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Just like Sylith, Zerynthor was a plain forest. It wasn't woven from light but crystals. Towering crystalline trees, their trunks jagged quartz and their branches woven like glassy webs scattered all around.
Some trees rise several kilometres, strong enough for dragons to roost upon. Mountains of pure crystal rising like needles into the clouds. They channel the Realm's natural mana, acting as both beacons and hazards.
"It's not time for the Crossing, is it?"
A deep voice called out.
I turned sharply. Around us, dragons had materialised circling with calculated menace. Our backs faced the veil.
"State your business."
A fire-born dragon demanded, his voice crackling like an inferno.
"And why are you Crossing outside the natural cycle?"
Flames licked between the sharp ridges of his horns, dripping molten lava that hissed when it struck the jagged rocks below. His wings, vast and ember-hot, spread wide as if to claim the storm itself as his territory.
Tikvah instinctively moved closer.
"We know we're crossing before the Crossing but we have to make it to Velorith."
She spoke up, attempting to save us.
"Who are you, youngling?"
The dragon demanded, his eyes blazing like molten fire.
"I…"
"Louder!"
He barked, the flames flickering violently with each word, though he was already close enough to hear me perfectly.
"Bastard…"
Vera's voice broke, a hushed murmur that turned into a choked cry. The acrid scent of burnt flesh filled the air, sharp and bitter, curling through the storm like smoke from a forge.
"Ghhhhaaahhh!"
A raw, jagged scream tore from her lips, her tongue scorched as if the very fire-born breath of the dragon had lashed her from the inside out.
'Burning without touching. Nice.'
"Stop it."
Tik stood up for the CREW. I remained silent, watching how she can handle this scenario.
"I'm Princess Tikvah of the Olyssar Lineage. I demand you stand down and let us through!"
The fire-born dragon flinched, then bowed deeply.
"Apologies, my lady."
He said, the molten heat in his wings dimming.
"Orders are orders. Only nobles with authority may pass through without question."
"Calm down, Marquis Natsta."
A soft, even voice rang out, cutting through the tension like sunlight through storm clouds.
All eyes shifted to the source. A crystal-scaled dragon stood there, his iridescent scales refracting the storm's light into a dazzling spectrum, making him appear almost otherworldly. His folded wings crackled with prismatic fire, and even the harsh winds seemed to bend around him. Every dragon in the area lowered their heads in reverence.
"That's no way to treat the little Princess."
He said, his silver hair short and swaying with the breeze, his presence radiating calm authority.
"Grand Seraph."
The Marquis acknowledged immediately, bowing with deference.
"Duke Luminar."
Tikvah whispered, recognition brightening her face as she dashed forward and wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.
"Hey, little one."
He said with a gentle wave, his voice carrying both amusement and pride.
"I can see you've made friends…and successfully scaled the Crossing."
He added, his gaze sweeping over the three of us, approving and serene amidst the chaos of the storm.
"No. I couldn't do it alone. My friends helped me through. Come let me introduce you to them."
They walk hand in hand, approaching us.
"Meet Wú Jí kun and Vera chan. You two, meet the Duke Lumiar."
Tik introduced.
"Came on Sovereign Boriel's request. I pretty much know who they are."
He replied.
"He sent you?"
I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"On the Grand Duke's orders, yes."
He replied calmly, holding my gaze as if weighing my intent.
"You've already wasted a lot of valuable time in Varnok."
He continued, his voice steady, cutting through the lingering echoes of the storm.
"You have about an hour left. Don't waste any more time here."
With our bodies restored and the cloak secure around them, we wasted no time. The Gate opened like a ripple in the air, and we leapt into Zerynthor.
Vera handed my cloak back to me; Tikvah made no move to return hers, and I didn't press the matter.
"So… the titles?"
I asked, curiosity flickering through me. I needed more clarity on the dragons' hierarchy. I don't have time left so I might stuck to knowledge than experience.
"Before the Great Dragon War, these titles didn't even exist."
She began.
"Yet those ten were already in a class of their own, unmatched and beyond ordinary reckoning."
'Ten?'
We made our way into Zerynthor as the history lesson began.
"The Pure Saints, each Dragon embodying a virtue that makes them worthy of sainthood."
Arthur Lys, The Crowned Saint. Virtue of Leadership and Justice. He guides others with wisdom and rules with fairness.
Lancelith, The Vowed Saint. Virtue of Loyalty. Known for devotion especially to his best friend, Arthur, his virtue shines as steadfast loyalty.
Mordryth, The Humbled Saint. Virtue of Humility. Strength born from repentance and acceptance of one's flaws. His humility used to balance the pride of others.
Gawain Cael, The Heavenly Saint. Virtue of Courage. The bravest heart that never falters in the face of overwhelming odds.
Galahar, The Grail Saint. Virtue of Purity. Flawless spirit, chosen by the Divine Light. The purest of the ten and the Grail bearer.
