Mornings, though born with the promise of a new beginning, always bring with them the reminder that every start has its end. However, it is in this constant cycle that we find the true essence of life: it always returns, no matter how many times it has left. And with it, the story continues.
A new day begins for our two strange survivors, and with it, new challenges and goals that they must face arise.
In the Cave
—Hmmm... Are you awake, little one? —asked Cesin, waking up with the first ray of light that entered through the crack in the cave.
—Huaa… (sigh)... Good morning, Cesin —replied the white dragon, stretching as his body still awakened from the fatigue.
—Good morning, Blanco —Cesin responded, smiling softly.
After a few brief exchanges about the weather and other trivial matters, they both decided it was time to go out and hunt something to eat. It had been a long time since they ventured outside the cave.
Outside, in the Forest
—Finally, we're outside... —commented the white dragon, looking at the vast landscape that stretched before them.
—Yes, it's been a while since we ventured through these parts —replied Cesin, scanning their surroundings.
—How does your body feel? —asked the young dragon, concerned.
—Much better, compared to how it was before —Cesin said, smiling as he checked his limbs, feeling his body more agile and light.
—Then, let's go hunt —said the white dragon, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
A light breeze swept through the forest, bringing with it a momentary sense of happiness that filled the air, a breath of calm in an environment of cold shadows.
Meanwhile, in the Laus Desert
In the depths of a barren settlement, preparations for the battle were beginning to take shape. The air was charged with tension as a war approached with firm steps. In such a vulnerable environment, the hope of life seemed so fleeting, so influenced by external forces. Everyone knew that, in the end, death stalks every being, no matter how strong they are. This would be the beginning of the end.
Suna, in the Laus Desert
—How are the battle preparations going? —asked Suna, with a firm gaze, assessing the situation.
—Everything seems to be going well. After our mother's speech, the army's morale has significantly risen, which has increased their efficiency —replied Sanu, with a calm expression.
—It was to be expected from our mother. She always knows how to lift spirits. I pray for our victory and survival —said Suna, with a thoughtful look.
—There's no need. I know we will do well —replied Sanu, confident in her abilities and those of her army.
A strange calmness filled the air, camouflaging the impending events that were about to unfold. Suddenly, an alert cut through the tranquility.
—Enemies detected! They're approaching at high speed! —shouted a fire soldier.
Across the vast desert, hundreds of winged lizards, fury in their eyes, advanced rapidly toward the fire army.
—Damn...! Sanu! I'll take command of the battalion! I'll intercept those bastards, you take care of the rest —ordered Suna, determined, leaping toward the front line.
—As you say —Sanu responded, nodding and beginning to organize reinforcements.
The wind howled fiercely, bringing with it fear and adrenaline. The battle was about to erupt, and the signal to attack soon followed.
—Let's go! Intercept those bastards! —Suna shouted, launching herself with all her power toward the enemy.
The Battlefield
The ground was filled with heartbreaking screams, chaos flooded the desert. Fury and determination mixed with the hope of survival as the two armies faced each other.
The battle began with overwhelming violence. In the distance, the roars of the creatures and the soldiers' screams could be heard, mingling with the sounds of elemental explosions and the forces' charges. Blood stained the desert sand, as corpses and mutilations formed the macabre landscape of war.
Meanwhile, in the Air Clan, in a quiet room, Humte and his son Perci were discussing the nature of life and power.
—You know, Perci? In this cruel world, it is believed that the strongest prevail over the weakest. An archaic and outdated thought —said Humte, with a cold smile—. Since the beginnings of this planet, it has been the intelligent ones who control the threads of the world, manipulating the puppets in the shadows, fulfilling our desires without anyone being able to do anything.
Perci, with a calm gaze, nodded. —I understand.
—Soon, my son, you will have the responsibility to continue this role in the new world I am preparing for you.
—I will, father.
Back at the War
The battle intensified, with Suna cutting her way through the enemy ranks, her unbreakable strength leaving a trail of destruction. Meanwhile, Sanu was at the rear, organizing the defenses and awaiting the arrival of reinforcements.
