"Forgetting about it is one thing, but aren't you afraid she'll freeze to death out there?"
Throne stared, dumbfounded. Pinpointing the direction of Sellen's magical signature, he dissolved into starlight and vanished. In the Consecrated Snowfield, Melina ran until her legs burned. Finally, she stopped, gripping her knees, breath ragged. She scanned the desolate landscape.
Not a soul in sight, not even prey. The silence settled her racing heart. She glanced back toward the cave, where faint azure magic still lingered. Her memory of Throne's legendary teacher left one indelible impression:
"This Sellen is absolutely terrifying!"
Sellen's first appearance had shaken Melina to her core, nearly shattering her worldview. It hammered home the truth—there's always someone stronger, a mountain beyond a mountain. Lansseax was terrifying enough, and now Sellen had emerged, even more fearsome.
Thankfully, the Ancient Dragon had left at the perfect moment. If Lansseax and Sellen had crossed paths, Melina would've been tempted to draw her blade and end it all.
"It's not just about how difficult she is to deal with. It's that a normal person can't even keep up with her thoughts."
Melina paced in circles, her boots crunching in the snow. She'd imagined countless scenarios—amicable meetings, violent clashes—but never fleeing in panic.
"Hmph, I'd like to see how that Lunar Princess fares."
Faced with a dead end, she found solace in schadenfreude.
"Aren't you so impressive? Go clash with Sellen then!"
Melina stopped, her head spinning. After a moment's thought, she decided it might be better to learn from Lansseax—sit back, watch the chaos unfold, and stay hidden.
"We're relatives, after all. How could I possibly set you up?"
Melina turned toward the nearby woods, her steps lightening, almost playful. In the valley near the cave, Throne remained oblivious to Melina's scheming. Now that the mystery was revealed, Melina, as Marika's daughter, was indeed, in a sense, Ranni's close relative.
"No wonder she's so close to Millicent. As products of 'inbreeding,' they're practically sisters—same father, same mother. Though, bloodline-wise, Melina's even purer."
Burning the Erdtree couldn't involve Radagon's will. The thought of him jumping out to fight himself was too absurd. But then, who was Melina born to? Marika and whom?
"Judging from her sealed left eye, it's clearly mixed with the Gloam-Eyed Queen's power. Tsk, after inbreeding comes yuri—Marika really knows how to play."
"What are you muttering about over there?"
Sellen turned her head sharply.
"Nothing, just analyzing Melina's origins. You remember the secret I told you, right?"
"The matter of Radagon and Marika being one person. Oh, in that case, Melina and Ranni are half-sisters—no, half-sisters on the mother's side... no, that's not quite right either. Hmph, these gods care the least about morality."
Sellen frowned, annoyed. Even with her vast knowledge, she struggled to untangle the mess. The three Radagon siblings were Radagon and Rennala's children, while Melina was Marika's daughter. Since Radagon and Marika were the same person, how the hell was one supposed to describe this? Malenia and Miquella were simpler—barely half-siblings on the mother's side.
"Hahaha, morality is just a shackle gods place on ordinary people. They themselves are unscrupulous." Throne laughed, the sound echoing across the snow.
No matter how hard he racked his brain, scratching until his scalp bled, he couldn't have foreseen this twist.
"Then you should take a page from the gods and embrace unscrupulousness."
Sellen shot the knight a look, then dropped the subject entirely. As they walked, she ventured, "Why not tell the Lunar Princess the truth—that Radagon and Marika are one?"
"They're both trapped inside the Erdtree. Telling her changes nothing."
"It's because you don't know how to broach it, isn't it? A father becoming a mother—that's hard to swallow."
Sellen shrugged. Throne had his reasons, and she wasn't about to meddle.
The pair ventured deeper into the valley until they found Millicent in a sheltered hollow, curled up and fast asleep, clutching 'star-frost' to her chest.
"My medicine halts the Scarlet Rot's spread, but the side effect is deep sleep," Sellen explained flatly, leaving the mechanics unspoken. Like a sedative, perhaps? Letting both mind and body sink into slumber to slow the rot's advance. Throne nodded, piecing it together.
He reached out, brushing a finger over Millicent's crimson brows.
"But it's not a cure. Her body will still decay."
"That's why it's up to you to solve it. Coming to the Consecrated Snowfield—you must have a plan, right?"
"You know me too well." Throne smiled faintly, holding up the Knight of the Bloody Finger badge.
"The solution's close—the last shred of weakness in that coward."
Sellen leaned in for a closer look and immediately understood.
"The curse of blood… You're going after Mohg? His dynasty's buried underground in Caelid, miles from here."
"He's cautious, even shutting down the badge's access. But he can't stay underground forever, and I'm the only one who knows the way."
Throne's confidence was unshakable—he was ninety percent sure. If the portal was gone, it wouldn't be a disaster, just a waste of time.
"Then go. But what about Millicent?"
"There's a dragon with too much time on her hands. She's not good for much, but she can at least keep watch. Look, here she comes."
