Chapter 60: A Quiet Day
Versalon nodded grimly, his fingers tapping the wooden table with a slow, tense rhythm.
"That’s been canceled. All official movement outside the city has been frozen until further notice. Not even the merchant caravans are allowed through the gates anymore. It’s an order passed down directly from the City Council. And because of that, my business also has come to a full stop."
He paused, his tone growing heavier. "Word is... a Golden Dragon was seen flying out of a dungeon."
The room fell into immediate silence.
Venus’ eyes widened in disbelief, her heart suddenly racing.
’A Golden Dragon? Could it be the Mana Daddy?’ she thought, her mind spinning.
A flicker of excitement lit up inside her chest. The memory of those radiant golden eyes and the protective warmth she had felt surged back like a tide. She wanted to meet that dragon again. To thank him properly.
Beside her, Evangeline’s face paled. "Dear, are you certain? That can’t be true. Dragons are supposed to be myths. Just bedtime stories and old temple records."
Versalon exhaled deeply, rubbing his temple. "They’re not stories anymore, Eva. I’ve heard rumors from my trade partners across different regions. Whispers of dragon sightings in remote forests, old ruins, even in mountain skies. I didn’t believe them at first. But now... now it’s different. This one was seen flying above a dungeon. That confirms everything."
Evangeline trembled. "Oh God! First it was the Hollow outbreak. Now dragons?" Her voice faltered as a shiver crawled up her spine. "What’s happening to the world? Will there be any descent of a hero to protect us this time?"
Venus reached across the table and gently grasped her mother’s hand. "Relax, Mom. Not all dragons have to be bad. I mean... the one I met... he protected me." She spoke softly, almost whispering the last part, her eyes distant and glimmering.
Ryu sat in silence, taking it all in. His thoughts drifted into uncertainty.