Chapter 32: The Trial of the Dragon Kings

Chapter 32: The Trial of the Dragon Kings

The wind roared like a beast as Reo stood on the deck of the airship, his cloak billowing behind him. Below, the Dragon Continent stretched far and wide, covered in towering mountains, endless forests, and rivers that glowed faintly with mana. Unlike other continents, this land was ruled not by humans, but by dragons—powerful, ancient beings who had shaped the world itself.

Lucia tightened her grip on the ship's railing, her blue eyes gleaming with excitement. "We're finally here… The legendary land of dragons."

Beside her, Celestia—the silver-haired goddess—stood with a serene expression, yet Reo could sense the tension in her. Something about this place was stirring her divine essence.

"Celestia?" Reo asked.

She turned to him, her golden eyes filled with hesitation.

"There is something I must tell you, Reo," she said softly. "Before we step onto this land… You should know the truth."

The air around her shimmered as an overwhelming divine pressure washed over them. Lucia gasped, and even Reo felt his heart pound. It was as if the very laws of the world were bending in Celestia's presence.

And then, from the skies above, a deep, thunderous voice rang out—

"Goddess Celestia… You have returned at last."

The sky darkened, and suddenly, a massive dragon descended from the clouds, its golden scales glowing with divine power. It was not just any dragon—this was the King of the Dragon Continent, Emperor Dragothan.

Every warrior on the ship trembled at the sight of the beast. Even Lucia instinctively reached for her sword.

But the most shocking thing was what Dragothan did next.

The colossal dragon, ruler of this mighty land, bowed before Celestia.

"Our Goddess… We welcome you home."

Lucia gasped. "Home?! What does he mean? Celestia, what's going on?"

Reo turned to Celestia, his emerald eyes filled with curiosity.

Celestia let out a small sigh. "I never told you… but before I became the goddess of this world, I lived here among the dragons."

Reo's eyes widened. "Wait… You were born here?"

Celestia nodded. "Long ago, I was not a goddess, but a mortal like you. The dragons raised me, trained me, and when I ascended to divinity, they became my most trusted guardians."

Dragothan raised his head, his golden eyes locked onto Reo. "And you… You are the warrior who stands beside our goddess?"

Reo smirked. "That's right. And I'm also here to test my strength. I've heard that this land is home to the strongest creatures in the world. I'd like to see if that's true."

A deep laugh rumbled from the dragon's throat. "Hahaha! You are bold, human. Very well. If you wish to prove yourself in our land, then you must undergo the Trial of the Dragon Kings."

Lucia frowned. "What kind of trial?"

Dragothan's eyes gleamed. "A battle against the Guardian Dragon, the mightiest warrior of our kind. If you win, you will be recognized as an equal to the dragon kings themselves."

Reo's blood boiled with excitement. "That sounds perfect. Bring it on."

Dragothan roared, and the entire continent seemed to tremble. The trial had begun.

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The Battle Begins

The arena was an ancient battlefield, surrounded by floating islands and rivers of molten gold. Massive dragon statues lined the edges, their eyes burning with ancient magic.

Across from Reo, the Guardian Dragon stepped forward—a towering beast with obsidian-black scales, glowing red eyes, and massive wings that crackled with lightning.

[SYSTEM NOTICE]

⚠ You have encountered the Guardian Dragon, Raigarth!

⚔ Threat Level: SS+ Rank

Lucia clenched her fists. "Reo… Be careful."

Celestia whispered, "This dragon is stronger than any you've faced before. If you hold back, you will die."

Reo grinned. "Heh. I was hoping for that."

The air exploded as Raigarth vanished in a blur of speed.

BOOM!

Reo barely dodged as the dragon's massive claw smashed into the ground where he stood, creating a crater the size of a fortress. The sheer shockwave sent him flying back, but he flipped mid-air, landing gracefully.

[STATUS UPDATE]

✅ Dragon Pressure Resistance Activated

Reo dashed forward, his sword glowing with arcane energy. He slashed at Raigarth's massive leg, but the blade bounced off its indestructible scales.

"Tch. As expected."

Raigarth opened its mouth, and a sphere of pure destruction formed between its jaws.

⚡ DRAGON BREATH: OBLIVION STRIKE ⚡

The entire sky turned black as a beam of catastrophic energy shot toward Reo.

"Damn… That's gonna hurt."

Reo crossed his arms, channeling his mana.

🔥 NEW SPELL ACTIVATED: ARCANE BARRIER – AETHER SHIELD! 🔥

A massive barrier of golden light formed around him just as the attack struck—

BOOOOOM!!!

The shockwave erased the land beneath his feet, sending dust and fire into the heavens. But when the explosion cleared, Reo was still standing, his shield cracking but holding firm.

Raigarth's eyes narrowed. "You survived that?"

Reo smirked. "Heh. That was pretty good. But now… it's my turn."

He lifted his hand, activating a spell he had just created—

🌌 NEW SPELL UNLOCKED: DRAGON SLAYER'S OBLIVION STRIKE 🌌

A crimson aura exploded around Reo, his sword extending into a massive blade of pure dragon energy.

Raigarth instinctively stepped back. "That power… Impossible!"

Reo's eyes glowed gold and red, his voice filled with unbreakable will.

"Take this—DRAGON SLAYER'S OBLIVION STRIKE!"

He swung his sword, and a crescent-shaped energy wave erupted forward, splitting the heavens and shaking the entire continent.

The impact sent Raigarth crashing into the mountains, a deep, deafening roar filling the land.

SILENCE.

Lucia and Celestia stared in shock. The battle had ended in a single final strike.

And then, the dragon rose to its feet… and kneeled.

"You… are worthy," Raigarth rumbled. "From this day forth, I shall serve you."

A golden light surrounded Reo as the system activated—

✅ NEW TITLE UNLOCKED: DRAGON KING SLAYER

✅ NEW SUMMON UNLOCKED: RAIGARTH, THE BLACK THUNDER DRAGON

Reo let out a breath, lowering his sword. "Not bad."

Lucia ran up to him. "You did it!"

Celestia smiled, her divine aura flickering. "You continue to exceed my expectations, Reo."

Dragothan, the Dragon Emperor, let out a mighty roar. "Then it is decided. Reo Kisaragi… You are now recognized as a Dragon King!"

The land erupted in cheers.

Reo, standing before the kneeling dragon, smirked. His journey was far from over, but today, he had claimed his place among legends.

To be continued…

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Next Chapter: A New Journey Begins!