Chapter 22: The Dragon’s Wrath & the Emperor’s Strike (Updated)

I recall my shadows and head for the portal opened by the Creator.

Deep in the final floor of the dungeon, a massive dragon sleeps. The floor resembles a dragon's nest, with a throne-like structure perched at the highest point, overlooking a wide stone arena.

Wyvern nests line the edges, staircases connecting the levels. The air is eerily silent, save for the dragon's slow breathing.

Until that silence is shattered.

A portal tears open—and I step out.

In that instant, a single thought echoes in my mind:

"Fuck, I'm going to love every second of this."

The entire floor lights up.

The dragon's eyes snap open, locking onto me.

"Human," it growls. "How dare you disturb my slumber? KILL HIM!"

A deafening roar erupts from the arena as wingbeats fill the air.

Twenty Wyverns launch toward me, their eyes blazing with rage.

I smirk.

"Arise."

From the shadows, Igris, Gara, and Merlin rise.

"Slaughter them all."

All three shadows speak in unison: "As you command, your majesty."

Merlin moves first, casting gravity magic on the nearest Wyverns—forcing them into the ground.

Then, he uses {Hymn of Agony}, and their screeches fill the air.

Igris doesn't wait—he moves like a blur, decapitating five Wyverns in an instant.

The remaining Wyverns rage, turning their fury toward us.

Gara steps forward, activating {Taunt}, forcing them to lock onto him.

They retaliate, sending flaming projectiles his way. Gara raises his shield, absorbing most of the damage—though some strikes burn his back.

Merlin sees this and responds aggressively, his voice booming.

"ANTS! HOW DARE YOU ATTACK THE EMPEROR?! YOU WILL SUFFER!"

He casts:

{Hymn of Agony (Pisces)} – Unrelenting pain.

{Hymn of Blindness (Capricorn)} – Their vision fades.

{Hymn of Slumber (Aries)} – They begin falling midair.

As the remaining Wyverns crash into the ground, Igris and Gara waste no time, severing their wings before ending them entirely.

The Black Dragon watches, eyes flickering with recognition.

"Human," it rumbles, stepping forward, "you have earned the right to die by my hand. Be honored."

As it unfolds its wings, I finally grasp its sheer size.

This thing is massive—its dark scales, towering frame, curved horns, and burning red eyes radiate dominance.

It lands, shaking the entire arena.

A HP bar appears before me.

[Black Dragon (Immortal Realm) – 21,000/21,000 HP]

"Seven times my HP... fuck."

Upon landing, it lets out a roar, activating:

[Black Dragon used {Shattering Waves} – -200 HP]

"We're going all out—no holding back!"

"Igris, with me. Merlin, support and power us up. Gara, use Taunt!"

[Sora used:

{Emperor's Domain} (+200% stats for shadows)

{Magic Sword Domain}

{Heal} (+200 HP)]

[Merlin used:

{Hymn of Strengthening} (+50% STR)

{Hymn of Rage} (+150% stats for 30 sec)

{Hymn of Giants} (+100% defense)]

[Gara used:

{Taunt}]

Gara rushes forward, forcing the dragon to focus on him.

Igris and I close in, aiming for its wings—we cannot let it take flight.

We close the distance instantly, but the dragon reacts, swiping its claws in a sweeping arc.

Igris dodges effortlessly.

I hold my ground, blocking with my sword—a mistake.

[-400 HP]

"Even with buffs, it's 400 damage?! If I hadn't used them, that attack could have cut my HP in half..."

It attacks again, but I use {Teleport}, instantly appearing beside its left wing.

I activate {Judgment}, striking hard.

Igris attacks the right wing simultaneously.

My Dragon Slayer sword tears deep, severing part of the wing.

Igris' strike leaves a deep wound, but does not cut completely through.

The dragon screeches in agony, its tail whipping toward us.

We retreat, avoiding the strike.

I check the damage—only 3,000 HP lost.

I caused 2,200 damage.

Igris caused 800.

The dragon's fury intensifies—black flames gather in its throat.

"SHIELD UP!"

I summon a barrier, and Merlin reinforces it with {Hymn of Protection}.

The flames strike us head-on.

Our barriers hold—briefly—before shattering.

Igris and Gara use their bodies to shield me—both die instantly.

[-1,000 HP]

I immediately cast {Higher Heal}, resurrecting them, though my mana plunges dangerously low.

I drink another mana potion.

"Everyone—FULL ATTACK!* Don't let it charge another blast!"*

We advance, moving at full speed.

I teleport onto its head, driving my sword into its right eye.

"This is payback for my shadows!"

The dragon thrashes, forcing me to teleport away, just as Igris strikes its left eye.

It slams its head into the ground, trying to crush us—but fails.

Gara shatters its legs, immobilizing it.

Bit by bit, we whittle its HP down—until only 7,000 remains.

Suddenly, its aura spikes, sending us flying back.

"Human, I have underestimated you."

"For you to force me into this state is unforgivable. DIE."

[Black Dragon activated {Hell's Flames}]

[WARNING: Avoid contact or instant death will occur.]

Flames erupt, expanding in all directions.

There's no escape.

Unless…

"PEGASUS, COME!"

I leap onto his back and command flight.

We soar above the inferno, escaping the death zone.

I position myself above the dragon and prepare my final move.

Activating:

{Ghost} (conceal presence)

{Judgment} (+300% damage)

{Death Dealer} (+500% damage)

I freefall, sword aimed at its skull.

"END THIS!"

A deafening explosion erupts as the attack shatters the arena—and the dragon's head.

[Congratulations! Black Dragon defeated. Rewards:

Your life

Level 25 acquired

+2,000 WP

Job function retained]

[Teleporting back to Hestia's home in 10 seconds.