Talent Awakening: Draconic Overlord Of The Apocalypse

Terra lowered her head slightly with a small smile. "I am undeserving of such praise, my lord."

"Nonsense," Alister countered, his golden eyes gleaming. "I am certain it must have taken considerable time and effort. You are deserving of a reward, so tell me, what is it you want? Perhaps something to help in your duties, now or perhaps later."

Terra lifted her gaze, her lips barely twitching into a small smile. "If that is the case, then I would like to request something."

Alister arched a brow. "Oh? And what would that be?"

She adjusted her glasses before responding, "I would like you to call forth more members of my clan—those who could help me sort through the knowledge we obtained from the old library."

Alister placed a hand under his jaw, considering her request. "Clan members, you say… I've never attempted to summon the same type of dragon before. But I'm certain I should be able to pull it off."

Terra bowed her head slightly. "Then I thank you, my lord."

Alister exhaled through his nose, then turned with a sweeping motion of his coat. "Let us further discuss this in the throne room. You can also fill me in on what you have been able to achieve in my absence."

"Understood," Terra said, falling into step behind them as they moved deeper into the castle.

In the grand throne room, Alister sat upon his throne, and Cinder stood beside him, arms held together before her hips.

Before them, Terra adjusted her glasses, and a shimmering projection of aura formed in the air, detailing the latest developments.

"Draven has personally selected his trainees, focusing on dragon kin with little to no innate talent. He plans on molding warriors from the ground up, instilling discipline and resilience through rigorous training.

"Meanwhile, I have taken charge of training those with an affinity for strategy and leadership, ensuring they develop both tactical skills and combat efficiency. Their intellect must match their strength, or they will not be fit to command.

"Alzuring has dedicated himself to training dragon kin with a gift for aerial combat and high-speed maneuvers. His methods emphasize mobility, precision, and overwhelming force, ensuring they dominate the skies.

"Silvyr, though inexperienced in teaching, has steadily adapted, guiding those attuned to draconic energy refinement. Their ability to harness and manipulate energy has grown significantly under his direction. Additionally, he has expanded his domain, cultivating a vast farm that ensures a stable food supply for our kin. Not only has this secured sustenance, but it has also brought beauty and vitality to our surroundings."

She paused before continuing. "Among the wyverns, all eggs have successfully hatched. The young ones are thriving, and as I reported before, they are displaying higher levels of intelligence and strength than expected. Their potential continues to grow."

Alister listened in silence, his golden eyes gleaming. After a moment, he nodded. "You are all doing well. This progress is impressive." His tone, however, took on a sharper edge. "But time is not on our side. We cannot afford to waste it. I want them prepared soon—ready to go out once more and seek more of our lost kin."

Terra frowned slightly before adjusting her glasses. "Is there a reason for this urgency, my lord?"

Alister rose from his throne, his towering frame casting a long shadow, his tail swaying slightly as he spoke.

"After my last awakening, my senses have sharpened. I can feel it—something is encroaching upon these lands. A force unseen, yet undeniably present." His gaze swept across the room, heavy with resolve. "I refuse to let my lost people fall victim to whatever this is—because their lord was not there to guide them. There is also the fact that I can't let any more of them be kidnapped."

Terra's eyes widened slightly before a small smile played on her lips. She bowed her head. "Of course, my lord. We will not falter."

Alister exhaled, satisfied with her resolve. "Good. Then let us proceed." His gaze locked onto her. "We will summon the clan members you spoke of, and perhaps..."

"It is time I call forth those who will stand beside Draven, Alzuring, and Silvyr as well."

In an expansive training ground in the grasslands within the massive dragon city, hundreds of dragon kin moved, their swords slicing through the air. The rhythmic sound echoed through the space. At the front, Draven stood tall, his arms resting atop his massive greatsword, which was embedded in the earth before him. His sharp gaze swept over his trainees, easily catching every mistake.

"Your stance is off," Draven said to one. "Grip the earth properly with your lower claws. Use your tail to balance your weight."

A few flinched at his sharp tone, quickly adjusting their footing.

"Mana control is sloppy," he called out to another group. "Increase your focus. If you cannot even guide your own energy properly, how do you expect to wield a blade with precision?"

He narrowed his eyes as he paced before them, his voice carrying through the air like a war drum. "We are the fingers of the Overlord, his will made manifest. Weakness is unacceptable. We will not bring shame upon him."

"Yes, General Draven!" the dragon kin roared.

Draven nodded approvingly, his arms crossing over his chest. "Good. For every mistake in your form, replace it with fifty more swings. If you tire, then push beyond your limits. That is the only way you will grow."

Just as he was about to continue, his sharp senses tingled—an unmistakable presence had returned. His lips parted slightly in surprise as he whispered to himself, My lord has returned?

His gaze flickered toward a male dragon kin nearby. "Ensure no one slacks off in my absence," he commanded.

The warrior saluted. "Yes, General!"

Without another word, Draven launched himself into the sky, his body a streak of purple lightning as he shot across the city.

On a high cliff overlooking the dragon city, Alister stood beneath the vast night sky. His golden eyes reflected the moon above as he extended his hand, and in response, the Gates of Summoning bloomed from the earth, glowing. Behind him, Cinder and Terra watched in silence, their expressions unreadable.

Then, like a falling star, a streak of purple lightning descended upon them. Draven landed in a kneeling position, his fist to the ground, head lowered in reverence.

"My lord," he greeted solemnly. "Forgive me—I did not sense your presence earlier. I was too immersed in training."