"Whoa! Did they really bring it down?" one tough man muttered, squinting through the night to see the figures.
But the darkness masked their identities.
"No, not yet. They only clipped its wing. This fight’s far from over," a sharp-eyed, handsome man said grimly.
"Yeah... there’s no way an Alpha Wyvern would fall that easily."
"But who are they? Could they also be from Freedom Force?"
Their curious chatter continued—until it was shattered by a deafening draconic roar from behind.
The roar split the air, a feral cry that shook the sky. The kind of sound only an apex bloodline predator could make.
They turned, and their eyes went wide with horror.
From below the canyon, a massive creature emerged—twice the size of the first wyvern, and far more terrifying.
"Damn... That one’s the real Alpha. We were watching the wrong one all along!"
"Oh hell, no wonder something felt off!"
"Fucking idiots! Run!!"
A flash of blazing fire tore through the air.
In an instant, a searing breath attack engulfed them, mistaking them as accomplices of the intruders.
The draconic flames scorched through two Summoners, flesh burning away in seconds until nothing remained. Even the very earth beneath them began to melt, blackened and twisted from the sheer heat.
Igaris and Evernight turned sharply toward the new roar, their bodies tensing. The overwhelming presence of the second Wyvern sent a chill down their spines.
They were on full alert.
But amidst the tension and disbelief, a voice rang out behind them.
"Oh boy... looks like we’ve got another problem."
Igaris spun around—and froze.
Evernight’s mouth hung open, stunned silent.
"Malthius? You... you can talk?" Igaris asked, eyes wide in disbelief.
"H-How is this possible?" Evernight stammered. "Undead aren’t supposed to gain sentience! How did you...?"
Malthius, still cloaked in remnants of dark robe and skeletal might, raised his massive greatsword high into the air. A glow pulsed faintly from his hollow chest.
He spoke, voice deep and solemn.
"My Lords, this is not the time for explanation. It is the time for battle. With Lord Igaris, as promise... I vow this beast shall fall today."
Then he turned to face the true Alpha Wyvern, the fire in his empty eye sockets burning with purpose.
Igaris glanced at him, bewildered. Why is he suddenly acting so cool? Was he always when he was alive?
Still, he couldn’t look away as Malthius marched forward, a towering figure striding toward the True Alpha Wyvern like a warhorse charging into battle.
He moved like a true commander, fearless and resolute. To the spectators watching from afar, it looked like he was throwing himself at death itself.
The Wyvern began to inhale, its chest expanding and its obsidian scales flexing. Its stomach bloated with rising heat as it prepared to unleash another devastating breath.
It wasn’t noble like the True Dragons of legend—but it didn’t need to be. This creature had forged its strength through constant battle, surviving day by day in the harshest corners of the world. It was a pure-born predator, shaped by carnage and flame.
Then came Malthius’ roar, deep and resounding:
"Godslayer Sword Style – Second Form: Spirit Severance!"
In that instant, his entire figure became shadowy, like an ethereal blur of darkness. Not just his body, but even his greatsword seemed to dissolve into an unnatural silhouette.
Flames erupted from the Wyvern’s mouth, like a torrent of destruction meant to incinerate everything in its path. But they met only empty air.
Malthius dodged in a fluid, almost slippery motion. He was ghostlike, untouchable.
Then, like a bolt of lightning, a streak of shadow carved through the Wyvern’s stomach.
It wasn’t a physical blow—it struck on a spiritual level.
The Alpha Wyvern’s massive pupils shrank in horror as its soul trembled.
Moments later, Malthius emerged on the other side, his skeletal skull gleaming faintly under the moonlight.
He grinned, the firelight dancing across his bony features.
In the next moment, the Wyvern collapsed to the ground.
The distant spectators, Igaris, even Evernight froze as they watched the beast fall. One of the most terrifying creatures in the region had just been brought down effortlessly.
"Oh my god! Who the hell is that monster?!"
Evernight only smiled faintly. "Well, look who’s back... The true Godslayer has returned."
"How did he do it?" Igaris asked, eyes still locked on Malthius’ skeletal figure.
Evernight turned to him, her expression gentle, as if amused by his curiosity. She saw something in his eyes—eagerness, hunger, resolve.
"My Liege," she said, smiling, "if you truly want to learn, just command him. He’ll teach you. I’m certain of it."
Igaris nodded, silently making a decision.
He was finally ready to pursue the Godslayer Sword Style. But he also knew it wouldn’t be easy. This technique must have taken Malthius countless years to master. It was impossible to learn overnight. Not at least in the 2 weeks he had left.
But he had another plan.
Now that he was strong enough... he could finally attempt to name rename him. There’s a chance of getting the Godslayer Sword Style in return.
Later, Igaris turned his attention to the remaining threat—the female Wyvern. She resisted, screeching and flailing with fury, but it didn’t last long.
Within minutes, she was subdued as well.
[ Soul Binding Successful ]
[ Acquisition Successful ]
[ Species: Infernal Wyvern ]
[ Power Rank: Master -2 ]
[ Abilities: Fire Breath, Infernal Dive ]
After subduing the female, Igaris turned to the greater challenge—the male Infernal Wyvern.
[ Species: Infernal Wyvern ]
[ Power Rank: Master -4 ]
[ Abilities: Fire Breath, Infernal Storm ]
Both of these beasts were immensely powerful, their presence alone enough to shake most seasoned summoners. Yet now, they knelt before him, bound not by chains, but by his will.
At last, Igaris had achieved one of his long-standing wish: acquiring Dragon Blood under his command.
Only the True Dragons remained.
But for now... he was satisfied.
"Huh? He’s not a senior. He is just a boy!"
Igaris’s gaze turned to the eager group who were approaching their group.