157 Royal Rumble (1/2)

”Just how did this farm boy became extremely powerful. I was pretty sure he was just a lucky noob last time I saw him. But now, his essence, battle reflex, intent, and even the way he controls his energy was just something I can't match.” Arkhoz thought helplessly.

With his mastery of the advanced technology and weapons bestowed to him by the Ancient humans, he thought taking care of Elric was as easy as a walk in a park. He even had to lick his black sword just to show off how confident he was to kill the other.

Until the battle lasted for a few minutes and Elric started became serious. Instead of getting fearful of him, the latter was like frenzied mad man, he suddenly became a battle maniac and even took the hits from the black sword intentionally just to grab the chances and trade blows with Arkhoz.

But the advantage of a Dragon became more apparent as the fight went on. Arkhoz was just consuming the blood and meat of countless Dragons he hunted just to raise his total constitution and even extend his lifespan considerably, but it wasn't enough for him to really stand against Elric, who just happens to have the Eastern Ancestral Dragon's essence.

It was a power that is supposed to only exist in the heavenly realm, but in an unexpected play of faith, such tremendous power ended up with this young man gifted with extraordinary Spiritual ability and has even acquired the acknowledgment of the Elemental Lords.

The latter ended up like a cheat.

Arkhoz could only shake his head though. If he was in the latter's position, he would have started hunting all the Dragons in the world including the Dragon Kings, and reach the pinnacle of power. Who knows, he might just break the racial barrier of the Arkhans and Dragons and became the first Arkhan to withstand the God Reckoning Tribulation and reach the heavenly realm.

But instead of using this power in advantage, this stupid human decided to spend his time holding such an overpowered ability just looking for an old woman who should be dead a long time ago.

As stupid as Arkhoz thought about this, he just can't relate to the human bond. Especially with family. Being an Arkhan, Arkhoz grew up to a family who will only look at their offspring as a matter of possession and possible force in the future. Because of their incredibly advance yet cruel culture,  once a certain young Arkhan failed to reach their minimum expectation, they will end up being destroyed and the search for a qualified offspring will continue.

There was no love. To remain strong and survive, all that Arkhans believe is just power and potential as the basis of their existence. There was no reason to keep those who failed to qualify their standards.

It was also because of this kind of culture that Arkhoz wanted to redeem himself. By taking on Elric, whom even the King Dragons can't defeat, he will be able to redeem his name and present the latter as a return gift to the Arkhans supreme leader - Khan.

But despite all his effort, the battle proved to become easier than he tough. The monster he thought he could handle suddenly showed the power that was never in his expectation. Elric could use powerful physic abilities aside from his monstrous physical strength and regeneration.

Just how much stronger will he get if he starts transforming back to his Dragon form?

Will all of his training and dedication end up in vain?

However, it was never Arkhoz's attitude to surrender.

After all, he still has another ace hidden in his sleeve, and just when he was about to activate his last weapon, he felt a sudden chill when he looked at the sudden shadow appearing before Elric's feet.

”I am back.” the Envoy, with its newfound body and domineering presence greeted Elric. Unlike before, this evil Spiritual now possessed a power that even Arkhoz could not fathom.

This bastard ran away like a little pup, only to come back in a few minutes in the form of a giant grizzly bear. Could it be that he has consumed all of the Shadow minions all over the country? Did he take such a loss just to win this fight?

But realizing their intention, Arkhoz immediately understood. This bastard wants Elric's body as well.

”Then I guess the winner takes all.” Arkhoz finally made up his mind. Out of his pocket came out a small  octagon-shaped gadget fixed with complicated yet beautiful metallic designs on the edges.

In the middle of the octagon gadget is a small circle-shaped space. Arkhoz bit his pale blue thumb and a slight steady stream of blood flowed out of his small incision. It quickly filled the entire circle space in the middle of the octagon device and a warm buzz quickly emanated from it.

The blood in the middle of the octagon device suddenly boiled as if getting heated before the whole device melted into a silver liquid.

Like a snake, this silver liquid crawled from Arkhoz's hand and to the rest of his body, covering his entire figure in silver liquid.

”Aghk~” As the silver liquid continued to devour him, Arkhoz could only grit his teeth from the unexplainable pain he was feeling. It felt like all the cells in his body were being grilled in extreme heat  and he was on the verge of losing himself.

It was only thanks to the countless Dragon meat and blood he had consumed that he was able to gain their unique regenerative abilities and allowed Arkhoz to persist as the whole process took effect.

A system-like voice suddenly popped out of his mind.

”Body and mind scan complete.”