Quikantel slowly blinked as Murakan thoroughly explained the situation.

[It certainly is a serious problem. But first, let us relocate. There is a small island a few minutes from here. Follow me.]

Quikantel flew past Murakan. Before following her, Murakan talked with Jin.

[Whew, we couldve died today. You okay, kiddo? I didnt think you could successfully unleash your sword.]

There wasnt any spiritual energy congestion like last time, but my entire body feels like its gonna shatter. More than that, are you okay? Getting beat up by your ex doesnt sound really fun.

[Oltas dragons know theyre hotshots, so a small scratch to their pride will make them turn into monsters. I mean, I came to see her despite knowing that, so it was my fault. I mean, I knew she would get kinda mad, but not this much. The bigger man is supposed to be patient. On that note, you dont need to wait ten years to cast spells. Anyways, good thing were making progress. As soon as we came, we found out who the kidnapper was. Vyuretta]

Jin had already asked Murakan about Vyuretta at the Runcandel banquet; the day when Andrei Zipfel got kicked out.

According to Murakan, Vyuretta was a little younger than him. The third strongest dragon amongst those under Melzeyer, the God of Wind.

[Its possible that it doesnt only involve Vyuretta, but also the God of Wind. Its starting to smell a little fishy. Alright, lets go.]

They instantly caught up to Quikantel. She slowed down to match Murakans speed, considerate of his exhausted state. It seemed she lost her violent tendencies.

They approached a no-mans island in the middle of the Vermont Empires waters. Once they successfully landed, the two dragons changed into their human forms.

Jin was startled by Quikantels transformation. The hysterical breath-shooting dragon was gone, and there stood a beautiful woman, which was weird to him.

No ones here. It is possible, however, that other dragons can hear our conversation.

She didnt seem to trust Earth Dragons Labus and Untiel, as if not regarding them as her allies.

Murakan shrugged.

Quikantel remained silent for a while, staring at the black dragon. Though, it was hard to tell if it truly was just staring or glaring.

Murakan couldnt ignore her gaze.

Am I supposed to leave them alone, or?

Before Jin had the chance to leave, Murakan broke the silence.

We didnt come here to just exchange weird glances. Tell me exactly when Vyuretta took Lathry.

Quikantel bit her lower lip and sighed.

Over a year ago.

Exactly when Kashimir said the dragon went missing.

Tricking Lathry about learning Draconic Magic Thats pretty nasty.

But Murakan, why do you think that Vyuretta kidnapped Lathry for malicious intent? Maybe it really is to teach them Draconic Magic.

Quikantel, Az Mils current contractor is really young. She cant control her powers.

What? Thats when its most dangerous without a guardian dragon.

Vyuretta definitely knows about that. And even if he didnt, Lathry wouldve told him. Doesnt matter. Tell him that Lathry will learn the Draconic stuff later and to return them to their contractor now.

Hm, definitely peculiar. If they didnt intend to kill Az Mils contractor, Lathry wouldve been returned ages ago.

Quikantel furrowed her eyebrows.

To her, the life of Az Mils contractor was not important. After all, she had to protect Enya, not a contractor of a different god.

However, Quikantel just remembered that Vyuretta showed some interest towards Enya.

How did you know that Vyuretta took Lathry?

Vyuretta stopped by the empire when it happened. Apparently, he was going to introduce Lathry to me, but in reality, it was to see Enya.

Whos Enya?

Murakan played it dumb, and Quikantel, unexpectedly, revealed that she was Oltas contractor.

Anyways, Vyuretta really wanted to meet Enya for some reason. Even though I rejected his requests many times, that creep keeps trying to latch on.

With your personality, you just let him latch on to ya? You calmly denied it, I see. Whats this? Youre scared of the Zipfels now?

Quikantel sighed.

It wasnt because I was scared of the Zipfels. There was nothing I could do. The higher-ups of the Vermont Empire already knew that Enya was the contractor, and the information was probably already passed down to Andrei Zipfel.

And Enya was one of Vermont Magic Academys scholars.

If Quikantel fought with Vyuretta for any reason, the academys Zipfel thugs would do some undesirable things towards Enya.

If I dealt with it my way, its a loss for me as a guardian dragon. Anyways, hearing about Lathry, I think that Vyurettas approach towards Enya may have some shady goal.

Huh, youre one to talk. You were trying to harm my contractor a while ago.

I didnt know you had a human on your back. If I knew Solderet had a contractor, I wouldnt have gone that far.

Sure, you wouldnt.

Silence.

Murakan.

What, kid?

For Enyas case, the higher-ups of the Vermont Empire already know who and where she is, but not Az Mils contractor.

