“Razznik!” An incomprehensible, terrible roar exploded over all of Oni Hill! An apocalyptic pressure that threatened to rend the world apart accompanied the shout, causing even the strongest like Kashi to cough up mouthfuls of blood. All across Oni Hill, thousands of warriors and undead blacked out instantly due to the gargantuan presence.

“Flad! Stop!” Zeing Ashqoj desperately roared as he dashed and grabbed Fladnag’s shoulder before the latter could reach Razznik. Zeing struggled to hold Fladnag, whose appearance resembled an avenging spirit from hell. The old man’s skin was red with rage, and his hair and beards fluttered madly as if galvanized by hellish winds.

In contrast, Razznik’s expression was frightfully calm as he glanced at the enraged mage. “Why, if it isn’t SaruMaru. It has been a thousand years. Why do you persist with that ridiculous disguise?” Razznik clenched his fist, and said as he slowly raised his hand, “Judging by your expression, I presume you wish to fight me?”

“Do not be ridiculous, Razznik.” Sayen appeared between Razznik and Fladnag. She backed the mage, and cast Razznik a reproachful glare. “You both exist above the world’s laws. A casual punch from either of you would destroy everything and everyone here.”

“I did not instigate this fight, merely responded to it.” Despite Razznik’s words, he relaxed his fist, and then looked at Sayen with mirth in his eyes. “Just like a thousand years ago, you admonish me for a fight I did not start. So, I take it you have not regretted your choice ever since?”

Sayen shook her head, and then softly replied, “Just like a thousand years ago, you are the stronger one. You ultimately decide how many casualties occur in any fight. So, no, I have never regretted my choice, unfair though it may have been.”

“Even after a thousand years, your convictions have remained the same. Always looking out for the greater good. Though misguided, I still appreciate your tenacity.” Razznik nodded, and then gazed beyond her at Fladnag. “Saruma—no, Marusan. Surely, you do not remain vexed over the Treants? It has been a thousand years since.”

Fladnag… No, Marusan’s eyes burned with anger as he glared at the red-haired demon responsible for ending the Treant race. “You doomed an entire race to extinction! Do you believe I would ever get over that!?”

“Though I had my reasons, admittedly, I acted rashly in my haste.” Razznik looked at Sayen, and then back at Fladnag. “I shall not apologize for my actions, but I can offer a solution to your problem. If you are willing, of course.”

Marusan’s heart skipped a beat as he stared at Razznik in disbelief. “S-solution?” What the hell did this mad man mean by solution? If the Treants were so easily restored, he would not have descended into madness over the past millennium!

“Mm” Razznik nonchalantly nodded. He then thumbed down at the struggling Kashi as he stated, “That ignorant brat has the solution to your problem. I plan on giving him a test soon. I’ll tell you the solution if he passes.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

Razznik shrugged. “Well, he’ll be dead. So, the knowledge would not help you anyway.”

“Y-you bastard! I-ll— kaff kaff !” A violent coughing fit interrupted Kashi’s tirade. Clumps of blood mixed with shredded flesh splattered across the ground. It was obvious that Kashi’s stubborn fight against Razznik’s aura was destroying him from the inside. Fortunately, the draconian’s monstrous healing factor just barely kept him alive. However, he could only stand. Any attempt to speak or move caused the damage to multiply beyond what he could endure.

Razznik ignored Kashi, and instead looked at Rider and Skyrm, who looked at him with complicated gazes. “Skyrm, you do not need to question it. It is true. Zeno is alive, and that idiot can take you to her location.”

Surprisingly, rather than look overjoyed, Skyrm frowned as he glared at Razznik. “How is that possible? I can accept that you somehow saved her life, but how could he possibly know her location? This world has drastically changed in the past millennium.”

Razznik’s gaze slightly shifted at the slight inflection in Skyrm’s voice when he said, “ you .” It was only for a moment though. No one noticed the imperceptible reaction before he returned to an indifferent glare. “Indeed, the world might have changed. But, I assure you, no matter how much the world changes, Zeno’s location won’t. I made sure of that.”