—General, we can't keep delaying the enemy's advance. There are more of them than we can handle —informed a soldier, his face worried.
—Have you managed to relocate the nearby population to a safe place? —asked Sanu, calmly.
—About 40% —replied the soldier.
Sanu frowned at the small number of troops available. Her face tightened, a mixture of concern and determination in her eyes.
—Only that many...? I don't like this —she said quietly, almost to herself, as she turned to a nearby soldier—. I want you to head to the capital, request reinforcements from the leader as quickly as possible.
The soldier, with a serious face, nodded immediately.
—Yes, general —he replied before turning quickly and heading toward his mission.
With a loud shout, SANU raised her voice, making it resonate throughout the fortress, immediately gaining the attention of her troops.
—Listen to me, everyone! —her voice cut through the air, clear and full of authority—. We will serve as the shield for our brothers who are fighting right now. When I give the signal, everyone must go on the attack until the first battalion is safely inside the fortress.
—Yes!!! —the soldiers responded in unison, their voices filled with fervor and determination.
Meanwhile, at the nearby camp, Suna, her gaze fixed on the horizon, communicated telepathically with her sister, the leader of the troops.
—Everything is ready, you need to retreat right now. We'll cover your back —she said, her internal voice tense but firm.
Sanu, still watching the troops preparing for battle, felt a growing discomfort.
— I think it's already too late — he replied, his tone deep, like an omen.
— Why do you say that?! — Suna's voice responded quickly, as if the concern had reached her instantly.
HIDDEN ZONE OF THE WORLD
The Being, known to many only as a mysterious entity, observed from his own plane. It was not a physical place, but something beyond common perception. From there, he saw everything, even the movements in the mortal world, without being seen.
— Hey, what's up! — he commented, his tone casual and almost joking —. You might be wondering what's going on right now with the balance of this planet. To be honest, in my opinion, it was already doomed. The kid was just the straw that broke the camel's back. Anyway... I guess I'm partly to blame, yeah, I know... — a mocking laugh escaped his lips —. But well, what can you do? I'm still thinking about how to intervene... Should I use Blanco or do it myself?
The Being reclined on some kind of surface that only he could see, in the vast unknown zone he had created.
— Oh, and to answer your question — he continued, playing with the dimension around him —. I'm in a place... how should I put it... out of your reach, or as you'd call it, the "fourth dimension." I can move through a plane where the rules of the three dimensions don't apply. Basically, I disappear from anyone's sight in your world. Pretty handy, right?
The Being reclined, observing the situations unfolding through his omniscient vision. There was something that disturbed him, something he felt he needed to resolve as soon as possible.
WITH CELSÍ AND THE WHITE DRAGON
As chaos unfolded on a grand scale, Cesin and the young white dragon kept their distance, observing the world around them in silence. The air was heavy with tension, but the calm between them was reassuring.
Suddenly, an internal alarm went off in the white dragon's mind, interrupting the peace of the scene.
— What's happening...? — he murmured, processing what he had just heard from the Voice of Wisdom.
[Radiation detected in the south]... — The response was immediate, a cold whisper in his mind —. Tell me what's going on there?
The Voice of Wisdom revealed the cause of the growing threat.
— [A great battle has broken out in the southern zone, and as a result of elemental attacks, a massive amount of radiation has been released, contaminating the affected area. It is advised to stay away. The sponsored individual has not yet developed resistance to radiation].
The white dragon looked at Cesin, worried, but her expression was resolute, even more than ever.
— This is getting more complicated than it needs to be. I need to warn... — his thought was left unfinished as Cesin suddenly grabbed him by the arms, lifting him skillfully and carrying him toward the skies.
— Cesin, are you feeling better? — he asked, looking into her eyes with concern as they flew to a safer place.
Cesin, visibly agitated, didn't hesitate to reply, her tone filled with urgency.
— Don't worry about that, little one. We need to get away from here, it's dangerous.
— Is it because of the battle happening nearby? — his voice trembled with something more than simple curiosity.
Cesin looked at him intently, surprised by his perception.
