The vibrant streets of Pyrocliff buzzed with life under a canopy of stars, lanterns casting golden light over cobbled roads and distant laughter echoing through the alleys.Oasis and his retainers, stood momentarily undecided outside the grand plaza at the market district.“So... do we head back to Bluemoon Manor or wait at Ignis house for Agni?” Venak asked, scratching his head.Oasis looked up at the night sky, then at the distant flame-lit towers visible over the Pyrocliff skyline.“We’ll go to the Ignis estate. Our words to elder Ruyel must be honored. We’ll wait for Agni there,” Oasis said calmly.Without further debate, the group made their way through Pyrocliff’s inner district, the grandeur of the city softening as they approached the Firevale Gate, where the estate of House Ignis sprawled across the hillside.The massive gates of the Ignis Estate glowed faintly with warding runes, guarded by stoic sentinels in obsidian-red armor bearing the burning crest of Ignis—a Lion risin

"You seem puzzled by something, junior brother," Vulcan said at last, his keen eyes narrowing slightly as he noticed a flicker of distraction in Oasis’s gaze.Oasis exhaled slowly, as though debating whether to ask his question. "Senior brother… when might Master Draco’s escort arrive in Pyrocliff?"Vulcan folded his arms, tilting his head in thought."Mmmh… if they don’t rest along the way, by tomorrow night. But if they decide to rest, then let’s hope for the morning after tomorrow." His gaze sharpened. "Are you perhaps thinking of leaving before that?"Oasis quickly waved a hand."No, no—not at all. I can’t leave without seeing Agni, since he invited me here. And also…" He hesitated, realizing the next thing he was about to say—about the materials they are waiting for from the Pecunia Association—would hint that he’d already met Mirrage.Best not to risk it. "…also, I have to visit the grave."Vulcan’s expression softened."Ohh, I see, I see. Don’t worry about that. I’ll have one o

"But I’m sure even among them, there are those considered geniuses—more talented than the others. Ain’t no way their aptitude can be the same," Vulcan said with a low, knowing tone."So all in all, Dragons are terrifying. In fact, all sacred beasts are terrifying. So, junior—if in the future you happen to meet one, if your techniques can let you escape, do that. If you can hide yourself, do that."He spoke firmly, completely oblivious to the irony—that he was offering this advice to one who was a sacred beast.And not just any—Oasis Volacris, a hybrid between the most exalted of all: Dragon and Phoenix.Oasis’s gaze softened."When I really think about it… I’ve never read much about sacred beasts, nor most races outside of humans," he thought, his mind brushing over memories like pages in an ancient tome."But from Master Elias’s life scroll, I do recall some records of the sacred beasts."The details resurfaced—whispered legends written in careful, reverent strokes:"There are five s

"Fire magic: Phoenix Blaze," Oasis whispered, his voice low but brimming with intent.He extended his palm forward, fingers spread like the talons of a hunting bird. In an instant, cyan magic circles flared into existence, each intricate rune rotating with a hypnotic grace.The air around his palm shimmered, and a rush of heat radiated outward as if the very atmosphere was bending to his will.Then, with a sudden surge, flames of a rare cyan hue erupted forth—pure, elegant, and terrifying in their beauty.They writhed like the wings of a celestial phoenix, leaving trails of azure firelight in their wake as they hurtled toward the Grand Elder.Grand Elder Ruyel’s lips curved into a smile, his eyes narrowing with amusement."So this is the cyan flame," he thought, fingers flexing with a veteran’s precision."Flame King Magic: Flame Spear!" he declared, his tone ringing like steel striking steel.With a flick of his fingers, molten energy gathered in a heartbeat.A spiraling spear of bla

"So Elder Volacris," Amilia said, forcing herself to push away the wave of shyness that crept into her chest.She kept her tone casual, but her fingers fidgeted ever so slightly against the folds of her robes. "What was Mirrage talking about when she spoke about nightlife?"Oasis’s shoulders stiffened just enough for her to notice — a rare tell from someone so composed. His eyes narrowed faintly, as if deciding how much truth to offer."Oh, that? Honestly… I had asked Mirrage to show me around the city. When I realized she was mostly working at the Pecunia Association, I thought it’d be better to wait until night, after she was off work," Oasis said, his voice even but with a faint hint of defensiveness.Amilia tilted her head, her gaze steady on him. "Can’t you see the city with your retainers? It’s not like you’ll get lost or attacked — not with your strength."Her lips quirked into a knowing smirk. "You just wanted specifically her. Men… with their lack of control over their lust."