For the very first time in her long dragon life, Fiona felt a trace of nervousness.
She lowered her gaze, restraining her mighty aura as much as possible, and even her posture carried a touch of humility—so much so that it bordered on timidity.
The moment she stepped into the vast palace hall, her golden eyes, despite her best efforts, inevitably swept across the scene inside.
She saw Elizabeth, who was still finishing her formal military report to the throne.
And then—her gaze fell upon another figure.
From one of the side seats, a silent knight was rising to his feet. He seemed to be preparing to leave, perhaps because Elizabeth's report had just ended.
That man was Aragis.
He wore the same old-fashioned, star-blue suit of armor as before. Most of his face was hidden beneath the shadows of his helmet. His entire being radiated silence—like an unmoving boulder floating in the depths of space.
No trace of aura leaked from him. No energy fluctuations betrayed his presence. He was utterly inconspicuous, almost indistinguishable from the most ordinary of palace guards.
And yet—
The instant Fiona's eyes brushed over his figure, her entire body froze.
!!!
Her golden pupils contracted sharply until they were no larger than the tip of a needle!
Her heart felt as though an invisible hand had seized it with cruel strength, then hurled it down into a prison of absolute zero, a frozen hell from which there was no escape!
It was him!
She was certain of it. Absolutely certain!
Though not a single shred of aura seeped from him at this moment, Fiona could not mistake that sensation. That memory—etched deep into her soul—of the suffocating dread of death. That terrifying omen which once burned her very nerves like fire.
That will… that destructive intent that seemed capable of annihilating even the stars themselves…
It was the same. The exact same essence she had sensed outside the city gates not long ago.
Fiona's mind nearly collapsed beneath the crushing realization.
She was an Astral Ancient Dragon, an Astral Archmage rank being whose power was enough to devastate armies and reshape landscapes. Yet before this man, she could not even raise the faintest thought of resistance.
Such an existence… in the wide and boundless multiverse… could easily reign as the sovereign of an entire world.
And here, within this palace, such a being was nothing more than a general who followed military orders?!
The absurdity was staggering.
The terror was overwhelming.
A cold, suffocating tide of fear engulfed her completely, drenching her in dread.
The slight relief she had felt upon seeing Lilith earlier vanished without a trace, leaving her body once again stiff, every muscle locked in ice.
She finally understood just how laughable and ignorant her earlier thoughts of storming into this city truly had been.
In this city, in this stronghold, there was more than one person who could crush her as easily as snuffing out a candle flame.
Aragis himself seemed utterly oblivious to the storm raging within Fiona's heart.
He did not spare her even the briefest glance.
He merely inclined his head slightly toward Leo's throne, a silent nod of acknowledgement, before stepping away. His armored boots touched the floor with soundless weight, steady and unhurried, as he disappeared into the depths of the palace corridor.
Only when his presence had fully faded did Fiona feel as though she could breathe again.
Her chest rose and fell sharply as she forced air back into her lungs, her suppressed breath trembling on her lips. Cold sweat glistened across her brow.
When her golden eyes once again lifted toward the throne where Leo sat—his appearance still as ordinary as ever—the awe in her gaze had transformed.
It was no longer mere respect. It had become a fear so profound it bordered on worship.
This supreme sovereign—what kind of monsters did he command beneath his banner?
And if even his subordinates were such unimaginable beings—what then of himself?
How terrifying must the true measure of his power be?
"…To summarize," Elizabeth's steady voice rang out just then, completing her report, "the readiness level can be maintained at Yellow Alert. However, I recommend that the Dalton Knights extend their patrol perimeter another five standard jump units outward."
At that moment, Elizabeth seemed to notice Fiona's odd behavior.
Her violet eyes swept faintly across the dragoness.
Her gaze was calm, without fluctuation—yet within it was the razor-edged sharpness of a veteran commander, as if she were measuring and dissecting a potential threat.
The instant their eyes met, Fiona felt her skin prickle. She instinctively frowned, as though an invisible blade had grazed her cheek.
