CHAPTER 46 – THE SECOND DRAGON LORD
JOHNNY WOLVESBANE
The sight of a goddess' desecrated carcass left me in a state of profound revulsion. It was a level of horror that surpassed anything I had witnessed before, and the pitiful state of Goddess Exceria made my stomach churn with unease. The mere contemplation of the suffering she might have endured while bound to the cross was almost too much to bear.
Unable to withstand the gruesome scene any longer, I averted my gaze, retching uncontrollably. My stomach expelled its contents onto the tiled floor of the demonic cathedral with a sickening sound. Coughing three times, I took several minutes to regain my composure before standing up, mustering the strength to face the nightmarish reality before me once again.
"That was my first reaction when I saw the goddess too," Gazelle remarked, squinting his eyes. "Everybody would barf when they see what humanity has done to our goddess."
"W-What the fuck? Did humans really do this?" I questioned, disbelief and horror evident in my voice.
"Yes. The Empire of Alterra, to be precise. If you want me to be a tad bit more specific, then I should point at the current Empress, Serenity Elkyria," Gazelle stated with cold, unwavering eyes, revealing a shocking revelation about the depths of depravity within the powerful empire.
"Why? Why would they even kill the goddess?" I questioned, my voice tinged with a mix of confusion and disbelief.
Gazelle extended his hand, gesturing upward with a pointed finger toward the shattered skull adorning the forehead of the cross. "Behold the missing Mystic Orb, stolen by the Empire from the very goddess herself. The Royal Family of Alterra has been meticulously weaving this intricate scheme for centuries, their clandestine agenda aimed at summoning an enigmatic foreign deity."
Intrigued, I questioned, "What exactly is this foreign deity?"
Gazelle's expression darkened, and he shook his head solemnly. "I'm not certain. The Oracle, Hiraya Misteltein, is meant to unravel its identity through her visions of the future. That's why her inclusion in our cause is paramount."
The mere mention of Hiraya echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain. The world seemed to orbit around this elven woman. A sudden revelation struck me, and with a deep breath, I forced myself to confront the image of the deceased goddess impaled on the cross.
Hiraya bore an uncanny resemblance to Goddess Exceria. From the graceful flow of her golden hair to the pointed elegance of her elven ears and the enchanting divine aura, the teenage elf appeared almost as if she were an offspring of the goddess. Were they somehow connected?
"So, your desire for her to join Neo Arcadia is tied to this revelation," I murmured.
Gazelle affirmed, "Indeed. Someday, we shall present the goddess's remains to the Oracle, triggering a profound awakening. She will be anointed as a Dragon Lord that shall light upon our darkest days—the Daybreaker of Alterra."
"What are the Dragon Lords, exactly?" I inquired, seeking to unravel the mysteries behind the titles and powers Gazelle alluded to.
"Dragon Lords are the Dragon Knights who bear the Mark of Vesryn. They are non-human dragon knights who are capable of activating Vesryn Pulse. According to what Vesryn told me, there will be six Dragon Lords who will save this world from the evils of humanity," Gazelle explained.
A sudden realization dawned on me. Hiraya Misteltein, an elf, could activate a Vesryn Pulse with Alris Vortigern, transforming him into a Nova Dragon. It struck me as an anomaly, as pure non-humans activating Vesryn Pulses were a rare occurrence. Or so I thought.
Gazelle's eyes fixed on me intently as he whispered, "Johnny Wolvesbane, you hail from the lineage of werewolves, don't you?"
With a silent nod, I confirmed his words.
A faint smile curled at the corners of Gazelle's mouth as he continued, "It's possible, then, that you possess the makings of a Dragon Lord. Your collaboration with Maggie to activate the Vesryn Pulse suggests as much. I'm convinced you're destined to be one of the six champions destined to save our world."
"Save the world? That’s ridiculous!" I scoffed, unable to contain a nervous laugh. The notion of being a savior seemed preposterous, and I grappled with the weight of such a responsibility.
Gazelle's unwavering expression persisted even as I treated his proclamation as a joke. The gravity of his words sank in when I noticed the sincerity etched on his face.
"H-How can you say that I can become a Dragon Lord?" I inquired, adjusting my demeanor to match the seriousness of the conversation.
"Touch the goddess’ carcass. Her foot, her hair, whatever. As long as you get in contact with her cell," Gazelle instructed.
Gazing at the gruesome sight before me, I gulped. The dried blood, urine, and feces on the ground intensified the eerie atmosphere. Steeling myself, I took a step forward until I reached the goddess' foot. Tentatively, I touched it with my hand.
