Alphox

Alphox is a Primordial Shadow Dragon who forms a conditional contract with Alex Rogue. He begins as an imperious fallen member of the ten Primordial Dragons, treats the bond as a temporary opportunity, and repeatedly tests the human who hatched him. Shared battles, a near-fatal injury, and Alex's decision to spend a priceless restorative artifact on him turn that arrangement into a partnership. Alphox ultimately leaves the party by choice to rebuild Dragon City and is known as the Dragon Lord ten years later.

Biography

The Primordial Shadow Dragon's contract

Alex hatches Alphox from an SSS-level Shadow Pet Egg after using a seal card. The creature that emerges is a massive black-scaled dragon with fierce crimson eyes, immediately identified as one of the ten Primordial Dragons. Alphox is insulted that a weak human summoned him and threatens to banish Alex to the Dragon Realm. A Maxed Out Magic Crystal makes him pause, but interest in the treasure alone does not make him obedient. (Chapter 53)

Astolf, then known to Alex as the Undead King, appears before Alphox attacks. The two recognize each other from ancient wars, and Astolf asks him not to execute the human whose death would also affect the king. Alphox chooses to “play along,” lowering his head and accepting the pet bond while preserving his right to break it. The arrangement therefore begins as a conditional experiment rather than an oath of submission. (Chapters 53–54)

Alphox makes the imbalance explicit almost at once. After consuming the crystal and recovering twenty percent of his primordial power, he drags Alex to the dangerous Undead Land as a test, abandons him there, enters the Shadow Pet Space, and refuses a summons. Yet when an Undead Warlord is about to kill Alex, Alphox finally emerges. He mocks the title of “master,” then destroys the warlord with claws and Shadow Flames, demonstrating both his independence and his willingness to keep the contract alive. (Chapters 54, 57)

Crystals, levels, and battlefield trust

Alex continues investing rare crystals in Alphox, and the dragon's cooperation grows with each concrete display of usefulness. A later Max Out Magic Crystal transforms him into a level-400, Tier 6 pet: his scales become sharper and darker, a shadowy mist gathers around him, and he gains Eclipsing Roar and Umbral Shield. The new abilities broaden his role from overwhelming attacker to protector, letting him terrify groups, weaken enemies, and briefly shield himself or an ally from all damage. (Chapter 90)

That protective role becomes visible when Alphox senses a draconic aura near Eleonora and blocks her Ice Flames from within his pet space. When he materializes, his primordial status lets him dominate the level-400 dragon despite their equal level. He stops his Shadow Flames before killing her, pins her, and explains that he dislikes killing weaker dragons. He then identifies the princess's confinement as a high-level curse that ordinary attacks cannot break, pairing force with draconic judgment. (Chapters 109–110)

A third enhanced crystal brings Alphox to level 500, enlarging his body and making his scales sturdier and more elegant, but the system states that crystals can no longer strengthen him. Alphox then discloses that the other Primordial Dragons betrayed and killed him and that killing dragons is now the path by which he can gain experience. He also acquires Abyssal Dive. His admission gives Alex a clearer view of the grievance behind his arrogance, while their exchange shows Alphox becoming more comfortable with him. (Chapter 113)

Injury and the academy crisis

During the academy examination, Alphox repeatedly serves as Alex's draconic adviser: he discusses the Elven Spring, presses Alex to find dragons that can fuel his growth, recognizes a connection between the tower token and Destiny, and carries the group as they move between trials. His impatience and pride remain intact, but even domestic moments show his integration into the party; when food is prepared, his Shadow Flames can cook it to perfect quality. (Chapters 141, 148, 151–152, 156)

The encounter with Kaelthor, Vorrak, and Zyrran forces Alphox to face dragons who know his disgrace. They call him a laughingstock and claim that he has been replaced, but he still chooses Alex's side. Alphox carries Alex through the aerial battle, answers the trio with Shadow Flames and Umbral Shield, and performs Abyssal Dive. Vorrak's lava attack then tears a hole through Alphox's right wing, and Astolf's skeletal hands prevent both dragon and rider from falling to their deaths. (Chapters 158–160)