Leo inclined his head in acknowledgment of the report.
"Draft the precise patrol routes together with Aragis," he instructed.
Then his gaze turned toward Fiona, who looked as though she wished she could shrink into the marble floor itself. His tone remained even, as though nothing unusual had occurred.
"Fiona," he said lightly, "it seems you've been getting along with Lilith."
The dragoness shuddered.
She bent at once in a deep bow, her voice quivering with humility.
"Y-yes! Supreme One! Your Highness is… is kind and gentle beyond measure…"
Her words were so deferential that she sounded like a kitten stripped of its claws—timid, utterly unlike the cold, proud Astral Ancient Dragon who had once stood defiant at the city gates.
Elizabeth's violet eyes flickered with a subtle trace of surprise. Even she had not expected that such a formidable dragon could be "tamed" so quickly.
But Fiona herself felt no shame in her submission.
At this moment, she was utterly certain—this choice to submit was the wisest and most fortunate decision of her entire life.
Her mind recalled the ancient prophecy she had been raised upon.
Yes. It had to be true.
To serve the offspring of such unfathomable beings… perhaps this was not only her destiny, but her greatest honor and chance for glory.
"Fiona, humble servant of the Emerald Star Ring, pays respects to the Supreme One! Thank you for granting me the audience to behold the Child of Stars!"
Leo raised his hand gently. A soft power lifted her up, compelling her to stand without resistance.
"There is no need for excess ceremony," he said. "Now, tell me your true purpose."
Fiona inhaled deeply, forcing her trembling heart to steady.
"Yes, my lord."
"I hail from the Dragon Domain of the Emerald Star Ring. In obedience to the ancient prophecy of my clan, I have come to seek out and protect the Child of Stars…"
She laid out her intentions in detail.
But soon, her tone grew heavier, more troubled.
"In addition, Supreme One… during my journey here, I clearly sensed it. From the deep void of the cosmos, multiple immense presences were converging on this star's coordinates.
Some among them are no weaker than myself. I fear… they are being drawn here by the unusual energies emanating from this place—and perhaps, by the traces of the power your subordinates unleashed before."
The last words had scarcely fallen from her lips when Elizabeth's violet eyes snapped open wide.
In an instant, they blazed like drawn swords, flashing with steely battle light and unyielding will. Her aura surged outward—sharp, fierce, warlike.
The pressure was every bit as overwhelming as Fiona's own.
"What?!"
Fiona gasped, her golden pupils dilating in disbelief.
A peer of equal rank!
And not just any peer—this was a warrior who had clearly survived countless battles.
And she was… a human woman?!
Dragons were born blessed with strength, their innate might rendering them nearly invincible within the same rank. By contrast, human cultivators were considered frail at the same level, often struggling to compete against other races.
Yet from this human, Fiona felt undeniable threat!
Leo's calm gaze rested on Elizabeth.
The woman stepped forward, dropping to one knee before his throne. Her voice rang firm, fervent with desire for battle.
"President, Supreme One!"
"I, Elizabeth, Commander of the Dalton Astral Guard Legion, request permission to fight!
Allow me to crush all invaders in your name!"
Leo's eyes gleamed with unfathomable depth. His voice remained tranquil, but carried the resonance of fate itself.
"Granted."
"Elizabeth, unify the entire army. Activate every war protocol.
Let us welcome these so-called 'visitors.' I want the will of Dalton to become an iron tide that crushes every obstacle in our path."
As his words fell, it was as though infinite futures shimmered and unfolded in his eyes.
Elizabeth's own gaze blazed, filled with blazing determination. She struck her chest with a clenched fist, a soldier's salute filled with iron discipline.
"I will not fail your trust!"
She pivoted on her heel, her stride sharp and decisive, already prepared to marshal the legions.
And just then, a voice—urgent, almost pleading—rang out from the side.
"Wait! Father! Don't forget about me!"
A whirlwind of energy swept across the chamber as Lilith Grey darted forward, her light steps carrying her to the throne.
