Chapter 133
The Albino Dragon
The dragon was humanoid in shape and appearance, that alone was enough to give Alexa a slight pause while looking at the creature. Furthermore, the creature stood up on its hind legs, the only sign that something was amiss about it, was the way its tail whipped about wildly behind it. Then there was the fact that the dragon itself was ash white in color, the only distinction was the slightly pronounced gray patterns that helped to accentuate the dragon’s body. Seeing the dragon, it was clear that this one was different than the others, that this one clearly had shortcomings, but had found ways to counteract those deficiencies. The most noticeable adaption that this dragon had was the rune work conducted throughout this dungeon.
It seemed that this dragon’s unnaturally small size was a boon for it, as it meant that rather than growing too large to no longer be able to fit within the entry tunnels, it was able to come and go as it pleased. This meant that rather than only being able to scratch out alerting runes at the exit of the tunnels, this one was able to craft and carve intricate magic disruption runes all throughout the tunnels. While there were no protection runes, nothing that kept her from gaining control over the entire network of runes, Alexa couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of respect for the dragon. In her mind she chalked up the lack of tampering runes to one of two factors, either a lack of knowledge on how to create the runes, or lack of need to learn how to protect such a construct. No doubt most people who make it this far exceptionally well versed in Magic and its use, the odds of running into someone like Alexa would be slim to none, normally. As she even recognized her own oddities a while ago, the way she could grab and pull different forms of magic and combine them in a way that was uniquely hers and hers alone sat well with her.
That was why, after she redirected the discharge of cumulating mana directly into her own body, she also went about doing two things. First she constructed a network of Control Runes that were specifically hers and hers alone. Then she immediately covered those runes with a series of Protection Runes, basically these were runes that would prevent foreign magical energies from entering them, in an attempts to gain control of the structure. Furthermore, the Protection Runes would not only stop attempts to gain control over the Control Runes, but they would then divert the mana towards the Empowering Runes which would store power for the whole network. It was slow, painfully so, especially as Alexa just started with her entry point and slowly began building outwards. Only after her initial entry point was sealed and fully protected, did she proceed to go further down the lines. The first thing she would do was go to the limit of her control, where she would then find an empty spot and lay down her Protection Runes, after which time, she would the proceed to convert the dragon’s Control Runes to her own. It might sound like a slow process, but Alexa soon found that she had gained control over the entire entry way.
Now that the entry way was safe from attacking and disrupting her own mana, only now did she feel safe enough to once again imbue her sword with the magical protections and abilities she had previously enchanted it with. However, this time her abilities were drastically improved, especially as she felt the full extent of how much she had grown since yesterday, the day she first went to London. The day she slew the first of the large dragons of England, the day her father was still…
Alexa had the thought, stopped herself from that train of thought, no good would come from dwelling on the past. No good would come from wishing to change time. The only thing she could do now was work her way forward.
“I could help. I could tell my minion to stop right now, and then show you how to bring him back…” A voice that would send chills down most people’s spines began speaking to Alexa’s mind. The albino dragon who had been preparing something stopped, as if held in place by some invisible prison that locked his entire being into a state of permanent movement. Alexa didn’t need to be a mind reader, or the system to tell her that the dragon did not like this precarious state of existence it was being kept in. As it looked like the Master, the demonic voice that was now talking directly into Alexa’s mind was forcing its servant into submission. Even though Alexa didn’t need the system descriptions they still flowed past in her mind, letting her see every stage and emotional state go through its mind: Shock, Surprise, Confusion, Anger, Rage, Jealousy, and then finally Acceptance.
It was that last emotion that caused a thought to form in Alexa’s mind. One that she began enacting almost immediately. During this time, split her consciousness, not that she needed to, her mental protections kept her thoughts from being read, something she greatly appreciated at the moment. In this, she could tell that by her channeling a bit more energy into her Psionic power Mind Shield, she could keep this from being broadcast directly into her mind. Since this wasn’t an attack, and the origin point began outside her mental defenses she heard everything. This form of communication was the same thing as going to a closed front door of a house and shouting as loudly as you could into the house, in order to get someone to listen to you.
