The morning had fully awakened across the capital.
Indura strolled through the bustling market district with his hands clasped behind his back, golden eyes drifting lazily across the stalls. He stopped in front of a familiar one that had clearly risen in status. It now stood proudly among the high-value merchants. The table was laden with an impressive variety of radishes in different colors and sizes, alongside fresh fruits, vegetables, and other tempting goods.
Indura's lips curved into a small smile. "You've come a long way. This setup looks much more impressive than the first time I saw—"
Before he could finish, the young female vendor rushed around the stall and bowed deeply before him, her voice trembling with genuine emotion.
"Young Master… thank you. Thank you for everything you've done for me." She kept her head lowered, eyes glistening. "Because of you, my life has completely changed. I can afford food for years now. I've been able to keep selling, make steady profits, and even donate to those in need. None of this would have been possible without your kindness that day. You changed everything for me."
Indura stood still, a soft smile lingering on his face as he absorbed her words. He remembered the struggling vendor from months ago and felt a quiet warmth at how far she had come.
She's still kind. I'm glad she hasn't changed.
"It's okay," he said gently. "I'm just happy to see you in good health."
The vendor straightened up, her cheeks flushed with gratitude. "Thank you again, Young Master. Truly. I still remember that day so clearly. I was barely scraping by, and then you appeared… and everything shifted. I even started teaching my younger sister how to manage the stall so I could expand. She's so excited now."
Indura nodded, listening patiently. "You seem to be doing well. That's good."
Shia smiled brightly and gestured to her improved goods. "Would you like to take some with you? Please, it would make me happy."
Indura smirked, a playful glint in his golden eyes. "That would be a great idea. I need night snacks to keep my stomach at ease. It gets restless otherwise."
The vendor laughed lightly and immediately rolled out a large cloth. She began packing generously — heaps of radishes, fresh fruits, vegetables, sweets, and strips of jerky.
Indura's gaze landed on the jerky. "What's that?"
"Dried meat," she explained cheerfully. "It's become very popular among the stalls lately. It keeps well and has a rich, savory flavor. I think you'll enjoy it — especially with how much you seem to appreciate good food."
Indura licked his lips, picked up a piece, and took a bite. The savory taste spread across his tongue, and he let out a satisfied hum as he savored it.
Humans truly find the most interesting ways to enjoy life… and to create such things.
He chewed thoughtfully for a moment before asking, "How has life been treating you lately? Are there still people causing you trouble?"
The vendor giggled softly as she continued packing. "It's been a breeze nowadays. I even started taking martial arts classes once in a while. It strains the body at first, but it feels good knowing I can defend myself if needed." She tied the cloth neatly. "I bought a small house in the Eastern sector with wonderful neighbors who support me. They even help watch the stall when I need rest. I can easily take care of my parents now, and I've been able to offer food and gifts to those who have less. It feels… peaceful."
Indura smiled, a quiet sense of satisfaction settling in his chest.
Stealing all that gold might have actually been worth it. To change one person's life and give them purpose… not bad.
The thought lingered, then shifted. Purpose… He didn't have one. Not really. The realization bothered him more than he cared to admit.
The vendor looked up at him warmly. "How have you been all this time, Young Master? You always seem to appear and disappear like the wind."
Indura sighed lightly. "At my best, I suppose. Moving around as usual, doing what I want. Nothing much. The world keeps spinning, and I keep watching it."
Shia tilted her head with a gentle smile. "That sounds freeing. Sometimes I wish I could just wander like that… but then I remember I have responsibilities now. Still, it must be nice to go wherever the wind takes you."
"It has its moments," Indura replied casually. "Though it can get quiet. Too quiet sometimes."
They continued talking back and forth as she finished packing. Indura spoke lightly about drifting through the city and enjoying simple things, while Shia shared more about her daily joys and small worries. The conversation flowed easily, warm and unhurried.
Eventually, Indura lifted the heavy bundle onto his shoulder. "Thank you for this."
"No, Young Master," she said sincerely. "I am the one who is grateful for what you've done."
Indura smiled, thinking about how kind she was — and wondering if every human could be this way.
He turned to leave, then paused and looked back. "I never got your name."
The vendor's face lit up with a warm, genuine smile. "My name is Shia."
"Shia," Indura repeated, nodding approvingly. "A good name. I won't forget it."
Shia bowed once more. "Thank you again."
Indura waved casually and walked away. Shia watched him go, waving until he disappeared into the crowd. She stood there for a moment longer, whispering softly to the air, "Thank you… truly."
High above the capital, Indura soared through the sky, easily carrying the large bundle of food. The wind felt refreshing against his skin.
This day is turning out quite well already. I can't wait to feast.
Then he tilted his head, remembering something.
Ah… Jin. He had completely forgotten about the boy. He should be fine. Finally, I won't have to listen to his endless talking.
