“Are you serious?”

I asked again to confirm her words. She replied with a mature, dependable tone, like that of a true adult.

“Yes, I am quite serious. However, we never witnessed a corpse coming out of a hero summoning, but what’s even more baffling…is that there is no human hero summoning performed this year...” – Mazupo

“Define ‘no hero summoning’…”

She said there are no hero summonings performed by any of the major human nations…which is odd and confusing as hell.

“Ummmm…It is quite hard to explain. You see, we keep track of the mortals’ activities to make sure they do not plot against us. They are very vulnerable to sin…despite their popular self-conceited belief they are pure and strong. We witness every hero summoning performed through a proxy and talked with some of the summoned. From what we got from the past heroes so far, all of them experienced a blinding white light and none of them ever ‘died’ as you did during the summoning. There is no hero summoning scheduled and you are…the first case that faced such an incident, so there will be some investigation I assure. We know some Gods that could help, but we will not talk to your Patron God that blessed since…I have a strong hunch that it will be problematic if I do so.” – Mazupo

‘……I cannot believe what I am hearing…’

“Are you saying I was summoned illegally?”

The Elder’s face is filled with concern and worry. After a short pause, she found the words to say.

“I don’t know to be honest. The summoning method is secret, even to us. But…there are conditions that must be followed. For example, the crucial key is that the Prime Royal Gods must take part in the summoning…as they personally choose the candidates they want to bless before they summon them to another world. And they have yet to pick their heroes yet, or else we will know.” – Mazupo

‘…So there is a process to this summoning?’

“So the Gods pick which hero to bless first before they summon us…Wait, there is one question that is bothering me. Can the summoning…summon other people near the Heroes by accident as well?”

……The Elder gives me a strange look, silently questioning why I’m asking this.

“……What will happen if I say ‘yes’?”- Mazupo

“Answer. The. Question. ...*Deep Breath* …I beg you…”

I bowed to help plead my case to her, as this is very important. I must know whether or not my sister is safe and sound. Pride and tantrums won’t help me get anywhere, as this is something that requires calm mind and strong will to handle.

“……Then yes…The ones that are dragged along the summoning will be granted great power and if they are worthy enough, they can earn random blessings from other Gods, but not as great as the chosen heroes’. They will be part of the Heroes’ party to help defeat the Devil Emperor. Now tell me this ‘Hero’…what do you plan to do after I told you this? Will you leave the lands whether or not we oppose your choice and join the humans? Or will you stay here and live as one of us, not as Heibai, but as Yixing?” – Mazupo

I took in her answer deeply within me…and after a short pause, I took a deep breathe to clear my mind before I speak my mind.

“Thank you. Elder. You are a monster, figuratively, despite your friendly appearance. You seem to know me well in our first meeting in such a short time, ha ha. I…had a sister to be honest. Remember how I said I died by fate’s whim? I was being literal when I say that. I died trying to save my sister from…certain death, using my own body as a shield. So when you say I was summoned…it also means she is here as well. I plan to look for her and send her back home, as the reason she is here is because of me, judging from your words. After that, well…I don’t know if I can return home, but I will at least try. Whether or not I stay here, I am content with either choices, but…I want to at least say goodbye to my family back home. I mean, I did die of course, ha ha…ha……So tell me Elder, no Mazupo, will you help me? I will do whatever it takes to bring her back.”

I bowed again with my serpent head with humility, as I am still new in this world I need some assistance, professional ones if possible.

“…Heh….heh, hmhmhm. HA ha HAHAHAHAaA…!” – Mazupo

She is laughing at my response…for some reason. Does she really find this amusing?

“Such daring words! You instantly asked for help even though this is our first encounter and despite not doing anything for us yet? HA! You’re funny! Very well, I will see what I can do even if you don’t ask. Your matter must be looked into anyway since this is the first time in history a Hero died during a summoning.” – Mazupo

‘…Yeah she does have a point, but…’

“Daring…me? HAH! Says the one that nearly hugged a baby to death at first sight. Do you hug all things cute and cuddly, because I pity you since you kill them in the end? *Smug Grin*”

Hearing my smug comeback, she narrowed her eyes and glared at me for a while.

“Oh? I see you developed your tongue from Heiyang…I see now…you need some more of my ‘love’ to learn respect. *Ominous Smile*” - Mazupo

My smug grin vanished when I remembered her death-hug. But to my rescue, Mom interrupted our conversation.

“As much as you enjoy our son’s…looks, we must continue the introductions. *Looks at the other ‘humans’*” – Baoai

‘Ah…I almost forgot about them.’

Looking them closely now. They are wearing the same clothing like Mazupo’s at different sizes, though they are less impressive appearance and quality wise. There are four ‘nobles’, eight guards, and five ‘children’. There are three male and one female in the noble group, three male and five females in the guard group, and two males and three females in the children group. They of various size and age. One of them stepped forward with two male guards beside him and introduced himself.

