The Silver Dragon's hull still bore scorch marks from the crash, but Krish's hands moved without hesitation across the controls. RC's voice pulsed through the smart watch:
"Shields at fifty percent. Spirit beast approaching fast. Recommend evasive maneuvers."
The desert sky split as the enormous beast dove, its form wreathed in black flames, wings blotting out the sun. Its claws gleamed sharper than steel, each strike powerful enough to tear apart the ship.
Krish pulled the controls hard, tilting the Silver Dragon into a spiral. The beast's talons sliced past, tearing sand dunes into glass where they landed.
"Targeting locked!" RC announced. With a flash, twin plasma bolts erupted from the Silver Dragon's cannons. The blasts struck the beast's shoulder, searing flesh and forcing it back with a howl that shook the ground.
But the creature did not fall. Instead, its fiery mane grew brighter, its roar laced with fury.
"It's getting stronger the more we injure it," Krish muttered.
"Correction," RC replied, voice sharp. "It's adapting."
The beast opened its jaws, unleashing a torrent of black fire. Krish slammed the throttle, and the Silver Dragon shot skyward. The firestorm raged below, melting the very earth into rivers of molten stone.
Krish's eyes gleamed with determination. "RC, prepare the Starburst Cannon."
"Warning," RC countered. "Charging will drain eighty percent of remaining power."
"We won't need it twice," Krish said, his voice firm.
The Silver Dragon climbed higher and higher until the desert stretched small beneath them. The beast pursued, wings of flame beating furiously, its roar echoing into the heavens.
Krish steadied his breathing, waiting—watching—as RC charged the weapon. Energy hummed through the ship, vibrating in his bones.
"Ready," RC confirmed.
The beast lunged.
"Fire!" Krish shouted.
The Silver Dragon's core blazed like a newborn star. A lance of silver light erupted, cutting through the sky and piercing the beast's chest. The monster shrieked, flames sputtering as its massive body convulsed, then plummeted toward the desert floor, leaving behind a trail of burning black smoke.
Krish exhaled, shoulders heavy but eyes sharp. "That's what happens when you challenge the Silver Dragon."
"Correction," RC said dryly, though relief threaded his tone. "That's what happens when reckless bravery somehow aligns with probability."
The ship's alarms continued to flash—energy reserves nearly empty, systems strained to their limit—but for now, silence returned to the desert.
Krish leaned back in the pilot's seat, a faint smile curving his lips. "We survived. But if one spirit beast could do this… I wonder how many more are waiting."
The Silver Dragon's engines dimmed, its wings folding as it descended to the sands once more. The battle was over—for now.
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