Once Alonso was certain Cheng and Abigail had departed, he turned to Astra, his expression calm but his eyes gleaming with quiet determination. "We must not delay any further," he said in a measured tone. "Time is a luxury we do not possess, and every moment counts."
With a thought, Alonso and Astra teleported into his laboratory. The cool, sterile environment greeted them, filled with the familiar hum of sophisticated machinery.
"First, we prepare for the dragon's rebirth," Alonso said, his tone shifting to one of focused excitement. He retrieved the Dragon Heart from his space ring, a shimmering gem pulsing with ethereal energy. Its soft, bluish glow reflected off the metallic surfaces of the lab, casting shadows that danced eerily across the walls.
Astra stepped closer, eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Master, I suggest we modify the hippocampus of this dragon. We need its loyalty to be absolute upon awakening. If it retains even fragments of its original memories, it may turn against us."
Alonso nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the glowing heart. "Indeed. The clone must inherit the full power of the original while its memories are controlled, limited only to instincts that serve our purpose. This represents a monumental leap in our mission."
Alonso moved to the terminal, fingers flying across the keyboard, executing commands with precise focus. The Dragon Heart, now liquefied using Vardosian alchemy, flowed through a series of tubes, heading toward the cryogenic chamber where the dragon's dormant body awaited.
As the liquid heart entered the chamber, the once lifeless body of the dragon lay motionless, submerged in a pool of liquified mana. The atmosphere crackled with energy as the heart began to fuse with the dragon's DNA, its dormant cells slowly awakening.
"Inject the stem cells, Astra," Alonso ordered calmly, though tension flickered in his voice. Astra complied swiftly, activating the robotic arms that injected the enhanced stem cells directly into the dragon's core.
The dragon's body quivered slightly, but its lifeless form remained still. The room filled with an ominous hum as power surged through the equipment. Alarms began to blare, warning of dangerously high energy levels.
"Alonso!" Astra called out, her voice tense. "The energy levels are off the charts! We need to stabilize the power flow before the system overloads!"
Alonso quickly assessed the readings, his mind racing. "We must transfer it to the artificial womb. If we don't, the heart's energy will destabilize and cause catastrophic failure." His voice was sharp with urgency, though his calm demeanor never wavered.
As Astra recalibrated the energy flow, the tension in the room thickened. Glass containers rattled violently, threatening to shatter under the strain of the immense power surging through the chamber. Alonso's gaze remained locked on the dragon's lifeless form. He knew that the next few moments were critical. The artificial womb was designed to nurture the dragon through the final stages of its development, ensuring its safe incubation.
"Begin the incubation process," Alonso ordered, his voice cutting through the chaos. The cryogenic chamber began to glow, the heat rising as the dragon's body was enveloped in a red aura. The primal energy from the heart fused with the dragon's cells, and though its body remained still, the power was undeniable.
For now, the dragon remained dormant, but Alonso knew that the stem cells would soon awaken the ancient power locked within. The cloning process was delicate, requiring precise timing to avoid fatal errors. As the energy stabilized, Alonso's sharp eyes caught a flicker of movement. The dragon's scales, once dull, began to gleam ever so slightly, signaling the beginning of its rebirth.
With the dragon in the incubator, it wouldn't awaken its true self until its body fully materialized and life coursed through its veins. The stem cells gradually rejuvenated the ancient creature, revitalizing its dormant form and igniting the primal energy that had long been sealed within. Each second was critical as the dragon's essence coalesced, preparing for the moment of rebirth.
Slowly but surely, the dragon's lifeless scales, once dull and cold, began to shimmer with a subtle luminescence. The heart embedded in its chest pulsed rhythmically, its radiant glow intensifying with every beat. It was more than a mere signal—it was the first sign of a power ancient and terrifying reawakening. The air grew thick with raw mana, buzzing with anticipation.
"This is the most crucial moment," Alonso declared, his voice steady despite the mounting tension. "The dragon could awaken at any second. Keep your focus sharp, Astra."
