The night air was heavy with the smell of rain-soaked earth, as a hush of anticipation clung to the forest. Cracked branches and splintered leaves lay beneath the blotted majesty of the moon, mingling with remnants of blood and battle. The tyrant elven king Decem, now reduced to a pitiful state, lays at the mercy of Evunial's ruthless grip. Encrusted with mud, his royal garb reflected not his command, but his fall.

The sound of wet thuds and crashes upon the ground rang out as the moon hung high over a wet and misty forest.

Mailan looked on in utter disbelief as she brushed her red and white hair out of her face. She then steadied her eyes on the sight before her, her father, Decem the tyrant and despot that had haunted her dreams, was being manhandled. His once pristine royal garb was now covered in blood and mud as he was lifted out of the ground, only to be slammed back in once more.

"(Is this happening?... Is the monster getting what he deserves? After all this time... )"

Mailan thought as she stared at the wet and muddy crown beside her father as he continued to be pummeled into the ground.

Rugi, for her part, looked on in awe. Her white hair was still soaked from the rain.

"(It was finally happening...)"

She thought to herself.

"(After years of his torment, pain... And cruelty, mother and I, are free... Hopefully, it's not quic... He needs to suffer...)"

As Mailan, Rugi, and Haldir watched in shock. The elves at their feet began to stir.

Novem and Maeral, the dark prince's who would follow their father's every cruel command, opened their eyes. Novem was the first to move. His vision was blurry at first as he looked around for the source of the banging that had woken him up.

His ears then caught the sound of a whimpering voice.

"Please... Mercy... Mer...cy"

"(Father?... What... What is this? A dream?)"

He thought as he struggled to sit up. As he did, a firm hand pressed his shoulder.

He quickly looked to his side to find Mailan kneeling beside him with a grim look in her eye.

"Don't move Novem, don't make me kill you..."

Novem looked at the woman confused.

"(Mailan?.. I've not dreamed of her since I was a boy... Why..."

Just then, Maeral sat up as well.

"No need for threats, sister... I can barely feel my legs, let alone fight... I'd much rather just enjoy the show..."

Mailans's spear then pressed against Maeral's throat.

"I find it best not to believe a word that comes out of your mouth, Maeral..."

Mearal then shrugged.

"You always were the smart one..."

Novem looked at Maeral for a moment.

"(I'd never dreamed of Maeral... So, it's not a dream...)"

Just then, another familiar face caught his attention.

"Rugi?..."

The young elf hadn't even noticed Novem and Maeral waking up and was staring off at something in front of them, a look of awe and satisfaction on her face.

Novem, confused and curious, then turned his head. As his vision sharpened, his eyes widened in shock as he was greeted by an impossible sight.

His father's unmistakable outline and attire being driven into the ground blow after blow. The man above him was draped in an all too familiar lion's cloak.

Novem pressed his hands into the cold mud beneath him and as he watched his father be driven into the very same mud his breaths became shallow gasps, his chest rising and falling rapidly as if the weight of his fear threatened to suffocate him.

"(No, no, no, this is all wrong! It's impossible!)"

His heart hammered against his ribcage, a thunderous beat that reverberated through his body, matching the rhythm of his escalating panic.

"(This can't be happening! It CAN'T!!

Father is invincible! He can't be stopped!)"

He clutched at his chest, dirty fingers trembling, as if trying to keep his racing heart from leaping out of his body.

Mailan's grip on Novem's shoulder stayed firm as her gaze softened.

"Novem..."

Just then, Decem was slammed into the ground once more before Evunial then stood up to take a breath, his wet white hair, and Crimson-covered hands glistening under the light of the moon. His once shimmering white and gold armor now wet with mud and the blood of his enemy.

"Whew... There, now your outside matches your inside better..."

The elven commander huffed as he stood up, brushing the hair out of his face. He then noticed the two brothers now awake.

"Ah... Looks who's up."

Evunial then bent over and picked Decem up by his shirt and dragged him over to the elves before dropping his broken form at their feet.

Eltherion then spoke.

"My lord, the child..."

Evunial then looked at Rugi as she stared down at her father.

"She is no child Eltherion... He took that from her... She's a soldier, and she deserves to see his punishment..."

Novem's voice caught in his throat as he looked down at the mangled slab of bruised meat that was his father, a strangled whisper that betrayed the fear coiling within him.

"Father..."

His voice, a fragile thread, threatened to snap under the weight of panic.

Beside Novem, Maeral could hardly believe his eyes as he looked at his father's sorry state.

To see the great Decem, indomitable King of Elves, reduced to a whimpering beaten child. The condescending, almost permanent smirk, stripped off his face. It was almost surreal.

Maeral then burst out with laughter.

"Hahaha... So... Now Father, too, knows what lies beyond strength... Ha Hahaha...hahahahaha..."

Novem looked over at his brother in shocked confusion.

"Why?... Why are you laughing?"

Maeral then gestured toward Decem as he replied.

"What do you mean, Why? Look at him... You can't tell me that's not the funniest thing you've ever seen... "Mercy," he said... Like he's ever shown any, Hahaha."

Novem looked down at his father, unable to find the humor in anything that was happening.

Maeral then looked up at Evunial with a

defiant look in his eyes.

"Well, go on then... Finish the job. If you don't... I will."

All the Elves except for Evunial and Eltherion looked surprised by the prince's Declaration.

Evunial looked at the Elf for a moment before crouching down to eye level. His blood-covered hands and rage-filled eyes made him look crazed. He could see the fear Maeral was trying so desperately to hide from even himself.

"I haven't forgotten what you did to Izunia... Speak as if you can command me again, and laws be damned. They will be your last words."

Evunial's voice was calm as if making a simple statement. But Maeral could see the dark promise in his eyes. He then looked away, unable to keep eye contact.

Eltherion looked as if he was gonna protest but then looked out into the forest, his eyes scanning the tree line.

Evunial then stood up and addressed the three standing elves.

"I think I got my point across. I leave the rest to you... Spare them, kill them... It makes no difference to me..."