— That's right — she replied, a flash of amazement crossing her eyes —. I'm surprised you know. It shouldn't be easy to feel that for a kid like you... You keep surprising me more and more.
Cesin and the white dragon soared through the skies, moving away from the threat, but the atmosphere still carried a pressure they couldn't ignore.
Soon after, they landed in a rocky area, far enough to rest.
Cesin let out a painful sigh as her body tensed from the injuries that had not yet fully healed. The white dragon, concerned for her condition, approached her.
— You can't keep going like this, Cesin. You're badly hurt — he said with concern.
Cesin, with effort, smiled weakly.
— Blanco, I've spent little time with you, but I must tell you that your company gives me the strength to keep going...
Her voice was broken, reflecting the pain she felt inside. However, her words were clear and sincere. With difficulty, she got up a little more, and in her gaze, there was fierce determination.
— You need to get stronger, Cesin. You won't survive much longer with your current strength — the white dragon responded, his eyes full of palpable concern.
Cesin looked at him intently, and then, with a deep sigh, her words were soft but full of meaning.
— Little one, don't worry about me... You will lead the future of this planet. That's why I've decided to pass on my combat skills to you.
The white dragon stood in stunned silence, completely speechless by what he had just heard. Without words, he watched as Cesin began to glow, her body illuminated with a warm light that seemed to emanate from her very essence.
— From this moment on... I recognize you as my son and heir — she said, as her forehead touched his, transferring all her power.
The light emanating from Cesin directed itself toward the white dragon, merging with him. His form began to transform, acquiring a more elegant and majestic appearance, with violet lines adorning his body, a symbol of Cesin's heritage.
Blanco observed his new power, feeling the energy flow through his body. He couldn't stop thinking about everything he had learned from Cesin. He decided it was time to train and test himself.
— I'm going to train, Cesin. — Blanco said, looking at the dragoness with determination —. I need to know how far I can go with these abilities.
Cesin, though exhausted, nodded. Her gaze was filled with worry, but also hope.
— Be careful, Blanco. Don't overdo it. This power can be very destructive if you don't know how to control it.
Blanco smiled with confidence, grateful for her words, but with unshakable assurance in his decision.
— I know, but I have to see if I can do it. This is my moment, and I can't fall behind.
With those words, Blanco moved a little further away from the area where they were, heading toward a nearby mountain to test his new abilities. The adrenaline rushed through his body as he thought about the future and all he still had to learn.
He decided to put his new ability to the test and headed toward a nearby mountainous area. The solid rock of the mountains, eroded by the wind and the passage of time, loomed before him, offering the perfect terrain for his demonstration.
With a deep breath, Blanco focused. The energy sphere quickly formed in his mouth, his power accumulating until it reached a terrifying magnitude. A black beam of light, the Ray of the Void, exploded from within him and shot toward the mountain, striking the rock with an explosion so intense that it echoed throughout the region, leaving a colossal hole in the landscape.
— Wow, this is... incredible! — Blanco exclaimed, amazed by the devastation he had caused. He looked at the scene with admiration, his eyes shining with excitement —. If this ability is this powerful, I can't wait to try the others.
At that moment, a mysterious figure appeared behind him, their arrogant tone breaking the stillness of the moment.
— I can't wait either. — The voice resonated with disdain and superiority.
Blanco quickly turned, his muscles tensed by the surprise. His eyes, still filled with distrust, locked on the figure.
— Who are you? — he asked, his voice showing alertness —. What's your goal by coming here?
The mysterious figure, with a contemptuous smile, responded without showing fear.
— Oh, don't be scared, little friend. I'm just passing by — the mysterious figure said with a disdainful smile, watching Blanco with an air of superiority —. I just came to find someone, and it looks like you can help me.
Blanco, still on guard, didn't look away.
— I don't know if I can help you. I'm busy right now, it's better you look for someone else — he said in a cautious voice.
The mysterious figure chuckled mockingly.
— Oh, you don't have to be so defensive, little buddy.
— Little buddy? My name is... — Blanco started, but before he could continue, the Voice of Wisdom interrupted his mind.
— [It is advised to keep the name hidden for now.]