Skyrm hesitated, but then sighed after searching Razznik’s gaze. Skyrm knew Razznik too well. The Chaos God was not ashamed to cheat and cut all corners to win in a fight, but he would never lie. Lying was a kind of banal deceit that Razznik’s pride just would not allow. At the most, he would omit some truths, but Razznik had never spoken a lie throughout his life. “Alright, I believe you.” Skyrm spread his wings as he prepared to take off into the skies. “I will watch your test.”

Razznik’s brow slightly rose. Evidently, Skyrm’s reaction caught him off-guard. “You realize the kid could die, right? Are you willing to take that risk? When you are this close?”

Skyrm glanced at Razznik, and then looked in disdain at the Chaos God’s right hand which he repeatedly clenched. “A thousand years and still a battle junkie. You would need better bait to lure me into a fight.” The Divine Dragon snorted and then looked at the bleeding Kashi. “Also, what leads you to believe he would lose? It took me a moment, sure, but I can see he carries the blood of a conqueror. Somehow, I doubt he will fail your test. But, in the unlikely event he does, it is enough to know that she is alive. I shall find her, even if I have to dig up the entire world to do so.”

Razznik nodded. “There are only a few people in this world who can say those words and mean it. That will make for an interesting show.”

Skyrm snorted. He ignored the hidden meaning behind Razznik’s taunt and leaped into the sky. He was about to leave but a hand grabbed his ankle before he could fly off. The Divine Dragon looked down in shock and disbelief. Was there someone crazy enough to hold him back? “Oh, it’s you.” Skyrm’s shock dissipated when he saw Kashi coughing up blood while glaring at him with bloody eyes. “Indeed, that crazed blood flows through you as well. What do you want?”

Kashi growled in pained anger. Only the draconian could explain how he felt right now. It was like someone constantly put his inner organs through a blender. The endless torment was enough to knock out a T-Rex, let alone a regular human. However, Kashi was too stubborn to pass out. The draconian refused to show a pitiful side to the man floating above.

“You can’t take him.” Kashi looked at Rex in Skyrm’s arms as he barely growled through bloodied teeth. “He is not yours to take.” The draconian coughed up several mouthfuls of blood before declaring, “Rex is Hektor’s contracted partner. You cannot just take him away.”

Skyrm frowned. “You believe I would let my grandson risk his life in your petty squabbles?” The Divine Dragon snorted. “A meer Dragoon contract. I know a dozen ways to sever it.”

“Sever the contract?” Kashi’s aura fluctuated crazily as he angrily tightened his grip. The draconian’s voice dropped several octaves as he growled in rage, “You say that knowing the consequences? You say that knowing the irreversible damage it would do to the weaker party!?”

Skyrm smiled as he softly patted Rex’s head. “You need not worry. Rex might still be an infant, but do not underestimate a dragon’s strength. I can assure you no harm will come to him.”

“No harm will come to him…hehe.” Kashi softly whispered, but then burst into laughter. The draconian’s lips curled in ridicule as he shook his head. “What was I thinking? I must have been hit in the head by a donkey. In the end, you’re no different from those pompous gods.”

Skyrm’s eyes blazed in fury. The Divine Dragon’s voice rattled as he struggled to control his rising anger. He could not believe anyone would compare him to those bastard gods. “What did you just say?”

Kashi returned Skyrm’s glare with ridicule. “Am I wrong? I forgot because Razznik hung out with you for so long, but you do not care for anything or anyone weaker than you. We are no different from ants in your eyes. Razznik only entered your eyes because you saw he was the one being with potential to reach your strength.”The draconian sighed as he rubbed his face with his left hand. “On behalf of Razznik, I did owe you one, so I did everything I could to rescue you. But, make no mistake…” Sparks flew as Kashi’s claws scratched Skyrm’s scales. “If you do anything to harm my guildmembers, I will see you as my enemy, and I will not hesitate to find you and Hunt. You. Down. ”

“Oh my.” Syèl, nonchalantly seated on the ground, softly whistled as he looked at the enraged Kashi. “Sorry Shokō, I think I just fell in love with someone else.”

