In the world of Hestdral, every living being possesses magic within their body.

Conversely, the amount of magic one holds largely determines their strength.

Initial Tier, Lower Tier, Middle Tier, Upper Tier, High Tier, Transcendent Tier, Divine Tier—

arranged left to right in ascending power, this hierarchy defines strength across the realm.

Monsters of the same tier surpass humans, but the system applies equally to all.

As mentioned before, five Divine Tier powerhouses exist in this world,

each the pinnacle of their race, maintaining balance. They rarely step onto battlefields—

though exceptions like Jikuhir do exist.

But today isn’t about them.

Beyond the Divine Tier lies something far more elusive.

No criteria. No metrics.

Pure void—immeasurable, intangible…

With reverence, people name this realm:

“Boundless Realm… Like our Dragonkin ancestor, the Primordial Dragon King, that Fenrir was also an ancient being who once reached this realm—a presence far beyond my Divine Tier grasp. Yet they should’ve vanished in the Mythical Age… Why is it here now? And its power… doesn’t feel complete. Something’s missing… What is this…”

Biting her lip in frustration,

Jikuhir recalled the moment she saw Fenrir—the awe and terror etched deep into her soul.

She shivered uncontrollably.

This aura differed from Cang Xiaoxi, who hadn’t yet mastered his power. Only a true Boundless Realm sovereign radiated such might.

“Fenrir… Primordial Dragon King… and the strongest of the Boundless Realm…”

Meanwhile, muttering about Jikuhir’s explanation of *that husky* outside,

Cang Xiaoxi glanced toward the cave entrance.

Fenrir had calmed slightly—likely unable to locate them—but the forest’s destruction kept spreading.

Finding them was only a matter of time.

Flee or fight? The choice was stark.

But first, Cang Xiaoxi needed clarity.

“You say Boundless Realm is the peak… but I don’t *feel* strong. Sure, my magic rivals that husky out there—but does that prove anything?”

He’d known since arriving he was Boundless Realm, yet without context for lower tiers, he had no sense of his own strength.

His only “battle” here ended in an instant kill.

Honestly? He suspected Jikuhir was exaggerating.

“You really have zero self-awareness,” Jikuhir sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before planting hands on hips. “How did you even reach this realm?! Ordinary humans take twenty–thirty years to hit High Tier. Transcendent or Divine Tier? Requires bloodline and resources. You look six or seven—yet surpass nearly every being on the continent! If you’re joking, I *will* get angry!”

All the resentment since her instant defeat finally burst free.

Unfazed, Cang Xiaoxi shrugged. “Complaining won’t change anything. I’m not from this world. Besides the Dragon’s Eye for crafting, I can’t do jack. And FYI—I’m seventeen. Stop calling me ‘kid’.”

“Eh?! Seventeen?! Seriously?!”

Jikuhir froze. *Not from this world… and seventeen?*

As the little loli pressed for answers, Fenrir’s roar cut through the air.

“Tch. Already here?”

Cang Xiaoxi peeked out.

A white silhouette advanced with unwavering purpose—no hesitation, path perfectly straight.

*Step. Step.* Deliberate. Targeted.

“How does it know where we are? Does it have something like the Dragon’s Eye?”

Fenrir moved nothing like a lost beast. It followed instinctual guidance.

“I think… it’s me,” Jikuhir murmured, joining him. Teeth gritted, gem-like eyes shadowed with guilt. “Clan records say Fenrir and the Primordial Dragon King were enemies. It’s reacting to me… as a descendant.”

“To eliminate the bloodline? Root us out?”

“…Yes.” She nodded bitterly, gaze locked on Fenrir’s bared fangs drawing near. Jaw tight, she made her choice.

“I’ll lure it away. You run. The human nation’s close. Even without wielding Boundless Realm power, your magic reserves will get you there.”

Silvery wings shimmered into existence. She tested her flight stamina—steady. Ready.

“Oh~? *You* want *me* to run? What about you?” Cang Xiaoxi’s voice stayed calm.

He didn’t stop her. He knew this trope too well—the sacrificial hero act.

*(Seriously… so dumb.)*

“Me? I’ll escape after shaking it off! Duh!” Jikuhir huffed, feigning cold disdain. “Ugh, humans—even simple things confuse you. Pathetic. Just ants~.”

Mockery dripped from her words, same as with imperial soldiers. Less about him, more about humanity itself.

*Could this airheaded loli at least fake conviction better?*

“Escape? *How?*” Cang Xiaoxi pressed. “If that husky truly is Boundless Realm, your injured Divine Tier self stands no chance. Be real.”

“This… of course I—!” Jikuhir blurted, then froze under his unwavering gaze.

*Escape?*

Ridiculous. Uninjured? Maybe. But now—stamina and magic half-empty? A fantasy.

Using him as bait crossed her mind… yet something deep warned *no*.

She hated humans. Viscerally. Always.

So why… since their first meeting… could she not despise this slightly arrogant boy?

New feeling. Unfamiliar.

Was it the Dragonkin power within him? His childlike face lowering her guard?

*He’s seventeen—a human adult.* The thought made her stomach twist.

She glanced at her small hands, then Fenrir, terrifyingly close.

No words needed.

Head lifted, avoiding his eyes (she couldn’t lie to that question), fists clenched, golden pupils narrowed—Dragon Sovereign Jikuhir prepared to charge.

But—

“Can’t you *wait* and finish talking?! You dumb ‘legal loli’!”

Cang Xiaoxi’s foot hooked her ankle.

*Thud.*

Rubbing her stinging nose, Jikuhir’s loli temper ignited. “What was that?! Your foot blind?!”

“Heh. Sorry. It really is.” He shrugged, unfazed.

He’d seen her state through the Dragon’s Eye.

Restored magic? Barely High Tier, nearing Transcendent. Charging now = suicide.

He disliked entanglements… but watching someone die pointlessly? Never again.

With strength unbecoming his boyish frame, he hauled the tiny loli upright.

Two petite figures stared, wide-eyed.

Then faux-shota Cang Xiaoxi spoke softly:

“Can I trust you? Trust that… I truly hold the same power Fenrir once did?”