Reborn as a DRAGON

Chapter 325: Long journey

The journey to Everwyn proved to be an unexpectedly lengthy one, stretching on for what felt like months despite Grandfather's remarkable speed. As we traversed the vast expanse of space, our path was adorned with the eerie sight of countless lifeless, floating planets. Occasionally, we encountered unique star systems and the rare spectacle of a planet teeming with vibrant life.

These living planets were characterized by the presence of mana, an energy intertwined with the essence of life itself. As we passed by such worlds, Dragons responsible for their protection would take notice of our arrival. Yet, once they caught sight of Grandfather, they would respectfully bow from a distance, acknowledging his authority, and refraining from interfering with our journey.

After encountering several planets teeming with life, Grandfather eventually steered us towards a planet that bore the hallmarks of desolation. Positioned perilously close to its sun, it had become a lifeless wasteland, devoid of any thriving organisms.

Despite the protective shield of mana that enveloped us, the atmosphere of this barren world made me deeply uneasy. Sidus mirrored my discomfort, his expression contorting with evident displeasure. Breta wore a frown, her features betraying her discomfort, while Ynos appeared unaffected, seemingly impervious to the scorching heat and harsh weather conditions that would normally take their toll.

'Damn, just how strong is that monstrous body of his actually?' I silently wondered.

As our descent continued, Grandfather maintained a modest altitude, his gaze fixed on a particular location ahead. Gradually, the destination materialized before usa teleportation gate, surprisingly well-preserved despite the desolation surrounding it. The gate emanated a potent aura of cosmic mana, its presence detectable even before it came into clear view.

Grandfather wasted no time, leading us swiftly toward the teleportation gate. In an instant, we were transported to a floating island suspended in the void of space. However, there was no planet behind it, just emptiness stretching out as far as the eye could see. Ahead of us, a massive army of Dragons and Deities fought side by side, locked in a fierce battle against grotesque Shade abominations.

Grandfather's protective shield shielded us from the suffocating aura of the battlefield, a barrier that prevented the shockwaves of combat from causing serious harm. Despite my best efforts, observing the clashes proved to be a challenge. Each time I attempted to focus on the battles, my heart pounded in my chest, and searing pain coursed through my mind. Blood even trickled from my eyes, as if my gaze had fallen upon something forbidden, something I wasn't meant to witness.

"It's too early for you, brat," Grandfather's calm voice reverberated across my mind. "Don't force it, you are still too young. The one's before you are all old monsters."

I nodded slowly, my gaze shifting to my siblings who were visibly struggling. Their jaws clenched, their attempts to lift their heads met with resistance. However, Breta seemed unaffected by the chaos of the battlefield. She sat calmly, cross-legged, with her eyes closed in deep meditation, seemingly detached from the surrounding turmoil.

Grandfather's arrival did not cause a commotion on the battlefield; rather, everyone remained focused on the ongoing fight against the enemies. With a gentle landing, he left us on the platform with his mana shield, instructing us to wait for him while he darted forward like a speeding arrow, disappearing into the battle.

I strained to keep my gaze fixed on his departure, but the brightness of his presence became overwhelming. Reluctantly, I lowered my head along with the others, patiently waiting for his return.

Silence enveloped us, and the weight of the battlefield hung heavily in the air. Time passed slowly, and the tension grew with each passing moment. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, Grandfather reappeared before us. Shock surged through me as I noticed the enormous claw gash on his left shoulder, oozing a dark fog and leaving behind a gruesome wound.

None of us dared to speak, but concern and worry were etched on our faces as we awaited his next move.

Ignoring the severity of his injury, Grandfather nonchalantly passed his right claw over the gaping wound, conjuring an orange flame that methodically consumed the darkness and gradually healed the injury. As the wound diminished, he opened his jaw wide and inhaled deeply, sucking in the remnants of the dark fog.

A mix of awe and concern washed over us as we witnessed his incredible display of power and resilience. I was mostly curious as to how he was able to absorb the dark fog, but since he did not seem to have any intention of answering, I refrained from asking.

"Let's go," Grandfather calmly stated as he lowered his massive claw, beckoning us to climb aboard. With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, we quickly hopped onto his claw, and once again, we departed from the platform, continuing our journey through the vast expanse of starry space.

As we traveled, a sense of solemnity seemed to engulf Grandfather, reflected in his expression. He would occasionally alter our course, changing direction as if deliberately avoiding something or someone. It was a new side of him that I hadn't witnessed before, and it only fueled my curiosity and unease. I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead and why he seemed compelled to divert from a straight path.

The arduous journey stretched on, extending for what felt like an eternity. Grandfather's solemn demeanor persisted, casting a heavy atmosphere around us. As we traversed the vastness of space, the sight of lifeless planets became increasingly scarce. Instead, our path was littered with the colossal remains of gods and dragons, their lifeless bodies adrift in the void. Whenever we encountered such a sight, Grandfather would bow his head in respect, and we instinctively followed suit, paying our respects to these fallen beings.

Silence enveloped our journey as Grandfather remained tight-lipped, his gaze fixed ahead. We, too, refrained from uttering a single word, sensing the heavy weight of the atmosphere around us. Every fiber of my being tingled with a foreboding sensation, a vague sense of imminent danger that loomed in the darkness. Though I couldn't discern its nature, I remained on high alert, my senses heightened, ready to react at the slightest provocation.

Thankfully, however, after what seemed like an eternity, we finally came across a lone floating island in the middle of space. It wasn't very big, but the entourage of Dragons that surrounded and protected it caused my gaze to turn sharp. There were at least a few hundred of them, all with mighty auras, and it seemed like their sole purpose was the protection of the teleportation gate in the middle of the island.

As we approached the floating island, the Dragons guarding it turned their attention towards us. Their fierce presence was palpable, and I could sense the raw power emanating from each of them. Their watchful eyes followed our every move, assessing our intentions and evaluating us.