SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 583: A Dragon’s Favor

Trafalgar exited the establishment, with Caelvyrn accompanying him.

Inside the aged tavern, Vivienne remained with Dravok and Rhosyn. The instant Trafalgar departed, Dravok directed his entire focus toward the young woman, his inquiries about her inaugural day of classes imbued with the demeanor of an overly proud father feigning nonchalance.

Vivienne initially responded with a degree of reservation.

She described the academy's appearance. The nature of its lecture halls. Which instructors she had encountered. If the fellow students exhibited any peculiar traits. Dravok offered a solemn nod throughout her narration, though a subtle warmth within his eyes invariably surfaced whenever she recounted simple actions like finding her designated seat or adhering to the curriculum without incident.

Upon the conversation's shift toward individuals, Vivienne's countenance underwent a minute alteration.

Barely perceptible.

Yet, Dravok registered it nonetheless.

"Did you encounter anyone of note?" he inquired, his tone retaining its tranquil cadence.

Vivienne's fingers subtly tightened their grip on her chalice. "A few individuals. Trafalgar introduced me to his associates."

"Associates," Dravok echoed.

"Indeed."

"Any gentlemen among them?"

Vivienne's expression transformed in a manner that conveyed a wealth of information far exceeding her verbal response.

Dravok's gaze intensified, his eyes narrowing.

"I perceive."

"There is nothing to perceive," Vivienne stated hastily. "He is merely an acquaintance I recently made. He fraternizes with Trafalgar."

"His designation?"

Vivienne faltered.

"Xavier."

Dravok reclined slightly, his mind already committing the name to memory. "I should be pleased to make Xavier's acquaintance."

Vivienne's features contorted with immediate apprehension. Should Dravok desire to meet Xavier, even the formidable Althea would find it exceedingly challenging to impede the individual known as the God of War from achieving his objective.

"He is merely a friend," she asserted, endeavoring to de-escalate the situation before it escalated beyond reconciliation. "And barely even that. Our familiarity is minimal."

Dravok seemingly accepted her explanation at face value.

Internally, however, he registered a silent vow.

When the opportune moment arose for Trafalgar's training within the separate dimension, he resolved to ensure the young man faced formidable challenges.

Rhosyn remained oblivious throughout the entirety of the father-daughter exchange.

At some juncture, she had slumped against the booth's side, her eyelids closed, her respiration slow and steady due to profound exhaustion. Whatever transpired between Dravok and Vivienne remained unabsorbed by her in any significant capacity.

The proprietor of the establishment fared considerably worse.

Concealed behind the counter, only the upper portion of his physique was visible, preventing any observation of his violently trembling legs concealed beneath. While an invisible barrier enveloped their discussion, rendering auditory comprehension impossible, this isolation offered little solace. The spoken words remained concealed, but the palpable aura emanating from the table did not.

The sheer pressure exerted by the patrons seated there was sufficient to induce profound unease within him.

A slumbering female entity, who emanated an aura akin to sentient darkness.

A male individual exuding an martial prowess barely contained beneath his surface.

A draconic being in human guise, who had previously regarded the overhead architecture with an expression of offense.

The owner had previously served individuals of questionable repute, inebriated combatants, illicit traders, and persons concealing concealed weaponry. None, however, rivaled the presence of this particular group. With considerable prudence, he resolved to meticulously polish the same goblet for the fifth occasion, deliberately moderating his breathing to the barest minimum.

Outside the tavern's confines, Trafalgar and Caelvyrn finally emerged onto the thoroughfare.

The ambient air carried a refreshing coolness, a stark contrast to the confined atmosphere within. Velkaris was beginning its descent toward evening, with luminous mana lamps gradually illuminating the roadway and elongated shadows stretching between the aged edifices.

As they stepped out, Trafalgar's gaze fell upon Caelvyrn's horns.

"Exercise caution with your cranium. We must avoid a recurrence of the previous incident."

Caelvyrn inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. However, by this juncture, the overhead structure near the entrance had sustained such repeated impact that his horns could now nearly pass through unimpeded.

"That ceiling has definitively learned its place," Caelvyrn remarked.

"It bears indelible marks."

"A valuable lesson often leaves its imprint."

Trafalgar regarded him with a look devoid of amusement.

Caelvyrn offered a smile, clearly finding satisfaction in his own retort, before his inherent inquisitiveness resurfaced.

"So, what is it you wish to discuss, Trafalgar? Your reticence is tormenting my curiosity."

