The aftermath of the Behemoth's battle left the port city in ruins. Streets lay cracked and waterlogged, buildings reduced to rubble, and the air carried a bitter mix of smoke and salt. Yet amidst the devastation, hope lingered. Rodensky's victory and his taming of the mighty Behemoth were more than a triumph—they became a symbol of resilience.
Colossus, as Rodensky named the Behemoth, towered in the waters near the city. Its black-scaled body shimmered like polished obsidian in the sunlight, casting an imposing shadow. As it submerged and resurfaced, citizens paused their work to marvel at the majestic beast. Once a terror, Colossus was now their protector, an awe-inspiring reminder of their strength in the face of chaos.
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A New Ally
Rodensky spent hours studying his new companion. The system revealed Colossus's vast potential: it could traverse great depths, retrieve rare resources, and unleash devastating attacks. Even in its injured state, Colossus had an undeniable aura of power.
Its abilities soon proved invaluable. Colossus began hauling treasures from the ocean floor—rare minerals, shimmering coral, and ancient relics buried beneath the waves. These resources fueled the city's reconstruction. Under Lira's efficient leadership, the city came alive with activity, as survivors used the newfound wealth to rebuild what was lost.
"This is just the beginning," Rodensky said as he stood atop Colossus's head, gazing at the bustling port.
Colossus rumbled softly, a sound that Rodensky had come to interpret as agreement.
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Growth Among Companions
The battle had been taxing on Rodensky's beasts, but the rewards were immense. With Colossus retrieving resources from the ocean's depths, the growth of his companions skyrocketed.
Rokura, the lion-like beast, devoured rare seafood, its fur taking on an otherworldly shimmer. Its wind manipulation abilities grew more potent, allowing it to summon stronger gusts and sustain flight for longer durations. Within days, Rokura had reached Adulthood Peak Order, its regal presence undeniable.
Hikaru, the crane-like bird, consumed radiant stones brought by Colossus. Its feathers transformed into flames, glowing with fiery brilliance. Now capable of unleashing devastating firestorms, Hikaru's wingspan seemed larger than ever, marking its ascension to Adulthood Peak Order.
The Fanglord, ever ferocious, grew stronger by gnawing on ancient bones infused with strange energies. Its primal instincts and strength surged, pushing it to Adulthood Peak Order.
Arcturus, the youngest and smallest of the group, trained tirelessly to keep pace with the others. Though still in its Juvenile stage, it reached Peak Order, its eyes gleaming with determination.
Rodensky took pride in their progress but knew their journey was far from over. The leap to Transcendent First Order would require not only resources but battles that tested their limits.
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Emmanuel's Struggles
While Rodensky celebrated his companions' growth, Emmanuel sat quietly, watching. Pride for his friend mingled with a sense of inadequacy. He'd always dreamed of taming dragons, yet his path seemed filled with setbacks.
One evening, as the two sat by a campfire, Emmanuel voiced his thoughts. "You're lucky, you know," he said, his tone steady but laced with emotion.
Rodensky glanced up. "What do you mean?"
"All these beasts," Emmanuel said, gesturing to the powerful creatures resting nearby. "It's incredible what you've accomplished. But dragons… they're rare. It's been months, and I haven't come close to hatching the egg or finding another."
Rodensky set his sword aside and faced him. "You'll find one, Emmanuel. I know it."
Emmanuel gave a weak smile. "Thanks. It's just… sometimes I feel like I'm falling behind."
Rodensky's voice turned firm. "You're not falling behind. You've got Abaddon, and your bond with that dragon is something I can't match. When the time comes, I'll help you find your dragon. That's a promise."
The words seemed to lighten Emmanuel's burden, and as the fire crackled between them, his determination reignited.
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Rebuilding the City
Over the next week, the port city transformed. With the wealth Colossus provided and the leadership of Lira's guild, the streets were cleared, homes rebuilt, and the air filled with hope instead of despair.
Lira worked tirelessly alongside the citizens, organizing efforts and inspiring others. Samira, once envious of Lira's bond with Rodensky, began to respect her. Though her fiery personality remained, she directed her energy toward helping the city thrive.
One afternoon, Rodensky stood on Colossus's head as the beast hauled another load of shimmering coral to shore. "You're amazing, Colossus," he said, patting its scaled hide.
The Behemoth rumbled in response, a sound Rodensky had come to cherish.
Later, Lira approached him. "Have you given it a name yet?" she asked, nodding toward the massive beast.
Rodensky grinned. "Colossus. It fits, don't you think?"
Lira laughed. "It does. A name worthy of a legend."
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A Looming Threat
Despite the city's recovery, a sense of unease lingered. The letter from Izabella about the Black Snake Guild's leader and his evolution into a Transcendent Flood Dragon haunted Rodensky. This victory, though significant, was only the beginning of a larger conflict.
One evening, as the city celebrated its progress, Rodensky stood at the water's edge, watching the stars reflect on the calm surface. Emmanuel joined him, their camaraderie strengthened by shared battles.
"What's on your mind?" Emmanuel asked, breaking the silence.
"The Flood Dragon," Rodensky admitted. "And the guilds. It feels like we're caught in something much bigger than ourselves."
Emmanuel placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll face it together. Whatever comes, we'll figure it out."
Rodensky nodded, his resolve hardening. With Colossus by his side, his companions growing stronger, and Emmanuel's unwavering support, he felt ready to confront whatever lay ahead.
For now, he allowed himself a moment of peace, the gentle sound of the waves reminding him of how far they had come.