“Stop joking around.” Shokō, held onto her sword for support while kneeling, winced as she observed Kashi’s expression. “Damn it. Are we cursed? We already have to deal with Razznik somehow, and now this damned, stupid, ungrateful dragon wants to piss Kashi off?”

Elsewhere, Hektor’s eyes watered as he looked at his bleeding guildmaster. The young man’s god mark protected him from most of Razznik’s pressure, but he still could not move. Unlike the vast majority, he knew why Kashi was so angered.

The Dragoon Pact was not some childish agreement that could be canceled at anytime. The contract connected two souls on a metaphysical level, almost cojoining them into two halves of a whole. Much like splitting an atom, one could not tear these souls apart without disastrous consequences. In its original state, a tear in the Dragoon Pact would share damage equally between both souls.

On its own, this would not be such a problem. Unfortunately, the calculation of this damage was not proportional to the individual souls, but rather the combined strength of both souls. As a result, when there was a large disparity between the strength of souls, (like a Divine Dragon and a regular hume), the smaller soul often suffered the largest damage. In some extreme cases, it could even cause total annihilation or death.

This outcome was already dire enough, but if Skyrm really did want he wanted, and ensured that Rex suffered no damage, then Hektor would have to suffer the full brunt of the split. To say Hektor’s life would be in danger was a drastic understatement. Sure, in the future, Hektor’s soul would grow stronger under nourishment of the Dragoon contract. At this time, however, Rex’s soul was multiple times stronger than Hektor’s. The young man’s soul definitely could not bear the brunt of a split. It would collapse from the tear!

Kashi knew this, and he knew that Skyrm also knew this. That was why the draconian was enraged. Forgetting the fact that without Hektor, Rex might never have been born, the young man deliberately weakened himself by not utilizing Rex throughout their invasion just so that Rex could call out Skyrm’s name at the appointed time.

Skyrm was well aware of everything Hektor did, but the Divine Dragon’s hubris did not take any of that into account. As far as Skyrm was concerned, Hektor should have been honored to sacrifice his life to bring Rex to life and deliver the dragonling to him.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Skyrm looked at Kashi with slight guilt in his eyes. But when he looked at Rex, his gaze once again hardened. Instead, he looked at Hektor, and said, “I am grateful for your assistance, but I shall not let my grandson risk his life for mortal affairs. Give me your last wish. I swear on my life that I shall see it done.”

“My l-last wish?” Hektor’s face turned pale as SKyrm’s words exploded in his heart and mind. Last wish? Was it going to end like this? Why? He had just begun his path! He only just gained the right to fight alongside Kashi! Hektor’s face alternated among hundreds of emotions before ultimately settling on determination when he saw Kashi’s enraged glare. “My last wish… Kashi. His dream. He—”

‎ “Shut up!”

Hektor choked as he stared at the draconian’s bloody red eyes. “Kashi, thank you. But I—”

“I said shut up!” Kashi repeated as he tightened his grip even further. “That is an order from your guildmaster. Say another word, and I’ll kill you myself!” Kashi’s lips parted, revealing an angry, toothy grin. “You bastard dragon. Let me make myself clear. You’d better kill me if anything happens to Hektor. No. You’d better not stop there. Find and kill every subsequent incarnation. Because, if you don’t, I will do whatever it takes, hide as long as I need, climb a mountain of blades, and swim in an ocean of filth… whatever it takes, until I find you, and rip you apart, scale by scale. Do you dare to try me?”

Kashi’s daring proclamation sent chills down everyone’s spines. It did not make sense, but this mortal’s declaration threatened even Rider and the others. It was like Kashi was the incarnation of the Sword of Damocles. Without fail, he would chop off the head off anyone who me targeted.

None felt the brunt of Kashi’s declaration like Skyrm. If it were anyone else, Skyrm would have brushed off the threat, or even slaughtered them for their insolence. But as Skyrm gazed into those slightly familiar, burning red eyes, he knew that it would not be a matter of ‘if Kashi killed him,’ but ‘when.’ No one knew better than Skyrm how insanely obsessive Razznik, and in turn Kashi could get. One time, when Razznik hit the max limit, he watched Razznik punch a stone for an entire month until his natural strength increased enough to finally crack it.

