It was a pitch-black space. The silence was profound, broken only by the distant drip of water echoing off the black stone, walls, and a black ceiling. The air was cool and carried a faint, mineral scent, adding to the mysterious atmosphere. The sparkling stones glimmered like stardust, reminding Rose of a starry night sky.
It was a beautiful darkness, deep and enveloping, like a velvet cloak around hers.
"I've made a room for you to share someday. Do you like it?"
The Dark Dragon embraced Rose.
"Althea, stop it... you can't..."
"I will live forever. I, who control darkness, will live forever."
"You were killed by a God-killing weapon hundreds of millions of years ago."
"Only my vessel died."
"Will your soul not return to the Dragon God?"
"I don't want to be separated from you. That's why I refuse to return to the Dragon God—because the days we spent together were the happiest of my existence. Our bond, forged in the tranquility of countless moonlit nights, means more to me than anything else in this realm. I want to stay by your side forever, no matter the cost."
"Are you saying you've been refusing for hundreds of millions of years?"
"Yes, that's right."
The Dark Dragon embraced Rose and said to her.
"My dear... I love you, Thea."
"I'm Rose now."
"That vessel is already dead."
"That's a lie."
"You are Thea now."
Rose tried to move away from the Dark Dragon, but he wouldn't let go.
"I must go home. Someone is waiting for me."
"I won't let you go. I finally have you, and you're here with me."
"Althea, I... I'm now Efergan's wife, and I'm carrying his child."
"I've left the vessel and child with that bird, so there shouldn't be any problems, right?"
“There's a big problem! If I stay here, my body will die and rot, and the child will die too. I have to return to protect my child and myself. The connection between my soul and my vessel is delicate, maintained by the bond of life. My responsibility to my unborn child and the life I've built drives me. If my soul remains here while my vessel decays, the magical balance will be broken, threatening both my life and that of my unborn child.”
"I'll use my power to stop you from dying."
"Althea..."
"I love you. I've wanted to see you so much. I've always wanted to see you. I don't know how much time has passed, I've searched and searched and searched for you... Now that we've finally met, I won't let you go. I'll never let you out of my hands again. My dear Thea, I love you."
The Dark Dragon gently stroked her hair. It felt strange. Then Rose realized she was her true self now. Her body didn't hurt, and she wasn't tired.
"I'll show you to your room."
When Rose calmed down, the Dark Dragon smiled and took her hand. They left the dark room and stepped into a spacious, bright space. Flowers bloomed everywhere under a clear sky, filling the area with color. In the middle of the greenery stood a striking building with black pillars and stone walls. Shiny pebbles decorated the building, making it stand out.
"This is your room."
"Althea..."
"I've built this place... forever and ever to welcome you here. If we're not allowed to dance and sing together, then I've created a space where you can dance comfortably."
The Dark Dragon smiled and showed her the magnificent space.
"I... I went to another world and lived a different life. My memories of when I was Thea are fragmented. My feelings for you, too..."
"Thea is Thea. No matter what form you're reincarnated into, Thea is Thea."
The Dark Dragon replied immediately and embraced her tightly again.
"And Althea is Althea. I will always think of you, Thea, until the end of this world."
"Althea..."
"These feelings will never change. Even if the Dragon God tries to take me back, I will always break free and seek you."
The Dark Dragon's bright red eyes stared at her.
"My beloved Goddess, stay with me."
"I can't..."
Rose shook her head.
"I think you love me too, don't you?"
"I love all the Dragons."
"Will you only love me?"
"If I only love you, the other Dragons will be sad. The world will be destroyed."
Rose shook her head.
"I don't mind that."
"You're supposed to be a merciful Dragon."
"Wasn't that lesser being you showed mercy to try to kill you?"
The Dark Dragon spoke clearly. Rose blinked. Because it was true.
"Althea..."
"So, I don't mind if all those lesser beings disappear. I'll just recreate everything and make them my subjects."
"The Dragon God wouldn't want that."
"The Dragon God just creates, but doesn't manage it. The arrogant Dragons don't manage anything either."
"How can you say that?"
"Isn't that true? Just look at those lesser beings. The Dragons left the creatures they created alone, and now they're causing all sorts of trouble and destroying nature. They're fighting and killing each other."
The Dark Dragon told the truth, and Rose thought the Dark Dragon was right.
"Indeed... that might be true..."
Rose couldn't deny it. Foolish people are killing each other and destroying everything.
"Even you don't know what kind of creatures you've created, do you?"
"Yeah. I don't know. I don't know how many I've created, or what kinds."
Rose nodded after hearing the Dark Dragon's words.
"Have you ever thought about what happens to those born imperfectly?"
"No... never. It may sound irresponsible, but I'll answer honestly: no."
"Some are born with exceptional abilities, while others are not. Have you ever thought about who hears the cries of those abandoned ones, who reaches out to help them? Other Dragons don't give that thought at all."
The Dark Dragon stared straight at her. Hearing him say it was okay to destroy this imperfect world, Rose became lost in thought.
"All of it... You...?"
