Chapter 170: Chapter 170: Aria VS Sigard
The formidable structure loomed before them like a mountain, radiating an aura of treasures and temptation that stirred excitement in the crowd. The massive iron gate stood sealed, untouched by time, as though no one had dared to open it for ages.
"Let's break the door, guys!" someone shouted.
Dong! Dong!
Several overenthusiastic individuals rushed forward, displaying their might as they attempted to force the gate open. Despite their efforts, the door remained unmoved, not even a scratch marring its surface.
Aengus and Hank exchanged a glance, shaking their heads at the futile display. Without another word, they turned their attention elsewhere, intent on finding their companions.
"Brother Zero, something's happening over there!" Hank suddenly exclaimed, pointing off to the distance from the gate.
Aengus turned and was greeted by a strange sight: towering, broad trees—actual living trees—were locked in battle with a fire dragon, flames roaring against the dense foliage. The scene was surreal, as if nature itself had risen to fight the dragon's fury.
But what truly caught Aengus's attention was the familiar feeling that stirred within him. He narrowed his eyes in confusion, trying to place the sensation. "Hm... That fire dragon is giving me a familiar vibe, like I've met it before," he muttered, drawing Hank's curious gaze.
"You've met that dragon before? You're awesome, Brother!" Hank said with awe, looking at Aengus with newfound respect.
Aengus shook his head, still puzzled.
"No, I haven't. I mean, I haven't met him personally... Oh, wait. That's it! He must be that Fire Dragon Prince. I now recognize that aura.
The one with the fiery red hair and arrogant attitude," Aengus recalled, his memory finally coming to place.
Hank stiffened slightly at the mention of the Dragon Prince. "You mean, he's Helios' son? That would explain how a dragon appeared out of nowhere," he said, connecting the dots.
"Yes, but who is he fighting?" Aengus asked, his All-Seeing eyes strangely failing to pierce the chaotic scene. It was a rare occurrence, and his brows furrowed with confusion.
"Maybe he's fighting some Demi-Human Royalties. They have those strange nature-related skills," Hank guessed, though uncertainty lingered in his voice.
"Let's check it out," Aengus suggested, noticing the growing crowd heading toward the battle. Hank nodded and followed him, both of them weaving through the crowd of spectators.
As they approached the scene, Aengus finally saw clearly who was fighting the Dragon Prince—and he froze.
"Aria?" he whispered, astonished. Aria was at the center of the battle, controlling trees and plants as if they were extensions of herself, her power radiating in waves.
Hank spotted more familiar faces.
"Brother Zero, Sofia and Nate are also there!" he exclaimed, pointing toward Aria's group.
Indeed, alongside Aria were Drake, Yona, Sofia, Nate, and a few others Aengus didn't recognize. Opposing them stood the Dragon Prince and a small group of his companions.
Aengus let out an involuntary breath of relief, a genuine smile forming on his lips as he saw that Aria, Yona and Drake were also safe and sound. It was surprise to see Yona and Drake alive too.
But more than that—Aria looked very powerful, far more so than when they had last met.
Her command over nature was astonishing, and she was locked in a fierce stalemate with the Dragon Prince's fiery onslaught, his firestorms and tornadoes reducing the surrounding landscape to ash.
Amidst the destruction, Aria shone brightly, floating effortlessly with the support of tree vines, her face set with overwhelming determination and killing intent. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Aengus's heart swelled with pride and relief.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed that Aria's hair had turned pure white, and her entire figure radiated a gentle yet formidable energy. It was soothing for her allies but deadly for her enemies.
It was completely different version of Aria that he knew off.
Regardless, he couldn't help but feel happiness seeing her so strong. Perhaps she had found an unshakable resolve of her own, one that made her grow into this powerful force.
Aengus overheard the excited chatter from a group of young onlookers.
"Hey, who is that white-haired beauty? She looks just like a goddess!" one of them exclaimed, clearly mesmerized by Aria's appearance.
"I don't know who she is," another chimed in, "But her fighting skills are incredible. Controlling nature like that? And she's holding her own against the Fire Dragon Prince? Unbelievable!"
"Man, I wish she was my girlfriend. I'd give my life for that," a third boy said, his eyes distant with a dreamy expression.
His friend laughed and clapped him on the back. "Hahaha, good luck with that, mate! You wouldn't even know how you died if you tried, given your rank and lack of background. I'm sure she's got some kind of royal lineage."
They all laughed heartily, but Aengus's eyes remained fixed on Aria, a mixture of pride and protectiveness swelling in his chest.
"Heh, look at Sigard, Melina. He can't even defeat a girl. I'm better than him. You should consider me as your mating partner instead of him."
Suddenly, Aengus and the others heard a disdainful snort from one of the spectators.
The crowd quickly dispersed from that area, sensing the newcomers' powerful auras.
A group of five was revealed—three girls and two boys. They were all stunningly beautiful and handsome, dressed in royal attire, their bodies adorned with expensive and powerful treasures.
"Oh, that's the Water Dragon Prince Kaelith!"
"The Ice Dragon Princess Frost Aurora is here too!"
"Dragon Princess Frost Melina as well. Looks like things are about to get interesting."
Frost Aurora stood beside Frost Melina, both of them wearing expressions of clear annoyance. They appeared to be twins, with their frosty white hair giving it away. They were tall, with striking features that attracted more than a few impure glances from the crowd.
Dragon Prince Kaelith was one of them.
Aengus glanced at them warily, ready to act if they interfered with the fight. Even though Aria was holding her own, he wouldn't let her suffer any longer than necessary.
Frost Aurora spoke on behalf of her sister, "Kael, who my sister chooses as a life partner is none of your business. She's already rejected you, so shoo, shoo. Otherwise—" Aurora's face turned icy with a hint of killing intent.