Dragonborn System

First Target

Aiden stood at the edge of a sheer cliff, overlooking the sprawling city of Velkor below. The cool night air brushed against his skin, stirring the loose folds of his dark cloak. His enhanced vision sharpened beneath the pale silver glow of the moon, tracing the distant towers and winding streets that stretched toward the horizon.

Velkor—the capital city of the Drakorian Empire—was alive even at this late hour. The flicker of torchlight lined the narrow streets, and the soft hum of magical energy pulsed faintly beneath the cobblestones. From this height, the city resembled a beast sleeping beneath a starless sky—dark and restless, waiting to be stirred.

Aiden’s gaze narrowed. He could see the Dawnspire estate nestled within the heart of the noble district. The high black walls of the compound shimmered with defensive wards—protective glyphs carved into the stone, pulsing faintly with golden light.

The Dawnspires were one of the oldest noble houses in the empire. Valeria’s family had built their power through ruthless political games, assassinations, and backroom deals. They sat on the council as untouchable elites. The laws didn’t apply to them. The Dawnspire crest—a serpent coiled around a silver sword—hung above the main gate.

Aiden’s jaw tightened.

"Valeria Dawnspire."

The name burned at the edge of his mind. He could still see her standing above him, that smug smile on her lips as she sentenced him to death.

She had orchestrated everything. The false accusations. His father’s disgrace. His execution.

And now… she thought he was dead.

Aiden smiled faintly. "Time to disappoint her."

"This is reckless," the system’s voice pulsed through his thoughts. "You are not ready to face her yet."

"I’m not here for her," Aiden replied softly. His gaze shifted toward a smaller building near the eastern wall of the estate—a modest side house connected by a narrow courtyard. The guards patrolling the perimeter wore the black and silver armor of House Dawnspire.

"Then what is your goal?"

"Information."

Aiden’s hand brushed the hilt of a dagger strapped beneath his cloak. His claws itched beneath his skin.

"One of Valeria’s inner circle is stationed here." Aiden’s eyes darkened. "Lord Kellan Veyne. He handled the false evidence used against me. He’ll have the answers I need."

"And if he resists?"

Aiden smiled thinly. "He won’t."

"Threat assessment: High."

Aiden’s body tensed. His enhanced senses stretched across the distance—he counted at least six guards stationed along the estate wall. Two archers perched on the eastern balcony. Another pair patrolled the gate.

The system’s voice sharpened.

"Skill Recommendation: Shadow Step + Dragon Claw."

"Got it."

Aiden stepped back from the cliff’s edge. His cloak curled around him as heat gathered beneath his skin. Red light flickered across his fingertips. His pulse slowed. His muscles coiled.

He leapt.

Wind rushed past his ears as his body sliced through the night.

"Shadow Step Activated."

Aiden’s body dissolved into smoke.

He reappeared mid-air, just above the estate’s eastern wall. He twisted, landing lightly on the stone parapet. His body moved before his feet touched the ground. He swept toward the nearest guard—

Claws ignited across his fingertips. His hand curled around the guard’s throat.

The man’s eyes widened beneath his helmet. He opened his mouth to scream—

Aiden’s claws punctured his throat.

No sound. No resistance. Just the soft hiss of breath leaving the guard’s body. Aiden lowered him soundlessly to the ground. Blood pooled beneath the man’s chin.

"Essence Absorbed."

+2 Strength

+1 Speed

Aiden’s lips curled faintly. He turned toward the courtyard below.

Two more guards stood at the side entrance—black steel armor covering their chests and arms. Long halberds glinted beneath the torchlight.

Aiden extended his hand. Red fire curled around his knuckles.

"Dragon Claw Activated."

He dropped from the wall. His body twisted mid-air.

The nearest guard’s head lifted—

Aiden’s claws raked across the man’s throat. A wet gurgle escaped his mouth as blood sprayed across the cobblestones. His body crumpled.

The second guard stumbled backward, raising his weapon. "Intruder—"

Aiden’s hand shot out.

Shadow Step

He vanished.

Reappeared behind the guard.

His arm locked around the man’s throat, claws pressed to his jugular. The guard’s breath hitched.

"Shh." Aiden’s voice was cold. "Scream, and you die."

The guard trembled. His hands flexed uselessly around his halberd.

"Lord Kellan Veyne," Aiden whispered into the man’s ear. "Where is he?"

"I—I…" The guard’s breath shuddered. "Main wing… third floor… north hallway…"

Aiden smiled. "Good."

His claws tore through the man’s throat.

Blood spattered across his hands as the guard’s body collapsed. Aiden’s eyes flickered with cold light as the system pulsed beneath his skin.

[Essence Absorbed: Human Guard]

+1 Strength

+2 Speed

The estate was still quiet. The guards had fallen in seconds. No alarms. No raised voices.

Perfect.

Aiden slipped into the main wing, his body a blur of shadow and smoke beneath the flickering torchlight. He passed through the empty hallway, his enhanced senses stretching outward. The faint rustle of movement echoed from the upper floor—the sound of footsteps pacing. The scent of polished leather. Expensive wine.

Lord Kellan Veyne.

Aiden’s smile sharpened.

He ascended the marble staircase, footsteps silent. A single door at the end of the hall stood slightly ajar.

Aiden pressed his hand against it.

The door swung open silently.

Kellan Veyne sat at a polished desk near the window. His long dark hair was tied back, and the silver pin of House Dawnspire gleamed at his collar. A half-filled glass of wine rested beside his hand. His violet eyes narrowed toward the open door.

"Who the hell—"

Aiden’s claws wrapped around his throat.

Kellan’s eyes widened. His hands shot toward his belt—toward the dagger strapped to his hip.

Aiden’s other hand closed around the dagger’s hilt. He twisted it from Kellan’s grasp and drove it into the wood of the desk beside him.

"You," Kellan choked. His violet eyes flared with sudden panic. "You’re supposed to be—"

"Dead?" Aiden’s lips curled. "Not quite."

Kellan struggled, but Aiden’s claws tightened. Blood welled beneath his grip.

"Tell me everything," Aiden whispered. His claws pressed deeper into Kellan’s throat. "Or I’ll start peeling you apart piece by piece."

Kellan’s breath hitched. His eyes darkened with fear.

"You’re making a mistake—"

Aiden’s smile sharpened. His eyes burned with crimson light.

"No." His voice was low and dangerous. "You made the mistake."

"Shall I kill him?" the system’s voice pulsed through his thoughts.

Aiden’s claws glowed faintly with red light.

"Not yet," he murmured. "He’s going to tell me exactly what I want to know."

Kellan’s eyes widened.

Aiden leaned in closer. His breath brushed against Kellan’s ear.

"Start talking."