It unleashed a powerful wind arrow that cleaved through a group of plant zombies and skeletons, their bodies disintegrating into dust.
“Not all overlords select an Archi-Void as their sharpest fang,” he interjected.
“An Archi-Void can serve as an advisor and still not hold the title of sharpest fang. It depends on the needs of the overlord.”
With a flick of his wrist, Alzuring formed a miniature tornado, its fierce winds sweeping across the battlefield and obliterating another wave of undead. The air around him shimmered with particles of dust and debris, creating a dazzling display.
“What truly matters is loyalty and the resolve to protect and serve him to the end.”
“That is what our clan names are supposed to embody.”
Terra nodded as she shaped the sand into a massive hammer, sending it crashing down upon a cluster of the undead.
The ground quaked, and an explosion of sand erupted, blinding the zombies in a veil of dust.
“Although it is undeniable that there is some pride and joy in being selected, we should still be able to be satisfied even if we aren’t the ones selected.”
“We are still serving him in the end.”
Draven glanced at the devastation around them. “Indeed, let’s focus on the task at hand. We can worry about titles later. Right now, we need to clear the area and return to our lord.”
With that, the trio advanced, each unleashing their powers in a spectacular display. Lightning arced through the air, sand flowed like water, and winds howled as Alzuring rained destruction from above.
Together, they carved a path through the horde, leaving a trail of vanquished monsters and a landscape further reshaped by the sheer intensity of their attacks.
Meanwhile…
Back on the skyscraper, Alister and Cinder stood several feet apart, their hair ruffled as the wind, carrying the smell of smoke, dust, and decay, blew past.
There was a moment of silence between them, their eyes now fixed on the ruined city below, where thunderous booms echoed around them, caused by the wyvern and dragon generals devouring and cutting down the monsters.
Shadows stretched along the crumbling buildings as the wyverns feasted on the fallen foes, their roars of excitement and victory echoing in the air after a successful hunt.
Draven and the others swiftly dispatched any that dared to rise again.
A sudden notification appeared in Alister’s vision:
[Notice: devouring value 62%.]
He dismissed it with a wave of his hand, his focus drawn back to Cinder, who continued to gaze out at the horizon, her expression unreadable.
“Cinder,” Alister said, breaking the silence that wrapped around them, “I’m sure you know why I sent the others to deal with the monsters. I said we’d talk, remember?”
Cinder turned to face him, her crimson eyes locked with his as she said, “Yes, my lord, I understand.”
“What do you want to discuss?”
Alister stepped closer as he said, “I want to talk about how you nearly ignored my orders when those humans hunted down my wyvern.”
At his words, Cinder’s posture stiffened, her shoulders tensing as if bracing for an impending storm. She bowed her head, her long hair cascading forward like a curtain hiding her face. “I’m truly sorry for that, my lord,” she murmured, sincerity in her tone.
“I let my emotions momentarily cloud my reasoning.”
“It’s alright,” Alister replied, his voice calm but firm. “I’m not angry with you. I just want you to explain something to me.”
Cinder raised her head. “I will do my best,” she said with resolve.
Alister smiled gently, attempting to ease the atmosphere. “You don’t have to be so stiff. I just want to talk.”
Her shoulders relaxed slightly at his words, and she nodded. “Understood, my lord.” “Good,” he said, taking a deep breath. “Back then, and in several instances throughout our time together, I’ve observed that… you seem to harbor a deep-seated hatred for humans. Could you tell me why that is?”
Cinder’s expression darkened in an instant; the warmth of her eyes faded, giving way to a tempest of emotions.
She stiffened again, her hair casting a shadow over her face as she lowered her gaze, an unspoken barrier rising between them.
“It’s… a long story, my lord,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alister watched her closely, sensing the internal struggle within her. “Take your time. I want
to understand… Can you tell me what happened?”
Cinder tensed slightly, looking away as she mumbled, “Forgive me, my lord. But…”
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
Alister could suddenly feel an intense wave of negative emotions flow into him. It was from Cinder-his bond with his dragons allowed him to feel what they felt and vice versa, and what he felt just a moment ago made his heart ache.
His eyes widened in shock, his hand instinctively moving to his chest as his arm almost squeezed the fabric of his clothing. “I-I… never knew you were hurt this badly…”
The weight in his chest was far heavier than any piece of armor he wore. It wasn’t how it seemed, but that’s how it felt.
“This feeling…” he tightened his arm around his chest as he spoke. “It’s one of helplessness and guilt, a touch of anger… self-doubt and sadness…”
“It’s… regret.”
His eyes moved back to gaze at Cinder, who stood in silence, looking the other way.
“I didn’t even know it was this bad…”
“I don’t understand… What could have caused you such pain?”
Cinder’s hands clenched into tight fists, her body trembling as she kept her gaze averted. Her reluctance to share the painful past could be seen in every inch of her body.
“I-I don’t think I can, my lord,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I-I… do not wish
to relive those painful moments of my past.”
Alister stepped closer, his brow furrowed with concern.
“You don’t have to be afraid. I just want to understand, to help. Y-you seem to have been carrying this burden alone for so long… but you don’t need to anymore. Tell me, I’m here to
listen.”
Her whole body seemed to tense even more, and a soft, desperate plea escaped her lips. “Please… don’t push me.”
Suddenly, Alister felt it—a wave of fear crashing into him through their bond, freezing his
thoughts.
His heart skipped a beat as a realization dawned on him.
‘Is she afraid of me?’ he wondered, confusion flooding his mind. ‘But why?’
He had never seen her like this, never imagined that she, so powerful, so fierce, could be
afraid. But was it truly because of him? His mind raced, trying to piece together what could
have caused her to feel this way.
Alister opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat. Half of his face darkened as he lowered his gaze as well, then turned around. He hesitated before softly
saying,
“Cinder… I’m here if you ever want to talk. I won’t push you, but know this-you, as well as the others, are all members of my precious family. I won’t stand by and let one of you suffer
alone in silence.”
He took a deep breath, his voice softening further as he continued, “What I’m trying to say is… rely on me a little more.”
Alister then walked up to the edge of the skyscraper, ready to jump down as he said, “Well… freeweɓnovel.cѳm
with that out of the way.”
He suddenly turned back to face her with a smile on his face. “Why don’t we go join Terra and the others? We can’t let them outperform us now, can we?”
Cinder’s eyes widened slightly, a touch of guilt stinging her. She managed a smile as she also walked up to the edge of the skyscraper and said, “Indeed, my lord… Let us go.” With that, they both leaped off, pretending for that moment that the earlier conversation
never happened.