Voice of Wisdom? Blanco thought, still watching the stranger.
— What were you saying? — the mysterious voice repeated in a challenging tone.
That's none of your concern, Blanco thought, temporarily deactivating the communication with the voice. — I'm not available right now, I suggest you ask someone else.
The stranger frowned, but didn't seem upset.
— I understand... I won't bother you anymore. Though I have one last question... Why don't you tell me where Cesin is?
Alarms went off inside Blanco at the mention of his companion's name.
— Who are you and how do you know about her? — he asked, his voice now much more cautious, almost hostile.
The mysterious figure smiled with a malevolent expression.
— An old acquaintance of hers.
Voice of Wisdom? This seems like a moment when I need your help, Blanco thought, his mind struggling to decide whether he should trust this individual.
The Voice of Wisdom quickly responded in his mind.
— [Analyzing intentions of the suspicious subject.]
[Analysis complete.]
[It is advised to prolong the conversation a little longer.]
[It is deduced that the subject may be dangerous, it is advised to keep all information about the sponsored individual private until the true intentions of the subject are known.]
Understood... Blanco thought, trying to evaluate whether he could handle the situation or if he should withdraw.
— Maybe I know where she is, but it's unlikely she'll stay there. — he replied, maintaining his firm stance.
— That would be very helpful... To be honest, you seem interesting too — said the stranger, with a strange gleam in his eyes —. You know, I've never met someone with your characteristics, in fact, it's the first time I've seen a dragon as peculiar as you. Tell me, what species do you belong to?
Blanco thought about the most appropriate response for the situation.
— I remember Voice of Wisdom told me to keep my existence a secret, so I guess I'll lie.
— Actually... my species comes from the east, very far from here. In fact, I'm here because I got lost when I came with some of mine to look for food in the local clans.
The stranger looked at him with a slight tilt of his head, evaluating his words.
— I see... It's interesting that such a species exists in the east... even more so one that I don't know, but above all, that there's a small clan that doesn't actually exist. I wouldn't expect you to try to deceive me like that, little one. Trying to deceive a swindler is impossible. In that area, there's nothing but fire beasts, irrational and violent beings... Let me guess... A never-before-seen species, with strange characteristics, but most of all, a peculiar color... Could you be...?
Before he could finish, the air around them began to vibrate unsettlingly.
Blanco felt an immediate pressure in the air. The figure had started to make a move.
—Not bad, I knew you were close —he said with a twisted smile.
It can't be... Cesin, why are you here!
The suspicious dragon, without warning, was preparing to charge at Cesin from the ground. But at the last moment, a fierce burst of elemental energy came from its back, stopping it.
Ugh! —the mysterious dragon growled, surprised by the sudden interruption—. This attack? So, you're a Void Dragon?
You should know that if you attack someone I care about, you'll pay dearly! —Blanco exclaimed, his voice filled with fury.
Before the suspicious dragon could respond, it launched a brutal attack at Blanco, a torrent of energy meant to disintegrate him.
—Take this... Cut Gust! —
The power of the elemental attack was so enormous that Blanco's abilities were momentarily blocked, leaving him immobilized.
Damn it... If I'm going to die, at least I'll die fighting! —he thought, as the attack approached at high speed.
But in the most crucial instant, a flash of light surrounded him.
—You don't have to die, little one! I'll be with you to protect you.
Cesin's calm voice soothed him as she landed behind Blanco.
—Thank you, Cesin... —Blanco murmured, relieved to have her by his side.
The being: Hello, perhaps you're wondering why I appear less frequently than before. Well... the answer is simple. Right now, I want Blanco to develop. Fortunately, he doesn't rely on me as much, but he's still young. There's a huge disparity between the size of the adults and him, and consequently, in strength. I suppose I'll take care of it later... It would be inconsiderate of me to leave him at such a disadvantage... I'll come up with a believable excuse later... But well, let's continue with the story.
—You were very arrogant thinking you could come and hunt me down, Almart —Cesin responded, her deep voice full of fury, her eyes flashing with contained anger.
