But unlike Cinder’s massive size, this dragon was considerably smaller but no less grand. In fact, its scales made it look like royalty. As it also gave off an aura of power and wisdom.
‘Test of intellect? I believe Cinder’s was a test of strength, right? Or at least something similar. Is this how it’s going to be with every dragon I summon? Some kind of test for each of them?’
The dragoon seemed to narrow its gaze as it noticed something within Alister, something familiar. Although one could hardly tell due to its scales, the dragoon smiled.
The Sandstorm dragoon lowered its head slightly, its voice a deep rumble, “You have passed the initial test. However, a true master is not only strong but also wise. Are you prepared to face the challenge of the mind?”
“I shall ask you three riddles, and if you. Young lad, answer them all correctly, I shall pledge my absolute loyalty.”
The system Suddenly materialized before Alister with a quest notification.
[Mini-Quest: An Overlord’s mind is as sharp as his body: The SandStorm Dragoon, Terra Von Archi-Void, has challenged you to prove your intellect. She will ask you three riddles, and if you answer them correctly, she will pledge her loyalty.]
‘Another female? Why is her rank lower than Cinder’s?’
[Notice to the player! Terra’s rank is a reflection of the intensity of the emotion and the amount of mana the player channeled into summoning her.]
‘I thought you said the emotion I feel is only supposed to be responsible for her personality, not her strength.’
[Notice! That as well as the fact that the player did not use all of their summoning power and mana in the process. The fact the player is conscious is a clear indicator of that.]
Listening to the system’s words, the moment after the first summoning flashed before Alister’s eyes, back to the time the system notified him all of his summoning power and mana would be used, resulting in him falling unconscious right after.
‘Seems you are right… but system, what emotion is she supposed to be a representation of?’ [Curiosity.]
As Alister heard the system’s words, that moment of Miyu smiling flashed before his eyes again.
‘Guess I still wonder how she’s fairing, putting on a smile like that despite how she might actually feel inside.’
The dragoon’s deep blue eyes narrowed slightly, its gaze catching the fleeting look of doubt in Alister’s expression.
“Lad, are you not interested in the challenge? You seem awfully quiet.”
Alister, snapped back to reality, offering a slight smile. “Forgive me, Terra,” he said. “I was merely lost in thought.”
He straightened his posture, a glint of seriousness now appearing in his eyes.
“Ah, right, where were we? You want to test my intellect with a little quiz, huh? Go ahead then. I may not look it, but I too possess a mind not to be underestimated.”
The dragoon’s gaze narrowed further, its golden scales catching the soft cosmic glow of the mindspace.
“A bold claim, lad.”
“But boasting holds little weight here. Tell me, why do I test you, and why do all dragons test their potential masters?”
“A dragon only submits to a grater being not out if fear, but rather to be there to withess what hights their said master shall ascend to in their lifetime.”
“That being said, a master is not expected to be perfect, else they wouldn’t need help, but at best they must have potential.”
“And so, I shall also come forward to confirm that fact.”
“I shall now ask a little riddle, Listen close, and listen well.”
“I have no voice, yet I can speak volumes.
I have no body, yet I can travel the world.
I have no life, yet I can spark wars and build empires. What am I?”
Alister scratched his chin, as he furrowed his brows concentrating. “Oh, that’s a tough one.”
He mumbled, placing his hand thoughtfully under his jaw.
A thunderous laugh boomed from Terra, shaking the very fabric of the mind realm.
“Giving up already, lad?”
Alister chuckled, shaking his head.
“Now, now.”
“Acknowledging a challenge is not the same as surrendering. This riddle is indeed a tricky
one.”
He paused, then smiled, narrowing his gaze as he said.
“But the answer is not beyond me.”
“The answer, is an idea.”
“How so?” Terra asked, wanting to see if Alister was absolutely certain of his answer.
Alister explained, with a confident tone in his voice.
“Ideas have no voice, yet their power to influence can be deafening. They travel the world, carried by whispers and songs, shaping cultures and destinies. Though without lives themselves, ideas can ignite wars that consume nations and inspire the creation of empires that stand for millennia.”
Terra’s deep blue eyes gleamed with a look of approval.
“A well-reasoned answer, lad.”
“You demonstrate a keen mind. We dragons are powerful, but even the strongest beast can be brought low by a well-placed idea.”
A satisfied smile could be seen on Alister’s lips. Answering the first riddle had boosted his confidence.
Terra, however, wasn’t finished yet. Her voice echowed against.
“Very well, lad.”
“You seem to possess a sharp wit. Now, for a second question, a bit more complex.
“I am always coming, but never arrive.
I am always present, but never here.
I am always moving, but never travel.
What am I?”
The riddle hung in the air, a puzzle for Alister to untangle. The first riddle focused on the intangible power of ideas, but this one felt more abstract. He furrowed his brow, a thoughtful expression settling on his face.
As he thought about Terra’s second riddle. The first one tested his understanding of concepts, but this one felt like a an impossibility.
“Always coming, but never arriving…” he muttered, pacing a small circle in the mind realm. “Always present, but never here…”
The minutes seemed to stretch on forever, untill Alister finally spoke, “Time?”
“An interesting attempt, lad,” Terra Said.
“But not quite.”
Alister felt a drop of sweat roll down his forehead.
“Two more wrong answer, and the challenge ends.” Terra said as she leaned forward, her
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