"Twilight Tower Master?" Leon repeated.
"Yes," Claudia confirmed. "He is a Dragon King from the same ancient era as Odin, a figure of immense prestige among our kind. But unlike most Dragon Kings, who seek power, dominance, and glory, the Tower Master has spent his entire life in solitude atop Sky City, completely detached from the struggles of the world."
She explained further, "His detachment has its advantages. It has afforded him limitless time to pursue his personal interests. For me, that is studying ancient magic and texts. For him, it means delving deep into the forgotten history of the entire Dragon Clan."
"I believe," Claudia concluded, "he is the one most likely to have the insights you seek."
Leon nodded thoughtfully, a plan forming in his mind.
"Alright. I will make my way to Sky City."
A faint smile touched his lips. "You mentioned he was an old relic, but I didn't realize he was such a historical expert. Perhaps he truly can provide some answers."
Turning to his foster mother and the Sea Dragon Princess, Leon gave a quick, respectful bow.
"Mistress, Elder, I will take my leave now. I will visit again when I have the chance."
"Take care of yourself, Leon," Charlotte reminded him, her voice full of warm concern.
"Got it, Mistress. You and Master must look after yourselves as well," Leon replied with a bright grin.
"Oh! And please give my regards to your wife," Charlotte added. "Tell her I miss her!"
Waving as he spoke, Leon followed a Sea Dragon guard out of the sanctuary.
Claudia let out a deep sigh as she watched him leave, a clear look of relief on her face.
Charlotte noticed and couldn't help but ask, "Sister, why do you look so relieved?"
Claudia snorted softly and turned her gaze from the departing figure.
"That disciple of yours takes something from me every single time he comes here. This time, he didn't ask for a single book or technique. Of course I feel relieved."
Charlotte chuckled, amused by her sister's feigned annoyance. "He's still young, Sister. As his elders, isn't it our role to support him?"
Claudia squinted at her younger sister before reaching out to pinch her cheek lightly.
"What is that supposed to mean? Are you implying I'm unwilling to help him? I'll have you know I absolutely do not want to help him! Not even a little bit!"
Charlotte pouted, rubbing her sore cheek. "Alright, Sister, I was wrong. Let go!"
Seemingly satisfied, Claudia released her, but then flicked her forehead for good measure.
"There, now I feel much better. What? You're giving me that look, Tiger? Are you upset because I'm bullying your wife?"
Tiger, who had been quietly observing, gazed pensively in the direction Leon had left. After a long moment, he spoke in a low, serious voice.
"Claudia, can you do me a favor?"
"Have I not done enough for your Cosmodeous family? What is it now?"
"Leon mentioned he wants to learn new techniques..." Tiger began.
Claudia smirked. "Ah, so you want me to be his sparring partner again?"
"No," Tiger said, his tone resolute. "This time, I want to be the one to teach him. He calls me Master, and it is long past time I truly acted like one."
.
.
.
Leon and his dragonhawk companion left the Atlans waters at dusk.
On their journey to the floating Sky City, they made a brief stop by a riverbank to rest.
Patting the dragonhawk on the shoulder, Leon declared, "Just wait here. I'll catch us a big fish for dinner!"
The dragonhawk tilted its head, its expression plainly skeptical. In its understanding, wasn't it usually the beast's job to hunt for the human?
But before the dragonhawk could fully process this role reversal, Leon had already taken off his boots, rolled up his pants, and waded into the shallow river.
The dragonhawk's inner thoughts were almost audible: Should I... teach him how to fish?
The notion alone showed how little it understood Leon's unique methods.
Who said fishing required rods or nets? With a sharp crack, blue lightning erupted from Leon's hands, coursing through the water.
A moment later, dozens of fish floated to the surface, stunned.
While the dragonhawk was still processing this unorthodox fishing technique, Leon emerged from the river with an armful of fish. He built a small fire on the bank and expertly began roasting them, inviting the dragonhawk to join.
Preferring its food raw, the dragonhawk swallowed a few fish whole, then flapped its wings and let out a chirp of gratitude.
Leon gave it a thumbs-up before turning back to his own meal. Though they shared no common language, the two communicated effortlessly through gestures and understanding—a skill Leon had honed years ago with his first beloved donkey.
After replenishing their energy, they continued their flight through the night.
.
.
.
Hours later, Leon arrived at the outskirts of the majestic Sky City just as the first hints of dawn lightened the horizon.
Since his visit was unplanned, he had sent no notice ahead, and no one from the Tower Master's retinue was there to greet him.
Leon didn't mind. He patted the dragonhawk's powerful wing. "Sky City has a strict 'dragons only' rule for entrants. You stay here and wait for me. I won't be long."
Whether the dragonhawk understood or not, it seemed to nod in agreement before finding a perch on a nearby cliff.
Leon then proceeded into the city, making his way directly toward the Tower Master's domain.
The path to the Twilight Tower was familiar to him now. Even without a guide, he navigated the quiet, waking streets with ease. The towering spire stood at the city's heart, its peak visible from every district.
The pre-dawn hour meant the streets were mostly empty, sparing Leon the usual interruptions from young dragons asking for autographs and pictures.
At the base of the immense tower, a guard approached. Recognizing Leon immediately, he snapped a crisp salute.
"Your Highness! Forgive us for not receiving you properly."
Leon waved a hand dismissively. "No formalities needed. I was just passing through and hoped to have a word with the Tower Master. Is he available?"
"The Tower Master has given standing orders that you are to be granted entry at any time, day or night."
"Wow," Leon joked, a hint of smugness slipping through. "I feel important."
The guard barked an order, and the great doors of the tower swung open. Another attendant inside bowed and escorted Leon up the countless stairs to a room at the very top.
"The Tower Master is waiting for you inside, Your Highness," the attendant said, bowing once more before departing.
Leon nodded his thanks and knocked on the heavy door three times.
"Come in," a calm, aged voice replied from within.
Leon entered and found himself in a warmly lit study, evidently the Tower Master's personal office. It had the grand, solemn feel of a royal hall.
The Tower Master himself stood on the balcony, his hands clasped behind his back. At the sound of Leon's footsteps, he turned to face him.
"It has been a while, Your Highness. To what do I owe the visit?"
Leon appreciated the directness. It was clear the old dragon knew this was not a social call.
Stepping forward, Leon first apologized for the lack of notice, then quickly explained his purpose. He chose his words carefully, omitting the most sensitive details about his human origins and instead providing a streamlined version of events.
"Shadow was behind the recent attacks," Leon stated. "And he claimed that I am the greatest obstacle to the return of a 'Great Being.' That is why I have come—to ask if you have any knowledge of what this 'Great Being' might be."
To Leon's surprise, the Tower Master did not seem shocked or even puzzled.
Instead, the ancient dragon turned to gaze out at the brightening sky, remaining silent for a long moment. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and grave.
"It seems the time has come for me to tell you something."
Leon felt a slight frown form on his face. "What... are you referring to?"
"Your Highness," the Tower Master began slowly, turning his deep, knowing eyes back to Leon. "Have you ever heard of... the Ultimate Fear?"