Mailan and Haldir were speechless. They looked at Evunial dumbfounded, the shock from the last few moments having stolen their words.

"You're leaving? But you said you would kill him!"

Rugi said in protest, having shaken off her surprise.

Evunial then looked down at the young elf.

"Only if I had to...but if you or your sister want to finish him off yourself, be my guest."

Evunial then turned to prepare to leave, but as he did, Mailan, too recovered from her shock, raising her spear and pointing it at him.

"Wait! My sister, Araina. Your man said she is at your fortress. Take me to her!"

Evunial then turned slightly and replied.

"I will tell Araina you wish to see her. If she she feels the same, I will arrange the meeting but she's been through enough for today..."

Mailan began to fume as Eltherions gaze left the tree line and looked toward the sky.

"My Lord..."

He began but was cut off by Mailan.

"Who are you to decide that?!..."

"I've made my decision..."

Evunial confirmed.

"To hells with your decision!"

"MY LORD!"

Eltherion then yelled out getting everyone's attention.

Evunial then looked to his general as he felt a change in the wind.

"My Lord, something is coming..."

Evunial then looked upward just above the treeline. He could feel a chill go down his spine as the night air grew cold.

He then spoke without looking away.

"All of you need to leave, now..."

"I'm not going anywhere until..."

Mailan began to protest but stopped as a loud sound rang out in the wind. The loud, thunderous pounding of flapping wings, trees bent and broke under the wind as the elves felt a change in the air.

A giant glint of black flew high above the forest.

Evunial and Eltherion looked up at the massive creature as it flew high above them, its massive form outlined by the moon.

Rugi then spoke as she tried to make it out.

"What is it?"

Mailan then replied as she began to make it out.

"No..."

Haldir gripped his sword tight.

"It can't be..."

Eltherion drew his blade, his eyes narrowing on the encroaching beast, a low bestial rumble vibrating through the air.

Rugi then stuttered as she looked up.

"It, it's a, It's a dragon..."

Mailan held Rugi close as she looked up in horror and awe as the creature's form was illuminated by the moon.

The dragon's massive body. Glistened with a dark bronznder the moon's light.

Four mighty limbs hung under its body as it flew gracefully and intimidatingly.

Its monstrous wings outstretched as its massive tail, which ended in a great sword-like blade cut the air behind it.

Maeral then spoke as he looked up at the creature his voice filled with fear and anger.

"Stupid girl! There is only one dragon that size in this Forest. That's not just some fucking dragon! It's the God's damned Sword Master Dragon Lord!"

Rugi's eyes widened in shock.

"Dragon Lord? But I thought It'd been asleep since it's dual with grandfather."

The Elven prince then scoffed before turning his words toward Evunial.

"Your fight with Father must have woken it up. Congratulations! You've killed us all!"

"Swordmaster huh? Maybe it's just passing by."

Evunial said just before the creature began to descend toward the elves.

The forest elves all looked up in shock and fear as the dragon's two giant bronze-scaled wings furled back behind its bulk.

"(Shit!...)"

Evunial thought to himself as his golden eye began to glow, but before he could get a read on the beast its tail began to glow.

"SHIT!"

Evunial exclaimed as the beast flew into a flip bringing its tail down on the elf.

Just then Evunial pushed Eltherion back before drawing his blade and meeting the dragon's attack head on.

"Watch out! My lord!"

Eltherion exclaimed just before the forest erupted with dirt and debris as the dragon's glowing bladed tail crashed down onto Evunial's katana.

The force of the attack threatened to send the elves flying as trees were cut to shreds with blinding speed and the ground around them was split open.

"Lord Evunial!"

Eltherion yelled out before raising his shield, defending the elves behind him as a wave of strange magic erupted from the attack sending shockwaves through the forest.

The muscles in Evunial's arms bulged as he fought to hold back the Dragon's blow.

As the wind erupted Mailan stepped in front of Rugi using her body to shield the girl from flying debris.

Rugi shook with fear as she reached for her daggers ready to defend her.self as Man placed a hand on hers,.

Rugi looked up at Mailan, shocked. But Mailan just gave a kind look as she shook her head.

"Haldir, Take her and run!"

Mailan yelled as she grabbed Rugi and threw her to the elven warrior.

"What are you doing boss?!"

Haldir began as Mailan cut him off.

"Please Haldir protect her... I have to help them, they know where Araina is and I have to find her."

Haldir then reluctantl,y turned.

"I'll get her to safety, but then I'm coming back for you."

Rugi then spoke confused.

"But I'm nothing to you! Why?"

Mailan then smiled sweetly.

"You will never be nothing Rugi, You're my sister..."

Mailan then turned and took a breath as Haldir ran with Rugi.

Rugi stared at Mailan back as tears began to well up.

The only other person who had ever defended her was her mother. Her father saw her only as an embarrassment, her siblings called her a failure and yet this woman whom she had only just met, called her sister.

"Sister..."

The young elf said as she and Haldir disappeared into the Forest.

Mailan then turned toward Evunial and Eltherion's position just as yet another Shockwave shattered the ground pushing her back.

Waves of dust and dirt slammed into her as she watched Eltherion holding up his shield while he tried to move through the strange magic, toward the center of the torrent of power.

"What manner of magic is this?"

Eltherion asked as he forged forward.

Her eyes followed his path and widened in disbelief as she found Evunial holding back the dragon's bladed tail with just a katana.

"What is he?"

Mailan asked herself as the glow of a magic circle caught her attention.

She then looked over to her brothers and father. A magic circle surrounds them.

Novem looked to be casting the spell as Maeral yelled out.

"This is our chance! Let's get the hell out of here."

Maeral said before looking over at Mailan with a smirk.

"There's room for one more, Sis!"

Mailan then looked away and yelled out.

"EAT SHIT AND DIE!"

Maeral then scoffed as he replied.

"Suit yourself, Bitch!"

The trio then vanished in a flash of light.

"Coward's..."

Mailan said before looking toward Evunial and Eltherion's position as the ground under Evunial's feet began to give way.