“I showered them with love, guided them, and bestowed upon them knowledge. But the imperfect are still imperfect. They betray without a second thought. For instance, when the lesser beings feigned allegiance to me only to secretly conspire with the very enemies who sought your life, I lost faith in their loyalty.”
As the Dark Dragon spoke, he traced Rose's face. His love had turned to hatred.
"Didn't you pray for Roa to have mercy on those people?"
Rose looked at him and asked. That was certainly the Dark Dragon's wish.
"I don't remember."
The Dark Dragon stared at her unblinkingly.
"So many years have passed, and now that I've lost you, there is no peace in this world. I no longer care about those people."
The Dark Dragon sighed and said.
"Has your compassion turned to hatred?"
Rose asked.
"I want to destroy everything and return the world to a beautiful place."
"I don't want that."
"Let's rebuild...let's rebuild everything..."
"Now is good."
"The world will be destroyed. I'm keeping you here for that time."
"Stop..."
Rose shook her head.
“I love you. My desire to eliminate all imperfections in this world is rooted in my wish to shield you from pain and create a place we can share. Rebuilding the world with you would finally bring us peace.”
"If I dance with you, a dark one will be born."
"Even if a dark one is born, I think it's fine as long as they're honest."
"That's no good. Even if you create one without an ego, it's just a doll. An animal."
"Because of their egos, the fighting never ends. What's so interesting about this world filled with suffering and the desire to kill?"
Dark Dragon asked Rose.
"But even so, I love and adore them."
"Even those who want to kill you have appeared. Do you love them too?"
"How do you know that?"
"My power has been scattered throughout this world since I lost my Dragon body. But I have learned many things about you."
"Althea..."
"I have decided to destroy all who try to kill you."
Dark Dragon gazed at her as he said this.
"I don't want you to become that kind of God, Althea."
Rose shook her head.
"I just want to be with you."
"If you promise me you won't destroy the world... then I'll stay."
Rose looked at him.
"But I wanted to at least say goodbye to Efergan. And to the child I'm about to give birth to... I'm sorry."
"If that's what you want, I will."
The Dark Dragon gently kissed her cheek. Still, Rose realized that this Dragon, with his human-like desires, was truly dangerous.
"Thea, I love you."
"Althea... No."
The Dark Dragon embraced her and tried to kiss her. But she refused his kiss.
"Don't refuse me."
"But... I need a little more time."
"I'll grant you everything you desire."
"Will you let me go home?"
"No."
"I can't help but think about the person I loved."
"Just look in this mirror."
The Dark Dragon pointed to a large mirror in the room.
"This mirror will show you everything you want to see. Just pray to it."
"Yes."
"This space will be your home. The small animals and flowers will grant your wishes."
"I want the holy water."
"Why?"
"I want it to heal my vessel. It's necessary for my unborn child."
"I will use my power to keep the vessel from dying. I'll make sure the child grows without you having to do anything."
"No..."
"I could kill your vessel right now, you know?"
As the Dark Dragon spoke, he showed Rose's "body" lying down in the mirror.
"I don't want that either."
"You're a very selfish goddess."
"I'm the daughter of Roa, so I'm just as selfish as he."
"Don't say that name!"
The Dark Dragon roared, his face frightened.
"Why? He's a Dragon just like you, isn't he?"
“That Dragon has always gotten in the way of you and me.”
“He just... wants to faithfully follow the Dragon God's orders."
"I hate him!"
The Dark Dragon spoke frankly. Then he erased the image in the mirror.
"But you saved his life, didn't you?"
"It was a spur-of-the-moment reaction."
"Althea..."
He'd changed. Everything had changed.
"Anyway, I want you to stay here quietly."
"..."
Rose let go of his arm and sat down on the bed in the bedroom. The Dark Dragon approached her and tried to embrace her.
"Not now."
"Don't refuse me."
The Dark Dragon kissed her gently.
"I want to eat."
"That body doesn't need to eat anymore."
"But I want a roasted boar."
"Do you want it now?"
"Yes, I want one that's properly roasted all the way through. I want a roasted boar from the town of Escodria, seasoned properly. It has to be a huge boar."
"Selfish Thea."
"I'm greedy, just like you."
Rose looked into his eyes and smiled.
"Very well. I'll have one of my subordinates prepare it."
The Dark Dragon thought for a moment. Then he stood up, stroked her face, and disappeared.
Alone, Rose turned to the mirror and prayed.
"Show me Efergan..."
She placed her hand on the mirror, which began to glow, showing her Efergan.
He was aboard a small boat with several guards. His face showed signs of anger and sadness. In his arms was Rose's vessel, her body. The cracks had gotten worse since the last time. Her body wouldn't die, but the situation was getting worse.
"Efergan..."
Efergan gazed lovingly at Rose's face. Tears were visible in her eyes. Even so, he wouldn't give up on her, Rose thought, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Even though she'd become so ugly, he still loved her.
Efergan held Rose's warm body in place and carried her on his back. He then spread his wings and flapped. Nearby were Kerzek, Olefa, Haintz, and Efain. Not only they, but other guards and marines were also attempting to land on Ergotaniea. Rinka, unable to fly, deployed a magic nearby and tried to move and enter the island. However, a special barrier surrounded the island, preventing Rinka, the guards, and the soldiers from entering.
