Chapter 298: The Search

Chapter 298: The Search

Anya chuckled softly, a playful grin appearing on her lips as she responded, "Oh, I wasn't matched."

Klaus let out a relieved sigh on the other end, thinking she hadn't potentially killed anyone. But before he could say anything further, Anya spoke with a wry laugh.

"I was freaking destroyed."

The line went silent for a moment before Klaus stuttered.

"W-wait, what?! You were destroyed? You? By who? How is that even possible?!"

Anya couldn't help but smile at his incredulous reaction, but she didn't answer immediately. Instead, she gazed up at the moonlit sky, Alister's face flashing in her mind, making her smile.

"Let's just say..."

"...there's always someone stronger out there, Klaus."

Klaus groaned dramatically. "This is exactly why you stress me out. Who is this person? Another as strong as Spade? In the same city? Where are all these genius powerhouses when you need them? Why are they not affiliated with any guild? Do I need to send backup next time?!"

Anya only laughed, cutting him off. "Relax, Klaus. I'm fine. Besides, it was just a spar."

"Oh."

"By the way, Klaus, do we have any dragon-themed dungeons scheduled for a raid in our sector?"

Klaus paused on the other end, likely pulling up their guild's schedule. After a few moments, his voice returned.

"Yeah, actually. There's one. The Dragon Desert Library. Why do you ask?"

As Klaus spoke, Anya's steps slowed. She found herself outside a clothing shop, its display window shimmering with bluish holographic projections of its products.

The digital mannequins posed gracefully, showcasing an array of combat-ready gear alongside elegant formal wear.

Anya smiled, her gaze moving from the holograms to her reflection in the glass before she finally spoke.

"Nothing much."

"I just might have a little someone joining that raid, that's all..."

---

Back out in the wastelands, Alister strode through the lingering haze of dust and debris.

Behind him, the ruins of the desolate city continued to crumble. Weak structures trembled and gave way, collapsing into heaps of rubble that sent smaller shockwaves echoing through the broken streets.

CRASH!

A tall building gave in entirely, its walls folding inward as it fell onto an adjacent structure. The sound echoed through the wasteland like distant thunder.

Alister didn't spare a glance. He strode calmly, as if the chaos behind him was insignificant. As he emerged from the veil of dust, he approached an open clearing where Cinder waited for him.

The silver-haired dragoness, in her humanoid form, bowed her head with a smile as he neared.

"But tonight... We won't return until we've found it."

The air around Alister vibrated as a golden glow radiated from his skin. His breathing slowed, his posture shifting as his draconic transformation began.

His black, white, and gold scales emerged from his skin, spreading rapidly until they encased his entire body.

Once fully covered, a powerful eruption burst from his spine, and with a crackling sound, his tail emerged. Moments later, his wings unfurled from his back, expanding with a majestic force that sent a gust of wind rippling through the surrounding wasteland.

Once his transformation was complete, Mar'Garet suddenly stepped forward again.

She stopped just a pace away, her voice soft as she called, "My Lord."

Dropping into a deep bow, her head lowered.

"Might I be humored tonight, honored with the privilege of serving as your mount?"

Alister tilted his head, his sharp gaze catching the small flick of her tail behind her.

Its eager movement betrayed her calm demeanor, waving back and forth with anticipation.

He did not miss the small glance from Cinder, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as she observed Mar'Garet's bold request.

Yet Cinder remained silent, watching with curiosity.

After a long pause, Alister nodded, his deep voice echoing.

"Very well. I will allow it."

For a fleeting moment, Mar'Garet froze, her expression blank as her mind processed his words.

Then, as the words dawned on her, her face lit up in a bright blush, her crimson eyes sparkling with delight.

A broad, almost seductive grin spread across her face, her voice trembling with joy as she said, "I-I am humored, my Lord! Tonight, I shall serve you to the best of my abilities."

Suddenly, Mar'Garet stepped back, her body beginning to radiate heat as a dark red aura emanated from her form. Her size grew rapidly, her humanoid figure giving way to the powerful, scaled body of her dragon form.

Her massive wings emerged, their span rivaling Alister's own. When she was fully transformed, her blazing eyes scanned her surroundings, and she unleashed a thunderous roar that echoed across the wasteland, shaking the ground beneath them.

Lowering her massive head reverently, Mar'Garet crouched low, her wings folding slightly as she offered herself to Alister.

"My Lord," she called, her voice deeper in her dragon form.

"...your mount awaits."

Calmly, Alister stepped forward, his tail swishing behind him as he approached. Once he was near, he leapt gracefully, landing atop her massive head. His talons dug into the scales for balance as his wings folded slightly against his back.

"Let us begin," Alister commanded.

Mar'Garet let out another roar before her powerful wings beat against the ground. With a surge, she launched into the sky, carrying her Lord.

The other dragon generals transformed as well, joining the wyverns in flight. The night air was filled with their presence, their shadows casting awe and fear as they passed over the earth below.

"Let us begin," Alister commanded.