[You have defeated “Nivran, the Sunless Dragon” and gained 800,000,000 experience points!]
Ding! Ding! Ding!
[You have leveled up to level 367!]
[You have leveled up to level 368!]
[You have leveled up to level 369!]
With that done, though, Alex could finally sit down.
“Holy shit…”
Alphox was still present close to him, unmoving, probably injured from the attacks.
Alice was also still unconscious, the soul attack probably hurting so much as she wasn’t used to it that her body immediately shut down.
But Alex knew that sitting around and doing nothing wouldn’t cut it.
Defeating a level 650 monster was a massive milestone for him, and it meant that he was in fact getting stronger.
He had needed the help of Alice and Alphox to win, but soon enough, he would be able to do it alone.
Getting up from his position, he immediately marched toward Nivran’s body, placing his palm against it.
“Extraction,” he whispered, his eyes wide opened, aura flaring in them, “Give me what I want.”
Ding!
And so it did.
[You have extracted “Dragonheart Essence” (Artifact)]
A golden glow enveloped Alex as the notification materialized before him.
[Description: The heart of a legendary dragon, imbued with immense power. Rarely obtained due to the specific and challenging conditions required to extract it.
In exchange, it can be used for many things:
When used in alchemy, enhances the effects of any potion by a factor of 10, regardless of its original potency.
Capable of mending almost any injury, across all races. However, its regenerative effects are particularly potent when used on dragons.
And finally, it is one of the items needed to acquire the “Dragon” bloodline.]
“…?!”
The [Dragonheart Essence] materialized in Alex’s hand, a dark, pulsating heart that beat rhythmically, surrounded by a golden, almost divine glow.
He stared at it, captivated and uneasy, as the artifact radiated immense energy.
The final line of the description echoed in his mind:
“It is one of the items needed to acquire the “Dragon” bloodline.”
Alex’s heart raced.
The opportunity was staggering.
He didn’t have any clue as to how to obtain the [Dragon] or [Angel] race, but the fact that the description of this item told him that the [Dragonheart Essence] was required change everything.
He could feel the artifact’s energy tempting him, as if whispering promises of unimaginable strength and dominion.
But then his gaze shifted to Alphox.
The mighty primordial dragon lay sprawled on the cavern floor, battered and broken.
His breathing was shallow, his once-proud frame marred by wounds, and his tattered wing lay limp and useless.
Alex clenched the [Dragonheart Essence], his decision made.
“This isn’t about me,” he muttered, stepping toward Alphox.
Standing before the fallen dragon, Alex knelt, holding the glowing heart in his hands.
Its warmth intensified as he approached Alphox, as if recognizing its purpose.
“Alphox,” Alex called softly. The dragon groaned in response, barely lifting his head.
“You got that… human…” Alphox rasped, his golden eyes flickering weakly toward the artifact.
“A gift,” Alex said, his voice firm. “And your only chance at survival.”
The dragon blinked slowly, his breaths labored, “That… is a Dragonheart. Do you… realize its value?”
“I do,” Alex said, his tone resolute, “But I think you’re more useful.”
Alphox chuckled weakly, a sound more akin to a wheeze. “Foolish mortal…”
Ding!
[Your favorability with Alphox has massively increased!]
Ignoring the protest, Alex placed the [Dragonheart Essence] near Alphox’s mouth.
The dragon hesitated, his pride warring with his survival instincts.
But as the heart’s golden energy pulsed stronger, he relented, opening his jaws to accept the artifact.
As Alphox consumed the [Dragonheart Essence], a blinding light erupted, engulfing the cavern.
Alex shielded his eyes as the artifact’s energy began to flow through the dragon’s body.
The transformation was immediate.
Alphox’s body absorbed the essence with visible intensity.
His wounds glowed faintly, the torn scales and flesh knitting together with astonishing speed.
The once-gaping hole in his wing also sealed completely, leaving behind smooth, unblemished scales.
The jagged edges smoothed out, and the torn membrane stretched and reformed, glowing with a dark, radiant color.
Slowly, the wing unfurled to its full, majestic span, whole and powerful once more.
Alphox groaned deeply, his body writhing as the healing process pushed through every cell.
The pain seemed to reach a crescendo before abruptly vanishing.
The light subsided, and the cavern was still.
Alphox lay motionless for a moment, his massive chest rising and falling steadily.
Then, with a deep inhale, his eyes snapped open.
Golden irises gleamed with renewed vigor as the dragon lifted his head, inspecting his body.
He flexed his claws, rotated his neck, and unfurled both wings.
Every injury, every scar, was gone. His body radiated strength and vitality, more vibrant than ever before.
“It worked,” Alphox said, his voice calm, “As expected.”
Alex stood back, grinning as he crossed his arms. “You’re welcome.”
The dragon turned his gaze to Alex, a mixture of gratitude and something deeper, respect.
“You could have kept that power for yourself. Yet, you chose to save me. Why?”
Alex shrugged. “Let’s just say I don’t leave friends behind.”
“Friends…” Alphox rumbled a low laugh. “Foolish, but commendable.”
He stretched his wings wide, their shadow casting a commanding presence over the cavern.
“You have done more than heal me. I am stronger now than I was before. This… is a debt I will not forget.”
Alex smiled, though exhaustion was beginning to weigh on him.
“I shall go rest quickly, then we can talk, human.”
empire
Alphox nodded before vanishing back into his [Shadow Pet Space].
“…” Alex wanted to ask him about the bloodline, but oh well, now that Alphox was back, he had more than enough time.
Alex took a deep breath, exhaustion pressing heavily on him.
The battle had drained him, but his gaze shifted toward Alice, who lay motionless on the cavern floor.
Her pale face was streaked with dirt and blood, her chest rising and falling faintly.
Despite her injuries, she was alive, a small relief amidst the chaos.
*When he finally reached her, he knelt, his heart sinking as he saw the extent of her injuries.
“Alice…” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
Her skin was cold to the touch, her breathing shallow.
This was the power of a [Soul Attack] on someone that was unprepared.
Later in the game, people would realize how dangerous they were and start actually preparing since there were ways to strengthen your soul.
But for now, no one had a clue.
Without hesitation, he slid his arms under her and lifted her gently.
Her body was limp, and her weight pressed against his already aching frame, but Alex held her close, careful not to increase her wounds.
His thoughts turned to the [World Map].
Summoning its interface, he navigated to the glowing icon that marked the [Fox Tribe Village].
It was a safe haven, one he knew could provide the care Alice desperately needed.
With a deep inhale, he focused on the destination.
“Teleport,” he whispered.
The air around them shimmered, a soft hum filling the space as the teleportation process activated.
The cavern blurred and twisted, light bending in unnatural ways until it was replaced by the familiar sight of the [Fox Tribe Village].