Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Hero Vs Dragon

[Because it cannot be detected. The space within the hidden realm is normal, just compressed into this current space. Unless I reach the boundary, I can’t sense the hidden realm’s barrier. Otherwise, while inside the realm, my sensations are no different from being in the outside world.]

[Alright.]

Naya thought this version of the System would be more powerful, but it turned out to be not much different from the previous one.

The energy of the earth’s veins, which she had heard about from Iris, was not something Naya was unaware of. As a Hero, she mainly grew stronger by relying on the power of the earth’s veins.

And the System is especially sensitive to the energy of the earth’s veins.

That’s why Naya asked the System why it hadn’t detected the hidden realm.

A hidden realm is a real space, not an energy conglomerate.

Things like treasures, on the other hand, are energy conglomerates from the earth’s veins.

Naya rested her hands on the stone bench, gazing at the magnificent surroundings. She stopped chatting with the System and shifted her attention to Bella beside her.

“Bella, what does Iris usually do in the palace?”

“Her Majesty is primarily busy with state affairs. There are always various matters waiting for Her Majesty to handle.”

“What exactly does she do… Never mind, let me ask differently. In the past six years, have there been any major changes in the Dragon Clan or the human side?”

“I’m sorry, Miss Naya, I don’t know much about the outside world. As you know, my main responsibility is to take care of you and Illya.”

“That’s true.”

Bella, apart from running errands and delivering meals to Iris, didn’t really participate in national affairs.

What Naya wanted to know was whether there had been another appearance of the strongest Hero on the human side, and if that Hero was aided by a System.

After all, this was a matter of life and death for Iris.

“Sigh… Iris, when are you getting off work?”

And so she waited until noon.

But the news Naya received was that she and Illya would be served lunch by the maids first.

Iris still had matters to attend to.

In the afternoon, when Naya was coaxing Illya to sleep in Iris’s usual resting spot, she also dozed off, lying on the bed.

---

Iris sat on the throne in the main hall, and standing by her side was her most trusted subordinate, the Chancellor of the Dragon Empire, Viltia.

A purple dragon.

With an aristocratic, elegant smile, she bowed slightly to Iris.

Having finished discussing national matters, they were now leisurely chatting about personal topics.

“Your Majesty, today is the day another Hero comes to die.”

Iris raised the corners of her mouth slightly.

“Didn’t you always want to see what my daughter looks like now? Well, this is a great opportunity. After I leave, you can take them to watch the play and explain to them what a drama is all about.”

“Understood.”

“Viltia, in half a month, I’ll leave the Empire in your hands. Illya is about to turn six, and it’s time for her to see the world.”

“Rest assured, I will protect your throne.”

Viltia and Iris had been best friends since childhood. They grew up together, and Viltia had witnessed Iris’s rise to the Dragon King’s throne.

They had known each other for over a century.

They were both ruler and subordinate, and like family.

In Viltia’s heart, Iris was an indomitable Dragon King with ambitions to unify the world. She looked forward to the future they would create together.

“Report! Your Majesty, the Hero has arrived at the arena!”

The guard at the hall’s entrance walked in to report to Iris.

“So soon?”

Viltia looked up at Iris, “Your Majesty, you haven’t had lunch yet. Should we let the Hero wait until you’ve had your fill before meeting him?”

There was a clear tone of disdain and contempt for the Hero in Viltia’s words.

If not for Iris giving these pathetic human heroes a fair chance to challenge the Dragon King, they wouldn’t even make it onto Longming Island.

“No need, just have Bella prepare my meal. I’ll be back soon.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Iris stepped down from the throne.

With Viltia by her side, she exited the hall. On the vast square in front of the great hall, Iris spread her wings and soared into the sky, transforming into her dragon form as she sped toward the Hero’s arena.

Viltia watched Iris’s majestic figure flying freely, a dazzling red streak cutting through the blue sky. Her purple eyes were filled with admiration.

It was time to meet the Queen’s Consort.

At Iris’s Sky Dragon Hall, Flanna stood guard at the entrance.

“Flanna, where are the Queen’s Consort and the princess?”, Viltia asked.

“They’re taking a nap.”

“Oh, please go inform them that Her Majesty’s performance in the Hero versus Dragon play is about to begin.”

“Yes.”

Flanna turned and entered the hall. Not long after, a graceful silver-haired dragon woman emerged from the inner hall, holding the hand of a little twin-tailed, pink-haired dragon girl. Both of them still had a slightly drowsy look in their eyes.

Viltia gave a slight bow, offering a knight’s salute.

“Good afternoon, Your Highness, Princess. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Viltia, Chancellor of the Dragon Empire.”

“Hello”, Naya responded with a polite smile.

Illya, meanwhile, blinked her big, innocent eyes, curiously examining the purple-haired dragon in front of her.

“I apologize for disturbing your rest, but Her Majesty’s personal performance of the Hero versus Dragon drama is about to start. She specifically instructed me to bring you both to watch.”

“Where’s Iris?”

“Her Majesty is the lead performer.”

“Where is it being performed?”

“Please follow me.”

Following Viltia, they arrived at a place large enough for takeoff.

Naya and Illya rode on the dragon form of Flanna, with Viltia leading the way ahead.

They left the palace.

About 3,000 meters away from the palace, they looked down and saw a site resembling an arena on the ground.

The surrounding buildings and seats were dilapidated. From midair, Naya spotted a small red dot in the center of the arena and confirmed that it was Iris.

“Let’s stop here. Any closer would be disrespectful to the Hero,” Viltia said.

The two dragons stopped about a hundred meters away from the arena. Sitting on Flanna’s back, Naya and Illya had a perfect view of everything inside.

Illya excitedly pointed toward Iris in the distance.

“Mommy, look, there’s Mother!”

“Mmm.”

Naya looked carefully and saw that, besides Iris, there was a black-haired human in silver armor holding a long sword in the center of the arena.

In the far corner of the arena, there was also a blonde boy holding a staff!

That blonde boy—Naya would recognize him even if he had turned into ashes.

It was Leo, her good friend, the Hero who had fought alongside her six years ago against Iris, the Dragon King.

He was the one who abandoned her and fled alone while she and Iris were locked in a fierce battle.

Naya hugged Illya tightly. In an instant, she felt hot blood rushing to her head, and her long-dormant hatred flared up once again.