— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7294. SEASON: CENTRAL.

" All of Magic is… MINE ."

"This woman…," Lawruthian gritted his teeth, rapidly flying backward. This woman might actually be insane. "Heh…"

Lawruthian's eyes were wide, sparkling even though he didn't know it. The wind rushed past him, the only sound outside of his thoughts that was present within this space.

The last light of day faded over the horizon, and night began its ascent. Only the dim light of the Ever-Burning Flame remained above the capital, powering and nurturing it. Yet, its glow seemed to dim as the figures fought. The world turned mute, dulled in the area where the two fought. The city beneath was quiet, like a fresh winter snow had descended, muffling all sounds. Some citizens waited with clasped hands, having a strong connection of faith to one of the fighting figures. Others held their breaths, craned their necks, and silently prayed. Yet, even more wondered about the rising demigods and Prestiges—figures of power who began to display themselves in Edrya, City of Heroes.

Where were the heroes?

Why did the Queen and those who began to achieve that step let this farce continue?

"Heh, ha-ha-ha."

A voice laughed, wait … Lawruthian recognized it as his own. It was a freeing laugh, one where he completely let go of his restraints. The laugh was a declaration, one that said: Prepare, for I shall hold nothing back.

Is this what it means to cut loose?

Lawruthian looked at the glowing Chosen of El. Multicolored light radiated from her body, no , the light didn't radiate from her, it gravitated toward her. A notification appeared, barely registering in Lawruthian's mind. He could barely afford to take his eyes away from her. A familiar chill covered his body, one that he was now growing comfortable facing.

Death .

You have entered the influence of {Magical Suppression}. Casted spells have a 75% chance to falter, reducing their damage or outright failing.

Wilarax, Chosen of El, gave the impression that a divine being had descended to the mortal realm. Her hair waved through the air like Medusa's snakes, looking for prey, and her eyes glowed white, completely targeting Lawruthian as he backpedaled. Radiance poured from them, a line of torchlight extended and locked onto his body. No matter where he moved, up, down, left, or right, the light followed as Wilarax turned her head and body to face him.

It was hard for Lawruthian to face her; the light exuding from her body was just so brilliant. He sensed the magical elements all gathering to her, and even the time of the area slowed. Those below, the unskilled warriors and citizens whose level remained low, were forced to look away, stinging pain in their eyes for daring to gaze at something beyond them.

"She has to be insane," Lawruthian muttered, but his grin made madness look like a crown he'd already claimed.

How am I going to deal with this? I've yet to pick my new classes… I don't have…

Hmph .

A voice, not his own, seemed to sneer.

The Gods Above watched .

Lawruthian's thoughts settled. It wasn't that he didn't have the ability to face a move of this level currently; it was only his desire to hide as deeply as possible. This was a trump card he'd wanted to hide no matter what, but… in the face of such power and with his people watching below…

"Heh, ha-ha-ha. Fine then, let's reveal some cards today!"

Lawruthian held no desire to lose.

That was a feeling he didn't want to grow comfortable with. He didn't have Power before, and perhaps that allowed figures to take advantage of him. Even now, he was still relatively weak, but a rebirth from G.E.N.E.S.I.S. altered him in more ways than one. That very feeling, his very actions when facing Rasheed and begging the Goddess for help… Lawruthian couldn't allow that to happen again.

Take it. Every inch you want to advance? Fight for it yourself; do not ask me for handouts, I've given you enough.

Those were the words the Goddess seemed to say to him that day Rasheed died. It was not through verbal speech, but actions, feelings, that She allowed to pass through their connection.

Lawruthian watched Wilarax raise her right hand, and he felt his chest immediately grow hot. The brilliance in his eyes only grew brighter at the pressure. If Wilarax was someone who relied on external objects to display her Power, not able to cast magic such as this without the world's help, Lawruthian was the exact opposite. Every step he wanted to take was something he had to fight for. Even against his own people.

A queendom at his beck and call? Not enough, barely able to support his growth. A dragon's gift of Power? He would use it, master it, and truly make it his. But , he didn't want to follow whatever plans, whatever path Rasheed, Madris, or whoever set out for him. Lawruthian wanted to carve his own Path, his own way, and would continue to fight against all obstacles that attempted to manipulate him.

IF NOT NOW THEN WHEN?

" FALL ," Wilarax commanded.

…

…

…

…

The world answered her call. A single beam of light condensed on her index finger. It pulled the radiance from her eyes and body into itself. Then, slowly, gently, like a lover's caress, it erupted.

