Inside what had once been the Demon Dragon Palace.
The two dragon kings lay motionless on the ground, each wrapped in a layer of flame.
The Demon Dragon had lost one horn. Its wings were torn, and cracks covered its dark red scales. The Frost King was in even worse shape, barely clinging to life.
Ian stood between the two dragons. He looked them over, then turned to Zul.
"Before you devour them, I have to leave the Abyss."
Zul raised his head, his expression grave.
Once the Black Dragon died and Lord's Authority changed hands, it would draw the Abyssal Will's attention.
Every moment Ian stayed in the Abyss increased the risk of his exposure.
During the Insectoid War, Ian had dealt the Abyssal Will a grievous blow. It remembered that grudge perfectly. If it discovered him, it would destroy him.
"This trial may be dangerous. Can you withstand it?" Ian asked, worried.
Zul was silent for a moment, then nodded.
Ian looked away. A faint light rose from his body, and he gradually faded.
"Remember, devour the Frost Dragon first to strengthen yourself." His voice grew distant, and then he vanished into the air.
Zul was left alone in the hall to face what was coming.
He did not hesitate long. Walking up to the Frost King, he pressed both hands against his scales and sent Chaos Flame surging out to envelop him.
Outside, countless demons lay prostrate, their bodies shaking violently.
They sensed a presence rising that far surpassed the Demon Dragon's. Even the void hummed under its weight.
The air grew scorching, dry, and suffocating. As the temperature climbed, the demons trembled and pressed themselves even lower to the ground.
The process lasted half a day.
The Frost King who had caused the Black Dragon so