The Price of Power

What they had failed to realize…

Was that even if it was not the Young Leader's head—

The fragmented flesh of his body still carried the power of the Demonic Cult's unholy god.

Vera found herself staring at the Black dragon within her mental world.

It had grown massive—far larger than she had ever seen before.

An overwhelming presence.

"How... is this possible...?"

[It is time for me to leave.]

"What...? What do you mean...?"

The Black Serpent began to slowly sink into the waters.

It was not disappearing.

It was merely retreating beyond the veil.

[Do not forget. You have summoned me three times.]

"I remember... but why does that...?"

[As long as you remember, that is enough.]

Leaving behind those cryptic words, the Black Serpent vanished.

Only Vera and the Black dragon remained upon the water's surface.

A being the size of a grand palace.