Chapter 387: Set off

The assembly of Dragons and Deities stood before me, a diverse group of seasoned beings, their expressions a mix of curiosity and respect as they patiently awaited my orders. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, for I had anticipated some resistance, perhaps a voice of doubt or hesitation among those who greatly surpassed me in years and experience.

However, to my astonishment, a heavy silence prevailed, and not a single dissenting word emerged from the ranks. Their unity and unwavering commitment were palpable. My eyes unconsciously drifted to my younger sister, Immy, who met my gaze with a reassuring smile, a silent beacon of support in this crucial moment.

"You should probably call out for the navigator, brother," she suddenly said, her voice low only for me to hear.

"Yes," I nodded and glanced back at my small raid army. The navigator was the Deity, or Dragon, in charge of leading us to our destination. They knew the trajectory better than anyone, and their role was vital especially if the place we were going to lacked the presence of teleportation gates.

Breaking the silence, I raised my voice with confidence, "Who among us will serve as our navigator? Step forward and make yourself known!"

In response to my call, the gathering of Dragons and Deities shifted, making way for the emergence of a distinguished figure. It was an elderly Deity, her visage adorned with the markings of time. Long, silver hair cascaded almost to the earth beneath her, wrinkles etched stories on her face, and her eyes, devoid of sight, were like twin pools of milky white. At a casual glance, she could have been mistaken for a frail, blind old woman, but I knew better than to judge based on outward appearances alone.

"My name is Cillena," she announced with grace, offering a short, respectful bow. I reciprocated the gesture with a slight nod and invited her closer. "Please, come closer."

The elderly Goddess approached, her diminutive form barely reaching the height of my claws. Nevertheless, an undeniable air of authority surrounded her, even in the absence of a visible aura.

"How long do you estimate it would take us to arrive?" I inquired.

"We will arrive on time, no need to worry, young Voidwalker," she reassured me, invoking my title.

I accepted it without protest, though it felt unfamiliar on my ears.

"Alright then, you fly with me and Immy," I decided, and she gave a nod of agreement.

"Let's move out!" I declared, but the sudden hundred gazes fixed upon me felt intense. It was Immy who broke the silence, her voice louder and more commanding than I had ever heard before. She roared, "The Voidwalker has spoken! IN FORMATION! MOVE OUT!"

In response, the entire assembly sprang into action. The more experienced Dragons and Deities took up positions on the flanks, at the vanguard, and in the front, forming a protective circle around the younger or less experienced members of our group. The precision and unity of their movements were impressive as if they had rehearsed this very maneuver countless times before.

My eyes drifted to Immy, who wore a gentle smile that seemed at odds with her recent authoritative demeanor.

"What was that?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I had some practice in the mortal realm," she replied with a casual shrug.

"The mortal realm, you say?" I shook my head, setting aside any further questions and focusing on the task at hand. With determination, I soared into the sky, flanked by Immy on my left and Cillena on my right.

It didn't take long for our group to ascend into the heavens, leaving behind the protective shield of the plane's atmosphere. As we breached this barrier, my heart nearly skipped a beat when I spotted the colossal, planet-sized Dragon Grandfather had awakened.

This magnificent creature roamed the plane's orbit, akin to a celestial body in its own right. Upon our arrival, its immense, watchful gaze fixated upon us. Its aura was overwhelming, causing even my scales to quiver, yet I managed to withstand it. After a few moments, the colossal Dragon shifted its attention away from us, as though our presence no longer held its interest.

"That would be Arsal, The Quiet," Cillena replied, her voice filled with an air of reverence.

Intrigued, I turned my gaze toward the Goddess and inquired, "Why do they call him The Quiet?"

The Goddess's eyes, despite being white and hollow, seemed to convey wisdom as she began to explain, "That's because it has been eons since anyone has heard his voice. If I'm not mistaken, he spends most of his time sleeping under the Earth's core on some planets and rarely awakens. Only if it's a dire situation, such as the one we currently find ourselves in."

Her words carried an air of patience and understanding as she continued to guide us away from our plane, leading us toward our destination.

The journey was eerily quiet and uneventful. Immy suggested that it might be because Grandmother and the others had already managed to clear the surroundings of any threats. Occasionally, we passed by inhabited planets and other desolate ones.

Cillena navigated with confidence, always knowing our precise location. She would occasionally adjust our course, and we'd use teleportation gates when needed. Throughout the entire journey, not a word was spoken by any of the Dragons or Deities following us. The mood was solemn, for we were headed to war.

****

"Once we cross this one, we should arrive," Cillena spoke, gesturing to the massive teleportation gate situated in the center of a desolate planet.

I nodded in acknowledgment and was about to take the lead, but was suddenly halted by Immy's sudden intervention. "What is it?" I asked.

She approached me, her voice lowered to a hushed tone. "Brother, I believe now is the time for you to give them a motivational speech."

I was taken aback. "Huh..."

"In the mortal world, that's what usually happens. The leader gives a final speech to motivate the army and boost their morale before marching into battle."

Her earnestness was undeniable, and she motioned for me to proceed. Cillena, too, joined in with a light chuckle. "She has a point, young Voidwalker."

'Ah screw it. Time to play the part once again.'

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, addressing the solemn army that had gathered around me. "My fellow Dragons and Deities," I began, my voice projecting as strongly as I could muster. "We stand on the precipice of a great battle, a battle that will test our strength, our unity, and our determination. The enemy we face is formidable, but so are we."

I could see the anticipation and tension in the eyes of all those present, and so I forcefully pushed back all my useless thoughts. Today, I was the leader, I was their commander, and I had to act as one.

"As we step through that gate, remember the legacy of those that came before us who fought valiantly to protect our worlds, and our order. Remember their sacrifices, and let their courage flow through you!"

I pointed to the teleportation gate. "Beyond that gate lies a battle that will test our mettle, but I have faith in each and every one of you!"

"Let those bastards tremble at our sight. Let them know what it means to provoke us! Let them see that they face not just a force of power but a force of unwavering resolve!"

The once somber atmosphere began to shift as the army's posture straightened, and their expressions hardened with determination. "Now, my comrades, let us march through that gate, not as individuals but as one unstoppable force! For the honor of our kinds, Dragons and Gods! March!"

With a final rallying cry, I turned and led the way through the teleportation gate, the army of Dragons and Deities following in with ear-deafening roars.

Immy jumped by my side with a bloodthirsty grin, "You have to teach me how to make a speech like that, brother!"

"You don't think it was too much?" I asked as we approached the gate. Immy glanced back at the army emitting shocking killing intent before she replied, "Not at all."