Jin intentionally did not mention Eurias name. He didnt trust Quikantel with such classified information.

With that in mind, how did Vyuretta approach Lathry in the first place? Seeing that Vyuretta hasnt returned Lathry yet, Im pretty sure he knew of the existence of Az Mils contractor. On top of that, the fact that the contractor is young

For sure. Hmm For the thousand years I was asleep, was there a spell that could detect contractors?

Quikantel shook her head.

Theres no way something like that could be developed, whether it was a thousand years ago or today. No one could tell who the contractor was until the contractor discovered their own powers.

We never know. Those Zipfel bastards. I dont want to admit it, but theyre a pretty impressive bunch.

Okay, but even if that kind of magic exists, what good would they get from finding the contractors?

They can benefit in two ways. Any contractor outside of their control is considered a threat, so they can simply eliminate them. Also, if the contractor dies, the Zipfel Clan has an opportunity to form a contract with the then-vacant god.

Jin answered, attracting Quikantels attention.

Just for that? Dont they already have immense national power? One or two contractors wont be of any threat.

I dont know about dragons, but humans thirst for power never ends. Also, if a few contractors were to get together, they would definitely be a force to be reckoned with.

Quikantel had a hard time understanding the childs words. Considering that the Zipfels were a clan that was already at the top of the world, she didnt think that they needed to take drastic actions for such trivial matters.

However, Murakan nodded in agreement.

Definitely a possibility. I know best about the Zipfels greed. Lets just put it this way. First, they have a method to track down contractors. Second, if they find any non-Zipfel contractors, theyll eliminate them.

Hold on. Do we really need to assume that? We can just ask Vyuretta.

You serious? Stop talking bullshit, Quikantel. If you were a kidnapper, would you just spill everything? Get your shit together. From what I can see, your Enya kid might be in danger.

It wasnt that Enya might be in danger; she was definitely in danger.

A few years later, Enya would be assassinated by the Zipfels, and not a single word about it would appear on the news. Instead, a new pureblood Zipfel would become Oltas contractor and be known around the world.

As a regressor, Jin was certain of this theory. He remembered the different events and occurrences in his past life very clearly.

I have my eyes wide open, and Enya is not in danger. Until that child fully grows, nobody can harm her.

Please stop denying it, and think straight. Leaving her alone will lead to her death.

These words were about to come out of Jins mouth, but Murakan said it a little louder.

Quikantel, theres nothing wrong with being very cautious. But its impossible for you to be beside Enya 24/7 for 365 days and more. Just get the hell outta the Vermont Empire. The academy relays Enyas every move to the Zipfels.

That child has never left the empire since birth. In fact, her entire family is there. Are you telling me to change their life because of an unknown and uncertain threat?

Life is only enjoyable if youre still breathing. Look, this is only a suggestion. The choice is yours anyways.

Hmmm Ms. Quikantel, please listen to what I have to say.

Quikantel turned towards Jin.

Murakan and I will search for Lathry. We will do whatever it takes. But if Lathry is discovered imprisoned or injured, and we tell you about it, what will you do?

I would

Quikantel clenched her teeth.

relocate Enya.

Then I would do that now. If Lathry is already imprisoned or injured as we speak, no matter how fast you are, it will be too late. I humbly request that you make a wise decision.

The kids right, Quikantel. Move Oltas contractor and her family to a safer place. Well determine whether Vyuretta is full of shit or not, and then well meet once more.

Quikantel could no longer stand her ground. There wasnt a single flaw in their argument, and she was genuinely concerned about Enyas future.

They are more worried for Enyas safety than I am I have a lot to learn from them.

Phew.

Quikantel heaved a deep sigh and nodded.

Alright, lets do that. I will assist you two.

Oh, no need. Its fine. Well deal with it ourselves. Sure, my darkness got a little weaker, but you dont need to help me deal with a measly wind dragon. That Vyuretta bitch is washed up.

And how will you meet him?

What do you mean, how will I meet Vyuretta? Just like how I called youwith my energy.

Are you saying this even after knowing how many dragons are with the Zipfels? On top of that, youre going to take the Runcandel kid and head to the Zipfels mainland?

Jin and Murakan faced Quikantel with a look of surprise.

What are you startled by? The kid has an aura like that Temar runt. You think I wouldnt notice that energy?

Hmmm Quikantel, can I entrust you with these secrets?

I still hold Temar in high regard. Being with one of his successors reminds me of the old days.

Temar Runcandel, Murakan, and Quikantel were close friends. When Murakan and Quikantel were together, that is.

Anyways, I will call Vyuretta. Hell react to my call like a horny teenager. You guys can deal with him after that.