If that man fixated on killing someone, he would not mind striking stones in a hidden cave for years until he was strong enough to kill the person.

Still, faced with Kashi’s determination, Skyrm still did not budge. It was not that the old dragon did not believe Kashi could kill him, but rather that death was not something he feared. He would not mind trading his life if it meant he could guarantee his grandchild’s growth to adulthood.

Skyrm sighed and softly shook his head as he placed his hand on Rex’s head. “I’m sorry.” A mandala appeared on the confused young dragon’s head.

“Argh!” Hektor screamed out and clutched his head. But then, just when he was about to collapse, the pain suddenly disappeared.

“What is the meaning of this?” Skyrm turned at glared at Razznik, who looked at him with an extended finger.

Razznik retrieved his finger and then placed his arms behind his back. “I cannot let you take the child. First, an old partner sacrificed his life to facilitate their partnership. Secondly, and most importantly, that child is part of the brat’s guild… which means he is part of my test.”

“You expect me to risk my child’s life in your stupid game!?”

“Do not fret.” Razznik waved his hand. “Out of respect for our past relationship, I can guarantee that your child at least will survive. But he must participate. I do not want the brat to later give excuses that he fought with a weakened force.”

Skyrm’s eyes narrowed. “Are you helping him?”

“Am I the type to help someone for no reason?”

Skyrm snorted. “Are you really asking me that?”

“Fair enough,” Razznik admitted with a shrug, but then glanced at Kashi in disdain as he added, “but even if I help everyone in the world, I definitely will not help that brat. So, trust me, and leave the child behind. At least for now.”

Skyrm struggled, but eventually released Rex with a reluctant sigh. He watched as the frightened dragonling rushed back to Hektor’s side and began crying as he licked the youngster’s face as if to apologize. His brows furrowed at the indignity, but he forced himself to look away. “I will trust you.” The Divine Dragon murmured. He then said to Kashi as he shook off the draconian’s grip. “My child better not suffer the ignominy of a loss to this arrogant bastard.”

Kashi snorted in response. “I did not plan on losing to begin with.”

“I suppose the same blood births the same arrogance.” Skyrm smirked. “Kashi, is it? I can’t wait to see if you live up to your predecessor’s legacy.” The Divine Dragon did not wait for Kashi’s response before flying high into the sky, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.

Razznik briefly watched Skyrm’s retreat, and then turned to the other Seven whom he had not yet greeted. “Bert, Anya, it is good to see you both remain in good health. Though, I fear the feeling is not mutual.” Razznik looked at Anya and added, “I come bearing a peace offering. Like Marusan, your grievance can be solved with the idiot’s help—assuming he survives this test of course.”

Razznik nodded at Bert, who stared at him with expressionless eyes. It was impossible to read the kafu’s thoughts from his stoic expression. Fortunately, his slightly trembling fists gave an insight to his inner turmoil.

Razznik pretended not to notice Bert’s struggle, and instead looked at Rider. “LuLu, how does it feel to know Zeno is alive? All those years, you tried to kill me, and for what?”

Rider, no, Lucius Ludarak glared at his old friend with mixed emotions. “Why didn’t you tell me she was alive!? You made me mourn for a thousand years, you monster!”

Razznik shrugged. “What guarantee did I have that you would not give away her location? I could not take the risk. If anyone messed with her in the state she was in, she would have permanently perished.”

“What do you mean, permanently?” Lucius quickly picked up on Razznik’s strange phrasing.

“Well—” Brackt! Razznik began to explain, but thunderous booms suddenly echoed over Oni Hill as portions of the sky suddenly tore apart.

Everyone watched, horrified as black voids appeared beyond the ‘tears’ in space itself. It looked like a god grabbed portions of the sky and forcefully ripped it apart. At the moment, the tears were tiny, but everyone turned pale when a passing bird got sucked into one of the tears. The poor creature looked like it entered blender as the vortex beyond crushed the bird into thousands of tiny clumps of flesh and blood before sucking it all in without leaving a trace.

