As the Dragon's eyes opened, not a trace of humanity remained in his pale-gold, slit-pupiled gaze. There was only endless madness and indifference.
Abner knew that Stephen Hampres, the man who had served as the "vessel," was gone. What stood before him now... no, he was no longer the right word. This was a personality created by Ankewelt, the Dragon of Imagination.
And a half-mad personality at that... Probably the madness he had possessed as an Ancient God. He might lack reason, but that only makes him stronger!
All he needs to do is disrupt Yaluolan's spell as much as possible. Precision doesn't matter.
As Abner studied the Magic Wolf's anatomy, he spared some attention for his opponent. His body was effectively on autopilot, leaving him with plenty of time to observe.
The two enormous Mythical Creatures completed their transformations, destroying every building near the tavern in the process. One flew into the air; the other raised its head and howled. Neither appeared to make the first move, continuing their earlier standoff.
But their stillness did not mean they weren't fighting!
To Abner's eyes, the Magic Wolf and the Dragon—Mythical Creatures that both held a degree of Authority over dreams—had begun a fierce struggle the moment their gazes met.
Combat Hypnosis, Mind Deprivation, Psychic Storm, Dream Labyrinth... In the deeper battle of minds, the frenzied Dragon hammered relentlessly at the Magic Wolf's Mind Island, trying to break through its mental defenses and invade.
The Magic Wolf's Mind Island was black as ink, yet calm and tranquil. The Dragon's assault left it untouched. Instead, a voice chanting poetry rose from the heart of that Pure Darkness. It easily dissolved the Dragon's attacks, then sent the deep darkness surging back toward his Mind Island like a tide.
Though both combatants were effectively