Inside the Shadow Pet Space, Alphox lies nearly motionless while the hole in his wing leaks blood and energy. He answers Astolf's concern with insults and insists that Alex be told he will recover, but Astolf recognizes the wing as a mana conduit and reports that the damage is crippling him with every breath. The only remedy offered is Dragonheart Essence, leaving Alex with an urgent, concrete objective and revealing how much Alphox's pride conceals his vulnerability. (Chapters 169–170)

Dragonheart recovery and renewed resolve

After Nivran's defeat, Alex extracts Dragonheart Essence, an artifact that can also contribute to obtaining the Dragon bloodline. Instead of reserving it for his own advancement, he gives it to Alphox. The dragon understands its value and initially hesitates, but consumes it. The essence closes every wound, completely restores the ruined wing, removes the scars, and leaves him stronger than before. Alphox calls the gift a debt he will not forget. (Chapter 182)

Physical restoration does not immediately heal Alphox's humiliation. He withdraws behind a barrier in the Shadow Pet Space and refuses Alex's calls until their reputation allows Alex to enter. Alphox admits that the other dragons' mockery wounded him because he lost his title, authority, and ability to return to Dragon City. He sees himself as weak and their resistance to fate as foolish. Alex answers that he will continue defying gods and superior races regardless of the odds. (Chapter 194)

Alphox responds by dropping the barrier, recovering his familiar pride, and choosing to fight beside a fellow “fool.” He gives Alex the formal requirements for the Dragon bloodline—Dragonheart Essence, two undamaged dragon wings, a Soulstone, and the Dragon City trial—and explains the Primordial Dragons' biased judgment. Later, now explicitly level 750, he reconstructs a past bloodline trial inside his evolved Shadow Pet Space, revealing that he once oversaw those lethal contests and preparing Alex for their return. (Chapters 194–195, 243)

Dragon City trial and the Abyss

Alphox carries Alex toward Dragon City over four days, slowing at night and using Shadow Flames to finish their meals. Ten kilometers from the city, its concentrated draconic aura makes him falter; entering openly would expose him to the Primordial Dragons. He and Alex exchange a fist-to-claw gesture before Alphox withdraws into the Shadow Pet Space. From there he calls Alex “partner,” warns that the trial has already begun, and continues advising him without taking away his agency. (Chapter 257)

Within Dragon City, Alphox explains the city's hierarchy, identifies Primordial Dragons, warns Alex when pride or bias may override the stated trial rules, and guides him toward survivable choices. His knowledge comes from former authority, but he no longer possesses the standing to intervene directly. At the altar he notices that his statue has been removed, then tells Alex where to place the required objects. When the ritual succeeds and Alex acquires the Dragon bloodline, Alphox openly celebrates his partner's achievement. (Chapters 258, 274, 285)

Morgathis reroutes Alex's teleportation with Abyss Exile, and Alphox recognizes the technique just before they are pulled into the Abyss. His usual confidence gives way to alarm because the realm is understood as a death sentence, although he vows that they will kill the responsible dragons once they escape. Alphox remains linked to Alex beside Astolf and the Heart of Calamity, warns when the darkness begins clawing into Alex, and later becomes unreachable in the lower layers, where Alex can only speculate about the interference. (Chapters 287–291, 296)

The Hatred Sect campaign and Astolf partnership

Months later, Alphox again serves as a voice inside Alex's Shadow Pet Space during the pursuit of the Hatred Sect. He identifies the sect's lethal silence curse, estimates travel time from Dragon City, recommends that Alex fly alone now that his own wings are faster, and warns him inside the hideout. He also notices Astolf's prolonged silence after the Annihilation Crucifix incident, discussing with Alex whether their undead companion has been harmed. His advice is often sarcastic, but it consistently centers on survival. (Chapters 348–350)

Inside the Hatred Domain, Alphox is candid about limits. He admits that he cannot provide a simple answer against an enemy beyond him, and his unease emerges in bickering with Astolf over whether the domain's rules can be trusted. During the fight with the Hell Abomination, however, he rejects the idea that caution equals cowardice and volunteers to fight beside Alex. He and Astolf materialize together, converting months of shared confinement into coordinated battlefield support. (Chapters 373, 378, 381–382)

Alphox unveils Predator's Gaze, described as an evolution of Eclipsing Roar that terrifies enemies and can empower him through eye contact, and Shadow Comet, his strongest technique at that point. The summoned abyssal meteor catastrophically wounds the Hell Abomination and forces its mouth open for Alex and Astolf's follow-up plan; Alphox also pulls Alex clear of the blast. When the Hatred Demon later threatens Alex directly, Alphox repeatedly addresses him as “partner,” showing panic and urging him not to sacrifice himself. (Chapters 383–384, 389, 391)

