Storm is approaching
About ten meters away, the first wave of enemies came into view—minor demons armed with crude swords and axes. The Dragon King's golden eyes burned brightly as he addressed them, his voice carrying a cutting edge:
Dragon King: «So, are you the ones looking to challenge me?»
The demons halted abruptly skrrch!, unnerved by the oppressive aura emanating from him. Their leader, a demon with scaly skin, motioned to his subordinates. Clap! Clap! About twenty demons separated from the group, encircling the Dragon King.
For a moment, he stood still, his piercing gaze fixed on their advancing forms. Huff. He exhaled lightly, his amusement evident.
Dragon King: «You are very bold for such insignificant creatures.»
With a slow, deliberate motion, he raised his hand. Fwoooom! A green glow surged around him, growing brighter and more intense.
Whoosh—BOOM! A massive wave of magical fire erupted from his palm, engulfing the demons in an instant. Crackling! The flames hissed and roared, consuming the creatures completely, leaving only scorched earth behind.
The leader of the group stumbled back thud, his scaly feet scraping against the ground as he stared in disbelief. The attack had been so swift, so absolute, that his confidence was utterly shattered. Gulp. He swallowed hard, his gaze darting nervously to the rest of his forces.
Demon Leader: «He... He is not human!»
The Dragon King burst into laughter, a chilling and terrifying sound that echoed across the battlefield. HA-HA-HA-HA!
Dragon King: «Of course not, stupid. But if you want to die today, then keep going.»
Another group of demons advanced toward him, accompanied by a magician. The magician, an eerie-looking man, raised his hands, and shhhk-shhhk shards of black energy crackled from his palms.
The Dragon King didn't flinch. With a fwip! of his hand, he conjured a shimmering energy shield that absorbed the attack with a thrum-thrum-thrum as the magic dissipated.
Taking a deliberate step forward, he unleashed a torrent of dragon flames. WHOOOSH! The fiery blast roared across the battlefield, consuming the demons in an instant.
The magician retaliated with a powerful incantation, his words rippling through the air zzt-zzt as a dark, twisting force coalesced into a massive strike. But with a flick of his wrist snap! the Dragon King shattered the spell like fragile glass.
Dragon King: «You... are too weak. True power doesn't need trivial magic to crush enemies.»
Turning his attention to the last group—the elite soldiers—their leader stepped forward. Clad in black armor, he hefted a massive greatsword, its edge gleaming ominously under the moonlight. Shhhk!
Dragon King: «You'll be an interesting opponent. Come closer and show me what you're capable of.»
The elite soldier bellowed a battle cry and charged. BOOM-BOOM-BOOM! Each step thundered as he approached. His greatsword came crashing down KRAK! slamming into the ground and sending rocks flying toward the Dragon King.
But the Dragon King moved with inhuman grace. Fwoosh! He sidestepped, the debris sailing harmlessly past him as time seemed to slow.
In a blur of motion whoosh he closed the distance, striking with devastating force. CLANG! The soldier's weapon was sent flying, spinning through the air before embedding itself into the ground.
With a swift gesture BZZZT! the Dragon King unleashed a magical attack that hurled the soldier to the ground. THUD! The man's armor rattled, and his body trembled with fear.
Dragon King: «You're not enough for me.»
The battle subsided, silence falling over the field like a shroud. The Dragon King turned his gaze toward the horizon, his piercing golden eyes scanning for further threats.
A familiar voice echoed in his mind, clear and resonant:
[Mission accomplished. Defeated three enemy groups successfully. Reward: Acquired a new skill – Dragon's Energy Mastery.]
The Dragon King smirked inwardly, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. Hmph. Another step toward domination.
As calm returned to the fortress, the eerie whistling of the wind hinted at unseen forces gathering in the distance. His enemies had been crushed, but in the shadows, new adversaries were already plotting their moves.
The Dragon King knew this was only the beginning. His kingdom would not be built without sacrifice, and he was prepared for the trials that lay ahead.
The sky darkened with heavy clouds over the Dragon King's fortress that cast an ominous shadow over the developing territory. Tension reigned among the inhabitants, civilians and soldiers alike. Rumors of destruction were circulating, fueled by scouts who returned in haste.
After the battle against the invading groups, the Dragon King had ordered an accelerated fortification of his domain. The walls stood higher with pikes forged from the debris of previous battles. But despite these efforts, the defenses remained vulnerable.
The Dragon King's fledgling army was young and inexperienced, and civilians, terrified by the news of further attacks, began to flee to more remote areas of the territory.
From the top of the cliff, the dragon king was looking at the horizon. Through her eyes he felt a growing presence, a threat he could not ignore.
VROUMMMM! A dull rumble made the air vibrate, like a fatal omen.
A voice suddenly echoed in his mind, that of the omniscient system.
