The First Dragon God

Leo's muscles tensed as the beast lunged toward him. The asphalt cracked beneath its feet with every step, and its glowing red eyes burned with murderous intent. The creature was relentless and it was coming straight for him. .... Leo clenched his jaw, his mind racing through his options. He could run. He could hide. He could use [Shadow Steps] to slip away unnoticed as was his thoughts initially, bit when he remembered that the residential building just a few blocks away, he knew it was no longer an option. He can't run. Not with Ves and the others relying on him. If this monster reached the building, it would tear through everyone there without mercy. Miguel, his group, even the wolves—they'd all be slaughtered. "I can't let it get to them," Leo muttered, his grip tightening on Nightshade. Though he hasn't known Miguel and his group for a day, he doesn't want to be the cause of their death. "I need to end this here." The beast roared, the sound reverberating through the air like a thunderclap. Leo braced himself, his mind already formulating a plan. Leo gritted his teeth, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His body ached from the relentless onslaught of the monstrous creature towering over him. Every swing of its colossal claws sent shockwaves through the ground, each strike pushing him closer to the edge of his limits. He wasn't winning this fight. The beast was relentless, its glowing red eyes locked onto Leo with unyielding fury. It moved faster than anything that size should, each step leaving cracks in the asphalt, its claws capable of ripping through steel. Leo's heart pounded in his chest as he ducked another swipe, narrowly avoiding decapitation. The creature's claws tore through a nearby van, slicing it clean in half. Metal screeched, sparks flew, and the van's remains crashed to the ground with a deafening clang. "Holy," Leo muttered, rolling to his feet. His mind raced. He couldn't keep dodging forever. His stamina was draining fast, and the creature showed no signs of slowing down. "I can't let it get to the others," he reminded himself. The residential building wasn't far, and if this thing reached it, everyone would die. This fight wasn't just about his survival—it was also about protecting the people who depended on him. --- Leo activated [Shadow Steps], vanishing into the shadows just as the monster crashed into a parked car. The vehicle didn't survive as it exploded into a twisted mess of metal and glass, debris scattering across the lot. Leo emerged from the shadows behind the creature, and with a swift motion, he activated [Venomous Edge], coating Nightshade's blade with a dark, liquid-like substance. He lunged forward, aiming for the creature's unprotected leg. The blade struck true, slicing through muscle and fur. Black, tar-like blood spurted from the wound, splattering across the pavement. The monster howled in pain, its roar reverberating through the air. But it didn't retreat, as it whirled around with terrifying speed, its claws slamming into the ground where Leo had been standing. Leo barely managed to dodge, but the tip of the creature's claws still grazed his side, ripping through his jacket and leaving a deep gash in his ribs. "Fuck!" Leo stumbled back, clutching his side as blood seeped through his fingers. The beast didn't give him a chance to recover. It charged again, its massive fists pounding the ground with enough force to create a small crater. Leo was sent flying, his back slamming into a concrete wall. The impact knocked the wind out of him. He gasped for air, his vision swimming. His ribs felt like they were on fire, and he was certain at least two were broken. "I can't keep taking hits like this," he thought, struggling to his feet. "I need to slow it down." Leo planted his feet firmly on the ground, and raised one up, before bringing it down, hitting the ground and activating his skill: [Seismic Stomp]. The ground trembled as he slammed his foot down, sending a shockwave rippling outward. The asphalt cracked and split, creating a deep fissure that snaked toward the beast. The shockwave hit the creature head-on, causing it to stagger. It let out a guttural snarl, momentarily disoriented. Leo didn't waste the opportunity. He charged forward, swinging Nightshade in a wide arc. The blade bit deep into the creature's shoulder, venom seeping into its bloodstream. For a moment, it seemed like the tide of the battle was turning. But the beast was far from defeated. It roared in fury, shaking off the effects of the venom. With a burst of speed, it closed the distance between them and grabbed Leo by the arm. Leo's eyes widened in horror as the creature lifted him off the ground. The beast squeezed. Bones cracked. "Arghh!" Leo let out a bone chilling scream as pain shot through his body. The creature's grip was like a vice, crushing his arm with terrifying ease. Desperate, Leo threw Nightshade to his other hand, catching it, he stabbed the creature's hand, forcing it to release him, as it screamed in pain. Leo took advantage of the opportunity as he ran and hide behind a car, and immediately activating his skill [Cloak of Shadow]. His mana was running low but the creature doesn't look like it's going down anytime soon. Leo cradled his broken arm that was on the verge of being broken off by the creature. "Shit… shit…" he panted, actually cursing for the first time. His sweat mixed with the blood on his face. His vision blurred, and his knees threatened to buckle. His left arm hung limply at his side, dislocated and fractured. "I'm not going to make it…" ... The beast stomped toward him, each step shaking the ground. It was bleeding heavily from the wounds Leo had inflicted, but it didn't seem to care. If anything, the pain only made it angrier. Leo gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. He forced himself to stand, using Nightshade as a crutch. "I need… one more hit," he muttered, his voice shaky. "Just… one more." The beast lunged again. Leo activated [Shadow Steps], disappearing into the shadows once more. He reappeared behind the creature, aiming for its exposed back. His mana pool was almost dried up now but he didn't care as he raised Nightshade, the blade glowing with venom. But the beast anticipated his move. With a deafening roar, it spun around, its massive fist slamming into Leo's chest. Leo was sent flying again, crashing into a pile of rubble. His body crumpled to the ground, limp and broken. ..... Leo lay in a pool of his own blood, gasping for breath. His vision blurred, and his thoughts became hazy. The beast approached slowly, its glowing red eyes filled with cold, calculating rage. It loomed over him, its massive claws raised for the final blow. Leo tried to move, but his body wouldn't respond. "I… can't… die here," he thought, his mind racing. "Not yet…" But as the creature prepared to strike, a familiar howl pierced the air. Fiona. Even through the haze of pain, he could feel her presence through their bond. The beast hesitated, turning its attention toward the approaching pack. Leo's vision faded to black, his consciousness slipping away. The last thing he saw was Fiona lunging at the beast, her fangs bared. And then, darkness. But before darkness claimed him, a terrifying thought echoed in his mind: Was it enough?