Chapter 298 298: Dragon tamer...

Words : 1581 Updated : Oct 3rd, 2025

A streak of black and blue shot through the air, carrying Noah away from the chasm's edge. The temperature dropped dramatically as frost formed along his arms and face. He knew this cold, knew the distinctive pattern of ice crystals that formed in the wake of this particular entity. Noah gripped the smooth, icy scales beneath him, a genuine smile crossing his face for the first time since this nightmare began. He was aboard Air Storm, his trusty companion, the Hollow Blizzard Monarch. Storm's massive wings beat rhythmically, each downstroke sending waves of cold air rushing over Noah's body. The wyvern's blue eyes glowed with an inner light, reflecting the alien sky above. [Bond Link Established: Storm] [Eye of the Storm Buff Active] [Movement Amplification: +70%] [Cold Resistance: +95%] [Lightning Attunement: +60%] With the bond reestablished, Noah felt his perceptions sharpen. Through Storm's senses, he became aware of air currents, temperature variations, and electrical patterns throughout the surrounding atmosphere. The wyvern banked sharply, carrying them away from the pursuing hornets. But the Category 4 beasts weren't giving up so easily. The entire swarm changed direction, their buzzing growing louder as they gave chase. Several of the faster specimens had already closed half the distance. "Storm," Noah commanded, "Winter Vortex!" The wyvern's body temperature dropped even further. Ice crystals formed in the air around them, rapidly expanding into a swirling defensive barrier. Three hornets that flew too close were caught in the freezing vortex, their wings immediately encased in ice. They plummeted toward the distant ground, unable to maintain flight. [Exp Gained: +1000] [Exp Gained: +1000] [Exp Gained: +1000] But for every hornet that fell, ten more took its place. The sky behind them darkened with the sheer number of pursuing creatures. "This isn't working," Noah muttered, analyzing their situation. Storm could fly faster than the hornets, but not indefinitely. Eventually, they would need to make a stand. Noah gripped the ice-covered scales tightly as Storm executed a sharp turn to avoid a cluster of rock formations that rose suddenly from the landscape. The wyvern's reflexes were impeccable, but Noah could feel the strain in his companion's muscles. The prolonged high-speed flight was taking its toll. A volley of molten wax shot past them, one glob grazing Storm's left wing. The wyvern roared in pain, the affected area sizzling as the superheated substance ate through scales and flesh. Noah placed his hand over the wound, channeling void energy to absorb the damaging substance. Storm stabilized, but Noah knew they couldn't keep this up forever. "We've got a problem," he said, glancing over his shoulder at the pursuing horde. "They're not giving up, and we're running out of options." Storm's eyes flashed in agreement, a low rumble vibrating through his massive frame. Noah had never been so glad to see those big, sparkly blue eyes of Storm's, but their reunion celebration would have to wait. They had a much more pressing issue to deal with. The hornets were giving chase, and there was nowhere left to run. [Quest Status: Survive (54:32 remaining)] Noah surveyed the approaching horde, his tactical mind calculating odds and outcomes. The orange-yellow sky darkened with the sheer number of hornets—easily over a thousand now—their massive forms blocking out the alien light as they approached. "Storm, make a landing by that chasm," Noah commanded, pointing to a narrow ravine that cut through the red landscape. "We need to regroup." The Hollow Blizzard Monarch complied, descending in a graceful spiral that belied his massive size. Ice crystals trailed in their wake, glittering like diamonds against the blood-red terrain. As Storm's claws touched the ground, Noah dismounted, his eyes never leaving the approaching swarm. 'Ten minutes at most before they're on us,' he thought, assessing the distance and speed. 'Storm, even at full strength, these numbers are overwhelming.' Storm's blue eyes narrowed as he watched the approaching threat. The wyvern's massive body tensed, wings spreading wide in preparation for battle. Noah recognized the stance—Storm was planning to launch himself directly at the horde. "Wait," Noah said, placing a hand on Storm's frost-covered scales. "That's not the play." Storm turned his glowing eyes toward Noah, a questioning rumble vibrating through his massive frame. 'Not that I don't have faith in him,' Noah thought, watching the determination in his companion's gaze, 'but a thousand Category 4 beasts? Even Storm has limits. I need more firepower.' Noah took a deep breath, knowing what he had to do. It wasn't an easy decision—summoning both summonss simultaneously would drain his reserves significantly, limiting his own combat options. But the alternative was worse. 