A dark shape emerged from the wind and snow. Lansseax, following the scent, landed gracefully, folding her massive wings. The dragon woman had spotted Sellen from a distance. Her gaze lingered, and Sellen's stare made her uneasy—it was sharp, probing, as if she were some rare specimen.
"This sorceress is… interesting."
Watching Lansseax's beaming smile, Throne took a subtle step back. It wasn't retreat; he just wanted a front-row seat to the clash of titans—he almost wished he had a stool.
"Sorceress Sellen?"
Lansseax's lips curled, revealing rows of sharp teeth.
"Just Sellen is fine, powerful and wise Ancient Dragon Lansseax." Sellen offered an elegant sorcerer's salute.
Lansseax, accustomed to being hunted by Melina and her ilk, was taken aback. She hadn't expected Sellen to be so… cordial. Returning the gesture with a dragon-head salute, she said, "Such respect is refreshing. I salute you, sorceress."
"My wisdom and power pale in comparison to yours. I hope to learn more from you."
"And how will you do that?"
"By observing you from every angle—biology, history, Ancient Dragon incantations—to compile a comprehensive report. My apprentice is too kind, providing me with such a rare subject. This would be unthinkable in Raya Lucaria!"
"How delightful. He's surrounded himself with so many noble and powerful beings—supreme happiness, truly."
Sellen spread her arms wide, her voice rising with unrestrained joy. Her delight came from the depths of her soul. To observe a legendary Ancient Dragon up close—even during the Age of Stargazing, no master had ever been granted such a privilege.
And not just the dragon. There were also the daughters of Queen Marika the Eternal, each in a unique state. Even if the God of Magic himself appeared, he could never possess such priceless material. Watching Sellen teetering on the edge of madness, Lansseax felt a chill crawl up her spine. She nearly unleashed a torrent of dragon fire, her gaze flickering instinctively to Throne, who stood nearby with his arms crossed.
"Your teacher's missing a few bolts, isn't she?"
"She's always been like that. Don't take it personally."
Throne shrugged, his attention fixed on the unfolding spectacle.
How could she not take it personally? Lansseax seethed. In any era, who would dare speak to an Ancient Dragon like that? That look alone deserved a hundred deaths—no, obliteration, leaving not even ash behind.
But then she glanced at Throne and swallowed her rage. This Sellen was his teacher. Disrespecting her was a minor offense compared to the consequences of crossing him.
"No," Lansseax thought, "I'm the apex predator here. I must dominate her."
Her eyes narrowed, and a mischievous smile crept across her lips.
"You're quite fascinated by me, aren't you? Would you like me to teach you something… interesting?"
"Please do."
Sellen's tone was warm, almost affectionate, as she regarded the Ancient Dragon who had lived for untold millennia.
Lansseax stepped closer, her hand reaching out to trace the smooth curve of Sellen's collarbone. Her gaze was predatory.
"For example, let me teach you what it truly means to be a woman."
"Are you male?"
Sellen raised an eyebrow, not with disgust but with heightened curiosity.
Lansseax blinked, caught off guard.
"Of course I'm female."
"Then biologically, it's impossible for you to make me experience that feeling. And rationally, you should be encouraging my disciple instead."
Who the hell was talking about biology? Lansseax choked back her frustration, struggling to maintain her aggressive demeanor. She took a deep breath.
"No, I can make you feel it too. Would you like to try?"
If it were Melina, she would have retreated swiftly, blade drawn in defense. If it were Ranni, she would have shouted "Insolent!" and hurled a spell. Either reaction would have amused Lansseax, making them easy targets for her mockery.
But Sellen was different. She frowned, her expression one of genuine doubt. Then, as if recalling something, she reached out and grasped Lansseax's chest, kneading it twice.
"W-what are you doing?!"
Lansseax recoiled, leaping back several meters. She crossed her arms protectively over her chest, her face darkening. Damn it, I showed weakness in front of her!
As she scrambled to salvage the situation, Sellen didn't laugh or gloat. Instead, she raised her hand, grasping at the air, her head tilted in contemplation.
"Is this the feeling? Hmm. Melina did this to me before. It does provoke a physiological reaction. Even an Ancient Dragon isn't immune. I must record this in my observation diary immediately."
Melina did that to you? What exactly did I miss? Lansseax's curiosity flared, but then she saw Sellen pull out a notebook and begin scribbling furiously. After a moment, Sellen tucked the notebook away and stepped forward again, her movements deliberate.
Lansseax tensed, unsure what to expect next.
She was very focused and very serious, which made Lansseax take another half-step back.
"What do you want to do now?"
"Of course, to continue the experiment. We still have many topics that need in-depth research, and isn't this what you asked to try?"
Lansseax was stunned, then her complexion changed rapidly like a chameleon, and finally, she glared fixedly at the man watching the show.
It was the first time Throne had seen such a look on the dragon woman, mixed with impotent rage, confusion, and disbelief, but the meaning was quite clear: Get your bizarre teacher away from me right now!!