"No!"

Mailan yelled as she ran forward before Eltherion itsed out.

"Stop! Don't take a step further!"

Mailan then stopped confused at the man's order.

"But why?"

She asked.

"Your friend needs help!"

Without losing concentration Eltherion then spoke in a serious tone.

"This battle is far beyond you. If you step foot in front of me, it will rip you apart before you can hit the ground."

Mailan then looked forward to the ground and trees in front of her seemed to be randomly slashed and cut into pieces. A wave of fear then passed through her before she took a step back.

Eltherion then smiled confidently as he looked at the battle.

"And you don't have to worry about my Lord, he has this well in hand."

"(SHIT! , SHIT!, SHIT!, SHIT!,)"

Evunial thought to himself as he continued to hold back the dragon's blow.

"(Damn, I messed up, I should have met it in the air rather then take the attack head on.)"

He then glanced at his Ring of Thought and Memory.

"(Or better yet, left when I first saw the damn thing...)"

Evunial then sighed slightly.

"(But that could have meant leaving Mailan and Rugi here to die. And there is no way I'd have been able to look Araina in the eyes if I did that..)"

Evunial then felt the ground under him slipping away, as the dragon's tail pressed against his blade.

"(Dammit, got to think quick. It's an easy enough attack to redirect but I know an Aoe nuke when I see one. If it hits the ground Eltharion and I would most likely take some damage but Mailan would not survive... Full Counter could work too but the aoe effect could also hit Mailan at this range... That leaves only one choice.)"

Evunial's muscles bulged as he pressed his blade against the dragon's tail with incredible strength, Forcing the dragon off his blade and back up into the air.

Mailan's jaw dropped at the incredible display of strength.

"Impossible.. "

She gasped as Evunial dropped into stance and his blade began to glow.

[WORLD BREAK...]

But before Evunial could finish, the dragon flipped in the air and with a single flap of its powerful wings, charged Evunial with its powerful Jaws wide open.

Mailan watched in horror as the beast's mouth began to close around Evunial as Eltherion rushed forward and the strange magic disappeared.

But to Mailan's and the monster's surprise, the dragon could not bite down on Evunial who was now struggling to hold its massive mouth open.

Mailan watched in awe as Evunial struggled with the beast as they crashed through the forest.

As the beast struggled with Evunial's Herculean grip, the elven commander dug his feet into the ground trying to find footing and find it he did.

"Now Eltharion!!"

Evunial yelled before turning the beast's head with all his strength, forcing it off balance.

{CENTURION SHIELD BASH}

Then in a flash of light, Eltherion slammed into its side with a shield bash slamming it into the forest floor and throwing it into the trees away from them."

Evunial and Eltherion looked at where the beast had landed as Mailan ran up beside them.

"You're still here, Mailan? I thought I told you to leave.."

Evunial said as he slightly turned his head toward the elven woman.

"What? I'm not going anywhere until you take me to Araina, Even if that means fighting this dragon with you…"

Mailan said with conviction.

Evunial then replied in a half laugh as the dragon began to get up.

"Oh? So you'd fight a dragon for her, huh?... Seems you are different from your siblings."

Mailan barely had time to comprehend what she had just heard before looking up at the dragon who had now fully stood, its dark form towering over her up into the night sky, like a living mountain. Its features are all steeped in shadow except for its piercing green eyes.

Fear began to grip her heart and her breath quickened as she looked at the beast's monstrous form.

Evunial then spoke, his head still turned slightly toward Mailan.

"Stay calm Mailan.. Everything is gonna be fine. You've changed my mind, I will bring you to Araina... But first.."

Evunial then stepped forward next to Eltherion with an annoyed look.

"I have a dragon to deal with."

Mailan looked on in awe as her body began to relax, relieved by Evunial's words.

"(I'm gonna see you soon, Araina..)"

She thought.

The Dragon seemed perplexed by Evunial's response but pleased by the two warrior's survival.

"WELL, WELL, WELL, WHAT STRENGTH! PERHAPS YOU TWO ARE WORTHY OPPONENTS AFTER ALL."

Evunial's golden eye glowed as it finished it's scan.

"(Hmm these stats put it around level 80. But it's stats seem to be purely physical damage based... Well, that explains why his tail swipe was so powerful but if that's all he has...)"

Evunial then sighed as he rested his hand and on the hilt of his blade.

"You know, I've had a very long day, and I'm running out of patience… What is it you want Dragon? I have no quarrel with you."

The dragon then met Evunial's cold gaze as a chill filled the night air.

"AH, YOU HAVE THE EYES OF A WARRIOR, GOOD."

The great beast's voice was a low rumble, like thunder in the distance.

"THE LAST ONE LACKED THAT TRAIT."

Evunial raised an eyebrow at the comment.

"(The last one? What does he mean? Another player?) "

The dragon then continued its demeanor now calmed.

"FIRST, ALLOW ME TO APOLOGIES FOR MY RUDENESS. I ONLY WISHED TO TEST YOUR REFLEXES WHICH PASSED WITH EASE. THAT DEMANDS AN INTRODUCTION, MY NAME IS RYUKENSAI, THE TRUE SWORD MASTER DRAGON LORD,"

Evunial then looked up at the beast in thought.

"(His whole presence has changed its like I'm talking to a person and not a 200ft monster.)"

"AND AS FOR WHAT I WANT?"

The dragon went on.

"THAT'S SIMPLE, I DESIRE A BATTLE WITH YOU, TO THE DEATH. "

Mailan was taken aback by the dragon's words as Eltherion's face filled with contempt before he grabbed ahold of his blade.

"How dare you…"

He began before Evunial raised a hand prompting him to stop begrudgingly.

Evunial then sweat dropped.

"(or maybe not…)"

Evunial then addressed the dragon once more.

"A battle to the death? That seems a bit extreme don't you think?"

The dragon then replied matter-of-factly.

"NO…. YOUR KIND AND MINE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING TO THE DEATH SINCE THE FIRST OF YOU STEPPED FOOT IN THIS LAND. WHY SHOULD TODAY BE ANY DIFFERENT?"

