Rhode didn’t object to Erin’s decision. As a matter of fact, this was the only way out. Even though his initial plan was to rescue Erin and bring her back, in this situation, his explanations just wouldn’t cut it. Besides, even if he were to leave, perhaps he wouldn’t even be able to exit the underground maze. He might as well take a risk to see whether they could find another exit after Erin inherited the dragon soul powers. As for Ion, Rhode couldn’t be bothered. Rhode wasn’t mindful about a guy who would be dead sooner or later. Moreover, Rhode wasn’t interested in lowering his status in becoming Ion’s younger sister’s husband. In that case, the most sensible choice was for Rhode to kill the ‘wife’s’ older brother, and everything would turn out well.
As for Erin, even though she had expended a lot of her power earlier, she regained almost all of her strength after receiving Rhode’s power. The source of Erin’s strength came from the moon rule. Rhode was the Void Dragon, so his power was like that of a world. Even though they were suppressed by Chaos, as long as Erin was by his side, she could remain connected to the moon rule through his spiritual space.
But…
“Watch out for your safety.”
That was all Rhode could say as he gazed at Erin. He didn’t have too many suggestions for her in this aspect because the trials for dragon soul heirs weren’t released publicly to players in the past. Rhode also didn’t have any useful or relevant memories and information. But one thing for sure was that the trials were definitely intricate and extremely dangerous. It was obvious enough from the rules, where losers had no chance of starting over and would be thrown into the underground prison immediately. This proved just how dangerous the trials were. Besides, it was apparent from Erin that even if the dragon soul heir didn’t fully grasp the dragon soul powers, she was still powerful enough. But in this case, there were still instances of heirs who failed the trials…
“In short, be more careful.”
Rhode knew that Erin was a meticulous person, so he didn’t speak any more. He patted her shoulder, and the latter smiled at his warnings. Then, she nodded, turned around, and followed the two dragon young ladies to the other end of the corridor. Rhode gazed as she departed, until she vanished past the stone door. He shifted his gaze away and let out a helpless sigh. Honestly, he wasn’t willing for Erin to take this risk, especially under the current circumstances. But now, he had no other choice.
“Big Brother?”
At that moment, Icy Snow’s voice sounded in his ears. He lowered his head and saw Icy Snow looking worriedly at him.
“Are you alright? You don’t seem too happy…”
“I’m just feeling a little nervous, Little Icy.”
Upon hearing her concerns, Rhode stretched his hand out and stroked the little fellow’s hair with a smile. Icy Snow witnessed his smile and didn’t continue speaking. She was a sensible young lady who never bothered others. Since Rhode had no intention of speaking further, she wouldn’t bother him with too many questions. But shortly after, she knitted her brows and asked gently.
“Big Brother… I want to ask you about something.”
“What’s the matter?”
At that moment, Rhode had already let the weight off his mind. No matter the results, they couldn’t intervene anyway. So it was also meaningless for him to be too worried about Erin. As the saying ‘do one’s level best and leave the rest to God’s will’ went, it was up to Erin’s hard work and luck now. Rhode turned and gazed at Icy Snow curiously. Upon sensing his gaze, the young lady blushed and looked at the ground, pinching the edges of her clothes. After a few moments, she asked timidly.
“… Big Brother, earlier when Miss Erin said she would be joining Bubble and the rest… What is it about? I asked Bubble, but she said…” Icy Snow turned and glared furiously at Bubble. “… I’m still young and wouldn’t understand! Darn it, she’s clearly the same age as me. Big Brother, do you know what she meant?”
