Key's narrowed, glowing purple eyes bore into Dheerash with an intensity that made the massive being straighten instinctively. The air between them was thick with tension, and Key's voice cut through it like a blade.
"Three seconds, Dheerash. Three seconds to explain just why the hell you thought it was a good idea to capture them to talk to me." he said coldly, his tone sharp and unyielding.
Beside him, Eunoia stood tense, her gaze flickering nervously between Key and Dheerash. Zyrenna, on the other hand, watched with interest, her expression calm but her eyes alight with curiosity.
Dheerash shifted slightly, his massive scarlet eyes meeting Key's without wavering. The weight of his towering form seemed to shrink slightly as he began speaking, his rumbling voice steady and deliberate. "I needed to talk to you as soon as possible for something extremely important… I want to help in your fight against the Gods."
Key's expression softened just enough to show intrigue as his eyebrow raised. His voice, still icy but now tinged with curiosity, followed. "Why?"
The scarlet glow in Dheerash's eyes intensified as he straightened to his full height, his voice carrying an unusual sincerity. "Because I've seen the truth. The Gods are not the saviors they claim to be. They manipulate, exploit, and destroy anything that doesn't serve their grand designs. The Abyss itself is proof of their arrogance—a place they use for punishment and torture, uncaring of the innocents down here who don't deserve to be here."
Key's gaze stayed fixed on Dheerash, unblinking, allowing him to continue.
"I once served them, Ascended-" Dheerash confessed, the weight of his words reverberating in the stillness. "Long ago, before the Abyss consumed me. I followed their will, believing in their righteousness, until I saw firsthand what they truly are. They see us as pawns, expendable pieces on their cosmic chessboard. The warlords you just defeated—they were blinded by pride, unable to see that our true enemy isn't you. It's them."
Eunoia took a cautious step forward, her voice steady despite the tension in her posture. "Dheerash has been gathering knowledge and strength for centuries, waiting for someone like you. Someone who can challenge the Gods and their tyranny. We needed your attention, but we underestimated your anger."
Key's piercing gaze lingered on Dheerash, the faint glow of his Abysswalker Insight skill flickering in his eyes. He saw the truth in Dheerash's soul, the purity of his intentions. Still, his voice remained cold and razor-sharp.
"And you think helping me will absolve you of your past? Or is this just another scheme to gain power?"
Dheerash's massive head dipped slightly in a rare gesture of humility. "I don't expect forgiveness, nor do I seek redemption. I only seek a chance to end the cycle of suffering they've imposed. I have no illusions of peace for myself, but if I can aid you in dismantling their dominion, I'll consider it a worthy end."
Key studied him, his expression unreadable as silence hung heavy in the air. Finally, he let out a slow breath, his voice calm yet commanding. "Fine. You'll help me. But know this—if you betray me, if this is some elaborate ploy to turn me into another pawn, I will not hesitate to erase you. Understood?"
Dheerash straightened again, his gaze unflinching. "Understood."
The oppressive silence eased slightly as Key's glowing gaze swept over Dheerash and Eunoia. Zyrenna tilted her head, watching intently. Eunoia took a step closer, her voice softer but still resolute. "Ascen—"
"Call me Key." he interrupted, his tone softer but still firm.
Eunoia nodded, determination flickering in her golden eyes. "Key… there's something more—something we must do. Dheerash and I are not just here to help you fight. We've realized that our power—our essence—can only truly serve your purpose if we become one with you."
Key's eyes narrowed, and the Void around him rippled in reaction. His voice was skeptical, but there was an edge of curiosity beneath it. "Merge with me? What are you talking about?"
Dheerash's voice rumbled like thunder. "This form you see, this power I wield—it's a fragment of what I once was. The Gods broke me, shattered me into this half-existence. But if we combine our strength with yours, you will ascend beyond what you are now. You will become something they can't anticipate—an Ascended Dragon God, wielding not just the Void, but the primal power of the Abyss and the raw might of draconic fury."
Key tilted his head slightly, his glowing eyes scrutinizing both of them. "And what happens to you? To your individuality?"
Eunoia stepped closer, her voice steady but tinged with somber resolve. "We will still exist—within you. Our thoughts, our will, and our power will merge into yours. It is a sacrifice we're willing to make because you are the only one who can challenge the Gods and free this existence from their tyranny."
The Void crackled with restrained energy, mirroring the storm brewing in Key's mind. He stepped forward, his towering presence almost overwhelming. "You understand what you're asking? If you merge with me, there's no going back. No undoing this. Are you sure?"
Dheerash's scarlet gaze locked onto Key's. "I have lived long enough in shame and regret. If my essence can bring the Gods to their knees, it is a price I will gladly pay."
Eunoia nodded, her voice unwavering. "I trust you, Key. You've already proven that you have the strength and resolve to fight for more than just yourself. Take our power and show the Gods what it means to defy them."
Key's eyes closed for a brief moment, the Void swirling violently around him. When he opened them again, his gaze burned with determination. "Very well. Let's do this."
As they stepped closer, the air became electric with energy. Eunoia's form dissolved into radiant light, while Dheerash's massive body fragmented into shards of crimson energy. Both converged into Key, the Void roaring as it consumed and reshaped the power of the Abyss and draconic might.
Key's form began to shift, his body growing larger and more imposing. Scales of deep obsidian black and glowing violet covered his form. Massive wings, edged with crackling Void energy, sprouted from his back. His hands morphed into clawed talons, and his eyes burned with an unholy fusion of purple and scarlet.
When the transformation was complete, Key stood taller than ever, exuding primal and divine authority. His voice, now a deep, resonant blend of his own, Dheerash's, and Eunoia's, echoed through the Abyss.
"Yeeah… this isn't going to work."
Zyrenna blinked, her calm demeanor shattered. "What do you mean, Mas—"
-SNAP-
A brilliant white light engulfed the room. When it cleared, two figures stood before Key.
The first was Dheerash, now a towering 7'0 male radiating strength and regality. His piercing scarlet eyes glowed with draconic wisdom, his skin faintly marked with shimmering scale-like patterns. His flowing silver hair gleamed like iridescent light, and his dark, ornate armor exuded a commanding nobility, adorned with draconic motifs and a crimson cape.
The second was Eunoia, a breathtaking beauty standing at 6'1. Her radiant golden eyes captivated with their luminescent glow, and shimmering scale patterns adorned her flawless skin. Her platinum silver hair flowed like liquid light, and her elegant gown bore intricate draconic designs, glowing with ethereal fire.
Key burst into laughter at their stunned expressions as he turned to free the others. "Welcome back, Dheerash and Eunoia."