"I will not let you go until the conflict between humans and dragons is resolved," Jett said, leaning back in his chair as he looked down at the dragon.
Thanks to the fairies’ magic, he could keep this dragon imprisoned here for eternity. Mia had even discovered a way for the fairies to siphon his mana for their own use—making this captive potentially useful. It seed a fair price for its cris.
The dragon sneered. "Such a coward. You can’t even kill ?"
Jett raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you want to talk about? Or would you rather discuss how I intend to settle the dispute between our species?"
The dragon howled with laughter. "Haha! You an lock us up, breed us like livestock for your magic and weapons?!"
He bellowed with unnerving strength even as his mana was drained. When Jett lost all his power, he slept for four hours like a newborn, yet this dragon raged on. Still, Jett remained calm.
"If humanity’s ambitions go that far, I will put a stop to them," Jett replied. "You may be a fool, but you’re a strong fool. Your strength earns my respect."
The dragon’s eyes burned. "And who are you to lecture ? To look down on all dragons?!"
Jett’s gaze was steady. "I’m not looking down—I’m fascinated. I want to test my strength against every kind of dragon and learn your culture. One lone fool like you won’t change that. Besides, losing an entire race would be catastrophic."
He’s stubborn. He won’t betray anything. He’ll take his secrets to the grave. What can I do? Jett thought. Ah—use the Ruler’s Will.
Jett stood and advanced. Summoning Cerven, his crimson lightning spear, he plunged it into the dim room. All color faded under its glow—except the dragon’s eyes, fierce and defiant. With a swing, Jett created a thunderous boom, then drove the lightning spear into the dragon’s shoulder. Blue ichor spurted, narrowly missing Jett’s face.
Jett held the dragon fast. "Your na?"
"Za...n...der," the dragon gasped, horror in his gaze.
"Don’t look so disgusted, Zander," Jett said coolly. "I’ve beaten you—and now I claim my reward."
"Y—"
"Quiet." Jett’s voice left no room for argunt, and Zander’s jaws snapped shut.
Jett leaned close. "Why did you invade these lands?"
"To mutate humans into lizard folk and unleash them on the cities! To prove to those dragon‑slayers that they slaughtered their own people!"
Dragons had long known that lizards shared their bloodline, though they would never admit it. Now the Empress sanctioned forcing that bond onto humans, turning them into flesh‑hungry beasts. A brutal lesson for those who hunted dragons for scales and blood.
"What happens after your lizards overrun the cities?" Jett pressed.
"Spilled blood will lure the heroes into our realm—into the catacombs—where we will slaughter them all."
A chill ran through Jett. The vision of entire cities awash in blood—that’s precisely the carnage the harbinger would revel in.
"How many of you are there?"
"Over a hundred dragons," Zander replied weakly.
If they’ve already ravaged forests, countless communities are lost. Jett’s mind raced. They’ll drive survivors to the cities, then massacre the heroes in one place...
"Doesn’t that an you need to focus on a single city?"
Zander’s grin returned, twitching with cruel triumph. "Yes. The Stormcloud Dukedom’s Sky Capital."
Rage cracked Jett’s composure. He seized the dragon’s head and crushed, the sound of bone snapping echoing.
"That’s where my suit is forged—and the ho of my future maid," he snarled. "I have more questions."
Zander trembled for the first ti.
Stepping from the Sentinel’s heart, Jett was t by Ana, head fairy of the Artemis Forest. She inclined her head in gratitude.
"Sorry, I can’t linger," Jett said. "A catastrophe is already unfolding in the human realms. I must go."
"Understood, Lord Warden," Ana bowed deeply. "I hope we et again so I can properly thank you. Is there anything we can provide?"
Jett paused and nodded.
"I ca with so friends—can you keep them safe until this’s sorted?" I promised to bring them to a safe village, but that’s impossible now. I’m not sure there’s anything else to ask," Jett said.
Ana smiled. "How about we help your esteed horses gallop faster? Our wind magic can boost the speed of everyone and everything. The winds have sung of your horses’ feats and noble lineage. I’m confident they’ll respond well to our enchantnts."
Even my boys are becoming famous, Jett thought. "Sounds great—so how’s it work?"
Ana’s smile deepened. "All fairies will bless your horses and carriage, then one fairy will accompany you to sustain the magic throughout your journey."
"And which fairy would that be?" Jett asked. I haven’t asked her na—her fault for not introducing herself. Only foes fail to identify themselves.
"Lord Warden is acquainted with Lulu, so I believe she’s the perfect choice," Ana replied.
So her na is Lulu, Jett, Mia, and Noctlisa thought.
Only monts later, Lulu—the fairy who had t Jett and the others before they reached the forest’s heart—descended from the sky. She landed lightly, legs pressed together and arms gracefully extended, then bead at everyone.
"I heard you all missed super-duper much!" she chirped.
Jett chuckled. "I just missed riding with you."
"Eh? Really? You’re so super-duper strong yet spooked to ride alone? Haha! No worries—I love riding with you! Count in!" Lulu replied, her excitent bubbling over.
Ana closed her eyes. The current Lord Warden is as lecherous as any before him, though thankfully gentler in approach.
Mia’s gaze sharpened on Lulu until the fairy let out a little "eek!" and shut her eyes in embarrassnt.
Noctlisa glanced around before stating plainly, "I’d like to ride with Master too."
Jett laughed. "Guess you’ll have to go solo, Lulu."
"Eh! Noooo!" Lulu protested, her wings fluttering in playful indignation.
Noctlisa fixed Jett with a fond look and smiled brightly, maiden‑like in her adoration.
Mia inclined her head. "A far wiser choice."
Lulu frowned until Ana gently placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her head, her expression kindly but firm.
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