novelraw Chapter 27
Chapter 27
The world below dissolved into a swirling vortex of sand, obscuring everything from view. A powerful, ancient aura surged upwards from the fissure, pressing down on them with suffocating weight. Aiden's red pupils constricted. What colossal thing has just clawed its way out of the earth?
“Aiden! You're so heavy!” Azure's strained voice snapped him out of his shock. “I can't… hold on much longer!”
He looked up—or rather, down—and remembered he was still hanging upside down by his tail.
“Let go, Azure!”
The moment the words left his mouth, she did. Without any further warning, Aiden was falling. The blue dragon was the frailest of the three; she had already exhausted her strength.
Aiden's powerful, crimson-scaled wings snapped open, catching the air. He executed a flawless mid-air roll, stabilizing his body and arresting his descent. With a few powerful flaps, he rose to hover beside Azure. He glanced at her. Her gaze was still fixed on the churning dust cloud below. She must have some idea what that thing is. After all, she's the scholar.
“Do you know what kind of magical beast that is?” he asked directly.
“I cannot be certain,” Azure replied, her head not moving an inch. “Too many magical beasts dwell beneath the sands of this desert. But from the sheer power of its aura… I believe it may be a Sand-Wyrm.”
As she spoke, the knowledge of their shared heritage flowed through Aiden's mind, painting a grim picture.
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Name: Sand-Wyrm
Type: Dual-Elemental Behemoth
Element:
Earth / FireDescription: An immense, limbless, cylindrical creature with slick grey skin. It lacks a face and eyes, possessing only a single, colossal maw filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth.
Rank: ★★★★★
Growth Potential: ★★★★★
Abilities:
Sand Swimming:A viscous mucus coating its skin allows it to move through sand at incredible speeds.Earth Command:Mature individuals can command devastating earth magic.Flame Torrent:Can unleash a torrent of searing flame from its maw.Shredding Maw:Its teeth can shred prey in seconds.Weakness: Water
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Gazing at the immense cloud of dust, Aiden felt a chill. For a creature to cause such a disturbance, it would have to be an ancient Sand-Wyrm.
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With a whoosh of wings, Bianca arrived, hovering beside him. She said nothing, her eyes also locked on the scene below. The three hatchlings watched in silence as the sand began to settle.
Slowly, a colossal silhouette took shape. When the dust finally cleared, the sight stole their breath.
A monster of unimaginable size had surfaced. Its long, grey body rose vertically from the sand, pointed toward the sky like a fleshy tower. Its lower half was still buried, but the portion visible above the ground was easily fifty yards long. Its slick, mucous-covered skin gleamed in the harsh sunlight.
Azure had guessed correctly. It was a Sand-Wyrm. And from the look of it, a fully mature one.
The reason for its appearance was obvious. Aiden's gaze fell upon the scattered corpses of the Aridfell. He did a quick mental count. Several were missing. This ancient titan had been drawn to the slaughter and was now helping itself to a buffet. A free one.
Aiden's pupils narrowed. He felt a surge of indignation. This was his kill. His prize. And yet… a five-star magical beast. Even with his Crown of Embers(fiery crown), he stood absolutely no chance against such a foe.
Azure watched Aiden out of the corner of her eye. What will you do now? she wondered. To have one's kill stolen was a deep shame for any proud red dragon. She knew his Sovereign State allowed him to crush one-star opponents with ease, but how would it fare against a five-star ancient? A seed of curiosity began to sprout in her heart. She said nothing, simply observing him.
“AOWW! Damn it all!” Bianca shrieked, her voice filled with rage. “That vile breed dares to steal our food! Aiden, let's go kill it!” Her body was already coiled, poised to dive.
“I cannot defeat a five-star magical beast,” Aiden stated, his voice flat and devoid of emotion. “I am abandoning this hunt.”
His eyes remained fixed on the feasting Wyrm as he made his decision. This cactus forest is its territory. It will not leave. He committed its image to memory. Just wait. I will be back.
He lifted his head and, without another word, turned and flew away.
So that's your choice? Azure felt a pang of disappointment. She had been so curious to see the limits of Aiden's power, but he was far too rational for such a reckless gamble. With a sigh, she beat her wings and followed him.
Bianca looked from her departing siblings to the colossal worm below. It was so big. She looked down at her own small body. Her long neck instinctively retracted.
Nope. Can't win that one. Retreat!
A familiar sense of being left behind washed over her. The other two were already small dots in the distance.
“Aoww! Wait for me!” she cried, flapping her wings with all her might.
After a few frantic moments of pursuit, she finally caught up, pulling alongside Aiden. He glanced over as he heard the sound of her wings. Her big, goofy head came into view.
“Hehe,” Bianca let out a sly little laugh, her jaws cracking open in a grin that showed off her sharp, white teeth.
Aiden looked at her, bemused. What is this idiot planning now?
“Hehe,” she repeated. “Aiden… I know where the Aridfell nest is. Let's go kill them all!”
Her words caught his attention. His eyes lit up. But could he trust her? He turned his head to look for Azure. Seeing his questioning gaze, Azure sped up to join them. She had overheard their conversation.
Now flying three abreast, she confirmed it. “Bianca is telling the truth. We followed the pack and located their warren.”
That settled it.
“Let's go, let's go! Let's go slaughter those vile breeds!” Bianca urged, practically vibrating with impatience.
Aiden shot her another look. She really is a dog-meat enthusiast. The thought of a den, likely filled with more of the creatures, was an enticing one.
His jaws parted, his red tongue flicking out to wet his lips. He nodded.
“Alright. You two lead the way.”
“No problem!” Bianca chirped, and immediately shot ahead to take the lead.
She flew for less than a minute before her speed faltered. She dropped back, sidling up next to Azure.
“Um,” she began, her voice barely a whisper. “Azure… you should probably lead…”
Aiden stared.
Azure stared.
Feeling their combined gaze upon her, Bianca averted her eyes.
It was confirmed. She had absolutely forgotten the way.