The True Dragon System

Payback (2)

Manny felt a surge of determination as he activated his System, the power coursing through him like wildfire. Without hesitation, his regular clothes evaporated, replaced by a full suit of Crimson Red Armor that shimmered with an intimidating brilliance as it settled over his body. The armor, with its sharp edges and intricate designs, pulsed with energy, radiating an aura of menace.

“Crimson Armor!” he shouted, his voice booming and echoing through the courtyard. The Garrison Whites roared in approval, their excitement palpable as they formed a semicircle around him, eager to witness the impending confrontation.

Barlor simply smiled, his gaze unwavering as it locked onto Manny’s. He stood his ground, not flinching, not taking a step back. The confidence radiating from him made the onlookers uneasy. Some began to murmur amongst themselves, questioning Barlor's sanity.

“He wants to challenge a Vice?” one whispered in disbelief.

“Pft, Manny will wipe the floor with this Blank,” another scoffed.

Manny stood there, momentarily stunned, his mind racing as he tried to process the situation. He had known Barlor for years, and the notion that this scrawny, unremarkable guy could possibly be an Awakened was utterly absurd. Yet, here was Barlor, standing tall and unyielding in the middle of the courtyard, claiming to have awakened. Manny's expression darkened, a mix of anger and disbelief flooding his features.

“You?” Manny spat, each word dripping with contempt. He took a few aggressive steps forward, his body radiating pent-up aggression. “You think I’m going to believe you’re an Awakened? You can’t even lift your own backpack without breaking a sweat!” His voice rose, drawing the attention of the bystanders who had gathered to witness the commotion. “Just because you have a system doesn’t mean you’re suddenly strong. I’ll knock you down without breaking a sweat.”

Barlor remained unfazed, his eyes locked on Manny’s with a steady, unshakable gaze. The calmness in his expression only seemed to irritate Manny further. “Then prove it,” Barlor replied, his voice even and controlled. He took a step back, arms outstretched as if inviting Manny to attack. “If you’re so sure, come at me. Let’s see if you can back up that big talk.”

The crowd murmured with anticipation, their eyes darting between the two. Manny clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening with rage. This was supposed to be an easy victory—just another chance to put the weakling in his place. But the calmness in Barlor’s eyes threw him off balance, like a thorn under his skin.

“You’re asking for it,” Manny growled, his temper flaring. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He lunged forward, his feet pounding heavily on the cobblestones as he readied himself to teach Barlor a lesson he wouldn’t forget. With all his might, Manny charged at Barlor, fists clenched and rage boiling over. He swung wildly, each punch cutting through the air with alarming speed, but Barlor moved with an elegance that seemed almost effortless. He dodged each attack, weaving and sidestepping as if he were dancing, his feet barely grazing the ground.

Manny grunted in frustration, his breath growing heavier with each missed blow. “Stay still, you coward!” he shouted, swinging again, but Barlor was already slipping out of reach, evading Manny’s wild punches with ease.

Barlor couldn’t help but smirk slightly. “Is that all you’ve got, Manny? I expected more from someone who talks so much.”

Manny's face flushed a deep red, anger flaring in his chest. The murmurs of the onlookers surrounded him, their gazes fixed intently on the unfolding scene. He felt the pressure mounting as he realized he was losing control, which only fueled his anger further. With a fierce right hook, he lunged forward, but Barlor ducked effortlessly, the wind from Manny’s punch rustling his hair.

“Why don’t you fight back, huh?” Manny yelled, frustration seeping into his voice. “Stop playing games!”

Barlor straightened, his calm demeanor unwavering. “Oh, I’m not playing games,” he replied, his voice cool and steady. “I just wanted to give you a fair chance.”

Manny clenched his teeth as he charged again, but once more, Barlor was a blur. He dodged and spun out of harm’s way, moving with a grace that left Manny feeling as though he were fighting the air itself.

“Enough!” Barlor’s voice rang out, echoing across the courtyard and commanding immediate attention. He spread his arms wide, and suddenly, a pair of massive dragon wings erupted from his back, their scales shimmering like polished jewels in the bright light. Gasps filled the air as the crowd fell silent, eyes fixed on him. Manny stumbled back, shock washing over his face as he processed the sight before him. The wings were awe-inspiring yet terrifying, casting reflections across the courtyard that danced in the eyes of the spectators.

“Your system… The Divine Dragon System?” Manny stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, disbelief written all over his face. The realization that he stood before something extraordinary hit him like a tidal wave, the gravity of the moment dawning on him.

Barlor shook his head, a teasing smirk playing on his lips as he stretched his wings wide, the edges curling slightly in satisfaction. The feathers, sleek and metallic, fluttered gently, sending a soft breeze rippling through the crowd’s clothes and hair.

“Nope,” he replied, his tone playful, infused with mischief. He glanced around, taking in the crowd’s stunned expressions. “I’ve got the Divine Dragon System!”

A murmur surged through the crowd, quickly escalating into a cacophony of whispers that spread like wildfire. The excitement and disbelief intermingled, each person sharing their astonishment at the revelation. This wasn’t just any Divine Dragon System; it was the legendary Divine Dragon System, a power most only heard about in tales and myths.

People leaned in, desperate for a better view of Barlor, their faces reflecting a mixture of awe and uncertainty. Those who had once known him as a quiet, unassuming kid struggled to reconcile their memories with the powerful figure before them. They exchanged amazed glances, their voices a low hum against the backdrop of Barlor's impressive wings.

Manny felt a chill creep down his spine. The weight of the realization settled heavily in his gut; he had foolishly picked a fight with someone far beyond his league. His earlier bravado crumbled, replaced by a rising sense of dread as he took another step back.

The whispers grew louder, excitement and fear intermingling in the crowd. It was now clear to everyone that Barlor was no longer the boy they once bullied. The Divine Dragon System was the rarest of them all, a revered legend among the Awakened. Manny felt the chill intensify, fully grasping that he was not merely facing an Awakened—he was facing something far more formidable.

“What's the matter?” Barlor’s voice cut through the chaotic murmurs, low yet sharp, carrying a chilling edge. The courtyard around him seemed to darken, enveloping him in a dense aura that radiated palpable intensity. It was more than a feeling; it was a force so potent that several Garrison Whites dropped to the ground, unconscious before they even realized what had hit them.

Manny stood amid the storm, struggling to remain upright. The sheer weight of Barlor's aura pressed down on him like a giant's hand, threatening to crush him. His vision blurred as he fought to stay conscious, sweat pouring down his face. Every muscle in his body strained to maintain his balance.

“Getting cold feet now?” Barlor continued, his voice colder than ice, slicing through Manny’s thoughts. “It’s too late for that. You crossed a line when you came after my family. I could have forgiven the insults, the bullying—but you went too far.”

Barlor’s aura flared even higher, erupting with an intensity that made the very air around him ripple. The surrounding walls began to crack, and the cobblestones beneath his feet shattered into a web of fissures. Debris flew outward, the shockwave knocking several more Garrison Whites off their feet. Manny gulped, his bravado evaporating as fear crept into his heart. He had never witnessed anything like this.

“What… what happened to you?” he stammered, his voice faltering as he struggled to keep it steady.

Barlor’s eyes glowed with a fierce light as dragon-like scales spread across his arms, transforming his skin before the crowd’s eyes. The change was swift and terrifying, a testament to the immense power he now possessed. “It’s my turn now,” he declared, his voice deep and resonant, echoing throughout the courtyard. Without warning, he leaped forward, moving so fast that he became a mere blur to the astonished onlookers.

“Dragonic Damnation!”