The pillar of flames brightened the sky, as if a flaming dragon had descended from the sky, devouring everything in its path.
Eren ran towards the pillar of flames, thinking that it was easier than he had expected.
If he could continue at this pace, he might actually end this battle sooner than expected. All he had to do was claw out the Prince's heart.
He soon reached the pillar, but just as he was about to enter, he heard a dragon's roar. A huge tail came out from the pillar of flames, hitting his chest to send him flying.
From the pillar of flames, a beautiful blue dragon came out. The Dragon's entire body was covered in impenetrable scales, its entire body being almost as long as the Sea Serpent.
Compared to adult Sea Dragons, he was still much smaller. But when compared to the Phoenix in the sky, he looked huge.
The Prince had returned to his true bloodline. He roared towards the sky, making the entire island shake.
....
"His Highness!" The Guard that accompanied the Prince was stunned after hearing the Prince's roar.
He thought that the Prince could easily take care of the young man, and if he couldn't, he was going to escape. But the Prince was instead forced to release his true form!
In this form, the Guard was certain that the Prince was not going to run away, even if he could! He became extremely worried about the Prince's safety.
He had thought that he could kill Xiu Ying easily and return to the Prince, but the woman proved to be more troublesome. Her strength was weaker than him, but her speed was a notch higher.
He didn't know how long it was going to take to actually kill this woman. But one thing was certain. He did not have time to waste here. He had to get back to the Prince and take him away.
"Where do you think you are going?"
The Guard tried to return to the Island, only to stop midway as a powerful arc of energy flew past him momentarily cutting the ocean in two halves.
"The person you are protecting is not safe either. We should end this battle for now!" The Guard exclaimed.
Even if the human was dead, it didn't matter. But if the Prince was hurt, he could not bear the consequences. It was much better to just end this battle and get scolded.
Xiu Ying looked in the direction of the island. The roar did feel dangerous.
She knew how eager Eren was to kill a Sea Dragon. This might be their last opportunity. If she became an obstruction in his path, she might never forgive herself.
"I will choose to believe in him. If you want to end this battle, then die to my sword!"
She placed her faith in Eren. She believed he was much stronger than he made it appear. She had already seen him achieve some things that should have been impossible for him.
"Sword Emperor's Aura!"
Eren unleashed the Sword Emperor's Aura, causing it to ripple outward and spread far.
The intensity of his aura was so overwhelming that it left the young dragon and the Phoenix momentarily stunned.
Although Eren had previously used the Emperor's Aura as bluff, this time it felt distinctly different. It was an entirely new sensation, as if this aura had been a part of his body for centuries.
He did not notice that his emerald pendant also began to emit a faint glow.
"Bring me up!" Eren roared again.
For a fleeting moment, the Phoenix regained her senses upon hearing Eren's voice.
She enveloped him in her winds, enabling him to soar through the air. However, their advantage was short-lived, as the Dragon regained his senses while the Phoenix faltered. She lost control of her winds.
Realizing that he might fall, Eren used the remnants of the Talismans he had. His agility and strength was boosted in an instant.
Stepping on the wind, he jumped with all his might. The emerald pendant radiated an even more brilliant light.
The blood trickling down his lips turned darker, and flew towards his swords. It started gathering at the blade.
More and more blood came from his eyes, nose, lips and wounds, as if the pendant was forcefully drawing his blood.
Tears of blood streamed down his face, while his pupils transformed into an abyssal black. The Sword Emperor's Aura became even stronger, spreading even farther.
Eren's sword became longer, shrouded by the poisonous blood. The scent of poison filled the air, giving the young dragon a sense of danger.
The Dragon opened his mouth and tried to retreat, but the blade came crashing down.
In an instance, the entire world went silent as a giant head was separated from the body.
....
In the Sea Dragon Royal Palace, the Empress was sitting on the throne with her eyes closed as if she was resting.
The door of the hall suddenly opened, and a man came rushing. His face was completely pale.
"Y-Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened!"
The Empress slowly opened her eyes.