"—Basically, all of the dragon races in this world descended from my elder brother, the True Dragon, Star King Dragon Veldanava. Everything else are monsters carrying a diluted fragment of his essence," Veldora began, his voice resonant as he explained the lineage.
I listened intently, my posture commanding. It was essential to grasp the distinction between these beings. There was a fundamental difference between material life and spiritual life. Dragons that were classified as monsters possessed a physical body—true dragons in appearance, but more akin to massive, ferocious reptiles. They were called dragons due to their resemblance, but their essence was comparable to that of a dinosaur, a giant, living lizard of overwhelming strength.
"While it is said that four True Dragons exist in this world, only three remain today. My elder brother, Star King Dragon Veldanava—Milim's father—has perished due to a misfortune outside his control, and shows no sign of resurrection," Veldora continued. His words carried the gravity of history itself.
"True Dragons are immortal, but that immortality has limits, nuances beyond common understanding. We will set that aside for now," I interjected calmly, my voice steady, yet imbued with authority. "Focus on the present. We are here to understand what can be commanded, not what cannot."
The origin of all dragons could be traced back to Veldanava, more specifically to the Spirit Dragon gifted to Milim—the Elemental Dragon. Unlike the remaining True Dragons, this was a separate entity entirely, distinct from the legendary Egyptian Gods.
"I see. Comparing this with the story Elen told me, the Spirit Dragon must have been the deceased Chaos Dragon," I remarked, narrowing my gaze. "Today, in regions saturated with magicules, Lesser Dragons spawn, while dragons inheriting more of Spirit Dragon's essence become Greater Dragons—Arch Dragons."
"Precisely," Veldora confirmed. "Among Arch Dragons, the pinnacle are the Dragon Lords, each representing one of the four elements. These beings evolve over centuries, gaining wisdom and mastery of Spirit Dragon's powers, becoming semi-spiritual entities. Unlike True Dragons, their death is permanent once they are slain."
I recalled the sky dragon I had previously defeated—an Arch Dragon of significant power, rated at Rank Calamity. Dragon Lords, far above that, were capable of challenging Demon Lords themselves. Potentially, they could rival Clayman or even the Greater Spirits, or surpass them.
"If their magicule reserves are this vast," I reasoned aloud, "they should be capable of influencing terrain effects across entire levels."
Milim's reaction was immediate, a mixture of awe and apprehension. "Hold on! No matter how strong you are, you cannot hope to tame the mighty Dragon Lords!"
Her words confirmed my assumption. Dragon Lords were far beyond simple control. I would not attempt them.
"Very well. Then which dragons will you capture?" I asked, my tone calm, yet brimming with authority.
Milim straightened, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "They may not rival Dragon Lords, but Arch Dragons with elemental affinities can be tamed. We will have them consume magicule and assist in altering terrain."
I considered this. Dragons often formed nests, which allowed them to shape their surroundings according to their needs. With the proper resources, Milim's plan was feasible.
"All necessary preparations are complete, and the magicule supply is abundant. I will approve this course," I declared. "Can I rely on your competence?"
"Leave it to me! I will capture one Arch Dragon for each element. Some may even evolve into Dragon Lords in the future," Milim said, unwavering.
According to her, the four elements emerged from the Spirit Dragon's essence. At the top of each element's hierarchy were the Dragon Lords of Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. Beneath them were the Elemental Dragons, forming a structured chain. The sky dragon I had defeated was likely a failed Wind Dragon, lacking the full Air element.
Milim continued, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "There are also mutated dragons and special evolutions—creatures with distinct personalities. Capturing them will be challenging, but fascinating."
I studied her carefully. Her ambition and energy were undeniable. Yet, as Atem, Sovereign of Eterna, I would ensure the plan proceeded with precision, for even dragons obeyed the law of command in my domain.
"Very well, Milim. You shall take charge of the dragons' capture and training. Veldora, you will assist her. Ramiris, ensure the labyrinth remains undisturbed during this operation," I instructed, my tone leaving no room for objection.
