The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

The air in the lower maintenance sector was thick with the scent of damp metal and decay. Raizen's grip tightened on his blade as the system's warning pulsed again.

[Unidentified Lifeform Detected – Proximity: 20 meters]

A soft shuffle echoed down the corridor. It wasn't the clunky boots of House Valen's enforcers—this was different.

Raizen took slow, measured steps forward, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring. He peered around the edge of a broken console, eyes narrowing as he spotted something lurking in the shadows.

It was humanoid—almost. The figure crouched unnaturally, its limbs elongated, skin a deep grayish hue with faint bioluminescent lines tracing along its body. Its eyes pulsed with a dull, eerie blue glow as it tilted its head toward him.

The system flared again.

[Analysis Failed – No Database Match]

Raizen's pulse quickened. Whatever this thing was, it wasn't human.

The creature took a slow step forward, its movements eerily fluid, like it was testing him. Not hostile—yet.

"Great," Raizen muttered under his breath. "Just what I needed."

The creature's head twitched slightly, as if reacting to his voice. Then, suddenly—it moved.

A blur of motion—Raizen barely dodged as it lunged at him, claws raking through the space where he had stood moments before. He twisted, pivoting off his back foot and slashing out with his blade, but the creature dodged with inhuman agility.

The system chimed.

[Draconic Reflex Boost Activated – Combat Adaptation Engaged]

Raizen's movements sharpened. He sidestepped another swipe, then retaliated with a precise palm strike to the creature's torso, sending it staggering backward.

For a moment, it paused—then it let out a low, clicking growl and withdrew, its glowing eyes narrowing in what almost seemed like recognition.

Raizen kept his blade raised, watching as the creature backed away into the darkness. It didn't flee in fear—it was studying him.

Then, without warning, it vanished into the tunnels.

The system remained silent for a moment before giving its final alert.

[Lifeform No Longer in Range – Status: Unknown]

Raizen exhaled, his heart still hammering. That wasn't just some mindless beast.

He glanced at the sealed pack containing the artifact. Was this thing connected to it?

Shaking off the thoughts, he turned toward his original path. House Valen was still after him. He'd have to deal with this mystery later.

For now, survival came first. And the night wasn't over yet.