A few days later, a formal response arrived from the Thunder Dragon King, Odin.
The old dragon expressed his delight that Leon still remembered their proposed sparring match. His letter contained a specific invitation: to meet and discuss the details within the neutral territory of Sky City.
"Why Sky City?" Leon frowned, reading the parchment. "It is just a spar. Can we not just pick a deserted mountain range and get it over with?"
Rossweise, who was reviewing the letter with a more experienced eye, explained patiently, "People of your stature do not just 'spar' casually. No matter how discreet you try to be, a clash between two such powerful beings will inevitably attract immense attention. With crowds of onlookers come countless opinions, rumors, and political interpretations."
She tapped the letter. "Odin likely suggested Sky City precisely because it is a neutral territory recognized by all dragon tribes and human factions. Holding the match there makes a public, undeniable statement: this is a friendly contest of skill, not a declaration of war or a challenge for dominance."
She folded the letter and met Leon's gaze. "He mentioned he will be staying in Sky City for the next several days and that we are welcome to meet him there at our convenience. So, what is your plan, Leon?"
Leon did not hesitate. "Let us leave immediately."
A magnificent silver dragon soon soared high above the clouds, its shimmering scales reflecting the brilliant sunlight like moving mirrors.
Leon sat cross-legged on the broad, secure back of the dragon, cradling his youngest daughter, Muse, gently in his arms.
"Are you really taking our daughter with you to spar with the ancient Thunder King?" Rossweise's voice, though in dragon form, echoed clearly in his mind through their bond.
Leon, who was gently guiding Muse's tiny hands in a flapping motion, replied, "Even though my little angel can barely say a full sentence yet, that does not stop her doting father from wanting to spend every possible moment with her."
He added with a warm grin, "Besides, it is not every day we get to go on a family trip. Of course, I will take her along. We can even shop for some new clothes and toys for her in the city markets."
Rossweise chuckled faintly, the sound a soft rumble. "You are about to face a major duel against a legendary opponent, and your mind is on buying our daughter a new dress."
"What is wrong with that?" Leon replied, his tone light but sincere.
He lifted Muse into the air, her tiny legs kicking playfully as he swayed her gently. Father and daughter locked eyes, and Leon's smile deepened with pure affection.
"Even if the world were to end tomorrow, my daughter should still get to enjoy today beautifully."
He paused, lowering Muse back into the protective cradle of his arms, and placed a hand gently on the cool, familiar scales beneath him. "And so should my wife."
The dragon beneath them shuddered faintly, a subtle tremor that betrayed the rider's sudden wave of emotion. Had Rossweise been in her human form, her cheeks would have been flushed a bright pink.
"You idiot," she muttered, her voice tinged with fond embarrassment through their mental link. "Stop saying things that make me want to toss you off my back."
"Alright, I will stop."
"No, you will not!"
"Ah ya ah ya~ Not hing!" Leon teased, dragging out his words in a playful, sing-song tone.
"What was that sound?" Rossweise asked, turning her great head slightly. "Was that you?"
"Nope," Leon said innocently, pinching his daughter's soft cheek. "That was Muse trying to copy her magnificent mother. Say it again, sweetheart."
"Ah ya ah ya~ Not hing! Ah ya ah ya~ Not hing~!" Muse flailed her tiny arms with enthusiasm, babbling the nonsensical phrase amidst a fit of happy giggles.
Laughter and warm banter filled the air as the family of three continued their journey toward the floating city.
Two hours later, the silver dragon descended gracefully at one of the main entrances to Sky City. The area was bustling with the vibrant energy of travelers, merchants, and citizens.
Not long after they landed and Rossweise had shifted back into her human form, two figures dressed in formal attendant robes approached them.
"Greetings to the Silver Dragon Queen and the Prince Consort. We have been expecting you," one of the attendants said, executing a deep and polite bow.
Since this meeting was arranged by the Thunder Dragon King, it was logical for someone to be there to receive them. However...
Rossweise crossed her arms and cast a scrutinizing glance at the attendants' tails. Their scale patterns and color were wrong; they were not from the Thunder Dragon Tribe.
Upon closer inspection, their attire bore the distinct, subtle insignia of the Twilight Tower.
"Were you sent here by the Twilight Tower Master?" Rossweise asked, her tone neutral but firm.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Our master instructed us to welcome you and escort you to him," the attendant confirmed.
"Well, thank your master for his thoughtful hospitality," Rossweise replied with diplomatic grace, "but we are here for a private sparring match with Odin. It would be inappropriate to meet with any other dignitaries beforehand. Please pass on our regards and apologies."
"Your Majesty," the attendant interjected smoothly, "the Thunder Dragon King is currently a guest at the Twilight Tower. It was he who instructed us to escort you there directly upon your arrival."
Rossweise and Leon exchanged a quick, knowing glance. After a moment, Leon gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod.
Rossweise was not entirely surprised by this connection. The reclusive Tower Master was known to involve himself in matters of great significance. "In that case, lead the way."
The attendants bowed again and began guiding the couple through the gleaming streets toward the central spire of the Twilight Tower.
At the very top of the Twilight Tower, the enigmatic Tower Master stood on the windswept rooftop terrace alongside the imposing figure of Odin.
Situated at the heart of the floating city, the tower offered a breathtaking, panoramic view of the entire metropolis with just a turn of the head.
The Tower Master gazed out at the vibrant, sprawling cityscape he had built, sighing wistfully. "It took me nearly a thousand years to build Sky City into what it is today. If you and that Silver Dragon Prince end up fighting here, do not you dare use my territory as your personal demolition ground."
Though his tone was lightly playful, Odin could sense the very real concern underlying the words.
A faint, knowing smile tugged at the corners of Odin's mouth. "I can tell you are worried. You have been pacing since sunrise."
His expression then turned serious. "With your mastery of spatial magic, you can easily create a separate dimensional battleground for us. You will not have to worry about us tearing down your precious towers or scaring the citizens."
The Tower Master sighed, shaking his head at Odin's blunt, no-nonsense demeanor. "You are as rigid and practical as ever. I honestly do not know how the Thunder Dragons have put up with you for so many centuries."
"They will put up with anyone who is strong enough to lead them," Odin replied dryly.
After a brief pause, he asked, his voice lowering, "Have you invited others to watch the duel?"
"Of course," the Tower Master said, a sly grin spreading across his features. "A once-in-an-era showdown between the two foremost masters of lightning magic? I could not pass up the chance to make this a grand learning experience for the other Dragon Kings."
"Fire magic may be the most widely used among our kind," he added, "but even the path of lightning deserves its moment in the sun, do you not think?"
Odin crossed his arms, his gaze steady. "At first, this was just supposed to be a simple, private sparring match between two practitioners. But you have been pushing me to move forward with this ever since you first caught wind of it."
He fixed the Tower Master with a piercing look. "And now that you have invited so many influential Dragon Kings to watch, it is obvious you are using this as a public stage to send a message to the 'Fear Cultists' you believe are hiding among us."
The Tower Master quickly raised a hand, interrupting. "I have never publicly claimed that the Silver Dragon Prince is the prophesied 'Child of Thunder.' That remains your theory, old friend."
Odin smiled faintly but did not press the matter further. His keen eyes shifted downward, toward the city streets far below. He could see the small, distinct group being led toward his tower—the young prince, his powerful queen, and their child.
"If this does not work," Odin said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, "if he is not the one, then it will truly be too late for us all, old friend."
The Tower Master's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a grim solemnity. He placed a hand on the balcony railing, his knuckles white. "I know, Odin. All our hopes now rest on Leon. He is our only chance to face the storm that is coming."