Nox wanted to know how the Frost Elder had sneaked into his room, but he decided to focus on what was actually more important.
"How did the eting go?" he asked as he closed the door behind him.
"Just like you said, I managed to convince them that you're not a hybrid," the elder reported in a respectful tone, as if speaking to soone several tis older than him.
"That's good." Nox nodded.
"But," the Frost Elder suddenly interrupted, "though a majority of them believed , I think a few still have their doubts."
"It doesn't matter. With ti, that little doubt will disappear." Nox casually waved his hand, then asked a mont later in a serious voice, "So what was the context of the eting?"
The elder proceeded to explain everything that had transpired.
"A corrupted core? What's that?" Nox narrowed his eyes when he heard sothing that caught his attention.
"That—we don't know much about it either. But according to Supre Leader Zhun'Var, he found it on the battlefield of the last war."
"Hmm, and this core can sohow turn normal dragons into sothing like the Scourge?"
"Yes, Master."
Nox felt a massive wave of headache crash down. His eyes flashed with anger. Not only was the Scourge beast still at large, but those old bastards were planning to create similar creatures again.
He would be damned to think the Supre Court would use this new force for good. With such power behind them, they might even attempt to overthrow Momach's rule of the Dragon Realm.
All of this was just a theory—but little did Nox know, he was only a step away from that future.
"I see. So who's in charge of the experint?" he asked, curious to know how a single corrupted core could turn thousands of dragons into minions.
"Zhun'Var is currently in charge. As for the process or thod, no one has any idea," the elder replied. "He said it's highly confidential and doesn't want anyone to know."
"I see." Nox mumbled with a thoughtful expression. "Well, go back and keep a watch on them. I'll be heading into the Ancient Forest a day from now. If you learn anything else about the experint, don't hesitate to tell ."
"Yes, Master."
"You're dismissed," Nox said, turning on his heel and about to walk out when the elder suddenly called out.
"Wait, Master… there's sothing else I need to tell you."
Nox turned around and held the elder's gaze, one eyebrow arched. "What is it?"
The Frost Elder hesitated for a mont before mustering enough courage to speak. "There's sothing unusual about Supre Elder Zhun'Var."
"Huh?" Nox was now genuinely intrigued. "Why do you say that?"
"His actions and strength are baffling. Sotis, I feel as if his goal isn't just to prove the Supre Dragon Court's superiority or dominance over the realm. I feel it's sothing far grander—sothing the rest of the elders don't know about."
"So you're saying the Supre Elder is hiding sothing?"
"I'm uncertain, but I'd like to think so," the elder nodded.
"Okay. You can leave."
After exiting the room, Nox walked through the hallways of Frostpire Castle, deep in thought. He recalled his previous encounter with the Supre Dragon Court.
At the ti, he hadn't thought much of the Supre Elder. He was like any authoritative leader—wise and composed.
'When he called a hybrid... that old man didn't make a mistake. He knew what he was doing,' Nox thought to himself. 'What could he be planning?'
Perhaps to beco a Dragon Emperor?
That was the only thing that ca to mind. Maybe he was fed up with his position as the head of the Supre Dragon Court.
As Nox thought more deeply, he felt as if he were falling into a dangerous line of thought.
He didn't even notice when Drake sneaked up behind him. Later, the two of them headed toward the room where the rest of the chosen were waiting.
Yes—this was the na Nox had given the young prodigies participating in the journey to the Marked Zone at the heart of the Ancient Forest, which was practically a country of its own.
They ca to a stop before a massive double door guarded by two upright sentries. Even without stepping inside, several powerful auras could be felt pouring out.
"They've been waiting for you for a while now," Drake said. "You're the only one left."
"Co on, let's go inside," Nox replied, and the guards slowly pushed the door open.
Step!
As soon as he stepped in, all eyes turned toward him. The gazes varied—so filled with hate and disgust, while a few held admiration or envy.
"Tsk. So he finally decided to show up," Valkor muttered, clicking his tongue. Beside him, Elsie felt her heartbeat spike the mont she saw Nox's new appearance.
'H-He looks even more handso than last ti,' she thought, subconsciously biting her lower lip, her seductive fox-like eyes sparkling.
She wasn't the only one smitten. Much to the males' displeasure, all the females in the room were imdiately drawn to Nox's valiant and striking presence.
The Lightning Prince, Raziel, folded his arms, lost for words, while Galen of the Wind Kingdom—who had been the first to be eliminated by Nox during the competition—glared at him with pure hatred. He shot a warning glare at the females staring dreamily at Nox, and they all shrank back.
Celestis Valores, princess of the Water Kingdom, sat with one leg crossed over the other, her chin resting on her palm. Her pale silver hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her ocean-colored eyes glead with interest.
'So he's the so-called champion, huh?' A mischievous smile appeared on her face.
Of all the females present, the only ones who managed to maintain neutral expressions were Nyxirith, the Shadow Princess, and Lumi.
As the doors shut behind him, Nox casually scanned the grand chamber. A giant round table stood at the center, surrounded by all the top prodigies from the Eight Dragon Kingdoms. Massive frost-crystal chandeliers hung above, casting a soft blue light. Runes carved into the icy walls shimred faintly, giving off a serene yet pressurized atmosphere.
"Sorry for the delay," Nox said nonchalantly as he strode to the only empty seat at the table.
"The eting will now begin," Drake declared at the sa ti.
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