“Greetings foreign soul. I must tell you that humans are not well respected here, but in your case you might fit in long enough if you gain their trust. I am Yuan, grand overseer of the clan. I am the Elder’s eyes and ears as her main advisor. I help manage the political affairs of the clan, keeping it in order.” – Yuan

Yuan has the appearance of a silver-eyed old wise, man, with the long combed hair and skinny beard to boot. Next came the female with two female guards.

“Foreign soul, my name is Huidai, prime governor of the clan’s social security. I am responsible for the social order of our land. I must say…you are even cuter up close. *Smile*” – Huidai

I narrowed my three eyes at her unneeded comment. The female has long silky hair of white. She has sun-yellow, gentle eyes and luscious pale lips. A real beauty in the fair, independent maiden category, but I see through her. Her breath patterns gave it away. I can tell she is quite dangerous if angered, since her atmosphere and breathing gives it away despite that I can’t detect her power level. I have a nasty temper even when I was still human, so I disciplined myself through breathing and meditation, and her breathing pattern is very similar to how I breathe. Next came the other guy with a male and female guard.

“I am Jianguo, manager of our clan’s economy as its treasurer. I sincerely apologize for our Elder’s enthusiasm. It’s been a while since there’s a being to her liking that can survive her-” – Jianguo

Mazupo interrupted before he can finish.

“DON’T finish that sentence if you know what’s good for you. *Ominous Smile*” – Mazupo

Jianguo coughed and said ‘Never mind’. He looks like harmless gentleman to be honest. With glasses covering his gray droopy eyes, his brown hair is long like a girl’s, and with a timid face that barely shows any masculinity. Next comes the biggest one with two female guards, and his aura is very strong to the point of me trembling at his presence when he came to introduce himself. Unlike the others, he is very cautious of me due to his piercing eyes looking at me with suspicion, which is natural considering my unique situation.

“Hmmmmm…A human born as an Imoogi. There are no records of someone like you EVER since this world was born. I will keep an eye on you, and if you do anything, and I mean anything to harm my clan even if you are Heiyang’s child. I. WILL. End You.” – Strong masculine looking man with crimson red hair.

The man has the aura of a true warrior. His crimson hair is short to the millimeter, and has strong hawk-like eyes. Looking at his red eyes, I see his soul is of a noble spirit, the kind that will uphold his duty to the last. I think I might like him, as his reaction is the most natural and logical one here despite him exuding hostility at me ha ha. I nodded at his words and bowed respectfully before looking at him in the eyes again with my two eyes (I do not know how to look at someone in the two eyes with my three eyes), conveying my resolve and sincerity from my eyes to his.

After our short staring contest, he narrowed his eyes before introducing himself properly once again.

“Hmmmm, you have nice eyes there. Strong-willed and unyielding, gleaming with fire. My name is Delun. I am the supreme commander of our clan’s military. Tread with care, human if you do not wish to incur my wrath.” – Delun

‘Hmmm…I will take his words to heart.’

I bowed respectfully at his words. Mazupo then came to me and spoke.

“Now that you are acquainted, they are The Royal Seers, my most trusted and reliable aides in the clan. They are here because they want to see if you’re a threat or worthy to be one of us officially, and it seems you passed with flying colors. I officially declare you, Yixing, as one of the Yang Yue Tian Clan! May you fight for our clan’s glory and prosperity, and may the dragon gods watch over you.” – Mazupo

‘Hmmm, I see their presence here is for political reasons. But…why are there children here?’

I looked at the little munchkins that poked me earlier. Each of them bears an eerie resemblance to the nobles here…

“Oh are you interested in them? Those are the seers’ children or their children’s’ children. They are here because The Royal Seers couldn’t spend time with them due to their work for some time or were forced to babysit them for the childrens’ parents, so they just took them along since this is a ‘special break’ for them, HAHAHA!” – Mazupo

‘…Isn’t that too irresponsible even for them?’

At her words, I looked at the ‘Seers’ and blankly stared at them with my three eyes in disbelief. They were brought here because of such a simple reason. They looked away from my stare, even Delun, as they couldn’t handle the embarrassment. Then dad interrupted to speak his mind.

“Are you all satisfied with him now, ‘Esteemed’ leaders? Sorry to interrupt, but I have plans to spend with my child as soon as possible, so I humbly request permission to leave with my son.” – Heiyang

‘What…The corners of Dad’s mouth are perking up again. Oh no…’

Everyone is now staring at dad in confusion…even mom is confused at Dad’s surprising request.

“Hmmm? We are still not done. We need to teach him our culture and introduce him to the other children his age, both dragon and Imoogi, so what is so important that you need to take your leave with Yixing?” – Mazupo

Mazupo ask curiously, which Dad enthusiastically replied with too much joy, “I need to prepare my son for an upcoming duel I promised with Longwei’s daughter Meixi as soon as I can, as I want it to be the most memorable and proud moment of my life.”

Dad’s words shocked everyone present, well except for the children as they are a little clueless on the matter. It is probably the first time they heard something as outrageous as having an infant Imoogi duel with a child true dragon a few years older.

