Three days had passed since Alex and his party embarked on their journey to the Dragon Kingdom.
Stopping midway to rest, they settled near the side of the road. A clear pond lay nearby, its gentle flow drawing Lars' attention.
"Guys, can you see this? Finally, I can drink fresh water!" Lars exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement.
Luck, standing beside him, stretched and sighed. "Yeah… I need to bathe too. I smell of dirt." His tone was as casual as ever with reek of royalty.
Meanwhile, Alex remained seated atop the carriage, his back resting against it. He didn't join them; instead, he sank into deep thought, his reflection mirroring in his vacant expression.
The seven mythical dragon clans of Murim were once regarded as royalty by nature.
But I wonder—how different are the dragons of this world from those of Murim?
Can they even compare?
In this world, Alex doubted the existence of any creature surpassing figures like the Dragon Emperor, the Heavenly Emperor, or even his former self.
Still, he understood dragons far beyond what most could comprehend. He had absorbed countless dragon essences in his past life. Their energy was far superior to that of humans, a gap defined by nature itself.
If one were to compare, a normal human would need to cultivate for a hundred years just to achieve a fraction of what dragons were born with. And even then, some would never reach a significant breakthrough.
But dragons?
They were born with achievements. From the moment of their birth, they were superior. Even a newborn dragon was stronger than a human who had cultivated for a century.
Yet, despite their overwhelming power, dragons were not invincible.
Humans possessed something dragons did not—boundless potential. Unlike dragons, who were already at their peak from birth, humans could rise beyond their limitations. They had an innate affinity for ki, and though not all possessed great talent, history had proven that, given enough time, there would always be humans who surpassed even the greatest dragons.
From the shore of pond Mischel's lowd voice interrupted his thoughts.
Sheng, do you want to drink some water?"
"Sheng? Can you hear me?"
"No, enjoy your drink yourself," Alex replied flatly.
Mischel sighed, glancing at Shelly, who sat beside her.
"Your friend never cares about anything, don't you think?" she asked, sounding disappointed as she failed to get his attention.
Shelly nodded. "I don't know… He's insane. Is he even human? I don't think he is."
But Mischel shook her head. "You're being too harsh on him. Not everyone has the same nature or way of thinking. People are different, and so are their thoughts. But still, I believe he's got a good heart."
Shelly nodded again, but this time her voice was quieter. "I don't know… It's just—your choice. There was once someone just like him. Cruel and insane."
Her fingers tightened into a fist.
"Do you know? He killed his own mother."
Mischel let out a slow breath. "There are people capable of anything," she said. "But do you have proof?"
Shelly hesitated. "No."
"Then lets not spread rumors that could hurt him or his loved ones."
Shelly lowered her gaze. "I understand… I wish they were just rumors too."
As their conversation faded with emerging a new night the forest was dull with trees merely giving a root for horses
….
Four days had passed since we departed from Gold Crest.
Lars sat beside Alex, lost in thought. Alex was cultivating, Luck was sleeping, and Shelly was half-drowsy. Mischel, as always, focused on driving the carriage.
We'll depart as soon as that person, Sheng, gets entry into the Dragon Kingdom, Lars thought. He's a bit hot-tempered, but deep down, I know he's a good person.
But still… I can't compare him to Sir…
Lars hesitated.
Even so, there's something similar between them. In so many ways, Sheng reminds me of him…
Back then, when Sir Alex left that day, leaving everything behind, people started spreading rumors. They claimed he was the one who orchestrated everything. That it was all his plan.
But they were wrong.
Lars clenched his fists. I saw him leave the royal hall with my own eyes.
That was the day I decided—I would become strong. Strong enough that when he returns, I won't be a disgrace in his eyes.
But ever since that day… the King hasn't been the same.
He's become lethargic… broken…
Lars shook his head, pushing those thoughts away.
I have to get back to the royal hall as fast as I can.
General—no, Teacher Viscal would be furious if I took too long.
Also As the only heir left, Sir Luck's safety is my top priority. No matter what, I will ensure it."
Still i think If things continue smoothly, we'll reach the Dragon Kingdom a day earlier than expected. No one knows much about it, though."
"Except that its more devloped then leventha they have more advanced methods of using magic which is vastly different than us humans."
That little knowledge comes from the Church of the Dragon God in Leventha—the only one of its kind there. Unlike the many temples dedicated to Goddess Uxil, the Blood God Raven, and the Goddess Phoenixlia, the worship of the Dragon God is scarce.