CHAPTER 1

Location: Frosto Cave, Planet Anthreis

North from the city, located at the Kayzaer’s Empire private island, the cave is a restricted place among commoners. Only those from the royal bloods are allowed to visit the area. It is said that something was rested here, only can be seen by none other but the royals themselves.

Slowly, Ronar walked down. Supposedly, these stairs would lead him to the deepest place in the cave; the ice area. The temperature gradually gets colder as he descends deeper, forcing him to tighten his jacket. Once he reached the bottom, the young lion man noticed the route in front surrounded with sharp stalactites. The path is divided east and west.

Another three steps. Then, a gust of sub-zero wind blows suddenly from north. Ronar looked back, only to notice there was an entrance there. He advanced. And he saw the frozen lake, shone with captivating sparkles of natural blue light.

Ronar was captivated. But not with the scenery. He lifted his face, now looking at the farthest right side. Three frozen giant corpses. Three dead dragon Chimeras. Just what he was looking for.

Ronar flipped the journal pages until he stopped at the middle. Attached there were the pictures and diagrams of the dragon Chimeras. The same as what beholds in front of his gaze.

So, this is the place. He thought.

Quickly Ronar walked across the frozen lake, proceed towards the mine elevator there. According to the journal, the elevator was used to study every single part of the dragon Chimera’s body, as recorded later in the diagram from the book.

After some time waiting, the elevator stops right at the dragon Chimera’s mouth are. Ronar closely observed the humongous fangs, then later took out a drill from his bag. He activated the machine and began his work.

* * * * *

A month later…

Inside the lab was dark. Only faint glares from the monitor screen and glowing green lights from the artificial womb illuminates the secret room. Ronar sets his eyes on the machine. No. Rather, the body of a certain creature which was floating inside.

The creature is small. Only one feet tall, being infant. Its’ body was red and black, covered with hard scales. The body was now well-developed. Heart rate is more active, as bubbles emerged steadily as it breathes. Such a positive

It’s small. Only one feet tall, due to the infant age. Should it mature someday, its’ size might reach 12 feet tall. Its’ body was red and black, covered with hard scales, fangs and claws. The body has now grown well. Heart rate is getting more active. Bubbles emerged as it breathes steadily. Such a positive development for his one-month progress.

It’ll arise soon. Thinking that, Ronar smiled with satisfaction. Who would’ve ever thought reading about the history of dragon Chimeras would spark his idea of using their legendary power. Sure, they are now dead. But having some knowledge in genetic engineering sure does make a difference.

After he drilled the fang from the dragon Chimera’s corpse, Ronar extracted the DNA cells from it, and later injected the cells inside a living egg. As a result, a dragon Chimera clone was created.

He grinned. This time his effort won’t be futile. For his long-desired dreams shall finally become true. This little dragon will lead the Kayzaer Empire towards the glory. For this is the only way Ronar can show his true worth. Despite of his father who had thought of him otherwise.

* * * * *

Two days ago…

“Come in.”

The gigantic wooden door creaked. Noticing his youngest son was walking in, he let out a heavy sigh. Not out of annoyance, but he knew why Ronar would come to his room.

“Let me guess. You want to ask about the throne?” King Ergax asked while gazing upon the castle scenery through the window.

Ronar’s face tightened. “I know I’m worthier, Father,” His voice was tense as well.

The old lion looked gloomily at Ronar. “I will at least hear your reasons.”

“Raion could never lead our empire to the glory!”

“What glory?”

“You should know better, Father! I’ll make Kayzaer an invincible empire, even more than Sokrath!” he replied, referring to another royal force governing the south of Verkdram province.

Hearing that, King Ergax sighed with disappointment. “I knew choosing Raion was a wiser choice.”

“What do you mean?”

“To make Kayzaer Empire as a sole dictator force. That is precisely what ‘glory’ meant for you, is it not?”

“Kayzaer Empire is the strongest in our province. What wrong would it be for me to do so?”

