The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

The Seed Stirs

Xavier immediately dashed at Percival, accelerating his body with vectors. But the burst failed after only a few seconds—his body already fatigued and suffering the early effects of core corruption.

Percival smiled at Xavier's surprise as his power collapsed. Without a moment's hesitation, he closed the gap and slammed a brutal punch into Xavier's gut, making him spit saliva.

"Say," Percival murmured into his ear. "I heard you took a liking to my daughter. I was surprised you'd risk your life to save your dear little friend. I only saw her as a failed experiment. A project I started in my younger, more naive days, trying to see if my genes, when paired with someone of comparable intellect, could produce a being smarter and more powerful than myself."

"But it failed," he said casually. "And I had to kill her mother for ruining my plans by letting you escape as an infant. But for that... I should thank her. If not for her foolish act, I wouldn't be standing here breaking you apart."

"I have no need for Teslaine, nor do I care what hidden power she might possess. If killing her hurts you, then she's served her purpose."

Blood dripped down Xavier's mouth as he whispered, "Y-you d-devil..."

Xavier collapsed, gasping for air.

Alcmena, still trapped in a cage nearby, roared in desperation. "XAVIER!"

A sudden surge of ethereal energy erupted from his small feline form. His body trembled and began to expand rapidly. Though still restrained, he pushed against the bindings with growing size and strength, forcing his dragon form to return.

With a thunderous crack, Alcmena shattered the bindings and burst from the cage, releasing a mighty draconic roar that shook the entire area. His aura raged like a storm unleashed.

"Took you long enough," Percival taunted, shielding himself against the wind.

Alcmena didn't respond with words. He lunged forward and struck Percival with a massive claw, sending him flying across the battlefield.

"Are you alright, Xavier?!" Alcmena called, his voice filled with concern.

"I'm..." Xavier coughed. "I'm f-fine, master... Please... help me defeat that monster... I can't do it alone."

That plea was all Alcmena needed.

He launched himself at Percival, who was still trying to regain his footing. Opening his jaws wide, Alcmena fired a barrage of densely packed fireballs.

Onslaught: Falling Stars.

Explosions rang out on impact, tearing the ground apart. Alcmena charged in closer.

His mouth ignited again.

Starfire Breath.

Percival raised his aura to defend himself, but the breath overpowered him, engulfing him in flames.

Alcmena narrowed his eyes at the charred figure. Something felt off.

"Did you get hi--"

Before the voice could finish, Alcmena's tail whipped around and struck the speaker hard, launching him into the distance.

"You noticed, huh?" Percival chuckled, brushing himself off.

"Oh, I knew," Alcmena said calmly. "The one I fought was an illusion. Like this entire world."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. The moment you snapped your fingers, I sensed it. Something was tampering with my mind. But your tricks won't work on me, Percival. I've lived for millions of years. I'm not so easily deceived."