Reawakening: Primordial Dragon with Limitless Mana
Chapter 38: Exile

Chapter 38: Exile

{Core Awakening Requirements:

Have a near-death experience – Completed

Feel despair and helplessness to the verge of collapse – Completed

Push physical stats to the limit – Not completed

Break your limits by fighting an impossibly strong enemy – Not completed

Drink ancient dragon blood – Not completed

Bond with a strong dragon mate – Not completed}

Hades let out a deep sigh as he stared at the requirements to awaken his first core.

He still hadn’t reached the hundred mark in his physical stats. And even after that, he would have to defeat a powerful dragon—most likely one of duke rank.

But what troubled him more were the last two conditions.

A duke-ranked dragon wasn’t even considered ancient. And as for forming a bond with a dragon mate... that felt like an impossible dream. Much harder than defeating a duke-ranked beast.

Putting his principles aside, Hades still couldn’t imagine how a female dragon would ever let a human get close to her—let alone touch a single strand of her hair.

Female dragons were proud beings. They demanded strength, dominance, and unwavering will from any potential partner.

He had read in old books that dragons often fought brutal, bloody battles just to win the favor of a female. Only after proving themselves would she allow one into her nest.

And here he was—struggling with his own identity.

How in the world was he supposed to win over a female dragon, let alone share a bed with one?

Knock.

Brushing aside his tangled thoughts, Hades raised his hand and knocked on the Headmaster’s door.

He had been summoned by the older man.

"Come in," a voice called from inside.

Hades stepped in and immediately spotted two familiar figures.

The Headmaster was seated on a couch, and across from him sat the Vice Headmaster. Both men held porcelain saucers in their hands, each supporting a steaming cup. Their faces were marked with concern, their brows furrowed and lips pressed tight.

"Take a seat, Hades," the Headmaster said gently.

Hades gave a nod and sat down beside the Vice Headmaster without a word.

"Is something wrong, sir?" he asked, sensing the weight in the room. The air felt heavy, tense.

He had assumed this meeting was about scheduling his assessment. He had been told earlier that, in order to qualify for forming a solo team, he would be evaluated by the Vice Headmaster himself.

But judging from their expressions... something had shifted. Something far more serious.

"Hades," the Vice Headmaster—Victor—spoke first. "We visited the capital yesterday."

Hades gave a slight nod, prompting the Headmaster to continue.

"The atmosphere there... is unsettling."

"Could you explain a bit more, sir?" Hades asked politely, keeping his tone even.

This time, the Headmaster leaned forward and answered.

"The King has been strangely silent. The Queen, understandably, collapsed multiple times after seeing her son’s lifeless body. His brother was overwhelmed with grief too. But the King... he showed nothing. No sorrow. No rage. No words at all."

Hades frowned. That was... disturbing. And unexpected.

"Sir, you both know it was Cedric—"

"We know," Victor interrupted firmly. "You’re not under suspicion. We’re fully aware of what happened—how Cedric tried to frame you, how he sent mercenaries after you, and how he challenged you to a duel that night. Nothing you did was wrong, Hades. You were simply surviving."

Victor’s tone grew heavier. "But this is still the dead prince’s homeland."

"And we live in a monarchy," the Headmaster added with a weary sigh.

Hades’ frown deepened. "Then... may I ask what the two of you are planning?"

Victor glanced at the Headmaster before speaking carefully.

"Hades... as you know, we have no power to overrule the King’s decision. If he decides to punish you—despite the truth—there’s only so much the Academy can do to protect you."

The Headmaster placed his cup down and added solemnly, "Lucen was once my student. I know him as a wise and thoughtful man. But when it comes to one’s child... even the best of us can lose sight of what’s fair."

Hades let out a slow sigh. "So... what do you suggest?"

Victor reached into his robe and pulled out two neatly folded parchments, placing them on the table. "These are mission scrolls originally prepared for the Alpha team. They’re official requests from two neighboring nations, both seeking urgent assistance."

Without giving Hades a chance to speak, Victor continued, "You will be assigned to one of these missions. You’ll have a month to complete it."

Hades blinked. "So... you’re sending me away?"

The Headmaster gave a solemn nod. "Yes. And if the Royal Legion arrives asking for you, we’ll simply hand them the mission you didn’t choose today. It will appear as though you were sent on it, and naturally, they won’t be able to track you. We’ll send you a warning through our channels if they get too close."

Hades rubbed the back of his head, lips tightening. So this was it.

No matter how carefully he played the game, the path ahead still led to exile—at least for now.

The Headmaster leaned forward, his voice lower and more personal. "I know, son... you did nothing wrong. But I don’t want to see you behind bars, begging for justice in a system built to protect its own. It’s better that you stay free, even if that means living far from here for a while."

There was a pause.

A heavy one.

And in it, Hades could hear what wasn’t being said—how deeply they wanted to protect him, even if it meant pushing him away.

"Alright, I understand."

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Well, it was inevitable. Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.