Dragon Gods Reign

[Southern duchy]

Listening attentively as Irsyr narrated the events of a few hours ago, Darganth went through a mixture of emotions. From being glad that the other dragon gods seemed to also be well to cold rage at the mention of the three primordials, his mood fluctuated with practically every sentence Irsyr spoke.

However, when Irsyr mentioned Vunreon's promise at the end, a dangerous smile formed on his lips, overshadowing everything that came before.

"While it's annoying that we won't be able to target their subordinates before dealing with them, with Vunreon leaning toward our side I won't have to regain as much of my power before we can act." Darganth said.

"No, I won't be able to target their subordinates, you can." Irsyr corrected with a smile.

Pausing for a second, Darganth pondered over the loophole for a moment.

"Do you think that's an oversight by Vunreon or is he giving us this opening on purpose? Because if it's the former I don't plan on squandering his goodwill after he already promised to help us." Darganth asked.

"It's by design. Earlier he didn't mention you and the original agreement specifically refers to 'the seven dragon gods and any future members that join their ranks'." Irsyr said.

Having Irsyr confirm his hopes, Darganth nodded with a wide smile. Immediately, tens of ideas came to his mind of how to exploit this to the fullest, though there was still one more variable left before he could start arranging them into a plan.

"You said that Vunreon sees the current situation as balanced but how strong exactly is their faction?"

"Weaker than before your death but not by much. While the pseudo-elemental gods aren't unified behind them anymore, among the major ones only Cehlya and Irena aren't loyal to the three. But the real problem are the handful of legendary species that are still loyal to them."

"I assume the Kraken and Leviathans are one of these?"

Seeing Irsyr nod in affirmation, Darganth frowned slightly. Unlike the other groups of legendary creatures, the leaders of these two chose to accept Vunreon's offer of divinity. And even though they are only lesser gods, the security that the corresponding immortality gives them allows them to act more aggressively than the vast majority of legend empowered beings, even the others that are similarly powerful.

"Then I take it an open fight wouldn't be in our favor right now?" Darganth asked.

"Sadly. On paper, we're not even that much weaker than at least the primordials, but we have two major problems. The first is something Vunreon also noticed, namely that we're multiple groups that are unified by one goal. Without you, the tensions between some of these groups will definitively cause trouble.

The second problem is somewhat limited to a scenario where we start the war but I'm not sure if everybody can and would help us. Visuria, Nemoress, and Scalladras are probably the only ones with whom I'm sure they'll help us without limit.

For Cehlya and Irena it's risky to fight against primordials so they probably wouldn't be able to help as freely, while Liaera probably won't be able to convince many Titans to join the fight. Additionally, there's the question of how many would even honor the favor they owe Idaia which could mean that we might also lack weaker ascendents." Irsyr summarized.

Nodding somewhat disappointed, Darganth continued on to the only matter he was still hoping for some more positive news.

"What's your impression of the personal power of the three?"

"Not too much stronger. I would estimate that if you were still at your previous level of power you would be about equal to Giralus and Nemeus in power. Araquios is still above them but considering Scalladras's growth last time we met, they should still be about equal. As for us dragon gods, even without the addition of the two new ones we comparatively grew stronger and might even be able to win against Araquios when working together."

Relieved by the assessment, a slight smile formed on Darganth's lips as he reconsidered his ideas with this new knowledge.

"It might not be ideal but we can work with this situation. Though first, we'll have to finish what we started in this universe." Darganth concluded.

Having listened in silence up until now as she struggled to follow their conversation due to her gaps in knowledge, Melidra immediately became attentive again at Darganth's words.

"What is with this universe?" She asked confused.

"It's going to experience an upheaval." Jennia answered her with a grin.

"How?" Melidra asked intrigued.

"The emperor meeting." Darganth said.

Despite his short answer, Melidra understood what he meant. No matter how isolated the peninsula they were on was due to the mountain range in the south, they weren't completely isolated. Traders didn't only bring wares with them but also spread the news from the rest of the continent, both by purposefully selling it and by simply talking with the locals.

Among this, news about the emperors was naturally especially sought after. And while newer news might often be lacking, things like the Vampire's bid for an emperor seat of their own, the advanced age of three emperors, and the dragon's almost constant absence from the meetings were common knowledge even here.

Though as she thought about what exactly they might be planning, Melidra quickly came to a realization that curbed her enthusiasm.

"I take it that only mythic ranks can help with it?" She asked.

"The fighting strength of a mythic rank should be enough, but yes, at least for the meeting itself. I don't know what will happen afterward so maybe you can find an opportunity to establish yourself as a serious power then." Darganth said.

Considering Darganth's suggestion for a moment, Melidra initially seemed very critical of it.

"If you can help me get passage through the mountains then maybe."

"I can, but don't you have your own ticket? Undead or not, he's still a dragon. And before you find any other doubts, know that my plan will serve you an emperor seat on a silver platter." Darganth said.

"How?" Melidra asked confused.

"You'll see once you cross the mountains." Darganth said.

Furrowing her brows as she wondered what the small beastmen kingdom there had to do with an emperor seat, Melidra suddenly remembered some rumors about the region.

"The vampires!" She exclaimed surprised, not having considered them previously.

Seeing Darganth nod, she understood what he meant. Though they were closer to the living humanoids in many regards and even often classified as one of them, ultimately vampires were still undead creatures. As such, they tended to revere Cehlya, forming an alliance with Melidra an obvious choice even before considering the benefit her powers could offer them.

Using the opportunity as Melidra was in thought, Serania who had been silent up until now interjected with a question.

"Just out of interest, how many beings who could match you in the past are there actually? And how come the primordials aren't one of them, aren't they the oldest being in Vunreon after you?" She asked.

"The primordias are the oldest being born in Vunreon, the individuals stronger than them are all outsiders to this multiverse. As for how many there are, it's hard to say as most of them prefer to keep a low profile so they try to avoid fights against similarly powerful beings unless it's absolutely necessary. Of course, there are exceptions but these are mostly new arrivals in Vunreon and they rarely last long." Darganth said.

"Didn't know that living in Vunreon was so desired that they would risk going through the Void." Allaire noted with some surprise.

"Vunreon helps them in. But yes, compared to other universes it's a rather popular destination." Darganth said.

Shortly after speaking, Darganth suddenly turned his head slightly to the side. With a critical look on his face, he thought for a moment before turning to Helenia.

"Your father probably isn't going to like meeting me and Jennia, is he?" He asked.

Taken aback by suddenly being involved in the discussion, the young princess shook her head in confusion and needed a moment to process his words.

"He won't." She said after readjusting herself.

"Then I think this would be a good time for us to leave, I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble for you." Darganth said to Melidra.

"If you say, I wouldn't mind either way." She replied.

Turning to Jennia, Allaire, and Serania to inquire about their opinion, Darganth received no objection.

"Then good luck and until next time." Melidra said upon seeing their reactions.

"Right back. And maybe we won't only manage to talk business then, the timing today was a bit unlucky." Darganth said.

Nodding in agreement with his words, Melidra went to exchange farewells with the other three.