But… it was not the sound of its eruption that broke the silence.

A dragon's roar did.

A dragon roughly ten meters in length let out a tremendous roar as if it faced against the world itself. A dark light, its radiance the same as that of Wilarax, condensed at its throat, bulging the muscle and pulling at the radiance deeply hidden in its scales. Two horns, curved like a demon's, grew dull and dim, and the dragon's body grew skinnier as every ounce of strength seemed to be poured into it. Its Vitality waned, sacrificed for exponential growth in its attack.

Instantly, the bulge in his throat grew by another size, and unable to hold on any longer, black light roared from Lawruthian's mouth, rushing to meet the descending beam in the space between the two figures. It took less than a second for Lawruthian to transform, and the power he felt radiating from his body made this world seem… fragile.

Space cracked from the attacks, and the world groaned as black threads appeared in the air. Looking up from the city below, one would think a mural was present in the sky above.

A pink figure appeared next to Lawruthian, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and wonder. Gently, before the beams could connect, she grabbed him, teleporting away.

Space continued to twist the sky above Edrya, and the world moaned in pain. A sound, like that of glass shattering on a stone floor, echoed throughout the city. Then… there was nothing but a pure, white light.

A barrier rose above Edrya, its color a translucent blue. The explosion impacted against it, then spread like ripples across its surface, defusing the powerful blast as it waited for its effects to finish. The Ever-Burning Flame grew brighter in that instance, and mana continuously radiated from it and powered the barrier, further reinforcing it.

Lawruthian looked at the sky above, his feet on the training ground where the battle was supposed to take place. His body slowly morphed back to its half-state, and he waved his hand, a cloak appearing around him before he fully returned to human. He'd infused 100 attribute points of Vitality into Power, doubling his Base Attack to just under two thousand. He then activated Attribute Burner and lost an additional 110 points from infusing his dragon's breath, but right now… Lawruthian just didn't care.

{Vitality Sacrifice}

00:04:49

A wide, near manic grin was displayed over his face. Slowly, he opened his mouth and did nothing but laugh.

"Heh, ha-ha-ha.

"Ha-ha-ha

"Hahahahahahahahaaaa.

"This… this is what it means to be a dragon? This is the power I now possess? Incredible."

Power enough to activate the city's defenses. A single dragon breath.

The raw strength he felt gave him the illusion that he could challenge a Prestige or Demigod. At least one newly initiated to reach that point. He at least possessed the confidence to surprise and likely severely injure one. Possessing this power meant that he could properly defend himself from those who had taken that final step. And those still mortal, like him? Unless they were a Chosen, they didn't deserve to be in his eyes.

Lawruthian glanced at his Life Points, fatigue settling over his body. His mind seemed to be strangely clear, and the sparkle in his eyes did not fade even as the explosive light above did.

Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani — Level 110

HP: 1665/1665 (+0)

SP: 100/1680 (+0)

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

MP: 100/2100 (+0)

He gave that attack everything. Dragon Breath was not pure magical, but it was an attack of both magic and physical attributes mixed. His Base Attack was just below a thousand when he transformed, and with his Imperius Bloodline, that allowed an enhancement of 1100% to any single attack… Lawruthian's Dragon Breath was enough to destroy a city alone. His power was enough to fight against an army by himself..

He was a walking Calamity.

[Chosen of Madris] has activated!

Gather the Faith of the People has been triggered.

+100 Free Attribute Points.

And… he wasn't in the mid-range of levelers yet. It was fortunate the skill, Attribute Burn , was pulled from his titles and feat attributes and not his actual body. Lawruthian assumed if those ran out, then they would immediately affect his actual strength.

"Heh, ha-ha-ha."

Lawruthian lowered his head, then looked at the figures who appeared across from him. Wilarax glared ferociously, her blade was stabbed into the ground, and another True Elf stood next to her, his expression severe. Lawruthian returned her expression with a gentle smile before calling out.

"Not bad... but… no one lost… and no one won."

His mood was incredible. His confidence in his physical body alone was at an all-time high. Lawruthian's thoughts drifted to his classes and just what synergy he could achieve if he combined his strength as a dragon with a golem at the level of a calamity.

The young True Elf closed her eyes for a moment, regaining her temperament before opening them. When she looked at him next, all signs of the previous ferociousness were gone. What remained was like a still pond; should anything drop within, not even ripples would emerge.

"A draw counts as both our victories," Wilarax eventually responded. "I say our wager still stands. We both win, we both get one question from the other."

