"Next."

Celia flipped the pages, rustling softly.

The yellowed page depicted a Giant Dragon with outstretched wings. Its massive wings nearly filled the entire sheet. The tense scene portrayed a brutal battle.

Countless human soldiers crowded the ground like ants. Above, the colossal Giant Dragon opened its jaws, spewing roaring flames between sharp teeth. Mid-air, a spear-wielding man leaped high, charging toward the beast.

"Hmm, it’s the story of the Dragon Slayer, Anjiya."

Her fingers caressed the slightly rough paper. The girl’s voice was soft.

"Sister, do Giant Dragons really exist?" Alyssa looked up, eyes wide with curiosity.

"Of course."

In Celia’s memory, the Giant Dragons were colossal creatures circling the sky during the last Divine Blessing defense. Their sight, soaring together to blot out the sun, remained unforgettable.

"I’ve seen them," Celia murmured slowly, her tone layered with nostalgia, resentment, reverence, and a trace of something indescribable.

"Huh?" Alyssa seemed intrigued.

"Giant Dragons are enemies," Nina said suddenly, gazing at the roaring campfire.

Celia stroked Nina’s hair. She sighed and continued the tale. A gust of wind blew; Nevia tightened her clothes, a flicker of doubt in her heart.

What had truly happened between the Dragon Clan and humans? Why had they become mortal foes? Nevia recalled that in ancient times, they were steadfast allies, pivotal in holding back the Demonkind.

Yet after endless eons, these allies turned bitter enemies.

Perhaps the story held clues. Nevia knew many world tales were faded history, lost to dynastic shifts and racial rises and falls, their truth now unverifiable.

Anjiya, a knight from the ancient Cistine Kingdom six thousand years ago, was hailed as one of the "Three Knights of the King."

Legend said when the Eastern and Western continents were still united, warring human nations filled the world. Then an evil dragon appeared: "Flame Nightmare—Jode." Every land it crossed burned into an endless fiery hell.

Nations formed a coalition army but quickly fell before the Giant Dragon. Then three youths from Cistine and a young prince rallied forces. After countless hardships, they defeated the evil dragon, saving humanity.

Many such stories circulated. Nevia didn’t know their truth but sensed human hostility toward Giant Dragons.

Celia’s story lasted until midnight.

"I’ll become a Dragon Slayer too!" Nina clenched her fists, her vow startling Nevia and Alyssa.

"Mm, Alyssa will help Nina," Alyssa declared firmly, moved by the tale’s pitiful souls.

Nevia gave a resigned smile. "Alright, count me in. Dragon Slayer Nevia—hmm, that sounds pretty cool."

"Then we’re the ‘Three Knights Under the Throne’!" Alyssa giggled mid-sentence, amused by her own idea. "Protecting the world, eradicating evil dragons, haha!"

"Mm." Nevia watched Alyssa’s sudden fiery spirit. "Too bad there’s no prince."

"It doesn’t matter," Celia said, adjusting her mage hat—it had slipped, blocking her view. "Her Majesty the Queen will adore you."

"Really?" Alyssa asked, flustered and disbelieving.

"Of course, I promise." Celia closed the book. "But first, girls, time to rest."

"Then I’ll head home." Alyssa stood, reluctant to say goodbye.

"Alyssa, stay over tonight," Nevia said.

"Huh?" Panic flashed across Alyssa’s face. "But—"

"Don’t worry. Mom’s not home. Sister Celia won’t mind, right?" Nevia winked at Celia.

Celia smiled slightly and nodded.

"But—" Alyssa hesitated. She wanted to stay but feared Nevia’s mother might find out. A sliver of hope lingered—maybe she wouldn’t know. She just needed someone to convince her.

"Just don’t go," Nina grabbed Alyssa’s hand. "It’s so late; going home alone is dangerous..."

Yes, it was dangerous. What if she met something strange on the way?

Alyssa agreed to stay, spending the "dangerous" night with friends. It wasn’t her choice—truly, necessity forced her!

Night fell.

Nevia gently drew the curtains, sealing out the deep black beyond.

Alyssa stood at the doorway, hesitating over which foot to step with first. How to pretend this wasn’t her first sleepover?

"Alyssa?"

Nevia’s puzzled voice startled her. Alyssa lurched forward—but her left foot tripped over her right. Her small body tumbled down.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Instead of a hard impact, soft arms caught her.

Alyssa opened her eyes to find Nevia holding her.

"Be careful."

"Mm." Alyssa nodded gently.

"Hey, little ones," Celia’s voice called from the hall.

Nevia turned toward the door.

Celia stood there, blanket in arms, looking slightly embarrassed. "I get lonely alone. Mind if I squeeze in with you?"