Chapter 613: The One-Punch Man

Ever since his fall, Neltharion had committed countless heinous acts: betraying allies, sacrificing his brethren, slaughtering families, decimating cities with his breath, and even causing the demise of many Black Dragon matriarchs.

Perhaps he had anticipated retribution, but he never imagined it would come from a human, a species he loathed and believed should be eradicated from Azeroth. Specifically, from Duke Marcus!

Ever since his failed attempt to control Duke using dragon scales, resulting in the pursuit of the four Guardian Dragons, he harbored a deep grudge against Duke. Infiltrating the Alliance's upper echelons, taking on the identity of a king, partly to sabotage Duke, was one of his schemes.

Yet, his plan backfired.

If Neltharion scoffed at Uther's assault, he was utterly unprepared for Duke's sudden appearance from a rift behind Uther. Duke's attack was unavoidable.

As an ancient dragon with vast combat experience, blinded in one eye, Neltharion kept his head moving to compensate, always trying to see more with his functional eye, effectively reducing his blind spot.

A clever tactic.

Even Alexstrasza couldn't fully avoid his constantly shifting, all-encompassing gaze. But Duke managed to.

A colossal fist, formed from multiple Arcane Blasts, hurtled towards Neltharion. Under normal circumstances, such a direct attack would never hit. Even a giant's arm couldn't easily reach Neltharion.

His unmatched combat instincts would typically allow him to evade any direct hit.

However, Duke's punch was essentially magical energy. In mid-air, the punch incredibly adjusted its trajectory eighteen times in less than a second, always targeting Neltharion's left face.

"It's impossible!" Neltharion screamed in despair.

Aware that Uther's strike was negligible, Duke's was different. If this concentrated magic hit his wound, he'd be dazed, losing his last chance to escape.

"No—"

Neltharion truly panicked!

In desperation, he sent a mysterious mental mark towards a point in the void, signaling his absolute subservience to the Old God, N'Zoth.

Regrettably, it fell on deaf ears.

Realizing that N'Zoth would only intervene once and that he had missed his chance, Neltharion knew he was abandoned.

Not like this!

Immediately, he sent another thought towards Duke.

It wasn't an attack. After his previous failed attempt to control Duke, he knew too well of Duke's mental defenses.

It was... a plea.

"No, don't hit me! Just deviate your punch slightly, allowing me a safe escape. I'll be forever grateful. I can give you all the treasures I've accumulated over millennia…"

"Fine, give me this first as a sign of sincerity!" Duke swiftly sent his demand.

Neltharion promptly complied, offering what was asked, seeing it as a trivial sacrifice for his life.

Duke suddenly yelled, "Neltharion, you deceived me!?"

Confused, Neltharion responded, "I haven't!"

Without giving Neltharion a chance to process, Duke's fist landed, an exquisite purple-blue arcane punch right on Neltharion's face, further injuring him.

Even the mighty Neltharion was momentarily dazed.

His once soaring body now resembled a flipped turtle, comedic in appearance.

How many seconds did Duke buy for the four Guardian Dragons?

Three? Four?

It wasn't clear, but it was enough.

Feeling shame from their previous blunders, the four Guardian Dragons pooled all their focus and strength, charging forward while resisting Xavius's nightmare magic.

No hesitation!

No mercy!

Risking a potential backlash, they fiercely lunged.

The most ferocious was Malygos, who had lost his mate and offspring. He bit the same spot he had bitten before, releasing his magic while tearing at Neltharion.

Ysera and Nozdormu shifted strategies, focusing on destroying Neltharion's wings, while Alexstrasza concentrated on his chest.

Finally, after over twenty seconds, Neltharion let out his last, most powerful scream.

"Aargh—"

In an instant, Deathwing, Neltharion, was defeated.

Euphorically, Malygos soared higher, then plunged swiftly over Lordaeron's former southern gate.

The countless soldiers and civilians below saw the massive, grotesque, and fierce head of the Black Dragon in Malygos's left claw.

"Hahaha! See? Did you see that? Neltharion finally met his end at my hands!" Malygos exclaimed, consumed by the intoxicating sensation of avenged grievances.

In his ecstasy, Malygos even somersaulted in the air, then, without looking back, flew northward, carrying Neltharion's head.

"That guy..." Alexstrasza muttered in disapproval.

Nozdormu cursed, "Damn Malygos! He ruined my collectible! It wasn't a replica from the Time Stream! It was the real head of that traitor, Neltharion!"

Ysera laughed, "Oh, let it be. Once Malygos cools down, just ask for it."

Meanwhile, Alexstrasza glanced below, "Duke really stole the show!"

Indeed!

After Malygos's departure, all eyes turned to the two figures in the sky...