MAILAN then looked confused at the dragon as well.

Evunial then turned his head slightly.

"Well if you know what we are, then you know how foolish it is to challenge us..."

Mailan looked on in awe.

"(How can he be so calm? Is he really strong enough to take on a dragon lord!?)"

"KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE IS WHY I WISH TO CHALLENGE YOU. ANOTHER CAME, A FEW HUNDRED YEARS AGO. HE TOO HAD PRIDE IN HIS SKILL, LIKE YOU, LIKE THE GREED KINGS... BUT DESPITE HIS STRENGTH, IN HIS EYES I SAW NO WARRIOR. AND IN THE END HE DIED RUNNING. I HOPE YOU HOLD UP TO THE REPUTATION OF PLAYAS BETTER THAN HE DID."

Evunial then raised an eyebrow.

"(Hmm, playa must be referring to players, right? So he's beat a player before... Or at least someone he thought might be a player... and the Greed kings he mentioned… I've read about them. They almost whipped the dragons out, So they must have been players too.)"

"I found books in my Fortress about what happened to the Dragons here... It was wrong what the Greed Kings did to you. But no amount of death will bring back what you've lost."

Evunial spoke, trying to reason with the great beast.

The Dragon then sighed before speaking.

"OH, YOU MISUNDERSTAND, I DO NOT SHARE THE SAME DISDAIN FOR PLAYAS AND THE GREED KINGS AS THAT OF MY KIN, I HAD LEFT TO MASTER MY BLADE FAR BEFORE THEIR ARRIVAL AND RETURNED LONG AFTER. THOUGH I GRIEVE FOR MY KIN. WORD OF THEIR FALL DID NOT SURPRISE ME, FOR THAT IS THE FATE Of ALL THOSE WHO WOULD RATHER USE THE POWER OF OTHERS THEN HONE THEIR OWN POWER TO PERFECTION... SO YOU SEE, I DO NOT SEEK REVENGE. THO I WILL TAKE YOUR LIFE ALL THE SAME."

"(Well I suppose it can't be helped…)"

Evunial thought with a sigh and a shrug before Eltherion stepped forward, his usually glacial features marred with rage.

"Eltharion?" Evunial questioned.

"Ni've uv fárea -o sina, héru Evunial.

(I've had enough of this, Lord Evunial.)

The silver elf began in elven as he raised his blade toward the dragon.

"{This beast attacks you without cause. Then speaks as if it can assign worth. And then has the audacity to demand a duel to the death? As if it even has the right to such an honor… I cannot abide such disrespect. Please allow me to teach it its place…}"

Evunial looked surprised by Eltherion's outburst for a moment but then replied in Elven.

"{Be my guest…. But try to prolong the fight. Anything we can learn from him could be of use.}

Eltherion then nodded.

"As you wish, My lord..."

The dragon then spoke confused at why Eltherion was now approaching it.

"WHAT IS THIS? NO! I HAVE NO DESIRE TO BATTLE YOUR SECOND…"

The dragon was then cut off as Eltherion slammed his shield in the dragon's chest at blinding speed. The blow lifted the dragon off of its feet sending it back word into the trees and ground shaking the ground.

Eltherion then landed back on the ground gracefully.

Mailan looked on dumbstruck as Eltharion the proceeded to walk forward toward the fallen dragon and Evunial turned and with a wave of his hand made two seats appear out of thin air before sitting in one of them.

He then turned toward Mailan beckoning her over.

Mailan then slowly walked over before sitting next to the strange and powerful elf.

Evunial then looked over at Mailan noticing how taken aback she was. He then leaned over slightly and spoke.

"Don't worry it will be over soon..."

Mailan gave a slight nod, unable to take her eyes off the scene before her.

Eltherion spoke as he walked toward the dragon.

"Know that I take no pleasure in this. I find the destruction of any race wholefully wrong and needless. And I understand the need to exact revenge against those you believe responsible. But you… I hate creatures like you."

The great dragon then began to pick itself up from the ground and face the approaching elf.

Eltherion than fixed his shield and drew his sword as he walked.

"You, who fight only for your own pleasure. Masking it behind sharpening your skills. But I see you. You want a duel to the death? Fine. But my lord's blade is meant for far more then satisfying the pride of the likes of you…so I will have to do, But know that in demanding this meaningless fight, all you will have achieved today is that there will be one less dragon tomorrow..."

The dragon then smiled as its tail began to glow.

"THERE IS NO TOMORROW, ONLY THIS MOMENT…BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH."

The dragon then rushed forward as

Mailan leaned forward in her chair, her grip on her spear tightening as she watched the confrontation unfold.

As Eltherion watched the winged fury close the distance between them with blinding speed, his face remained impassive, time seemed to slow as his grip on his blade tightened more as Ryukensai drew closer, His tail whipping through the air with lethal precision.

"So be it…"

Eltherion said as at the last possible second he gracefully unsheathed his weapon, his silver hair catching the moonlight as his blade effortlessly sliced through the air.

The two warriors clashed, their movements a blur of steel and scale. Eltherion's strikes were precise and relentless, each one aimed to exploit any weakness in the dragon's defense. Ryukensai, despite his size and power, was being pushed back, unable to keep up with the elven general's relentless assault.

The dragon then jump back before unleashing his bladed tail straight down on his opponent.

Eltherion deftly sidestepped the attack, before stepping forward with his blade slicing through the air towards the dragon's scaled hide.

Ryukensai roared in pain as Eltherion's blade found its mark, leaving a deep gash. The dragon retaliated, his massive claws swiping at the elf. Eltherion raised his shield, deflecting the blow with a resounding clang.

The dragon, realizing the battle on the ground isn't going in its favor, lets out a deafening roar and takes to the sky, its powerful wings creating a whirlwind that sweeps through the forest below. Eltherion, undeterred, whispers an incantation.

(Fly)

Then with a surge of arcane energy, he lifts off the ground, keeping pace with the massive creature.

