Miku's eyes blazed with fury as she witnessed Kousaku's ruthless attack on Azania. "Kousaku, you've gone too far!" she roared, her voice trembling with rage. Her mana surged uncontrollably around her, crackling with raw power. Her eyes turned a diamond blue as she stared him down. "How dare you harm our daughter like this! You've forgotten yourself, forgotten everything we stand for!"
Her words reverberated through the throne room, echoing off the walls. Kousaku's expression shifted from triumph to realization, a flicker of remorse crossing his features as he beheld the extent of Miku's fury. He took a step back, his own mana faltering in the face of her overwhelming presence.
Barely conscious and reeling from Kousaku's brutal assault, Azania's senses were overwhelmed by the sounds of her mother's furious voice and the potent surge of mana reverberating through the throne room. As her consciousness wavered, a strange feeling of familiarity washed over her, like a distant memory clawing its way to the surface. "What is this feeling? It's happened so many times, but I was never able to grasp it," she thought to herself.
In her haze, a mental mirror materialized before her, its reflective surface shimmering with ethereal light. Azania stared into it, her vision blurred and her mind clouded with pain. But one thing was certain—her left iris was full. "And it's this eye that pulls me through everything. Why is that so? Dad always says Determination pulls through everything, that it is also my bloodline ability. But… what if it isn't?" She questioned.
Then it hit her, the reason why her answer wasn't Determination. With a whispered word, "Perseverance, that's what it is. Every single time, it was a battle of attrition. Never a battle of strength. That's why I always win those battles!" Azania's left iris glowed with newfound intensity, the star-shaped pattern shimmering with radiant energy. In an instant, a surge of mana erupted from her, bathing her in its brilliant light and filling her with a strength she had never known.
Miku's rage dissipated as she watched Azania's mana surge, her eyes widening in astonishment. "How… how is her mana rising so rapidly?" she murmured, her voice filled with wonder and concern. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen before."
Lysandra's expression mirrored her mother's confusion, her brows furrowing in bewilderment. "I don't understand," she said. "How is Azania still moving after that attack? And her mana… it's incredible. It's so much denser than before."
Riven's eyes darted between Azania and her family, his mind racing with questions. "It's as if she's tapped into some hidden reserve of power," he mused, his voice barely above a whisper. "But where is it coming from?"
Meanwhile, Kousaku's joy knew no bounds as he beheld his daughter's newfound strength. "She's doing it," he exclaimed, his voice filled with pride. "She's tapping into her draconian heritage, just like I hoped she would." As he observed Azania's transformation, a realization dawned on him, his expression shifting from jubilation to astonishment. "No… it can't be," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "Is she… subconsciously using Terastilization?"
As Azania slowly got up, her right pupil narrowed into a slit, her nails visibly lengthened, and her canine teeth became prominent features alongside her dragon horn and tail, revealing Zenia's draconic features. As Kousaku lunged forward with multiple Blades of Determination, his mind raced with realization. The similarities between Azania and his master, Argos, became glaringly apparent. They shared the same personality, the same resilience, and now, the same transformation. Whispering to himself, he muttered, "I knew it."
But before he could dwell on his discovery, Azania swiftly blocked his attack with Day Break. As the clash of their blows reverberated through the throne room, Kousaku's eyes widened in astonishment as he noticed her left star eye full. "Azania..." he began, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and pride.
Before he could finish his sentence, Azania seized the opportunity to counterattack. With a powerful shield bash using Night Stalker, she sent Kousaku staggering backward, the force of the blow catching him off guard. As he struggled to regain his footing, Kousaku realized that his daughter had surpassed his expectations.
As Miku's gaze fell upon Azania's transformed state, a whisper escaped her lips, barely audible amidst the chaos of the battle. "Master…?" she breathed, her voice filled with awe and disbelief. Riven and Lysandra exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring Miku's shock and realization.
