Starfania's gaze lingered on Atlas. Not just as her dragon. But as something…unanswered. Something unfinished. Her hand rested lightly against his scales, and for the first time since arriving in Primara, she truly looked at him—not just with wonder, but with intent. The shimmer of his scales, the way light bent across them like fragments of the sky itself…the quiet intelligence in his eyes. Then—a thought struck her. Sharp. Clear. Her hand moved instinctively to her side, reaching into her bag.
" The Codex…" she murmured under her breath. Aeron tilted his head. " What?"
But Starfania was already pulling it out. The Draconic Codex. Her book, given by Cantina. The one that grew with knowledge. She slowly opened it, recalling its previous revelations about Primara and Lutu. The page shifted. Fluttered. Then stilled. Ink shimmered faintly across the parchment as familiar entries revealed themselves—Seraphithorn dragons…Primara's landscapes…notes she hadn't consciously written but somehow understood. Her fingers tightened around the edge.
" Atlas isn't here…" she whispered. Violet blinked. " What do you mean?"
Starfania flipped through more pages—faster this time. Nothing. No mention. No sketch. Classification is not present. No trace. She slowly lowered the book. A strange mix of emotions stirred in her chest. Confusion. Curiosity…and something deeper.
" Every dragon we've encountered…it records them;" she mumbled. " It's learning. It grows."
Her eyes lifted to Atlas again. " But him?"
A pause. " …It doesn't recognize him at all."
The scientist, who had been observing from the side, crossed his arms thoughtfully.
" That confirms it," he said. " Your dragon isn't just rare…"
His gaze sharpened. " He's unknown."
The word hung in the air. Atlas let out a low, calm rumble—unbothered. As if none of it mattered. As if he already knew something they didn't. Starfania slowly closed the Codex, her thumbs resting on its cover.
" …Then I guess we'll just have to figure it out ourselves," she whispered. The scientist turned back to his station, already slipping back into his focused rhythm.
" I'll begin the test immediately," he said, adjusting his gloves. " Return tomorrow. I should have something more concrete by then."
He paused briefly, glancing over his shoulder. " And try not to uncover any more world-ending secrets before that."
Aeron smirked. " No promises."
With that, they made their way out of the laboratory. The heavy door opened once more—and the world of Primara greeted them again. Fresh air. Open skies. Life. It felt…lighter. After everything inside. They walked. No rush this time. Just the four of them—Starfania, Aeron, Violet…and their dragons trailing close behind. For a moment, no one spoke. Then—Violet suddenly stopped. Both Starfania and Aeron stopped. Vi's eyes were glowing. Not with magic. But with an idea. " …Wait."
That tone. Aeron groaned immediately. " Oh no. I know that voice."
Violet clasped her hands together, practically bouncing. " Think about it!"
Starfania blinked. " Think about what?"
Vi gestured dramatically around them. " We haven't actually seen Primara yet!"
Aeron raised a brow. " We've literally been here for two days."
" Yes—but that doesn't count!" she argued quickly. " We woke up in a cell, got dragged into dragon chaos, went to a war meeting, and then got sent on a mission!"
She pointed accusingly at both of them. " That is not exploring!"
Starfania couldn't help it—a small laugh slipped out. " …You're not wrong."
Violet grinned, immediately seizing the moment.
" So!" she continued, stepping closer. " I think—it is officially time…"
She paused for dramatic effect. " …for us to actually explore Primara."
Aeron crossed his arms, pretending to think. " Hm. I don't know…"
Vi narrowed her eyes at him. " Aeron."
He cracked instantly. " …Okay, yeah, that sounds amazing."
Starfania shook her head, smiling despite herself. " You really don't waste time, do you?"
Violet beamed. "Nope!"
She grabbed Starfania's hand, then Aeron's. " Come on! No missions, no meeting—just us."
Atlas stepped forward beside Starfania, brushing gently against her shoulder. Drogo let out a low, approving rumble. Even Lutu's presence felt distant now—for once…It was just them. Starfania looked between her friends. Then out toward the vibrant stretch of Primara ahead. For the first time in what felt like forever, she exhaled.
" Alright," she said. A genuine smile is forming now. " Let's explore."