Chapter 135: A Dragon's Scrutiny
The tension in the audience chamber was palpable, thick with the combined auras of three supreme beings and the chilling demand of Kael's new side quest. Vaelyss's molten eyes, alight with curiosity and a hint of skepticism, bore into him. "You claim to wield some method that makes mortals grow like weeds?" she purred. "That is a bold claim, little Kael Viren. Tell me, what kind of alliance is this? And what exactly do you bring to the table besides your... potential?"
Kael held her gaze, a strategic calm settling over him despite the internal maelstrom stirred by the "Empress's Embrace" quest. He knew the absolute secrecy of his System and the Sacred Dimension Pearl was paramount. He couldn't reveal the 'how', only the 'what'.
"Empress Vaelyss," Kael began, his voice firm and steady, resonating with his Tyrant Rank authority, "my Union and I have indeed gained access to a specialized form of accelerated cultivation. The specifics of its mechanics are... complex, and not easily explained in brief. However," he continued, a subtle, confident smirk touching his lips, "the results are undeniable. As Empress Vanessa can attest, we have proven capable of rapid advancement and can project power far beyond our apparent realms." He gestured subtly to the minor damage on the obsidian floor, a silent testament to his recent clash with Vanessa's orb. "What I bring to this table, beyond potential, is proven efficacy and an unwavering commitment to dismantle the Elder's dominion. Our alliance with Empress Vanessa is one of mutual benefit: rapid power growth and strategic advantages against a common, existential threat."
Vaelyss's slender finger tapped her chin, her molten eyes never leaving Kael. She glanced at the damaged floor, then back at him. "So, a secret method that makes little mortals dangerous. Intriguing." She then turned her gaze to Vanessa. "My dear, you truly are full of surprises. To ally with such a... wild card."
"A necessity, Vaelyss," Vanessa interjected, her crimson eyes narrowed slightly at her friend. "The Elder's machinations are growing bolder. His reach extends further than even your Dragon Council might believe. Kael Viren and his Union have demonstrated not just power, but a unique capacity for growth that could genuinely tip the scales."
Vaelyss walked around Kael, her movements liquid grace, her aura brushing past him like a warm, ancient wind. Kael felt his Carnal Sovereign Core hum, a deeper resonance as she passed close, the subtle shimmer of her alabaster skin, the scent of ancient scales and arcane power stirring his senses even further. The quest's impossible objective echoed in his mind, urging him to reach out, to dominate. He clamped down on the instinct, maintaining his rigid posture.
"Growth, you say?" Vaelyss mused, stopping directly in front of him again. Her smile was knowing, challenging. "Such rapid ascension is often accompanied by unforeseen instabilities, Kael Viren. Or, perhaps, a hefty price tag." Her eyes, sharp as dragon claws, bored into his. "I would be very interested to observe this 'efficacy' for myself. Vanessa, you mentioned a mission to the Sunken Voids of Xylos? A trivial matter, usually, but perhaps an opportunity to witness your new ally in action."
Vanessa regarded her friend coolly. "Indeed. Kael was about to accept the mission to infiltrate the Elder's void-essence outpost there. A perfect crucible for his... methods."
"Excellent!" Vaelyss clapped her hands together, a sound like distant thunder. "Then I shall accompany him. Not to interfere with your diversion, my dear, but simply to satisfy my own curiosity regarding this unique capability. And perhaps, to ensure our 'little Kael Viren' doesn't stumble into anything truly beyond his depth." Her gaze held a playful challenge, yet Kael sensed a serious intent beneath the jest. She was truly curious, and perhaps, wary of this sudden new power on the board.
Kael's mind raced. Vaelyss joining the mission was a complication, but also an opportunity. It put him directly in her presence, allowing for more interactions, and potentially, the first, subtle steps towards fulfilling the outrageous side quest. It was a risky gambit, but one he couldn't afford to refuse.
"Your presence would be... invaluable, Empress Vaelyss," Kael stated, his tone respectful, yet hinting at his own confidence. "Another powerful ally against the Elder is always welcome." He dared a subtle, confident smile, a flicker of the Tyrant Rank's inherent charm.
Vaelyss's molten gold eyes seemed to glint in response, a slight tilt of her head acknowledging his boldness. "Then it is settled. Prepare your Union, Kael Viren. We depart for the Sunken Voids at dawn."
The alliance had become far more intricate, a dance of power, ambition, and hidden agendas. Kael knew that every step from now on would be a tightrope walk over an abyss, with the ultimate fate of his System and Union hanging in the balance.
STATUS OVERVIEW
KAEL VIREN
System Level: 56 | Realm: Heaven's Echo (Low Tier - Tier 1)
HP: 450,000/450,000 | Mana: 580,000/580,000
Sin Tier: Tyrant Rank
Key Stats: Str: 38,000 | Dex: 39,000 | Will: 25,000 | Charm: 28,000
Notable Skills/Traits: Abyssal Dominion (T1), Soul-Forged Armament (T1), Throne of Ascendancy, Verdant Sovereign's Heart (Mythic), Sacred Dimension Pearl (Upgraded)
System AI: Nexus (Online)
THE UNION
Selene, Evelyne, Thalaria, Nysera, Valeria: Heaven's Echo (Low Tier - Tier 1)
Aelisa: Heaven's Echo (Peak Rank)
COMPANIONS
Emberfang: Infernal Flamebeast Cub (Tier 7/10)
Vira: Sky Serpent Hatchling (Tier 4/10)
CULTIVATION REALMS: THE GRAND PATH
Lower Realms:
Initiate
Essence Drawn
Veinwoven
Soulroot
Starforged
Sunbound
Moonglade
Skyshatter
Worldpiercer (9/9)
Higher Realms (Categorized: Low Tier (1-3), Mid Tier (4-6), Upper Tier (7-9), Peak (Tier 9 before next realm))
Heaven's Echo (Current Realm)
Low Tier (1/9)
Mid Tier (4-6)
Upper Tier (7-9)
Peak (Tier 9 before Celestiaflame)
Celestiaflame
Worldbreaker
Eternal Crown
Primordial Ascendant
Kael's Current Realm: Heaven's Echo (Low Tier — Tier 1)
Next Advancement: Heaven's Echo (Low Tier — Tier 2)