“Our empire isn’t created out of giving fear! You, as a member of Kayzaer Empire should have understood that better! We existed to protect and maintain the stability of Verkdram! And you should have known that this wouldn’t be possible without the co-operation from the Sokrath Empire!” King Ergax asserted.

Ronar pouts, “You’re too naïve, Father! That’s possibly why we couldn’t achieve our glory!”

It was obvious that King Ergax was content with the current political climate. The peace and stability enjoyed by the province have blinded their sight from chasing the glory, when that is what will help to risen the status of the Kayzaer Empire as a respectable governing power.

King Ergax roughly stomps his walking stick. “We have no need of such glory!”

His hunchbacked old body shivers, forcing him to sit on the sofa. Seeing his father’s condition, Ronar choose to shut his mouth. He knew well enough how the castle workers sees him as a kind person. It’s almost a rare sight to see him enraged like this.

As he calmed down, King Ergax spoke softly, “Ronar, I want you to understand. That will only ruin the citizen’s trust towards us.”

“I want Verkdram to stay peaceful like this. Two forces co-operate to develop this province to become prosperous. No need to fight who rules better. Which is why I choose Raion. He shares the same vision as I do.”

Damn all this. Ronar grips his fist, holding on his rages.

“Ronar. That glory you’ve wished for, do we ever have in need of such things? Or is it merely for your own satisfaction?”

Ronar punched the wall till it cracks.

“Quiet!”

King Ergax was stunned to see Ronar’s sudden behavioural change.

With a rebellious voice, Ronar expressed his long-hidden feelings, “Raion! Raion! Raion! It’s always him!”

“I’m the one who works harder than him! I achieve more than him! But you don’t care about me at all! No matter what I do, you’re always like that! You always side with Raion! He is always the only best to you!”

King Ergax feels awkward. Yet, being speechless is only what he can afford to do at the moment.

Not saying anything further, Ronar walked out from the room. His expression shows an obvious disappointment towards his father.

“Ronar! Wait!”

Ronar couldn’t care less as he slammed the door.

* * * * *

“Ronar. That glory you’ve wished for, do we ever have in need of such things? Or is it merely for your own satisfaction?”

King Ergax’s words rings inside his head. Yet he decides not to let it haunt him any longer. He gazed back upon the glass jar in front.

The empire may not need it. But this is the only way for Ronar to show his capability as the throne’s heir, who is worthier than his brother, Raion. For a true king always look forward to the future. Raion has no such traits. Just like King Ergax. Yet, Ronar couldn’t fathom why his father would say so? What does he mean by satisfaction?

Suddenly, a loud siren noise breaks the silence.

Ronar quickly walks closer to the monitor which was filled with many pop-up menus which visualises the clone’s status. According to the pop-ups, the clone has now awakened from its’ sleep state, and is about to rise up soon.

A few seconds after, the hole space at the bottom of the artificial womb opened automatically. Thick smoke steamed out from the womb. Sea blue liquids gushed out, flowing to the drain till it dries later.

After all the processes, Ronar noticed that the clone still hasn’t opened its eyes. He calmly waited for the clone to react. Few seconds later, he noticed the wires connected to its’ body swayed a bit. Ronar noticed its’ fingers was moving. Then, both legs. Lastly, the head. Slowly the eyes opened together with the mouth. Once it gained full consciousness, all the wires were pulled back into the holes, letting the clone to finally move freely.

Still drowsy, the clone examined Ronar, who was thrilled in his laugh.

“I did it! I’ve revived the dragon Chimera!”

Ronar, still smiling, talked to the baby dragon, “It’s good now that you have come to your senses,” His hand slowly reaching the clone, trying to touch it.

“Now, you will follow me. We have a lot of work to do.”

As it watched Ronar’s hand reaching him, the baby dragon’s eyes slowly widened. At this time, a sudden unknown flashback was viewed on its’ mind.