Lawruthian's smile slowly faded, and the two parties stood glancing at one another in silence. A few seconds passed without change, then Lawruthian looked up at the sky, sensing the gazes of many who attended the Treaty of Edrya present. His mind immediately cooled and settled down, the King's Indifference warning him. More than likely, his form, its power, everything about it was recorded. Lawruthian wouldn't be surprised if information surrounding him was sold to the highest bidder by the parties present.

He looked back at Wilarax, gave her a gentle smile before he responded. "Sure, but not here, and not today. Please ," he turned and gestured toward the War Throne Palace, "stay another night and we can discuss in the morning."

Enough had been shown tonight, and Lawruthian didn't want any more secrets to be revealed. His dragon form was to be a secret weapon, but now that it was exposed, Lawruthian had to find methods to mitigate such things. The fatigue he'd attempted to keep hidden was immediately displayed, and as he took a step, he faltered, caught by his mother.

Queen Titiana frowned, then glared at Lucky and Wilarax. She turned her attention to the rushing maids and palace personnel and began to bark orders. Naturally, falling in line with her child's act. Although she could sense his fatigue, she knew it wasn't anything serious and was more of a display for the gazes present.

Lawruthian coughed a few times, clutching a hand to his chest as he was rushed away. A few steps later, he 'fainted', alarming his mother, who immediately teleported with his figure. Palace maids and other personnel rushed back toward the palace in a panic, some flying, some running as if a calamity had descended. Only a few stayed behind, seemingly remembering their guest.

Wilarax scoffed and shook her head. She didn't care if the Chosen of Madris was truly fatigued or putting on a show. If he was fatigued, even better. Wilarax remained in a perfect battle ready state. Her final class, Grand Mage, turned her into a powerful spellcaster that could command the world itself. Its first core skill, All of Magic is Mine , was a zone of control ability, forcefully requisitioning the magic in a targeted sphere that was the length of her Intent. Then, it would condense that sphere, further refining the damage it could do.

It was a killing move. One of the many powerful spells she gained from the pure spell-casting class. It was a calculated move meant to force the Chosen of Madris to react with something , anything that would reveal a level of his true depths. Wilarax didn't suspect it could actually kill the young man or that he wouldn't have countermeasures. At the very least, one of his Path Walker protectors would show and save him. That itself, would pull off a layer of skin and drastically affect his reputation. Wilarax… just… never expected his countermeasure to be a transformation into a dragon.

Wilarax knew of dragons, the dragon— End of Adventure . What she didn't know was their general prowess, abilities, and more. They were supposed to be natural calamities, but the history of the realm was cut with Elysium's records only dating to after the saphens began to colonize this world against the remnants of Oblivion. If she wanted to know more, only her father would be able to provide answers.

"We're returning home after this," Wilarax said to Lucky.

That wasn't the only reason for her return. A System Quest assigned to her, Born to be Queen , told of lost items in dungeons she'd never heard of. If these dungeons were lost, then finding them and information on them could only be done at the Temple of the Sun. And, there was one final thing she needed to do.

"I need to gather a team. We need defenders who will take the magi threat seriously when you all leave."

*****

"Oh, the mistress is going to love hearing about her little brother," Alaina gushed. The goblin woman skipped forward, merrily humming a tune.

Tall grass gave way to her every step, and behind followed the members of the Brave Guild. Zedra, the felion leader, gazed back at the distant high mountains that signified the border between Edryan lands and the Federation of Farya. Her once black fur now held hints of grey. She tapped a claw to her chin, thinking while the group followed Alaina forward.

"Alaina, he's not the mistress's brother, at least not in the common sense. I don't think it's proper to refer to him as such. He's not even worthy," Sid criticized. The orc's grey-green skin seemed to reflect the sunlight beating down on them. This brought the attention of all party members.

"Focus on returning home. Our task here is completed," Zedra barked, while juggling a coin between her fingers.

Alaina paused, inhaling the fresh air. Fall was coming, quickly, oh, how she loved the fall. It always made her forest green skin pop just right in the oranges and reds. She looked down at the muted forest skin she now possessed. Well, the season used to. Shaking the thoughts from her head, Alaina turned back toward the Brave Guild and the mountains they had put behind them.

"Why is the Mistress helping him in the first place if he's not family," Alaina questioned. "We wouldn't have placed that there and given hints to the locations of the other items and the hidden dungeons they're in."

"Ugh, Alaina, stop asking questions. The Mistress hired us for a job, not to ponder her actions."

