In the sky, the powers of the two most formidable dragons of this era clashed violently.
Meanwhile, on the ground, Alaric was preparing to destroy the Dragon Soul.
As an artifact crafted by Deathwing, the Dragon Soul possessed immense power and could not be easily destroyed by conventional means.
In fact, since Deathwing's enchantment upon the Dragon Soul was a blessing based on his own essence, its very existence was intertwined with him.
Before the Black Dragon King perished, there was no method to destroy the Dragon Soul except by his own hands.
Not even the Great Disintegration Spell, known as the bane of artifacts, could leave the slightest mark on it.
However, Alaric, possessing an intelligence advantage, naturally knew how to deal with it.
During Deathwing's battle in the sky against the other guardian dragons, although he held the upper hand, he had inevitably suffered minor injuries, losing a few scales in the process.
After a quick search, Alaric soon found a shard of an obsidian-like, jet-black scale on the ground.
Judging by the remaining traces on it, this particular scale had clearly been shattered by Malygos's magic.
Since Deathwing's magic made it so that only he could destroy the Dragon Soul, then a part of his own body should logically be capable of affecting the artifact as well.
Alaric had always regarded magic as miraculous, but he also firmly believed that no magic was truly perfect.
Sure enough, as he scraped the scale against the edge of the Dragon Soul, the golden disc immediately bore a scratch.
It worked!
Seeing that Deathwing's scale was effective, Alaric was relieved and began constructing a magic spell to channel energy.
For a mage of Alaric's caliber, such a spell was not difficult. The principle was simple—energy absorption and transference.
All he had to do was return the energy that originally belonged to the guardian dragons back to them.
Everything was ready.
Under the watchful eyes of his comrades, Alaric flipped the dragon scale to its sharpest edge and carefully carved toward the core of the artifact.
Perhaps sensing its impending destruction, or perhaps due to the lingering power of the Old Gods within it, the powerful artifact suddenly began to tremble.
Waves of seductive whispers emanated from it, seeping into Alaric's consciousness.
"Don't do this," the Dragon Soul pleaded.
"Such a powerful artifact should not be destroyed," it trembled.
"Take it, claim it as your own, and all of its immense power will be yours!" the Dragon Soul tempted.
"With this artifact, all dragons will bow before you. You will become the master of this world. The mere orcs will be nothing before your might," it coaxed.
"What are you hesitating for? Keep it," the voice of the Old God whispered in his ear. "With the power of the Dragon Soul, all dragons will be at your beck and call, even the Dragon Aspects themselves...
Did you see those beautiful dragon queens? Keep the Dragon Soul, and they will be your eternal slaves.
The Lifebinder will grant you immortality, the Spell-Weaver will give you infinite magic, the Dreamer will protect you in slumber, and the Timeless One will make your reign last until the end of time…
Think about it. Did you not pursue magic for power? True power is right before your eyes."
Seemingly entranced, Alaric murmured softly, as if sleep-talking.
"If… I keep the Dragon Soul, will it truly fulfill my desires?"
"Of course," the Old God's whispers grew more gleeful at the mage's wavering. "The power of the guardian dragons—haven't you witnessed it just now? Such unparalleled strength, beyond the reach of mere mortals. So, put down the scale."
However, just as the Old God expected to claim his mind, Alaric suddenly let out a cold chuckle.
"There's something I've said before, but I'll say it again now."
"Daga, kotowaru!"
"What…" The Old God's whispers turned into a startled cry.
"One of my favorite things to do is telling those who think themselves powerful—'NO'!"
With that, he swiftly sliced the dragon scale across the core of the artifact.
Deathwing's scale cut through the Dragon Soul's tough golden surface as easily as a hot knife through butter.
"No—"
With a final wail, the Old God's voice faded away.
As the artifact was destroyed, the Old God's influence could no longer persist. Their connection with Alaric was severed entirely.
"If you wanted to tempt me, you should've picked something better," Alaric sneered at the vanishing presence.
"As for controlling the dragon legions and making queens my slaves… I don't need your help to accomplish that."
Alas, the Old God's consciousness had already dissipated, unable to hear his words.
However, the next moment, another voice rang in his ears.
"Watch out!"
Vereesa suddenly pulled him aside, just as a bright burst of energy erupted from the cut in the artifact.
It was the release of power from the shattered artifact.
Alaric felt the surge of immense energy rushing out of the broken Dragon Soul. He knew he had to act quickly, or this power would be lost forever.
Chanting an incantation, he rapidly adjusted his spell.
The energy surged like a brilliant rainbow, shimmering as it ascended into the sky, spiraling before streaking toward the warring dragons above.
"Did it work?" the ranger panted.
Alaric gazed at Talonixa, Deathwing, and the other dragons in the distance before nodding.
"You should trust in my magical prowess."
At the moment the Dragon Soul was destroyed, Deathwing instantly felt it.
He turned towards Alaric and his allies, letting out a furious roar.
"Pitiful mortals! You dare… No—!"
Deathwing realized he could no longer sense the Dragon Soul. The energies of the other guardian dragons had completely left the artifact and were now beyond his grasp.
The multicolored essence streamed from the broken artifact, flowing back into his former allies—now his enemies.
Alexstrasza, Ysera, Nozdormu, and Malygos—the four guardian dragons—had finally reclaimed their rightful power.
Their forms grew slightly larger, but more importantly, the restoration of their strength granted them full dominion over their respective domains once again.
Facing the reinvigorated dragons, a chill crept into Deathwing's heart. He realized that the trap laid by the guardians was far deadlier than he had anticipated.
"Can you feel it? Can you feel it?!" Malygos exclaimed repeatedly. "I am myself once more! What a glorious moment!"
"It is time!" Nozdormu responded, his gem-like eyes glowing brilliantly. "Yes, the time has come!"
Ysera opened her mesmerizing eyes. Her gaze was so captivating that Deathwing found himself struggling to avoid meeting it. "The nightmare is over," she murmured. "Our dream is finally coming true."
Alexstrasza nodded. "What was lost has been returned to us. The Demon Soul… no longer exists."
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