Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 79.2: Death of Zeno

This story, as most of Razznik's do, begins with the mad man's quest for a worthy challenge. Following his decimation of the World Tree, a kill order was placed on the warrior's head. Countless mercenaries, warrior clans, and kingdoms threw their hats into the ring for a chance to claim his life. Unfortunately, Razznik once again proved that, as far as the mortal plane went, there was no one who could provide a slimmer of a challenge.

Razznik traveled across the continent, hoping to find someone could reignite the flames of combat in his soul. Unfortunately, despite all of creation benefitting from the lack of a level limit, there were very few and far between who could reach the previous highest level, let alone survive long enough to actually provide a semblance of a challenge.

Just when it seemed hopeless, Razznik received a secret message from Niye. In the letter, she revealed she'd seen a vision of Razznik laying defeated, drowning in a pool of his own blood. She had intended to keep this to herself, but knowing Razznik, she knew he would rather seek out his own death in a worthy challenge than continue killing the pesky flies that came after him.

This thought process caused her to, against her better judgment, contact Razznik. She hoped Razznik would take up this challenge, and thus stop his wanton destruction. You know, many would have considered this suicidal challenge stupid, but Razznik was different.

Yes, Razznik jumped at the opportunity to find this being who could actually best him in battle. Following the directions in Niye's letter, he crossed the Forever Sea until he found a small island inhabited by dragons. The warrior was no stranger to this island. He had crossed it countless times while searching for foes to battle.

During his younger days, many dragons had fallen to his blade while he tempered himself. Unfortunately, after a while, not even the Elder Dragons could challenge him. He had not returned since then. Who would have thought it hid a terrifying secret?

Razznik's return was akin to a nightmare turning to reality for the dragons. Fear and panic gripped the proud beasts' hearts as they cowered before the warrior. Fortunately, Razznik had no eyes for them. The warrior, instead, made his way to a cave at the center of the island.

Once again, relying on Niye's information, Razznik searched the seemingly empty cave until he stumbled on an indenture on the walls. He pushed the false wall and then watched as a section of the cave opened up, revealing a passageway beyond.

Razznik was not the only one stunned by this discovery. The dragons, who were warily watching his movements were equally shocked by the hidden cave. Several Elder dragons with the ability to shapeshift changed to their humanoid forms and then followed Razznik into the cave – at a safe distance of course.

Razznik paid his entourage no heed as he delved into what turned out to be a man-made dungeon. Various powerful, but unintelligent dragon species roamed each floor of the city-wide dungeon. These monsters, which got increasingly stronger at each level, attacked Razznik on sight, but he defeated them all with ease.

Razznik journeyed through the dungeon's floors until he got to the final floor where he was met with an incredible sight. The final floor was akin to a small world of its own, with a sky, stars, and constellation of its own. He could not see the ends of this strange plane, but he made out a giant mountain out in the distance.

Razznik made his way to the mountain, but soon realized upon nearing that this was no mountain, but a sleeping dragon, larger than anything he had ever faced. The dragons behind him fled the floor upon recognizing the sleeping beast. This was no common dragon. He was Skyrm, lord of all dragons, and the strongest being on the mortal plane.

Razznik was not privy to these details, and so challenged Skyrm to a battle. To date, I do not know why Skyrm did not kill him on the spot. Instead, he not only forgave Razznik's rude awakening but also obliged the warrior to a fight. Without getting into details, Razznik was utterly defeated in a few breaths, beaten to the point he lay in a pool of his own blood.