Sellen had gone berserk. Even though Throne had long predicted that his teacher had amazing combat power, he didn't expect her to force back Lansseax, that old veteran, with just a few words. One must know, the dragon woman was someone who could make Ranni lose all her dignity with two sentences, and make Melina enter a state of impotent rage with a casual remark.
But thinking about it, he felt relieved. Primeval Sorcerers were all crazy; how could a normal person compete with a crazy person? Moreover, Sellen's symptoms had lessened significantly after his treatment, and this half-crazy person was actually harder to deal with.
"Alright, alright, let's stop here."
Throne clapped his hands and stepped out proactively. There was no help for it; he owed Lansseax three big favors, and one had to be decent. Sellen stopped and looked over with some displeasure, "Don't disturb your teacher. Such opportunities are rare, and besides, don't you want to observe?"
What? You want Throne to watch from the side? This woman really is sick, isn't she?
Lansseax's eyes widened, feeling that even with her face as thick as the walls of Leyndell, she was still feeling a bit hot. This woman seemed like she understood nothing, and yet also seemed like an existence even more unrestrained than an Ancient Dragon.
I certainly want to watch, but unfortunately, this Lansseax is a fake veteran. Her face is thick, but she still has some shame, she can't compare to you.
"There's no time. Entrust Millicent to her, and we still have to hurry. Let's try to reach the portal by tonight."
Throne said expressionlessly, then changed the subject, "Besides, there are plenty of opportunities to meet. It wouldn't be bad to have an in-depth discussion with Lansseax in the future."
Sellen thought for a moment and finally nodded, "Since you've said so, then fine. Finish your business first, and we'll talk about other things later."
My teacher truly puts me first and is willing to accept good advice. Throne breathed a sigh of relief and quietly cast his gaze toward the dragon woman, who met his eyes without fear.
'Oh ho, still unconvinced, are you?' 'Of course. It was just our first meeting, and I wasn't used to your teacher's style, so I was caught off guard. Next time I'm prepared, I definitely won't lose.' 'Then if you have guts, don't ask me to intervene. A word of advice: don't try to trash-talk in front of my teacher. Her train of thought is something even I can't keep up with.'
Lansseax gritted her silver teeth, her gaze toward Sellen becoming increasingly fierce. Having lived for ten thousand years, it was the first time she had lost all face in front of a human.
In normal times, she would have already rushed up to reveal the fierce side of an Ancient Dragon, winning through physical means if she couldn't win with words. But now she couldn't make a move, a mouthful of old blood stifled in her heart, unable to spit it out or swallow it. She stood there blankly for a moment, then silently walked over to pick up Millicent and spread her pair of wings.
"I'll get this back eventually. One more thing—if you head to Caelid, watch your step. I'd weep if you died."
The Ancient Dragon flapped her wings, sending a gust of snow into their faces, and vanished into the storm. Harsh words, swift exit. She was gone before they could blink.
"What did she mean by that?"
Sellen frowned. She'd only done what the dragon asked, albeit with a bit too much enthusiasm.
"If arrogance is a sin, then Ancient Dragons are beyond redemption."
Throne shook his head. Lansseax wasn't playful—she was proud. She'd be back for vengeance. He glanced at Sellen. No matter what, his teacher wouldn't lose. That much was certain. The headache was figuring out what came next. She'd taken down two opponents in a row and was still standing tall. As for Ranni? Your Highness, it seems your dignity's about to be trampled into the dirt once more.
Still, when will that dragon stop speaking in riddles? Extra careful in Caelid? What did that mean? And why had she obeyed so quickly this time, almost like she was fleeing for her life? Throne turned it over in his mind but found no answers. His disdain for riddle-makers deepened, so he shoved the thought aside. They returned to the cave, where Melina was already preparing dinner.
Where she'd caught a rabbit was anyone's guess, but there it was—skinned, plucked, and roasting over the campfire. She shifted to the side as Throne and Sellen entered, keeping her distance from the dangerous newcomer.
"Where's that dragon gone?"
"She ran."
"She can run too?"
Melina looked up, surprised. Her gaze softened as it settled on Sellen, a flicker of satisfaction hidden beneath the calm. No matter how strange this woman was, she'd indirectly avenged her. Well, she could forgive her.
Still such a child. What was there to be happy about? Throne rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. That dragon had toyed with him one too many times. Seeing her fall into Sellen's hands was poetic justice. The thought was satisfying. He approached the campfire and watched Melina brush grease onto the skin, sprinkling spices with practiced ease.
"You've been carrying all this with you?"
"Yeah, you never know when you'll want to eat."
Melina paused, realizing her mistake, and corrected herself.
"I mean, I might want to eat, so I brought it on purpose."
Throne opened his mouth to question where she'd picked up this tsundere act, but Sellen beat him to it.
"Spirits need to eat?"
"Of course not. But better food means a better mood. Throne taught me that."
Melina didn't look up, her tone tinged with pride.