Vol. 4 Ch. 39

Thus ended the story of the first Dragon King, Noa: her birth, her struggles, and the decisions that molded her into the greatest hero in dragon history.

Now, having awakened after thousands of years, she resides in the mind of her young namesake, bound by her ancient promise to the Dragon Goddess Tiamat. Fortunately, Noa considered herself lucky—her host was brave and noble, and her sisters were clever and bright.

In all her centuries, Noa had encountered countless individuals, but few were like the Melkvey sisters. They lacked the ferocity of the Dragon Clan but possessed a rare kindness at their core, a kindness that might represent the best hope for the future of their kin. It was this spirit that made Noa realize how truly fortunate she was.

Had her spirit ended up in the mind of a crazed fire dragon rather than this young girl, things would undoubtedly be much different.

“That’s all I wanted to say,” she concluded, looking at Aurora. “So, do you still think I’m some sneaky ghost hiding in your sister’s body?”

Aurora slowly shook her head, somewhat bashfully.

“Good.”

As she spoke, Noa stood up, brushing leaves and dust from her dress.

“Now that you’ve heard the story, take your time to digest it. Ah—almost forgot. Before I return your sister’s body, I still have one more thing to do.”

Moon blinked her large, curious eyes. “What… huh? Huh?!”

Before she could finish, Noa bent down and scooped both Moon and Aurora into a big hug, pressing her cheeks against their soft little faces, radiating happiness.

“To be able to snuggle with three little dragonlings in one night—what bliss! A king could sleep a thousand years for this kind of happiness!”

Moon was still in a daze, too surprised to react, like a beautiful doll nestled in Noa’s embrace.

But for Moon, things felt different. Despite knowing this was Noa’s ancestor using her sister’s body, the warmth and softness were all her sister’s, reminding her of the comforting hugs she used to share before her sister started school.

So even though she knew it wasn’t really her sister…

“Mm… big sis’s cheek, so soft and warm…”

“Oh, and about the Ultimate Fear,” Noa continued, “don’t worry too much. Thousands of years ago, the high priest made a prophecy.”

“The prophecy said, ‘When the heavens fall, and the world of illusions collapses, the end of all things will arrive, and fear will once again descend upon this land. Then, a Child of Thunder will arise to save all.’”

“I don’t know who this Child of Thunder will be, but they will defeat the Ultimate Fear, as the prophecy foretold.”

“However, that doesn’t mean we can be complacent. Do you understand, little ones?”

Aurora nodded in her dazed state, while Moon, not fully understanding the prophecy or the “Child of Thunder,” simply decided to follow her sister’s lead.

“Alright, then. Time to return your sister’s body to her. Goodbye, little ones.”

With those words, Noa’s ancestor passed control back to her.

The sudden shift made Noa feel slightly dizzy, but she quickly steadied herself, accustomed to the sensation by now.

As she regained control, Noa shook her head lightly and looked at Moon, who was still clutching her arm. Smiling, Noa gently pinched her sister’s round cheek.

Moon then glanced at Aurora, who was still lost in thought, processing the incredible story.

It wasn’t surprising that Aurora was overwhelmed. Even Noa herself needed time to fully understand and absorb everything her ancestor had shared.

The Dragon Goddess, the meaning of life, the seal, the conflict between light and shadow, the looming deadline for the Ultimate Fear’s release, and the prophecy of the Child of Thunder who would save the land of Maier.

These concepts were far more complex than anything they’d learned in school.

“Moon, Aurora, I’d like to ask you both a favor.”

“What is it, big sis?”

Aurora snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Noa.

“Please keep the story of the Dragon Clan hero a secret from Mom and Dad for now. First, it would only make them worry. And second, Noa’s powers haven’t fully recovered. If this leaks, the Ultimate Fear might act sooner than expected.”

The two younger sisters nodded obediently.

“Got it, big sis. We won’t say a word.”

“Another secret to keep? Yay!” Moon cheered.

Aurora looked surprised. “Wait, why ‘another’?”

“Ah… well… because…” Moon began, nervously twisting her fingers together.

“She once accidentally ruined one of Mom’s dresses, and I promised to keep it a secret for her,” Noa explained.

“You just told her!” Moon exclaimed.

“Oh, sorry.”

“Aurora, you won’t tell, will you?” Moon pleaded.

“You wouldn’t want Mom to find out about the dress, would you?” Noa added.

“Ahhh!” Moon tackled Aurora, and the two sisters rolled around on the grass, giggling and wrestling.

Noa watched them with a smile, her expression filled with warmth and affection.

After a while, the two sisters stopped playing.

“So, big sis, will you keep gathering primordial power with her help to eventually face this ‘Ultimate Fear’?” Aurora asked.

Noa nodded. “At the moment, she can’t switch to a different host, so she has to use my body to recover her power gradually. Fortunately, the Ultimate Fear still has a long time before it can break the seal. Until then, I want to gather as much power as possible.”

Aurora furrowed her brow. “But since she no longer has her own body, she has to rely on yours to recover. When the time comes to face the Ultimate Fear, won’t that put you in danger too?”

Noa replied calmly, “Aurora, if Dad knew that a world-ending disaster was inevitable, what do you think he’d do?”

Aurora answered without hesitation, “He’d go stop it, no question. Even if not for others, he’d do it for us.”

“Exactly. And this time, it’s my turn to protect our family.”

Noa’s tone was steady, filled with the quiet determination of someone who had embraced her role.

“I won’t complain about anything that’s happened. In fact, I’m grateful Noa chose me.”

“She’s given me the chance to play a real part in protecting our family, rather than just watching from the sidelines, trying to help Mom and Dad with minor tricks.”

“So, this is a precious opportunity, one I don’t want to waste.”

“You both understand, don’t you?”

The two sisters, who knew Noa’s sense of duty well, nodded without hesitation.

It was natural to them that Noa would take on this responsibility, just like Dad, always putting the family first. And like Mom, she was cautious and strategic, understanding that she must protect herself to protect others.

“I understand, big sis.”

“Even if I don’t get everything you’re saying, I’ll always be by your side, big sis!” Moon chimed in.

Noa smiled, reaching out to ruffle both of her sisters’ hair.

“Thank you, Moon, Aurora.”

The night air was growing cooler.

After chatting a little longer, the three sisters decided to head back to bed.

As they passed their parents’ room, Aurora noticed a light glowing beneath the door.

She frowned, rubbing her forehead. “It’s so late, and they’re still up?”

Noa stopped, glancing toward the door.

“They’re probably working.”

“Mom working, sure, but why would Dad be working too?”

Noa shrugged. “Adult stuff. Who knows?”

As they walked toward their own room, Moon looked up at Noa.

“Big sis, how late do you think they’ll be working?”

“I’m not sure, but I doubt they’ll be up until sunrise.”

“Yeah, that would exhaust them,” Moon said thoughtfully.

“Oh, big sis! Isn’t next term your last in the Young Dragon Division?”

“Yup, and there’s an assessment at the end.”

“Good luck, big sis!”

“I know, I know~”