—You don't need to stress, Cesin —replied Ernes, with a mocking smile on his face, elevating his body to the third stage—. After all, I promised I'd annihilate you. In addition to that, I plan to make good use of your power. I'll keep it as payment for destroying Ernes's.
Ernes prepared to launch his next attack with total determination.
—Endure it! Real Nightmares! —he shouted, as a thick mist began to emanate from his body, covering everything and making vision difficult. However, the mist was not the main attack. The real power lay in Almart's ability to create hallucinatory effects, trapping those who fell under his influence in a deep hypnotic state, forcing them to experience dreams and nightmares that destroyed their will.
CESIN'S DREAM:
—What...? Where...? I was... —the voice of a girl echoed in Cesin's mind, sweet and warm, but at the same time unreal.
—Mom! —the little one approached her, her image blurry, hugging Cesin.
Cesin watched, stunned, as reality warped before her eyes, as if everything were crumbling around her.
—I can give you the happiness you desire —said a soft voice, full of promises—. All your dreams will come true as long as you stay here. I capture dreams and cage pain so that you can be happy. Just let go and don't fight.
The voice continued, like a constant whisper, repeating its message over and over.
—And one day it will come true, all your dreams will come true.—
The dream grew darker, and Cesin's mind began to cloud. A glimpse of consciousness fought to break through the mental fog.
—I... I want to be with my daughter... —she thought, wishing everything were real, wishing she could have back what she wanted most.—
Later, Cesin, now in a different plane of consciousness, heard a voice before her.
—You, too... are here... —the words of the voice, sweet and tempting, were like a soft melody, but at the same time dangerous. —I don't want to leave... I want to stay with you and my daughter... I want to have a family again, to be happy again. —
Just before she gave in to the falseness of her desire, a doubt crossed her mind. —This is fantastic… we just need to go with Gradad and tell him my family is back... and Blanco...—
An unease filled Cesin's mind, as a dark question settled in her thoughts.
—Blanco?... Where is he?... He was with me when... I... what was I doing?... Ugh, ahhh... my head hurts... — A sharp pain began to take over her as the shadows of confusion swirled in her mind.
She opened her eyes in desperation, but around her, there was no one.
—You were never... with me? —she whispered, sadness overtaking her.
—You don't need to be with them —the voice continued, cold and distant—. In this place, you can have many of your daughters. Nothing is impossible. Remember the happiness they gave you in life. Remember that you can be with them again. Just let go.
Those words, though sweet, felt like poison, coursing through her mind, trying to subdue her. Cesin resisted with all her being, her will as strong as the fire burning within her.
—I... I... NO! —she shouted, determined. —I don't want this lie. —
—Remember how happy you were, —the voice insisted, but Cesin's determination grew stronger with each word. —Think of it again, you can have the happiness of reality in the falseness. —
The voice continued, like a distant echo, trying to break her will. —Surrender to the embrace of false happiness... —
—Happiness is not about having everything, but knowing how to take the good from what is given to you. And I am happy in reality. — she said determinedly.
With a deep sigh, Cesin felt everything around her disappear. The fictitious world began to fade, and with it, the lie that had enveloped her. —I choose the truth. —
Immediately, her eyes opened wide, and the pain began to fade, leaving behind the emptiness and the false illusion.
—Blanco! — Cesin's shout resonated loud and clear. —You've been fighting all this time! Let me help you. —
Being: I know there are more questions than answers, but let's take it step by step. Once Cesin was plunged into hypnosis, Blanco was about to follow the same fate. However, I prevented that from happening. I temporarily took control of his body and made it mine. Don't worry if you feel Blanco isn't developing as he should due to my actions. For him, it will be as though his subconscious is helping him fight, or as if his body is acting automatically. But he will believe he's doing it on his own. Let's say I'm developing his psychological side. You know the saying: to be someone important, you have to believe you're someone important… Enough delay, let's continue.
—Now that I have Cesin and the other peculiar one under my control, I can afford to steal their power. First, of course, I'll have to kill them... —
He approached the two with slow but confident steps, observing Blanco more closely.