*****

Wilarax looked up at the high tower with a glass-shaped room at its height. "Tenten Parlor," she muttered. "Isn't Tenten the name of Carno Edryani's mother? Perhaps this is a remnant existing since then."

She followed the maids' escorts as they entered the building, a spiraling staircase taking them higher and higher. Images of previous Kings and Queens accompanied them along the way.

Lucky and Ahri followed close behind, her escorts, while the rest waited near the palace entrance. Wilarax bid Zeor and the rest goodbye yesterday. The moment all events were concluded and the skirmish between her and the Chosen of Madris finished, nearly all parties immediately gave their farewells. If Wilarax didn't know better, she'd think they were fleeing. But, that was not the case. If anything, they were hurrying back to disseminate the information, spreading the news of the Treaty of Edrya and the governing council that would form to ensure all principles were being adhered to.

The Council of Restraint and Enforcement — CORE — would hold its first meeting in three months in Elysium. A representative of all fourteen nations that signed the Treaty of Edrya would be present.

Wilarax paused outside the doors, gesturing to Lucky and Ahri to stay put. She could sense there was no one in the room but the Chosen of Madris, and it wouldn't be right for her to bring guards, especially Prestige ones. She could already sense openly shown Intents from Path Walkers of Edryan.

Wilarax entered the room, quickly scanning her surroundings. The place was homey, with a circular dining table on one side closer to the windows. On another was a bookshelf and several couches to sit. Lawruthian Edryani was present there, calmly reading a book. He didn't move to get up, but the couch across from him was where Wilarax made her way to.

A single question burned its way through her thoughts and she barely sat before speaking.

"Trains, public schools, a sustainable city, buses, batteries that can power so much. All of this in the span of ten years. If you're not from Earth, then you truly must be a special sol carved by Goddess Madris."

Lawruthian Edryani closed his book. Calmly, he put it to the side before his red-gold eyes locked onto the figure across from him. His voice was cool and his words simple.

"So what?"

So what?

Wilarax frowned, "Why do this? Why choose to be the Goddess's Chosen when you came from our world? Why not look for another way? I could work with you, if there is some grand goal that isn't unreasonably unattainable or-"

Lawruthian held up a hand and paused her. "Is that your question?"

Her frown grew deeper, and she felt her anger return. She clenched a fist, then slowly released it. She stayed quiet, contemplating. There was no confusion on his face or even outright denial, proving he was from Earth. Wilarax expected some excuses or something that would deflect the conversation, but none of that happened.

Why would he need to deny something when it wouldn't matter?

Who would judge him for being from Earth? This, however, gave Wilarax a partial confirmation that she was not the only figure from Earth to appear in Elrunian. Perhaps the Chosen of Jhan was also from Earth if the trend continued. Her mind settled, and she decided on one more probe before moving on. In truth, she was scared, scared to ask the question on the top of her mind.

"This is not my question, but… is there no other way," Wilarax asked, her gaze on Lawruthian, the man she was destined to slay. "Truly?"

He laughed, an expression of mirth on his face.

" Ask the Gods ."

Wilarax closed her eyes and nodded. She took a deep breath and reopened them to stare at the man across from her. "I've asked so much, and you've obliged me. Is there any question you have for me?"

"Not now," Lawruthian shook his head. He stood and walked over to the windows to stare outside. "I believe it's time for you to go."

Wilarax nodded. She stood and walked to the door. Her steps slowed as she neared; she didn't turn, but the question she held finally escaped, entering the air and never able to be taken back. The first time she asked it, she was met with the same question. They mirrored one another both sensing something but unable to confirm. Now, Wilarax asked again, heart beating fast and a strange nervousness in her chest. She nearly walked out the door without voicing it, without asking it. But, a strange firmness made her pause, hand on the door.

If she didn't ask now, she would never have an opportunity again. The next time they met… it would be through war.

"Who… who… were you?"

Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani laughed. A loud, boisterous thing, as if Wilarax told him the funniest joke ever. He didn't turn around, continuing to stare down below at the moving people of the palace. He loved Tenten Parlor specifically for this reason. It always gave one of the best views of the castle grounds and watching the people work was a strange pleasure for him. The final half of Alidra Edryani's diary opened and he just finished consuming its contents before Wilarax entered.

Silence pervaded the room and Wilarax fully pushed open the door and left, Lucky and Ahri accompanying her. Right before the doors shut, the voice of Lawruthian made is way into her ears.

" Ask the Gods."

*****

Its better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.

— Niccolo Machiavelli

END OF BOOK 7

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