"Hmm, so that's what it was."
Unbeknownst to Rose, the Dark Dragon entered the room. A subordinate, apparently one of his, brought in a large roasted boar. It must have been his ability that enabled him to do so so quickly.
"I was just curious."
"Then, take your time and enjoy the view."
"Yes."
Rose looked at the large roasted boar, but to be honest, she wasn't hungry. However, she needed some time alone, so she made up that excuse.
"It looks delicious."
"They have it all the time in Escodria."
"Did you buy it?"
"Yes."
"Do you have money?"
"I don't need food, but I do receive offerings of money and valuables."
"Hey... do you have a temple?"
"Yes. Come on, eat it while it's still warm."
"Yes. Thank you."
Seeing the large roasted boar, Rose was reminded of her days in Escodria. It tasted like the boar she'd eaten with Darga. Rose also remembered that she'd promised Rocco they'd go eat there someday.
"Is it delicious?"
The Dark Dragon sat next to her, playing with her hair.
"It's delicious. It's a nostalgic taste. Would you like to eat, Althea?"
"If that's what you want, Thea, I'll eat it."
"Then let's eat together."
The Dark Dragon cut the meat with the knife provided and put a piece in his mouth. Dragons aren't supposed to eat, but he did.
"Does Althea eat?"
"I'll eat the offerings that are offered to me."
"I heard Dragons don't eat."
"I'm not a Dragon anymore."
The Dark Dragon continued eating with a calm expression.
"So... does Althea have desires? Human-like desires...?"
"If I wanted to, it's possible. I've become a God who controls desire and darkness."
Rose froze. Learning that the Dark Dragon carried human desires shook her deeply, and a mix of emotions rushed through her. She felt afraid, worried about what those desires could bring. Was this her future—a God torn by powerful feelings? Still, she found a small hope that their shared emotions might help her understand him, maybe even save him. She was confused, caught between the worlds of Gods and mortals, and realized how fragile the line between power and weakness could be.
"But Dragons are Gods."
"I'm no longer a Dragon, so I'm no longer a holy being, but I'm still a God."
In other words, he was a fallen God.
"Will Althea stay here forever?"
"I can't leave here."
"Why? If I want something, won't that be inconvenient?"
"That's not your concern. I'll make sure all my subordinates get what you want."
Rose ate a little at a time. She wasn't hungry, but she did want to eat. Thinking about it, her existence was also incomplete. Because she had desires, she thought, it was a delicate matter whether she deserved to be worshipped as a Goddess.
"Come to think of it, maybe Althea and I are similar."
"Huh?"
The Dark Dragon smiled as he ate the meat. Then he took the wine his subordinate had prepared and drank it. He was behaving just like a normal person.
"Desire... Even though I'm a Goddess, I still have desires. Just like a normal person... Does this make me an imperfect being?"
"Do you think that's a contradiction?"
"Yes. People are imperfect, and that's why you're trying to destroy them. But our existence is also imperfect. I believe we are destined to be destroyed, too."
"Do you think that's what you're thinking? Thea was so innocent back then."
The Dark Dragon stared at Rose with a smile.
"I'm sorry. A lot happened, and this is how it turned out."
"If I hadn't died, you might have remained innocent."
"After you died, I couldn't bear this world, so I ran away."
"Now we can be together forever, so don't worry. We'll always be together, Thea."
"I'm Rose now."
"Forget that name."
"I like it."
"Changing my name again would be a hassle."
"Hmm."
The Dark Dragon laughed. But Rose looked at him and thought deeply. Maybe, as Thea, she had liked him. But that's all in the past now. Now Rose loves and desires Efergan.
Bam!
Efergan's image was reflected in the mirror. The Holy Dragon's crest began to glow on his forehead. And the Sea Dragon's crest also began to shine brightly on his chest. Slumped against his back was her vessel. Rose's body, originally a garden doll, was pitifully full of cracks and countless fissures. But the rose on her head was blooming beautifully. The four small lights around her head also floated beautifully.
Her mother's love was protecting her.
But there was a black light around her neck. It was the Dark Dragon's pendant, given to her by the Holy Dragon, the Dark Dragon's stone ornament given to her by the Sea Dragon, and the ring from the Dark Dragon that she had hidden in the temple. Each emitted a black light.
Efergan raised his hand, concentrated his power in his palm, and destroyed the barrier with incredible strength. He entered the barrier, but the guards repelled and they couldn't get in.
Kerzek and the others stopped at the back of Efergan. Efergan nodded and flew to Ergotaniea Island on his own wings.
"That bird is trying to get you back."
"He's just come to draw holy water."
As Rose spoke, the Dark Dragon stood up. He washed his hands in the small waterfall in the room and dried them. Rose thought that this was truly human behavior.
"I'm going to kill that bird. I'll destroy your vessel as well."
The Dark Dragon radiated murderous intent, and a black aura enveloped him as he transformed into the God of Destruction.