Two Rulers Meet

When Adam and Crystal were under the mountain, one of the things that Adam explained drew Crystal's attention.

"I could be a beast master?! Did you pursue that?"

"Why? I'm already strong. Our pride despises having others follow us unless they are worthy of it. But I understand it is a fascination among humans and even became powerful fighters who tame and partner with beasts."

"Monster Tamers are very rare in our kingdom! But I have heard rumors about them!"

"You are interested in this path?"

"Yes! I've wanted to become one! But I guess it was because I felt so alone. I guess I just wanted to have someone who I could trust wholeheartedly. Like how I trust you…" Crystal blushed.

"Well, the beasts you can tame aren't exactly cute. Only the ones who are descended upon our forms would listen."

"Like giant lizards, alligator and crocodile beasts, or snakes?"

"No. Snakes are… a different breed."

"But aren't dragons referred to as Serpents?"

"...Ah, yes. That story. The Serpent that tempted the Mother of All and was punished to have his limbs removed and became a snake… There are many wrong things about that story. The truth is Serpents and Dragons are two different beings."

"So except snakes, I can tame most reptilian creatures… Does that include Raptors? I know there is a mountain full of Raptors in our kingdom."

"Raptors? I believe they are from Jurassic Dragons. So, yes. They will submit."

"I haven't heard of a beast tamer who tamed them. I hear they are very violent creatures. Are you sure I can tame them?"

"Your kingdom is simply too weak. The heritage of your race is very impressive, to say the least. I have met a human tamer who once tamed a dragon. The Tamers and Beastmasters of humans are not weak. Your kingdom is a Magic-focused kingdom from your memories. But some tamers can fight and face the strongest wizards your kingdom has given birth to. One of the few people I ever called friend was a human tamer. And he was quite powerful."

"...That's amazing! For someone like you to say he is powerful, he must be very strong!"

"He tamed Monsters of Antiquity as a hobby. An expert tamer will have hundreds of means to tame a monster. You will use a method that even he didn't have the chance to use. Bloodline and Soul Domination. Dragons can intimidate and dominate all reptilian creatures with limbs and appendages. Since you have a portion of my soul, you would have the soul of a mighty and ancient dragon."

"But what if the reptilian beasts already serve another dragon?"

"...That is very, very unlikely. Dragons don't usually gather followers from other beasts or make a home. Perhaps the ones who have attained sentience can. But even if they can, they won't."

"Why? Is it the whole pride thing?"

"That's why dragons are so few. It's rare for it to have companions. As for building a pack with other reptilian beasts… the ones like me won't. The wild ones or those without full Wisdom normally won't. I have heard of such cases but never seen one."

"It's that rare?"

"Yes. However, should that scenario appear before you, that the reptilian beasts follow a Dragon or even if it's just a Monster of Antiquity with another means to lord itself over the reptiles, then flee if you don't want to fight it. If they serve a dragon, he will try to fight you! That happens when a ruler sees a possible heir to his throne."

The entire conversation somehow replayed itself in Crystal's mind. It was as if her life was flashing before her eyes with the realization of the great creature that stood before him.

The Jurassic Dragon would belong to the type of monsters the Five kidnappers bragged they could kill. This single one would equal a Vessel Challenger or a Divine Vessel regarding power ranking. Even a hundred Arvus warriors like Brent would not be enough to slay a Vessel Challenger; a thousand is nothing to a Divine Vessel!

"ROAR!"

The mighty roar blasted out, and Crystal dug the two swords on the ground.

A blast of wind and sound would have swept her away, but she clung with whatever strength she had left.

It was a challenge.

Dragons were proud beasts who ruled. Though they care not for a kingdom, they are kings!

This dragon had his kingdom and was enraged as he felt a terrifying power within Crystal.

The Jurassic Dragon showed its power and strength.

It stood on two legs, with short arms and a long tail like the Raptor.

The Will of the dragon manifested and caused all the nearby raptors to bow in fear.

A crushing pressure bore down on Crystal.

Yet Crystal did not back down but remained standing even though she knew she would surely die.

Her soul was raging and was commanding her to stand up. The dragon before her was beneath her!

Crystal felt the wounds on her legs tearing more as she forced herself to stand up.

"You truly are a dragon. A king with an empire. How unlucky of me. Is this Fate?" She asked herself.

The most unlikely scenario was there before her. A Monster of Antiquity, a Jurassic Dragon, was hiding in these mountains and had dominated the raptors.

"So this... is why the raptors are so organized... It was you, wasn't it?" Crystal held her sword out. Her insides were burning hot, and she knew she had injured herself in the battle against the Soblings.

The Jurassic Dragon towered over her and faced her.

Crystal glared back, angry at her death. She felt it beneath her to try to brag and use the soul of Adam within her. She was simply too weak.

"The dragon's soul in me urges me to stand... But I can only do this. You can kill me now, but I will not kneel before you!" Crystal declared. But as these words left her mouth, the two swords fell down.

CLANG! CLANG

Spent with all her strength, yet miraculously standing, Crystal welcomed death.