Chapter 229: Ignisia the Elder Dragon (8)
The next morning arrived quietly in the dragon’s lair.
Ignisia began the day by giving Ketal a thorough examination. Her keen gaze swept up and down his frame, and her hands hovered close, searching for any sign of trouble.
“Hmm... There really aren’t any problems,” she observed with a hint of surprise in her voice. “The Myst has settled inside your body. It’s... fascinating, actually.”
What struck her as odd was that the very same Myst, which had tried so violently to consume Ketal during his first attempt to use Dragon Tongue, now sat quietly within him. It seemed utterly docile, almost as if the entirety of the Myst was wrapped in chains, subduing the unruly force. It was peculiar, but since there were no issues, Ignisia had no complaints.
She looked up and spoke decisively. “It seems the Wandering Merchant was right. You should focus on mastering swordsmanship or magic first, using Myst as your foundation. Dragon Tongue can come later, once you’re fully ready.”
“I understand,” Ketal replied, bowing his head. “Thank you, truly.”
Ignisia waved a hand dismissively, but she was smiling. “Don’t mention it. I enjoyed this, too.”
With that, their business seemed finished. All that remained was for Ignisia to return Ketal to the Denian Kingdom. However, just as she prepared to do so, she paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face.
“Oh, right. There’s something I forgot to ask you,” she said.
“What is it?” Ketal inquired, his tone polite but curious.
This was the question she had meant to ask earlier, before the Wandering Merchant’s interference. In truth, it was perhaps the most important question of all. Ignisia met Ketal’s eyes, her expression serious.
“You are the ashen-haired barbarian of the White Snowfield. You’ve spent many years there, haven’t you?”