In the thick darkness that pressed against their chests like an invisible giant hand, the pair of large golden eyes glowed even brighter. Their light was sharp, primordial, and filled with ancient menace, causing the purple mist around them to freeze completely, no longer moving at all. The air felt heavier, colder, and saturated with an aura of death and darkness that was all too familiar to the three sisters. The pressure was not merely physical; it crept into their souls, testing the mental stability and courage of anyone brave enough to stand before it.

Suddenly, the figure fully revealed itself from behind the thick black-purple mist.

GRRRRAAAAAHHHHHH!!!

A thunderous roar shattered the dungeon’s silence, shaking the entire inner area’s ruins until stones cracked and dust flew everywhere. The sound wave was so powerful that it made their ears ring and their chests vibrate. A massive dragon emerged dramatically, its long and powerful body surging forward like a living storm. Most of its scales still gleamed with a golden luster that must have once been sacred and beautiful, radiating remnants of divine majesty. However, thick black patterns like living corruption now crawled across its entire body spreading from its belly to its back like pulsing veins of darkness. Its mouth was still dripping with fresh, thick blood from fangs as long as a human arm the remains of the unfortunate hunters whose corpses were scattered around. The stench of blood and raw meat stung the nose.

Although the dragon looked extremely threatening and was quite large, its body reaching twenty-five meters in length with shoulders nearly five meters wide, it was still not as large as the Elder Dragon that had once emerged from the dimensional rift near Nocture. Especially when compared to the terrifying giant claw that had appeared at that time. This dragon in front of the three sisters might even be smaller than Noir in his full dragon form. However, the primordial aura and corruption clinging to its body still made it a deadly threat.

Sylvia narrowed her dark red eyes, her gaze cold and analytical. A corrupted Golden Dragon, she thought. The remaining golden patterns on its scales and the creeping black patterns clearly indicated that this creature was once one of the sacred beasts protected by the world’s power. The words of the Azure Dragon they had met before echoed in her mind about its sealed siblings and the corruption slowly spreading across this world.

The dragon wasted no time. Its eyes burned with murderous intent, its vertical pupils narrowed with uncontrollable hunger and rage. Without a single word, it lunged forward with terrifying speed, its long body whipping like a giant lash. Its mouth gaped wide, fangs gleaming, ready to unleash a deadly breath or tear its prey apart with a single bite.

WHOOOSSSHHH!!!

But before the dragon could release its breath, Sylvia’s Chain of Abyss moved even faster. Jet-black chains burst from the shadows of her dress like hungry living serpents, shooting forward at the speed of light through the darkness. CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! The sound of interlocking chains echoed loudly. The chains wrapped tightly and mercilessly around all four of the dragon’s legs, yanking it down with immense force drawn directly from the dimension of darkness.

BRRRAAAKKK!!!

The dragon’s massive body crashed hard onto the ruined ground. Dust and stone fragments flew high, forming a thick cloud mixed with the mist. The dragon roared in anger and confusion, struggling to get up with all its might. GRRRAAAHHH!!! Its muscles bulged powerfully, its gold-black scales gleaming wildly under the purplish-red rune light. But the Abyss Chains, bound directly to the dimension of darkness, prevented it from moving freely. Every time it tried to break free, the chains tightened further, piercing the dark aura in its body and draining its strength.

The dragon began to panic. Its golden eyes widened with a mix of rage and fear. It thrashed violently, its tail smashing the surrounding ruins into pieces, large boulders shattering like dry cookies. The ground shook, and the mist swirled wildly. But all its efforts were in vain.

Sylvia walked closer with slow, graceful steps, as if she were strolling through a flower garden. Her long black dress fluttered gently even without strong wind, her black hair flowed down her back, and the aura of death emanating from her undead body made her look like the Goddess of Death calmly approaching her prey. Her dark red eyes stared directly into the dragon’s golden eyes without the slightest fear, as if challenging the primordial soul within.

Stacia and Alicia followed behind warily. Stacia’s black wings were half-spread, ready to launch at any moment. Alicia floated with her soft spiritual light, staff already in hand and prepared.

Sylvia stopped right in front of the dragon’s head, which was forced downward by the chains. She stared deeply into the creature’s eyes, as if piercing through the layers of black corruption that had covered its soul for years.

"Alicia," Sylvia said coldly without turning her head. "Can its soul still be healed?"

Alicia floated closer, her translucent spirit body glowing softly like a full moon. She reached out her slender white hand toward the dragon’s forehead and closed her eyes for a moment, sensing the chaotic flow of its soul inside the massive body. Her expression was serious, her brows slightly furrowed.

"There is still some left," Alicia answered softly but confidently. "The remnant soul of the original Golden Dragon is still holding on inside, though it’s very weak and nearly buried. It can be healed, but the process won’t be easy."

