Chapter 22
"I apologize that our first meeting ended like this."
The Endo Clan Head bowed slightly before taking his leave.
Alia, however, lingered.
Why? Why was he so indifferent?
That gaze calm, detached irritated her more than hostility ever could. She frowned, then turned away and followed her family out.
Dax turned back to the crowd, his expression suddenly bright.
"My apologies for the inconvenience. Please, continue enjoying yourselves."
His tone was light. Unbothered.
"How cold… is this really the same timid Dax?"
Whispers spread through the hall. Many of the clansmen had never even heard him speak before.
But the elders felt it.
Something had changed.
A beautiful black haired woman reclined gracefully in her seat, elegant robes fluttering softly as she lifted a silver dragon shaped pipe to her lips.
"A shift," she murmured, crimson lips curving into a mesmerizing smile.
She was the Third Elder Rita Godfall, infamous as the Mad One, a Rank 8 Aura Master and peerless sword wielder.
Nearby, a burly bald man rolled a demonic bead between his fingers, counting softly. He was the Fifth Elder—Gentle Demon.
The moment his gaze landed on Dax, his expression tightened.
Behind the boy stood something… wrong.
An oppressive silhouette vague, distorted, blasphemous.
Is that truly Omin's son?
He remembered clearly: this child that this child's talent had been stolen.
The ominous presence slowly turned its head meeting his gaze.
Dax returned to stand beside his grandfather's throne.
With a snap of his fingers, the Ancestor drew everyone's attention.
"I will leave this matter to the younger generation."
His voice was calm final.
"Tonight is not only a celebration of life… but also the inauguration of a new Wyvren Squad Captain."
The hall erupted.
The Wyvren Squad seat was equal in authority to an elder.
A man clad in obsidian armor appeared instantly, kneeling.
"I greet the Ancestor."
He was Zain Godfall, current Wyvren Captain and strongest of the younger generation.
"I will allow you to keep your seat." The Ancestor said evenly.
"Only if you defeat my candidate." Dax smiled inwardly hearing his grandfather.
I will show them just a bit.
Zain accepted without hesitation.
"What is your name?" the Ancestor asked.
"Zain Godfall. Fourth generation."
"Hm. You are capable," the old man said calmly.
"But my decision stands."
He snapped his fingers, In a flash gray energy wrapped around both combatants.
Dax observed it carefully.
Interesting…
He reached out
"Master."
Inerous sharp voice stopped him.
Tch! Dax showed dissatisfaction as his focus returned.
Before them formed a burning gray pentagram, inscriptions rotating endlessly.
"So this is the magic of this world."
They vanished.
Instant teleportation.
Dax appeared on a massive ring encircled by cliffs.
"Welcome to the Wyvren Nest," the Ancestor's voice echoed.
"The rules are simple. Battle. The victor becomes Captain."
The sky roared.
Ten wyverns descended, one vastly larger than the others.
Dax activated his Origin Eyes.
Blood vessels.
Veins.
Arteries.
At the core of each creature burned a flame all possessing different colors, markings out the existence of their soul.
"Killing is forbidden," the Ancestor added.
"Ancestor, this is madness!" the Seventh Elder protested.
"He's a mortal!"
The Ninth Elder joined in coldly.
"A mortal with no mana core or aura core is a liability."
Several elders nodded.
"Henry," the Ancestor replied calmly, "you've always been blunt."
"I advise you watch."
He poked into the air his had piercing into reality causing a ripple in space gently a veil appeared, displaying the Wyvren Nest live.
"Big sister!" Sapphire tugged excitedly.
"Uncle Chocolate is fighting!"
Susan's gaze never wavered from the projection.
Nothing about this was normal.
—-
A violent gust slammed toward Dax.
"We're here to fight, not sightsee," Zain snapped.
"I sense malice in your voice," Dax replied calmly.
"Unfairness bothers you."
"To me, fairness doesn't exist." Dax said coldly.
"I am Rank 7. You are mortal what do you think you can do to me?" Zain fumed.
"Then let our fists speak."
Dax regulated his strength carefully. In an instant the ressure shifted.
Zain staggered back.
"My heart… trembles?" He said.
Dax compressed his realm.
Fourth Realm—Trait General.
"This will do, tho my goal was to go lower." Dax squeezed his fist
Zain clenched his fists.
"Let me see if that mouth of yours will save you!"
He vanished.
Dax countered.
Boom!
The ground shattered.
Zain recoiled, his arm vibrating violently.
"How…?" But Dax was already moving and he sensed it.
Like a blur dax appeared punching downwards. "I suggest you get serious," Dax was dangerously calm, as he sent rubbles flying.
"You might die."