The lab fell silent as they both watched the incubator, their gazes locked on the stirring form within. Suddenly, the ground trembled violently, a deep, foreboding rumble that seemed to come from the very earth itself. The incubator shook furiously, machinery vibrating under the pressure as the dragon began to stir. Cracks spidered across the glass, and with a sharp snap, several tubes feeding nutrients into the dragon ruptured, spraying fluorescent liquid across the floor.
Without warning, the dragon's eyes snapped open, glowing with an intense, feral light. Its mouth parted, and a deafening roar burst forth—an earth-shattering bellow that reverberated through the walls like rolling thunder. The incubator exploded, shards of glass and metal flying in all directions as an immense surge of mana erupted from the dragon's form, flooding the laboratory in a blinding, ethereal light.
Alonso and Astra were forced to stagger back, shielding their eyes from the fierce glow. The sheer power radiating from the dragon washed over them, filling the space with an overwhelming, almost suffocating presence. It was as if the air itself had turned to fire, crackling with primal energy. Tendrils of light and mana coiled through the room, spiraling in chaotic patterns before finally converging around the dragon's towering figure.
As the blinding light dimmed, the aftermath of the dragon's awakening was revealed. The creature stood tall amidst the wreckage of the lab, its colossal body exuding raw power and dominance. Its scales, now fully rejuvenated, glimmered with an otherworldly sheen, casting flickers of light as they shifted under the glow of the lab's emergency lighting. The dragon's aura was suffused with untamed energy, an unstoppable force barely contained within its monstrous form.
Alonso, unfazed by the chaos, stood resolute, his sharp gaze locked on the dragon. The system's messages flooded his mind, alerting him of the successful cloning and rewards, but he barely acknowledged them, his focus riveted on the awe-inspiring beast before him.
Ping!
Mission Successful.
Rewards: 2000 souls
Feather of Nymira ×1
Ultimate Technology System has now fully integrated with your laboratory. All features unlocked.
Scientific Management System unlocked.
Main Mission: The Revival of Vardosia.
Set up Vardosia as a new city-state and let the world know of your greatness.
Reward: 100,000 souls, Feather of Nymira ×10
Recruit Companions 2/10
Find the ruins of Vardosia and raid the dungeon.
Evolve to a mythical being.
Rewards: 5,000 souls, 10 million gold, Mysterious Map ×1
As the notifications continued, Alonso remained fixated on the dragon, marveling at the sheer presence it now commanded. The colossal beast began to move, its movements slow but purposeful, each step causing the ground beneath to tremble slightly. Then, with an eerie fluidity, the dragon began to shift. Its massive wings folded inward, and its immense frame condensed, shrinking in size.
In a seamless transformation, the once-massive creature assumed a humanoid form, standing tall at six foot four. Long, flowing white hair cascaded down its back, the stark contrast against rich, dark brown skin giving it an ethereal, otherworldly appearance. Its deep, brown eyes—wise and calculating—bore into Alonso's own, now filled with unbreakable loyalty. The dragon's muscled form was covered in shimmering white scales that caught the light like polished armor, and two gleaming horns crowned its regal head, adding to its imposing and majestic presence.
The dragon stood before Alonso, its transformation complete, a being of immense power now under his command. Its gaze never wavered, as if silently acknowledging the bond between them—master and creature, united in purpose.
The dragon approached Alonso, a humble yet confident smile softened its formidable presence. With deliberate reverence, the dragon knelt before Alonso, lowering its head. Its deep, resonant voice filled the space like thunder.
"Thank you for awakening me. This guardian stands ready at your command."
Alonso, wise and confident, regarded the magnificent creature thoughtfully. "Hmm, so you can transform into a human like form, I see," he mused, intrigued by the dragon's capabilities.
The dragon's expression shifted, a knowing glint in its dark brown eyes, as if it could read Alonso's thoughts. "Yes, Master," it replied, its voice smooth and respectful, yet underlined with a tone of pride. "As high-ranking dragons, we possess an innate ability to polymorph. Having a more compact form can certainly prove convenient in certain situations."
