Nolan stared intently at the red dragon's figure, then smiled almost involuntarily.
"The power of the Draco Constellation is truly extraordinary," he murmured softly.
Draco is a constellation located deep in the northern sky, shaped like a dragon.
Mages who draw power from the Draco Constellation can transform into dragons and wield their tremendous strength.
Of course, this transformation is temporary—there is a strict time limit.
Still, while in that form, the mage becomes incredibly powerful and nearly invincible.
This explains why Mages of the Draco Constellation rarely excel at ranged attacks—their strength lies almost entirely in physical power and close combat.
Just as Nolan was lost in thought, the battle in the sky flared up again.
Draco, in his massive red dragon form, faced off against the black dragon with equal strength.
"Lowly creature! How dare you mimic the shape of my kind? I will finish you!" The black dragon roared, opening its jaws wide to form a devastating ball of energy.
But Draco showed not the slightest hint of fear.
He countered by opening his jaws, forming a blazing red fireball.
The two dragons locked eyes, their glares sharp with hostility—then, in perfect sync, they released their attacks.
Whoosh!
Both blasts tore through the sky at blinding speed—then collided.
Boom!
A massive explosion rocked the sky, shaking the air and ravaging the surroundings.
The temperature spiked, and shimmering heat waves distorted the sky as if the atmosphere itself were burning.
Thick smoke blanketed the heavens, but slowly, it began to fade—along with the last traces of the two powerful attacks.
Down in the square, the people finally let out a collective sigh of relief.
None of them had expected Draco's attack to rival the black dragon's might.
"How could your attack be as strong as mine?!" The black dragon roared, stunned and disbelieving.
"Hahaha!" Draco let out a booming laugh. "You foolish lizard! Did you really think you were the most powerful creature in existence? Too bad—I'm just as strong!"
His arrogant taunt only fueled the black dragon's fury.
"Bastard! Don't get cocky just because you managed to withstand one of my attacks!" The black dragon roared.
A purplish-black aura exploded from its body, accompanied by a flash of dark lightning that cracked through the sky.
With a powerful flap of its wings, it lunged toward Draco.
But Draco didn't retreat. He spread his wings and charged forward to meet the attack head-on.
In an instant, the two were locked in another fierce clash that shook the heavens.
Meanwhile, Orion, who had been watching the battle, didn't remain idle. He knew their advantage wouldn't last.
If the black dragon truly unleashed its full strength, they would be overwhelmed.
"Cassiopeia, Lyra, Corvus—take support positions. Hydra, Phoenix, you're with me. We'll help Draco hold the line," Orion commanded firmly.
"Yes, Orion!" The five responded in unison, their voices full of resolve.
Without hesitation, Orion, Hydra, and Phoenix soared toward the raging battle, while Lyra, Corvus, and Cassiopeia remained near the square, ready to launch long-range attacks and protect the people below.
Orion extended his left hand forward and raised his right hand to his chest, as if drawing an invisible bow.
Buzz!
Moments later, a colossal avatar materialized behind him—a middle-aged man clad in golden armor, exuding a majestic and commanding presence.
Everyone who saw him trembled instinctively, some even compelled to bow.
"Nyxveil, hear my call!" Orion shouted.
Buzz!
A golden-black bow shimmered into existence in his hand, perfectly mirrored by the massive weapon held by the radiant avatar behind him.
Orion slowly drew the bowstring, and in a flash, a black arrow formed from the air—pulsing with deadly, concentrated energy.
About five hundred meters away, the black dragon battling Draco suddenly shivered with unease.
Its gaze snapped to the massive avatar behind Orion, and it felt the arrow's chilling promise of death.
"Not good!"
Without hesitation, it abandoned Draco and charged straight at Orion.
If that arrow hit, the damage would be catastrophic.
"Damn it!" Draco cursed, stunned by the black dragon's sudden retreat.
He beat his wings to give chase, but the black dragon was already too fast.
"Think you can attack Orion without my permission?" A cold voice snarled beside it.
Startled, the black dragon snapped its head around—and saw a phoenix diving in at full speed.
Bang!
The surprise strike slammed into it with brutal force, sending the black dragon hurtling backward.
But the attack didn't end there. A massive wave of water erupted from nowhere, engulfing the black dragon's body.
From within the swirling depths, a nine-headed, dragon-like beast emerged, wrapping its powerful, muscular tail tightly around the black dragon.
"What—?!" the black dragon gasped in horror.
It struggled fiercely, but the creature's grip held firm. The coils tightened, leaving it almost powerless.
Seizing the moment, Draco and Phoenix launched their simultaneous attack.
Draco opened his massive jaws, conjured a blazing red fireball, and hurled it toward the black dragon.
At the same time, Phoenix beat her wings, whipping up a roaring firestorm that surged straight at the target.
Caught in the devastating onslaught, the black dragon was helpless—it could only brace for impact.
Boom!
The black dragon's massive body was blasted away by the two devastating strikes, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Hydra quickly released his grip and flew toward Draco and Phoenix.
Below, everyone watched in tense silence, anxiety gripping their hearts.
"Did it work?" Elina asked, biting her lower lip.
Nolan stayed calm, his gaze sharp as he replied quietly, "No. It didn't work. The dragon... is still alive and unharmed."