Indura changed direction and flew toward the remote lands where his castle was being completed. He landed on a quiet hilltop far from the workers' view, set down the bundle, and began eating while gazing at the structure.
The castle was enormous — white and gold, the size of a small mountain, with massive gates and tall, elegant windows. Even unfinished, it radiated grandeur.
This is sufficient, he thought, chewing contentedly. I can't wait to move in.
He watched the workers slowly clock off for the day, some riding horses back toward the empire. The sun climbed higher, turning the day to noon, but Indura remained there, still and bored, with nothing much to occupy him.
He stood up, looked at the now-empty cloth, and sighed.
Nothing to do…
He lifted off into the skies again and headed toward the Great Forest.
On a quiet farmland far from the empire, near the ruins of Indura's destroyed mountain, an old man sat under the sun beside a donkey. Both seemed content to stare lazily at the sky.
Suddenly, Indura flew past at great speed, a crimson streak cutting through the air.
The old man chuckled. "There he goes again — moving around in that form like it's the most natural thing in the world. Exceptional with body manipulation, isn't he?"
The donkey remained silent for a moment, then spoke in a deep, ancient voice. "Of course he is. He's a high dragon. Not like any of the others, especially those from Chaos."
The old man — Ostrid — grinned. "True. By the way, how long do you plan to keep pretending to be a donkey, Astrath? Getting comfortable with the hay and flies?"
Astrath snorted in amusement. "As long as you keep pretending to be a wrinkly old man, Ostrid. Tell me, does that beard itch after a few centuries? Or have you grown fond of looking like someone's grandfather?"
Ostrid laughed heartily, slapping his knee. "This form makes me feel closer to the world. Like I'm actually part of it, instead of floating above everything in the upper realms. You should try it sometime — less dignified, more fun."
Astrath gave a lazy flick of his tail. "Being a donkey lets me forget everything happening outside this realm. It's quite comfortable. No responsibilities, just grass and occasional stubbornness. Though I must admit, carrying you around does test my patience."
The two shared a brief, comfortable chuckle before their expressions turned more serious.
Astrath asked quietly, "What will you do when the dragon finds out you were the one who destroyed his mountain?"
Ostrid's smile faded slightly. "I'll create a new one for him — even bigger, with a castle that truly suits him. Until then, he'll never know."
Astrath nodded. "This will be interesting."
Ostrid looked toward the horizon. "The three sky warriors are about to confront him. The eclipse is only minutes away. The time has come."
Astrath's voice grew solemn. "It's time for the king to return home. He's had enough relaxation for six hundred years."
Over the Great Forest, Indura soared above the trees, noticing the massive crater he had left behind when he unleashed his annihilation breath. He smirked.
That was refreshing. He wondered briefly, Just who was that man who hit me with dark energy? Then he shrugged it off.
He hovered above a certain sector of the forest, looking down. The elf kingdom was hidden behind a camouflage barrier.
Should I visit Syphon? Or maybe bond with the old elves?
He shook his head, fighting the internal debate, then clenched his fist and rose higher into the sky.
In the elf kingdom's castle gardens, Syphon had already sensed his presence. She smiled softly to herself.
He seems to be doing well.
Indura continued rising, breaking through the clouds and into space. He remembered the last time he had been this high — facing Gundr. He hovered just above the planet's atmosphere, finding it difficult to breathe, but not enough to bother him. He simply held his breath easily.
He looked down at the vast world below with calm golden eyes, then glanced at the distant moon, noticing the strange carve on its surface.
Has it always looked like that?
He turned away and descended back into the atmosphere, breaking the sound barrier as he streaked toward his castle in the remote lands.
He landed on the hilltop once more and lay down under the sunlight, feeling thoroughly bored.
Nothing to do… I want something. Anything. Even a fight would be fine right now.
He glanced at the grand castle again.
It's mine anyway. A little peek wouldn't hurt.
He stood up and vanished in a blur, speeding through the land and slipping into the castle, leaving only a slight gust of wind that confused the workers.
Indura stopped at the center hall and stood utterly amazed.
The interior was enormous — far larger than he had imagined. Tall windows allowed plenty of natural light and ventilation. The floors were cool and polished, still too small for his titanic form, but more than sufficient for his humanoid shape. Every detail felt thoughtful and grand.
Beautiful, he thought, brushing his hand smoothly along one of the walls. It was worth waiting this long.
Suddenly, a clean, ancient voice cut through the silence.
"We are glad to finally meet you."
Indura turned sharply.
Three tall men stood before him, each dressed in noble white and gold attire that looked otherworldly. Their presence felt distinctly out of place.
Who are these people? And why do they act like they know me?
The one in the center — Juriel — stepped forward with a calm, measured smile.
"It is a pleasure to meet the Red Dragon at last."
Indura's expression grew cold. His heart began to beat faster, a rare tension rising within him.