Lysandra's mind raced to piece together the puzzle unfolding before her. "Wait… Argos was the last Soul Dragon to die," she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief. "But her soul never descended while the other six did… Throughout time, no researcher was able to find her blood within other races." Her eyes widened in realization as she connected the dots. "The picture in the books… It depicted the same image as Azania," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That would mean… Azania is the direct reincarnation of Argos, the Perseverance Soul Dragon."
As Azania's transformation completed, her body exuded a powerful aura, and her determination shone through her eyes. She faced Kousaku with renewed vigor, her shields, Day Break and Night Stalker, ready to defend and counter.
Kousaku lunged again, his Blades of Determination swirling around him. Azania met his assault head-on, her shields blocking and deflecting his attacks with precision. The throne room echoed with the clash of their powers, each strike resonating through the air.
Azania's newfound strength allowed her to keep up with her father, landing blows that forced him to reconsider his tactics. For the first time, Kousaku struggled to maintain his advantage, his daughter's resilience pushing him to his limits.
Azania, sensing an opportunity, combined her shields to form Aegis. The Tower Shield gleamed with radiant energy, making her an even more formidable opponent. She advanced with newfound confidence, her defense now nearly impenetrable.
Kousaku's eyes widened in surprise as he felt the increased power radiating from Azania. "Impressive," he admitted, his voice tinged with respect. "But let's see how you handle this!"
He launched a barrage of Blades of Determination at her, each blade seeking to find a gap in her defense. Azania braced herself, using Aegis to deflect the incoming attacks with skillful precision. The throne room resonated with the sound of metal against metal, a symphony of strength and will.
Meanwhile, Lysandra, Riven, and Miku watched the intense battle from the sidelines. Lysandra turned to her mother, her curiosity piqued. "Mother, who exactly was Argos? Why does Azania's transformation resemble her so much?"
Miku's eyes softened with memories as she glanced at her daughter and Riven. "Argos, the Perseverance Soul Dragon, was a master of endurance and resilience. She trained both your father and me, though at different times in our lives. My magic control and potency were learned from her, while your father learned her battle techniques and style. Even though he uses his own technique now, I still see hints of Master's style there."
Riven leaned in, his interest evident. "But why does Princess Azania exhibit traits of Lord Argos? Is it possible she's connected to the Perseverance Soul Dragon in a way we haven't understood?"
Miku sighed, her gaze shifting back to the fierce battle unfolding before them. "I believe it's more than just a connection, Riven. Argos was never reincarnated like the other Soul Dragons. Her essence, her very soul, might have found its way into Azania, making her the reincarnation of Argos herself."
Lysandra's eyes widened in realization. "That explains why Azania's strength grows the longer she fights. It's not just determination; it's the very essence of perseverance that Argos embodied."
Riven nodded, his mind racing with the implications. "This means Princess Azania has the potential to become as powerful as Argos once was. But it also means she might be sought after."
Back in the throne room, Kousaku launched another powerful strike, only to be met with Azania's unwavering defense. She pushed back with a forceful shove of Aegis, sending him stumbling backward. The intensity of their battle reached its peak as they clashed once more, the air crackling with energy.
Azania's voice rang out with newfound confidence. "Father, I understand now. It's not just about strength or determination. It's about perseverance, about enduring and overcoming. I am ready to forge my own path, not because I want to abandon my duty, but because I want to fulfill it in my own way."
Kousaku paused, his breath heavy, as he looked into his daughter's eyes. He saw not just his child, but the spirit of his master Argos, the Perseverance Soul Dragon, shining through her. With a deep breath, he lowered his blade, a proud smile spreading across his face.
"You've proven yourself, Azania," he said, his voice filled with pride. "I trust you to make the right decisions for yourself."
Azania lowered Aegis, her transformation fading as she stepped forward, meeting her father's gaze with respect and love. "Thank you, Father," she replied, her voice filled with relief and emotion.
As the adrenaline of the battle subsided, the toll of the intense fight began to weigh heavily on Azania. Her vision blurred, and her legs gave way beneath her. Before she could hit the ground, Riven darted forward and caught her, his arms steadying her as she collapsed from sheer exhaustion.