"Understood, Sovereign Atem!" Ramiris replied immediately, her voice carrying respect and unwavering obedience.
Veldora grinned, flexing his massive arms. "I'm ready. Let's see what these dragons are made of!"
Milim's excitement was contagious. "Fufu… finally, something worthy of my attention!"
I observed them both, my calm authority grounding the chaos of their enthusiasm. In Eterna, every plan required order, every action demanded precision. Dragons would be captured, Elemental Arch Dragons would manipulate terrain, and the labyrinth would reach a new level of perfection—all under my command.
"Then it is settled. Begin preparations immediately. I expect results, not excuses," I concluded.
Anyhow, now we could anticipate levels with terrain effects. If Milim successfully captured the Elemental Dragons, they would be stationed on the lower floors. By the way, Elemental Dragons were considerably stronger than their mundane cousins. A rough estimate of their power placed them at **Special Rank A**, a species of immense danger. Even if they couldn't challenge Charybdis directly, their strength could not be underestimated.
I didn't linger too long on hypothetical comparisons. A normal dragon could rival six Holy Knights—or so it was said. Elemental Dragons, however, could not necessarily be defeated even by an entire squad of Holy Knights. Yet, that was not my concern. My focus was far more precise.
I reviewed the elemental relationships among the five main spirits: Earth countered Air, Air countered Wind, Wind countered Water, Water countered Fire, and Fire countered Earth. Interestingly, the Elemental Dragons seemed **unaffected** by these counters. Experience outweighed natural advantage; an older dragon surpassed a younger, less experienced one. That meant I could place them wherever they would serve best strategically.
**Floor 99: Fiery Hellscape**
A final level surrounded by scorching flames. Heat-resisting gear was mandatory, but what awaited beyond those flames?
**Floor 98: Icy Prison**
A single misstep would mean instant death. Cold-resistant equipment was essential.
**Floor 97: Electric Skies**
Thunderstorm raged incessantly. Survival depended as much on skill as on fortune.
**Floor 96: Raging Earth**
The floor trembled violently, earthquakes mocking those who dared step in. Witness the fury of dragons firsthand.
That was the preliminary setup. Before confronting the final boss—Veldora himself—these terrain-effect floors would ensure adventurers faced insurmountable challenges. By all logical measures, no intruder could hope to clear them.
Veldora, however, seemed delighted by the chaos. "Kukuku… so you deploy low-level obstacles first. After adventurers deal with these pretenders, my time to shine will arrive!"
Milim chimed in with her usual brash enthusiasm. "It's incredible to have someone like Veldora playing that role! I want to be the final boss sometimes too!"
Ramiris, not one to be outdone, added with a sly grin, "Don't forget, I've got plenty of tricks of my own."
I allowed a rare smile, the authority in my presence grounding the excitement around me. "What are you saying, Milim? It is thanks to your efforts that we can complete the final trap."
Her eyes widened. "!"
"Yes, Milim. I am counting on you again. Catch formidable dragons, and bring them here. They will be essential for the labyrinth's final stages."
"Hmm… consider it done," she said with renewed vigor, already plotting her next move.
Seemingly sensing my strategic nudge, Ramiris joined in, her tone firm yet encouraging. "Milim, your success ensures the labyrinth functions flawlessly. You have my support."
The effect was immediate. Milim's grin widened, her energy practically radiating. Motivation surged through her as she prepared to embark on her task. Now I could allow myself a brief moment of satisfaction.
As long as the dragons were captured, the terrain-effect floors would operate smoothly. Even without artificial modifications, once Milim's dragons nested on these levels, they would become living, ferocious traps themselves.
And so, Milim departed to hunt the Elemental Dragons, her expedition adding to the growing number of Ramiris's subordinates. Each step they took, each dragon captured, would ensure that the labyrinth became a monument to strategic brilliance—an arena where only the most prepared could survive.
I, Atem, Sovereign of Eterna, observed it all with unshakable authority. Every plan, every decision, every trap reflected my command—and the labyrinth would soon bear witness to that power.