Abyssal Sovereignty

Breaking through the clouds, the view shifted dramatically as the vast expanse of the Dragon's Valley's inner sanctum unfolded below. Unlike the lush vegetation that dominated the outer regions, this inner area was stark and barren, dominated by rugged mountains of stone, devoid of any greenery.

"You've returned. What of the intruder?"

A dragon, perched on a nearby mountain, spotted the approaching dragons as they descended from the clouds. It soared down to meet them, its voice heavy with curiosity and suspicion.

"Uh... here," one of the dragons replied, as they parted to reveal a young girl who had been trailing bggehind them.

"You... didn't you say no intruder should be allowed to leave? And now you bring her here!?"

"Wait, calm down!" The lead dragon in the group quickly flew forward, intercepting the agitated dragon before it could act.

"She was introduced by... Miss Misako. We can trust her! Besides, we couldn't defeat her."

At the mention of the name 'Misako,' the suspicious dragon's posture softened. Misako, a name whispered only among the highest echelons of the black demon race, held significant weight. Just knowing her name was proof enough of the girl’s legitimacy.

The dragon's gaze shifted to the other dragons, noticing the wounds they bore. The idea that they had been overpowered by the girl seemed implausible, yet the evidence was undeniable.

"Very well. But what is her purpose here?"

"She wishes to meet the Great One."

"She... what!?" The dragon's voice rose in disbelief.

"She even knows about the Great One!?"

"Is that so surprising?" the girl asked, her tone calm and steady.

"You don’t understand," the dragon replied, lifting its head, its eyes shining with deep reverence. "The Great One is a living legend among our kind. In the ancient battlefields of old, the Great One, though mortal, stood against the gods themselves—those who lord over the divine realm. And in that battle, the Great One did not falter. To us, the Great One represents power, strength—more divine than any so-called gods."

As the dragon spoke, the girl noticed that the other dragons around her shared the same expression of veneration.

"Hmm... I’ve never met her, but my instincts tell me that her purity is unmatched… true strength... is it 'Pava'?" Veridith, who had never met the Great One, also voiced her admiration. The Great One's story had become something akin to a sacred truth among the dragons.

The girl was reminded of the last time she had encountered such fervent belief—back when she served as a saint in the Church of the Holy Light.

'The Church of the Holy Light?'

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her head, forcing her to clutch her forehead in agony.

"...Now you understand, right? The Great One's greatness and mystery are beyond our comprehension," the dragon concluded, snapping the girl out of her thoughts. She decided to push aside the memories of the church for now.

"Since she shared this with you, it must mean she has her reasons. We won’t stand in your way," the dragon said, turning to face deeper into the valley.

"Follow me."

…

The girl followed the dragon through the rocky terrain, the landscape around them barren and desolate. Despite the monotony of the environment, she could sense something—a barrier of sorts that blocked their path forward.

"Beyond this point lies the sacred ground of our valley, the resting place of the Great One. We know little of what lies within, save for one truth."

"Only those who are acknowledged by the Great One may behold her presence."

"Understood."

"Then, I wish you luck."

Steeling herself, the girl stepped forward, reaching out to touch the invisible barrier. As soon as her hand made contact, ripples spread across its surface.

"Wha...!?"

The dragon gasped in shock. Typically, anyone who touched the barrier would be repelled, or worse, not even perceive its existence. Yet, the girl had not only seen it but had also caused it to react.

Unfazed by the dragon's astonishment, the girl continued forward, stepping fully into the barrier. A dizzying sensation overwhelmed her, and when she regained her senses, the landscape had transformed.

The barren mountains were replaced by a sparsely wooded plain, with gentle hills rolling in the distance. And there, standing resolute in the far distance, was an ancient, crumbling castle.

"You stay here," the girl said, lowering her satchel to the ground. A small creature, Pupu, peeked out from within.

"Puu, pu!"

"It’s going to be dangerous."

She could feel it—the immense, terrifying power emanating from the castle ahead. If a battle were to occur, she doubted she could protect Pupu and fight simultaneously.

"Pupu..." Pupu seemed to understand, recognizing that it would only be a burden, and decided to stay behind.

Satisfied that Pupu would remain safe, the girl set her sights on the ancient castle and began her approach.

Though it appeared distant, the castle wasn’t far for someone of her ability. As she neared, the air grew heavy, and the pressure bearing down on her intensified.

Boom!!!

The ground quaked violently, and a deafening roar echoed from the castle. Moments later, a dark shadow burst from within, descending rapidly toward the girl.

"Ugh..."

Shielding her face from the fierce winds with her left hand, she gazed up at the colossal figure before her. It was a dragon, but unlike any she had seen before. This one was slender, almost elegant, with two pairs of wings and shimmering green scales.

It lacked the bulky physique of the other dragons, appearing more refined—almost graceful. Its four wings were unlike those of ordinary dragons, more akin to those of a featherless angel. And its eerie red eyes added an extra layer of mystery.

The girl’s instincts screamed danger. The overwhelming aura she had felt earlier was unmistakably emanating from this dragon.

"Why have you come here, lost human?" the dragon's voice boomed, crushing the air around her, making it difficult for her to breathe.

"...I’ve come... to challenge you."

"How amusing."

The green dragon stood tall, slowly spreading its four wings.

"Shatter."

The word alone was enough to unleash an invisible force upon the girl. In an instant, her body was torn apart, blood gushing out like a fountain, staining the ground around her.

There was no resistance. Even as she attempted to reinforce her body with magic, the force was unstoppable.

"Ugh...!"

Her body entered a relentless cycle of destruction and regeneration, her magical reserves draining rapidly, like water pouring from a cracked vessel.

'No... my magic...'

Her strength waned, and as her magic dwindled, her consciousness began to fade into darkness.