Once airborne, the dragon lord unleashed a strange magic, his bladed tail shimmering with arcane energy. With a roar, he swings the tail in a deadly arc, aiming to cleave Eltharion in two. But Eltherion anticipated the attack. He deftly parried the bladed tail with his sword, the force of the clash reverberating through the air.

"What kind of magic is that? It's not Tier Magic," he murmurs to himself.

Evunial narrowed his eyes as he looked up at the airborne battle noticeing something about the dragon.

"His HP is falling as he attacks with that magic… Is he using a self damage spell build?"

Then with a wave of his hand, Evunial commanded the enchanted chairs to rise smoothly into the air following the dragon and Eltharion. As they soar through the sky, Mailan clutches the edges of her seat, her knuckles white.

"Evunial, are you sure this is safe?" she asks, her voice a mixture of anxiety and forced bravado.

Evunials chuckled, maintaining his focus on guiding their flight. "Perfectly safe, Mailan. Just hold on tight."

Mailan swallows hard and mutters, "Easy for you to say. You're not the one holding on for dear life."

As the sky battle intensified the dragon lord lunged with his tail, a blur of magical steel. Eltharion maneuvers skillfully, his shield absorbing the impacts, each clash of metal against metal ringing out like thunder. The aerial duel was fierce, both combatants giving no quarter.

Ryukensai then disengaged and banked sharply, attempting to create distance from Eltherion with a series of rapid turns and dives

Mailan gasps as Evunial made a sharp turn to keep up with the combatants. She clinged desperately to her chair. "Evunial, if we survive this, remind me to never take a flying chair ride again."

Evunials laughed, while steadying their flight. "Consider it noted Mailan. Now, let's enjoy the show."

With a surge of speed the dragon broke away from Eltherion, before quickly turning around and unleashing a torrent of fiery breath.The elven paladin reacted instantly, "

(Holy Shield)

Eltherion yelled out as his shield shined bright and radiant barrier manifested and deflected the inferno, lighting up the night sky.

Eltherion then yelled out once again.

(Aura of Protection)

A shimmering light then enveloped him bolsters his defenses. The dragon lord snarled, casting another Wild Magic spell. His tail then elongated and shimmered with dark energy, striking out with renewed vigor. Seizing the moment, the dragon then rushed forward, his tail glowing brighter than before as it became a whirlwind of blades, each strike more desperate and vicious than the last. Eltherion matched the dragon's ferocity with calculated defense and precise attacks, his focus unwavering.

Suddenly, Eltherion saw an opening. And with a powerful upward slash, he drove the dragon back, forcing him to lose altitude. The dragon, momentarily stunned, plummeted toward the ground. Eltharion follows, ready to press his advantage.

They crashed into a clearing, the force of their landing shaking the earth. Trees tremble and leaves scatter as the dragon struggles to regain his footing. Eltherion then gracefully landed, his silver hair catching the moonlight as the ground trembled from the impact of the dragon's fall.

A column of dirt and debris engulfed Ryukensai, now sprawled on the forest floor.

Elthrion's shadow loomed large over the battlefield, his radiant form exuding an aura of invincibility. Mailan, her breath caught in her throat, watched in awe at the sheer power displayed by the elven warrior.

Eltherion's face remained impassive, as his grip on his blade loosened. Watching the dirt cloud for any movement.

"Is this it, dragon? The sharpened skills you'd throw your life away to test? How disappointing…"

Eltherion declared, his voice steady.

IMPRESSIVE... I SHOULD HAVE EXPECTED NO LESS FROM ONE WHO SERVES A 'PLAYA..."

Ryukensai's voice boomed, his form still hidden in the cloud of dirt.

"ELTHARION!! I DEEM YOU WORTHY! BASK IN THE GLORY OF A BLADE HONED TO PERFECTION!"

Just then a shimmering light shined out from where the dragon had fallen followed by a deafening roar, shaking the very trees around them.

The Dragon Lord's silhouette then contracted, and began to shrink and morph.

"Hmm, looks like he has a second stage."

Evunial said as he watched intently, his eyes narrowing in concentration. Then the seats swiftly descended with himself and Mailan.

"Second stage?"

Mailan asked, confused as the dust-cleared around the dragon lord and a figure arose from the crater, now a towering humanoid clad in armor that exudes an air of regal authority.

Evunial's golden eye glowed as he examined the armor. His eyes then widened with surprise.

"I know that armor…its from Yggdrasil.."

Ryukensai's armor gleamed with a polished sheen that reflected the dappled moonlight filtering through the forest canopy.The breastplate is embossed with intricate designs of coiled dragons, their scales etched in fine detail to resemble the shimmering scales of his true form. A crimson cloak, lined with gold-threaded embroidery depicting scenes of battles and conquests long past, billows behind him with every graceful movement.

A face mask covers the lower half of his face, adorned with swirling patterns reminiscent of draconic motifs. Piercing eyes, aglow with the same fiery intensity as his dragon form, gaze out from beneath the helm's crest, which bears the likeness of a snarling dragon's head, its jaws wide open in a perpetual roar.

"(The Dragon Slayer's Pride Armor set. A mid to late game armor set with extra defense against dragon's fire based attacks…which puts the player he took it from in the range of lvl 50 to 80. )"

Evunial thought to himself before his eyes fell on the Dragon's weapon.

Ryukensai's longsword pulsed with A strange Magic, its blade alive with a shifting aura of elemental energies.

"(But I've never seen a sword like that…)"

The dragon then stepped forward to face Eltharion, each movement a symphony of power and grace, the armor clinking softly with the weight of centuries-old history and the promise of the battle yet to come.

The armored dragon then lunged forward, a cascade of sparks trailing his blade, aiming to catch Eltherion off guard. But Eltherion, unphased, met the onslaught with a calm resilience. He weaving intricate patterns with his sword, each strike, a calculated response that combines both martial skill and Tier Magic.

Mailan, her eyes wide with wonder, struggled to keep track of their lightning-fast exchanges.

"How are they moving so fast?" she whispers to Evunial, who watched with a keen, analytical gaze.

