Chapter 32: A Desperate Situation and a Savior

Chapter 32 - A Desperate Situation and a SaviorWhoosh! As the black smoke that had blanketed the sky finally cleared, the massive figure of the black dragon came into view. But its condition was far from what everyone expected. The devastating attacks from Draco and Phoenix hadn't harmed its body at all—only its thick skin was scorched, releasing thin wisps of black smoke. The sight left everyone wide-eyed with fear. "Damn... What kind of dragon is that? Even after such powerful attacks, it's still standing unharmed!" One of the noble family heads exclaimed in horror. For context, Draco and Phoenix were Celestial mages—among the strongest on this continent. Yet their combined assault barely did more than scorch the dragon's outer layer. It wasn't just unwounded—no blood flowed from any of the struck areas. "As expected from a catastrophe-level monster... its power is truly incredible," Draco said gravely. He realized his earlier advantage came only because the black dragon had been caught off guard, not fighting at full strength. Otherwise, he would have lost badly and wouldn't have survived its attack. "Don't worry. Our main goal is to keep attacking and deal as much damage as possible," Phoenix said beside him. "Besides, we need to buy time for Orion to finish his ultimate attack." At the same time, she turned to Orion. The arrow in his hand was slowly taking shape—it would take time before it was fully formed. That wasn't surprising, considering this was his ultimate attack, meant to deal massive damage to the dragon. "What Phoenix said is right," Hydra said calmly. "We must keep up the assault on the black dragon to buy Orion enough time." The three exchanged determined looks and nodded. Suddenly, the black dragon let out a deafening roar. Roar! The thunderous sound unleashed a powerful shockwave that could instantly deafen anyone caught directly in its path. Fortunately, Cassiopeia swiftly swung her arms, conjuring a strong barrier that shielded the palace square and the capital from the blast. "You three lowly creatures! How dare you attack me in secret! I'll kill you this instant!" The massive dragon charged at them with incredible speed. Draco, Phoenix, and Hydra didn't hesitate—they spread their wings and met the dragon's assault head-on. Meanwhile, Cassiopeia, Lyra, and Corvus sprang into action, working to protect the capital from the clash. But Lyra frowned, as if something was troubling her. "Eastern Star Harp, heed my call!" She said coolly, opening her palms. In an instant, a golden-white harp appeared before her. Lyra was the living embodiment of the constellation symbolizing a musical instrument—the harp. Legend said the harp held extraordinary, invincible power. With its melodic strains, anyone who heard it would become entranced, trapped in an endless illusion. Unless the wielder chose to release them, those caught would remain forever confined in that illusory world. Beneath her hood, Lyra closed her eyes and began to play. Tiinnggg~ The moment the first note rang out, everyone felt drawn in, closing their eyes to savor the haunting melody. Even Ragan, Cedric, Aldric, Zarak, Cassian, Elina, Evalyn, the leaders of the House of Dukes, and the noble family heads were caught in its spell. Only Nolan remained calm and composed, seemingly unaffected. To all others, the melody was soothing, but not to the black dragon. As the sound reached its ears, its eyes snapped wide open, then glazed over. The world around it transformed into a breathtaking mountainous landscape. There, another black dragon—slightly smaller—gazed at it with loving eyes. "Darling... Welcome..." The soft voice, at least to the dragon's ears, filled its mind, holding it captive. "Tharvyra..." the black dragon whispered, voice trembling. Then, in an instant, its expression twisted. Anger and hatred blazed in its fiery red eyes. "No... Tharvyra is dead! Killed by these damn humans!" it roared furiously. The beautiful scenery before the black dragon—the mountains, the sky, and the dragoness's figure—shattered instantly, breaking apart like fragile glass. Pufft! Lyra coughed up red blood, clutching her chest as she staggered backward. "Lyra!" Cassiopeia shouted in panic, immediately flying over and gently catching her. "Are you okay?" Lyra wiped the blood from the corner of her lips and gave a wry smile. "I'm fine. It's just... The black dragon was too strong. It shattered my illusion." Although powerful, the illusion created by the Eastern Star Harp had one critical weakness—the opponent couldn't be stronger than the wielder. If the enemy's strength surpassed hers, the illusion would shatter, and the wielder would suffer a dangerous backlash. Cassiopeia immediately started casting healing magic, her voice filled with concern. "Don't push yourself. Our