It straightened, emphasizing its imposing stature and the confidence that came with it. "However, do not mistake my smaller frame for weakness. I carry the legacy of my kind, and I will not falter in my duty to protect and serve."
Alonso chuckled softly at the dragon's prideful nature . "What shall I call you?"
The dragon hesitated, a flicker of confusion clouding its dark brown eyes. "My memory is hazy," it admitted, its voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "I do not remember much... my past, only fragments of duty and honor. Yet, I am certain of one thing: my purpose is to protect Vardosia and you, Master." A solemn pride resonated in its words, reinforcing its unwavering commitment.
Alonso furrowed his brow, curiosity piqued. "Hmm, not even your name? That's troubling."
The dragon's posture straightened, its voice carrying a deep sense of pride and unwavering loyalty. "I am the sworn protector of Vardosia, and you, my Master, are its destined savior. With your leadership, I shall dedicate my strength, my honor, and my very soul to restoring Vardosia to its rightful glory."
Alonso regarded the dragon with a contemplative gaze, musing to himself, It appears the memory manipulation was effective after all. I had my doubts after all.
The dragon's demeanor shifted, a solemnity enveloping him like a shroud. "I swore an oath to protect Vardosia, yet I faltered in my duty." His voice quivered ever so slightly, the immense weight of his commitment pressing heavily upon his broad shoulders.
Alonso met the dragon's gaze firmly, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "You can't dwell on the past, dragon," he said, his tone steady and resolute. "What matters now is how we move forward. Let's get down to business."
Astra interjected, her voice resonating with authority. "Hold on, Master! It is imperative that we assign him a name first."
Alonso took a moment to reflect on the dragon's importance and the weight of a name. "You make a valid point, Astra. A name carries great significance. How about we call you... Wyrmguard? It embodies your duty and strength."
As soon as the name left Alonso's lips, a surge of mana erupted from the dragon, shooting upward and crashing against the ceiling of the laboratory. The ground trembled beneath their feet, sending equipment rattling and vibrating. Alonso instinctively flinched, raising his hands to shield himself. "Wyrmguard, hold your power in check!" he admonished, his voice steady despite the awe and irritation bubbling within him.
Once the chaotic energy subsided, Alonso turned to Wyrmguard, his curiosity shimmering in his eyes. "I must admit, I'm eager to gauge your true power. How about we engage in a sparring match?"
Wyrmguard, still kneeling, regarded Alonso with a mixture of respect and excitement. "yes as you command
Astra interjected, her voice laced with concern and formality. "Master, you have yet to reach full recuperation, and now you seek to exert yourself further? This course of action could compromise your well-being."
Alonso waved a hand dismissively, his tone relaxed and wise. "Oh, come now, Astra. It's merely a sparring match—hardly a cause for alarm. We're not gearing up for war here, just a little friendly practice."
Astra arched an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "Master, I comprehend your keenness to evaluate Wyrmguard's capabilities, yet have you not already amassed extensive data on his abilities? After all, you successfully integrated the entirety of the Vardosian archives, correct?"
Alonso stroked his chin thoughtfully, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom. "Aye, that's true. Data serves its purpose, but nothing substitutes for the insight gained from practical experience.
With a smile, Alonso turned to Wyrmguard. "But first, we'll need to get you properly outfitted. We can't have our guardian walking around nude."
Alonso shifted his attention to Astra, a playful glint in his eyes despite the seriousness of his tone. "Astra, while Wyrmguard and I engage in some 'friendly' sparring, I need you to focus on something a bit more important. How about you get started on building more companions—your future brothers and sisters? We're going to need all the help we can get... We need to be fully prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Astra inclined her head slightly, her voice resonating with precision. "Affirmative, Master. I shall ensure their fabrication adheres to the highest thresholds of operational optimization and unparalleled proficiency."