Trafalgar's expression underwent a palpable transformation.

The lighthearted demeanor vanished entirely.

Caelvyrn perceived the shift immediately. Despite his perpetual mirth, the Ancient Dragon had existed for millennia, and certain indicators were unmistakable even to him once the atmosphere altered. His smile dissipated, and his violet irises focused with heightened intensity upon Trafalgar.

Trafalgar lowered his voice as he began to speak.

"Do you recall the events involving the Gluttonous Dragon?"

Caelvyrn's eyebrows arched subtly.

"Difficult to expunge from memory. From my understanding, your sire vanquished him, and you bore witness to the event." He tilted his head. "Why has this memory surfaced now?"

"Because he sired offspring."

Caelvyrn's features became notably more acute.

"A child born to the Gluttony Dragon?" He folded his arms, his gaze unfocused for a moment as if delving into ancient records. "That's quite uncommon, to say the least. Dragons rarely procreate with other bloodlines, which is one reason our numbers aren't as vast as other races. Should a dragon choose to have offspring with someone outside our kind, the other bloodline must possess the resilience to withstand what is passed down to them."

A smirk played on his lips, devoid of any genuine amusement.

"And knowing that scoundrel, I can only imagine the process was anything but gentle."

Trafalgar's jaw clenched subtly.

"I grasp your implication. Yet, I have the child. He was located in Velkaris."

Caelvyrn's demeanor shifted to one of grave seriousness.

"I see."

That single word carried a significance far beyond its usual weight when spoken by him.

"That presents a considerable challenge," he continued. "If the child were to lose control, he could unleash considerable chaos. Young dragons are inherently destructive, particularly when they lack guidance on managing their innate abilities. Instincts precede understanding."

"Have no concern. He is now in Euclid. I arranged for one of my trusted associates to formally adopt him, keeping him distant from Morgain's bureaucratic entanglement." Trafalgar met Caelvyrn's stare. "However, given your draconic heritage, your assistance would be invaluable. Would you be willing to instruct him?"

Caelvyrn regarded him for a prolonged moment.

Then, a flash of annoyance crossed his features.

"You are aware I am not some form of nanny, correct?"

"Indeed."

"And this request is remarkably audacious." Caelvyrn shifted slightly closer, his tone measured, yet the underlying ancient power became more palpable. "Remember, Trafalgar, while I hold you in regard, I am not your subordinate. Aiding Dravok is one matter; that endeavor benefits us all in some capacity. This is entirely different."

Trafalgar remained silent.

Caelvyrn proceeded.

"I could resolve your predicament by eliminating the child."

A hush seemed to fall over the surrounding street.

Caelvyrn uttered the words not with malice, but with a detached pragmatism that somehow made them more chilling. It was the kind of statement an ancient dragon might make, viewing it as a logical solution before acknowledging its horrific nature.

Trafalgar's eyes hardened.

"That will not happen."

Caelvyrn held his gaze for a deep, drawn-out breath.

Then, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Excellent. You have your resolve."

Trafalgar did not visibly relax.

"I will be indebted to you if you agree to help him."

This declaration shifted the focus of Caelvyrn's interest.

"A favor from a Morgain," he mused, speaking slowly. "And not just any Morgain, but you personally." His eyes gleamed with contemplation. "That holds significant value."

"It does."

Caelvyrn glanced toward the weathered establishment, then back at Trafalgar.

"Very well. I shall undertake this. However, only subsequent to the stabilization of our current undertaking. Until then, I cannot afford to divert my focus further than I already have."

"That arrangement is acceptable."

"When the appointed time arrives, I shall appear in Euclid. Inform your city's administrator, lest your guards react rashly upon my arrival." He paused, considering the logistical aspects. "Seal off the forest adjacent to the city when I arrive. It will serve as the most suitable location for imparting the fundamental lessons. An area sufficiently vast to accommodate inevitable errors."

Trafalgar gave a firm nod. "That can be arranged."

Caelvyrn's expression softened, though such a descriptor felt inadequate for him.

"Furthermore," he added, his voice quieter now, "I harbor no desire to extinguish one of my own bloodline unless absolutely necessary. Our kind are few in number as it is."

Trafalgar received this statement for what it truly represented.

Not simple benevolence.

Something far more ancient.

A dragon's choice for measured patience.

"Then it is a pact," Trafalgar declared.

Caelvyrn extended a hand.

"Indeed. A pact."

Trafalgar took his hand.