Rebirth Of The Dragon Prince

Chapter 7 - The Sacred Ritual Begins

Chapter 7

Adrian stood before the tall mirror, staring at the reflection of his new self Prince kael. His skin was smooth, his features were sharp yet youthful, and his silver-blue eyes held an eerie charm that even he had to admit was... princely. He ran a hand through his soft, shoulder-length dark hair and gave himself a smug grin.

“Well, if nothing else,” he muttered, tilting his head, “at least I’m handsome.”

Even if the body felt frail, lacking in strength or muscle, Adrian couldn’t deny the face in the mirror was a major upgrade from his old self. The transformation gave him a strange sense of confidence as if, despite all the odds stacked against kael, he could somehow rewrite his fate.

He turned toward the door, where four maids stood in a row, hands folded neatly before them. Their eyes widened slightly as he walked past them with an air of casual authority. They whispered amongst themselves.

“Is that really Prince kael?”

“He used to avoid eye contact...”

“He even smiled at me!”

Adrian walked down the polished marble corridors with the maids trailing behind him. The palace streets were as grand as ever lined with towering pillars carved with dragon motifs, sparkling fountains that spouted golden water, and flowering trees whose petals floated through the air like magical confetti. Carriages passed by, some gilded with silver, others pulled by majestic creatures Adrian couldn’t name.

Noblemen and ladies glanced his way. Some chuckled. Some whispered behind painted fans. The old kael had been an object of ridicule for years a failed prince with no spiritual power. But Adrian met their eyes with a cold, unflinching gaze. His expression said it all: Mock me if you dare.

And they didn’t. They looked away, unsure what had changed but unnerved all the same.

The maids finally led him to a vast plaza where a towering structure stood at its center the Grand Dragon Hall.

The building looked like something pulled from the pages of a divine legend. Its high arches reached the heavens, and golden dragons spiraled around the stone pillars as if coming to life. Inside the glowing chamber, the heart of the hall was centered on a tall, radiant pedestal. Upon it rested a single object that pulsed with golden light.

Adrian squinted. “That must be the bead…” he whispered to himself.

It shimmered like it held a storm within. That was the Dragon Spirit Bead the legendary treasure of the Holy Dragon Empire. Even with no knowledge of this world, Adrian could feel its power. It was awe-inspiring. Sacred.

And no one had ever been able to bond with it.

The hall filled with movement and voices. Nobles and royals flowed in, their robes embroidered with shimmering thread, their necks and wrists adorned with precious stones. Adrian found himself the subject of many sideways glances and stifled giggles.

“Look, it’s the weak prince.”

“He dares show his face here?”

“I heard he failed the bonding five times already.”

Adrian caught every word, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he calmly walked over to the refreshments and began piling food on a plate. If he was going to face magical rituals and judgmental royals, he might as well do it on a full stomach.

He found a spot in a corner and sat down, enjoying a sweet pastry while surveying the hall. His eyes drifted across the noble ladies in their flowing gowns. A few were stunning delicate faces, mysterious eyes, and graceful movements. He couldn’t help but smirk.

Then his gaze landed on Lyrixa.

She had just entered, her hair tied up in a sharp, practical style. Though still in a masculine uniform, she wore a subtle layer of makeup that softened her features. Her fierce expression hadn’t changed, but there was an elegance to her now that made more than a few noble boys turn their heads.

“Looks like even the dragon girl cleans up,” Adrian mused under his breath, sipping from a goblet. “Too bad the attitude still bites.”

Suddenly, the loud voice of an announcer echoed through the hall.

“All rise for His Majesty, Emperor Draconis of the Holy Dragon Empire!”

A hush fell over the hall. Everyone turned to the entrance.

Adrian stood up slowly, curiosity sparking in his chest.

Through the wide golden doors walked a tall man draped in flowing golden robes that shimmered like sunlight. His steps were slow but commanding, his chiseled face carrying the weight of decades and battles. His eyes were cold, unreadable but undeniably powerful.

This was kael’s father the emperor himself.

Behind him walked a small entourage: the high priest Father Thorian, Seraphina looking poised and radiant in her ceremonial dress, and a few other palace officials. The emperor’s presence sucked all the air out of the room.

But it was the man between Father Thorian and Seraphina who caught Adrian’s eye a tall prince with jet-black hair, icy blue eyes, and a sculpted face that seemed carved by the gods. He walked with a calm arrogance, nodding slightly at the nobles as he passed. His robe bore golden dragons in flight, similar to Adrian’s but far more intricate.

Whispers followed him like a shadow.

“That’s Prince Aurex…”

“The Emperor’s most favored son.”

“He’s said to be a genius…”

Adrian narrowed his eyes. So that’s the golden boy, huh?

And the moment Aurex's gaze found Adrian, he didn’t hide the scorn.

Their eyes locked.

Adrian didn’t blink. He offered a smirk instead.

Aurex's lips curled just slightly but his stare said it all: You don’t belong here.

Lastly, thirty strong teenagers entered the hall in formation. They were muscular, confident, each wearing ceremonial sashes of different colors. These were the chosen candidates for today’s bonding ritual. Unlike Adrian, they had raw spiritual potential and pride to match.

As everyone stepped aside and formed neat rows, the emperor and his entourage approached the front of the hall. The sacred ceremony was about to begin.

Adrian remained still, watching from his quiet corner, heart thudding in his chest not with fear, but with anticipation.

He was no longer just Adrian from Earth.

He was Prince kael of the Holy Dragon Empire.

And he would not be looked down on for long.

Just then, the Dragon Spirit Bead atop the pedestal pulsed once then twice before unleashing a sudden wave of golden light that swept through the Grand Dragon Hall.

Gasps filled the chamber. Nobles stumbled. The emperor’s eyes snapped toward the bead.

The ritual had not yet begun… but the Dragon Spirit had awakened.