“No more holding back… I believe that was what you promised.”
Alister smiled slightly as he asked, “I’m surprised you know, tell me how did you find out about that?”
“I was certain it was a personal thought.”
Terra smiled, “It was, but the connection between us communicated how your felt, the desire
to not restrain yourself, each of us felt it that night.”
“So since your already made a promise to yourself… Wouldn’t it be best to keep it?”
“An overlord’s words are worth their weight in gold no?”
“So let them know of your might, let any who dare stand before you either fall behind or fall before your power.”
Alister took in her words, letting them sink in. He knew she was right; hiding his strength wouldn’t protect him from future struggles.
It might even make things harder, as people underestimated his capabilities or questioned his resolve. Standing tall was his path forward, no matter the obstacles.
“I see you have a point.” he said with a smile.
“Then tomorrow, let us put on a show.”
He stepped forward to the edge of the tree, allowing gravity to take him as he fell gracefully from the tree, thinking.
“Yes, I’ll move forward with pride and confidence.”
…
It was a long night after that. Alister and his dragons went on their hunts as usual, with Alister leading them across the Wastelands in search of any signs of the dragon kin tribe the system mentioned. Unfortunately, he didn’t find any signs, so with their hunt completed, they had to call it a night.
…
It was finally time for the grand meeting, held at the Union’s grand hall in Sector Zero. It wasn’t in the morning, as Alister had initially thought, but rather toward noon, with the sun setting and the moon slowly emerging. Vehicles carrying both influential figures and members of the media could be seen parked around, as this was not only a place for the grand meeting, but a very popular venue where alliances were forged, broken, and rekindled.
And of course the place to obtain the next big scoop.
A reporter stood outside the grand hall, microphone in hand, wearing a well twlored black suite look under the bright lights of the camera crew. She adjusted her earpiece, waiting for the signal, and then, with a calm, slightly excited expression, began her report as the live broadcast went on air.
“Good evening, viewers!”
She said with a warm smile. “We’re coming to you live from the Union’s grand hall here in Sector Zero, where today, influential leaders, powerful guild masters, and representatives from all across the Megacity have gathered for what is know to be a very popular annual meeting.”
Behind her, the grand hall buzzed with activity, as figures of high status arrived in expensive vehicles, escorted by guards and entourages.
The reporter pointed toward to the scene, her voice taking on a more excited tone.
“As you can see, security is at an all-time high, with various factions represented here.”
“In recent days, we’ve seen a chilling resurgence of the strange murders that had previously come to an end. The latest victims have been discovered without a single wound-drained completely of blood and mana, leaving only dried remains. While the details remain a mystery, the pattern is unmistakable, and it’s left citizens, and even some of the most powerful guilds, concerned about safety.”
The camera panned briefly to the grand hall’s towering entrance, where the flashes of photographers illuminated each new arrival.
“With this meeting’s timing so close to these disturbing events, the Union has taken extra precautions to ensure safety, despite the gathering’s usual reputation as a peaceful forum. Many are wondering if tonight’s discussions will address the ongoing murders, and if any new alliances will emerge to tackle this pressing issue.”
The reporter turned back to the camera, her expression initially serious but then it was replaced with a look of excitement again after a sigh, she cleared her throat then spoke up again.
“Anyway.”
“Observers are especially eager to see Alister, the renowned Dragon Lord, and his arrival has been highly anticipated. It’s said he may arrive with his powerful dragon, Cinder, by his side in human form—a rare and significant move that could send a powerful message to fans and rivals alike.”
“Many speculations have been trending online lately about his relationship with this humanoid companion of his.”
“Shockingly many are of the belief that he is in a relationship with her, and shockingly many support this union, especially the so-called ‘Dragon Lord Fan Club’ that was created just recently, yet possesses a massive following of over two hundred thousand members and rising.”
“While some experts have chosen to point out that a child born of such a union could possess birth defects, many have used the cases of blanks who took monster core surgery in other maga-cities yet possess fairly normal children as a way to completely crush the argument.”
