"You are Zach Talon and you will grow up to be the strongest among our people."

"No, father. I wanted to be just like you."

Reyd Talon, the hero of the Dragon bloodline, was a well-known combat magus and a great commander. That was the last conversation he had with his son, before he led an army of 300 into the thick of enemy lines.

The man never returned from the ordeal.

Some said he brought hundreds of the elves to the depths of the underworld together with him. Some, however, refused to forget his failure and criticize him for it. A few detractors even claimed he had betrayed his own bloodline.

Either way, the 6-year old Zach was left with no one able to raise him, so he was taken to live with his great-great uncle, King Alduin. Then, the Zodiac city king raised him to become a great warrior.

The Dragon bloodline was known for their very, very low birth rate compared to other species. Furthermore, even if the conception were successful, many couldn't survive the birth.

Hence, Zech Talon being a protege among the rare Dragon race was a huge fortune. He had the power that was only found in one of a thousand Dragon bloodline bearers.

A mythical bloodline.

[Bloodline Gene - Neo Bahamut]

[Gene Classification - Mythical Bloodline]

[Bloodline Limit: Rank 8]

[Current Rank - Rank 5 - Crimson Bahamut]

Not just born with the right legacy, the young dragon grew and strived to become what his father wished him to become.

He always aspired to be the strongest, through hard training and difficult challenges, so that one day he would become strong enough to protect the Talon legacy, or even join the frontline and find the truth about his father.

In order to do that, he set himself on becoming the number one in the privileged class. His objective was to challenge all who were worthy and make his bloodline breakthrough to rank 6 before graduating.

[Bahamut Transformation]

[Bahamut Armor has been formed]

Emery saw red scales creep out from his opponent's skin, covering everything. Even his cheeks were covered with claw-like marks made of scales. From afar, it looked like Zach was wearing a living red armor.

The transformation was followed by a terrifying power radiating from his body, bringing with it a hefty pressure that affected him and even the spectators watching from a distance away.

Roaaarr!

Zach picked up his blade and dashed towards Emery at much faster speed than he previously displayed.

Sensing the enhanced speed, he couldn't get hit without suffering under the boosted strength, Emery quickly used [Blink] to evade the attack. His figure swiftly disappeared and reappeared quite a distance away.

However, in this state, Zach moved with speeds similar to a fallen red comet. He instantly chased after Emery, throwing dust and fierce winds with each step he took.

Emery knew he had to throw all his best spells on his repertoire to match the man. He cast [Slipstream] on his feet, [Jade Skin] on his body and [Dark Infusion] on his sword.

Fragments of jade formed over his skin and solidified into a tight, full body armor, while dark shadows cling on his sword, swaying unnaturally like the hands of a decaying sword.

With everything ready, he decided to meet the dragon head-on for round three.

[Heroic Slash]

Emery raised his blade and swung down his sword at the dragon with greater speed and strength than before. However, although he clearly saw the attack, the dragon kept going on. He didn't seem to have any intention to dodge.

As a result, Emery's blade landed squarely on the dragon's shoulder.

Cracckkk!

Emery had known the armor covering Zach's body was powerful, but he didn't expect the red armor to be so strong, that his enchanted tier 5 blade could only leave a small crack on it.

His weapon being unable to hurt the dragon meant Emery could only accept the counterattack that came right after.

Swissshhhh!

Emery jumped backwards to dodge, but Zach's blade managed to hit him square on his waist. The enhanced [Jade Skin] he had crumbled apart, creating a deep wound that splattered blood all over the ground.

"Urgh!"

Emery grunted in pain and was forced to move away with [Blink]. Even though he managed to prevent any more attacks coming his way, it didn't change the fact that Zach, in his red-scaled form, was able to keep up with his speed.

Even after Emery empowered himself with his spells, Zach still obviously had a stronger body and a faster movement speed.

But, he refused to stay outmatched and lose. So Emery decided to cast more spells

[Jade Root]

Roots tinted with green sprouted out from the ground, stopping Zach advance and binding his legs and feet. However, it only managed to hold Zach for a second, before ruby flames came out from his palm. Only one swing afterwards, all the roots turned into cider.

Through the massive field of burning roots, Zach dashed closer towards Emery, swinging the large sword that the latter quickly tried to block.

Bammmmm!

Emery was unable to hold against the overwhelming strength hidden within Zach's sword, so his body was thrown onto the pile of rocks, breaking a few of them.

The spectators cheered, as the dragon once again won another round. But, the battle was not finished yet.

With shaking legs, Emery stood up from the rubble. Spitting blood.

It was clear to Emery and everyone there, be it in terms of speed, strength and even defense, Zach was much stronger.

In his dragon form from above the rock, Zach stared at Emery with eyes that radiated fighting spirit.

This sight burnt Emery's own fighting spirit, as he once again quickly picked up his sword, "I will not give up."

As the words left his mouth, Emery decided to use [Shadow Mist]. A dozen copies made of shadows appeared and ran, before they surrounded Zach in his dragon armor form.

Zach only regarded the clones with an unamused stare. The mist copies jumped closer as he did.

Together, all the clones leapt to the air and swung its blade down. Zach sidestepped the attacks and proceeded to use his own battle art.

With his overwhelming power, he swung his blade in a massive arch.

[Hell Raiser]

Dozens of tiny cuts tore apart the clones like they were pieces of paper. The clones then disappeared into dark mists that dispersed in the air.

"How many times do I have to tell you, these illusions will not work on me!"

However, amidst his gloating, Zach missed the fact that Emery was nowhere to be seen. His opponent was already hiding inside a void.

In other words, Emery only used the [Shadow Mist] not as an aggression, but as a distraction.

"Attack!"