Vol. 5 Ch. 74

A Red Flame Dragon guard landed smoothly, and Konstantin leaped down from its back.

This was the equivalent of a private jet—eerily similar to a certain general’s six-winged eagle companion.

As Konstantin approached, Hefei, who had been slightly anxious earlier, felt her worries dissipate entirely.

She wanted to run forward and give her father a big hug but stopped mid-step.

She remembered her father’s teachings: in public, don’t make overly exaggerated gestures or express too much emotion.

Recalling this, Hefei froze in place, deciding not to proceed further.

Unexpectedly, her father stepped forward, bent down, and pulled her into a warm embrace.

“Father…”

“Why did you stop? Hefei, don’t you want to see your father?”

“No, no, I missed you so much, Father.”

Konstantin smiled faintly, patting his daughter’s head. He didn’t tease her further.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s alright, Father.”

Watching this tender scene between the fiery father and daughter, Leon couldn’t help but marvel.

“Looks like old Konstantin is a quick learner. In just a few months, he’s mastered the art of being a proper daughter-slave. Well done. Keep it up.”

After a brief exchange between father and daughter, Konstantin took Hefei’s hand and walked over to Leon and the others.

“Why is it you again, Red Dragon King? Didn’t your wife come with you?”

Both Leon and Isha seemed surprised by his question.

In the past, Konstantin would never have initiated such casual conversation.

He always had that cold expression that seemed to say,

“Your life or death has nothing to do with me.”

Only matters concerning Hefei or combat ever elicited any emotional response from him.

But now, he was the one bringing up the topic.

It seemed Konstantin had not only learned how to bond with his daughter but also how to “chat” with others.

“Rosvisser is busy,” Leon explained. “She mentioned she’d be late today.”

Konstantin nodded, asking no further questions.

Isha glanced around and suggested,

“Since Rosvisser won’t be here for a while, why don’t we take a stroll around the school? It’s been a while since I last visited.”

Everyone agreed to the idea.

Moon and Aurora led the group as “tour guides,” Hefei and Muse walked hand in hand, while Mevis stayed near the back with Noa. Konstantin, staying true to his “cool” persona, lagged behind.

Leon and Isha walked side by side at the front of the group.

“You went to the Empire again on this trip, didn’t you?” Isha asked in a low voice, ensuring only the two of them could hear.

Leon nodded.

“I replenished the Lionheart Guild’s magical resources and boosted their overall strength.”

Isha crossed her arms and raised an elegant eyebrow.

“Was the urgency triggered by your last encounter with Sai?”

“Yes, I have a feeling…” Leon exhaled slowly, hands in his pockets.

“The final confrontation is approaching. I need to strengthen my allies as much as possible before then.”

Isha smiled.

“Well, little brother-in-law, you’re starting to show real leadership qualities.”

“Leadership might be a stretch,” Leon said modestly. “It’s more about giving those willing to fight a chance to make a difference.”

“Fair enough. And what about yourself? I heard you were frustrated after the setback in the Flaming Valley and even started developing new techniques. How’s that going?”

Leon’s eyes glinted with determination.

“It’s going well. My master passed down his lifetime of sword techniques to me. I’ve been practicing diligently, refining my skills and control over my power.”

He continued,

“During my time in the Empire, in addition to helping the guild, I’ve been working tirelessly to perfect my master’s techniques. Thanks to Noa’s advice and Rosvisser’s inspiration, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my abilities.”

“Compared to a few months ago, I wouldn’t say I’ve undergone a complete transformation, but I’ve definitely reached a new level of strength.”

“You always manage to surprise us,” Isha said with a smile. “I hope this time is no different.”

“Me too,” Leon replied sincerely.

Their conversation took a sharp turn when Isha asked,

“By the way, Leon, earlier I noticed you looking at Mevis, Noa’s teacher. Is something on your mind?”

Leon paused mid-step.

“You noticed that?”

Isha smirked.

“So, it’s true?”

“Yeah,” Leon admitted. “I feel like I’ve seen Mevis somewhere before.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything to her?”

“Come on, big sis, I’m a married man. Walking up to a female teacher and saying,

‘Hey, I think I’ve seen you before,’

doesn’t that sound weird?”

Isha chuckled.

“Alright, alright. You’d do well in the Silver Dragon clan’s moral standards committee.”

Leon shrugged off the remark.

“But seriously, why did you bring it up? Do you feel the same way?”

“Yes,” Isha replied thoughtfully. “But the familiarity isn’t just from meeting her in Sky City. It’s more… nuanced. Do you know what I mean?”

Leon considered this and nodded gravely.

“I do. The first time I saw her in Sky City, I had that feeling too. But back then, I was too focused on fighting Odin to give it much thought.”

Now that both of them shared the same sense of déjà vu about Mevis, it couldn’t be dismissed as coincidence.

However, neither of them could recall ever meeting her before the Sky City event.

It was as if a familiar melody was stuck in their minds, but they couldn’t remember the lyrics.

“What do you plan to do?” Isha asked.

Leon thought for a moment.

“After the conference, I’ll investigate through Imperial channels. I’ll also find reasons to come to the academy more often and observe her closely.”

Isha nodded in agreement.

The group eventually reached the academy’s sports field, where numerous Dragon Kings and noble representatives had gathered.

Mevis and Noa were chatting when Mevis suddenly frowned.

“Noa, I need to step away for a moment. I’ll be back soon.”

“Alright, Mevis.”

Mevis apologized to Leon and the others before hurrying off.

She made her way to the rooftop of a building, where Elizabeth was already waiting.

“It’s time to execute the ignition plan, isn’t it?” Mevis asked, stopping a few steps away.

Elizabeth didn’t turn around.

“Yes. With so many prominent figures from the clans gathered here, this is the perfect moment.”

Mevis clenched her jaw, hesitating briefly before responding.

“Understood. Let’s do this.”

Elizabeth raised her arms, and black magical energy surged from her palms, swirling into smoke as it shot toward Konstantin on the field below.

Konstantin, engaged in conversation with Hefei, suddenly stumbled forward as if pushed by an invisible force.

“Father? Are you okay?” Hefei asked, her voice filled with concern.

Konstantin didn’t respond. His face turned pale, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.

Hefei’s panicked cries drew the attention of Leon and the surrounding dragons.

Black smoke began seeping from Konstantin’s body.

Leon’s eyes widened in shock.

“This isn’t ordinary magic… It’s chaos magic from the Black Dragon Scales!”