Immortal realm, Vanadium Empire. Capital City, Melodia. Fortress of a deity.
Adriana The Merciless's Pov:
How many years have we fought now? My flawless empire and beautiful home are currently on the verge of ruin at the hands of demons and humans. We only wished to live in peace, but those monsters gave in to their avarice.
The accursed demons and humans' similar greed for conquest and domination caused them to join hands and initiate an all-out war upon my dragon-kind. The Vanadium Empire consisted of flourishing pure dragons, each with enormous dao cultivations. So why is it that when I look out of my shattered, stained window, which was once a polished, clear diamond-framed window, all I can conceive is a myriad of my descendants' corpses, dead and bruised, their scales broken, wings torn, and heads severed.
Will I, the guardian of the emperor and the Vanadium Empire, join my comrades in death? I was tired and weak, my mind racing with possibilities of occurrences outside the capital.
'I have defended the capital for quite a while now... Have all the other dragons perished? Do I truly have nothing left to lose?'
As I descended the winding, spiral staircase leading to my throne room, the unmistakable sound of marching footsteps could be heard on the outside of the palace, sending shivers down my spine. However, I remained resolute as I took my seat on the grandiose throne that spanned a staggering 30 meters in width and 50 meters in height. As a dragon, I possessed the ability to transform my body into smaller, more manageable humanoid forms, to better interact with other species. But I held fast to my pride as a dragon and often chose to maintain my true, massive size.
This day was no exception, as I sat upon my regal seat, crafted of gleaming golden ruby, and waited for the arrival of my impending assailants.
I would maintain my dignity as a dragon until the end. My brethren are dead, my descendants are dead, and my dear emperor is dead. I shall not keep up this charade of defence any longer. I will let these children experience my rage as they did my emperors. Multiple guardians of the humans and demons will attack, but maybe I could take out one or two before falling myself. If only the other dragon guardians were here.
My vast and boundless fortress was so empty and cold that only the sounds of explosions could be heard surrounding it.
'Hah... Attempting to lure me out... I don't think so.'
Taking an ample breath and creating gales into my snout and lungs, I let out a roar that vibrated the corners of the empire. This told the other dragons, if there were any, to run, and that I would attempt to distract the humans and demons in my final moments.
-BOOM
With a deafening crash, the front doors of its palace were shattered, blown down by a single attack. Figures emerged from the dust and debris, their faces twisted in malice and triumph. Multiple figures leisurely sauntered through the enveloping dust with grinning and cocky faces bellowing outwards.
"Adriana The Merciless, long time isn't it? How sad it must be to lose everything you love. I must give my most humble apologies."
A scaley creature declared, two thick white horns protruding from his head with defined features leading the limitless rows of immortals: humans and demons alike. A tall young man of similar height with short scarlet hair could be seen standing behind him with a cheeky grin.
'Only two of them, but why did it have to be him in particular? Solomon, a ninth-star demonic general of the Demons, along with Michael, an up-and-coming guardian of the Sutra Empire - Immortal human race. Both are lesser to me in terms of cultivation, as I stood proud with a high-tier mystic rank whilst both of them were left behind in the low-tier. Although together the end result could be different. Therefore, it will take everything I have to defeat them. I just need one of them to let down their guard.'
Beginning to have second thoughts about the confrontation, I glared down at both Michael and Solomon. Their malicious smirks and slightly burnt, red-stained clothes together with their bloody hands.
"What's wrong? Did a demon steal your tongue?" Cackled Solomon, joined by his side of demon troops behind him.
I looked over to Michael. He seemed fairly young and likely inexperienced.
"Michael! It would be wise not to converse with the demons, as their tricks and deals are not what they seem. I would know. You may believe that they will share their rewards and you will continue as allies, but they will murder you before you have time to report back to your leader, taking the treasure and land for themselves."
Michael's smile immediately converted into an indifferent face as a result of my warning. I wasn't lying. The demons truthfully could not be trusted, but neither could the humans.
They were all the same, greedy pigs.
