Rossweise's suggestion sparked a sudden realization in Leon.
After the historic truce was signed, formally ending the Dragon-Human War, the Thunder Dragon King Odin had indeed mentioned, in a roundabout way, his interest in sparring with Leon one day.
However, a significant amount of time had passed since then—enough for Leon and Rossweise to welcome another child into their family—yet Odin had never formally followed up on his subtle challenge.
This was not because the old dragon had lost interest. While Odin was undoubtedly eager to test his skills against a prodigious younger warrior like Leon, he was not a battle-crazed fanatic like Constantine. Odin carried himself with a calm, patient, and composed demeanor.
His initial offer had been more of a standing invitation: "I have extended my challenge. The timing is for you to decide."
In simpler terms, it was a polite but firm: "I have been more than patient, young man. Do not make me regret offering you this opportunity."
It was a perfect example of a common saying in warrior circles: the world of combat is not just about fighting and killing—it is equally about connections, respect, and relationships.
In his younger, more headstrong years, Leon would have brushed off such subtleties. Back then, he believed powerful fists could settle everything, and that complex etiquette was an unnecessary formality.
But after years by Rossweise's side, Leon had come to understand and appreciate the intricate dance of diplomacy and respect that governed relations between powerful beings. Some matters could not be rushed, and with greater status came a longer list of considerations.
"Alright, we could try contacting Odin to see if he is still willing," Leon agreed. "The main problem is, I have no prior experience with him. Back in my Dragon Slayer Corps days, I did not even know this Dragon King existed, let alone what he is truly capable of."
Leon had faced and defeated more Dragon Kings than he could easily recall, yet the title "Thunder Dragon King" had never once appeared in his intelligence reports.
Then again, it was not entirely surprising. He had not even heard of the Crimson Flame Dragon King until Constantine himself appeared at his doorstep.
"Odin is from an older generation of Dragon Kings," Rossweise explained. "He is even more ancient than Constantine. The Thunder Dragons, as a tribe, are inherently peaceful. They avoid large-scale conflicts and rarely involve themselves in the upheavals that shake the continent."
She added, "According to what Odin told me, he spent the last several years exploring ancient ruins in the Far North, searching for traces of the Primordial Dragon Kings. It is no wonder you never encountered his name during the war."
"And as for his abilities..." Rossweise's tone grew more serious. "Unlike most dragon clans, who specialize in fire-based magic, Odin's mastery lies entirely in lightning. As his title suggests, he is considered unmatched in his command over lightning magic on the entire Samuel Continent."
Leon raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "That impressive?"
"Absolutely," Rossweise confirmed. "Many of the modern lightning magic schools and combat techniques practiced today can trace their origins back to principles and innovations first demonstrated by Odin."
She continued, her voice filled with conviction, "If you get the chance to spar with him, I am confident you will learn a great deal. The pressure he can apply might be exactly what you need to force a breakthrough with 'Ultrasense.'"
For the first time in a long while, Leon felt a genuine spark of excitement ignite within him.
Not only was Odin a legendary Dragon King with a sterling reputation, but he also specialized in Leon's own preferred element: lightning magic.
There was another, deeper reason for Leon's enthusiasm—he had been acutely aware of his own stagnation in recent years.
Leon had been the youngest graduate in the history of the Empire's Dragon Slayer Academy. In just a few short years, he rocketed from a rookie soldier to the legendary leader of the entire Dragon Slaying Corps.
During that meteoric rise, his growth in raw power, combat skill, and reputation had been breathtaking.
However, that rapid progress had slowed to a crawl, and it was not due to the comforts of being Rossweise's husband and a father.
For years, Leon had faced countless life-or-death battles, cutting down powerful enemies and rival kings. But with each decisive victory, the challenges became less demanding, and his growth curve flattened.
Toward the end of his time in the Corps, no Dragon King could last more than ten rounds against him in a serious fight.
Leon had earned the undisputed title of the "Strongest Dragon Slayer," basking in the adoration and songs of praise from the entire Empire.
Yet, behind all the glory, Leon understood a harsh truth.
A lack of worthy opponents was not a blessing; it was a curse. Without formidable challenges to push his limits, he could not hone his skills efficiently. His strength had hit a palpable plateau, a barrier he had been struggling against for years.
The recent stagnant progress in his 'Ultrasense' training was merely forcing him to confront this long-standing issue head-on.
He needed a truly powerful opponent—someone far more skilled and formidable than anyone he had faced before.
And Odin, the ancient Thunder Dragon King, seemed to be the perfect candidate.
"Let us contact Odin and see if he is still willing to spar," Leon said, his decision made.
"Though, after keeping him waiting for so long, it would be incredibly rude to just show up and say, 'Hey, old man, I am ready now. Let us fight!'"
Rossweise nodded in agreement. "Alright, I will have a formal letter sent to the Thunder Dragon Tribe this afternoon."
"Good."
She then asked, changing the subject slightly, "By the way, how is your mana reserve holding up lately?"
"Not bad at all," Leon replied.
He glanced at the intricate dragon markings visible on his right arm. "Having two of these to store external mana makes everything significantly easier than it used to be."
Rossweise chuckled softly. "You know, even if my Heartguard Scale is constantly siphoning a portion of your naturally generated mana, forcing you to rely on these markings, it is not entirely a bad thing."
She explained, "When a mage draws mana naturally from their core, they must circulate it through their entire body before gathering it for a spell. This process consumes both time and mental energy."
"But if you draw power directly from these pre-filled markings, you can skip the initial gathering phase entirely. This preserves your energy and allows for faster, more efficient spellcasting."
She smiled at him, a knowing look in her silver eyes. "Combine that instantaneous mana access with your complete mastery of the 'Nine Gates of Hell' technique, and I would say you are objectively stronger in a single engagement than you have ever been."
As a supportive wife and a fellow supreme warrior, Rossweise naturally offered her tactical analysis to help prepare Leon for his upcoming trial.
Leon rubbed his temples, a faint, appreciative smile on his face. "You make a very good point."
"In a single, decisive battle, yes, I am undoubtedly stronger now than I was in the past."
He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "But if we are talking about sustained warfare—fighting a major battle today and another equally demanding one tomorrow—the old me, with his deep, natural mana reserves, would still have the advantage in endurance."
Rossweise pondered this, nodding slightly in understanding. "Luckily, as the Silver Dragon Prince, you no longer need to fight in prolonged campaigns day after day, as you used to."
Leon narrowed his eyes playfully and smirked. He slid his arm around Rossweise's slender waist, pulling her closer. "So, what you are saying is that being the Silver Dragon Queen's husband means I do not have to work as hard anymore? I can just be a kept man?"
The silver-haired beauty's cheeks flushed a bright pink instantly. She pushed against his chest in a fluster. "Stop saying such embarrassing things, you idiot! Milan and the children are watching! Let go of me—right now!"
Laughing, Leon released her.
"...You actually let go?" Rossweise mumbled under her breath, almost inaudibly.
"What was that?" Leon asked, tilting his head with a teasing grin.
"Nothing!" she huffed, turning her face away to hide her smile. "I am going to hold Little Muse now."
"Let us see who gets to her first!" Leon challenged.
"You are really going to make this a race? You are such a childish man!" Rossweise retorted, already taking a step toward their daughter, her own competitive spirit ignited.