Vol. 5 Ch. 8

A few days later, Leon received a response from Odin.

The old dragon expressed his delight that Leon still remembered their proposed sparring match and invited him to meet at Sky City to discuss the details.

“Why Sky City?” Leon frowned. “It’s just a spar. Can’t we just pick some deserted place and get it over with?”

Rosvisser reviewed the letter carefully and explained, “People like you don’t just ‘spar’ casually. No matter how discreet you try to be, it’ll inevitably attract attention. With so many onlookers, you’ll hear all kinds of opinions and judgments.”

“Odin likely suggested Sky City because it’s a neutral territory recognized by all dragon tribes. It’s a way of making it clear to everyone that this is a simple sparring match, nothing more.”

She folded the letter and raised her gaze to Leon. “He mentioned he’ll be staying in Sky City for the next few days and that we’re welcome to meet him there anytime. So, what’s your plan, Leon?”

Leon didn’t hesitate. “Let’s leave immediately.”

---

A silver dragon soared above the clouds, its shimmering scales reflecting the sunlight.

Leon sat cross-legged on the broad back of the dragon, cradling his youngest daughter, Muse, in his arms.

“Are you really taking our daughter with you to spar with the old man?” Rosvisser asked.

Leon, gently teaching Muse how to mimic a bird’s movements, replied, “Even though my little angel can barely say a full sentence yet, that doesn’t stop her doting father from wanting to spend every moment with her.”

He added with a grin, “Besides, it’s not every day we get to go out. Of course, I’ll take her along. Plus, we can shop for some new clothes and toys for her.”

Rosvisser chuckled faintly. “You’re about to face a major duel, yet you’re still thinking about buying clothes for our daughter.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Leon lifted Muse into the air, her tiny legs kicking playfully as he swayed her gently. The father and daughter locked eyes, and Leon’s smile deepened.

“Even if the world ends tomorrow, my daughter should still get to enjoy today beautifully.”

He paused, lowering Muse back into his arms, and placed a hand gently on the cool scales beneath him.

“And so should my wife.”

The dragon beneath them shuddered faintly, a subtle tremor betraying the emotions of its rider. Had Rosvisser been in her human form, her face would surely have been flushed red.

“You idiot,” she muttered, her voice tinged with embarrassment. “Stop saying things that make me want to kick you off.”

“Alright, I’ll stop.”

“No, you won’t!”

“Not~ a~ chance~!” Leon teased, dragging out his words in a playful tone.

“What was that sound?” Rosvisser asked, turning her head. “Was that you?”

“Nope, that was Muse trying to copy you.”

Leon pinched his daughter’s cheek lightly. “Say it again, sweetheart.”

“Not~ a~ chance~! Not~ a~ chance~!” Muse flailed her tiny arms enthusiastically, babbling the phrase with a mix of excitement and giggles.

The family of three laughed and joked as they flew toward Sky City.

---

Two hours later, the silver dragon descended at the entrance to Sky City, where the bustling crowds gave the area a lively atmosphere.

Not long after they landed, two figures dressed as attendants approached them.

“Greetings to the Silver Dragon Queen and the Prince Consort. We’ve been expecting you,” one of the attendants said with a polite bow.

Since this meeting was arranged by the Thunder Dragon King, it made sense for someone to be there to greet Leon and Rosvisser.

However…

Rosvisser crossed her arms and cast a scrutinizing glance at the tails of the two attendants.

They weren’t from the Thunder Dragon Tribe.

Upon closer inspection, their attire resembled that of the Twilight Tower.

“Were you sent here by the Twilight Tower Master?” Rosvisser asked.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Our master instructed us to welcome you,” one of the attendants replied.

“Well, thank your master for the thought, but we’re here for a private sparring match with Odin. It would be inappropriate to meet with anyone else at this time. Please pass on our regards and apologies.”

“Your Majesty,” the attendant interjected, “the Thunder Dragon King is currently a guest at the Twilight Tower. He instructed us to escort you there as part of his arrangement.”

Rosvisser and Leon exchanged a glance before Leon nodded slightly.

Rosvisser wasn’t entirely surprised by their connection to the Twilight Tower. After all, they wouldn’t have come here without a reason. Still, protocol dictated that pleasantries be exchanged.

“In that case, lead the way,” Rosvisser said.

The attendants gestured politely and began guiding the couple toward the Twilight Tower.

---

At the top of the Twilight Tower, the Tower Master stood on the rooftop terrace alongside Odin.

Situated at the heart of Sky City, the tower offered a panoramic view of its surroundings with just a turn of the head.

The Tower Master gazed out at the vibrant cityscape, sighing wistfully. “It took me nearly a thousand years to build Sky City into what it is today. If you end up fighting that Silver Dragon Prince, don’t you dare demolish my territory.”

Though his tone was playful, Odin could sense the underlying concern.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Odin’s mouth. “I can tell you’re worried.”

His expression turned serious as he added, “With your spatial magic, you can easily create a battleground for us to fight in. You won’t have to worry about me tearing down your precious tower.”

The Tower Master sighed, shaking his head at Odin’s no-nonsense demeanor. “You’re as rigid as ever. I honestly don’t know how the Thunder Dragons have put up with you for so long.”

“They’ll put up with anyone,” Odin replied dryly.

After a brief pause, he asked, “Have you invited others to watch the duel?”

“Of course,” the Tower Master said. “A showdown between masters of lightning magic? I couldn’t pass up the chance to make this a learning experience for the other Dragon Kings.”

“Fire magic may be the most widely used among dragons, but even lightning magic deserves its moment of glory,” he added with a sly grin.

Odin crossed his arms. “At first, this was just supposed to be a simple sparring match. But you’ve been pushing me to move forward with this ever since you heard about it.”

“And now that you’ve invited so many Dragon Kings to watch, it’s obvious you’re using this as an opportunity to send a message to the ‘Fear Cultists’ hidden among us.”

The Tower Master quickly interrupted, “I’ve never claimed that the Silver Dragon Prince is the prophesied ‘Child of Thunder.’”

Odin smiled faintly but didn’t press the matter further. His gaze shifted downward.

The young prince was arriving, accompanied by his wife and daughter.

“If this doesn’t work,” Odin said quietly, “then it’ll truly be too late, old friend.”

“I know, Odin. All our hopes rest on Leon now. He’s our only chance.”