Chapter 266
The god created beasts and humans to dwell in one world, but when their words could be understood by one another, balance was broken. Language meant wisdom—and so, they began to hate each other. Thus, the god repaired the world.
“......”
The god elevated humans and humbled beasts. He stripped away the power of wisdom and confined it to a single point. From that place, a tree grew thick and wild. With that tree, the god shaped flesh, and by breaking his own bones, he made a foundation. From the god’s blood, a crimson dragon was born.
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The god said: My child, gentle lamb, guard the world I have made. You are my most cherished lion—carry out my will. Do not frighten what belongs to me. The dragon, by the god’s decree, took on a human form, sometimes becoming beast, and guarded the world.
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The god did not reclaim him, and so his life had no end. The dragon went to the forest and killed himself. His blood, vast as the sea, covered the forest and pooled—and in time, it rotted, turning to poison.
Thus the forest was dyed black. The god, enraged, sent a new lion and cursed the mission he had once given.
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From that day on, when dragons needed to die, they went to the forest and ended themselves. The forest became a grave that nourished the world. The dragons gave themselves for the god's beloved world. They became part of the forest and fulfilled their mission.
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The poison soaked into the forest, and the dragons upheld their vow. And so the world was full of peace.