She had been listening all along. Now her azure eyes shimmered with excitement, anxiety, and fierce longing.
So intense was her eagerness that she had forgotten all of the graceful poise Elarielle had taught her. She nearly collided with Elizabeth as she rushed to Leo's side.
Elizabeth halted in surprise, glancing down at the girl with faint curiosity.
"Father!"
Lilith's voice rang clear in the hall, yet this time it carried an unshakable seriousness that surprised even those who knew her well.
"Elizabeth is going to war, Uncle Aragis will be standing guard… everyone has their mission!" Her small fists clenched tightly at her sides as she spoke, her sapphire eyes shimmering with determination. "I also want to join! I want to contribute my strength to protect Dalton! My stellar magic has already grown very strong!"
She inhaled sharply and pointed toward her companion.
"Fiona can help me too!"
The words spilled out in a rush, as though she feared that if she hesitated even a moment, the opportunity would slip away from her forever.
At her side, Fiona immediately lifted her head. The molten-gold eyes of the Astral Ancient Dragon flared with an effort to look fierce. Though her voice came out soft, it carried unwavering conviction. A low, draconic rumble rolled from her throat, the echo of an oath.
"Yes, Supreme One!" Fiona declared firmly.
"Fiona swears to guard the princess with her very life! Let me become her blade, and burn every enemy into ashes!"
Leo's gaze fell upon his daughter. Her little face was flushed with excitement, her eyes filled with the desperate plea of I do not want to be left behind. For a moment, he did not answer.
He leaned forward slightly upon his throne, his calm eyes glinting faintly, as if testing her resolve.
"Join the military?"
His voice was mild, betraying neither anger nor joy.
"Lilith, the army is no child's game. It means absolute obedience, iron discipline, and the danger of facing death."
He studied her closely. "So tell me… do you wish to serve like an ordinary soldier—marching under orders, charging the enemy head-on? Or do you mean to enter the rear echelon, distributing healing potions and energy supplies?"
Lilith reacted instantly, springing upright like a kitten whose tail had just been stepped on.
"No! I don't want the rear lines! I don't want to be an ordinary soldier either! I want to fight! I want to fight in my own way!"
She pressed on, her voice trembling with passion.
"My starlight can shield allies, my radiance can strike down foes! And besides—Fiona is so strong!"
She repeated the point as though the dragon's existence alone were her ultimate argument.
Fiona cooperated seamlessly, exhaling a narrow stream of condensed starfire. The sizzling air hissed as space itself distorted faintly from the heat.
For the briefest moment, the corner of Leo's lips lifted into the faintest shadow of a smile.
He let the silence linger, his eyes thoughtful, as though weighing her petition with the gravity of a sovereign judging the fate of nations. Lilith's heart leapt into her throat, her little hands tightening involuntarily, awaiting the verdict.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low, deliberate.
"The role of charging the front lines, shattering enemy formations, and meeting death with steel—that belongs to soldiers hardened by thousands of battles. That domain is not yours to enter."
Lilith's shoulders sagged instantly, her once-bright expression dimming into sorrow. Her lips trembled, and disappointment welled within her sapphire gaze.
But then—his tone shifted.
"…However," Leo continued, "your power is indeed unique, Lilith."
He raised his hand, tracing lightly across the air. At his gesture, a glowing light-screen materialized, swiftly forming a tactical diagram of a small battle unit.
"Stellar magic excels not at raw destruction, but at control, support, and the ability to turn the tide at decisive moments."
His eyes deepened, gleaming with profound calculation.
"Thus, I permit you to form an independent tactical squad. Its codename shall be 'Star'."
"You will personally act as the squad leader. Fiona shall serve as your core partner. Beyond this, you may select a few others—from the Academy or the garrison forces—to fill in your weaknesses. One skilled in defense, another in healing, and another in reconnaissance. That way, your team will have balance."
The shimmering screen shifted, presenting candidate profiles and shimmering portraits:
An elven druid, able to summon the ancient barriers of the World Trees.
An elven bard, whose war songs could stir courage and soothe wounds.
