test me."
He raised his hand and summoned Pyron and Nerok. The ground trembled as both dragons descended beside him, snarling with excitement.
"Let's show this creature what happens when you face the Vessel of the Dragon Monarch."
Behind him, the forest trees turned red from the heat of his Flame Burst – Level 4, already charging in his palm. The skill could now be fired in wide arcs or focused beams, enough to melt through dungeon walls.
Lee stepped forward, aura glowing from beneath his feet, eyes scanning the horizon.
The hunt had just begain