That elven second lieutenant, Garves, told me he'd seized their entire military. All of it!

I'd never seen so many mages and ground troops. Even the number who remain alive after my plasma breath and their unintentional suicide bombing? Utterly uncountable. I could believe his words. I didn't, of course.

I know they're scared into submission; at least as a pretense. Garves seemed unwilling to submit until he contacted the hyrajiian, at which point he changed his mind. Very suspicious. I'm worried about what they said. Mostly because the elf he contacted was NOT the hyrajiian. Whoever that was seemed to refute his words— but I'm familiar with the elves' use of coded language.

It doesn't matter, though. Strangely, even as I stand outside these walls, I feel myself becoming stronger. My strength was already enough to crush everything— what more strength do I need? Well, the answer is obvious.

Dragons always require more strength.

I feel another boost.

I don't understand what's causing this, since I'm simply standing here. What does this have to do with righteousness? Is it because I'm displaying my glory, and thus my god's, for all to see?

I feel another, larger boost.

I suppose that answers my question.

My claws alone will soon be above this city's walls.

image [https://timjames.net/data/acd/images/166.png]

Not that I mind, of course. But I would like to hold my dear daughter in the future.

My mind is suddenly drawn to something that was already there. Something I hadn't noticed despite it long being within me. A size-altering inscription.

Does my god think of everything?

[...]

"I surely try. It is, of course, impossible."

"My god, Chronovoid! What is this?!"

"You're the most stunning example of a dragon across the entire universe right now, with the exception of myself and my Paragon. I'm contacting you to congratulate you."

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

"Thank you, my god! I merely do what's right."

"Exactly. My challenge to you is to dominate your planet with your Halcyon tribe. Do your best through wit and war. Earn the submission of both dragon and non-dragon alike."

"My god, is... IS that right?"

"It's not right to cause death for mere conquest, but neither is it right to let others seek freedoms which don't exist. That's why we fight for righteousness and seek glory. Righteousness without glory is weak. Glory without righteousness is evil. A free people must always be conquered, because true freedom is so vulnerable to malice. However! The conquerer need not be weak nor evil. They could, instead, be a dragon. They could be you."

"I... I understand. Why we were righteous but never won against the elves. We did not seek to conquer. We let our enemies grow fat on our flesh— eating our very haunches through their malice. We'd lose our freedom along with our lives. My god, may I rename my Halcyon tribe? I'd like to call it the Propitious tribe."

"Absolutely. Your naming sense is both apt and straightforward. Besides, I have no desire to be involved in such finite affairs as naming tribes."

"However, my god. In accomplishing this task, why must it be the entire planet?"

"For dragons, some is never enough."

"This is true, my god: I know it myself. I had not thought in the context of conquest!"

"Excellent. When you complete your task, you'll be rewarded with godhood."

"G-g-godhood?"

I look down at my immense body. My claws are already over the city walls, and yet I feel my power swelling further. Slowly accelerating, even, as though the fear and awe of additional elves were flowing into my form.

What, then, is a god?

"Didn't you see my video of Dracosect? He's the first dragon to become a god by my power. If you do well, you'll be the second. However, you must work far harder to be considered a Paragon. Said title is not rewarded lightly."

"That makes sense, my god, but I do not seek the title of Paragon. Dragons always want more; what I want is more for my child. I cannot live for all others. It's selfish, but also what I must do."

"Your choice may not be the most outwardly glorious, but it is quite glorious all on its own. Do not feel swayed from your path in search of precious treasures. Your most precious treasure awaits you at home."

"Thank you, my god. I must join your temple. I'd be more than honored."

My mind suddenly feels clearer than ever. Like a haze of fog I didn't know existed has been washed from my thoughts. I know not what he did, but I'm grateful for it.

"Thank you, my god."

"That's just one of many benefits. Dracosect somehow found the time to set up a bounty program. If you ever feel aimless and want to be more productive, visit the the temple and ask Temp for the bounty list."

"Temp, my god? Is that a different dragon? How will I know whom I must ask?"

"Hraw hraw, yes and no. He's the temple, hence 'Temp.' The temple inscriptions are a... Ah, living creature. He's a dragon made entirely of magic, I suppose."

The temple is what? No, never mind. Gods have no need for common sense; they define it themselves.

"Okay, my god. I'll conquer my first city as per your wish— and my own. Glory to all dragons!"

"Glory to all dragons, indeed. Good luck."

Why would he end with...

Good luck?

[...]