ROAR—!
In an instant, a thunderous roar shook the heavens and earth, echoing through the boundless Imaginary Space, stirring waves like a stormy sea.
Crack—crash!
With a resounding explosion, the dragon's immense wings—vast enough to blot out the sky—pierced through the blue-white cocoon like twin spears thrusting toward the heavens.
Just like Sebas' true form, she was of the Western dragon type: deep blue in color, clad in white armor. Her neck and underbelly were dark blue, patterned with streaks of sky blue. Four eyes gleamed with brilliance, and her twin wings—blue with white skeletal frames—spread wide, while her claws and membranes shimmered in azure.
That enormous body—just by being born—already stretched nearly a kilometer long.
ROAR—!!
As if celebrating her rebirth and venting years of pent-up frustration, her roar grew fiercer still after breaking free from the cocoon. The terrifying shockwaves rippled outward in rings, sending waves of Honkai energy particles trembling across the void.
"Cough... I know you're excited right now, but that's enough. Come here."
Rrroar—awooo~~!
That cool, commanding voice seemed carved into her very soul. The moment it reached her, her mighty roars faltered. The once-dominant and awe-inspiring tone suddenly softened—it almost sounded... adorably fierce.
It was the Queen!
At that moment—
"Milady, is she still a child? She seems... not particularly bright. Shall I perhaps provide her with a few lessons in etiquette?"
Though the voice was low, there was no way she could've missed it. That deep, resonant tone made her react instantly.
That old man!!!
"You damned old geezer! Talking bad about me in front of the Queen again?! You're the child! Your whole family's a bunch of children!!"
A soft, slightly pouty voice echoed directly into Selene and Sebas' minds. Though filled with anger, it was still gentle—completely lacking in intimidation.
"Uuuh... Queen... I thought you didn't want me anymore..."
With that, locking onto Selene's position, the blue-white dragon descended. Her massive, armored head lowered humbly beside Selene's hand, rubbing gently against her palm, her tone full of grievance.
Touching the dragon's cold white armor, Selene quietly felt the deep, blood-bonded connection between them and stroked her gently. "Alright, alright... Didn't I promise to bring you back? I've kept my word, haven't I?"
"One that whines like you... that won't do. You still don't have a name, do you? Would you like me to give you one?" Selene said, still rubbing her head.
"Mmm..." Clearly enjoying Selene's caress, the dragon's four large eyes half-closed in bliss.
"Arisa... Arisa Benares," Selene said with meaning.
Arisa carried Selene's hopes—her team deserved a cheerful mascot, after all.
Otherwise... just look at Selene's subordinates now. They were either ruthless warriors or uptight middle-aged veterans. The only young woman among them was out on campaign—and she was a full-blown sadist.
As for Benares—that name signified her dragon lineage, derived from the same origin as the Herrscher of the Void's companion Honkai Beast.
And as for why not Bella... better not. Selene had no intention of using that name to mourn her friend again. (Ahhh—poor Bella!)
"Mhm." Arisa nodded in a daze, officially confirming her name.
"Now, let me introduce you. This is Sebas—my personal butler," Selene said, pointing to the composed old man standing beside her.
"Hmph! I know him! That's the bad guy who stole my body!"
Arisa lowered herself to the ground, her four glowing eyes locking fiercely on Sebas. The air around her thickened with hostility, as if not for Selene's presence, she would have already pounced on him like a starving predator.
"Enough. Sebas will apologize—he's prepared quite the generous gift for you," Selene said with a smile, patting Arisa's head. "Besides, most importantly—Sebas is very strong."
Rrroar (I don't believe it)!
Snap!
With a flick of her fingers, Selene turned to Sebas. "Show her, Sebas. Your true form."
"As you command, Milady..."
The next instant—
ROAR—!!!
A surge of power erupted—the air itself trembled. Two colossal wings, black and glowing faintly red, unfurled high into the void. With a single flap, they generated a massive shockwave that rippled outward like a hurricane.
A massive figure—jet-black from head to toe, its body encased in layers of molten-red, magma-like armor that pulsed with inner light—appeared before Selene. The creature's form gleamed with a metallic luster, exuding an overwhelming, primal presence.
Beneath the obsidian scales, thick layers of muscle flexed and bulged. Three pairs of rugged horns jutted backward from its head, each set larger and longer than the last. The monstrous jaw—gleaming like black-forged steel—was lined with fangs etched with metallic patterns, radiating an aura of pure ferocity.
Sebas' true form—the Black Dragon—was massive, easily surpassing a kilometer in length. His size and bulk dwarfed Arisa several times over.
If Arisa's true form embodied grace and elegance, then Sebas' was pure might—raw, domineering, and brutal, a living embodiment of power and dread.
"How about it? I told you, Sebas isn't weak in the slightest," Selene said, noticing Arisa's disheartened expression. "Besides, your own potential is far from its limit."
Rising to her feet and clapping her hands lightly, Selene added, "Alright, Arisa, Sebas—return to your human forms. The welcome banquet is ready."
"Yes, Queen!" Arisa was the first to respond. Her massive draconic body shimmered with radiant white light and began to shrink rapidly. As the glow faded, a girl of about 1.6 meters tall appeared before Selene.
Her long gray hair fell loosely down her back, and her bright sky-blue eyes shone with youthful energy. She wore a feathered headpiece, a white sleeveless top resembling a short vest adorned with a purple four-pointed star at the chest, black hotpants, white thigh-high stockings, and purple high heels. Long black gloves extended past her elbows, layered with white armor, and her fingertips glowed faintly violet.
"Queen!" Arisa cried out happily, clinging to Selene's arm with a radiant smile.
"Ah... don't call me Queen..." Selene sighed helplessly, covering her face. That title always gave her a strange sense of foreboding. "Just call me Selene—or Great General, if you must."
"Why though?" Arisa asked innocently, tilting her head.
"No reason... anyway, let's go."
Calling back the now human-shaped Sebas, Selene took Arisa by the hand and led them both out of the Imaginary Space.