With that settled, Alonso shifted his gaze to Wyrmguard, intrigued by the towering figure beside him. "Let's go. I'm eager to see just how formidable you really are."
The pair made their way to the Storage and Entertainment Department, stepping into the vast arena. The air was charged with a palpable sense of anticipation, the space lined with sophisticated training equipment, all designed for high-level combat.
Wyrmguard moved toward the storage area to select his attire. He chose a black tank top, which clung to his sculpted frame, the emblem of a golden dragon etched on the back—an unmistakable symbol of power. Dark blue combat trousers completed the look, secured by three leather straps wrapped around his waist, adding both style and functionality. His white military-style boots, polished to perfection, contrasted sharply with the dark ensemble, giving him a sleek yet intimidating appearance. Every step he took exuded strength, his posture upright and commanding, like a warrior stepping into battle with unshakable confidence.
As he adjusted his attire, Wyrmguard's dark brown eyes met Alonso's, the faintest of smiles playing on his lips. "I'm ready when you are."
Alonso and Wyrmguard stood across from each other in the arena, the air thick with tension. Alonso's eyes narrowed as he assessed his opponent—a towering figure of raw power, his white hair flowing down like a river of moonlight, muscles rippling beneath the simple clothes he'd donned from storage.
"Show me what you can do," Alonso called out, his voice calm but laced with excitement.
Without hesitation, Alonso launched himself forward, his speed impressive, closing the distance in a blur. Using the momentum from his lunge, he spun in mid-air, delivering a precise roundhouse kick aimed at Wyrmguard's head. But the dragon-turned-warrior was faster than anticipated. With a fluid, almost effortless motion, Wyrmguard caught Alonso's leg in mid-kick, his grip like iron.
"Too slow," Wyrmguard rumbled, a grin spreading across his face.
With a flick of his wrist, Wyrmguard hurled Alonso through the air like he weighed nothing. Alonso's body twisted in the air, but his reflexes kicked in. He tucked into a somersault, flipping through the air before landing gracefully on both feet, skidding to a halt. Dust kicked up around him as he steadied himself.
Wyrmguard was on him again in an instant, closing the distance with terrifying speed. The arena echoed with the clash of fists as the two exchanged a flurry of blows. Wyrmguard's sheer power was undeniable, each strike heavy enough to shatter stone, but Alonso's combat prowess was just as impressive—his movements precise, agile, and calculated. He deftly deflected Wyrmguard's attacks, countering with sharp, controlled strikes of his own.
"You're holding back," Alonso noted, his tone even as he dodged another strike, his body moving like water around Wyrmguard's attacks.
Wyrmguard smirked. "So are you."
Then, with a sudden roar, Wyrmguard's eyes blazed with energy. A massive surge of mana exploded from his body, filling the arena with an oppressive force. The ground beneath them cracked and buckled under the immense pressure as lightning crackled around him, illuminating the space in violent flashes. Alonso staggered back, eyes wide as the sheer magnitude of Wyrmguard's power hit him like a tidal wave.
"Law of Lightning!" Wyrmguard bellowed, his voice booming like thunder.
Alonso's gaze sharpened, recognizing the danger. "Law of Lightning?" he murmured to himself, his mind racing.
Before Alonso could react, arcs of lightning shot from Wyrmguard's outstretched hands, crackling toward him with terrifying speed. The raw lighting engery hit Alonso the impact released a blinding light of lighting obscuring the view of the damage done to Alonso but as the light settled, Alonso stood unscathed. Around him, a shimmering, perfect spherical shield flickered—an electromagnetic barrier, one of his magic spells, crackling faintly as it absorbed the impact.
Wyrmguard moved with terrifying speed, his massive frame a blur as he closed the distance between them in an instant. Before Alonso could react, Wyrmguard's hand wrapped around his head like a vice. With effortless strength, he slammed Alonso into the ground with a thunderous crash. The impact was catastrophic—stone shattered beneath Alonso's skull as deep cracks spiderwebbed across the floor, sending dust and debris flying into the air.
