.
.
The Dragon King's Palace shook violently.
Ancient pillars collapsed one after another.
The crimson banner of the Dragon Slayers fluttered proudly above the battlefield.
Hundreds of black-armored cultivators poured into the palace, each radiating a murderous aura.
At their front stood Drogath, the commander.
His blood-red axe rested on his shoulder as he grinned at the young geniuses.
"So..."
"These children are the best this era has to offer?"
He laughed.
"What a disappointment."
Knox slowly stepped forward.
Behind him stood Alexander, Adrian, Seraphina, Orion, Leon, and Lyra.
The atmosphere became suffocating.
No one moved.
Until...
BOOM!
Drogath slammed his axe into the ground.
The marble floor shattered.
"Kill them."
At his command, dozens of Dragon Slayers charged.
Alexander unsheathed his sword.
"Leave the left flank to me."
His sword flashed like silver lightning.
Sword Domain—Heavenly River!
A wave of sword qi swept through the battlefield.
Five Dragon Slayers fell instantly.
On the opposite side...
Leon twirled his crimson spear.
"I'll show these invaders the pride of the Solaris Empire!"
Golden flames erupted.
His spear pierced through three enemies in a single strike.
Seraphina moved like moonlight.
Her silver blade danced gracefully.
Every slash was elegant...
Every slash was fatal.
Wherever she passed, Dragon Slayers collapsed silently.
Meanwhile...
Adrian faced a heavily armored warrior.
Their swords clashed repeatedly.
Unlike before...
Adrian no longer relied solely on luck.
Each movement reflected countless hours of training.
The ancient soul inside his ring smiled proudly.
"You're finally becoming a true swordsman."
Knox remained where he stood.
He calmly watched the battlefield.
The System appeared.
[Ding!]
Large-Scale Battle Detected.
Villain Faction Members Nearby:
Alexander Draven (Potential)
Seraphina Luna (Potential)
Lyra Ashborn (Potential)
Battle Command Function Unlocked.
Knox smiled.
"So the System wants me to lead."
He raised his hand.
"Alexander."
Without hesitation, Alexander looked toward him.
"Break their formation."
Alexander nodded.
No questions asked.
No hesitation.
He immediately changed direction.
His sword tore through the enemy's command line.
The Dragon Slayers instantly fell into chaos.
Seraphina noticed and smiled.
"He's already trusting Knox's judgment..."
Suddenly—
A deafening roar echoed across the palace.
ROOOOOAAARRR!!
The Ancient Dragon, Vorthar, descended from the sky.
His massive body crashed into the battlefield.
One sweep of his tail destroyed dozens of Dragon Slayers.
The old dragon glared at Drogath.
"You dare invade the King's resting place?"
Drogath laughed.
"I've waited centuries to kill you, old lizard."
He leaped into the air.
His crimson axe collided with Vorthar's claws.
BOOOOOOM!!
The explosion threw everyone backward.
Lyra stared at the battle.
Her fists tightened.
"I..."
"I can't stay weak forever."
The Dragon King's Heart suddenly pulsed.
Golden light surrounded her body.
Dragon scales spread across her arms.
A pair of crimson dragon wings unfolded behind her.
The Dragon Spirit spoke warmly.
"Princess..."
"Your bloodline has awakened."
[Ding!]
Hidden Destiny Evolution!
Lyra Ashborn → Dragon Princess
Potential upgraded: Dragon Empress.
The Dragon Slayers froze.
"The Royal Bloodline..."
"She really survived!"
Drogath's expression darkened.
"Then she dies today!"
He abandoned Vorthar and rushed toward Lyra.
His axe carried enough power to split a mountain.
Lyra instinctively closed her eyes.
Before the axe could reach her—
CLANG!
A black sword blocked it effortlessly.
Knox stood before her.
His expression was calm.
"You'll have to get through me first."
Drogath grinned.
"Excellent."
"I wanted the Void brat first."
Their eyes met.
Neither backed down.
The Dragon Slayer Commander released his full cultivation.
Half-Saint Realm!
The pressure alone shattered the remaining arena.
Alexander's face became serious.
"He's far stronger than Orion."
Knox slowly exhaled.
Then...
A familiar notification echoed.
[Ding!]
Boss Battle Initiated.
Target: Drogath
Realm: Half-Saint
Victory Reward:
Dragon King's Heart Fragment
150,000 Villain Points
Supreme Villain Authority +1%
Knox tightened his grip on his sword.
A cold smile appeared.
"Finally..."
"A battle worth remembering."
Above them, black clouds gathered.
Lightning roared.
The first great war of the younger generation had begun.
And in the shadows of the Dragon King's Palace...
A mysterious woman wearing a silver fox mask silently watched Knox.
Her crimson eyes narrowed.
"So..."
"The First Villain's successor has finally appeared."
She disappeared without leaving a trace.
Unbeknownst to everyone...
A new player had entered the game.
End of Chapter 21