Return to the dragons and the Dragon Lord

After the Hatred Demon is defeated, the ruins of Dragon City bring Alphox face to face with Xyrran and the other surviving Primordial Dragons. He emerges from Alex in full view, taunts them, and directly confronts Xyrran over having killed him. Xyrran says that he deliberately left Alphox's soul intact, but also asserts that he remains the strongest Primordial Dragon. Alphox has grown immensely, yet the confrontation does not become the revenge battle he once expected. (Chapters 395–396)

Xyrran pledges that the dragons will not attack humanity and will focus on restoring their people. Alphox chooses to stay, not because he forgives everything or wants his old seat back, but because Dragon City remains his home and dragonkind must rise again. He apologizes that he cannot accompany Alex into the Chosen Games, formally leaves the party, and ceases to be classified as a pet or summon. The separation closes the contract without ending their friendship. (Chapter 396)

Three weeks later, Alex sees dragons already rebuilding the city he entrusted to Alphox. Ten years after the central conflict, Dragon City is larger and stronger, and Alphox appears with metallic-looking scales and longer horns. He has refused to reclaim the Primordial Dragon title but accepted the independent title Dragon Lord, emphasizing strength and honor over politics. He still trades familiar insults with Alex, attends the dragon council, and speaks often with Astolf, preserving both relationships after their shared travels ended. (Chapters 456, 511)

Appearance and personality

Alphox is introduced as a massive, sleek dragon with scales black as night and fierce crimson eyes. His body grows with his recovered power: at level 400 the scales become sharper and darker and emit a faint shadowy mist, while his level-500 transformation makes him larger, sturdier, and more elegant. After consuming Dragonheart Essence, his ruined wing reforms without a scar and the narration describes his renewed eyes as golden. By the ten-year epilogue, his scales gleam like forged metal and his horns are longer. (Chapters 53, 90, 113, 182, 511)

Pride defines Alphox's voice and many of his decisions. He mocks weakness, resists commands, and frequently addresses Alex as “human,” yet he also has a code: he refuses to kill Eleonora merely for being weaker, honors Alex's sacrifice of the Dragonheart Essence, and ultimately prioritizes rebuilding dragonkind over personal revenge. His sarcasm remains even after his loyalty deepens, so affection appears through battlefield intervention, advice, shared insults, and the increasingly sincere use of “partner.” (Chapters 54, 110, 182, 194, 382, 396)

His worst injury exposes fear and shame beneath that imperious manner. Alphox conceals his critical condition, later withdraws because the other dragons' judgment has convinced him that he is weak, and refuses an impossible fight partly because he will not lose his wings again. Those reactions coexist with courage rather than canceling it: he returns against the Hell Abomination, faces the dragons who killed him, apologizes when he parts from Alex, and builds a new identity as Dragon Lord instead of reclaiming his former office. (Chapters 169, 194, 218, 382–383, 396, 511)

Skills and system abilities

• Primordial dragon physiology: Alphox flies, carries Alex over long distances, fights with claws and physical strikes, breathes Shadow Flames, and possesses the superior statistics associated with a Primordial Dragon. At level 400 he overwhelms an ordinary dragon of the same level because the narrative distinguishes his Universal Boss quality from her Elite Boss quality. He can sense other dragons and their aura, although dense draconic or divine environments can mask an individual presence. (Chapters 54, 90, 109–110, 257, 396)

• Shadow Flames: His black or shadow-aligned fire is both an offensive breath weapon and a precise utility. It overpowers Eleonora's Ice Flames, can be stopped before killing a weaker target, and repeatedly cooks food to perfect quality during travel. The ability's controlled domestic use is as characteristic of his integration into Alex's group as its raw destructive power is of his draconic origin. (Chapters 57, 110, 156, 257)

• Eclipsing Roar and Predator's Gaze: Eclipsing Roar terrifies and stuns enemies in a large radius for three seconds while lowering their attack and defense by twenty percent. Predator's Gaze is later described as an evolved version: it frightens enemies and directly enhances Alphox if they meet his gaze, potentially pushing him into a higher state under the right conditions. (Chapters 90, 199, 383)