"Argh!" A swift jolt of pain echoed from my fingertips all the way to my head, as if I were being electrocuted. The unexpected surge of agony left me reeling, questioning the nature of this peculiar experience and the implications it held for my future.
A burning sensation accompanied the jolt of pain in my palm, and as I examined it, I discovered a fresh red wound shaped like a "V."
"I knew it," Gazelle smiled. "I knew that you’re one of the Dragon Lords. Being a werewolf that is able to activate the Vesryn Pulse gave it away." He patted my shoulder, maintaining his warm expression.
Still grappling with curiosity and confusion, the Mark of Vesryn on my hand offered a tangible confirmation. Becoming a Dragon Lord came with its own set of responsibilities and powers, yet the newfound assurance that I could now achieve things previously beyond my reach was both empowering and overwhelming.
"Congratulations on being chosen by Vesryn," Gazelle congratulated once more. "You are the Second Dragon Lord, and now I shall give you the name Centurion. You will now have the authority to command my people as you see fit."
"I-I, I will try," I responded with a smile, though the weight of the newfound responsibilities lingered. The thought of the potential dangers that lay ahead for Maggie and me crept into my mind, casting a shadow over the joy of this revelation.
"Do not worry. One of the powers of a Dragon Lord is complete invulnerability. No sword, bullet, nor magic can ever hurt you or Maggie again. As long as you bear the Mark of Vesryn, you are invincible," Gazelle assured me.
"Is that true?" I questioned, seeking confirmation.
"It is all true."
Suddenly, a familiar feminine voice resonated within the demonic cathedral. Conservative footsteps approached from behind, and as I turned, a silhouette of a woman emerged. Gazelle, in response to her presence, genuflected, acknowledging her with a deference that surpassed his position as Supreme Leader.
"Welcome, my dear Mistress," Gazelle bowed.
The way Gazelle acted and spoke to this woman left little doubt—she was above the Supreme Leader. She seemed to be the one pulling the strings from behind, an enigmatic figure whose true power and motives remained shrouded in mystery.
"Welcome to the group, Johnny Wolvesbane," the mysterious lady greeted. "I am... the real Overmind, the First Dragon Lord chosen by Vesryn, and the contractor of Gazelle Lockwood. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance."
As she stepped forward into the light, my eyes widened, and my jaws hung in disbelief. The revelation of her identity struck me, leaving me speechless and grappling with the implications of the true power dynamics within this mysterious group.
CHAPTER 46 – THE SECOND DRAGON LORD
JOHNNY WOLVESBANE
The sight of a goddess' desecrated carcass left me in a state of profound revulsion. It was a level of horror that surpassed anything I had witnessed before, and the pitiful state of Goddess Exceria made my stomach churn with unease. The mere contemplation of the suffering she might have endured while bound to the cross was almost too much to bear.
Unable to withstand the gruesome scene any longer, I averted my gaze, retching uncontrollably. My stomach expelled its contents onto the tiled floor of the demonic cathedral with a sickening sound. Coughing three times, I took several minutes to regain my composure before standing up, mustering the strength to face the nightmarish reality before me once again.
"That was my first reaction when I saw the goddess too," Gazelle remarked, squinting his eyes. "Everybody would barf when they see what humanity has done to our goddess."
"W-What the fuck? Did humans really do this?" I questioned, disbelief and horror evident in my voice.
"Yes. The Empire of Alterra, to be precise. If you want me to be a tad bit more specific, then I should point at the current Empress, Serenity Elkyria," Gazelle stated with cold, unwavering eyes, revealing a shocking revelation about the depths of depravity within the powerful empire.
"Why? Why would they even kill the goddess?" I questioned, my voice tinged with a mix of confusion and disbelief.
Gazelle extended his hand, gesturing upward with a pointed finger toward the shattered skull adorning the forehead of the cross. "Behold the missing Mystic Orb, stolen by the Empire from the very goddess herself. The Royal Family of Alterra has been meticulously weaving this intricate scheme for centuries, their clandestine agenda aimed at summoning an enigmatic foreign deity."
Intrigued, I questioned, "What exactly is this foreign deity?"
Gazelle's expression darkened, and he shook his head solemnly. "I'm not certain. The Oracle, Hiraya Misteltein, is meant to unravel its identity through her visions of the future. That's why her inclusion in our cause is paramount."
The mere mention of Hiraya echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain. The world seemed to orbit around this elven woman. A sudden revelation struck me, and with a deep breath, I forced myself to confront the image of the deceased goddess impaled on the cross.
Hiraya bore an uncanny resemblance to Goddess Exceria. From the graceful flow of her golden hair to the pointed elegance of her elven ears and the enchanting divine aura, the teenage elf appeared almost as if she were an offspring of the goddess. Were they somehow connected?