"What, Impossible! That would simply cause another war. Why would they partake in two wars at once, one after another?"
Michael said in utter dramatic shock.
'Good. Michael genuinely looks confused. If I can start a small internal conflict, then strike, it'd be my win!'
I quickly got off my throne, causing a massive thump on the ground as my huge size was so hard to control. I continued,
"Once upon a time, us dragons assisted the Demons in their battles. Look where we are now..." The creature's voice boomed through the palace, echoing off the walls as it spoke of the past.
Michael, the young immortal hero, took a step back in realization and shock. His eyes widened as he processed the creature's words, seemingly a sense of understanding dawning on him.
Everything was going as planned, yet I couldn't shake the ominous feeling scorching the scales on my back. Solomon merely stood next to him with an apathetic expression, silent and still, continuing to stare at the creature. Michael, on the other hand, was confused, his face scrunched up glaring daggers at Solomon.
"What does she mean, Solomon!?"
'Now's my chance!'
Finding this as a good opportunity to strike, I flew forward, dashing so fast the palace wall crumbled down as my long royal purple wings smashed through them. In a blink of an eye, I appeared in front of both Solomon and Michael and fired the largest most immense flame I could muster. Yet, in that instance, I noticed both of them instantaneously smiling.
Even though It dawned on me that something had gone terribly wrong, I kept the blue flame going.
All of a sudden, I sensed a presence behind me and three in front.
-Stab
-Khhrr
Crying out in a deafening roar, my wings were savagely torn off by the rough hands of what I sensed to be a human.
The sensation of my scaley wing membrane being ripped apart hurt almost as much as the sensation of forever losing a limb. I felt the searing pain of my torn muscles and tendons as blood gushed out of the wounds. At the same time, a hidden blade was plunged into my heart, piercing my flesh with a cold precision.
The intense pain was overwhelming as my body convulsed in agony. My immense body fell to the ground with a thud, the impact sending shudders through my frame. The pain from my torn wings and stabbed heart was unbearable, as my life force slowly drained away, my vision grew darker and darker.
As my consciousness slowly returned to me, the sound of mocking laughter filled my ears from all around. The thick smoke of my flames began to dissipate, revealing the full extent of my defeat. And it was then, that my heart sank with a sense of despair, as I saw the shimmering barrier of the Demon Empire, Fartun, still standing strong, protecting the human and demon invaders. Michael, the young human hero, stood before me, his silver sword plunged deep into my chest, piercing my heart. I couldn't even see the coward who had struck me from behind, as Michael leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear, as he taunted me with his words.
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"Funny, both you and that oldy, the dragon emperor attempted the exact same move."
Michael stooped down to my sharp violet ear.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the last attack in killing off that bastard. The credit goes all to Solomon."
It was the final straw. I couldn't take it anymore. I was gullible and foolish. It was seldom that a dragon felt fear in the past, but now it must have occurred daily. Most of my fellow dragons must have died by now or escaped. It is better to take a stand in my final moments. Only, I wonder if Dragon Emperor Diaval will ever forgive me.
A brilliant light began to emanate from within my body, as if a sun had been ignited within me. The orange glow pulsed and radiated, illuminating my amethyst skin and scales with an otherworldly brilliance. My body began to crackle and snap like dry wood in a raging fire, as my bones and organs slowly began to burst apart. The sound was deafening, a symphony of destruction that was both terrifying and exhilarating. My eyes slowly began to turn a deep, bloody red as the inferno consumed me. The pain was unbearable, an agony that seared through every fibre of my being. But I welcomed it, for it meant that I was truly alive in my final moments and that my sacrifice would not be in vain.
As long as self-destructing takes all these bastards out with me, I will gladly do it.
All at once, Solomon, Michael, Fartun, and the unknown figure's faces could be seen growing paler.
"What the hell are you doing, bastard?!" Solomon howled out at the top of his lungs, trembling at the revelation.
"You will kill all the other dragons in the area! We left many alive! To torture... So stop this!"
Even if that were true, I wouldn't be able to stop it now. I wasn't called Adriana the Merciless for nothing.
