Alister’s thoughts raced. ‘This must be his test.’
The gravity of the question weighed heavily on him. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, “Is there a reason you must know?”
Alzuring replied calmly, “Yes. A leader carries not only his own fate but the fate of all those who follow him. For him to properly lead down a path, he must not only believe in his own ideals but embody them. For he who is not even aware of the path he plans to tread has no right to lead others.”
“So tell me, young lord, what exactly are the ideals you live by? I shall then judge if you truly embody them before I pledge my loyalty.”
Alister considered Alzuring’s words carefully. This answer was important, for it would decide their partnership. He took a deep breath, ready to articulate the principles that guided him through the chaos of their world.
Alister’s thoughts raced as he processed Alzuring’s words.
‘So he’s asking… Who am I?’
He looked up at Alzuring, meeting the dragon’s gaze with newfound determination.
“If I understand correctly, one’s ideals shape who they are?”
Alzuring nodded, a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
“Indeed.”
Feeling the weight of the moment, Alister took a deep breath and began to articulate his beliefs.
“First, family above all.”
“My family and allies are the most important to me. I would gladly go through hell and do whatever I have to in order to protect those I care about.”
“And on that note, I will be as ruthless as I have to be. I won’t hesitate to cut down anyone or anything that threatens those I care about or those who block the path to my goals.”
“Only a fool offers his enemies mercy.”
The air around them seemed to shift, the seriousness of his words sinking in. Alister continued, his voice steady.
“Second, nothing good comes easy. Nothing easy lasts long, and nothing long-lasting can be achieved without immense cost. If one hopes to achieve great things, then they should expect to give or sacrifice something of equal or greater value.”
“Many rely on and believe in me. I cannot disrespect them by not giving it my all.”
“Third…”
“I’ve learned the hard way that pretending or sugar-coating things doesn’t get you anywhere. Life has taught me to face reality head-on, no matter how harsh it is. I will always be as real as I have to be; the world is a cruel place, not one for wishful thinking.”
He paused, allowing the gravity of his convictions to resonate. “These are the truths I’ve come to live by. They guide me in my decisions and actions.”
Alzuring regarded him with a contemplative expression, clearly impressed by Alister’s insights.
“You speak with conviction. Your ideals are a reflection of your strength. Do you understand what this means for you?”
Alister nodded, feeling a surge of purpose within him. “It means I’m willing to fight for those beliefs. I know the path I’ve chosen won’t be easy, but I’m ready for whatever it takes.”
The dragon’s body shimmered slightly, as if pleased. “Then let us forge a bond that embodies those ideals. Together, we shall transcend the boundaries that confine us, and your strength will only grow from here.”
“May I ask your name, young lord?”
“It’s Alister.”
Alzuring’s massive body shifted slightly, and with a graceful movement that seemed almost out of place for such a powerful creature, he lowered his head, bowing deeply.
“I, Alzuring Von Azure-Void, offer my loyalty to you, young lord Alister,” the dragon declared, his voice vibrating the space around him.
“From this moment onward, I shall serve you as your general, a comrade who shares in your ideals. My strength is yours to command, and I shall fight by your side until the very end.”
As Alzuring’s head bowed, the familiar sound of a system notification echoed in Alister’s mind.
[System Notice: Congratulations, Player Alister Hazenworth, for successfully taming the Sky Dragon, Alzuring Von Azure-Void.]
[Summoning Rank: S]
Alister’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. The system notification confirmed what he had already felt a deep connection between him and Alzuring.
He stepped forward, placing a hand on Alzuring’s bowed head, feeling the cool scales beneath
his fingers.
“I look forward to the future with you by my side,” Alister said, his voice filled with determination. “Together, we will conquer any challenge that comes our way. I have no doubt that with your strength added to my ranks, all of my goals shall slowly be within my reach.”
Alzuring raised his head, his eyes locking with Alister’s. “It will be an honor to fight by your side, young lord.”
Alister stepped back from Alzuring, his thoughts shifting to the next task at hand. The sky dragon had proven his loyalty, but Alister knew he needed more powerful allies if he hoped to achieve his goals. He turned to Alzuring with a calm command.
“Stand aside,” Alister ordered. “I plan to call forth another general to my aid.”
Alzuring gave a slight nod. “Understood, young lord.” With that, the massive dragon took a step to the side, giving Alister the space he needed. His glowing eyes remained watchful, intrigued by what was to come.
Alister reached into his inventory, his hand slipping through the void of items stored within. His fingers brushed against the smooth, cold surface of the dark quartz summoning conduit.
He pulled it out, the object gleaming ominously in the fading light, its deep black surface swirling with faint traces of purple and red energy.
Holding the conduit tightly in his hand, Alister’s voice was low but clear as he muttered, “An Abyss-Void…”
Just as the words left his lips, the system materialized before him in glowing text, capturing his attention.
[System Notice: You are about to summon an Abyss-Void General.]
[Abyss-Void summons typically harbor negative personality traits.]
[To initiate the summoning, you must focus on your own negative emotions. These emotions will shape the essence of the Abyss-Void.]
Alister’s brow furrowed as he read the notice. “Negative emotions?” he murmured, considering the system’s instructions. Abyss-Voids were known to embody traits like cruelty, anger, and manipulation, but Alister wasn’t eager to call forth a general based on such
characteristics.
Still, the summoning required it, and he had no choice but to comply.
But what negative emotions should he use? Although he didn’t have personal experience with them, at least not as Alister Hazenworth, with what he had seen as Kaelan, they had a tendency to possess nearly psychotic personalities.
He didn’t want to have to deal with that. But then something else came to mind as he began to recall the calm and level-headed Abyss-Void from his reassimilated memories.
‘My disciple, Mar’Garet…’
‘System… Is it possible to summon dragons from my memory?’
[It is possible, but if they had pledged their loyalty to another Overlord or the memories the player has of them are vague, the summoning will fail.]
[It is also important that the player tries to recall the emotions associated with the memory.]
[Notice! Summoning dragons from your memory will mean the player will have no control over their desired personality traits.]
[Will the player like to proceed to summoning a dragon from their memory?]
“Yes, summon Mar’Garet.”