"So, your desire for her to join Neo Arcadia is tied to this revelation," I murmured.
Gazelle affirmed, "Indeed. Someday, we shall present the goddess's remains to the Oracle, triggering a profound awakening. She will be anointed as a Dragon Lord that shall light upon our darkest days—the Daybreaker of Alterra."
"What are the Dragon Lords, exactly?" I inquired, seeking to unravel the mysteries behind the titles and powers Gazelle alluded to.
"Dragon Lords are the Dragon Knights who bear the Mark of Vesryn. They are non-human dragon knights who are capable of activating Vesryn Pulse. According to what Vesryn told me, there will be six Dragon Lords who will save this world from the evils of humanity," Gazelle explained.
A sudden realization dawned on me. Hiraya Misteltein, an elf, could activate a Vesryn Pulse with Alris Vortigern, transforming him into a Nova Dragon. It struck me as an anomaly, as pure non-humans activating Vesryn Pulses were a rare occurrence. Or so I thought.
Gazelle's eyes fixed on me intently as he whispered, "Johnny Wolvesbane, you hail from the lineage of werewolves, don't you?"
With a silent nod, I confirmed his words.
A faint smile curled at the corners of Gazelle's mouth as he continued, "It's possible, then, that you possess the makings of a Dragon Lord. Your collaboration with Maggie to activate the Vesryn Pulse suggests as much. I'm convinced you're destined to be one of the six champions destined to save our world."
"Save the world? That’s ridiculous!" I scoffed, unable to contain a nervous laugh. The notion of being a savior seemed preposterous, and I grappled with the weight of such a responsibility.
Gazelle's unwavering expression persisted even as I treated his proclamation as a joke. The gravity of his words sank in when I noticed the sincerity etched on his face.
"H-How can you say that I can become a Dragon Lord?" I inquired, adjusting my demeanor to match the seriousness of the conversation.
"Touch the goddess’ carcass. Her foot, her hair, whatever. As long as you get in contact with her cell," Gazelle instructed.
Gazing at the gruesome sight before me, I gulped. The dried blood, urine, and feces on the ground intensified the eerie atmosphere. Steeling myself, I took a step forward until I reached the goddess' foot. Tentatively, I touched it with my hand.
"Argh!" A swift jolt of pain echoed from my fingertips all the way to my head, as if I were being electrocuted. The unexpected surge of agony left me reeling, questioning the nature of this peculiar experience and the implications it held for my future.
A burning sensation accompanied the jolt of pain in my palm, and as I examined it, I discovered a fresh red wound shaped like a "V."
"I knew it," Gazelle smiled. "I knew that you’re one of the Dragon Lords. Being a werewolf that is able to activate the Vesryn Pulse gave it away." He patted my shoulder, maintaining his warm expression.
Still grappling with curiosity and confusion, the Mark of Vesryn on my hand offered a tangible confirmation. Becoming a Dragon Lord came with its own set of responsibilities and powers, yet the newfound assurance that I could now achieve things previously beyond my reach was both empowering and overwhelming.
"Congratulations on being chosen by Vesryn," Gazelle congratulated once more. "You are the Second Dragon Lord, and now I shall give you the name Centurion. You will now have the authority to command my people as you see fit."
"I-I, I will try," I responded with a smile, though the weight of the newfound responsibilities lingered. The thought of the potential dangers that lay ahead for Maggie and me crept into my mind, casting a shadow over the joy of this revelation.
"Do not worry. One of the powers of a Dragon Lord is complete invulnerability. No sword, bullet, nor magic can ever hurt you or Maggie again. As long as you bear the Mark of Vesryn, you are invincible," Gazelle assured me.
"Is that true?" I questioned, seeking confirmation.
"It is all true."
Suddenly, a familiar feminine voice resonated within the demonic cathedral. Conservative footsteps approached from behind, and as I turned, a silhouette of a woman emerged. Gazelle, in response to her presence, genuflected, acknowledging her with a deference that surpassed his position as Supreme Leader.
"Welcome, my dear Mistress," Gazelle bowed.
The way Gazelle acted and spoke to this woman left little doubt—she was above the Supreme Leader. She seemed to be the one pulling the strings from behind, an enigmatic figure whose true power and motives remained shrouded in mystery.
"Welcome to the group, Johnny Wolvesbane," the mysterious lady greeted. "I am... the real Overmind, the First Dragon Lord chosen by Vesryn, and the contractor of Gazelle Lockwood. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance."
As she stepped forward into the light, my eyes widened, and my jaws hung in disbelief. The revelation of her identity struck me, leaving me speechless and grappling with the implications of the true power dynamics within this mysterious group.
