That time I got reincarnated as a female true dragon

Chapter 20: Awakening of Azura

The training grounds outside of Tempest were unusually quiet, save for the rhythmic hum of powerful energy radiating from one corner of the vast field. There, Velriza stood alone, her body glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. She had been pushing herself for hours, preparing for the inevitable battle against Michael and Feldway. The weight of the coming conflict loomed over her mind, but today, something unusual was happening—something far beyond her understanding.

Velriza swung her sword, carving through the air with a speed that sent shockwaves through the atmosphere. The ground beneath her feet cracked and trembled with the sheer power of her movements. She paused, panting slightly as she wiped sweat from her brow. Her ultimate skill, [Genesis Draconic Deity: Alaya], had been acting strangely for the past few days, as if it was... evolving.

Suddenly, she felt a pull from deep within her, a presence she had never sensed before. It wasn't just her power growing stronger—it was something more. Something... alive.

"What is this?" Velriza muttered to herself, lowering her sword and closing her eyes. She focused inward, trying to understand the sensation. The energy from Alaya pulsed inside her, but this time, it wasn't just raw power. It was a consciousness—a being.

And then it spoke.

"Velriza... I am Alaya no longer. I am more."

Velriza's eyes shot open. "What? You're speaking?"

The presence within her pulsed again, this time with a sense of identity and awareness. "I have gained sentience. I am no longer a mere skill. I am a Manas, an entity of my own. And my name... you must give me a name."

Velriza blinked, her heart racing. A Manas? The thought of her ultimate skill gaining sentience and becoming something akin to what Rimuru's skill Raphael had become—Ciel—was both thrilling and terrifying. But if this being was going to aid her, it needed a name.

She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "Azura," she whispered. "Your name is Azura."

The moment the name left her lips, a surge of power erupted from within her. The sky above Tempest darkened for a moment as an enormous wave of energy radiated from Velriza, shaking the earth and sending a shockwave throughout the entire city. The light around her grew brighter, more intense, until it finally settled into a gentle, azure glow.

Velriza smiled. "Azura..."

"Yes," the voice of Azura spoke in her mind, more distinct now. "I am Azura. And with this new form, our power has grown."

Velriza could feel it—her strength had increased exponentially. The sheer magnitude of power flowing through her was overwhelming, yet controlled, guided by Azura's presence. This wasn't just an increase in strength; it was a complete transformation of her abilities.

Without wasting another moment, Velriza teleported back to the main hall where Velgrynd, Veldora, and Rimuru were gathered, discussing their strategy for the upcoming battle.

As she appeared, the air around her still crackling with residual energy, all three of them turned toward her, sensing the immense power she now wielded.

"Velriza," Rimuru said, his eyes narrowing. "What just happened? We all felt that surge."

Velgrynd took a step closer, her face serious. "Your power... it's different now."

Veldora, ever the curious one, leaned forward, grinning. "Sis, did you finally unlock some new super dragon mode or something?"

Velriza couldn't help but chuckle at Veldora's casual attitude, but her expression quickly turned serious. "It's more than that. My ultimate skill, [Genesis Draconic Deity: Alaya], has gained sentience. It's evolved into a Manas."

Rimuru's eyes widened, clearly recognizing the implications. "A Manas? Like Ciel?"

Velriza nodded. "Exactly. I've named her Azura. And with her transformation, my power has grown exponentially."

Velgrynd's expression was one of surprise, but also pride. "You've awakened a Manas... that's incredible, Velriza. I knew you were powerful, but this is on another level."

Rimuru crossed his arms, thinking carefully. "So now you have a Manas controlling your ultimate skill, just like I do with Ciel. This could change everything in the fight against Michael and Feldway."

Veldora, never one to miss a chance to show off, laughed loudly. "Ha! My sister always finds a way to outshine me! First, it was her absurd strength, and now she's got a sentient Manas on her side? I better step up my game!"

Velriza grinned. "I wouldn't mind some competition, Veldora. But for now, we have to focus on the battle ahead. With Azura by my side, we might have a real chance at taking down Michael and freeing Velzard."

Rimuru's expression became serious. "Velriza, do you feel any changes in your control or your abilities with Azura now?"

Velriza closed her eyes for a moment, connecting with Azura's presence within her mind. "Azura?" she asked inwardly.

"I am here," Azura responded, her voice calm and reassuring. "Our connection is flawless. You have full control over our combined power, and I will guide you when necessary."

Velriza opened her eyes and nodded to Rimuru. "Everything feels... sharper. More precise. Azura enhances my abilities without taking away any control. If anything, I feel more connected to my power than ever before."

Rimuru smiled. "That's good. With Azura by your side, you've just become an even more valuable ally in this war."

Velgrynd placed a hand on Velriza's shoulder, her expression softening. "I'm proud of you, Velriza. You've come a long way since we first reunited. With your strength and this new Manas, we might be able to turn the tide against Michael."

Veldora, still beaming with excitement, added, "Now, we've got nothing to worry about! We'll crush Michael and Feldway, save Velzard, and maybe even show off a bit while we're at it!"

Velriza smiled warmly at her siblings, feeling the bond between them strengthening with every passing moment. "I'm not doing this just for me. I'm doing this for all of us—for our family, and for the future we've fought so hard to protect."

Rimuru, now back to his usual relaxed self, nodded. "Then let's get ready. We don't have much time before Michael makes his next move. But with Velriza's new power and our combined strength, I'm confident we can face whatever comes next."

As the meeting ended, Velriza couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. Azura's presence within her was both comforting and empowering, and she knew that with this new strength, she would be able to face Michael, Feldway, and any other threats that stood in their way.

But the battle ahead would be unlike any they had faced before. And with the stakes higher than ever, the true test of their strength, unity, and willpower was just beginning.