A half-elven assassin, who could melt into shadows and strike unseen.
A dwarven runemaster, able to weave impenetrable wards of arcane glyphs.
"Your task," Leo emphasized, his voice ringing with solemn authority, "is not to break through fortified lines. That duty belongs to the great legions. Instead, you will serve as a flexible dagger and a solid shield upon the battlefield—capable of rapid response, precision strikes, emergency rescues, and broad tactical support through your stellar magic."
His gaze pinned her.
"Well then? Do you dare shoulder this responsibility, my little captain?"
It was a reversal so sudden it left her dizzy.
A moment earlier, her heart had sunk into despair. Now, joy surged like a wave crashing into the heavens.
Her eyes widened round as the full moon, glittering with delight.
"Yes! I dare! I dare!"
"Thank you, Father! This is wonderful!"
She could scarcely contain herself. Nearly bouncing with excitement, she rushed forward and hugged his arm, her small face flushed crimson with exhilaration.
"I won't let you down! I'll become the best captain ever!"
Releasing him, she hurried to the glowing screen, tapping rapidly with her fingers.
"I want this elven senior! Her barriers will work perfectly with my starlight! And this bard, and this assassin…"
Her words spilled out in a cheerful torrent, her mind already racing with strategies, the beginnings of a true commander's planning.
Beside her, Fiona's golden eyes gleamed with an unusual spark. She could already picture the glory of soaring across battlefields, bearing Lilith upon her back, and wreaking havoc against their foes.
Leo observed them both, his expression calm but softened with a faint warmth of paternal pride. Beneath it, however, deeper thoughts stirred.
Allowing Lilith to enter the war was not only necessary training but also a means to shape her destiny. The carefully chosen squad he envisioned would be both her whetstone and her strongest armor.
"Very well," Leo said at last with quiet finality.
"The final roster and equipment list will be delivered to you shortly. For now, prepare your inaugural address, Captain of Team 'Star.'"
"Yes, President!" Lilith cried, mimicking Elizabeth's earlier military salute. Though clumsy and not entirely correct, her gesture radiated vitality and enthusiasm.
Grabbing Fiona's arm, she dashed from the hall like a jubilant songbird taking flight, her laughter echoing through the corridors.
Elizabeth, still nearby, watched this scene unfold. The hard lines of her face softened slightly, and she inclined her head toward Leo in acknowledgment before striding away with resolute steps, returning to the immense machinery of war preparations.
The grand hall fell quiet once more.
Leo's gaze returned to the endless streams of data flowing before him. To an outsider, it might have seemed as though the father-daughter exchange had been no more than a passing interlude.
Yet the faint curve at the corner of his lips betrayed the truth—a father's silent pride, and his careful, far-reaching design for his child's growth.
Lilith was kind-hearted and responsible by nature. The blood of the Stars flowed within her, urging her toward brilliance, compelling her to shine. She was no bird content to remain forever sheltered in a golden cage.
Though Leo could provide her with the best of everything, he knew well: a bird raised behind gilded bars will still long for the open sky.
Days Later — Dalton Supreme Council Hall
The vaulted dome stretched high above, etched with illusions of the infinite night sky, cold and solemn.
This time, the council chamber was filled with a heavier air than before—charged with the metallic tang of war and the weight of looming storms.
Leo sat at the head seat, listening calmly as reports flowed in.
Elarielle detailed the initial screening and placement of Aresian refugees.
Magnar supplemented her account with updates on strained resources and the mounting pressure upon infrastructure.
Elizabeth delivered a precise report on the combat readiness of the legions and the progression of drills.
Even Aragis, taciturn as ever, contributed—projecting magical images that revealed newly discovered unstable spatial rifts along the borders of the Aresia world.
When all information had been compiled, Leo's gaze swept the chamber.
His voice resonated clearly, echoing not only in the vast hall but in the very minds of every council member present.
"The shadows of external threats are drawing near. Dalton must once again quicken its stride of development, to meet the changing tide. The resolution is as follows…"