"Step back, you brats," my grandfather's voice resonated suddenly, and he shifted his gaze towards Dralina. "I entrust them to you," he continued. The old dragoness nodded gravely, harnessing her mana to guide the three of us away from the immediate vicinity.
The other elder dragons joined in, channeling their mana, their energies intertwining and merging together, forming a protective shield that enveloped us all. Dralina contributed her own mana, strengthening the shield with her power.
One of the elders shifted their attention towards the floating islands, and instinctively, my gaze sought out Breta's figure. It didn't take long to spot her, and our eyes locked in a brief connection. She offered a silent nod, and I reciprocated just as the elder's voice projected into everyone's minds.
"Dragons! Raise your shields!" His command reverberated within our consciousness, prompting the dragons to swiftly respond. In perfect unison, they utilized their mana to create transparent shields, forming a protective barrier around each floating island, guarding against the impending threat.
With remarkable speed, every floating island was encased within a transparent shield, fortifying their defense.
I observed the scene unfolding before me, a mixture of surprise and awe painted across my face as I witnessed the remarkable efficiency with which everyone operated. No verbal communication was necessary, yet the dragons moved in perfect harmony, their actions synchronized as if they shared a single mind.
As the shields were raised, Dralina shifted her attention to my grandfather, her countenance filled with respect. With a respectful tone, she addressed him, saying, "Esteemed Destroyer, we are prepared."
Grandfather gave her a solemn nod and turned his gaze to the planet below. From his vantage point amidst the stars, grandfather beheld the world, once teeming with life and hope, now scarred by the devastation unleashed upon it. Rivers of molten fire flowed through charred landscapes, where lush forests and vibrant cities once stood.
Grandfather closed his eyes momentarily, only to reopen them after a few seconds. Flames danced wildly within his gaze as his massive jaw swung open, his aura surging with an intensity beyond anything I had ever witnessed in my life. And then, it occurred—a breathtaking display of power. A fiery breath, shimmering through the vast emptiness of space, emanated from his maw, leaving me awestruck with my jaw hanging wide open. It was a spectacle of such magnitude that it was difficult to even gaze directly at it. The torrent of flames, cascading toward the ill-fated planet, devoured everything in its path, sparing not even the fabric of space itself.
The moment Grandfather's attack made contact with the planet, a profound silence seemed to envelop the cosmos, as if time itself held its breath. However, that tranquility was swiftly shattered by mournful cries that surged forth from the planet's surface, reverberating through my being and causing my scales to bristle. Aura after aura materialized, attempting to resist the onslaught, coalescing into a shield of dark fog. Yet, despite their efforts, Grandfather's flames proved unstoppable. The ominous fog was swiftly consumed, and the once defiant roars transformed into anguished cries of despair as the devastating attack reached the planet's core.
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As it connected, a blinding flash of light erupted, forcing me to instinctively turn my gaze away. The brilliance was so intense that had I looked directly at it, I would surely have been blinded. Soon after, the light subsided, giving way to a sight that left me utterly incredulous. The planet, in its entirety, erupted into a cataclysmic explosion. It was beyond belief, beyond rationality, that a mere dragon's breath could obliterate such a colossal celestial body. The sheer magnitude of power my grandfather commanded was unfathomable, surpassing the limits of my comprehension.
Massive fragments of the once magnificent planet were hurled into space, scattering in all directions, creating a surreal sight of debris floating aimlessly. In the wake of the cataclysmic event, a formidable shockwave of mana surged outward, jolting our shield and causing it to tremble precariously. Worries crept into my mind, questioning whether the shield would be able to withstand the immense force.
Meanwhile, my grandfather remained unperturbed, hovering amidst the chaos, his aura seemingly impervious to the surrounding turbulence. He observed the unfolding scene of destruction with a serene gaze, unaffected by the catastrophic aftermath that engulfed us.
"That's…" I found myself at a loss for words, unable to adequately express the magnitude of what I had just witnessed. "Incredible!" Sidus's eyes sparkled like stars, brimming with admiration and wonder. His gaze towards our grandfather now held an unwavering reverence and awe, as if a newfound understanding of his power had solidified within him.
Ynos, on the other hand, remained silent, yet I could discern the flicker of determination simmering within his gaze. It was clear that witnessing our grandfather's overwhelming power had ignited a fire within him, a desire to grow stronger. As for myself, a mixture of awe and introspection consumed me. I couldn't help but contemplate when and how I would attain such extraordinary strength, and what it would mean for my own journey.
In that moment, my grandfather directed his gaze towards us, a mischievous smirk gracing his features, before imparting his words with a hint of playful pride. "You see that, you little rascals. That right there is the true power of a dragon."
My grandfather's words resonated deeply within me, prompting an instinctive gesture of reverence as I involuntarily bowed my head. I noticed that Sidus, Ynos, Dralina, and the elders mirrored the same gesture, joined by countless dragons spread across the floating islands. Strength was highly esteemed among our kind, and my grandfather commanded an immense amount of it. The collective display of respect paid homage to his formidable power and influence.
As my grandfather's flames burned brighter upon his scales, he shifted his piercing draconic gaze towards the remnants of the shattered planet. A dangerous glimmer flashed within his eyes, casting an ominous aura over his words. "It appears that a few insignificant pests have managed to survive," he uttered, his tone laced with menace. The intensity of his gaze conveyed a clear message that he would not tolerate any remnants of opposition.
In witnessing my grandfather's current demeanor, my mind involuntarily drifted back to the time we engaged in that "friendly" spar. Reflecting on that moment, I knew that he hadn't truly exerted his full power, but deep down, I still thought that difference wasn't that big. However, the stark contrast between his present display of overwhelming might and our previous encounter shattered any illusions I may have held. It was now abundantly clear to me why he was known as the destroyer, and I truly recognized the depth of my own naivety.