Student To King: The Transportation To A New World

Chapter 15: Awake

'I can't feel my body... everything is so dark. Am I heading to the afterlife...?'

Ace was in a state of complete darkness, unable to move or feel any sensation in his body. He lay there, waiting for death to come and claim him. He closed his eyes, welcoming the emptiness awaiting his arrival to the other side.

'Human...' a voice called out.

'What was that...?' Ace wondered. Amidst the darkness, the first thing he heard was a deep voice calling out to him.

'Details are not important. As of right now, you are dying.'

'So are you saying I'm not dead yet? '

'Correct, but with my power I can bring you back though I ask for something in exchange that will be trivial on your end.'

'A contract with the devil? Sorry, but with all the darkness around me, I can't trust anything right now.' Ace says, deducing the impressions of the speaker's words.

Ace became wary of the voice. The way it sounded deep yet powerful at the same time made him hesitant to trust it. In such a situation, it made more sense for Ace to wait for his impending death.

'No, it is a contract with an Elder Drake. It will prove to be mutual for both of us.'

As he drifted closer and closer, Ace began to see a clearer image amidst the darkness. A giant monster appeared before him, its black and dark purple scales giving it the appearance of an evil dragon. Its bright purple eyes leered at Ace, and what stood out most was its chest, which held an appearance similar to a Dragonstone.

'So this is your form. If you're willing to bring me back, what's in it for you? I'm sure you're aware that my real body is probably seconds away from dying. I don't see how I can help you."

'I simply require a part of your essence to take on a form and live once again. If you have noticed already, I am nothing but an active Dragon Core. I do not want to be used in the wrong hands if I cannot get myself out of here. But I know of you, in fact, you are a summoned Hero, and I do not sense any evil intentions from you. I am confident can trust you with my power.'

The Dragon showed the illusion of its Dragon Core sitting in a room. It was indeed the piece on its chest that Ace was eyeing. Ace knew that this Dragon must hold overwhelming power, recognizing the chest piece. Recalling the one on the throne, this was very much the same.

'So it's a mutual benefit if I agree to this. Will I face any repercussions for giving you whatever essence you need? I'd imagine I won't be exactly the same when I come back.'

'I believe this proposition will mostly benefit you than me. I will have not have my primal form, since I am using my power to bring you back.'

'How can I trust you?'

'You have no other option do you? I am being honest that I won't be in peak condition if you accept my proposition. Is it not generous I am giving you more than me? I swear I will not cheat you of my conditions on my honour as the dark Elder Drake.'

For a moment, Ace thought about this proposition. He knew that there could only be one choice he had to make if he wanted to find Luna in this world.

'Fine, you can use whatever energy you need from me. I'm trusting you, whether I live or not depends on whatever method you're using. Eitherway, I'd rather gamble on this second chance you're offering me.'

'Good, with your permission our mutual benefit is set. It will take a while for your waking. I will see you in the real world, Hero.'

Ace's consciousness blacked out as he was no longer awake in the darkness. However, in the real world, his broken body started to repair itself. Mana entered his body, transforming his blood and making the body even stronger than before. However, Ace still needed time to rest for this new power to merge within his body.