Without hesitation, Orion activated the Ghost Dragon summoning.
Killing the enemy, reducing their top-tier combat power, and ensuring his own safetyāthat was all that mattered right now.
On the ground, the behemoth and the blue dragon were locked in a deep crater, the sounds of their physical collisions and enraged roars echoing from the pit. Clearly, Leonidas and his opponent had also entered a life-and-death struggle.
For the dragons of Dragonflame Island, the scenes unfolding before them were like a nightmare. In all the worlds they had ruled or invaded, no race or faction had ever mounted such a terrifyingly swift and violent counter-attack.
After what felt like an eternity, the Legendary-level dragons finally snapped out of their shock and began to fly toward the crater where Leonidas was fighting, intending to help.
But just as they moved, a spirit sword materialized from the void. Like a scythe cutting through wheat, it decapitated the surrounding dragons one by one.
It was Alexander. Wherever the spirit sword passed, dragon blood rained down. A merciless slaughter of the weak by the strong was now playing out on Dragonflame Island.
Irisgarde, The Royal Palace.
"The Big bosses are all gone. Iām posting in the public channel, but no oneās responding," Demon Makareth said, standing on a balcony overlooking the churning sea. "What do you think theyāre all doing?"
He had a feeling they were up to something big.
"Theyāre obviously out there getting work done," Kraken replied. "Thereās only one reason they wouldnāt tell us: the operation is too dangerous, and weāre not qualified to know."
Kraken knew the Champions Allianceās leaders, especially Leonidas, quite well. The Alliance strongly encouraged its members to push their limits and would actively create opportunities for them to do so. But they would never send their members on a suicide mission.
Kraken lay in his fishbowl, blowing bubbles as he talked.
Isabella pulled her gaze back from the distant horizon. The exquisite dessert in her hand and the magnificent gown she wore only enhanced her beauty. She turned her head, her eyes fixed on Demon Makareth.
"Those who forge their own Lordās Stone to advance are a rare breed in any world, a symbol of immense combat power," she said, her tone both serious and eager. "How about I change, and we have a little spar? Let this Queen see for herself just how strong your type of lord really is."
"Iād be happy to oblige," Demon Makareth replied instantly. He had no problem fulfilling such a request from one of the groupās veterans. In fact, he was also very curious to know how he stacked up against the other members of the Champions Alliance who were at his level, besides the Big bosses.
"A duel?" Krakenās voice called out. "If the combat zone is nearby, count me in!" He crawled out of his fishbowl, demanding to be included. Irisgarde was a coastal city; he could bring a good portion of his power to bear in a fight here.
"Since you all agree, letās use the beach over there as our arena," Isabella said, rising to her feet. With a sway of her graceful figure, she headed deeper into the palace to change and prepare.
"Arenāt you going to get ready?" Demon Makareth asked, looking at Kraken in his fishbowl with a well-intentioned suggestion. He didnāt want to offend these veterans; he just wanted to test their strength, not embarrass them.
"Like you, I am always ready," Kraken replied. "I can enter a combat state at any time."
His words made Makareth pause. He took a long, deep look at Kraken.
That kind of mindset would serve you well even in the Abyss.
"Your combat power is certainly strong, thereās no doubt about that," Kraken said. It was a word of advice. His relationship with Makareth was, for the moment, quite good. He was happy to offer a bit of guidance. "But, my friend, do not underestimate anyone in the Champions Alliance. Especially the two you were just shooting the breeze with yesterday."
"You mean Leo and Hulk?" Makareth shook his head respectfully. "They are arch lords. Of course they are beyond my ability to challenge right now."
"No, youāre not understanding what Iām saying." Kraken draped himself over the edge of the fishbowl, one tentacle waving idly in the air.
"Hm?" Makareth turned, looking at him in confusion.
"Even at the same level," Kraken said slowly, his gaze fixed on the blue sky and white clouds in the distance, "you might not be the strongest here."
Under Makarethās astonished gaze, Kraken continued. "Someone, at the peak of the Legendary level, once took on three lower arch lords at the same time and won. Someone else, also at the peak of the Legendary level, killed two arch lords in quick successionāone lower, one upper."
He paused. "The first story is something I heard. The second one... while I didnāt see it with my own eyes, it happened right beside me. Can you pull off a feat like that?"
A wave of melancholy washed over Kraken.
Orion had joined the group later than he had, yet now he was already an arch lord. It was frustrating. You just canāt compare yourself to others. The more you compare, the more pissed off you get.
"Beating three opponents a whole tier above you?" Makareth pressed, his eyes wide with question marks, as if to say:
Bro, are you sure youāre not joking? Youāre not just messing with me, are you?
"I wish it were a lie," Kraken said, finally turning to look at Demon Makareth. Though there was a hint of dejection in his eyes, it was overshadowed by a fierce determination to catch up.
Seeing that look, Makarethās own expression of disbelief and condescension slowly faded.
"Are they all that strong?"
"Yes. Maybe even stronger than what Iāve said." Krakenās voice was serious. "When we fight in a moment, I hope neither of us holds back. Letās have a proper match."
"Agreed."
From the depths of the palace, a dragonās roar echoed. Isabella, now clad in gleaming silver knightās armor, ascended into the sky on her colossal dragon, looking down at Makareth and Kraken. The pride and challenge in her eyes were completely unconcealed.
"Uh... weāre just sparring, right?" Makareth stammered, his gaze fixed on the colossal dragon as it flew overhead, its peak-Legendary level aura on full display. "Do we really need to call in backup like that?"
"Isabella is a Dragon Knight," Kraken said. Seeing the look on Makarethās face, he couldnāt help but feel a little schadenfreude. "Without her dragon, she canāt even use her full power."