The next morning, the island was on high alert. Kojima Ren stood on the watchtower with his companions, scanning the northern horizon. Dark storm clouds were moving closer — a clear sign of Raijin's approaching forces.
Kojima: They're here. Get ready.
A small fleet of floating platforms appeared in the distance, carried by lightning wyverns. At the front was a group of Thunder Knights in heavy armor, their weapons crackling with electricity. Behind them flew several Storm Archers and a few Lightning Mages.
The lead platform carried a messenger — a smug-looking man wearing Raijin's emblem.
Messenger: Sovereign Kojima! Lord Raijin sends his regards. He remembers the weak little virgin from school. Surrender your island and your servants now, and he might let you live as a servant. Resist, and we will take everything by force.
Kojima's expression hardened. The old insults still stung, but they no longer controlled him.
Kojima: Tell Raijin he can try. We're not surrendering anything.
The messenger laughed and signaled the attack.
The Thunder Knights charged first, leaping from their platforms with lightning-infused weapons raised. Storm Archers fired electrified arrows that crackled through the air. Lightning Mages summoned bolts from the sky, aiming at the island's defenses.
Kojima: Everyone, positions!
Sylphira moved in front of Kojima, her long red hair flaring as she raised a wall of flames to block the incoming arrows.
Sylphira: Master… stay behind me.
Mira darted forward with her speed, slipping between the knights and striking with her aura twisted into paralyzing attacks.
Mira: These guys are slow.
Vaelor's shadows surged out like black blades, cutting through two Thunder Knights in one fluid motion.
Vaelor: Too predictable.
Liriel floated above, using her Wind Dominion to create gusts that knocked archers off balance and deflected lightning bolts.
Liriel: The winds are with us, Master.
Thorne planted his feet and grew thick ironwood roots that burst from the ground, forming instant barriers that blocked the lightning strikes.
Thorne: My roots will hold.
Kojima activated a partial Sovereign Dragon Form — just enough to boost his power without the full 10-minute limit. Black scales appeared on his arms, and dark lightning crackled around his hands. He fired precise lightning blasts that struck several knights, sending them flying.
The skirmish was fast and chaotic. Raijin's forces relied on overwhelming lightning attacks and numbers, but Kojima's group fought with coordination and loyalty. Sylphira's flames burned through armor, Mira's speed disrupted their formation, Vaelor's shadows sliced from unexpected angles, and the new servants provided crucial support.
After several minutes of intense fighting, the remaining Thunder Knights retreated to their platforms, leaving several fallen behind.
The messenger shouted as they pulled back.
Messenger: This is just the beginning! Lord Raijin will crush you himself soon enough!
The enemy fleet withdrew into the clouds, but the message was clear — Raijin was testing their strength and would return with a larger force.
Kojima stood breathing hard, scales fading as he canceled the partial form.
Kojima: They're probing us. Raijin is the same bully he always was. He sends others to do the dirty work first. We need to be ready for the real attack.
Sylphira stayed close, her voice calm.
Sylphira: We will be.
Mira wiped sweat from her brow.
Mira: Next time, we hit harder.
Vaelor cleaned his hands with a handkerchief.
Vaelor: A decent warm-up. The real performance is yet to come.