As our journey through the teleportation gate concluded, we emerged into a vast emptiness of space, illuminated by distant stars. It took a moment for my senses to readjust, and before me stood the figure of Eliax, the ancient golden dragon who had teleported us to our mission. Sidus and Breta stood on either side of me, their presence reassuring.
"Grandsons of the Great Destroyer, you have arrived," Eliax's voice resonated with surprise as his gaze swept over our forms. His eyes lingered momentarily on Breta, curiosity flickering in his ancient eyes, before finally meeting my own.
"I must admit, I underestimated your prowess. The swiftness with which you cleansed Valtariel exceeded my expectations. It seems the blood of the Destroyer flows strong within you," Eliax remarked, a faint chuckle escaping his draconic lips.
With a nod of appreciation to the old dragon, I replied, "We are honored by your words, and we remain committed to our purpose," I answered.
As I spoke, I could sense the undercurrent of disdain emanating from Sidus, his eyes filled with memories of the past, the scene of Eliax being pushed to the ground by our grandfather was not one that would be easily forgotten. Breta, on the other hand, appeared indifferent to the exchange, her attention captivated by the beauty of the distant stars.
Eliax didn't seem to mind the blatant disrespect displayed by my companions. With a calm demeanor, he continued to address us, sharing the details of our next mission. "Your grandfather has already made the decision," he said, his voice unwavering. "You will be teleported to the perimeters of Nythoria, a medium-sized planet, to lend your support to the dragons in their battle against the invading horde of Shades."
As Eliax outlined the mission, I absorbed the information, my mind envisioning the challenges that awaited us. The mention of Nythoria ignited a flicker of curiosity within me. A new world, with its own unique struggles and inhabitants, beckoned us. It was an opportunity to forge new alliances, to gain knowledge and experiences. Turning my gaze to Sidus and Breta, I saw a mixture of determination and readiness reflected in their eyes.
"We accept the mission," With a firm nod and a sense of determination, I expressed our acceptance of the mission. The words left my lips with conviction, resonating in the space around us. Eliax, the old dragon, acknowledged my response with a slight bow, reciprocating the gesture of respect.
As he warned us about the intensity of the battle that awaited us on Nythoria, I could sense the gravity of the situation growing. The urgency in his voice served as a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. We were stepping into another realm embroiled in chaos.
Acknowledging his words, I turned to my companions, Sidus and Breta, exchanging a glance that conveyed our readiness for the task at hand. As Eliax instructed us to make our way back to the teleportation gate, I felt a surge of anticipation mixed with a touch of apprehension.
With gratitude for the guidance of the old dragon, we offered a final gesture of respect before turning to follow his instructions. The path that awaited us was uncertain, but my resolution was unwavering.
Walking toward the teleportation gate, my mind focused, my heart alight with the fire of purpose, as I was prepared to embrace the chaos and uncertainty of this new realm. It was hard to calm my raging emotions.
As the teleportation concluded, a wave of disorientation washed over me, accompanied by the customary sense of queasiness. The vibrant hues of our previous surroundings faded, replaced by the ethereal glow of cosmic mana that enveloped us during the journey. Within moments, we materialized onto a platform suspended in the vastness of space, our backs facing a colossal planet that loomed ominously.
The scene before us unfolded into a breathtaking tableau of chaos and conflict. A sprawling battlefield stretched as far as the eye could see, engulfed in an unrelenting clash between dragons of diverse forms and sizes and a relentless horde of Shades. The space crackled with magical energy, resonating with the spells and attacks of both combatants. It was a sight that stirred a mixture of awe, reverence, and a tinge of apprehension within us.
Taking in the magnitude of the battle, I felt a surge of adrenaline course through my veins. The dragons, fought valiantly, their movements fluid and fierce as they engaged the relentless onslaught of the encroaching Shades. The chaotic dance of elements and shadow, scales and mist, served as a vivid reminder of the stakes at hand.
Sidus and Breta, standing alongside me, shared a knowing look, their expressions mirrored a sense of purpose that matched my own. We had arrived in the midst of a warzone. The battlefield beckoned, calling us to immerse ourselves in its turmoil and fight alongside our brethren.
As our attention shifted toward the commotion, a colossal dragon diverged from the ongoing battle, descending upon our platform with an earth-shaking impact. The weight of her presence was tangible, even as her wounds gradually closed, fueled by her regenerative powers. With a thunderous voice that resonated through the air, she directed her gaze towards us, a mischievous grin etched upon her formidable countenance.
"First timers?" she inquired, her voice carrying a sense of knowing amusement. The dragoness possessed a unique appearance, adorned with emerald-hued scales that glimmered in the cosmic light. Unlike the typical visage associated with dragons, she lacked the prominent horns adorning her head, while her scales seemed to exude an unexpected softness.
I offered a gentle nod as a gesture of respect and acknowledgment. "Indeed, the three of us managed to cleanse Valtarial of the Shades. It was a challenging battle, but we prevailed," I replied, my voice resonating with a quiet sense of accomplishment.
A glint of admiration flickered in the dragoness's eyes, a testament to her appreciation of our feat. "Impressive," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and respect. With a bloodthirsty grin, she continued, her enthusiasm palpable, "Well, in this place, every additional capable fighter counts. We could certainly use the extra help."
Her words made me nod. Breta's expression remained stoic, yet her gaze held a glimmer of determination, while Sidus flexed his claws, his anticipation evident.
In response to her invitation, I met her gaze with unwavering resolve. "We stand ready to join your ranks."
The dragoness let out a thunderous chuckle, her laughter reverberating through the battlefield. "I like your spirit, young one. Welcome to the frontline of battle. My name is Dralina!"