—Hmm, you still intrigue me a lot —he commented, with a slight mocking tone—. You seem to be from the Void Clan, but your features aren't. A white dragon with purple lines. If my suspicions are correct, you should be that person from the Night of Light event... However, I can't sense another elemental source apart from the Void... But I won't stay with the doubt. By absorbing you, I'll know exactly what you are and what you can achieve.
Determined, Almart lifted his wings, preparing to attack. The darkness of the battle intensified. Meanwhile, the BEING, observing the scene, couldn't help but smile arrogantly. Almart, confident, quickly approached Blanco, about to execute his attack. But something changed.
—What...? How...? Where are you?! —Almart shouted furiously, his eyes wide in shock as he noticed the white dragon had vanished from his sight. —Damn, weren't you hypnotized? Tell me where you are!
Blanco, completely controlled by the BEING, responded calmly but with palpable irony.
—Do you think I'm stupid enough to tell you where I am? —the BEING's voice, through Blanco, echoed coldly—. Not like you, to let me be idiotized by a little dragon.
Almart, still confused, immediately launched an elemental attack, searching for the origin of the voice.
—Try again, maybe you'll have better luck this time —the ENTITY responded arrogantly, while manipulating Blanco to launch a counterattack, as calculated as it was lethal.
Furious, Almart launched another attack, but the ENTITY, controlling Blanco, responded with mockery.
—What happened? Wasn't that too abusive? —its tone now completely disdainful—. I understand that you're no match for me, that's why you're hiding... Why don't you try launching your elemental attack again? At least that way, you'll prevent me from killing Cesin right now.
Completely ignoring Blanco, Almart opened his mouth, revealing his sharp teeth, aiming for the soft flesh of Cesin's neck. At that moment, the ENTITY, observing the scene, appeared instantly, using an enhanced speed movement and hidden presence, optimized by its power.
—That's not how my team plays! —the ENTITY said, materializing in front of Almart, using a void ray that struck directly into the interior of Almart's mouth, which he had opened to bite Cesin.
—Ugh... Aaaaaah, damn you...! You made me angry! I'll give you death and pain —Almart shouted, furiously, as he propelled himself with his wings to attack Blanco and Cesin, who were still in the line of fire.
The ENTITY, observing the battle's outcome, seemed indifferent.
—I don't like this... or at least, that's what I would say if I hadn't planned everything to lead to this result. A cheer for me... Hip, hip, hooray... Now... Action!
As Almart was about to strike, he was surprised when a powerful, furious voice resonated in the air.
—Absolute absorption! —Cesin shouted, as darkness engulfed Almart.
A black hole appeared behind him, drawn by an uncontrollable force, pulling him two kilometers away. Almart screamed in frustration as he disappeared into the void.
The ENTITY, calmly observing the scene, commented from its position:
—That was a good entrance... Please, it looked like you were waiting for the right moment to look cool —the ENTITY mocked, adjusting itself, aware that the plan had worked perfectly.
Then it smiled, its gaze fixed on Cesin.
—Oh, and regarding that voice in her mind, who do you think put it there? I just made her believe it was her thinking she would have to wake up. And done... To be honest, it would've been easier for me to simply remove the hypnosis effect from that fog, or recover Cesin to be at full strength, or even give Blanco a power-up, but that's off the table... I promised not to interfere actively in this place. But well, it is what it is. Let's continue.
At that moment, Cesin, lifting her body with unstoppable fury, shouted:
—If you want to attack my son, you'll have to go over my dead body first!
With her body reaching the fifth stage of evolution, Cesin was ready to give it her all.
—Damn...! Ugh! Don't think you're the only one with that power! —Almart shouted, as he also elevated his body to the fifth stage of evolution and launched his next attack.
—Reality Slash! —he shouted, opening a rift in reality itself, appearing behind Cesin to launch his next attack.
—Death Tornado!
—Void Ray! —Cesin responded bravely, releasing her attack to counter Almart's.
Blanco, seeing the desperation in Cesin's eyes, shouted:
—I have to help Cesin!
Determined, Blanco positioned himself to launch an elemental void attack.
