The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

The Divine Encounter

Within the vast expanse of his imagination, Xavier found himself trapped in the same dream that had haunted him for years. A mother cradled her newborn in a dimly lit hospital ward, her voice soft as she hummed a lullaby. The door creaked open, and a man entered—her husband, Xavier assumed. But as always, just before he could hear the name they whispered for the child, the dream faded.

Xavier jolted awake, drenched in sweat. His breaths came ragged as his mind adjusted to reality, only to be met with an unsettling truth—he wasn't where he was supposed to be.

A massive underground cavern stretched before him, its walls lined with ancient carvings, its floor glimmering with mountains of gold and gemstones. The sight would have made any man lose himself in greed, but Xavier barely registered it. Pain flared through his body as he tried to sit up, his bandaged wounds splitting open. He gritted his teeth, swallowing a cry before grabbing a nearby stick to support himself.

Each step was agony, but he forced himself forward, scanning his surroundings. Then, something familiar caught his eye—a massive metallic gate, eerily similar to the one he had seen during his battle with the varmint. His pulse quickened.

A sudden tremor shook the cavern. Dust and loose stones rained down as the air thickened with an ominous presence. A low growl rumbled from the depths, followed by the sound of heavy footfalls approaching.

The dragon had returned.

Xavier's heart pounded in his chest. He ducked behind a jagged rock formation, his breath shallow, his mind racing. The ground trembled with every step the beast took, its sheer weight causing the cavern walls to groan in protest. He pressed himself further into the shadows, barely daring to breathe.

Then, silence.

A chill ran down his spine. Slowly, cautiously, he turned his head—only to find himself face to face with two piercing, golden eyes.

"Found you."

The voice was deep, reverberating through his very bones, carrying a mix of amusement and menace.

Xavier's body seized in terror. A strangled cry escaped his lips as he scrambled backward, his limbs betraying him. He hit the ground hard, curling into himself, his hands shielding his face as he trembled uncontrollably.

Laughter. Deep, rich, and wholly unexpected.

"You don't have to worry, child," the dragon rumbled, a trace of amusement lacing his words. "I won't eat you." A brief pause. Then, with a chuckle, he added, "Humans aren't exactly my favorite snack. They taste funny."

Xavier hesitated, his fingers slowly lowering from his face. Warily, he forced himself to look at the creature before him.

Majestic. That was the only word that could describe what he saw.

The dragon was immense, yet somehow smaller than when he had last seen it in battle. Its body was covered in brilliant, snow-white scales, each one reflecting light like polished marble. Golden patterns swirled across its muscular form, intricate and divine. Six immense wings extended from its back, their sheer presence radiating an aura of supremacy. Its tail, as long as a towering sequoia, coiled behind it, while two sets of razor-sharp horns—one grand and curved, the other smaller but equally menacing—adorned its head like a crown.

Yet, despite its overwhelming presence, Xavier couldn't ignore the deep scars marring its body. This creature, for all its glory, had suffered.

"Who... who are you?" Xavier asked, his voice hoarse.

"And where am I?"

The dragon's lips curled into a grin. "I am the almighty Dragon King Alcmena," he declared. "The King of Dragons; the Grand Herrscher of the Cosmic Realms; the Patriarch of Kings; and the Prince of Stars."