“Wait, you plan to have the foreign soul fight a true dragon this soon?! You sure he can-” – Delun

“OHHHHHHH!! This I want to see, but we still need to discuss-!!” – Mazupo

“Thank you for complying with me, ‘Elder’. Now if you excuse me, I need to leave with my son for some ‘bonding’.” – Heiyang rudely interrupted before Mazupo can finish.

Dad then picked me up in his hand…by my neck like how one holds a kitten…and then turned his head towards the gates behind us.

“Wait, don’t ignore me! And why are you looking at-” – Mazupo

‘Hm? What is he-?’

*BOOOOOOOMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm*

Dad then flew out with…extreme fervor.

“AAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh……!!!!!”

I screamed (even from my mouth, or in this case ‘roar’ with my mouth) when he flew out the gates without warning, at speeds too much for my heart to handle. Before he flew, I sensed high levels of excitement from his heart, almost like it’s being vented out from being pent up for some time. He then spoke to me with ominous glee while we violently flew past the other Imoogis, dragons, and reptilian humanoids, leaving an uncontrolled aftershock behind him causing an unsightly aftermath (but no casualties) in his wake.

“Ah are you screaming from ‘excitement’, my child?! Now that the tiresome formalities are over, let us begin spending our time together as father and son! We have SO much to do…!” – Heiyang

‘….’

I think he can no longer wait to ‘prepare’ me for the coming duel…so he decided to abduct me from the palace to who knows where. As I continued screaming, we eventually blasted through the…wall…after wall, after wall….. HE literally broke through the walls of the Clan Elder’s abode just to go outside as soon as possible. Just how badly does he want to train me for crying out loud? T_T

I couldn’t even see my surroundings clearly due to me flying at speeds too great for me to handle. That is until Dad slowed down at the sight of an unusually big, emerald-green forest. I mean the trees of this forest are really BIG, way bigger than Dad. The trees there are luscious, covered with countless vines, and are towering towards the sky so high I could not see the tip. Wow…this is something I don’t see every day back home, even from the fictional works I perused back home. How a forest like this not be found and chopped down into firewood due to its sheer quantity eludes me…

We entered the forest and after flying a good distance…while ploughing through the local fauna. The creatures here are HUGE, most I see bigger than dad and dad ploughed them into a gory mess like they’re nothing but air. What’s scarier is that from what little I can sense from the giants despite Dad’s speed, the creatures are by no means weak as they fill me with some fear and dread and dad treated them like they’re nothing. Dad slowed down at the sight of a suitable clearing in front of us full of grass, rabbits, weird colored flowers and other kinds of flora, and then landed on the clearing.

I was finally put down, resting from the heart-popping ride for some time.

*Wheeze*Wheeze*Wheeze*Wheeze*

I’m now breathing my lungs out, trying to recover from my experience. Dad however, interrupted me from my rest.

“Welcome to the Emerald Heaven Forest, home to some of the largest monsters on Mundus, and most dangerous. Here, you will learn how to fight as an Imoogi, no as a DRAGON, under my tutelage.” – Heiyang

‘…..Oh, God help me.’

I know he will enjoy my suffering for sure. He couldn’t stop perking up the corners of his mouth as I continued wheezing…

“If you are wondering why I picked this place, this area is where the weakest creatures roam and is excellent for beginners, which should be more than enough to help you get started. Then if you are ready, you will face stronger creatures as you progress and if I deem you strong enough, you will fight Fomorians, Behemoths, Tarrasques, and more. The forest is ideal for hunting for us and is usually packed with other Imoogis and Dragons, but not this time as it’s the hibernation period for the forest’s inhabitants, so most of them are dormant. Meaning at this time, we have this forest all to ourselves.” – Heiyang

‘*Wheeze*Wheeze* I see. I wonder how strong I am compared to the creatures here…Oh right. I must ask if he can teach me magic and stuff.’

“Do you *Wheeze*. Know any. *Wheeze*. Magic. By any chance? *Wheeze*”

I wish to learn more about magic and how to manipulate mana to my liking. I gave up on complaining as dad will absolutely ignore it, and it will not benefit me to do so. Dad then replied enthusiastically.

“Of course I will teach you the ways of magic, even the proper ways of mana manipulation…if I deem you worthy enough. Whatever you ask, I will provide, but only if you truly earned the right to do so. So we will first focus on your control over your body and have you harness your instincts. We will start with you learning how to track and hunt active game in the wilds.” - Heiyang

After he said that, we started my training…despite me being too tired to even fly in the air. He’s enjoying this too much.

*Seven days later, the duel began between the infant Imoogi and the youngling dragon, later known as the most shocking match in history as ‘The Hierarchal Revolution’.

**Author here, sorry for the delay. I had almost no time for writing, plus the story is starting to get a bit tricky. I now understand how VanZans feels when he is writing out a story. Anyway, I think I might be in need of a faithful editor, as I do not think I will have any more time to edit future chapters, so let me know if you wish to apply by sending me an attachment with an edited version of one of my previous chapters.