“It would seem my time draws near.” Razznik gazed at the ‘tears’ with mirth in his eyes. Gods could not stay in the mortal plane. Their overwhelming presence would eventually destabilize time and space until the entire plane collapsed upon itself in an effort to transfer the god back to a suitable plane.

Razznik shook his head, and then looked at Queen Alia, who had remained respectfully silent the entire time. “Queen Alia of the Chaos Order, I commend your efforts to bring me to this plane. Although, you ultimately failed, I would not have been able to force my way into this realm without the gate you put in place. In light of that, I will grant you what you seek. However, due to your failure, I will give your opposition a chance to balance the scales a little. Do you object?”

Queen Alia hastily bowed, and solemnly said, “No, Lord Razznik. We appreciate your grace.”

“Mm. Now, would you like to watch their test, or do you want me to send you all home?”

Alia hesitated, but then affirmed her answer after she glanced at the heavily injured Primates sprawled on the ground. “Please send my people back home. I will remain here.” Alia looked at Kashi and the rest. “I am confident in my ability to retreat should the need arise.”

“As you wish.” Razznik nodded and then softly waved his hand.

“Whoosh!”

All around Drakase, thousands of Chaos Order warriors suddenly vanished without a trace, leaving monsters and humes alike, stunned.

Razznik’s ridiculous display of power caused many onlookers to swallow their spit in fright. What kind of mana reserves and control did one need to teleport thousands of people at once!?

Unfortunately, Razznik was far from done. The Chaos God waved his hand, and half of the waters from the Lake of Enlightenment at the center of Oni Hill flew up and into a tiny bottle. Razznik tossed the bottle at Alia. “You get half. It should be enough for your needs. If the brat succeeds, he will get the other half. Otherwise, it shall remain here until I find someone worthy.”

Amidst Alia’s boisterous acknowledgments and praises, Razznik said, “Now, that is enough for the supplementary gifts. It is time I gave you what you wished for. After which, I shall set up the brat’s test before I leave. This world cannot take much more of my presence unfortunately.”

The Chaos God then sent a surreptitious glance at Cathek. “You manipulated events more than most to get me here. I suppose you somehow knew the truth? Or maybe you guessed it?”

Bert frowned when he saw Cathek’s strange smile. “Razznik, what are you talking about?”

Razznik glanced at the brown-furred kafu. “You grew into a powerful, strong, man, but I am afraid that rigidity of yours is a bit too ingrained. You will miss the big picture if you always hyperfocus on one thing. Did I not tell you that?”

“What are you talking about, Razznik!?”

Razznik shook his head. “The Chaos Order wish for two things only – to lift the current level restriction on the continent, while using the Lake of Enlightment to help their Primates break through to become Transcendents. The latter, I could do on my own, but the former, I cannot.”

Razznik casually swung his hand, tearing a hole through space. However, this hole was different from the rest. While the others had terrible voids beyond, this hole had a luscious garden beyond it. “I am the God of Chaos. I can do many things, but Level restriction is one thing I am unable to control. Genesis ensured I would never get that particular authority.”

“Genesis?” Lucius frowned as he tried to recall where he heard that name.

“Genesis is not important.” Razznik waved off the hybrid’s concern. “What is important is the fact that I need the God of Levels to either alter or break Level Restrictions.”

“G-God of Levels!?” Bert’s heart leaped to his throat as he glared at Razznik. “Did you already have my mother replaced!?”

Razznik shook his head with despair in his eyes. “What did I just say about hyperfocus. You need to think about a larger picture. Unfortunately, I do not have time for lectures.” Razznik waved his hand at the portal as he said, “If you will, please show yourself.”

“Certainly.”

Bert froze in place as he heard a familiar voice that definitely should not exist. “H-how—”

Bert’s words got stuck in his mouth as a brown-furred female kafu with nine bouncy tails stepped out of the portal. The woman’s stunning beauty captured the hearts of everyone present, except for Bert and Cathek who stared in shock.

Razznik ignored the glares, and instead turned to look at the kafu. “I have fulfilled my promise… Realm Goddess Juno .”

‎