• Umbral Shield: Alphox can place a shadow barrier around himself or an ally. The system description states that it absorbs all damage for three seconds and reflects twenty-five percent to the attacker. He first protects Alex from Eleonora's flames while still inside the Shadow Pet Space, later shields the group from the Warden of Shadows, and uses the technique during the battle with the dragon trio. (Chapters 90, 109, 159, 199)

• Abyssal Dive: After crystals stop advancing him at level 500, Alphox gains a diving attack that gathers shadow energy during ascent and converts the plunge into combined physical and shadow damage across a fifty-meter radius. Targets near the impact are stunned for five seconds. He demonstrates the skill against the hostile dragon trio and later against the Warden of Shadows. (Chapters 113, 160, 199)

• Shadow Comet: Alphox calls down an abyssal meteor more than one hundred meters wide, producing a crater, black flames, and a destructive shockwave. Against the Hell Abomination, the attack heavily mangles the creature, slows its regeneration, and forces open its guarded mouth, creating the opening required by Alex and Astolf's plan. Alphox must evacuate Alex from the blast radius, underscoring the technique's indiscriminate scale. (Chapters 383–384)

• Shadow Pet Space and mental link: The contract provides Alphox a private inner space and permits mental communication with Alex. He can refuse a summons, erect barriers within the space, host a visiting Astolf, and, after the space evolves, reconstruct a vivid memory of a historical Dragon Bloodline Trial. The link also lets him advise Alex while concealed in Dragon City and the Abyss, though it fails in the Abyss's deeper layers. (Chapters 54, 169, 194, 243, 257–258, 287–291)

• Draconic knowledge: Alphox identifies dragon auras, curses, bloodline materials, Dragon City institutions, the behavior of Primordial judges, and Morgathis's Abyss Exile. This expertise is not omniscience: he admits when he lacks an answer, cannot guarantee the Primordial Dragons' decisions, and becomes unreachable or uncertain under hostile domain conditions. His counsel is therefore grounded in former office and experience rather than a general ability to reveal the system. (Chapters 109–110, 151, 195, 243, 258, 274, 287, 291)

Power progression

Relationships

• Alex Rogue: Alex begins as an unworthy contractor whom Alphox intends to test and can abandon. Resources, shared battles, and especially Alex's decision to give him Dragonheart Essence change the bond into mutual trust. Alphox becomes his rider, adviser, protector, and openly named partner. Their contract ends amicably when Alphox chooses Dragon City, and they retain their familiar banter ten years later. (Chapters 53–57, 90, 109–113, 158–182, 194–195, 257–296, 348–396, 511)

• Astolf: Alphox and Astolf knew each other as rivals in ancient wars, and Astolf's intervention prevents Alphox from killing Alex at their reunion. Their exchanges remain insulting and competitive, but Astolf examines Alphox's ruined wing, saves him from falling, and later fights beside him against the Hell Abomination. Years after leaving Alex's inner spaces, they still speak often and acknowledge that the months trapped together created a bond. (Chapters 53–54, 160, 169–170, 350, 378, 382–384, 511)

• Xyrran and the Primordial Dragons: Alphox says the other Primordial Dragons betrayed and killed him, stripped him of title and respect, and eventually replaced him. Xyrran remains powerful enough that Alphox cannot defeat him alone. Their reunion begins with an accusation of murder, but Alphox ultimately sets revenge aside to rebuild their scattered people without rejoining their order. The epilogue places him beside all nine surviving Primordial Dragons as Dragon Lord. (Chapters 113, 158, 194, 243, 258, 287, 395–396, 511)

• Eleonora: Alphox recognizes Eleonora as a far weaker fellow dragon despite their equal level. He overpowers and restrains her but deliberately stops his Shadow Flames, explaining that he does not enjoy killing weaker dragons. Her recognition of him as a supposedly dead Primordial Dragon also provides an early indication that his fall and survival are significant within dragon society. (Chapters 109–110)

Items

• Dragonheart Essence: Alex extracts the artifact from Nivran and chooses to give it to Alphox instead of preserving it for his own Dragon bloodline requirements. Alphox consumes it in Chapter 182; it seals the hole in his wing, restores the torn membrane and scales, removes every scar, renews his strength, and transforms his gratitude toward Alex into an explicitly remembered debt. (Chapter 182)