Anderson stood tall, his gaze unwavering as he looked at Cadmus and the rest of the Dragon Kings. His expression was resolute, every muscle in his body seemingly ready for what lay ahead. The tension in the air was thick as his words echoed through the hall.
"You've seen what I can do. And that's what I'll do again," Anderson stated calmly, his voice filled with quiet conviction.
The Dragon God, the once-revered deity of his people, observed him with a mixture of admiration and concern. His ancient eyes, filled with wisdom, softened slightly. "You are strong," the Dragon God began, his voice deep, carrying the weight of eons. "Stronger than me, stronger than your father. But the enemy you're about to face... they are far beyond anything you've encountered before."
His words hung in the air, a heavy silence following as the Dragon God's expression shifted into something more pleading. "I implore you, Anderson, give up on this futile fight. You don't have to throw your life away for this place. Join us. Leave this plane behind and survive."
The Dragon God's gaze flickered with the pain of memories, of battles long fought and lost. His voice wavered slightly as he continued, "Ever since my companions and I were exiled to this plane, we've been preparing. We built a teleportation point, a gateway to another plane far away. A plane untouched by the wars of our past... a refuge."
As he spoke, his eyes clouded over with old grief. "Right now, my friends, those who listened, are gathering their families. They're already making their way to the teleportation point. I want you to join us, the royal family of the Beast Continent... save yourself."
The Dragon God's voice was laden with a deep, paternal concern, his plea sincere. He didn't want to see such a young, gifted soul throw himself into the jaws of what he believed was inevitable destruction. His eyes searched Anderson's, hoping to see some flicker of doubt, some willingness to reconsider.
But Anderson remained still, his jaw set, his eyes cold and calculating. His silence was deafening. The flicker of emotion that crossed his face was not fear but determination—a determination that even the Dragon God couldn't shake.
Anderson stood firm, his gaze unwavering as he faced the Dragon God. The air around him crackled with raw power, but his expression was calm, almost cold. His words were steady, laced with a quiet defiance. "I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your invitation to run away like a coward."
The gathered Dragon Kings exchanged uneasy glances, the tension thick in the air. Even the once mighty Dragon God furrowed his brow, clearly unsettled by Anderson's indifference.
"This is the Divine Plane," Anderson continued, his voice hard as steel. "It's my home. The place I was born and where I grew up. I won't stand by and watch it be destroyed in any way, shape, or form." His eyes met those of the Dragon God, burning with conviction. "So I will decline your offer."
The Dragon God, though ancient and powerful, looked at Anderson as if seeing him for the first time. There was a moment of silence, the weight of Anderson's words settling over the group like a heavy blanket.
"Cadmus, you truly raised a true Dragon," the Dragon God bellowed, his booming laughter echoing through the vast halls of the palace. His eyes, sharp and gleaming like molten gold, swept over Anderson with newfound respect. The air seemed to vibrate with his amusement, yet there was a palpable tension beneath the surface—an acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.
Cadmus, the current Dragon King, stood tall and still, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at his son. There was a flicker of pride, hidden behind the stern, stoic mask of a ruler. He said nothing, but his clenched fists at his sides betrayed the storm of emotions raging within him.
The Dragon God's laughter faded into a deep rumble as his expression hardened. His gaze sharpened, now filled with fierce determination. "Summon the armies of the Beast Continent!" His voice was a command that carried the weight of centuries of authority. His eyes flicked toward one of his generals, a hulking beastman with jagged horns and a grim expression.
The general nodded swiftly, his heavy footsteps echoing as he rushed to carry out the order. The room filled with an electric tension, the weight of war looming like a dark cloud over them all.
"Send word to the Phoenix Clan," the Dragon God continued, his voice growing more resolute, "Tell them there's a change of plans. We will no longer cower in fear, fleeing like beaten dogs." His tone turned cold, an icy edge to his words that sent shivers through even the most hardened warriors in the hall. "We face this threat head-on."
The Dragon God's eyes once again found Anderson, his gaze lingering as if trying to uncover the source of the young man's confidence. "We can only hope," he said slowly, his voice softer but laden with meaning, "that whatever gives your boy such conviction is truly as formidable as he believes."
Anderson stood still, his expression unreadable. There was no outward reaction, no grand gestures. Just the faintest glint in his eyes—cool, unflinching. He nodded, his jaw set, as if to say there was nothing more to discuss.
The weight of what was to come settled over the room, as beastmen and dragons alike exchanged uncertain glances. Some looked inspired by Anderson's boldness, while others remained wary, still trying to grasp the full extent of what they were about to face. But none dared speak.
Anderson, however, held his ground with the quiet assurance of someone who knew far more than he let on. There was no need for boasting. The calmness in his eyes spoke volumes, as if the storm they were preparing for was one he had already weathered in his mind.
Cadmus, standing at the foot of his throne, finally allowed himself a small, fleeting smile. It was brief, almost imperceptible, but it was there. Pride, tempered by the looming uncertainty. His son had grown beyond even his wildest expectations, and now... now they would see if that strength was enough to save them all.
Elsewhere
"Finally, it has began, the time to resurrect my beloved and be once again reunited with her. This time I will make sure no one foils my plans, no one."