After the meeting with the prince had concluded Ryuko was left in the palace wondering about the results of her meeting with the man. While she believed his interest in her, or rather the unusual powers she had brought back from the void were genuine, he was a difficult person to read and even now she was not entirely certain what had gone on in the prince's mind.

However, it seemed that her next course of action would align closely with what she had initially anticipated. As expected her idea of establishing a faction of sorts in Pergrande had been well-received by the prince. Obviously he could use a powerful force to help progress his plans for an united Pergrande, but she had to admit that the man's ideas had gone even further than her initial musing.

While a faction could indeed hold a degree of power in Pergrande, if she sought influence she would also need to appeal to the common folk. Something to give the people something to look up to and admire. Since ages past mankind had something similar during their civilizations. Humanity often looked up to these stronger than themselves, seeking the goodwill and protection of these beings.

Indeed, it was the concept of religion. Fortunately, Ryuko already had some ideas brewing. Pergrande was a harsh and inhospitable land, and often that meant danger could lurk right around the corner. So what if there was something, or someone that looked out for the common folk?

Illumin was often worshipped among the people of Earthland, but Ryuko had not forgotten her grudge toward the divine beings of the Joyan Pantheon. No, she would not even consider the idea of worshipping a divinity...

But dragons? That was an entirely different story. A powerful dragon that could be revered by the people akin to a god. Now that was a religion she could get behind.

Certainly, she could play the role of both the leader of this religion and the so-called guardian deity of Pergrande, using her dragon form as a symbol of the order but she knew this was something she wouldn't be able to complete on her own. She needed allies, someone who shared the same ideals as herself, and while she adored Maple and the bond she had with the half-elf, she didn't want to place such a burden onto her free-spirited lover.

But perhaps that wouldn't be necessary either. Even as she stood in the palace she could feel her heart beating stronger than normally, her Dragonkin senses picking up a distant presence. Although she had never done it before, the moment she focused her mind on the sensation she could feel her senses being redirected somewhere else. Deep in the mountains surrounding Illingrad, in an large cave a shadow slumbered, and when she saw the shadow's gaze return her own she knew what it was...

The shadow took form in the appearance of a giant ancient dragon, towering high above her ethereal projection. "The Dragon Emperor--- nay, similar but different. Why have you woken me little Dragonborn?"

Even if the words would have sounded foreign to most, it was a language Ryuko could understand: the tongue of the dragons. "I seek to unite our race!"

The Dragon huffed in amusement. "Our kin cares little for unity or the affairs of the mortal realm. Besides, you lack the power to carry such a role."

Ryuko's gaze shifted to a defiant glare. "That is why I seek power... A power that could defy even the gods!"

The dragon's eyes sparked for a moment, as if something stirred it. "hahaha, a bold desire little one... Yet I can sense your hatred for divinity runs deep... intriguingly so. Very well, come seek me out and we can talk more."

With these words the connection severed, leaving Ryuko reeling from the strain upon her being. Her heart was beating erratically and her breathing was ragged. But fortunately nobody had been in the room.

It seemed her next course of action had been decided. She would need to travel to the mountains surrounding Illingrad and find that mysterious dragon she sensed. Perhaps if she could convince it to lend her its strength she could be a step closer to accomplishing her ambitions.

The next morning the dragon girl had set out of the capital, the journey into the mountains being as dangerous and treacherous as she had expected, but she wouldn't be persuaded from abandoning her quest. Steadily she delved deeper into the mountains, one foot after the other, even as the snow kicked up around her in a vicious storm.

If she wanted to gain the Prince's backing she would have to prove she would be irreplaceable to him. The first step to accomplishing that was by creating the faction they had discussed during their meeting.

Finally she reached the entrance leading into the spacious cave, and even in the darkness she could sense the overwhelming presence of the dragon within.

This was it, the moment she had been waiting for. If she could rally this dragon to her side she would have accomplished the first step in her ambitions. Perhaps in due time she would even succeed in gaining her revenge on both Vortigern and the Joyan god that had ordered her execution.

She knew all too well that even if she had grown stronger, her power was still insignificant compared to certain individuals. That insignificance was what infuriated her, that feeling of being weak and powerless compared to them, it was a feeling she hated, and as a result she had developed that unhealthy drive, that obsession to obtain more power. There was never enough power.

Certainly, people might praise you for your wisdom or kindness, but they could just as easily turn against you when faced with a stronger foe. But power? If you were strong people would respect you, certainly there were these who would rise to defy and oppose you, but in the face of overwhelming strength you could force them to bow the head once more.

Heaving a sigh the dragon girl entered the cave. It was dark, but for some reason the moment she stepped inside the cold of the weather outside had disappeared. Rather, it was surprisingly warm, almost oppressively even. Was this warmth produced by the dragon? If his presence alone could already carry such power, then she wondered just how strong this mysterious dragon was.

Was he an old dragon? Maybe even an Ancient? Finally she reached the lair of the mysterious dragon she had sensed before, and just like before the shadowy shape took form, a giant majestic dragon towering high above her. His scales were a obsidian color, and his eyes gazed firmly at her.

"I am Bahamut, the Ancient Monarch of the Dragons."

Ryuko nodded her head firmly at his greeting. "I am Ryu-" but before she could finish Bahamut replied with a soft hum. "I know who you are Whelpling of Shinryu, Ryuko. You have made quite a few enemies recently. Turning your back against the Joyan Pantheon, baring your fangs at Vortigern, and yet your experiences only have intensified your hunger."

Bahamut's words were a cold reminder to Ryuko, a reminder of her failures. But that all was about to change today! She had enough of losing, of being considered insignificant by her foes. Taking a step forward she prepared to address the dragon.