As the camera continued to roll, a sleek black vehicle pulled up near the grand hall entrance. Emblazoned on its side was the unmistakable insignia of the Berserker Guild—a bold symbol of a roaring Bear. The reporter’s eyes lit up, and with a quick nod to her cameraman, she pointed toward them.
“It looks like the Berserkers have arrived!” she announced.
“The camera is turning now to capture their entrance. As you can see, the Berserkers Guild, known for its powerful and disciplined fighters, is making quite the appearance.”
The camera shifted focus, zooming in as the doors to the vehicle opened. Out stepped several distinguished figures, each dressed elegantly in tailored suits and refined evening dresses, very different from their well known fierce and rugged reputations that often accompanied their guild’s name.
At the forefront was Klaus, the Branch Guildmaster, his bald head gleaming under the soft glow of the evening lights, dark brown eyes looking around the crowd with a calm, observant demeanor, he didn’t raise his hand to shield his eyes despite all the camera flashes, further giving him a calm and commanding aura.
All the others stepped out behind him, from Thorin and Halzor, to Maila and Grimm. Finally,
as the last figure stepped out, Anya emerged, her confidence practically beaming off her like an aura that illuminated the space, far more than any camera flash.
The murmurs of the crowd seemed to hush as she graced the scene, a leader in both
appearance and presence.
Then they all began to call out to her.
“Guildmaster Anya! Look here.”
“Could you wave for the camera?”
“A short pose please.”
Photographers although behind the lines, we’re practically all over her, all their attention momentarily completely captured by her.
In all the excitement, Ivy couldn’t help but mumble in a low tone to the others, she clearly wadebt comfortable with the setting. “I swear these huge-profile events are so exhausting,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck. “All the cameras and the expectations… I can’t handle it
sometimes.”
Thorin chuckled, then spoke. “Come on, Ivy! It’s just a bit of fun! Besides, we’re the Berserkers! We thrive in the spotlight!”
Halzor joined in, leaning closer. “But you’ve got to admit, it’s a bit much. Everyone is just waiting for us to show off. I prefer a good fight over this stiff formality any day.”
Maila nodded, her brow furrowing slightly. “I get it, but we need to keep our reputation intact. Events like these are vital for our guild. Still, I wish they could be a little more laid-
back.”
Nyra crossed her arms, a slight smirk spreading on her lips. “And miss out on the chance to make a statement? Please. If they want to see us, we might as well give them what they want. Besides we do this every year, and we’ll keep doing it till we retire, you better get used to it.”
Grimm interjected with his serious tone, “Let’s just remember why we’re here. There are important discussions to be had, even if this spectacle is a distraction.”
“Right,” Ivy replied, rolling her eyes but smiling slightly. “Just let me know when it’s time to
get serious.”
As the members of the Berserker Guild made their way toward the grand hall, their confident strides left a lasting impression on the crowd.
The sleek black vehicle they had arrived in pulled away, and the reporter, eager to maintain the momentum of her broadcast, turned back to the camera with a gleam of excitement in her
eyes.
“And there you have it, folks! The Berserkers Guild has made quite the entrance, showcasing their powerful presence at this year’s annual meeting.”
“But the excitement doesn’t stop here! Our next anticipated arrival is none other than the
White Comet Guild!”
She adjusted her stance, clearing her throat, her enthusiasm brimming as she continued.
“This is the guild that took first place in the Wasteland Display Event this year, well known not just for their skill but for their rising star, Alister, the Dragon Lord.”
As she spoke, a sleek, silvery vehicle pulled up, its surface glimmering under the light. The familiar insignia of the White Comet Guild-a soaring comet streaking across a sky-was prominently displayed on the side, immediately capturing the attention of the gathered
crowd.
The reporter’s excitement escalated. “Here they are! It looks like the White Comet Guild has arrived! And soon, we’ll be seeing the Dragon Lord himself!”
With a quick motion, she gestured toward the approaching vehicle, her voice filled with anticipation. “Viewers, keep your eyes peeled for the arrival of Alister and his dragon
companion!”