Ex rank talent Awakening: 100% Dodge rate

"Drakonix, that is no way to greet a friend," came a melodic voice, calm yet commanding.

A woman stepped forward with slow, measured grace. Her long black hair was intricately braided, and her figure was adorned in a fitted, exquisite black dress that shimmered subtly with strands of shadow. Her face, ageless and heartbreakingly beautiful, carried a regal air, unmarred by time.

Drakonix narrowed his eyes. "Rebecca, what do you want? I may be weaker than you, but I swear, I won't go down without a fight." His aura began to rise, scales glowing faintly in warning.

Rebecca blinked, stunned for a moment. Then, to Greg's surprise, she burst into a peal of laughter that echoed off the walls like wind chimes in the dark.

"Come now, Drakonix. No need to be so uptight," she said casually, walking closer. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a plush chair formed entirely from coiling darkness, sinking into it with elegance. "I'm not here to kill you, stupid."

"Trusting you is a risk," Drakonix muttered under his breath. "I've already died once, after all."

Greg watched the exchange, flabbergasted. Was this the same intimidating dragon who'd always lorded over him like a tyrant? The same Drakonix who never smiled?

"Wait, wait—this is how you talk to her?" Greg interjected, his mouth hanging open. "So all those times you acted like a big shot with me... you're just a scared kitten in front of her?"

Drakonix glared at Greg but didn't respond.

Rebecca tilted her head with interest. "Hmmm, a guest? How intriguing. I wasn't aware you started entertaining visitors, Drakonix." Her gaze swept to Greg. "Hmm? Why do you feel so familiar to me?"

The next moment, she appeared directly in front of Greg, so suddenly that the air itself seemed to still.

Greg stiffened but held his ground. He didn't dare move, knowing instinctively that even flinching might offend her—and that would mean death.

"I knew it," she said softly. "You looked familiar... Kael."

Greg blinked. "Kael?"

Rebecca smiled—truly smiled—and even Drakonix couldn't hide his surprise. It had been ages since he'd seen that kind of genuine joy on her face. The last time had been when they were both children.

"Oh, your human parents must've named you Greg," she said, as if recalling a forgotten melody.

"You… How do you know my name?" Greg asked, confused and suspicious. Even Drakonix didn't know his real-world name. Who was this woman?

"I met your mother once," Rebecca said, her voice a little quieter now. "Her beauty was unmatched, as was her strength. But it was her love for you that stood out most. She knew your human parents would name you Greg, but she wished you'd also know the name she chose—Kael."

Greg's heart skipped a beat.

"But that's a story for another time." Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. Her glowing blue eyes fixed on him, intricate celestial runes spinning rapidly within them. "Why is your soul divided? Where is the other half?"

Greg reeled. "What do you mean?"

Even Drakonix seemed intrigued, perking up at her question.

"Your soul," she said, studying him. "It's been split—divided into two perfect halves. Immaculately done, with care and precision. Only one person I know could do this…"

Greg stood silent, unsure how to respond. His thoughts spiraled.

"But… shouldn't he be, I don't know, dead or something?" Drakonix chimed in. "I mean, that sounds serious."

Rebecca nodded slightly. "Under normal circumstances, yes. But like I said, the division was done with such tenderness and mastery that no complications have occurred. It's flawless. He's… stable."

She looked at Greg again, her expression unreadable. "We'll talk more about this later, Kael."

She turned back to Drakonix, her tone shifting again. "But first, the reason I'm here. Drakonix, I offer you the chance once more—join me."

"You know I can't, Rebecca," Drakonix said, his tone heavy. "This universe… it's my home. I won't let you destroy it."

"So what will it be?" she asked. "Will you remain neutral again, or will you oppose me this time?"

There was silence for a beat. Then Drakonix exhaled slowly.

"Rebecca… I will do my best to protect this universe. That is my decision."

She closed her eyes for a moment, then smiled again—but the sadness behind it was undeniable. "Once more, you turn me down."

Greg stepped forward. "Seeking help for revenge, huh?" he said. His voice was steady but bold. "I prefer ending my enemies with my own hands."

Rebecca's gaze snapped back to him.

"And you know what I find pathetic?" Greg continued. "Dragging the innocent into your vengeance. That's just dumb."

Drakonix stared at Greg like he had lost his mind. Did he want to die?

Rebecca's expression didn't shift, but her aura darkened subtly.

"Oh? So you don't approve of my methods?" she asked, her voice soft yet sharp.

"Not in the slightest," Greg answered. "You deal with the ones responsible. The innocent—you spare them unless there's absolutely no other choice. Otherwise, you're no better than the monsters you hate."

"You speak with such certainty," Rebecca mused, still seated. "But how can you be so sure you'd do the same, if you were in my shoes?"

"Because I did get my revenge," Greg replied evenly. "And I made sure everyone responsible paid dearly."

"You can't be serious," Rebecca said, scoffing lightly. "You're comparing some petty personal vendetta to a revenge that spans across galaxies. I killed their leader and spared their clan out of mercy. And how did they repay me? They all turned against me. Revenge breeds revenge, Kael. It only ends when one side is completely obliterated."

Greg opened his mouth to respond, but after a glance at her eyes, he stopped. There was no point. She was just like him—unyielding. This argument wouldn't go anywhere.

"Well," he said instead, stepping back. "I guess that means we're on opposite sides of this war."

Rebecca rose to her feet, her dress flowing like liquid shadow.

"Don't worry about that," she said with a faint smile. "I don't consider you an opponent. You're safe."

And with that, she vanished.

Greg stood frozen. Her parting words hit harder than he expected. For reasons he couldn't fully explain, they hurt.

He shook his head, trying to shake the chill she left behind. But her words about his soul lingered in his mind.

He needed answers. But for now… he'd have to wait. If fate allowed it, their paths would cross again.

"Drakonix!" he suddenly barked. "I need all your wealth, now!"

Drakonix gave him a deadpan side-glance. "You're not even gonna process what just happened first?"

But without waiting, the dragon turned and lumbered toward his massive hoard.

"I'm going to sleep," Drakonix said, already curling into a comfortable position atop his treasure bed. "Feel free to let yourself out. But I swear, if you take even one coin... I'll torch you."