attacks won't hurt it much. We can only fall back and prepare for the dragon's next move." Lyra sighed softly and gave a slight nod. "You're right... this is on me." Boom! The battle in the sky intensified with every passing second. Hydra, Phoenix, and Draco fought the black dragon with all their might, but the outcome looked bleak. Although it appeared they had the advantage at first, the reality was they were barely holding their ground. Their attacks barely left a mark on the dragon, while every strike from the beast was deadly—one hit was enough to cripple them instantly. "Thanks for the distraction, everyone. Now... clear the way!" Orion's calm voice echoed inside their minds. Without hesitation, Draco, Hydra, and Phoenix flapped their wings and scattered in different directions. The black dragon froze, stunned and disbelieving. Before it could recover, a streak of light shot from afar, heading straight toward it. An aura of death surrounded the arrow's shaft. The dragon tried to dodge—but it was too late. Scrrck! The black arrow pierced through its heart. The dragon looked down, eyes wide with shock. "How... could...?" Crack! A small fissure appeared on its chest, slowly spreading like a spider's web until— Bang! Its body shattered like fragile glass, breaking apart into shimmering particles that drifted high into the sky. "It worked?" Someone muttered in disbelief, then a joyful smile broke across his face. "It worked!" he exclaimed, lifting the spirits of everyone nearby. "It worked! Hahaha! We're safe!" "The Mages of the Constellations are incredible! They're our heroes!" Cheers erupted through the square—and echoed throughout the capital. "Brother, we did it! The dragon is gone!" Elina shouted, jumping excitedly. "Yay! We're safe!" Masha, cradled in Nolan's arms, smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with joy. But Nolan's expression remained calm, unreadable. "It's not over yet..." he warned. His words stunned Masha, Elina, and Evalyn into silence. Before they could respond, a sudden flash of purple light burst across the sky. Under the shocked and fearful gazes of the Mages of the Constellations and everyone in the square, the dragon's figure reappeared—unscathed. "Hahaha! Did you really think that attack was enough to kill me!?" Its mocking voice rang out, sending chills through the crowd. Faces went pale. "What!? Impossible!" "Damn it! That dragon is too powerful!" "F***! It's a monster for sure!" Fearful cries echoed once more, and the fragile calm shattered, plunging everyone back into panic. "Liar..." Orion muttered, clutching his aching chest, disbelief etched across his face. He had put everything into that attack. He expected the dragon to be dead—or at least badly wounded. Yet it still stood alive!? "Alright," the dragon said coldly, "Let's end this tedious farce." It spread its massive wings and opened its jaws wide. Buzz! A searing ball of energy crackled between its teeth. But that was only the beginning. Between its wings, dozens of energy balls formed—each as large as a towering twenty-story building. The sight plunged everyone into despair. "This is truly the end for us..." One ball of energy might have been bearable for the mages, but more than ten? There was no chance of survival. "Huh..." Nolan sighed softly. He turned to Elina and gently handed Masha into her arms. "Please take care of Masha," he said calmly. Elina hugged Masha close, eyes wide with confusion. "Where are you going?" "To the bathroom," Nolan replied casually, then turned and walked away. Elina and Evalyn exchanged stunned looks, three question marks hovering above their heads. The situation is critical—and he still has time for a bathroom break!? *** "Everyone, prepare to sacrifice yourselves," Orion said solemnly. In this moment, they had no other choice—if they didn't act, the entire capital would be wiped out. His six comrades didn't flinch. They nodded with grim determination. "Let's do this!" Draco, Hydra, and Phoenix reverted to their human forms. In unison, they brought their palms together, unleashing a tremendous surge of power. "Hahaha! Now... die!" The black dragon roared as it launched massive balls of energy from its mouth and wings. "Now!" Orion commanded. But just then— Fwooosh... krreeeuuup! A colossal black hole tore through the sky and devoured the energy balls in an instant. "What!?" The black dragon and everyone else stared in disbelief. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... I didn't expect to stumble upon such an amusing scene." A playful voice rang out from the distance. All eyes turned toward a tall figure cloaked in black, floating calmly in the sky. His face was concealed behind a black demon mask. Most didn't recognize him—but one man did immediately: the Duke of Valcrest. "It's you... the Singularity of Chaos."