"Azania!" Lysandra cried out, rushing to her sister's side. Miku's eyes widened with concern as she moved closer, her heart pounding with fear.
Riven carefully cradled Azania in his arms, his expression calm but focused. "She's just asleep," he assured them, his voice steady and reassuring. "The battle took a lot out of her, but she's going to be fine."
A collective sigh of relief echoed through the throne room. Miku stepped forward, her eyes softening with a mixture of pride and concern. "Thank you, Riven," she said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I'll take her from here."
Riven nodded, carefully transferring Azania into Miku's arms. Miku held her daughter close, her heart swelling with love and pride. With a soft murmur, she invoked a teleportation spell, and in an instant, they were both enveloped in a shimmering light, reappearing in Azania's room.
Miku gently laid Azania on her bed, tucking her in with a tenderness that only a mother could provide. She brushed a strand of hair from Azania's face, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "You did it, my brave girl," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "You proved your point to your father, and to all of us. I'm so proud of you."
She leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Azania's forehead before stepping back, allowing her daughter to rest. The room was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, casting a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Back in the throne room, Kousaku, Lysandra, and Riven stood in contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts about the battle and its implications. Kousaku's heart swelled with pride for his daughter.
Lysandra glanced at her father, a determined expression on her face. "We need to make sure Azania gets the support she needs," she said firmly. "She's proven herself today, but she still has a lot to learn."
Kousaku nodded in agreement. "You're right, Lys. We'll do everything we can to support her and help her grow into the leader she's meant to be."
Riven stepped forward, his eyes reflecting his unwavering dedication. "I will continue to serve and protect her with everything I have," he vowed. "Princess Azania's journey is just beginning, and I will be there every step of the way."
Kousaku watched Lysandra, a new realization dawning on him. He had been so focused on Azania's potential that he had overlooked Lysandra's readiness. Lysandra was already planning for the future, demonstrating the foresight and responsibility needed to lead. "Lysandra," he said, his voice softening, "I see now that Azania made the right choice. You have a clear vision for the future and the strength to support your sister. You are ready for the throne."
Lysandra's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself, nodding with determination. "Thank you, Father. I promise to lead with wisdom and compassion, and to always support Azania."
At that moment, a soft shimmer of light filled the room as Miku teleported back, her expression a mixture of pride and relief. "Azania is resting peacefully," she announced, her gaze sweeping over the others. "She will need time to recover, but she has proven herself beyond any doubt."
Kousaku turned to Miku, his eyes reflecting his newfound understanding. "Miku, you were right. Azania's choice was the best for our family and our empire. Lysandra is ready to take on the mantle of leadership, and we will all support her."
Miku smiled warmly, her eyes shining with tears of pride. "We are stronger together," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "Our daughters have shown us that, and now it's our turn to guide them and stand by their side."
With a sense of unity and purpose, the family and their loyal retainer stood together, ready to face the future. They knew there would be challenges ahead, but with their combined strength and determination, they were prepared to overcome anything.
Suddenly, the grand doors of the throne room burst open, and a fearful attendant stumbled in, bowing deeply in apology. "F-Forgive the intrusion, Your Imperial Majesties," he stammered, his voice trembling with fear.
Kousaku frowned, his authoritative presence causing the attendant to cower even more. "What is it?" he demanded, his voice stern.
The attendant swallowed hard, his eyes darting nervously between the members of the imperial family. "An embassy from Napaj has arrived, seeking political talks," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.
Miku's expression shifted to one of intrigue, while Lysandra's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Napaj, you say?" Miku asked, her tone measured. "Very well. Prepare the council chamber and inform them we will meet in three days' time."
The attendant bowed deeply once more, nearly shaking with relief. "Y-Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," he replied before scurrying out of the throne room.
As the doors closed behind him, Kousaku turned to his family, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It seems our next challenge awaits," he remarked. "Let us see what the embassy from Napaj has to discuss."