Boriel, The Merciful Saint. Virtue of Charity. Selfless compassion, protector of the weak, defender of balance, fairness and divine law.
Periviel, The Faithful Saint. Virtue of Faith. Innocence and strong belief in the Grail. Unshaken belief in higher truth and destiny. Also possessing the power to alter them.
Trivian, The Resolute Saint. Virtue of Diligence. Tireless endurance, unwavering in trials of love, suffering and war.
Bedarion, The Patient Saint. Virtue of Patient. Calm perseverance, tireless, unyielding the steadfast shield of the Pure Saints. Enduring until the destined end at the Great Dragon War.
Kay Sol, The Balanced Saint. Virtue of Temperance. Harmony between fire and restraint.
"These are The Heavenly Sends."
"What's the Grail?"
"That's a knowledge I don't possess."
"Their titles are based on their achievement in the Great Dragon War or what?"
"Something like that."
After Mordryth's betrayal, the Void Dragons declared war on Kalidor. Luckily, it was the era of the Dragon Deity of Strength, Supreme Valtonix, so we couldn't ask for a better leader.
Mordryth led the Void Dragons and Gawain Cael led our army knowing Mordryth isn't the real threat so it's best to reserve the strongest.
Before his betrayal, Mordryth and Gawain Cael were rivals and the only ones to have a minuscule chance against Lancelith.
"But Mordryth's power changed rapidly in a short amount of time leading to the death of a few of the Pure Saints."
"Yhe Martyrs?"
I asked.
"Yes. All those who died in the War are Martyrs but only a few carry the weight of the name. Bedarion, Trivian, Kay Sol and Periviel."
The War wouldn't have ended if Periviel hadn't sacrificed himself, altering Mordryth's destiny using the Grail's power. He didn't make it so Mordryth would die. Instead, he erased all branches of the future both possible and impossible so he'd never win.
"That allowed Gawain Cael and Galahar to keep Mordryth at bay while Supreme Valtonix, Arthur Lys, Lancelith and a Star called Alter, faced off against the Phantoms."
"According to the Grand Duke, who teamed up with Gawain Cael, they were barely keeping up with Mordryth."
"Yeah. After Periviel gave his life following Bedarion's death, the Saints couldn't take it anymore. The Vowed Saint joined Gawain Cael and Supreme Valtonix replaced Lancelith with Galahar when the Phantoms appeared."
"What about Boriel?"
"He was scorched with dgmarkness, everyone thought he died but he miraculously survived. He became one with it and forged an indestructible armour thanks to it."
"So strong to burn someone like me.'
"I guess they managed to defeat the Void Dragons and won."
"Apparently not without any losses though. After the War, Supreme Valtonix fell into an eternal slumber depriving Kalidor of its Deity."
"Why?"
"Dragon Deities can't be killed physically, conceptually or any other weird term. They always survive but can't resist the eternal slumber cast upon them. As for Supreme Valtonix, the War cost him a lot but his life. Three days after the war, he fell."
"How and why?"
Vera asked, hooked.
"They can't live past the Star Dragon."
"Who's that?"
Vera asked.
"The first Star Dragon."
I replied.
"Yeah. After the War, the Monarchs crowded those who faced the biggest threat, namely the Phantoms, as High Sovereigns. The remaining Pure Saints who faced Mordryth were given the title Sovereign.
These two titles are second only to the Monarchs and themselves. There you have it, how the High Sovereign and Sovereign came into being."
"Thanks for the information."
"Um."
She nodded.
"We've seen more than enough in Zerynthor. Let's use the remaining time in Velorith."
She suggested. Just like Sylith, there are Dragons all around Zerynthor with most of them being in their humanoid form.
"Velorith is right above Zerynthor. Let's go."
Cloak carried her around and we followed.
"30% of Dragons live in Nearys & Sylith combined. 20% are in Zerynthor and the rest are in the Crystal Skyline. Look."
She pointed at the floating islands in the atmosphere.
"Some of these islands are as big as planets, each with different units of dimensions with some transcending them entirely."
'Almost like Superworlds. I'm sure some are way beyond what she knows.'
"Where do we go specifically?"
"Let's just roam around. Feel free to attend to anything you see fit."
Velorith stretched out above us, a vibrant expanse of dragon-kin going about their daily lives. Nobles mingled with ordinary dragons, yet 'pride' seemed absent here; hierarchy existed without pretence, power without arrogance.
Each island bore its own character, castles, palaces, workshops, and towering spires of varying shapes and sizes.
Dragons wove through the skies, darting from one isle to another, some descending into Zerynthor while others rose toward the higher layers, a seamless ballet of wings and colour.
"Is Dualith a real thing… or just a myth?"
Vera asked suddenly, her voice slicing through the hum of wings and distant roars.