Without hesitation, Wyrmguard lifted Alonso by his head as if he weighed nothing more than a feather. Muscles rippling beneath his dragon scales, Wyrmguard hurled Alonso into the air with a single, brutal motion. Alonso spun helplessly like a ragdoll, flung high above the arena. The sheer force of the throw sent him careening upward, his body twisting through the air in a whirlwind of limbs.
Eyes glowing with an electric fury, Wyrmguard raised his right hand toward Alonso, his voice a low growl. "Feel the wrath of nature" A deafening crack of thunder echoed through the arena as a colossal pillar of lightning erupted from his palm, searing through the air with blinding speed. The jagged bolt of energy struck Alonso squarely in the chest, the electricity coursing through his body with a savage, unrelenting force.
Alonso's scream echoed through the arena as the lightning ravaged him, his muscles convulsing uncontrollably. His body glowed with crackling energy, arcs of electricity whipping through the air as he plummeted downward. The sheer power of Wyrmguard's attack sent him crashing into the ground like a meteor, the impact creating a crater where he landed. The ground buckled beneath him, sending a shockwave through the arena as Alonso's body lay momentarily still, smoking from the raw energy coursing through him.
Despite the overwhelming pain, Alonso gritted his teeth, refusing to give in. His body twitched as the last remnants of the lightning crackled through his limbs, but he slowly began to rise, pushing himself up from the ground with sheer force of will. His eyes, though filled with pain, remained sharp.
Wyrmguard stood over him, the air around him still humming with residual electricity. His massive frame loomed like a mountain, his muscles tense, the power radiating from him like the heart of a storm. He folded his arms, looking down at Alonso with a mixture of pride and dominance, a smirk curling at the edges of his lips. "Impressive, Most would've been reduced to ash."
Alonso, though battered, smirked back, his body still tingling with the aftershocks of the lightning. "I've had worse," he muttered, his voice hoarse but defiant. Wyrmguard was formidable, but Alonso wasn't about to back down.
Alonso hovered midair, his coat rippling from the mana surging through his body. With a sharp breath, he raised his right hand, focusing his energy into his fingertips. Flames sputtered to life, rapidly coalescing into a swirling inferno that danced along his palm. The heat radiating from the growing fireball distorted the air around him, warping the space with its intense temperature.
Summoning every his will, Alonso forged the flames into a Grand Fireball, the size of a massive boulder, its fiery core pulsing with volatile energy. The inferno hummed menacingly, ready to unleash devastation.
Across the arena, Wyrmguard stood firm, his eyes gleaming with fierce determination. In one fluid motion, he raised his arm and summoned his own power, the very air crackling with electricity as a Grand Lightning Ball formed in his hand. The sphere of pure energy hissed and sparked, arcs of lightning radiating outward like hungry tendrils, eager to unleash their destructive force.
The two colossal forces of fire and lightning hovered between them, filling the arena with an oppressive, raw power that caused the ground to tremble beneath their might.
Their eyes locked, a silent challenge exchanged between master and guardian. Without hesitation, both spells erupted from their hands, hurtling toward one another with terrifying speed. Fire and lightning collided mid-air, a deafening roar echoing through the chamber as the elements clashed in a brilliant explosion. Flames and electricity twisted violently together, sending out a shockwave that ripped through the arena, scorching the ground and shattering the stone beneath their feet. The walls trembled, dust and debris raining down from the ceiling as the battlefield quaked.
The blinding light faded, leaving a dense cloud of smoke hanging in the air, obscuring both combatants from each other's view.
Alonso smirked, hovering just above the ground. His keen eyes scanned the haze as he whispered to himself, Perfect.
Using the obscuring smoke to his advantage, Alonso vanished from sight, invoking his minor teleportation. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared right in front of Wyrmguard , his hand already crackling with flames. Without hesitation, he thrust his palm forward, launching a point-blank fireball directly at Wyrmguard's chest.
