Chapter 313: Conversation

Chapter 313: Conversation

Waiting was always a torment. Even after enduring endless years, Xina also found it somewhat unbearable. Especially since a few days ago, its connection with the Fruit was severed again.

During the wait, Maya was relatively free. It was occasionally sent out to prepare food and drink for itself and Eileen. The thought of escape surfaced in its mind more than once, and Eileen had also given hints, but in the end, it stayed.

Maya did not understand the cunning of human hearts, but it understood the truth of Mana. The Ancestral Dragon had taught it that when there was nothing to rely on and it was difficult to decide on a direction, then one should follow the guidance of Mana.

The Mana within its body was still calm, and the Mana around it was not overly restless. Although storms occasionally rose in the sea, they did not cause much trouble for them.

Moreover, these past few days had broadened its horizons a lot.

After concealing its hostility, Xina appeared approachable, and in its speech and demeanor, it naturally carried the condescension of a strong being toward the weak. It seemed very interested in trivial matters of daily life, such as how much a dragon could eat in one meal? Regarding the answer given, its comment was that each generation was worse than the last…

And now Maya knew that Dragon Riders might truly have origins connected to dragons. This was the answer Xina gave after hearing Eileen’s self-introduction. It also used Bran and Huahua as examples, pointing out that Resonance in Mana could bring great benefits to both sides, but such unconditional trust was too rare. Between dragons and Dragon Riders, it was easier to form a connection similar to Mana Resonance.

Xina thought for a long time but could not come up with a better term, until Eileen blurted out “symbiosis.” Upon hearing that a similar being existed on Bran’s body, Xina fell silent for a long while.

However, this symbiosis was not necessary and did not involve life or death. So when a better substitute was found, it would be time for both parties to part ways. But some so-called better alternatives were only temporary. After one or two generations, or even several generations, some side effects would gradually appear.

By then, wanting to turn back would be too late. After all, they were two completely different species, each possessing entirely independent individual wills.

Eileen raised a question, “But, Bran said that Dragon Riders share the same origin as Northlanders, so how are they also connected to dragons?”

Division does not only occur between Alien Races; even within the same race, in the pursuit of power, they can gradually walk different paths.

Just like how Bran now could no longer be called human; he was more of a Monster than I am. I at least retain part of a physical body, even if that part is seen by others as merely colorless, odorless water. But this was transformed from my original blood; it has always flowed and grown within me. As for him, Wizard Bran possesses only the most fundamental Mana, which is why his power is purer and stronger. That is why I could do nothing against him and why I engaged in a transaction while he still had human emotions.

After being in this world for a long time, you will see many aberrations that share the same origin as you. There is nothing strange about it, nor should you hold hope because of it. You are actually already different, already unable to return to the beginning; you will each be Monsters in each other’s eyes.

I don’t know if there are still Dragon Riders on the Emerald Continent, or other similar clans. If not, you should wonder where they went? Why did they disappear?

Maya answered this question, “They haven’t disappeared. They just live on the edges of the Continent, more like savages. However, their power is still strong, only their numbers are somewhat scarce.”

As the two sides conversed and became more familiar, Eileen gathered her courage and asked the question that had long puzzled her: “Did you have any purpose when you appeared here? Was your fight with Bran unavoidable? And afterward, venting your anger on us—did you know we were innocent?”

“Maybe I did. For quite a long time, I was in a semi-dormant state. Mostly driven by instinct, attracted by Mana. As for purpose, perhaps it was Bran. I was attracted by Mana, and Bran should have been similar. Driven by instinct and attracted by each other’s Mana, conflict between us was inevitable.

I was just not very conscious at the time, letting him take advantage. As for venting anger afterward, it had nothing to do with your innocence; I simply wanted to vent. Just like when you stomp your feet in anger, do you consider the creatures that might be underfoot?”

It was a speechless yet truthful answer.

Bran was delayed for some time in Northland City. Everything in the city was fine; what affected him was the Mana. After taking the Water Pearl, the Inky Torrent let out an unwilling roar, as if knowing it was about to lose it.

In that instant, Bran began to hesitate. So he placed the Water Pearl inside his body, like a child holding candy, struggling with a difficult choice between keeping and giving it up.

But he was not a child after all; he knew that while savoring the sweetness of Mana, he must also maintain a clear mind. He was already caught in the Torrent, and could not afford the slightest carelessness.

After obtaining it, he didn’t feel much, but when preparing to give it away, he realized he truly—could not bear to part with it!

So Bran slowly flew out of Northland City, drifting leisurely along the Eternal River. Not until mist rose before his eyes did he reluctantly land. Then, with poorly concealed heartache and a warning, he harshly threw the Water Pearl toward Xina.

“Keep it safe. There won’t be a next time!”

“Thank you for the reminder. I will remember this lesson. I will protect it within my core, so there will be no next time.” Xina was in a very good mood, so it seemed very amenable, and its avatar elegantly gave a slight bow.

As the Water Pearl was thrown, the struggle in Bran’s heart also subsided.

He seemed to notice Eileen and Maya only then, frowning with displeasure in his tone: “What are you still doing here? Leave quickly! Also, you haven’t been here these past days, so you haven’t seen anyone or anything.”

Eileen and Maya, who were innocently implicated, did not argue and obediently left.

“Good! I thought you wouldn’t come back.”

Bran was still in no good mood. “So, you planned to use those two as hostages?”

“Just chatting, to understand where this place is? Who they are? And who are you? How could a dragon appear here? And a Black Dragon I’ve never seen before—I heard that’s because of you. You should be careful; among the Ancestral Dragons, there are those skilled in prophecy; perhaps you have already become a target for dragons.”

“Thanks.” Bran replied flatly, then began waiting for what would follow, waiting for the next exchange to come.