Timeless Assassin

Chapter 991: Arrival

(Planet Du Lohora, Moltherak’s Territory, Leo’s POV)

The sky above Du Lohora rippled as three Cult warships tore into orbit in tight formation, their hulls matte black and unadorned, engines humming with restrained power as they slowed just beyond the planet’s upper stratosphere.

At the center of the formation drifted a massive destroyer-class vessel, its elongated frame cutting an imposing silhouette against the ash-streaked skies below, while two smaller escort ships held position at either flank, weapon arrays powered yet deliberately angled away from open hostility.

This was not an invasion.

It was a statement.

Within moments, the destroyer began its descent toward the capital continent now under draconic occupation, its shadow passing over ruined districts and reconstructed dragon encampments alike, as ground-based sentries lifted their massive heads toward the sky, eyes narrowing in visible irritation.

On the surface below, dozens of dragons gathered near the designated landing zone, their wings partially unfurled and their scales bristling with contained hostility as they watched the approaching vessel without any attempt at concealment.

"Which human messenger dares come here like this?"

One dragon growled lowly, smoke leaking faintly from between his teeth.

"On King Moltherak’s planet. With such flair and arrogance?"

Another snorted, claws digging into scorched stone.

"This messenger must be taught a lesson"

A third said, as the destroyer’s landing struts extended with a heavy mechanical thrum as it settled upon the blackened plateau, dust and ash swirling outward in a slow spiral as the rear hatch began to unlock with a series of metallic clicks.

*HISS*

Compressed air escaped in a controlled burst as the ramp lowered gradually.

For a brief second, nothing emerged.

Then he stepped out.

Cult Master Leo Skyshard walked down the ramp alone.

*Step* *Step*

His posture was relaxed, his movements unhurried, dark coat shifting faintly in the warm currents of Du Lohora’s atmosphere as his aura spread across his immediate surroundings.

*Choke*

*Tremble*

The dragons nearest to the ramp stiffened.

Their pupils narrowed instinctively as something primal stirred within their bloodlines, an ancient instinct that recognized overwhelming presence before logic could intervene.

The air around Leo felt heavy.

Dense.

As though gravity itself had subtly increased.

"What...?"

A younger dragon muttered, stepping back without realizing it.

"How is this possible?"

"He’s clearly human..."

Another swallowed, scales trembling faintly.

"And yet he radiates pressure akin to an ancient dragon."

More dragons began to retreat by small, involuntary increments, claws scraping against stone as the suffocating sensation intensified, not aggressive, not explosive, but absolute.

Leo did not release killing intent.

He did not raise his voice.

He simply walked forward, and still every Dragon bowed and moved out of his way, as they showed him the proper respect without ever intending to.

"Is that not Leo Skyshard?"

One whispered, voice suddenly tight.

"The Demon of Omega..."

"What is he doing here?"

The murmurs spread quickly through the gathered ranks as awe replaced irritation and hostility curdled into something far less comfortable.

For once they recognized Leo, they realized that he was no mere envoy or negotiator, but rather the newly crowned Cult Master of the Cult Of Ascension, and the man who had killed Raymond on ’The Pit’.

"Lord Skyshard, why are you here?"

One of them asked, as Leo turned towards him and said, "I’m here to see my master, King Moltherak."

—------------

(Meanwhile, within the throne room, Moltherak’s POV)

"My King, Cult Master Leo Skyshard is requesting an audience to see you.

Should we allow him in?"

The underling’s voice carried through the throne chamber, edged with unease as several dragons shifted restlessly at the entrance.

Within the Dragon community, Leo Skyshard was an infamous name, for he was known to often be accompanied by an ancient Swamp Frog for a pet, that made many dragons feel uncomfortable.

"Oh?"

Moltherak mused, as he leaned back against the spine-carved armrest of his throne, one clawed finger tapping lazily against polished bone as a slow chuckle escaped him.

"The question is... can any of you even stop him if he wishes to walk in?"

His golden eyes glinted with amusement as he turned his gaze toward the massive doors at the far end of the hall, where Leo walked in unopposed.

*Step* *Step* *Step*

The two guard dragons stationed there stiffened, their wings twitching as the Cult Master approached, yet neither raised a claw nor bared a fang.

Leo’s aura did not lash outward, nor did it crush the chamber in a display of dominance, yet it pressed steadily against their senses like an ancient tide, suffocating and inescapable, as instinct alone told them that challenging him would not end well.

*Step* *Step* *Step*

Leo walked straight into the heart of the chamber, as he paused only when he felt as though the distance was close enough, as only then did he make eye contact with Moltherak.

*Intense Stare*

*Soft smile*

For several seconds, neither spoke.

Dragons lining the hall watched with tense anticipation, their earlier irritation replaced with cautious awe as they sensed the quiet collision of two overwhelming presences occupying the same space.

Leo’s gaze did not waver.

There was pride in it.

Recognition.

And something else that bordered on challenge.

Then, deliberately, he bowed.

Not deeply.

Not submissively.

But with measured acknowledgment.

"It’s good to see you outside your prison, Old Dragon."

His voice carried evenly through the hall, neither mocking nor reverent, but firm, as Moltherak’s lips curled faintly at the address.

"It is all thanks to you and Soron, boy."

He replied, tone almost conversational as he studied Leo openly, no hostility hidden behind the scrutiny, only interest.

Leo straightened slowly, and while he held Moltherak’s gaze, he allowed his senses to extend carefully, probing the Dragon King’s aura for any instability, any flicker of deception, any residue of resentment tied to his resurrection.

Only to find none, as the energy before him felt stable.

"I’m glad you remember who helped set you free...

And I also hope you remember the promise you made to me before I made this plan."

Leo said, as he cut straight to the chase and reminded Moltherak of the pact the two of them had made back in the Time Stilled World.