Evunial chuckled softly, his eyes flicking between the combatants. "It's all about anticipation and control, Mailan. Eltherion is using Tier Magic to enhance his speed and precision, while the dragon is relying on another form of Magic though one I am not familiar with."

Mailan then replied matter-of-factly.

"Wild magic…"

Evunial then looked to Mailan curious.

"Wild magic, Huh? How does it work?" He asked.

Mailan then replied.

"I don't know… All I know is the True Dragon Lords all use Wild magic. But I have no idea how it works, only that father deemed it useless…"

Evunial then looked back at the battle.

"It looks pretty useful to me…"

As the duel intensified, the ground beneath them trembled with the force of their clashes. Eltharion channeled his Paladin's Aura, a radiant shield that deflects the dragon lord's swirling Wild Magic attacks. With each strike, he counters, his sword carving arcs of light through the air.

The dragon lord, undeterred, shifts tactics, his form flickering with arcane energy. He unleashes a torrent of elemental force, hurling bolts of lightning and bursts of flame.

Eltherion responds with a stoic resolve.

[Sacred Barrier]

He spoke calmly as a shimmering wall of divine protection appeared in front of him.

Mailan, clinging to her seat as she watches their battle, gasps at the spectacle unfolding before her.

"They're incredible," she murmurs, her voice filled with admiration and a touch of fear.

Evunial nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving the combatants. "Indeed, they are."

As The clash continued Ryukensai rushed forward once again his longsword crackling with an untamed energy. With a guttural incantation, he cast powerful wild magic upon himself, his muscles bulging and skin hardening into an almost impervious armor. His eyes glowed with a primal light, and his movements became a blur of speed and strength

Eltharion, initially dismissive, was caught off guard by the ferocity of the Dragon Lord's assault. Eltherion, drawing upon his Paladin's oath, channels Holy Light into his strikes, each blow infused with purifying energy that sears the dragon lord's darkened armor. The dragon lord, in turn, responds with a surge of Wild Magic, his blade wreathed in flickering shadows that twist and contort with every swing.

Ryukensai's longsword struck with a force that rippled through the air, each blow leaving behind a trace of shimmering energy that seemed to bypass Elthrion's magical and physical defenses. For the first time in ages, a slight cut appeared on Elthrion's perfect form, a thin line of blood seeping from the wound.

Evunial's eyes widened in astonishment. "This wild magic," he muttered, "it can breach even Eltherion's defenses."

Evunial's eyes then fell on the dragon's health.

"(Hmm, But his health stopped dropping. What changed?"

Eltherion examined his wound before looking to Ryukensai.

"That blade, I've never seen magic like that before…"

Ryukensai glanced down at his sword before replying.

"AH, YES… THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THIS ARMOR SAID THE SAME. WILD MAGIC DOESN'T EXIST WHERE YOU COME FROM…"

"Wild Magic?"

Eltherion questioned.

Ryukensai then replied.

"THE MAGIC ART OF THE TRUE DRAGON LORDS AND THE OLDEST FORM OF MAGIC IN THESE LAND…"

The dragon then looked at his blade disgusted before continuing.

"A DISGUSTING ART THAT CAN ONLY BE USED TO ITS FULLEST BY SACRIFICING THE SOULS OF OTHERS. THOUGH USING MY OWN VITALITY IS USUALLY MORE THAN ENOUGH TO FIND VICTORY, YOU HAVE PROVEN THE EXCEPTION."

Eltherion then looked at the sword.

"So that blade… "

But before he could finish, Ryukensai then spoke up.

"IS SUFFUSED WITH SOULS YES. IT WAS MY FATHER'S, YOU SEE, LIKE ME HE WAS BLESSED WITH MORE MARTIAL SKILL THEN ARCANE, SO, IN ORDER TO COMPETE WITH HIS SIBLINGS MASTERY OF WILD MAGIC HE SACRIFICED A THOUSAND SOULS AND PLACED THEM IN THIS BLADE."

Evunial, Eltherion and Mailan all looked shocked at the dragon's words.

"WHEN HE REVEALED THE BLADE TO ME, HE SPOKE WITH SUCH PRIDE… SO PROUD WAS HE THAT HE HAD STOLEN THE POWER OF OTHERS TO PAWN IT OFF AS HIS OWN. IT SICKENED ME TO MY VERY CORE. AND BEFORE I EVEN KNEW WHAT I'D DONE, I SLIT HIS THROAT WITH THIS VERY BLADE BEFORE HE EVEN HAD A CHANCE TO WIELD IT… "

The elves were left speechless as the dragon raised his blade and pointed it at Eltharion.

"SO NOW I HONOR THESE LOST SOULS BY USING THEM ONLY AGAINST THE VERY BEST OF WARRIORS SO THAT THEY MAY PASS ON WITH THE PRIDE STOLEN FROM THEM… "

Eltherion then broke his silence.

"It seems I misjudged you, Ryukensai, I will now fight you in earnest as a warrior deserves."

Ryukensai then replied.

"THEN I WILL AFFORD YOU THE SAME COURTESY…"

Ryukensai said as he readied his blade.

"AND SHOW YOU THE ART I LEARNED IN HONOR OF SOULS OF THIS BLADE."

Elthrion's demeanor then changed as he rushed forward, his blade dancing with lethal precision. The air around them crackled with the clash of their swords, lightning flashing with every strike. Elthrion moved with the grace of a deity, his attacks a blur of divine might, his blade shimmering with divine energy as he channeled his Paladin's oath into it. His shield glowed with a similar light, reinforcing his already formidable defenses. Ryukensai then raised sword, his stance fluid and powerful, every muscle ready for the fight.

Ryukensai's eyes narrowed, and he launched forward with a burst of speed. "Martial Art: [TRUE FLOW ACCELERATION ]!"

Evunial leaned forward from his seat above the battlefield, shocked.

"Martial Arts!?"

Mailan couldn't believe her eyes.

" The Dragon Lords can use Martial Arts...!?"

Ryukensai's movements became a blur as he closed the distance, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision.

