Rising god
Chapter 56: Announcement

Chapter 56: Announcement

The Dragon’s Pit was a labyrinth of shadow and stone, its cavernous depths illuminated by flickering veins of luminescent crystal embedded in the walls. The air thrummed with latent draconic energy, a pulse that seemed to vibrate through the very earth.

Smallfoot stood at the center of a vast chamber, her human form diminutive yet resolute before two towering dragons, their scales glinting like molten fire in the dim light. Behind them, a cluster of smaller dragons shifted restlessly, their eyes glowing with anticipation.

Smallfoot’s transformation, catalyzed by Baines’s teachings, had not only restored her heritage but also granted her the ability to communicate with her kin in their ancient tongue, a gift that elevated her status among them.

Her attempts to teach the thought-conversation method to the others had failed. Yet, her unique connection to Baines, their potential savior, and her newfound ability to bridge the clan’s fractured communication cemented her importance.

The two massive dragons before her were no ordinary beasts; they were descendants of Lady Darka’s royal guards, second only to the family head in power. Even with her reclaimed legacy, Smallfoot bowed her head in deference, her posture a blend of respect and quiet pride.

The conversation began in the silent, resonant language Tasha had helped rediscover, a telepathic exchange that vibrated through the chamber.

-What did he ask in return?

The largest dragon, its voice a deep rumble in her mind, fixed its amber eyes on her.

Smallfoot’s gaze dropped, her voice heavy with reluctance. "He wants Lady Darka’s lair."

-Outrageous!

The second dragon’s thought roared through the chamber, its scales bristling with indignation. The smaller dragons behind them hissed, their collective displeasure a low, menacing chorus.

"I tried to negotiate," Smallfoot continued, her tone strained. "I offered a quarter of the lair, but he didn’t budge."

-Does he not care if we return? He would be our benefactor for life.

The largest dragon mused, its massive head tilting in confusion. Even for a creature of such ancient wisdom, Baines’s indifference was unfathomable.

Smallfoot sighed, her human shoulders slumping. Even after their encounters, Baines remained an enigma, a storm of ambition and apathy she couldn’t decipher. "I don’t know him well enough to say," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration.

-But we must do something.

The second dragon interjected, its tone edged with panic.

-We can’t remain like this.

Its earlier outrage softened as the reality of their predicament sank in. Without Baines, their chance to reclaim their lost glory was slipping away.

-Why not tell His Majesty?

The second suggested, its thoughts sharp with calculation. If she informed the Darkan family head, he could pressure Baines was her idea.

Smallfoot shook her head, her expression grim. "His Majesty cannot force him."

-Why?

The largest dragon’s question was a low growl, its eyes narrowing.

"That day he spoke to me using that strange technique, he unleashed his true power," Smallfoot said, a shiver running through her as she recalled the moment.

The memory of Baines’s Ashenfall still haunted her. "I’m sorry, but His Majesty is no match for him. He might even send that lich to kill us, and that lich is stronger than His Majesty."

The chamber fell silent, the weight of her words settling over the dragons like a shroud. The realization dawned on them: their heritage hung in the balance, but at what cost? To surrender Lady Darka’s lair, the sacred heart of their lineage, was unthinkable. Yet, without Baines, their dreams of resurgence were dust.

The largest dragon opened its maw to concede when a smaller dragon, one of the core family’s executives, spoke up.

-We don’t have to give it to him, you know?

Heads turned to the speaker, a dragon named Mesham, its scales a muted crimson.

-What are you saying, Mesham?

The largest dragon demanded.

-We tell him to help us first,

Mesham explained, its thoughts sharp with cunning.

-After we regain our heritage, we give him what we choose.

Smallfoot’s eyes narrowed. "Do you think he’s that stupid?" She couldn’t believe Baines would fall for such a transparent ruse.

Mesham’s gaze gleamed.

-Then we tell him we need our heritage to open the lair. He’ll have no choice but to help us. In that time, we learn his methods, replicate them for the rest of us, and then give him only what we deem fit. By then, we’ll be strong enough to overpower him.

The dragons’ eyes widened, a ripple of excitement passing through the chamber. It was a brilliant, if deceitful, plan. If Baines took the bait, they could reclaim their power and dictate the terms.

Smallfoot hesitated, weighing the risks. The plan hinged on Baines’s cooperation, and she doubted he would be so easily swayed. Still, it was their best option.

-It is settled.

The largest dragon declared, its voice resonating with finality.

-Smallfoot, when we regain our heritage, you will be rewarded. For now, the clan still needs you.

Smallfoot bowed, her resolve hardening as she accepted the task.

Unbeknownst to her, a creature lurked in the shadows, its form cloaked in darkness. Wick, Baines’s silent sentinel, couldn’t hear their telepathic exchange but recorded every gesture, every flicker of intent.

With a thought, it vanished, racing to deliver its report to its master.

...

Far beyond the Dragon’s Pit, the Solaris Empire stirred from its lull. Just when the citizens were bored with the inaction, an announcement was made.

The announcement erupted like a volcano, igniting the realm with fervor. From bustling cities to remote villages, the news spread like wildfire. Journalists scribbled furiously, gossipers wove tales, and citizens, old men, women, children, and laborers whispered of it in markets and taverns. The announcement was monumental, its reach extending far beyond the Darkan lands.

The announcement was too huge to be hoarded by just one family.

The first reason was, it was sent by the Imperial family.

The Solaris Imperial Family. Blood descendant of the Sun god.

Any announcement made by the imperial family was always blown out of proportion. One, because it was time to receive recognition from them. Two, it was time to make a name for oneself, and three, the stories that came along.

Stories that could last a lifetime. People craved that.

Those stories all gathered to form history, and that was what any empire or kingdom was built on.

And especially for this announcement, the people felt like they were finally receiving what they wanted for a while now.

-Rising star.

That was the title of the tournament, and the title given to the winner of the tournament.

-Tournament gathering of all younger generation below age 25. The rewards are as follows: 1st place: 10,000 gold, First-grade armor, and Sun pill. 2nd place: 5,000 gold, Second grade armor, and Lesser sun pill. 3rd place: 2,000 gold and 3rd-grade armor.

The content of the rewards was mind-blowing.

But the final detail was what truly electrified the empire:

-Place of tournament: Darkos, capital of Darkan.

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