Not wasting any time, all of them quickly dashed away in alarm and dismay. Solomon left, followed by Michael, and the other two left in the opposite direction.
'It does not matter, you cannot escape your fate, cretins!'
I began to lightly snicker to myself. How only a few years ago, this empire was prospering, and now it was all rubble. The ceiling of the palace's throne room had collapsed to the ground, mere remains being chunks of carved stone, and lustrous steel which gave a clear view of the sky. Looking up, the dark sky was covered by creamy thick black clouds.
-Drip
-Drip
Rain began to pour down on the tragic end of the once-prosperous dragon race.
"Haaah"
As I let out a sigh, steam blew out of my mouth like a geyser, providing a small measure of relief from the scorching pain that was consuming my internal organs. I readied myself for the ultimate sacrifice, my body tensed as I prepared to unleash the full force of my destruction upon my enemies. I knew that in the next moment, all would be consumed in the inferno of my making, and I would finally find the peace in death that had eluded me in life.
-Shing
Noticing a deep glow of wine red emanating from my chest, I looked down. The red gemstone, Dragon Emperor, shone revealing a gorgeous cherry red. Not knowing what it meant, it was still a beautiful sight, poetic for my last moments if I do say so myself.
My body's temperature began to rise. My purple skin was now completely covered in orange as if a bomb was prepared to blow from inside me. Alas, I squeezed my now crimson eyes and finally stated my last few words.
"May the heaven collapse for his majesty."
-Bang
The explosion was catastrophic, a force of nature that shook the very foundations of the realm. It reverberated throughout all three realms, leaving nothing in the vanadium empire untouched by its fury. Those who were unfortunate enough to be caught in its wake were instantly reduced to dust and rubble, their bodies obliterated in an instant, whether they were immortal or not.
The blast wave unleashed a maelstrom of fire and debris, leaving behind nothing but ash and ruin in its wake. It was a final act of defiance, a final curtain call for the dragon, and a testament to the unyielding power of its rage.
'Uh. Am I dead?'
Opening my eyes, what appeared to be my spirit hovered in the air as I looked down at my body, which had erupted in an enormous explosion. Was this death? I had lived for thousands of years and seen many die, many perish and many disintegrate, yet death was still a mystery to me.
Suddenly, the ruby gem on my chest, gifted to me by the emperor, shattered.
'No! Haaah, damn...'
Sighing for the hundredth time, I looked down at my new spirit body. I was still a dragon but in a semi-transparent form. My body began to move automatically, taking me to an unknown location at impressive speeds. I could move far faster than my previous body, but this speed wasn't anything to scoff at as it left the capital in a few seconds.
My spirit was out of my control, and what was worse was that I didn't even know where I was heading.
*****
Mortal Realm, Village.
"So! You desire to become my disciple?"
Nicholas analyzed the young girl thoroughly, checking her dantian multiple times. He had truly struck gold this time. Her dantian contained so much potential that it was leaking. Once she began cultivating, Nicholas could only imagine how much ruckus she would cause in the sect. He was already going through multiple nicknames they would give her. 'Hidden Angel', 'Bright Fairy', there were so many possibilities. Many disciples will fall for her charms, that's for sure.
"Yes!"
The little girl's sapphire blue eyes and jumbled fair hair jumped following her nods. Her peach cheeks and small six-year-old stature tore Nicholas's heart apart with their cuteness.
"Good! Then I trust that you understand you would have to follow me into the immortal world?"
Lifting an eyebrow, Nicholas's interrogating expression caused the girl to panic. She closed her eyes and reaffirmed her determination, tugging her arms close and holding up fists she proclaimed.
"Of course! I understand that it is my responsibility as someone blessed with a dantian to reach my full potential! Thank you for gracing me with such a heaven-sent opportunity! I promise not to frugally waste it!"
Nicholas was left flabbergasted. Did this six-year-old just speak with the fluency and eloquence of a full-grown adult? Slightly cringing and then bursting into a gale of laughter, he realized she was probably told to say those lines by her parents.
