The Victor’s Burden

Johan stared directly into Nidhogg's crimson eyes, still burning with rage and hatred. Dark energy oozed from the massive dragon's body like boiling steam, but Johan didn't flinch. His hand pressed firmly against Nidhogg's jaw, the tension between them palpable.

"You… should not have won," Nidhogg hissed, his voice guttural and echoing like distant thunder from deep within the earth. "I am an indomitable force. I am destruction incarnate. And you… you are nothing but a feeble human relying on your pathetic tools."

Johan smirked faintly, cold and emotionless. "You're right. I am just a feeble human, and I do rely on these tools. But that's exactly where my strength lies."

Nidhogg let out a dismissive snort, but the weakness creeping into his body was undeniable. He tried to move his colossal claws to push Johan away, but the energy within him continued to drain, flowing inexorably into the dragon sigil glowing on Johan's arm.