“About that…”
Rhode felt his head aching. Of course, he knew why Erin said those words to Bubble and Anne, but Icy Snow definitely wouldn’t understand. Even though she had a close relationship with him, he was always like a big brother to her. She was also unaware of his relationship with Canary. Just how should he explain it to her…
While Rhode racked his brains over how he should explain the ‘complicated’ relationship to Icy Snow, Erin followed the two dragon young ladies to an empty, circular room. This room seemed to be constructed entirely from yellow metal. In the middle of the room, there was a hexagonal ritual. As a princess who was passionate about archeology, Erin recognized the engraved runes as old spirit and dragon texts. It was apparent that this magical ritual was ancient, and likely to be a product of the Country of Darkness’s early days.
I never expected a secret like this to exist in the underground…
At this thought, Erin arranged her thoughts and looked at the two dragon young ladies. Upon detecting her gaze, they nodded at her.
“Alright, let’s begin the trial, dragon soul heir. Please bear in mind that you have to pass 12 trials and gain the promise of darkness in order to inherit the Dark Dragon’s power. According to the rules, you’ll have three chances to seek assistance. If you can’t handle the situation, you can summon us three times. Please be reminded that if you fail to pass the trials after summoning us three times, you shall be sent into the dragon prison.”
“Got it.”
Facing their words, Erin nodded in response. She extended her arm and held the pitch-black hilt on her waist with her hand, her eyes glinting in flashes of determination. The moon princess took large strides into the center of the ritual, turned around to look at the two dragon young ladies, and spoke.
“I’m ready. Let’s start.”
After receiving her confirmation, the two dragon young ladies nodded and exchanged looks with each other. At the next moment, they raised their arms. Along with this action, two metallic spears flickering in dazzling brilliance appeared in their hands. An enormous and gorgeous ritual emanated before Erin’s eyes. The power of darkness surged, shimmered, and transformed into elegant patterns, wrapping her around entirely. Erin stared at the pitch-black energy vigilantly. She sensed the strong force within it. Not only that, but she also vaguely sensed the presence of a mighty dragon’s prestige. It was so powerful that not even her big brother could compete with it.
Could this be the true power of the Dark Dragon?
At this thought, Erin couldn’t help but put up a solemn look on her face. She felt her big brother’s dragon’s prestige in the past, but it wasn’t as profound as this. This dragon’s prestige felt so dignified that it shook her heart. It was as though she were standing on the edge of a cliff, gazing at the boundless darkness below her, which brought shock and awe upon her. But now, she had to face this very power. If it belonged to her, perhaps everything would have ended by now.
Big Brother…
At the thought of Ion, Erin let out an inward sigh.
Is this power the reason why you were that ruthless to Mother? Even you can’t resist the temptation of this power? No… Maybe it’s, in fact, that you’re baffled by this power. But now, I’m the one standing right here.
Why…?
Erin shook her head. It wasn’t that Erin didn’t understand why Ion did it, but she clearly knew the reason instead. As the younger sister, although she never thought of seizing power, as a matter of fact she was far more outstanding than her big brother in every aspect. Perhaps Ion was only capable than her in terms of battles, but back then, Erin didn’t give it too much thought. She only hoped to learn as much as she could, so she could offer help after her big brother succeeded as the Dark Dragon.
But she didn’t expect that after Ion became the Dark Dragon, he stopped her from participating in every affair of the Country of Darkness, which disappointed her greatly. However, that was only disappointment, after all. Considering her love toward her big brother and their relationship, Erin eventually accepted his request to hide deep inside the moon castle, appreciating antique arts to pass time. As a matter of fact, she was also perplexed. She didn’t know what exactly she should do with her life. She kept reminiscing the moments when her big brother gazed at her with a subtle smile and said a lazy expression: “I just can’t handle these things that use my brain. In future, I want to rule the Country of Darkness. I will leave these troublesome matters to you, okay, Younger Sister?”
Back then, the young, innocent Erin nodded with might and excitement. She thought as long as she tried harder and harder, she could stand beside her big brother and help fulfill his wish.
But even so…
Now isn’t the time for this!
Erin held back the sadness in her heart. She unsheathed the sword and at the same time, a dense fog of darkness erupted. Her vision was enfolded by endless darkness…
