'Not from my world' the words bounced within his skull. The implications of those words were far beyond anything he could have anticipated.
They suggested that Earth was not the only planet with life. It was inevitable in a way and almost obvious with the opening of Zones all around the world but that was a different matter. No nation on the planet had ever come in contact with an intelligent beast or being that had the capacity to communicate.
Most of the creatures that resided within Zones were bloodthirsty and almost maniac. They killed humans on sight and when they had intelligence they only used it to kill in the most cunning ways. A perfect example of this would be the goblin race. They were intelligent but took pleasure in inflicting pain to their victims.
All this was to say that Liam could actually be the first Earthling to make contact with an intelligent entity…if he was the only one that is.
"Young one. I find myself deeply satisfied with you so I will elaborate" at the dragon's voice, Liam focused his thoughts. He didn't know a lot of things but what he did know was that the dragon was infinitely order than him and therefore was much more knowledgeable. "Do you know why your body is like that?"
Liam felt his heart quicken.
Did he know why his body was so frail and fragile? Why his body seemed to be years behind those of his peers?
No, he did not nor did he ever expect that the very possibility of finding out would come from him being dragged into a Zone against his will.
A lump formed in his throat, the words he wanted to say failing to materialize. He could only shake his head.
The dragon lingered. Its gaze so intense, everything around seemed to fade. There was nothing but those narrow reptilian pupils.
"The realms of power consist of three cours. The body, the soul and Aether. The body is the realm of the physical, it acts as a the vessel through which the soul resides. The soul is the holder of talent, it includes affinity as well as resonance with Aether" the dragon explained.
Liam listened attentively due to the laws on Earth one could only gain knowledge of cultivation upon entering a Hunter university but even then…
'I doubt they would know more than the dragon'
"…All talent is held within one's Soul Seed. The path to power depends on how much you can nurture said Soul Seed to the point of maturity. That is the path to ultimate power"
Liam felt something stir within him. A bubble of excitement at the prospect of learning something new. Still he calmed himself and hesitated.
"… but what does that have to do with my condition?" Liam asked.
"The answer to that young one is simple. Body, Soul and Aether. What do you think is the most factor to consider?" the dragon's question carried a weight that was almost physical. It sent his mind spinning and dizzy. His thoughts working in overdrive.
Body. Soul. Aether.
Of those three what could be the most important?
***
As Liam was on the precipice of discovering what was truly wrong with him…Multiple things were happening in Bright City.
The sun had long since risen. Overseeing the city, it was indifferent to whatever was going on. Whether it be people or vehicles moving about. Nothing seemed to move it.
Under the glare of the sun, a slick black sedan pulled to a stop right next to a large dome shaped hall. Its doors opened and a singular man stepped out. He was sharply dressed in a black suit, shoes and a necktie. His shoulders appeared broad and his back was straight.
Commander Ivan looked nothing like he had a seven days ago. His dark hair was still swept back but his neat goatee was untrimmed. He even had dark circles under his eyes. If one didn't know him they would never assume he was a hunter in the first place, a man worn by stress.
His brows furrowed and it wasn't because the sun the too hot.
No rather it was because of the situation.
He had expected the Vulcan Guild to be called forth as a result of the Zone collapse but he never expected it to be this soon. He couldn't believe that the Guild Association would call upon him this soon, no he believed they wouldn't dare take action a mere week after the incident.
He suspected foul play.
The Council Hall was dome shaped with pillars holding up the roof at various points on the outside. The architecture was Roman inspired. A large red flag attached to a flag pole waved in the wind. It was decorated with stars and stripes as well as various insignia's that represented the most prominent guilds of the nation.
A homage to Federation as well as unity among the guilds.
Ivan's jaw set. What unity?
His strides up the cold grey terraces were long and steady until he came to a stop before two large wooden doors. The moment he stood before them, a ring of runes shined with a white pulse below him. It was sort of like scanner that responded to his Aether signature, every Hunter's was unique after all. A few seconds later similar circles flashed on the surface of the doors with a green color this time.
Soundlessly, the doors opened inward revealing a somewhat grand corridor.
Floors made of shining wood that looked recently polished, walls draped in curtains of velvet and ornaments of rare and expensive art pieces added to the aesthetic.
Ivan took a step inside, his steps echoing softly. The doors shut behind him but he never looked back. At the far end of the corridor, was another set of doors. These ones wide open as though to let him know that those inside anticipated his arrival.
Even from this distance he could feel the auras of several individuals as strong as him.