'I'm about to shoot myself in the foot,' he thought grimly. 'But we need the big guns,' [Void shrine activated] Strange runes immediately materialized across the surface of the stoney area he stood on. This was the power of the void shrine in effect and he had one more thing in mind. It was clear what he needed to do. Decision made, Noah spoke two words. "Nyx... awaken." The air itself seemed to hold its breath. For three heartbeats, nothing happened. Then reality tore open. A massive portal materialized above them—a swirling vortex of black and purple energy that distorted the very fabric of space. The edges crackled with power, sending arcs of violet energy dancing across the sky. From its depths came a low, reverberating growl that seemed to shake the ground beneath Noah's feet. Red mist began pouring from the portal, covering the area in a blood-colored fog that spread outward like a living thing. The temperature rose sharply, the air becoming superheated as the mist thickened. Storm backed away slightly, frost forming more heavily around his body to counter the sudden heat. [System Alert: Multiple Summons Active] [Warning: Energy Consumption Rate Increased] [Void Energy: 1080/1450] A massive shadow emerged from the portal, moving with deliberate, predatory grace. First came the head—scaled and horned, with eyes that glowed like burning coals. Then the body—muscular and serpentine, armored with red scales that seemed to absorb rather than reflect light. Finally, the wings unfurled—massive membranes stretched between razor-sharp digits, powerful enough to create windstorms with each beat. Nyx, the Red Death Dragon, had arrived. The dragon's arrival sent visible ripples of fear through the approaching hornet swarm. Several at the front faltered, their flight patterns becoming erratic. But their numbers were too great, their collective mind too determined. They continued their advance, albeit with more caution. Nyx hovered above Noah and Storm, his massive body casting a shadow over them both. At full size, the Red Death Dragon dwarfed even Storm, though Noah knew the dragon was still in his adolescent phase. His red eyes fixed on Noah, awaiting command. [Bond Link Established: Nyx] [Brothers in Arms Buff Active] [Damage Amplification: +35%] [Damage Resistance: +25%] Noah felt the summon connection snap into place. Nyx was the oldest of his summons, the big brother among them. And undoubtedly the most destructive. "They're coming," Noah said simply, nodding toward the approaching swarm. Without a sound, Nyx launched himself into the sky, wings unfurling to their full impressive span. The air itself seemed to ignite around him as he activated his Inferno Storm ability, flames dancing along his scales. Storm followed without hesitation, catching up to his larger companion with ease. Though Nyx outweighed the wyvern considerably, Storm's natural agility made him the faster of the two. 'Two against a thousand,' Noah thought, watching his summons rise to meet the threat. 'Not good enough odds.' With a flick of his wrist, Noah summoned the Eclipse blade. The short sword materialized in his hand, its void-black blade absorbing light rather than reflecting it. Power hummed through the weapon, resonating with his own void energy. "I'm not letting you boys have all the fun," Noah muttered, a grim smile crossing his face. He activated Void Blink, disappearing in a flash of darkness and reappearing atop Nyx's back. The dragon's scales were hot beneath his feet, but the Brothers in Arms buff protected him from the worst of the heat. Standing tall on the Red Death Dragon's back, Eclipse blade gripped firmly in his hand, Noah faced the oncoming horde. The wind whipped past him as Nyx accelerated, Storm flanking them on the right. The massive hornets grew larger in his vision, their mandibles gleaming in the strange light, their red chest cavities pulsing with menace. "Let's go beekeeping!" Noah shouted, the void energy around his blade intensifying. Nyx responded with a deafening roar, the Volcanic Roar ability activating and sending shockwaves through the air that disrupted the flight patterns of the closest hornets. Storm followed with a blast of arctic air that froze several of the creatures solid. The distance closed rapidly. One thousand against three. The odds were terrible. But Noah Eclipse didn't care about odds. He only cared about survival. As the first line of hornets came within striking distance, Nyx's red mist swirled around them, creating a red shroud that made them appear like an approaching storm front of blood and shadow. The collision was inevitable. The battle, uncertain. But one thing was clear as Noah charged headlong into the swarm atop his fiery mount: The hunt was on. [Quest Status: Survive (52:17 remaining)]

Chapter 298 298: Dragon tamer...

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