Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 507:From Eldorian

The magical sigils reacted instantly. Chains forged from pure white energy erupted from the arrays, streaking through the atmosphere with lethal precision.

They ensnared the dragon soul, one after another, coil upon coil. As the soul struggled with its remaining might against the bindings, each chain tightened, constricting inwards. The dragon's roar intensified briefly before being abruptly silenced as the chains fully constricted, compressing the resisting soul into a singular point of contained luminescence.

The draconic crystal ascended autonomously from the fallen beast, drawn by the allure of the magic sigils. The chains then compelled the sealed soul inward, through the crystal, until it vanished completely within. The crystal pulsed once with stark heat before settling into a quiet, rhythmic glow emanating from its core.

She extended her hand, plucking the crystal from the air, and turned, presenting it to Ethan.

"Here. Take it. I have confined the dragon's essence and its soul within for your advancement," she stated.

Ethan hesitated to accept the crystal immediately.

He gazed at it for a spell, then gradually elevated his sight, meeting the woman's eyes once more. His wariness remained palpable, and though his countenance appeared placid, his body was coiled with readiness.

"Before I accept this… shouldn't I at least ascertain who I am conversing with?" he inquired, his voice even yet tinged with caution.

The woman paused.

For a fleeting instant, she observed him, as if appraising something more profound than his spoken words.

Then, a subtle smile graced her lips.

"Your prudence is commendable. It is a virtue."

She lowered her staff slightly, and the oppressive aura surrounding her subtly diminished.

"I am known as Heliana."

Her voice was serene, yet it resonated with a quiet authority.

"As for my true identity… I cannot divulge that at this juncture however…"

With a delicate flick of her fingers, a small emblem detached and floated, landing directly into Ethan's palm.

"Provided you remain within the Eldorian Empire’s borders, this token shall prove exceedingly beneficial. Recognize that I possess substantial influence."

"Regardless of the magnitude of your predicaments, I am confident in my capacity to extricate you once you enter Eldoria."

Ethan's gaze sharpened slightly at her declaration, yet he refrained from interjecting.

Instead, his attention briefly focused on the token in his grasp before returning its focus to her.

He finally extended his hand and took the dragon crystal from her grasp.

The instant his fingers made contact, a surge of potent energy coursed through him. The contained dragon soul stirred faintly, a mere tremor against its utter suppression.

His grip tightened almost imperceptibly.

"Lady Heliana…" he echoed softly, as if committing the name to memory.

She inclined her head by a fraction.

"And yourself?"

"Ethan."

He offered no further details.

She did not press for more.

A faint smile reappeared on her visage.

"You intrigue me, Ethan."

Her eyes scanned him anew, this time not with avarice, but with genuine fascination.

"Profoundly so."

Ethan released a soft exhalation, his shoulders visibly relaxing to a minor degree.

"I shall accept that as a compliment."

She emitted a delicate sigh, bordering on a muted laugh.

"Indeed, it is."

Then, she raised her hand once more, tracing several intricate patterns in the unoccupied air.

The deceased dragon's colossal form suddenly convulsed.

Before Ethan could register the action, the immense body levitated slightly. A magical array materialized above its chest, emblazoned with complex, interwoven designs.

The dragon's chest was rent open.

Revealed within was a carefully preserved heart, still exhibiting faint signs of life. It hovered momentarily, wreathed in gossamer threads of energy.

Then, it moved.

It propelled itself towards Heliana, vanishing into a subtle spatial anomaly.

Ethan's eyes widened fractionally.

'A pocket dimension…'

Gravitational manipulation, cryomancy, and now spatial control.

Such a potent amalgamation of arcane abilities.

A majority of mages could only command two or three elements, and even those were typically rudimentary.

Spheres such as space, the void, gravity, light, and shadow were categorized as rare. While others existed, achieving mastery over even one was exceptionally uncommon.

Even Ethan, aided by the system, did not possess such a diverse repertoire.

'Who can fathom the extent of her hidden capabilities…'

Heliana gazed upwards at the sky for a brief interval, then redirected her attention to Ethan.

"This location's stability is ephemeral," she declared with composure.

"The residual energies here… they are bound to attract unwelcome scrutiny."

Ethan's brow furrowed slightly.

"That much, I had already surmised."

She offered a slight nod.

"Then, your departure should be imminent."

She took a subtle step backward, raising her staff once more.

The fabric of space behind her began to warp.

A nascent portal shimmered into existence, its perimeter outlined with a soft violet luminescence.

Before stepping through, she imparted a final glance towards him.

"Should destiny decree it, our paths may cross again."

Her gaze lingered for an extended moment.

"And on that subsequent occasion… I trust you will possess greater strength."

Ethan met her gaze unflinchingly.

"…Next time, I shall not be as fatigued."

A smile returned to her face.

"Good."

She turned, then hesitated.

"Oh, and Ethan…"

He met her gaze.

"Be careful…"

A more serious tone entered her voice.

"Careful…" Ethan's brow knitted.

"Of whom?"

"Of the nobles in your Empire. Arcadia is not as idyllic as it seems," she stated, a playful smile gracing her lips.

Ethan's fingers tightened around the crystal, though his expression remained unchanged.

"…I am aware."

She gave a single nod.

Then, she stepped through the portal.

SWISHH.

The light shimmered, and she vanished.

The portal snapped shut instantly, leaving the area silent once more.

Ethan remained motionless for a few moments, gazing at the spot where she had stood.

A gentle breeze stirred, carrying the scent of heat and ash from the ravaged battlefield.

He exhaled slowly, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"…What a vexing individual."

He lightly scowled, pondering her parting words.

Was it a genuine warning?

Or perhaps something more?

He couldn't decipher her true intent.

His gaze fell upon the dragon crystal clutched in his hand, its immense, contained power palpable.

Turning his head, he then looked in the direction of his companions.