The atmosphere inside Roswell Academy changed completely, like the world had turned upside down. Everyone could only sit frozen in disbelief, staring at the legendary being that suddenly appeared before their very eyes: the Light Dragon.
No one could believe what they were seeing. Some even wondered if they were dreaming.
The oppressive aura emanating from the dragon was so overwhelming that everyone dropped to their knees, unable to resist its intimidating presence.
"Look at that! That green-haired woman isn't affected by the dragon's aura! Who is she? I've never seen her before!" one of the students exclaimed.
"She's flying!"
As they turned their gaze toward Tsana, they saw her body wrapped in a gentle green light, shimmering softly like starlight. As she slowly floated upward, a soft breeze surrounded her, carrying a sense of peace as if the entire world had fallen silent in reverence.
A faint song escaped her lips, an enchanting melody that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it. It was like a sacred hymn sung in the grandest cathedral, full of harmony and divine beauty.
Theo, kneeling beside Zephyr, watched in awe. "I've always wondered why the Overseer was called the Witch of Song. Now I understand… It's beautiful. So beautiful it makes me want to cry."
The wind stirred again, brushing against the skin of everyone present. It felt as though they were lying on an endless green meadow, surrounded by peace and serenity.
All eyes were fixed on Tsana, entranced.
Zephyr glanced at her. 'Her power is unstable. She must have longed for this moment.'
While Zephyr worried, Tsana continued to ascend until she was level with the dragon.
The Light Dragon's golden eyes locked onto her.
A gleam flashed in those eyes as the dragon's gaze reflected the emerald figure before him.
"After hundreds of years," Tsana said softly, "you finally stand before me."
The dragon's golden eyes widened. "You were waiting for me?"
"Yes."
A strange light flickered in the dragon's eyes. He flinched, swaying slightly, as though something inside him was breaking.
"Why?" he asked.
Tsana replied, "I've been searching for you for centuries. I've crossed entire continents to find you. And now you appear before me… even if it's only your soul."
Gasps spread among the crowd.
"W–wait. Soul form?" Theo murmured.
Zephyr clicked his tongue. "A Soul Form, huh? No wonder his power isn't as immense as Master described. It's only his soul."
Theo blinked in confusion, so Zephyr explained further. "Master once told me that the Light Dragon's true strength far exceeds what we know. When he releases his intimidation aura, even high-level spirits die instantly. What chance would weak humans have?"
Theo ignored Zephyr's insult about "weak humans" too captivated by what he'd just learned. If even Zephyr, a high-ranked spirit, had been forced to kneel, then what kind of power did the dragon truly possess?
Zephyr continued, "When he appeared a few moments ago, I already felt something strange. His energy didn't feel as strong as the legends say. Still… even in his Soul Form, his aura nearly crushed me. Ck, I really have to train harder."
Tsana raised her voice, steady and calm.
"Where is your true body? I have countless questions, but if you're only here in soul, I doubt you have much time left to answer."
The dragon chuckled. "You're right. I only have about thirty seconds left. But listen carefully, my true body lies within the Forest of Nightmares."
"What?"
Shock rippled through the crowd, Zephyr included.
"What? How is that possible?!"
Tsana didn't flinch. Her voice was still composed. "And then?"
The dragon spoke again, his tone gentler.
"I know you've been searching for a cure to your curse."
At those words, Tsana's expression finally shifted. Her eyes widened slightly, her lips parting in surprise.
It was the first time Zephyr had ever seen her face change like that.
The dragon's body began to fade, his form growing translucent.
Before vanishing completely, he said, "You must sever every tie to your past. Seek me at the edge of the Forest of Nightmares. But be warned, the forest has been altered by Heaven itself. Your journey will be long and perilous. Still, you need not fear… my friend will guide you."
Tsana reached toward him, her voice trembling slightly. "What ties? What do you mean by that? And what friend?!"
The dragon's voice echoed one last time, warm and amused, almost smiling. "You've already met him."
And then, he was gone. The dragon's body dissolved into countless silver lights, scattering gently through the air before vanishing like morning mist.
Tsana's body slowly descended. When her feet finally touched the ground, everyone could stand again.
Zephyr immediately approached her. The air around Tsana felt hollow, like the calm after a storm.
"Zephyr," she said quietly, still facing away from him. "I'm… shaken."
Zephyr nodded. "Yes. I can tell."
"You heard what the dragon said, didn't you?"
"I did."
Silence fell between them for a moment, until Tsana finally turned to face him. "Zephyr, do you know why I never answered your question… about how I got this curse?"
He said nothing, simply watching her.
Tsana's gaze softened, and for the first time, Zephyr saw an unfamiliar expression on her face, a faint broken smile.
"It's because… I can't remember my past at all."
Zephyr's eyes widened in disbelief.
There she stood, smiling faintly. Yet that smile carried a weight so deep it hurt to look at.
"Master…" he whispered.
Tsana turned away once more. "Continue reviewing the participants for the forest trial three days from now. I'll examine the forest's structure myself. If it's too unstable or dangerous, the event must be canceled."
Without another word, Tsana took off into the sky, leaving Zephyr standing there, unable to say a thing.
★★★
Just to be continued...