—Void Ray!
The second attack hit Almart's chest, but surprisingly, it didn't faze him.
—What...? But before I could hurt him, why can't I now? —Blanco thought, confused and full of doubts.
[According to the information gathered so far, the physical and elemental strength of the opponent increases depending on the evolutionary stage they're in.]
—That means I'm still too weak... —Blanco whispered, feeling the weight of the battle on his shoulders—. Tell me, Voice of Wisdom, how can I increase my strength?
[To elevate the evolutionary stage, it is recommended to condense the energy from the body of the sponsored into their heart. This will break the limit that conditions the sponsored.]
—I understand, I'll try —Blanco replied, trying to perform the action. But the stress of the battle and the fear of Cesin getting hurt, or even worse, losing her, disturbed his mind.
—Ugh... I... damn it!... I can't do it!... I can't help Cesin... Not like this! What can I do!? —Blanco shouted, desperate, while watching the fierce battle between the two huge dragons.
Understood! Here is the modified, improved, and descriptive version of the text:
—You're strong, Cesin! —Almart said, his mocking gaze fixed on her. His tone was one of challenge, as he noticed how the dragoness began to give way—. But I wonder, how much longer will you be able to hold on? Your body doesn't seem fully recovered, and you forced it to rise to the fifth stage of evolution. Tell me, is that brat really worth it?
Cesin gritted her teeth, her claws tensing as her body trembled from the strain. Rage surged through her chest like an untamable storm.
—Shut up! That's none of your business —she replied, with a fury she could barely control.
Almart smiled with contempt.
—I can feel your frustration. Before I kill you, you'll see how I devour that little dragon. It will be the same fate your precious daughter will suffer.
Upon hearing those words, something inside Cesin broke, something deeply buried. Her soul ignited in rage, and her words emerged like an animal's roar.
—Damn you! You're a damn bastard! I'll kill you! You won't take another of my children! You'll have to kill me first to do that!
Almart, enjoying the spectacle, provoked her even more.
—That's it, Cesin. Keep going, soon all your family's power will be mine. I'll use it well.
Cesin's exhausted body was slowly crumbling, each movement becoming slower and more clumsy. The pressure on her body was too much, but her heart, filled with rage, kept fighting.
Blanco, watching helplessly, felt his mind and body failing him, but he couldn't stop thinking about Cesin.
—I can't keep watching this! —he shouted, as fear and desperation overwhelmed him—. I have to help her! I have to help her!
Desperately, he turned to the only being who could help him.
—Voice of wisdom, give me the strength to face the enemy!
[The increase in strength will be too much for the small, weak body of the sponsored to bear.]
[After consideration, the strength increase has been blocked to maintain the physical and mental integrity of the sponsored.]
—What! —Blanco shouted, his frustration reaching unbearable levels—. I don't care what you think! Give me that strength! I need to defend Cesin!
[It is considered that the emotional attachment the sponsored has to the dragoness of the void could be detrimental to their proper development. Therefore, it was concluded that they should take this opportunity to move away from the conflict zone and take shelter while continuing to increase their strength.]
—Stop talking nonsense… If you can't help me, then I don't need you anymore —Blanco replied angrily, feeling how helplessness overwhelmed him.
The battle continued, and chaos reached its peak when Almart spoke again, his words full of contempt.
—Do you understand the situation you're in, Cesin? You can't keep fighting. Save yourself the endless pain and surrender to death. If you do, I promise I'll kill the little one without pain.
—Are you an idiot? —Cesin replied with contained fury, her voice full of determination—. You think a mother will voluntarily hand over her child to you? I have this counteroffer for you… why don't you leave and never come back?
Almart's laughter grew more bitter and cruel, his eyes shining with mortal danger.
—Oh, come on, you're not in a position to act tough. One more attack and your body will collapse.
—Shut up! —Cesin shouted, her body resonating with the power of the fury she contained—. As long as I still have energy, you won't get near my son!
Almart watched Cesin's exhaustion, smiling smugly.
—I understand. Then let's finish this once and for all.
