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[Valtara Fortress – Summoning Grounds]
The summoning circle pulsed with ominous energy, its runes glowing a deep crimson. The air around Leonhardt crackled as raw mana surged through the chamber, distorting space itself.
Celestia and Evelyn stood at his side, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Even Ironhorn, Leonhardt's indomitable rhinoceros, stomped its foot impatiently, sensing the arrival of another powerful entity.
Leonhardt raised his hand.
"Come forth."
A massive portal to the Beast Realm tore open before him. A violent storm of energy surged from within, and the ground trembled as an enormous silhouette began to take shape.
Then, a deafening roar echoed through the fortress.
From the swirling abyss, a massive dragon-like beast emerged. Its scales shimmered with a deep, obsidian hue, and its six crimson eyes gleamed with intelligence and bloodlust. Black flames danced around its wings, distorting the very air with its overwhelming heat.
Celestia's grin widened. "Oh~ This one looks deliciously dangerous~"
Evelyn, despite herself, took a step back. The aura radiating from this creature was unlike anything she had ever encountered.
Leonhardt, however, did not flinch.
The beast snarled, its voice like rolling thunder. "WHO DARES SUMMON ME?"
Leonhardt smirked. "I do."
The dragon-beast lowered its head, scrutinizing him. "YOU… YOUR SOUL IS STRONG… BUT YOU CANNOT COMMAND ME, MORTAL."
Leonhardt stepped forward, his presence alone bending the space around him. "Oh? And why not?"
The beast bared its fangs. "BECAUSE I OBEY NO MASTER."
Leonhardt chuckled. "Then I'll make you submit."
Without hesitation, he lunged forward.
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The beast unleashed a wave of black flames. The entire chamber erupted in fire, yet Leonhardt walked through it unscathed. His aura clashed against the dragon's might, warping reality itself.
Celestia and Evelyn watched in fascination.
"To tame a Mythical-Class Beast, one must prove their absolute superiority."
Leonhardt's fist met the dragon's skull. The impact sent shockwaves throughout the fortress, splitting the ground beneath them. The dragon roared in fury, swiping at him with its massive claws.
But Leonhardt caught its claw with one hand.
His lips curled into a dark smirk. "Is that all?"
The dragon's six eyes widened. "IMPOSSIBLE—"
Leonhardt tightened his grip. Energy surged through his body, his conqueror's aura crushing the beast's will.
The dragon trembled. It could feel it.
This man—this villain—was no mere mortal.
Leonhardt raised his other hand. "Kneel."
The dragon collapsed.
It let out a final, defiant growl… before lowering its head in submission.
A new contract was formed.
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[Valtara Throne Room ]
Celestia purred, wrapping herself around Leonhardt's arm. "Ufufu~ That was soooo hot, Darling~ You just broke a legendary beast with your bare hands~"
Evelyn, despite her usual composure, couldn't deny it. Watching Leonhardt subdue such a terrifying creature made her heart pound.
Leonhardt glanced at his new beast. "From now on, your name shall be Nyxdrasil."
The black dragon raised its head. "I OBEY, MASTER."
Ironhorn snorted, stepping beside its new companion. The two Mythical Beasts stared at each other, forming an unspoken bond of respect.
Leonhardt leaned back on his throne, his smirk growing.
With this power…
The gods themselves would tremble.