The cheers from Arcanis Vale's victory had barely faded when a new storm began to gather—one far more ancient and terrifying than any rivalry within the Imperial Academy.
Far beyond the empire's borders, where the land blazed crimson beneath a burning sky, stood a mountain range feared by all races.
The Crimson Peaks.
It was said that dragons ruled these lands—beings of immense power whose mere presence could bend the elements and shake the heavens.
And destiny was about to lead Lucian Voidheart there.
A Mission from the Empire
Two days after the duel, a golden decree arrived at the Imperial Talent Academy.
Students assembled within the Grand Hall as Archmage Valerius Dawnstar addressed them.
"Listen well," he announced solemnly. "A dimensional disturbance has been detected near the Crimson Peaks. Reports suggest the involvement of extraterrestrial invaders seeking to capture a dragon of royal blood."
A wave of shock rippled through the hall.
"Aliens?"
"Even the dragons are under attack?"
"This is no ordinary mission!"
Valerius nodded gravely.
"The Empire cannot afford to provoke the Dragon Clans. However, we cannot allow invaders from other dimensions to destabilize the balance of this world. A select group of elite students will accompany imperial knights to investigate."
His gaze swept across the room before resting on Arcanis.
"Arcanis Vale, your presence is requested."
Lucian, observing through his clone, smiled faintly.
The game was moving forward.
Journey to the Crimson Peaks
Three days later, a colossal skyship soared through the clouds toward the west. Its hull gleamed with runic inscriptions, and mana engines hummed with arcane power.
Standing at the deck's edge were Arcanis, Aeloria, and Selene.
Selene crossed her arms, her golden eyes gleaming. "So, we are to meddle in the affairs of dragons. How bold."
Aeloria gazed toward the distant mountains. "The Dragon Clans are among the most powerful races. If we earn their favor, it will greatly strengthen our future alliances."
Arcanis nodded. "Then we shall ensure success."
Within his chamber, Lucian spoke through their shared consciousness.
"Our objective is clear: investigate the rift, eliminate the invaders, and secure the dragon's trust."
"And if fate permits," Selene said with a sly smile, "recruit her."
Lucian's lips curved into a confident grin.
"Exactly."
The Battlefield of Fire
The skyship descended near a valley cloaked in scarlet mist. Rivers of molten lava illuminated the rugged terrain, and the air shimmered with intense heat.
A massive dimensional rift pulsed above the valley, crackling with violet lightning.
Below it stood alien constructs—towering metallic war machines with glowing cyan cores. Their weapons emitted beams of searing energy as they advanced toward a lone figure.
A young woman with crimson hair and golden eyes stood at the center of the battlefield.
Two magnificent dragon horns curved elegantly from her head, and blazing wings of fire unfurled behind her.
She radiated power and fury.
"Back, invaders!" she roared.
Flames erupted from her body, incinerating a swarm of alien drones.
An imperial knight gasped. "That's her—the Dragon Princess!"
The Princess of Inferno
Arcanis stepped forward, his eyes narrowing.
"Status?" he asked.
Aeloria observed the battlefield. "She's wounded… and surrounded."
Selene smirked. "A proud dragon fighting alone. How admirable."
The system flickered before Lucian's eyes.
[System Notification]
Unique Entity Detected
Name: Lyra Emberfang
Race: Royal Flame Dragon
Title: Princess of the Crimson Peaks
Talent: SS-Rank — Infernal Sovereignty
Potential: Divine
Recommendation: Secure Alliance.
Lucian's heart stirred with ambition.
"She will become a pillar of our empire."
Battle Against the Invaders
The alien commander issued a mechanical command.
"Target identified. Capture the dragon."
Energy cannons fired simultaneously.
Lyra roared, unleashing a torrent of blazing fire—but exhaustion slowed her movements. A beam struck her shoulder, sending her crashing to the ground.
Before the next strike could land—
"Arcane Shield!"
A radiant barrier materialized, intercepting the attack.
Lyra looked up in surprise.
Standing before her was Arcanis Vale.
"Who dares interfere?" she demanded.
"An ally," he replied calmly.
From the shadows, Selene unleashed waves of abyssal flame, melting alien constructs. Aeloria's arrows shimmered with moonlight, striking enemy cores with lethal precision.
Arcanis raised his hand.
"Grand Arcane Cataclysm."
A massive runic circle formed in the sky. Blades of condensed mana rained down like a meteor shower, obliterating the remaining invaders.
Within moments, the battlefield fell silent.
The dimensional rift collapsed.
Victory was theirs.
The Dragon's Oath
Lyra Emberfang rose slowly, her golden eyes filled with curiosity and pride.
"You have my gratitude, mage," she said. "State your name."
"Arcanis Vale," he replied with a respectful bow.
She studied him carefully, sensing the immense power hidden within.
"You are no ordinary human."
Selene smirked. "Few who stand beside us are."
Lyra's gaze softened slightly as she turned back to Arcanis.
"You saved my life. As a princess of the Flame Dragons, I repay my debts."
She placed her hand over her heart.
"Call upon me when you need aid, and the fire of the Crimson Peaks shall answer."
A faint crimson sigil appeared in the air.
[System Notification]
Alliance Established: Dragon's Oath
Companion Acquired: Lyra Emberfang
Bonus Obtained: Fire Resistance & Draconic Aura
Lucian felt a surge of warmth and power course through his veins.
Another cornerstone of his future empire had been secured.
A Flame Ignited
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Lyra's fierce expression softened.
"You intrigue me, Arcanis Vale," she admitted. "Few mortals possess such courage—and fewer still earn a dragon's respect."
Her lips curved into a faint smile.
"Perhaps our paths are destined to intertwine."
Selene scoffed lightly. "How bold, Your Highness."
Aeloria chuckled softly. "It seems our circle continues to grow."
Through their shared consciousness, Lucian smiled.
"Elves, demons, and dragons… One day, all realms will stand beneath my banner."
High above, unseen by mortal eyes, another colossal rift shimmered open—revealing an armada of alien warships preparing for invasion.
The war for the multiverse had begun.