Tikvah turned to her, eyes wide with surprise. She hesitated, fingers brushing against the edge of her scarf as if steadying herself before speaking. The pause lingered, heavy with unspoken truths, before she finally answered.
"It is. But it's a restricted island for all dragons including High Sovereigns. I'm sorry, I can't take you there."
"Why not?"
I asked.
"I can't. It's a violation of order."
'Order, like an Omni's Order?'
"How much time do we have?"
I asked.
"Not more than ten minutes."
"How long will it take for us to get there?"
I asked, scanning the islands.
"Wú Jí‑kun, I..."
Tikvah began, hesitation in her voice.
"I'm curious about the dragon race, that's why I came here in the first place."
I interrupted gently, a soft smile tugging at my lips.
"I've learned more than enough about their culture, and I truly admire it. I saved Vera on the road… I didn't even know why at the time, but I couldn't let someone die before reaching their goal.
If this is what she really wants, Tikvah, help us one last time. This may be our final encounter together, and I'd like us to part ways with smiles on our faces."
The words hung in the air, carried on the breeze that rustled wings and whispers of distant roars, and I hoped the sincerity in my voice would reach her.
She paused, weighing our friendship against the might of the Monarchs' Order. Her gaze flickered between us, heavy with thought, before she finally spoke.
"I don't want any of you to leave with nothing but memories."
She said, voice steady but carrying a quiet fire.
"For TIKVEEWOO CREW, I'll put my life, and my Lineage at risk. Wú Jí‑kun always does that, protecting us, riding into the depths of hell just so we can make it here. I cannot reject your wishes after all you've done for me. Follow me."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and led the way. We followed, silent but determined.
'She must feel indebted for what I've done, wanting to repay me.'
I thought.
'That worked well.'
After a few minutes of flight, the edge of Velorith stretched before us. A single, broad island rose from the mist. No sound, no palaces, no bustling dragons, just an emptiness that pressed against the senses.
'Dualith… Ela never mentioned this.'
I mused.
"Let's go."
I said.
The moment my feet touched the ground, I felt it, countless eyes watching, piercing through the air like invisible blades. Etherium flared instinctively, but I couldn't see a thing. Umbryss, Clarity, and Eclipter were coated in silver dust, their agitation palpable.
'Arthur Lys?'
I thought. He's the only one I know capable of this. If it is him, he knows everything. I just hope our time doesn't run out while we're here.
At the centre of the island, a cave yawned open, its entrance unremarkable save for the energy radiating from within. The inside glowed faintly, yet there was no source of light, only the egg, suspended in the centre, radiating power that set every nerve on edge.
'Such energy… I haven't felt this since Elyvra.'
"What's that?"
I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper, reverence and awe lacing every syllable.
"The Balance Dragon's Egg."
"Balance Dragon?"
"A species of dragon serving as a living balance among dragon-kin. They're engineered to possess powers of both Dragons and Void Dragons, making them perfect and adaptable no matter the opponent or environment."
"H..how?"
"The Monarchs."
She answered. Before I could respond, someone walked past us.
It was Vera. She moved slowly but with strange certainty, heading straight towards the radiant draconic Egg at the centre of the cave.
"You shouldn't approach it, Vera."
Tim warned but she didn't even look back.
The cold dismissal in her silence felt heavier than words.
'What's wrong with her…?'
She stopped directly in front of the Egg. Its radiance pulsed violently, waves of draconic power rolling outward like heat from a blazing star. The aura alone was enough to scorch flesh and spirit alike, a clear warning to keep away.
But Vera stepped closer. The light burned across her skin as she raised her hand, her palm pressed against the Egg.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
I asked sharply.
She ignored us completely, as if the world around her had ceased to exist. The corrosive aura that should have driven anyone away didn't seem to reach her.
Tikvah reacted first.
"Don't touch it!"
She lunged forward and grabbed Vera's arm just as her other hand began to rise towards the Egg.
Vera flicked her away like brushing an insect from her sleeve. Tikvah stumbled back, barely keeping her footing.
'Such behaviour…"
I could intervene. But something in me held back. I needed to see what Vera was trying to do.
"Don't!"
Tikvah screamed, her voice echoing through the cave.
She rushed forward again without hesitation.
"Vera, stop."
The usually cheerful princess stood her ground in front of the Egg, placing herself between Vera and the ancient relic.
She reached out again, trying to restrain her. But Vera was far stronger.
Tikvah struggled with everything she had, yet she simply didn't have the strength to stop her.
Suddenly, in one brutal motion, Vera's darkness-laced arm tore through Tikvah's fragile body. The shadows writhed and spread like living parasites, as if eager to hollow her out from the inside.
'Heh?'
I froze at this unexpected turn of events.
"Silence, youngling."
She spoke with ice in her voice, casting Tikvah aside as if she were nothing. My eyes followed her fall, her body striking the ground hard, scarlet pooling out beneath her in silence.
To be continued...