“Because I can’t detect it,” the System replied. “The space inside the pocket dimension is perfectly normal—only a segment has been compressed into our current space. Unless I reach the edge, I won’t sense the barrier. Otherwise, deep within it, everything feels identical to the outside world.”

“Alright.”

Naya had hoped this iteration of the System would be sharper. Turns out, it wasn’t much different from the last one. She wasn’t oblivious to Leyline Energy—she’d heard Elise mention it before. As a Chosen Hero, drawing strength from Leyline Veins was standard. Systems were especially sensitive to that energy. That’s why she’d asked why it hadn’t sensed the pocket dimension’s presence. After all, a pocket dimension was real space—not an energy construct. True energy constructs were things like artifacts.

Naya braced her hands on the stone bench, gazing at the surrounding elegant pavilions and towers. She paused her mental chat with the System and shifted focus to Bella beside her.

“Bella, what does Queen Elise usually do around the palace?”

“Her Majesty is mostly occupied with state affairs. A kingdom always has matters, big and small, requiring her attention.”

“What exactly… Never mind. Let me rephrase: in the past six years, have there been any major shifts among the Dragonkin or humans?”

“I’m sorry, Miss Naya. I’m not informed about outside affairs. As you know, my duties mainly involve caring for you and Eliya.”

“Right.”

Bella rarely engaged with state matters—aside from shopping runs or delivering meals to Elise. What Naya truly wanted to know: had another strongest Chosen Hero emerged among humans? And did *they* have a System? This wasn’t idle curiosity. Elise’s life hung in the balance.

“Ugh… Elise, when do you *get off work*?”

She waited. And waited. Until noon.

The update? Naya and Eliya would be served lunch by maids first. Elise still had duties.

Later that afternoon, while tucking Eliya into bed in Elise’s usual resting chamber, Naya’s own eyelids grew heavy. She dozed off, slumped against the mattress.

—————

Elise sat upon the throne in the main hall. Beside her stood her most trusted aide: Veltia, Chancellor of the Dragon Empire—a violet-scaled Dragonkin.

A refined, aristocratic smile graced Veltia’s lips as she gave a slight, respectful nod. State business concluded, they now chatted casually.

“Your Majesty, today is yet another day a Chosen Hero comes to meet his end.”

A faint smirk touched Elise’s lips. “You’ve always wanted to see how my daughter has grown. This is the perfect chance. After I leave, take them to watch. Explain what ‘theater’ truly means.”

“Understood.”

“Veltia, in half a moon, the Empire is in your hands. Eliya turns six soon—it’s time she sees the world.”

“Rest assured. I will guard your throne with my life.”

Childhood friends. Raised together. Veltia had watched Elise rise step by step to become Dragon Sovereign. A century of loyalty bound them—not just ruler and subject, but sisters. In Veltia’s heart, Elise was the peerless Dragon Queen, whose ambition would reshape the world. And Veltia eagerly awaited that future.

“Report! Your Majesty! The Chosen Hero has arrived at the arena!” A guard strode in.

“So soon?” Veltia glanced up at Elise. “You haven’t eaten yet. Shall we make the Hero wait until you’ve finished?”

Her tone dripped with disdain. Without Elise’s courtesy—a fair challenge to the Dragon Sovereign—those worthless human Heroes wouldn’t have set foot on Dragonroar Isle.

“No need. Have Bella prepare my meal. I’ll be back shortly.”

“At once, Your Majesty.”

Elise descended the throne. With Veltia, she exited the hall, spread her wings across the vast courtyard plaza, shifted into her dragon form midair, and shot toward the Hero’s Arena in a crimson streak.

Veltia watched her sovereign soar—a brilliant red slash across the azure sky. Admiration glowed in her violet eyes.

*Time to fetch the Queen Consort.*

At the entrance of the Heavenly Dragon Hall, Flanna stood guard.

“Flanna, where are the Queen Consort and the Princess?”

“They’re napping.”

“Then please inform them: the drama starring Her Majesty is about to begin.”

“Yes, Chancellor.”

Moments later, a graceful silver-haired Dragonkin woman emerged from the inner chamber, hand-in-hand with a tiny pink-haired Dragonkin girl sporting twin tails. Sleep still softened their eyes.

Veltia bowed deeply in a knight’s salute. “Queen Consort, Princess—good afternoon. I am Veltia, Chancellor of the Dragon Empire. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Hello,” Naya replied with a polite smile.

Eliya blinked her wide, innocent eyes, curiously studying the violet-haired Dragonkin.

“My apologies for disturbing your rest. But Her Majesty’s performance in the *Hero vs. Dragon* drama is moments away. She specifically asked me to escort you.”

“Where’s Elise?”

“She is the lead.”

“Where’s it being held?”

“Please follow me.”

They reached a clearing spacious enough for transformation. Naya and Eliya mounted Flanna in her dragon form; Veltia led the way ahead. They soared away from the palace.

Three kilometers out, they looked down. Below lay a ruined arena—crumbling stands, shattered structures. Midfield, a tiny red speck. Naya’s breath hitched. *Elise.*

“We stop here. Closer would be disrespectful to the Hero,” Veltia said.

The two dragons halted a hundred meters from the arena’s edge. From their elevated perch, every detail was clear.

“Mama! Look—it’s Mother!” Eliya pointed excitedly.

“Mm.”

Naya’s gaze sharpened. Beside Elise stood a black-haired human in silver armor, gripping a longsword. And farther out, near the arena’s rim—a blond youth clutching a staff.

*That blond brat.*

She’d know him even if he were reduced to ashes.

Leo. The other Chosen Hero who’d fought beside her six years ago to slay Dragon Queen Elise. The *so-called* good partner who’d abandoned her mid-battle.

Naya’s arms tightened around Eliya. A hot surge flooded her mind. After all this time—her hatred ignited once more.