"Hahaha! Alright kid. The immortals back at the sect would love to see your serious infant face filled with such vigour."
Furiously blushing, the young girl's head plopped to the ground and she began to twirl her fingers, steam seemingly flowing out of her ears.
"Oh come on now, I was joking!"
Noticing her immense embarrassment, Nicholas attempted to swiftly cheer her up, to which she quickly nodded, wanting to move on from the topic. Seeing this, Nicholas did as she wished.
"So... What's your name anyway, oh so precious disciple?"
"Her name's Ally."
A tall, burly man limped into the makeshift tent. His hoarse voice seemed to be like nails on a chalkboard. He was bald with endless wrinkles across his forehead, and pitch-black eye bags, and wore a dirty buttoned-up shirt with a worn-out leather jacket.
"You're the man from before."
Nicholas recognized this man as the one who had cursed him out after attempting to persuade Ally's mother for her to join him.
"Mhm. Indeed, I am."
"You're quite impudent, aren't you?"
"Very."
The burly man spoke in short and crippled sentences. It was clear he had lived a hard life.
"What is Ally's relationship with you? You seem to be quite protective of her. Are you her father? Or her older broth- No, you're far too old. What is she to yo-"
Cutting him off, the burly man spat on the dirt floor, then stamped on it with his wooden leg, built for a pirate.
"Watch yer mouth, boy! We ain't pals!"
The man nibbled on his lower lip, cursing his patheticness while pointing his distorted finger at Nicholas, closing one eye while holding back his rage. If he wasn't the reason Ally was leaving this crummy place, he would have thrown his life away and futilely tackled the immortal.
"Boy? I could have bought the wine your twelfth great-grandfather used to make at his wine shop and then gotten back in time to your eleventh great-grandmother's bed."
Nicholas's witty remark hadn't hit the man's funny bone, as his eyebrows tightly knitted as a result.
"Ptooey! I've seen your kind before! Immortals." The man spat out the words like poison as if the very mention of immortals left a sour taste in his mouth. He glared at Nicholas with suspicion and contempt, his eyes narrow and his jaw clenched tight.
"Yeah 'bout that, why waste your time avidly hating immortals? Especially those that saved your life?" Nicholas asked, his voice calm and measured, his gaze steady and unyielding.
The man hesitated for a moment, as if considering his words carefully before he spoke. "Well... It was five years ago, my brother and I had gone hunting, searching for a snow rabbit or stray deer to eat and bring back to our family as it was this time around the seasons were winter was approaching."
Nicholas listened intently, his expression open and empathetic as the man recounted his story. The candles on the table flickered, casting a warm and inviting glow on the scene, as if they were listening along with Nicholas, hanging on to every word.
"Then an immortal flew by, sporting a similar outfit as you. They flew with a pace that ripped trees straight out from their roots with no care in the world of what they were doing. He flew so fast that he sent gusts of wind our way, even though we were a good 15km away. What followed were boulders and speeding pebbles."
The man had slowly begun tearing up and leaned his arm against the wall horizontally.
"What color was the robe?"
"I don't know... But what I do know is that they were the reason that I lost my dear brother, I lost my leg, and Ally lost her god damn father. Thanks to you."
"You mean Immortals."
Nicholas wasn't surprised by the story. This like that occurred very commonly throughout both the Mortal and Immortal realms. Stronger Immortals flying by, tearing other Immortals to shreds. He looked over. The man was tearing up and slowly slid down the tent wall, almost pulling it out of its pegs pinned to the ground. Looking at Ally and back to the man, Nicholas hinted at her to comfort him, to which she similarly balled her eyes out and waddled over to her uncle while wrapping her arms around him, only reaching a sixth of the way around his beefy stomach.
The man, in his fit, had forgotten Ally's presence in the room and begun to regret his burst of rage, but her hug had seemed to slightly lift a horrible burden off his chest. Although he did not know what implication her knowing the cause of her father's death would lead to, at this moment, he could not care.
They spent the remainder of their time crying together as a storm began to brew outside.