Alistair sensed more dragons approaching, but he remained unbothered. With the sheer power within their small group, they could easily escape if things went south, and most of the dragons around seemed keenly aware of this fact.

  "What do you wish to discuss with our leaders?" Garrosh asked, his tone cautious but not overtly hostile.

  Alistair inclined his head slightly, maintaining a respectful yet confident stance. "We seek to establish an alliance with your flight," he replied. "Your ideals resonate with ours, and we believe an alliance could prove mutually beneficial."

  "And what would those ideals be?" he added, a hint of skepticism creeping into his voice.

  "For one, you don’t purge your hatchlings," Alistair replied smoothly, his gaze steady. "Your flight maintains peace, even across species, and frankly, you could use powerful allies."

  Garrosh turned to a nearby copper dragon, giving a subtle nod. The copper dragon immediately took off, likely headed to inform the leadership. It was clear none of the dragons present possessed a communication skill, leaving the task to their swiftest flyers.

  “Fine,” Garrosh rumbled after a pause. “You may follow me until our leaders decide how to address you.”

  Alistair nodded, smiling as the large bicolored dragon turned and took to the air, flying deeper into the Korretesh mountains. Alistair and the rest followed suit, with King and Rovari shifting into their draconic forms. King’s appearance drew many curious—and even fearful—glances. His aura, bearing the unique signature of an ascended wyvern and heightened by his status as a high-tier progenitor, radiated a fierce, unmistakable intensity.

  As they continued, more dragons took notice, following at a distance or observing from roosts and caves. Alistair even spotted a silver dragon half-hidden in a cave deep within the Korretesh mountains, curiosity seemingly getting the better of it. It appeared juvenile, not even half the size of King, but Alistair sensed it was no simple creature. The young dragon met his gaze before retreating back into the shadows of the cave.

  Garrosh led them to a sprawling cave system, where he gestured for them to wait in a large, open chamber. The air within was dry, yet dense with mana, hinting at a powerful dragon vein nestled somewhere deeper inside. Alistair took note of the sparse vegetation around the mountains—red lichen clinging to rocky surfaces and clusters of small, dried-out trees with dark crimson bark. The landscape reflected its position: too far from the poles for lush greenery, yet distant enough from the volcanic equator to support at least some hardy flora adapted to the environment further supported by the introduction of magic.

  While they waited, Alistair took the opportunity to gather more details from Rovari through the Akashic Link, probing about her connections to the Korretesh Flight.

  "I have little connection to this flight," Rovari began. "Erexas is a friend and a former Rhalik member. She laid a golden egg, and I helped her escape before anyone noticed—something I’ve done before. It’s a secret I kept close, as I had no desire to be banished… or killed."

  Alistair felt a bit of relief. Though her connections weren’t extensive, they weren’t likely to be a liability either, and he sensed Riseth sharing that sentiment while King exuded a wave of approval.

  "Purging those with the potential to exceed you—how pathetic," King commented.

  Rovari let her tail brush along King’s side, a subtle toothy smile playing on her draconic visage as she met his gaze. “It’s the duty of an aspiring matriarch,” she said, her voice light but pointed, “to protect the flight’s brood and… find the strongest mates.” The hint of admiration in her tone didn’t hide the challenge beneath it.

  Before King could reply, their discussion was interrupted as two massive copper dragons, accompanied by a mix of other large and powerful dragons, approached. Alistair immediately recognized the two largest coppers as Nazes and Kaxes, both around level 155. They looked strikingly similar, with their towering statures, glimmering scales, spikes, and sharp curled horns. Kaxes, however, had long whiskers that distinguished him from Nazes.

  “Two small unknown beings, accompanied by a red and an unknown progenitor…” Kaxes observed, his intense gaze shifting to Alistair. “Strong bonds tie you all, save for the red. Interesting.” He paused, then inclined his head toward King. “I congratulate you on your ascension, young one. May your lineage flourish and soar high.”

  King bowed slightly, wings spreading wide in a gesture of respect, which both Nazes and Kaxes returned.

  “And how may I address you two?” Kaxes asked, looking back to Alistair and Riseth.

  "I am Alistair Ryser, and this is my wife, Riseth Ryser," Alistair began with a light bow. "We are the leaders of the Ryser Clan."

  "And you've come here to befriend and slay our kin?" Nazes asked, her tone smoother, softer than Kaxes’s, but her words laced with intrigue.

  Alistair didn’t care for the phrasing, but denying it would be pointless. The system demanded conflict for growth, after all.

  "Yes, that’s correct," Riseth replied, her chin held high. Alistair nodded, meeting the dragoness's gaze. She grinned back, baring her fangs in a smile meant to mirror theirs before a deep laugh echoed from her.

  "You have a fine mate," Nazes said approvingly. "But worry not—we hold no grudge. It is simply the way of things."

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  She gestured around the cavernous chamber. "We have hosted none but our own kind before, so forgive the surroundings. As they are, they would likely be... unsuitable for guests of your species. I understand you wish to form ties with our flight. With your strength, you have earned the right to ask."

  "Think nothing of it; we don’t plan to remain long," Alistair assured her before growing more serious, his gaze shifting between the two bronze leaders. "Our aim is to expand our influence on this world, and we would consider the Korretesh Flight as allies in this endeavor."

  Outrage rippled through the gathered dragons; some tensed, baring their teeth, while others snarled under their breath. Yet Nazes and Kaxes remained unmoved, their intense, calculating gazes fixed on Alistair and his group. Alistair allowed his Aura Veil to loosen just slightly, letting a hint of his resolve come through.

