The formidable structure loomed before them like a mountain, radiating an aura of treasures and temptation that stirred excitement in the crowd. The massive iron gate stood sealed, untouched by time, as though no one had dared to open it for ages.
"Let's break the door, guys!" someone shouted.
Dong! Dong!
Several overenthusiastic individuals rushed forward, displaying their might as they attempted to force the gate open. Despite their efforts, the door remained unmoved, not even a scratch marring its surface.
Aengus and Hank exchanged a glance, shaking their heads at the futile display. Without another word, they turned their attention elsewhere, intent on finding their companions.
"Brother Zero, something's happening over there!" Hank suddenly exclaimed, pointing off to the distance from the gate.
Aengus turned and was greeted by a strange sight: towering, broad trees—actual living trees—were locked in battle with a fire dragon, flames roaring against the dense foliage. The scene was surreal, as if nature itself had risen to fight the dragon's fury.
But what truly caught Aengus's attention was the familiar feeling that stirred within him. He narrowed his eyes in confusion, trying to place the sensation. "Hm... That fire dragon is giving me a familiar vibe, like I've met it before," he muttered, drawing Hank's curious gaze.
"You've met that dragon before? You're awesome, Brother!" Hank said with awe, looking at Aengus with newfound respect.
Aengus shook his head, still puzzled.
"No, I haven't. I mean, I haven't met him personally... Oh, wait. That's it! He must be that Fire Dragon Prince. I now recognize that aura.
The one with the fiery red hair and arrogant attitude," Aengus recalled, his memory finally coming to place.
Hank stiffened slightly at the mention of the Dragon Prince. "You mean, he's Helios' son? That would explain how a dragon appeared out of nowhere," he said, connecting the dots.
"Yes, but who is he fighting?" Aengus asked, his All-Seeing eyes strangely failing to pierce the chaotic scene. It was a rare occurrence, and his brows furrowed with confusion.
"Maybe he's fighting some Demi-Human Royalties. They have those strange nature-related skills," Hank guessed, though uncertainty lingered in his voice.
"I don't know who she is," another chimed in, "But her fighting skills are incredible. Controlling nature like that? And she's holding her own against the Fire Dragon Prince? Unbelievable!"
"Man, I wish she was my girlfriend. I'd give my life for that," a third boy said, his eyes distant with a dreamy expression.
His friend laughed and clapped him on the back. "Hahaha, good luck with that, mate! You wouldn't even know how you died if you tried, given your rank and lack of background. I'm sure she's got some kind of royal lineage."
They all laughed heartily, but Aengus's eyes remained fixed on Aria, a mixture of pride and protectiveness swelling in his chest.
"Heh, look at Sigard, Melina. He can't even defeat a girl. I'm better than him. You should consider me as your mating partner instead of him."
Suddenly, Aengus and the others heard a disdainful snort from one of the spectators.
The crowd quickly dispersed from that area, sensing the newcomers' powerful auras.
A group of five was revealed—three girls and two boys. They were all stunningly beautiful and handsome, dressed in royal attire, their bodies adorned with expensive and powerful treasures.
"Oh, that's the Water Dragon Prince Kaelith!"
"The Ice Dragon Princess Frost Aurora is here too!"
"Dragon Princess Frost Melina as well. Looks like things are about to get interesting."
Frost Aurora stood beside Frost Melina, both of them wearing expressions of clear annoyance. They appeared to be twins, with their frosty white hair giving it away. They were tall, with striking features that attracted more than a few impure glances from the crowd.
Dragon Prince Kaelith was one of them.
Aengus glanced at them warily, ready to act if they interfered with the fight. Even though Aria was holding her own, he wouldn't let her suffer any longer than necessary.
Frost Aurora spoke on behalf of her sister, "Kael, who my sister chooses as a life partner is none of your business. She's already rejected you, so shoo, shoo. Otherwise—" Aurora's face turned icy with a hint of killing intent.