The voice reverberated like a death knell, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present.
"You mortals dare defy your superiors. Therefore, you shall be given a cold death."
It wasn't just a threat; it was a decree. The guards struggled to arm their rifles, their fingers trembling as fear took root in their very souls. The few who managed to aim their weapons found their stances faltering as terror clouded their resolve.
From the glowing magic circle on the arena floor, an enormous figure began to materialize. At first, it was a shimmering silhouette, but as the light dimmed, its full form was revealed—a towering white beast, its height reaching the arena's vaulted ceiling.
The creature's presence exuded an aura of pure dominance. Every scale on its body shimmered like frost under sunlight, while icy mist wafted from its massive maw. Its piercing sapphire eyes swept across the field, leaving no doubt about its superiority.
With an earth-shaking roar, the beast—Vaelistra—announced her arrival, the sound echoing beyond the arena and catching the attention of nearby spectators.
"What the hell? Who summoned such a beast?"
"Is that even allowed here?"
"It's enormous! Could it be a graded beast?"
A chorus of murmurs and exclamations erupted among the onlookers outside the arena. Inside, however, the guards were frozen in place, staring up at the creature that seemed moments away from ending their lives.
"You all deserve death," Vaelistra growled, baring her razor-sharp fangs.
The guards, reduced to trembling wrecks, looked as though they might collapse from sheer fright.
But then, a voice broke through the chaos—a calm, steady voice with an edge as cold as the air around the beast.
"Vaelistra."
The dragon winced at the sound, her towering form shrinking slightly as she turned her attention to her master. Darian stood there, his posture casual but his gaze commanding.
"You will not kill anyone," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The beast's ferocious demeanor softened instantly. Lowering her massive head, Vaelistra spoke in a subdued tone, her words laced with genuine regret. "I apologize, Master."
The arena fell into stunned silence.
"Did that boy just command the dragon?"
"Forget that—how did he even summon such a beast?"
The spectators whispered in disbelief, their voices barely audible over the tension that filled the air.
Vera, one of the arena's attendants, had dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by the sheer presence of the creature. Her trembling voice broke through the murmurs. "W-Who... who are you?"
Darian turned his piercing gaze toward her, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Like I said, I'm just a guy who wants to register his beast."
Minutes later, the chaos began to subside. The guards slowly returned to their posts, though their hands still shook. The other Tamers hesitantly resumed their training, but the fear of being in the same space as such a monstrous beast lingered in their eyes.
Vaelistra, now calm, lay curled behind her master. Her tail wrapped around the platform as she let out a low, contented growl. Darian ran his hand over her scales, marveling at the smooth, icy texture.
"Um... excuse me," a hesitant voice called out.
Darian looked up to see Vera approaching, though her steps were unsteady, and her face was pale. Her fear was palpable, and she stumbled more than once as she made her way closer.
"So, can I now get a King-grade sorcerer?" Darian asked, his smirk returning.
Vera managed a faint chuckle, though her nervousness was evident. "Do you mind if I ask you a few questions first?" she said, maintaining a safe distance.
Vaelistra growled protectively, her icy blue eyes narrowing at the woman.
"Relax," Darian said with a chuckle, patting the dragon's snout. "She's just doing her job."
Vera cleared her throat, regaining some composure. "You said you wanted to register her," she began. "I assume you have a Blood Contract prepared?"
"Of course," Darian replied confidently.
Vera began typing on a transparent, floating tablet. "All right, let's start with the basics. What type and species is she?"
"Ice Drake," Darian answered.
"And her rank?"
"A-rank."
Vera raised an eyebrow but continued without comment. "Is she graded?"
"Yes, she's King-tier."
The attendant froze, her fingers hovering above the tablet. "K-King-tier?" she stammered, her disbelief evident.
"Yeah," Darian replied, his tone neutral, though a flicker of irritation crossed his face.
Vera frowned. "Mister Darian, we need valid and accurate information for registration," she said firmly.
Darian sighed, his annoyance growing. "I am being honest. She's a King-tier beast."
Vera hesitated but decided to proceed. "Fine. Does she have a name?"
"Vaelistra Drakemore," Darian said.
Vera wrinkled her nose. "A bit ominous, don't you think?"
Darian said nothing, his patience wearing thin.
"Very well," Vera said, closing the tab. "Please wait here while I fetch a sorcerer for the ritual."
As Vera hurried away, Darian leaned back against Vaelistra's massive side. He glanced up at her, and their eyes met. The bond between them was growing stronger with every passing moment.
After some time, Vera returned with a middle-aged man clad in a black robe adorned with unfamiliar symbols. His presence exuded authority, and his sharp eyes gleamed with curiosity as they settled on Vaelistra.
"Magnificent," he murmured, circling the dragon and studying her with intense focus.
Vaelistra growled low, her unease clear.
The man chuckled softly. "Quite the protective one, isn't she?"
Darian stepped forward, his voice firm. "Let's get this over with."
The sorcerer nodded, kneeling to draw an intricate rune on the platform. The symbols glowed faintly as he worked, their lines intertwining in a complex pattern.
When the preparation was complete, the sorcerer produced a small dagger. With a quick motion, he pricked Darian's finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto the rune.
Vaelistra snarled, but Darian raised a hand to calm her. "It's fine," he said before making a small cut on her claw.
The sorcerer began chanting in an ancient tongue, the rune beneath them glowing brighter with each word. Suddenly, Darian felt an otherworldly sensation—a pull that connected him to Vaelistra on a deeper level.
Their minds intertwined, and for the first time, Darian could feel her emotions as if they were his own. Beneath her fearsome exterior lay loyalty, curiosity, and an almost childlike affection for him.
The rune's light intensified, filling the arena with a golden glow. Gasps echoed around them as the onlookers watched in awe.
When the ritual ended, the connection between Darian and Vaelistra was unbreakable. They were not just master and beast—they were partners, their fates forever intertwined.
As the light faded, Darian placed a hand on Vaelistra's snout, a small smile playing on his lips. "Looks like we're officially a team now."
The dragon let out a soft purr, her icy eyes filled with trust.
The onlookers stared in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed. Darian, however, simply smirked. He had taken the first step in proving that he was no ordinary Tamer.
No, he was far more greater than that.