Immediately, he straightened and assumed the position every Fittus member was taught when in the presence of the commander - wings tucked, head bowed, and every muscle locked into place. The commander's presence seemed to weigh on him, a cold pressure which made his scales prickle.

The commander's steps echoed as he circled slowly, each movement deliberate and predatory.

“Well, well,” said the commander.

His voice was low but smooth, emitting danger, and his eyes were black, calculating, intimidating.

His position, his gait, everything about him indicated a cunning warrior: trusting no one, caring about nothing.

He could betray without a hint of remorse, kill without a twinge of conscience.

His large wings, pristine teeth, sharp claws, and muscular body allowed no contradiction.

“I have summoned you here for an arrangement of power,” he said, voice smooth, polished. "For countless years, the Fittus was governed under the same hierarchy - strength above all, lineage above strength, and tradition above both."

He paused behind Exploded, so close that the younger dragon felt the faint heat of his breath, sending shivers down his spine.

"Yet... following the ways of our forefathers is often the path to destruction. We must blaze a new path should we aim to true strength.

"Tradition rewards the loudest roards, not the sharpest minds. It crowns the largest wings, not the most capable claws."

Exploded swallowed. He was unsure how to act - should he agree or remain silent? But the commander gave him no time to decide.

He stepped into view again, wings half-spread. Not a gesture of threat, Exploded thought, but it wasn't comforting either. Something about the posture implied absolute dominance and control.

"I have watched brillinace buried beneath nobility; potential wasted because law demanded it."

The commander's tone changed slightly. Still cool and calm, but an added hint touched his voice, and his eyes narrowed slightly, black and depthless. His next words were spoken with a strange finality to them.

"I will not allow the Fittus to crack under the weight of its own arrogance."