The dragon grew even more panicked upon hearing their conversation. It roared loudly and struggled with all its strength. GRRRRAAAAAHHHH!!! Its body thrashed wildly, fresh blood spraying from its mouth onto the ground. The Abyss Chains tightened even more, piercing deeper until the dragon roared in agony.

Alicia brought out her original magic staff. The jet-black staff with a lantern at its tip glowed brightly with pure, sacred blue spiritual light. The light seemed to pierce the dungeon’s darkness, making the dragon even more terrified. It struggled harder, its tail slamming the ground repeatedly until cracks spread across it.

With gentle yet highly focused movements, Alicia brought the blue lantern close to the dragon’s forehead. The moment the light touched its scales, the dragon let out an excruciating roar of pain.

RRRRROOOOOOAAAAAARRRRR!!!

The roar was filled with suffering and despair. Inside its body, an intense soul battle was raging. The original sacred Golden Dragon fought against the darkness that had been gnawing at it for years like a parasite. With Alicia’s spiritual energy assisting, the blue light penetrated deeper, burning away the black stains one by one. The black color on the dragon’s scales began to fade slowly, like ink stains being erased by holy water. The bright, sacred gold started to reappear, spreading wider and growing brighter, emitting a warm golden radiance.

The purification process took quite a long time, nearly a full hour. Alicia continued concentrating her power, spiritual sweat appearing on her translucent forehead as her spirit body trembled slightly from the strain. Stacia stood guard beside her, wings fully spread, her silver eyes scanning the surroundings for any other threats. Sylvia remained standing in front, her Chain of Abyss holding the dragon firmly and mercilessly, her expression cold and unwavering.

Finally, the dragon’s roars weakened dramatically. The black color disappeared completely. Its scales were now pure, beautiful gleaming gold, radiating a strong sacred and fortunate aura. Its golden eyes, once filled with rage, were now clear, conscious, and carried a glint of gratitude.

Sylvia waved her hand elegantly. The Chain of Abyss immediately released its bindings and vanished back into the shadows of her dress like snakes returning to their nest.

The Golden Dragon lay still for a moment, breathing heavily. Then it slowly lifted its massive head. Though a dragon’s ego was usually extremely high and arrogant, it bowed deeply before the three sisters, its head touching the ground with full respect and submission.

"Thank you..." Its deep, resonant voice echoed directly in the minds of all three. "I... have been saved from the darkness that almost devoured my soul."

Suddenly, the entire space changed drastically. The darkness and purple mist faded quickly, replaced by a soft, healing golden-green light. The stone ruins transformed into a beautiful, lush green meadow. Colorful flowers bloomed everywhere, small butterflies fluttered about, and a cool spring breeze blew gently, carrying the fresh scent of flowers and grass. It felt like a paradise garden in the middle of a terrifying dark dungeon.

Sylvia had suspected this would happen. And sure enough. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Two figures appeared before them. Both had beautiful natural green hair. One was an adult figure with a mature body and extremely powerful aura, undoubtedly the original Earth Avatar. The other appeared as a teenager, with a younger face and a slightly different aura of the Avatar of the planet that had fused with Earth. Sylvia herself had somewhat forgotten the name of that planet, even though she was the main cause of the world fusion.

The adult Earth Avatar stepped toward the Golden Dragon. The dragon immediately bowed completely, its head touching the green ground in deep respect.

"Your curse has been lifted," the Earth Avatar said in a gentle yet authoritative voice that resonated through the soul. "Now you are free to leave this place. But if you have no destination, since your other sacred beast siblings are still sealed, you may follow this girl."

The Earth Avatar pointed at Sylvia with a faint smile.

"She represents death, but by her side is a girl who shares similarities with you light and fortune. You two would complement each other perfectly."

The Golden Dragon nodded deeply, its eyes filled with determination. "Understood... with all my heart. I will follow the master who saved me."

Sylvia only smiled faintly in her heart. Oh, it must be Sofia. It fits perfectly. With this, Nocture would have two guardian dragons. Excellent.

The Earth Avatar looked at Sylvia once more with a deep, meaningful gaze. "Continue your journey as you wish. This world is changing, and you are part of that change."

Then, both Avatars slowly disappeared like a mirage, leaving behind a cool spring breeze and a soothing floral aroma.

The Golden Dragon also changed form. Its massive body rapidly shrank in golden light, transforming into a small, cute, and adorable golden kitten, very similar to how Noir turned into a black cat. Its fur gleamed with pure gold, its eyes were bright and intelligent, and its fortunate aura felt warm and calming.

The golden kitten lightly leaped onto Sylvia’s shoulder and gently rubbed its head against her, as if declaring its loyalty.

Sylvia stroked its head once with her cold fingers. "Welcome to our family."