“…If you wish to hear more, then as a sign of good faith, I ask that you stop taking over my minion’s Network of Runes.” The demonic voice said, again speaking loudly enough and with enough power that Alexa could hear it without having to strain herself too much.
Alexa stopped working on the runes, though she had stopped her plans before the demon had made such a demand. It seemed like a petty power play, but Alexa was more than content to let the demon think it was winning now, or at least that Alexa was willing to come to an agreement. Instead, the real reason Alexa stopped taking control over the network of interconnected runes was twofold. First, she wanted to finish layering the normal magical properties her sword had over each other. Then secondly, she focused on channeling energy into an invisible cast variant of one of her most draining of powers. It had always been known that this power could not be invisible, but rather she could hide its formation, forcing it to be created behind her back. The only giveaway that she was doing anything was the sudden appearance of a golden glow forming behind her. Anyone looking at her head long would only see a golden silhouette, form around her, as if she was somehow being imbued by the gods themselves. This was not the case, but the golden glow did cause some confusion.
“What are you doing?” The voice called out, a note of confusion in its words, but it clearly had no clue what was happening. With that Alexa nodded to herself, thinking that her attack would likely work. For the formation of such a power was clearly visible for anyone who had experienced it before to recognize, meaning that either this demon could not truly see the attack coming, nor did they truly understand what was happening. With this, a certain base concern of Alexa’s was taken care of. She realized that it was likely impossible for the true masters of dragons to see everything, everywhere, all at once. Instead, they had a limited view, and one that seemed to be predicated on the senses of their bound minions. With that connection, Alexa figured that in this case the albino dragon was actually the conduit through which the demon was able to see and likely interact with Alexa.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“I am listening to you.” Alexa said, her voice switching to that of the Chaos Tongue, a language that she found little use for, up until now, but hearing this demon speak, and noting the dialect of the dragon tongue being spoken in her mind, she felt this language was far closer to the Demon’s true tongue than anything else she knew.
A pause.
Alexa could see how the restraints on the dragon relaxed slightly, allowing the dragon to shift its balance slightly as the muscles that had been bound into knots a moment ago, were now loose, allowing the dragon to take in a deep calming breath. Seeing this Alexa realized that the restraints on the dragon were so tight that the dragon itself couldn’t breathe, and would have likely caused the dragon to suffocate, had it not been for this random release.
There was a moment, when the dragon cocked its head to the side, as if listening to a distant voice. It was clear that having to talk to Alexa from such a long distance was taking a toll on the power the demon had access to on this plane. As Alexa could see the power being drained slowly out from the albino dragon, as its body and energy were being used to directly communicate with Alexa.
“My Master wishes to take you in as a servant. He offers you this one chance, surrender yourself now and live, or die.” The Albino dragon spoke, in the Dragon Tongue.
At that Alexa just nodded her head in understanding. “I understand. Let your Master know that I have but one word for him and you both.” With that, Alexa focused her will on directing the last surge of energy needed to power her attack.
“What is your decision?” The Albino Dragon said, its body tensing as it prepared to strike if Alexa did or said anything that the Master did not want to hear. Seeing that, and the look of Confidence, that covered the features of the dragon, Alexa took in a deep breath, then released her attack she had been building up all this time.
“Hope!”
Chime and crash.
There was the crisp sound of a dense bell ringing in the cavern. The runes and structures that were carved intricately into the wall shattered, well all the runes that Alexa did not exert her own control over. The ones she laid claim to were still there, though they did next to nothing without the rest of the runes present. Seeing this, suddenly the design and lack of protections made sense, these runes were never the dragon’s to begin with, rather they were a power bestowed by the Master. That was also why there were no Protection Runes present, as the Master wanted to be able to do what Alexa had done. The Master would always want the ability to retake control over the series of runes, should the dragon ever attempt to betray him. It was a good strategy, and one that most wouldn’t have been able to subvert, even Alexa had to admit that it would have taken her far longer to take full control over the network of runes than she was willing to spend here.
Alexa held up her sword, the blade off to the side, in a defensive position.