  The two elders shared a long, silent look before Kaxes finally spoke, his tone measured. "Under different circumstances, I’d call you insolent for suggesting such a bond. But I see your group carries strength enough to kill many of us here and leave only to return in greater force with your kin. Yet, something tells me that is not your intent, and it’s only because of this instinct that we’ll even entertain the notion."

  “To establish a bond between our flights, we must share mutual interests, foster trust, and ensure that your side has sufficient strength behind it,” Nazes intoned, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “But trust… that is not something earned in a single day.”

  Alistair gave a respectful nod, catching the gravity in her tone. “I understand. What do you propose?”

  “Our daughter will go with you,” Nazes replied, her voice echoing slightly against the cavern walls. “She will see your seat of power, witness your people, and return to us when she chooses. But know this—if any harm befalls her, the Korretesh Flight will forever mark you as an enemy.”

  Alistair held her gaze, fully aware of the gravity of the arrangement, and had a good idea of the intent behind the suggestion. “That is acceptable.”

  Around them, the other dragons stirred, and a wave of disbelief rippled through the chamber, outrage leaking from those less skilled in concealing their emotions. Their aura veils flickered and failed to hide the tension. But among the larger, more formidable dragons, Alistair noted a quieter, resolute intensity, as if they had already anticipated this moment.

  He watched as Nazes tilted her head toward a mixed bronze-and-green dragon, who nodded and descended deeper into the cave, likely to retrieve their daughter.

  “You sensed it, too?” Riseth’s voice came through the Akashic Link.

  “Yes,” he replied. “I think they’ve been waiting for something like this. The Korretesh Flight may have numbers, but they’re low on true elites. Their strongest prospects are likely in hiding, to avoid being targeted or draw the ire of the other flights upon the Korretesh. This entire flight has a mark on it—not just for accepting off-colored, higher-tier, and mixed breeds but for defying the established order.”

  “And with the constant risk, there’s probably a small host of silvers, golds, and other unique dragons hidden away, unable to progress smoothly or gain any real experience and combat records,” he added. “Having the means to leave this world and grow without being hunted or bringing danger back here must be an incredibly enticing prospect.”

  Alistair observed as the bronze-and-green dragon returned, now accompanied by a striking young silver. Her body was sleek and streamlined, with sharp, leathery wings that looked entirely intact, lacking the usual marks of wear. Even in the cave’s dim light, her scales shimmered with a silvery luster. Her tail was still, but her poised stance and the barely contained spark in her gaze hinted at her excitement. Though not quite juvenile, she was clearly not fully grown and smaller than most of the dragons gathered, yet her presence radiated a quiet anticipation that set her apart.

  Of course, their daughter would be silver, Alistair thought, likely giving her a chance to get a headstart and grow stronger under our protection.

  “This is our daughter, Zephilien,” Nazes continued, a subtle yet unmistakable threat woven into her tone. “It is critical that the other flights remain unaware of her true nature.” Her gaze passed over the group, pausing on Rovari before locking with Alistair’s.

  Alistair briefly considered offering to bring additional dragons along but knew he’d need to establish trust first. Meeting Nazes' intelligent gaze, he sensed a flicker of understanding, a shared recognition of the stakes involved.

  Alistair and Riseth gave Zephi a polite nod in greeting, which the young silver returned with a graceful dip of her head.

  "I’ll be in your care,” she said, her tone soft yet carrying a hint of playfulness.

  Alistair heard chimes ring off, indicating that he had earned another title and level, but decided to look at it once they left the planet as he didn't wish to appear to be distracted.

  They didn’t linger much longer, exchanging a few more words before preparing to leave. The younger dragons were growing visibly restless, and Alistair and Riseth didn’t miss how the more experienced dragons—or those in the know—subtly used Dragon Fear to silence them. Despite their best efforts to keep it discreet, they noticed every flicker of control and tension within the ranks despite the dragon's best efforts.

  Not wishing to overstay their welcome and having finished their business on this world having earned some titles, and now accompanied by three dragons, Alistair and Riseth marked this expedition as an incredible success, the additional time they had spent training King in anticipation of his Draconic Ascension had been well spent, and the worry and pressure Alistair had felt over the possibility of King dying in his duel or severing their ties vanished.

  Considering Rovari’s presence, Alistair sent a quick message to Nessyra, informing her of their new guests while keeping their species under wraps. He assumed she’d already anticipated it, likely preparing suitable spaces for both Rovari and Zephilien, preferably in separate quarters. Rovari’s behavior could only be described as broody, her tail firmly entwined with King’s as she all but led him to the private chambers at the back of the ship, eager for privacy.

  Meanwhile, Zephilien seemed entirely unfazed by their retreat, her attention absorbed by the Artemis’s technology. Her humanoid form retained many draconic traits—long, silvery-white hair that flowed over her shoulders, skin accented with scales along her collar and forearms, and curved horns that arched gracefully from her head. Whether her appearance reflected a preference or an early stage in mastering her shapeshifting skills was unclear. Riseth had lent her enchanted clothing that shifted to fit her form, shaping into a simple dress and pants—modest attire that suited her.

  Alistair waved Zephilien over as Riseth continued plotting the course home.

  “So, two coppers make a silver on your world?” Alistair remarked with a smirk, which the young dragoness eagerly mirrored.

  He could sense her excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. After a lifetime of being hidden away, Zephilien looked ready to burst with energy, like a dam about to give way. Her gaze darted around the cockpit, curious eyes studying each control as if each held a secret.

  Alistair chuckled, catching on to her barely contained enthusiasm. “Feel free to explore and ask questions, but maybe hold off on pressing any buttons—at least without a heads-up.”

  Zephilien grinned, her tail flicking with excitement. “You can call me Zephi,” she added with a playful gleam in her eye.