Almart began to condense a massive amount of energy between his horns, his body filling with dark, destructive power.
—Try this, Cesin. I'll launch my final attack... Eternal Storm!
Cesin, with her remaining energy, did not hesitate to respond.
—Don't think you'll defeat me with that... I'll show you a true final attack... Soul-devouring Abyss!
But before Cesin could unleash her attack, something strange happened. She detected that Almart's attack wasn't aimed at her but at another location. Her mind quickly calculated the trajectory.
—Where to? —she wondered, frustrated and filled with fear.
Cesin launched herself toward the impact zone with unimaginable speed.
—Damn it! —she shouted, feeling her heart race, desperate.
—Get out of there, move! —she yelled, but the distance seemed endless.
Blanco's fate was sealed, his life fading as his body grew limp. He couldn't move a single limb.
—Why? Why me? —he whispered as Almart's attack neared, knowing he could do nothing.
Just before the attack reached him, Cesin appeared, embracing Blanco with the last of her strength.
—I'm sorry, Blanco... I won't see you grow —Cesin said, her voice broken by pain, as the impact of the Eternal Storm engulfed them.
Blanco, stunned, could only whisper a final "What?" before everything turned black and consciousness faded.
Chaos reigned, and the air was filled with despair. Cesin's struggle had been in vain, but something still lingered, something Almart hadn't expected to see.
—Ah... Ah... Ah... That was more exhausting than I imagined. Poor Cesin, so strong, yet with a greater weakness. It's a shame I can't devour you to gain your strength, but at least I've gotten rid of one more nuisance... Uhm—.
The dust began to disperse, revealing the devastation caused by the attack. However, what Almart didn't expect was to see a small dragon still standing, trembling, but with a fierce will that refused to be extinguished.
—I can't believe it, that damn one managed to leave you alive... —he said, his tone filled with disbelief—. Congratulations, Cesin. At least I'll be able to devour him and gain his strength.
As Almart descended toward the ground to devour Blanco, the latter, still unconscious but standing, continued to resist.
—What is this? —asked Almart, surprised to see the young dragon remain standing—. You're still on your feet, but unconscious. I must admit you have great willpower, but it won't help you now.
With a cruel smile, Almart opened his jaw, ready to devour Blanco in one bite.
At that moment, the Ser, who controlled Blanco's body, intervened.
—Well, it's time for me to play my part.
—What the hell are you planning to do? —said Almart, his expression turning into a mix of confusion and curiosity.
—Huh? —Almart couldn't help but be even more surprised—. I can't believe it, so you were still conscious?
—That, what does it matter to you? —Blanco responded, now under the Ser's control, as his body began to move with the speed and stealth that only the Ser could infuse, his presence briefly concealing itself.
Almart furrowed his brow but didn't let surprise hold him back. He smiled arrogantly.
—I find it incredible that you managed to stay sane, but remember, I'm not playing anymore.
Almart, with his enhanced speed, quickly positioned himself in front of Blanco, anticipating his next move.
—Don't fight anymore, just die —he said, with a malicious smile.
But Blanco, with great effort, dodged Almart's claws, landing back on his feet with extreme difficulty. Despite his body's limitations, his will to survive kept him standing.
—This is a bit tricky with these limitations, but I can still make it —thought the Ser within Blanco.
—Why don't you get a little closer? Sure, if you can —said the Ser, with a challenging tone.
Almart, doubting Blanco's next move, shouted:
—I'm tired of this!
With a quick move, Almart used his Reality Slash to appear behind Blanco and leaped toward him, intending to devour him in one bite.
—That's exactly what I wanted —said the Ser, as he quickly activated the "Radiant Light" ability to obscure Almart's vision and then used "Absolute Absorption," paralyzing Almart for a few seconds, which allowed the Ser to teleport Blanco to a safe zone where Almart couldn't see him.
—Phew, that was dangerous, but for now, you've escaped death... —said the Ser, with a slight smile of satisfaction—. Ah, I know you'll be very resentful when you wake up, but these things happen. It's okay, as a reward, I'll give you something valuable. Just wait and see.
END OF CHAPTER 3.