The Albino dragon shook its head in shock, then after a few moments Alexa could see how a sense of understanding began to bloom on its face. The dragon went from Shock, to Confusion, and finally to Excitement. A malicious grin filled the face of the dragon, as it too shrunk down slightly, its bulging muscles coiling and ready to strike at a moment’s notice. Seeing this, Alexa trying to be the voice of reason spoke out.
“We do not need to attack each other. You are free but by attacking me will mean that you die free.” Alexa said, her voice cold and in a light singing tone, well as light as the Dragon Tongue would offer.
“You are the one who will die free.” The albino dragon said, as it began to release the tension in its over coiled muscles as it hurled its eight foot tall muscular frame down the entryway tunnel. The dragon was small, far smaller than the others of its kind, but this served it well, as it was able to sneak up and behind most monsters that made it this far. Even against other dragons, its small and compact form made it a terror to deal with.
Alexa spoke, the words traveling and echoing around the tunnel for a second, her body completely still as she seemed to wait in fear. Then the words that had been echoing caught up to the Albino dragon’s ears enough for him to hear her comment, “you are right.”
Hearing that, the dragon paused ever so slightly. That pause, that slight hesitation caused the dragon to stop and look at Alexa for a moment, for an instant it wondered if it could coerce the mortal to follow him, to be part of his horde. The dragon was now free, and the first thing it wanted to do was to gain a slew of treasures under its name, what better treasure was there, than this one who set it free. It would be a fitting tribute, one worthy of the being who set it free. Its words all but indicated that it had accepted death, showing how smart she was for a humanoid. Then the moment of stillness was over, as Alexa herself began to move.
Alexa lunged forward, magical sword arcing in the air. The effects of Illusionary magic causing the true arc of the sword to cause the Albino dragon even more issues. This can’t be, how can the sword still be magical, it was dispelled? The Albino dragon thought, as it raised its massive arm up to block the incoming attack. For a moment it looked like the effort would be enough, that the sword would collide with the tough ashen scales of the Albino, scales that were the same color and toughness as tungsten. The albino watched the sword, then with a flurry saw the moment it seemed to dance and curve around his arm and disappear under its protruding jaw.
Slink.
There was a crisp cutting sound, as the blade seemed to strike true, but nothing happened. The sword just disappeared, was it an Illusion? The dragon found itself wondering. Then an odd sensation of vertigo filled it, as its view suddenly shifted downward, as its gaze seemed to show the arc of its body. With a quick jerk, the dragon tried to move its head, to change its view, but nothing happened, he was stuck in the same viewing position. Then it saw its clawed feet still standing still, still coiled and ready to strike, but nothing happened. Then the world spun around once, twice, and stopped.
***
The sword sliced clean through the neck of the humanoid dragon, causing the head to fall to the ground, bonce once, then roll around twice, before coming to a complete stop. Only once it came to a complete stop did Alexa look down at the head and complete her thought that she had begun to share with the Albino dragon.
“You are right, I will die free, but not today.”
With the dragon’s death happening so closely, she felt the surge of energy fill her from the kill. Just like all the other dragons, there were no crystals that formed as these were not summoned aspects, but the real creatures. Still her ritual would not be complete without her first freeing the dungeon from the shackles that bound it in place.
Silence.
In her mind she saw the notifications, she saw that she had finally completed the last stage of the Dragon Trials. But unlike what she had expected, nothing happened. Just the same two messages she had grown to expect.
Stage X of the Dragon Trials Completed. Title Increased: Dragon Slayer (27): All Magic abilities increased by 15% (405%). Magical effectiveness against all dragons increased by 50% (1,350%).
She was done, never again would she be blindsided by a Dragon Dungeon. Never again would she have to factor in what would happen if she was randomly grabbed away while running red dungeons for crystals and profit. Never again would she have a chance to increase her base magical abilities.
Then turning her head back to the dungeon core that still showed the deep impression of years of being bound into chains, she realized something else. She would never get another chance better than this one to free even more dungeons.
Turning to the exit, she focused her mind and said the magic word that all Dungeons instinctively knew, despite what language it was spoken in. With a ruthless smile filling her lips, she spoke the magic word, “Stay.”
Then she walked through the exit.