“Zz Zapp, Crackle!”
Aengus, sensing the incoming lightning attack, swiftly activated his Dragon Claws and deflected it with ease.
“What’s the matter? Do you want to die?” Aengus asked coldly, his piercing gaze locking onto the attacker.
The attacker was a young man with purple hair, bearing a striking resemblance to Zillion. He was none other than Zeno Reynold, the Hero-Class warrior of Holy Lightning. Zeno was fair-skinned with glaring eyes, standing at 20 years old, and surrounded by a formidable field of crackling lightning energy.
Aengus had felt a slight threat from him earlier when he first saw him, but now that feeling had completely vanished, replaced by indifference.
Helios, on the other hand, felt a sudden shiver when the Dragon Claws were revealed. He unmistakably felt bloodline suppression, but he denied the reality entirely. When had he, the mighty Dragon King Helios, ever felt the need to lower his head in front of a brat? Impossible!
“Scum, how dare you address my teacher by his name? I’ll deliver the punishment on his behalf,” Zeno declared resolutely, his voice brimming with arrogance. His hand crackling with holy lightning as if could sinder anything into ash.
The higher ranks watched with amusement, not feeling the need to intervene in a scuffle between the younger generation.
Leon, after evaluating Aengus’s strength, chose not to step in either. He had immense confidence in Ethan.
“So, you want a fight? I have no problem with that!” Aengus responded with a dangerous smile. “But be ready to end up crippled, just like the last one.”
“Hmph!” Zeno snorted, clearly confident in his abilities. “Don’t lump me in with that loser Valen. It’s going to be you who gets crippled, scum.”
“Enough, Zeno. Come back!” Zillion commanded, stopping the escalation. He could feel a subtle threat from Aengus and didn’t want Zeno to meet the same fate as Valen. “We don’t need to interfere in their matter anymore. He’s not a demon, so it doesn’t matter to us now.”
Zeno hesitated. “But teacher, he disrespected you.”
“Respect is earned, Zeno, not asked. And I am sure he’ll find the right path in time. For now, let’s be glad we have another powerful warrior to join humanity for the Holy War.”
Zillion smiled, his demeanor shifting 180°, realizing that fostering unwanted hostility with such a talent would be unwise.
Zeno returned reluctantly, while shooting daggers at Aengus.
“Let’s go…” Zillion and Zeno quickly disappeared from everyone’s view like a flash of lightning.
Leon, with his sharp eyes, glanced at Helios and Elyon as he spoke, “Perhaps it’s time for you two to leave as well. We don’t mind a tough battle if you stay.”
“Hmph!” Helios snorted dismissively in rage and left.
“Young man, be careful with your words next time! And don’t think Valen will stop with just this minor setback. He will surely rise again and get his revenge. Be prepared for that.”
Elyon also left, leaving a stern warning.
The Sky Phoenix Queen, Freya, looked at their backs and decided to leave, intending to return to her group as well. The treasure hunt had ended dramatically, wrapped in mysteries yet to be solved.
“May we meet again, Ethan. Next time, I would like to meet you in private,” she said mysteriously, letting out a beautiful smile before leaving with her elegant footsteps. Her mature figure, filled with fiery temptation, mesmerized the onlookers.
With all that settled, Leon turned to Aengus and Aria.
“Aria, take Ethan to my place. I am sure you all have a lot to talk about. This place is not safe anymore. Who knows what those people might do next? Felix and I are going to the military camp for a routine check,” General Leon said softly.
“And Ethan, if you’d like, we can have a long talk when I’m done. Perhaps you can share your goals and ideals with us,” he smiled warmly.
Aengus didn’t say anything but appreciated his consideration by nodding. “Thanks.”
“We’ll do as you say, General Leon. Thank you for what you’ve done for us,” Aria replied with firm gratitude.
“Haha, it’s nothing… I feel like I didn’t do enough!” Leon said bitterly.
“Anyway, see you all soon… Let’s go, Felix. We need to prepare for war. Those demons are getting too daring, barging into human lands whenever they wish.”
General Felix glanced at Aengus one last time before following Leon, quickly disappearing from the site.
The tense atmosphere quickly relaxed, and people began to hunt for treasures like crazy. They now had enough time to explore all of Dwarvania.
Drake and Yona gathered with Aengus and Aria.
“That was impressive, Ethan. You even have the guts to talk against the Transcendentals. I’m impressed,” Drake said with a slight smile.
“Alas, it looks like I’m not worthy of being your rival anymore.” Drake sighed in disappointment.
“Don’t lose confidence, Drake. Think about how many people are far behind you in terms of talent. You should appreciate where you are, just like I do,” Aengus consoled him, noticing Drake’s shaken focus.
Drake cheered up a bit. “You’re right, Ethan. Maybe I should stop comparing myself to a monster like you,” he grinned.
“Besides, we have you to protect us now, brother-in-law,” he joked lightly, letting out a relaxed breath.
Yona smiled slightly as she teased, “Drake is right, Ethan. Mm… Oh, I should call you Master from now on. What do you think, Lady Aria?”
“Stop it, you two…” Aria glared at them, though her hand had already intertwined with Ethan’s, confirming their claims despite her protests.
“Let’s go, Ethan. It’s time to introduce you to General Leon’s wife. She’s a really nice person. She takes care of us a lot,” Aria said with a smile.
“Oh, okay. But, Aria, I have something to tell you in private. Perhaps we should find a quiet place to talk,” Aengus added seriously.
He put the matter of the ancient Dwarves aside for now, as it was simply not the right time. They were safe under the cliff, or else people would wage war to get one ancient Dwarf on their side. He decided to take them out of there the next day safely.
Aria smiled warmly. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that, Ethan. I’m glad you did. We can talk tonight. I have a lot to share with you, too.”
“Just talk, Lady Aria?” Yona teased, her tone implying something more.
“Yona, you’ve become quite daring to tease your Lady, haven’t you? Are you asking to be disciplined?” Aria replied, glancing back as they made their way toward the King’s castle.
Yona let out a low chuckle, knowing well that her lady was joking. They got along well like true friends, even though their relationship was one of mistress and attendant. Aria had brought Yona back from her aloof and silent nature, strengthening their companionship.
Swish!
“Hey, wait, Ethan! What’s the hurry?”
Two figures suddenly appeared, stepping gracefully into their path. They seemed to have been waiting for this moment.
“We haven’t had a proper introduction, Ethan,” the taller of the two spoke with a confident smile. “I’m Aurora Frost, and this is my sister, Melina Frost. We’re sorry for suspecting you of Sigard’s murder.”
Aria raised her brows slightly at the sudden interruption. Both sisters were undeniably beautiful, but Aurora, with her radiant smile and piercing icy gaze, seemed overly friendly toward Aengus. She didn’t like it in the slightest.
“Oh…” Aengus muttered, his curiosity piqued as he glanced between the two sisters. They were the same two Dragon princesses who had tried to harm Aria.
He was curious about their approach, especially after their hostile confrontation earlier.
But before he could speak, Aria had already stepped forward. Her glare was sharp as she stared at Aurora, clearly displeased by the woman’s overly friendly attitude. Without missing a beat, Aria slid her right arm around Aengus’s left, pulling him closer to her side. The gesture was subtle yet unmistakable—she was marking her territory.
Aria’s eyes narrowed as they locked with Aurora’s. The unspoken message was clear in the intensity of her gaze: He’s mine. Get lost.
