The battle between Dagruel and Veldora had been raging for hours.
Every punch cracked mountains; every kick carved valleys. The shockwaves tore apart the barren land for miles.
Neither showed any sign of slowing—until a sharp, cutting pressure suddenly descended from above.
It wasn't just killing intent.
It was the kind of presence that made the air feel heavier, the kind that reached into the heart and demanded silence.
Dagruel and Veldora froze mid-clash, fists still locked together.
From the swirling clouds above descended a tall, lean figure clad in white and silver. His long, pale hair swayed in the wind, his expression calm but warm—like someone returning home after a long journey. A sheathed sword rested at his side, but his movements carried the unshakable confidence of a man who had never needed to draw it to win.
Veldora's eyes lit up.
"No way… Dino?!"
Dagruel's stern face cracked into a rare smile.
"So it's true. You're still alive, old friend."
Veldora glanced between them.
"Wait, old friend? The two of you still kept in touch without telling me? That's betrayal!"
Dagruel chuckled. "You vanish for a few centuries at a time and expect us to track you down?"
Dino landed between them without a sound, the storm winds bending away from him.
"Still as loud as ever, Veldora. And you, Dagruel—you still hit like a mountain, I see."
Dagruel smirked.
"Not as hard as you used to. But I try."
Veldora crossed his arms.
"I thought you were gone for good! Last time I saw you, the three of us had just finished that drinking contest in the Sky Palace. You disappeared before I could collect my winnings."
Dino's lips twitched. "I let you win that one."
Dagruel rumbled with laughter. "He says that every time he loses."
The three of them stood in silence for a moment, the years between them melting away. They had fought together in the War of Dawn, toppled tyrants, and even survived Velzard's temper. They were more than comrades—they were brothers in all but blood.
Finally, Dino's expression shifted, growing serious.
"I didn't come here for nostalgia. I've been carrying out the mission Veldanava gave me since the beginning—to watch over humanity, and only act when the balance is in danger."
Veldora tilted his head.
"That sounds… boring. No wonder you keep showing up late to reunions."
Dagruel folded his arms.
"And now?"
Dino stepped closer, his eyes sharp despite his friendly tone.
"Now, I'm here with a message—Veldanava requests your presence, Veldora. Immediately. In the Nasca Kingdom."
The wind stilled.
Veldora blinked.
"… My big brother? He's never asked for me unless I did something extreme. Even when I destroyed a few cities, he didn't bother—only Velzard came to yell at me."
Dagruel's gaze narrowed.
"Did you do something this time?"
Veldora raised his hands defensively.
"Not that I know of!"
Dino's voice softened.
"It's not about punishment. It's… bigger. You'll hear it from him directly."
Veldora's grin returned.
"Well, well. Sounds like trouble—and I love trouble."
Dagruel sighed.
"Should we be worried?"
Dino hesitated for just a moment before answering.
"Yes."
The weight in that single word made even Veldora's smile falter for a second.
Veldora glanced south, toward the distant mountains that hid the Nasca Kingdom.
"Guess the spar's on hold. I'll be back, Dagruel—try not to get rusty without me."
Dagruel smirked.
"I'll still be stronger than you when you return."
Veldora shot back, "In your dreams!"
As Veldora's body began to glow gold, Dino turned to Dagruel.
"Old friend… brace yourself. Whatever's coming, it will test us all—like the old days."
Dagruel gave a slow nod.
"Then we'll face it the same way we always have. Together."
Dino smiled faintly, then followed Veldora into the sky, the three of them once again bound by a friendship that had weathered the ages.
High above, storm clouds began to gather—not from battle, but from the winds of change.
For the first time in centuries, the Star King Dragon was calling his younger brother….
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To be continued.
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Authors Note:
Thank you for reading this chapter.
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