Thus ended the story of the first Dragon King, Noah: her birth, her struggles, and the decisions that molded her into the greatest hero in dragon history.
Now, having awakened after thousands of years, she resides in the mind of her young namesake, bound by her ancient promise to the Dragon Goddess Tiamat. Fortunately, Ancestor considered herself lucky—her host was brave and noble, and her sisters were clever and bright.
In all her centuries, Ancestor had encountered countless individuals, but few were like the Melkvey sisters. They lacked the ferocity of the Dragon Clan but possessed a rare kindness at their core, a kindness that might represent the best hope for the future of their kin. It was this spirit that made Noah realize how truly fortunate she was.
Had her spirit ended up in the mind of a crazed fire dragon rather than this young girl, things would undoubtedly be much different.
"That's all I wanted to say," she concluded, looking at Aurora. "So, do you still think I'm some sneaky ghost hiding in your sister's body?"
Aurora slowly shook her head, somewhat bashfully.
"Good."
As she spoke, Ancestor stood up, brushing leaves and dust from her dress.
"Now that you've heard the story, take your time to digest it. Ah—almost forgot. Before I return your sister's body, I still have one more thing to do."
Muwen blinked her large, curious eyes. "What... huh? Huh?!"
Before she could finish, Ancestor bent down and scooped both Muwen and Aurora into a big hug, pressing her cheeks against their soft little faces, radiating happiness.
"To be able to snuggle with three little dragonlings in one night—what bliss! A king could sleep a thousand years for this kind of happiness!"
Aurora was still in a daze, too surprised to react, like a beautiful doll nestled in Ancestor's embrace.
But for Muwen, things felt different. Despite knowing this was Ancestor using her sister's body, the warmth and softness were all her sister's, reminding her of the comforting hugs she used to share before her sister started school.
So even though she knew it wasn't really her sister...
"Mm... big sis's cheek, so soft and warm..."
"Oh, and about the Ultimate Fear," Ancestor continued, "don't worry too much. Thousands of years ago, the high priest made a prophecy."
"The prophecy said, 'When the heavens fall, and the world of illusions collapses, the end of all things will arrive, and fear will once again descend upon this land. Then, a Child of Thunder will arise to save all.'"
"I don't know who this Child of Thunder will be, but they will defeat the Ultimate Fear, as the prophecy foretold."
"However, that doesn't mean we can be complacent. Do you understand, little ones?"
Aurora nodded in her dazed state, while Muwen, not fully understanding the prophecy or the "Child of Thunder," simply decided to follow her sister's lead.
"Alright, then. Time to return your sister's body to her. Goodbye, little ones."
With those words, Ancestor passed control back to her.
The sudden shift made Noah feel slightly dizzy, but she quickly steadied herself, accustomed to the sensation by now.
As she regained control, Noah shook her head lightly and looked at Muwen, who was still clutching her arm. Smiling, Noah gently pinched her sister's round cheek.
Muwen then glanced at Aurora, who was still lost in thought, processing the incredible story.
It wasn't surprising that Aurora was overwhelmed. Even Noah herself needed time to fully understand and absorb everything her ancestor had shared.
The Dragon Goddess, the meaning of life, the seal, the conflict between light and shadow, the looming deadline for the Ultimate Fear's release, and the prophecy of the Child of Thunder who would save the land of Maier.
These concepts were far more complex than anything they'd learned in school.
"Muwen, Aurora, I'd like to ask you both a favor."
"What is it, big sis?"
Aurora snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Noah.
"Please keep the story of the Dragon Clan hero a secret from Mom and Dad for now. First, it would only make them worry. And second, Ancestor's powers haven't fully recovered. If this leaks, the Ultimate Fear might act sooner than expected."
The two younger sisters nodded obediently.
"Got it, big sis. We won't say a word."
"Another secret to keep? Yay!" Muwen cheered.
Aurora looked surprised. "Wait, why 'another'?"
"Ah... well... because..." Muwen began, nervously twisting her fingers together.
"She once accidentally ruined one of Mom's dresses, and I promised to keep it a secret for her," Noah explained.
"You just told her!" Muwen exclaimed.
"Oh, sorry."
"Aurora, you won't tell, will you?" Muwen pleaded.
"You wouldn't want Mom to find out about the dress, would you?" Noah added.
"Ahhh!" Muwen tackled Aurora, and the two sisters rolled around on the grass, giggling and wrestling.
Noah watched them with a smile, her expression filled with warmth and affection.
After a while, the two sisters stopped playing.
"So, big sis, will you keep gathering primordial power with her help to eventually face this 'Ultimate Fear'?" Aurora asked.
Noah nodded. "At the moment, she can't switch to a different host, so she has to use my body to recover her power gradually. Fortunately, the Ultimate Fear still has a long time before it can break the seal. Until then, I want to gather as much power as possible."
Aurora furrowed her brow. "But since she no longer has her own body, she has to rely on yours to recover. When the time comes to face the Ultimate Fear, won't that put you in danger too?"
Noah replied calmly, "Aurora, if Dad knew that a world-ending disaster was inevitable, what do you think he'd do?"
Aurora answered without hesitation, "He'd go stop it, no question. Even if not for others, he'd do it for us."
"Exactly. And this time, it's my turn to protect our family."
Noah's tone was steady, filled with the quiet determination of someone who had embraced her role.
"I won't complain about anything that's happened. In fact, I'm grateful Ancestor chose me."
"She's given me the chance to play a real part in protecting our family, rather than just watching from the sidelines, trying to help Mom and Dad with minor tricks."
"So, this is a precious opportunity, one I don't want to waste."
"You both understand, don't you?"
The two sisters, who knew Noah's sense of duty well, nodded without hesitation.
It was natural to them that Noah would take on this responsibility, just like Dad, always putting the family first. And like Mom, she was cautious and strategic, understanding that she must protect herself to protect others.
"I understand, big sis."
"Even if I don't get everything you're saying, I'll always be by your side, big sis!" Muwen chimed in.
Noah smiled, reaching out to ruffle both of her sisters' hair.
"Thank you, Muwen, Aurora."
The night air was growing cooler.
After chatting a little longer, the three sisters decided to head back to bed.
As they passed their parents' room, Aurora noticed a light glowing beneath the door.
She frowned, rubbing her forehead. "It's so late, and they're still up?"
Noah stopped, glancing toward the door.
"They're probably working."
"Mom working, sure, but why would Dad be working too?"
Noah shrugged. "Adult stuff. Who knows?"
As they walked toward their own room, Muwen looked up at Noah.
"Big sis, how late do you think they'll be working?"
"I'm not sure, but I doubt they'll be up until sunrise."
"Yeah, that would exhaust them," Muwen said thoughtfully.
"Oh, big sis! Isn't next term your last in the Young Dragon Division?"
"Yup, and there's an assessment at the end."
"Good luck, big sis!"
"I know, I know~"