[Alert: A massive demonic force is approaching. Commanded by Malzareth, a legendary demonic general. Estimated power: overwhelming. Probable losses: significant.]
A smile appeared on the dragon king's lips:
«Crushing? We'll see. »
But another voice broke his momentary confidence. Lyara, his closest advisor, rushed towards him with a face marked by urgency:
«My king, civilians are fleeing en masse! Our neighboring villages report looting orchestrated by enemy scouts. Fear wins hearts, and defenses weaken.»
The soldiers formed ranks, some reciting silent prayers, others still training, desperation mingled with a fierce will to defend their land.
Among them was Trôk, the goblin chieftain, who raised his spear and shouted to his men:
«We will protect the fortress or we will die trying!»
But all knew that the enemy's army was immense. Screams would sometimes be heard when enemy scouts appeared on the horizon, causing chaos.
CRAAAAAACK! An old wooden bridge was breaking under the attack of an enemy spell.
An old man, an ally of the Dragon King, was seriously wounded while trying to organize a local resistance. Lyara, in tears, carried him to the healers, vowing never to let such a thing happen again.
The Dragon King would log into the system to assess his own strengths and prepare a strategy.
System: [Update: Your Dragon Energy is stable, but not enough to counter Malzareth without external assistance. Rapid improvement is recommended.]
The Dragon King replied with his usual arrogance: «Who needs an improvement when power runs through my veins?"
At dusk, BOOOOOOM! the earth began to tremble. A rumble announced the arrival of Malzareth's army. The dragon king descended from the cliff to face his enemy.
Malzareth was emerging from the darkness, he had a colossal figure draped in black runic armor. His sword, gigantic, seemed to suck in the light itself. CLANG! Every step made the ground shake.
Malzareth: «So, are you the pretentious dragon who thinks he's king?»
The dragon king remained impassive, but his gaze was burning with defiance.
Dragon King: «I am not a king for those who do not understand greatness. But for you, devil, I will be your judgment. »
BOOM! Malzareth burst out laughing, a sound that made even his own troops retreat.
Malzareth: «Let me show you why no mortal can compete with a demonic lord.»
Behind him, legions of demons, black magicians, and infernal beasts rushed forth with a frightening roar. ROAAAAAAAAAR!
But the Dragon King was not alone. His troops, galvanized by his presence, raised their weapons, responding with a battle cry: HAOOOOOOOO!
The dragon king raised his hand, a black and golden energy crackled around him. ZZZZZAP!
Dragon King: «You are the one who lacks power.»
CRAAAASH! The fight broke out with terrifying intensity. The Dragon King engaged Malzareth in a titanic duel. Their blows shook the earth, cracking the ground and shooting lightning across the battlefield. BOOOOOOM!
But Malzareth's troops were advancing. In the surrounding villages, civilians who were unable to escape were brutally massacred or simply conquered. The outer defenses of the fortress have fallen one by one under the onslaught of demonic creatures.
WHAM! The dragon king threw himself at Malzareth and his body rushed at great speed. A blast of warm air followed his body's every move as he launched a blast of energy.
KA-BOOM! Malzareth blocked the attack with his sword, but the force of the impact made him back off. A crack formed in the ground beneath his feet.
SWOOOOOSH! Malzareth swung his sword with great violence, sending a wave that split the air in two.
The Dragon King dodged with ease, his body moving like a shadow. WHOOSH! He swept away his enemy with a combined attack of dragonfire and wind.
BAAAAAANG! The shockwave made the ground shake beneath their feet, but Malzareth didn't seem to be affected.
The Dragon King focused his energy and threw a beam of purple energy that struck Malzareth right in the heart. ZZZZAP!
[Infinite System: Technique deployed – Arcus Violaceus Absolutus (Absolute Violet Arc).]
[Description: A ray of pure energy combining draconic force and cosmic essence, capable of pulverizing any matter or magical barrier.]
[Effects: Absolute Breakthrough: Ignores all physical and spiritual defenses.]
[Wave of Destruction: Generates a devastating collateral impact within a 10 km radius.]
The attack made the general waver, but he quickly straightened up with a look full of rage.
Malzareth: «Impossible... You are only an inferior being! »
The dragon king smiled cruelly.
Dragon King: «Superiority is not in words, demon. It is proved by domination. »
A new notification appeared in his mind:
[ New Quest: Defeat Malzareth. Warning: Failure likely without immediate improvement. Reward: Access to other Dragon King Superior Powers.]
The Dragon King clenched his fists, ready to end it: «It's time to finish this.»
As the battle continued, the tension mounted. CRAAAAASH! The Dragon King's realm was about to be tested like never before, and he was more determined than ever to overcome it.
Malzareth and his army did not yet understand the true nature of the adversary they were fighting.