Eltherion met the attack head-on, his sword clashing against Ryukensai's with a resounding clang. "Holy Light!" he invoked, his blade radiating purifying energy that seared through the air. Each strike was a blend of strength and sacred power, forcing Ryukensai to parry and dodge with all his might.

"Martial Art: [DRACONIC IRON FORTRESS ]!"

Ryukensai intoned, his body hardening like steel as he absorbed the impact of Eltherion's blows. He retaliated with a series of swift, precise strikes, each one leaving trails of shimmering energy in its wake.

Eltherion's shield absorbed the brunt of the attacks, but Ryukensai's blade, infused with Wild Magic, began to bypass his defenses. The sword sliced through his armor, his shield, and even his protective magic as if they were mere illusions. A deep cut appeared on Eltherion's arm, blood flowing freely.

Evunial watched in shock from his vantage point.

"What?! At his level Eltherion shouldn't be taking any damage….That blade, the Wild Magic it's infused with can pierce through even Eltherion's Divine level equipment?!"

Mailan watched in horror as Eltherion took a step back, adjusting his strategy. "But if Eltherion's protections are useless... Doesn't that mean he'll lose?"

Evunial then thought for a moment.

"(It isn't the ideal situation for a tank. But he's already taken a chunk out of the dragon's health, so the wild magic bypasses defence but doesn't offer any. So it's turned them both into glass cannons. And if that's the case, one more burst damage window and the fight is over… )" .

Evunial then replied to Mailan calmly as he watched Eltherion's movements.

"Eltharion won't lose. He's already won…"

Realizing the true nature of Ryukensai's sword, Eltherion adjusted his strategy. He relied on his speed and skill, dodging just out of range of Ryukensai's relentless attacks.

"Divine Protection!" he called out, reinforcing his resolve even as he avoided direct confrontations.

The forest ground trembled as they continued their dance of death, their blades clashing in a symphony of light and shadow. Ryukensai's martial arts skills were relentless.

"MARTIAL ART : [PHANTOM STEP]!"

He seemed to disappear for a split second, reappearing behind Eltharion with a vicious strike aimed at his back.

Eltherion anticipated the move, spinning around to block the attack with his shield. But the Wild Magic-infused blade cut through, forcing Eltharion to twist away at the last moment.

"Smite!" he shouted, unleashing a burst of holy energy that forced Ryukensai to leap back, narrowly avoiding the blast.

"MARTIAL ART: [DRAGON'S ROAR]!"

Ryukensai countered, his voice amplifying into a thunderous roar that reverberated through the forest, disorienting Eltharion for a brief moment. Seizing the opportunity, Ryukensai pressed the attack, his blade moving with deadly precision.

Eltherion recovered quickly, his eyes blazing with determination.

"Divine Retribution!"

His sword blazed with a blinding light as he launched a flurry of strikes, each one aimed at breaking through Ryukensai's formidable defenses.

"Martial Art: [DRACONIC HEAVY FORTRESS]!"

Ryukensai's defense became impenetrable, his stance a bulwark against Eltherion's divine might. He countered with a powerful strike.

"MARTIAL ART: [DRAGON'S EDGE]!" The force of the blow sent Eltherion skidding back, his shield badly damaged and vibrating from the impact.

Eltherion lept into the air, calling upon his holy magic.

"Holy Judgement!"

His sword descended with the force of divine wrath, aiming to break through Ryukensai's defenses.

Ryukensai met the blow head-on.

"MARTIAL ART: [TWIN DRAGON TALON STRIKE]!"

In a dazzling display, he split his single blade into two creating a phantom copy of the original, parrying Eltherion's attack with one and launching a counterstrike with the other.

Eltherion's shield blocked the second blade, but Ryukensai's relentless assault continued.

"MARTIAL ART: [TRUE LIMIT BREAKER Mind, [ABILITY BOOST, [GREATER ABILITY BOOST ]!"

His speed and strength surged to new heights, his twin blades a blur of motion.

The two forces collided in a brilliant explosion of light and energy, the sheer force of their clash sending shockwaves through the forest. Blood sprayed as the blades found their marks, cutting deep into flesh. Eltherion's shoulder was slashed open, blood streaming down his arm, while Ryukensai's side was pierced, a deep wound gushing crimson.

With a final, powerful strike, Eltherion called upon every ounce of his power.

"Divine Smite!"

His sword became a beacon of blinding light, crashing down with unrelenting force. Ryukensai, in turn, unleashed his own technique.

"MARTIAL ART: [DRAGON'S LAST STAND]!"

His body surged with power as the outline of his dragon form enveloped him, his blades meeting Eltherion's with a thunderous impact that shook the very earth.

Eltherion's eyes sharpened as he raised his shield and Ryukensai then spoke through his helm.

"AND SO ENDS OUR BATTLE! FAREWELL, ELTHARION, YOU WERE A WORTHY OPPONENT!"

Ryukensai's blade sliced cleanly through the shield, but Ryukensai found Eltherion no longer behind it.

"WHAT!?"

Ryukensai exclaimed as his eyes darted around to find Eltherion already moving having dodged to the side with a swift, precise movement, attacking from Ryukensai's blind spot.

With a final, masterful stroke.

"Divine Counter!"

Eltherion's blade found its mark in The dragon warriors side. Ryukensai staggered, his sword falling from his grasp as he dropped to one knee. Eltherion stood over him, breathing heavily, his sword pointed toward Ryukensai's throat.

And just as Elthrion was about to deliver the final, crushing blow, Evunial leapt from his enchanted seat. With a graceful dive, he descended rapidly, a trail of golden light marking his path. He landed near the two combatants with an outstretched hand, his presence exuding an aura of calm authority.

"Enough," Evunial commanded, his voice resonating with power.

Elthrion halted mid-strike, his blade mere inches from the Dragon Lord's neck as he turned to face Evunial.

"My Lord?"

Just then Ryukensai quickly grabbed his blade and rushed forward.

"Never turn your back on an opponent! This ends now!"

