Chereads / Evolution begins with an ant colony / Chapter 23 - The battle with the black dragon

Chapter 23 - The battle with the black dragon

The black dragon's mocking voice echoed through Akun's mind as it accused him of hypocrisy. "Seeking justice, huh? What difference is there between that and revenge?" it taunted.

Akun paused, reflecting on the dragon's words. It was true, in a way. Revenge and justice seemed to walk a fine line, and he understood the irony in his claim. But deep down, he knew there was a fundamental difference.

"I admit it may seem similar," Akun replied, "but revenge is driven by hatred and the desire to cause pain to those who wronged you. It's a dark path that consumes your soul and leaves nothing but bitterness behind."

"Justice, on the other hand," he continued, "is about holding others accountable for their actions, about ensuring that those who harm others face consequences for their deeds. It's about protecting the innocent and standing up for what's right."

The dragon let out a low growl, its dark eyes scrutinizing Akun. "You claim to seek justice, but aren't you still driven by anger and the need for retribution?" it sneered.

Akun took a moment to reflect on his emotions. He couldn't deny that anger still smoldered within him, but he knew that he had to rise above it. "I won't deny that I feel anger," he said, "but it's not the driving force behind seeking justice. I've learned that true strength comes from overcoming that anger and using it to fuel positive change."

The black dragon's rage roared through the room as it confronted Akun's decision. "You fool!" it yelled, its voice shaking the very foundations of the illusion. "You've squandered your chance for revenge! Justice is a weak and futile path!"

Akun remained calm, despite the dragon's anger. "I'm not falling for your tricks," he replied firmly. "You wanted me to succumb to revenge, to be consumed by hatred and darkness. But I refuse to let you manipulate my mind. I'll choose my own path."

The dragon's eyes blazed with fury. "You will regret this!" it hissed, its massive wings unfurling as it prepared for battle. "If you won't embrace the darkness, then you will face my wrath!"

Akun's expression hardened as he braced himself for the confrontation. "Bring it on," he said.

The black dragon unleashed a torrent of dark mana, its malevolent aura billowing like a dark storm. Akun's eyes glinted with determination as he called forth his silver manipulation, a power he had honed in countless battles. The dark room crackled with energy as the clash of silver and darkness sent shockwaves through the air.

"Prepare yourself!" the dragon roared, its claws wreathed in dark magic, as it lunged at Akun with blinding speed. Akun's reflexes were sharp, and he sidestepped the attack, retaliating with a barrage of silver tendrils that slashed through the air, leaving trails of gleaming light.

The dragon was relentless, its dark magic manifesting into powerful blasts that shook the very foundations of the illusion. Akun weaved through the onslaught, his silver manipulation forming a protective shield around him. He could feel the dragon's hatred, its desire to consume him with darkness, but he remained determined, refusing to be swayed.

With a battle cry, Akun surged forward, his silver powers intensifying. His hands glowed with a brilliant silvery light as he unleashed a devastating attack, sending a barrage of silver spears straight at the dragon. The clash of silver and dark magic created an explosion of energy that illuminated the room.

The black dragon's sinister laughter echoed through the room as he taunted Akun. "Oh, little ant, you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into. I had planned to use you as my vessel for resurrection, but now that you've decided to resist, it seems I have no choice but to crush you completely!"

As the dust settled, a figure with regal clothing emerged from the darkness. It was the black dragon, now in humanoid form with striking black hair and mesmerizing purple eyes. Without hesitation, he closed the gap between himself and Akun in the blink of an eye. With a powerful punch, he sent Akun flying through the air.

"Is that all you've got?" the dragon taunted, his voice filled with arrogance. "I expected more from someone who claims to seek justice!"

"You're nothing but a weak and pathetic little ant!" the black dragon snarled, his dark aura pulsating with malevolence. "You talk about justice, but what good is it? Justice won't save you from the reality of your insignificance!"

Akun gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain. He knew he had to find a way to turn the tide of the battle. As the dragon prepared for another attack, Akun focused his aspect power, channeling it. With a burst of energy, he created a protective shield to block the dragon's blows.

The dragon's punches now hit a white glowing barrier, leaving him frustrated. "You think a little shield can stop me?" he sneered, increasing the intensity of his attacks.

With a swift punch, the dragon shattered the barrier and sent Akun flying across the room, slamming into a wall. Akun struggled to get up, but the dragon was relentless, delivering blow after blow.

"Look at you, trying to play the hero," the dragon scoffed, his voice filled with contempt. "You're just a fool chasing after some foolish notion. You can't even stand up to your own classmates, let alone someone like me!"

As Akun struggled to get back up, the dragon towered over him, his eyes filled with malice. "You're weak, Akun, and you always will be. No amount of power or justice can change that!"

As Akun found himself in a tough spot, he desperately called out to the Endless Evolution system, seeking a way to turn the tables in his favor.

[Access Denied!!]

[System functions currently unavailable. You are trapped within an illusion. Illusionary environments prevent external interaction.]

Disheartened for a moment, Akun's face suddenly lit up with a cunning smile. "Wait a minute," he said to himself. "If this is all an illusion, then none of it is real. It's like being inside a dream!" His mind raced with newfound hope and determination.

"I'm not actually getting hurt," Akun whispered to himself, his voice growing more confident. "This is all in my head, just like a lucid dream. And in a lucid dream, I am in control"

As the black dragon raised his fist for another devastating blow, Akun's eyes glinted with determination. In a swift and unexpected move, he caught the dragon's punch with his bare hand, surprising both himself and his opponent.

Akun's face broke into a sinister smile, his earlier pain now replaced with a newfound confidence. He spoke with a hint of amusement in his voice, "Did you enjoy yourself? Well, it's a shame, because your little fun time ends right now!"