The impact was brutal. Wyrmguard was blasted off his feet, his massive frame crashing backward through the air. He slammed into a nearby wall with a thunderous boom, the stone cracking under the force. Dust and rubble rained down as Wyrmguard disappeared momentarily into the debris, the wall buckling under the sheer power of the blow.
Alonso hovered a few feet off the ground, breathing heavily, but his expression remained calm. "hmmm how was that…" he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
Suddenly, the rubble shifted. Wyrmguard's glowing eyes emerged first, piercing through the dust as his powerful form stood back up with a slow, deliberate motion.
Wyrmguard's body, though scorched from the fireball, seemed barely affected—like a dragon lazily rousing from sleep. A smirk spread across his chiseled features, revealing sharp teeth beneath. "Not bad," he rumbled, the pride in his voice unmistakable. "But now, let me show you what it truly means to be one with the universal law of lightning."
As the words left his mouth, the air around Wyrmguard began to crackle violently. The smell of ozone filled the arena, and bolts of lightning sparked unpredictably around his towering frame. His eyes glowed fiercely, like molten embers beneath a storm cloud. "Watch closely," he warned, his tone a mixture of reverence and power. "This is the strength of Guardian of vardosia."
Suddenly, Wyrmguard threw his head back and unleashed a thunderous roar, shaking the very foundation of the laboratory. In an instant, a colossal pillar of lightning erupted from his body, shooting skyward and tearing through the ceiling like it was made of paper. The pillar didn't stop there—it kept rising, breaking through levels above them, sending shockwaves through the entire facility.
The ground beneath Alonso trembled violently as cracks spread across the floor, and the air was thick with energy. The entire laboratory was shaking as if in the midst of an earthquake. Over in the robotics department, Astra, busy with the construction of new androids, could feel the tremors. Tools clattered to the floor as she steadied herself. The very air seemed to hum with the overwhelming force emanating from Wyrmguard.
Lightning surged everywhere, wild and uncontrollable, bouncing off walls, sparking machinery, and leaving scorch marks in its wake. The entire arena had become a storm of raw energy.
"Stop!" Alonso shouted, his voice sharp with urgency as sweat trickled down his forehead. "You're going to destroy my lab! I've seen enough!" His eyes darted around the shaking room, trying to maintain control over the chaos.
Wyrmguard's laughter echoed through the space like the rumble of distant thunder. His pride was palpable. "Ha! Ha! Ha! As you wish, ." Slowly, with deliberate control, Wyrmguard scaled back his mana, and the lightning that had surged uncontrollably around him began to subside. The storm dissipated, leaving only faint crackles of energy dancing across his skin.
The damage to the lab was evident—scorch marks, shattered stone, and broken equipments littered the arena. But Wyrmguard stood proud, chest heaving slightly as he caught his breath, his power still radiating. "So, what do you think?" he asked with a wide grin, his voice now calm but still carrying the weight of his immense strength.
Alonso took a moment to regain his composure, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You're... incredibly strong," he admitted, his voice tinged with awe. "I barely even scratched you."
Wyrmguard chuckled, crossing his arms over his powerful chest. "Given the difference in our ranks, you've already accomplished what few could even dream of. But if we were equals in power... now that would be a fight worth witnessing." His eyes gleamed with respect and anticipation.
Alonso, still hovering in the air, nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Yeah... I suppose you're right. But I'm glad I have a powerful guardian like you. I can see why you were Vardosia's protector."
Wyrmguard bowed his head slightly, his voice steady and filled with conviction. "Once, I failed my kingdom, but with you, I shall never falter again. Your wisdom will be the light that restores Vardosia to its rightful glory. I pledge my strength, my loyalty, and my very soul to your cause. I will serve you with all that I am, until the end."
The atmosphere calmed, though the weight of Wyrmguard's power still lingered in the air. Despite the destruction, Alonso felt reassured. He had a guardian not just powerful but deeply loyal—a true force to be reckoned with.