Chapter 329
The Core was home to countless species: humans, goblins, elves, dwarves, Usurpers, vampires, demons, and more. Despite its extreme and inhospitable environment, these beings had managed to survive all this time. Some formed alliances within their own kind, and some even joined forces with other species. There were those who had been Encroached and dragged from distant planets, while others were born in the Core itself.
Their appearances and customs varied greatly, but all species shared one common trait: they formed organizations.
Dragons, on the other hand, were different. Each one had its own territory and hated intrusions. They were very individualistic by nature. The reason was simple: they were powerful, and their pride was even greater. They would never allow their pride to be hurt by submitting to someone else.
But nothing lasts forever.
As time passed, adventurers became stronger. They honed their Status Windows, mastered powerful skills, and obtained rare artifacts, steadily progressing beyond their limits. Eventually, a handful of adventurers “transcended” the physical limits of their bodies. And one day, someone suggested hunting a dragon.
That was when they realized that even among dragons, some were weaker than others. Adventurers banded together and started hunting them down. This marked the start of the Dragon Raid, a once-popular event in the Core. With each hunt, the number of dragons dwindled at an alarming rate. From a hundred to eighty, then to sixty, all the way until they were on the verge of extinction. By the time only nine remained, a dragon named Izaas appeared.
***
“Stay still. It’ll take some time for this to heal.”
“Karsiel...?” Bison called out.
He felt a familiar warmth radiating on his back. The moment he heard the soft, youthful voice, he knew it was Karsiel. Slowly, gentle magic seeped into his body, and his paralyzed nerves began to stir ever so slightly.
Biseon’s gaze fell to his forearm, where the number “7” was engraved. He said, “I must look pathetic... I apologize.”
“Don’t say that. We’re comrades,” Karsiel said gently.