Ryukensai yelled as he raised his blade before bringing it down toward Eltherion who quickly turned and raised his blade.

Mailan gasped as her eyes caught up to the split second movements.

"(No! It's gonna cut through!)"

She thought as Evunial stepped forward

"No."

Evunial said as he moved like lightning, closing the distance in an instant before grabbing Eltharion by the shoulder and pulling him back behind him.

Evunial then reached into his cloak and pulled a strange blade out of his inventory before meeting the attack head on.

The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, the leaves still and the sounds of nature hushed as the blades met.

The silence was then broken by the screams of metal sliding across metal as Evunial's blade crashed into Ryukensai's, knocking it out of the dragon lord's hands before grabbing him out of the air by his neck and slamming him into the ground.

Evunial then spoke with barely contained anger.

"I said… ENOUGH… "

Ryukensai, gasping for breath, stared up at Evunial, his eyes burning with a mixture of defiance and bewilderment. But as their eyes met, Ryukensai, for a moment thought he saw the eyes of a dragon looking down on him.

The forest, once a serene backdrop, now stood as a silent witness to the sheer display of power.

Evunial's blade, a vicious looking katana of gold and black glowed with an otherworldly light as he held it inches from the Dragon Lord's face. The air around them crackled with tension, the ground beneath them scarred from the impact of their clash.

"Evunial's grip tightened around the dragons's throat, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity.

"This fight is over," the Elven Lord said, his voice low and menacing. "Do you yield?"

Ryukensai struggled, but Evunial's hold was unyielding. After a moment he then nodded his head in agreement.

Evunial's menacing Aura then melted away as he released Ryukensai's throat and stood up with a smile.

"Good, now then."

Evunial said as he held out his hand toward the dragon lord.

Ryukensai, confused by the sudden change, reluctantly took Evunial's hand before being helped up to his feet.

Ryukensai, now standing with Evunial's support, looked around at the three elves around him.

Mailan looked on warily as Eltherion,still gripping his sword tightly, watched Ryukensai's movements closely.

Ryukensai then looked to Evunial and his menacing blade.

"So you have one of those things… A

A world item…"

Evunial then nodded and replied.

"And what do you know of world items?"

Ryukensai then sighed as he looked up to the sky.

"Only that they are incredibly powerful tools that nullify wild magic… and that the Greed Kings wielded them to decimate my kin…"

"(So that's how they did it... Well that's good to know…)"

Evunial thought to himself.

Ryukensai then spoke up.

"Though I am glad to still be among the living, I must know, why do you show me mercy? What is it you want?"

Evunial then walked over to and picked up Ryukensai's sword and examined it.

"Well as in most things, Mercy is not given freely, Dragon Lord. There is a price for your life."

Ryukensai's eyes narrowed slightly, wariness creeping into his expression. "What do you seek?"

Evunial's gaze fell to the Eltherion's shattered shield before returning to the dragon lord, his voice firm.

"Teach me all you know of this blade and of Wild Magic. Such knowledge is the key to understanding and possibly welding it ourselves. That is the price of your life."

The Dragon Lord considered this, his eyes flicking between Evunial and Eltherion.

"You'd have me share knowledge of my Kin's most potent art

After a moment, he spoke as he shook his head.

"I cannot… Though I find it an aberration I will not share my knowledge of wild magic and betray my kin even if it costs me my life."

Eltherion then began to raise his blade as Evunial held out his hand.

"Wait…"

Evunial said before replying.

"I understand the bonds of kin and loyalty are maybe too high a price. So I will take this instead.."

Evunial then held out Ryukensai's sword.

"This blade in exchange for your life. What do you say?"

Ryukensai looked at the blade for a moment, the tension still present in his body.

"If you wish to take on the weight of those souls, so be it… but know that my promise to destroy it has not changed and that I will one day see it through, whether it remains in your hands or not."

Evunial then nodded as the dragon turned and lept into the air before taking its true form and flew into the morning sky.

Eltherion then stepped beside Evunial.

"Are you sure sparing him is wise, my lord?"

Evunial watched the dragon's flight before turning toward Eltherion.

"He's just a son, bearing his father's sins… one day I hope to help him do it. But for now… "

Evunial then turned toward Mailan who had a look of complete bewilderment as she looked up at the dragon's retreat.

"Are you ready to go see your sister?"

Evunial said with a kind smile.

The words seemed to snap Mailan out of her trance as she quickly looked at Evunial.

"Yes! But first… We have to check on my camp."

Elven Kingdom of Hougan:

Maeral leaned on the wall of an opulent hallway outside Decems room.

His messy white hair slightly covering his bruised face, his clothes still torn from the long day.

Just then a strained yell rang out from inside the room.

"GET OUT!!!"

The door then swung open as elven clerics followed by Novem walked out out and closed the door. Their white robes splattered with blood.

The clerics then bowed to the princes before quickly walking down the hall.

Maeral then spoke with a sigh.

"So you actually did it... You saved the old bastard..."

Novem looked away and spat.

"What would you have me do, Maeral?... Let him die?"

Maeral then answered calmly.

"Yes..."

Novem then turned to his brother and yelled.

"And then what? Hmm... Then what would have been the point of everything we've done? Everything... He made us do!"

Maeral then sighed again.

"You're still using that old excuse?"

Novem then cocked his head.

"What?!"

Maeral then got of the wall.

"Everything I did... I did because I wanted to... And no matter what lies you tell yourself we both know that. You... Did... Too"

November then began to retort as the sound of footfalls rang out down the hall as a battalion of Elves walked toward them led by a beautiful elven woman with a menacing expression. Her pale skin was flawless, except for a beauty mark just under the right side of her lips. Her skin perfectly contrasted with Her long black hair which framed her face, casting just enough shadow over her ocean-blue eyes that they almost glowed.

She wore a long black and red dress with gold accents.

The two Princes then stepped in front of the group as Maeral spoke.

"Bold move, I'd have waited a bit before trying to kill him tho..."

The woman then spoke her voice, cold and annoyed.

"Shut it Maeral... Where's my daughter?"