"Betrayal or wisdom. I can't wait."
As Ifrit's words caused Bart's brows to crease into a deep furrow, Maven's draconic roar drowned the plaza. Clothes flapped and hair ruffled as if caught in a storm. Blood drained from the faces of the trembling citizens as they watched the kobold's rebirth as a noble dragon.
Unlike them, Maxwell grinned on the balcony, his voice piercing the winds. "Congratulations, Maverick." He chuckled. "You look incredible, truly. I can't wait to see how you'll wield that new power for the empire."
Bahamut nodded gently in front of the dragon, while Maven's mouth split open.
Rows of fangs sharper than blades glistened, a scalding breath drifting from the abyssal depths of his throat. His voice came out guttural, delighted, and... something more Maxwell couldn't yet put his finger on.
"Of course, great emperor Maxwell and dragon god Bahamut." Maven's maws curled into a smirk. "Everything I've done and will do is for the empire my life belongs to."
