Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 626 - 579: Reigniting the Flame
The academic gathering concluded unexpectedly smoothly, and while enjoying the applause and praise, Lyle felt a mix of trepidation and relief. This sentiment was likely shared by most people present. The headmaster announced the successful completion of the gathering with a jovial smile, the executive committee lifted the blockade, and the Liches departed the venue in an orderly fashion, having just reveled in a feast of knowledge prepared by Lyle. Although the series of Evil God’s teachings and Lyle’s knowledge that surpassed the age made the dragon transformation experiment difficult to replicate, merely acknowledging the existence of this forbidden transformation was an honor in itself.
All things were back on track, without Raymond, without destruction.
Lyle approached the headmaster, and in front of this robust elder, he removed the Lich Crown from his head.
"Mr. Headmaster, I need to borrow the Lich Crown for a little longer, just two hours. I promised it that I would bring it to meet Mr. Raymond," Lyle said.
The smile faded from the headmaster’s face, and he stroked his beard with a melancholic air, silent for a moment.
"I agree to lend you the Lich Crown for a bit longer, but not for two hours," the headmaster patted Lyle on the shoulder, "until the coronation ceremony is completed. Mr. Scholar once discussed his mad plan with me, and that was why I agreed to let the Giant Dragon and the scholar temporarily leave Andrey. If you wish to restore the Giant Dragon’s glory, it’s best to keep your distance from Andrey, from Raymond. He tolerated it this time, but that doesn’t mean he would accept a second time. The calamity of the Liches this academic gathering has stirred up is not non-existent; rather, it’s because your experiment is not yet complete. The Giant Dragon... how could it have just a set of Dragon Bones?"
Mr. Headmaster placed the Lich Crown back on Lyle’s head.
"Child, your experiment is not over, so during this time, do not go see Raymond. Wait until your plans are complete."
Andrey’s leader granted Lyle the crown once again, empowering him with the force of the Lich community to aid in the Giant Dragon’s revival.
Lyle was filled with confusion.
"I don’t understand, Mr. Headmaster. What I’ve done is to fulfill my mentor’s expectations, to realize my master’s wishes. Yet, why would you also pay such prices for the Dragon Priest and the Giant Dragon, even if it means angering Mr. Raymond?" Lyle inquired.
The light of wisdom appeared in those small eyes, like the beautiful wings of a flash butterfly.
"Death is a continuation of life. Biodiversity allows we the deceased to continue to develop, and the friendship of the Dragon Priest is worth the investment. The existence of the Giant Dragon fills me with vitality. And it’s quite entertaining, isn’t it? To make this world more splendid and chaotic is what the Liches most look forward to. We are Liches, spellcasters who live with a will that scorns death."
"And you, are the finest Lich of Andrey. Lyle, we look forward to you making the world more interesting. Unleash your nature, let the Giant Dragon return—this is Andrey’s command to you."
Lyle bowed deeply, hand on his chest.
"As you will, Mr. Headmaster."
With renewed vigor, Lyle headed towards the Giant Dragon and the five Dragon Priests.
Aside from Mr. Scholar, this was the first encounter between the other Dragon Priests and the newborn Giant Dragon.
"I have devoured the soul of the Giant Dragon Kolosis, and with Lyle’s help, I have obtained this body, Ohmhead."
The Black Dragon Priest shook his head.
"We no longer have the right to resist you, Giant Dragon. Whether it’s wisdom or existence, you are now a step closer to the Giant Dragon than we are. We will follow your lead, newborn Giant Dragon," the Black Dragon Priest lifted his body, his hunched and twisted bones making a terrifying crackling sound, and stood up to gaze upon the Dragon Bones. "Morocoy has triumphed; you are taller than any Giant Dragon I’ve ever witnessed, and you brim with power."
"Just the normal size for a sea dragon, although indeed a behemoth for a land-dwelling dragon breed," Princess glanced casually and turned her head away. Her conflict with the Giant Dragon persisted, yet the Giant Dragon’s sacrifices had made the Dragon Priest put aside her preconceptions.
"My goodness, you are enormous. The magma pool of the Great Furnace can barely accommodate you," Freheimer tapped the Giant Dragon’s front claw, "Warrior dragon breed, it seems my armorsmithing skills are in for a new challenge."
Irason measured the Giant Dragon’s size with his hands, "He’s too big. The Dream Forest definitely can’t contain him, and clearing the woodland would provoke complaints from the Druids and Tree Monsters... such a hassle."
"The Giant Dragon has fulfilled his mission, my brothers and sisters, now it’s our turn," Mr. Scholar quelled the slight excitement of the Dragon Priests, "As for the Giant Dragon’s dwelling, we have many options. What’s most important now is the forthcoming coronation ceremony. We need to harness the power of our respective communities to rebuild the Giant Dragon’s flesh and blood body, to help him become the new King of the Giant Dragons."
"And there’s the task of offspring proliferation and community revival, Giant Dragon, my old friend. I remember you quite like animals, right?"
Lyle saw the Giant Dragon mentor visibly shudder, "What do you mean! Scholar!!! What are you going to do to me!!!"
Mr. Scholar’s eyes were sincere as he looked at his old friend.
"To aid in the rise of the Giant Dragon, someone must make a sacrifice, and I’m pleased, old friend, that your fondness for large animals has lessened my guilt."
"No!! I like animals!! But I don’t want to live like a breeding machine!!! I don’t want a mate!!! And I certainly don’t want animals!!!"
The Giant Dragon’s roars echoed throughout Andrey as it lowered its head, grabbed Lyle by the back of his neck, and spread its wings to flee. It soon became a speck of light amidst Lyle’s screams.
The five Dragon Priests were left standing in place, looking at each other in astonishment.
Ohmhead looked helplessly at his brother.
"We can use the power of our race to help him create offspring. Giant Dragons are magical creatures, and primitive reproduction is not the only way to procreate, Morocoy, you scared him off."
"It was just a joke among friends. It’s best to keep him away when we’re harvesting the power of our race. Don’t worry, I’ve left a mark on the Dragon Bone." Morocoy raised his hand, and a light blue rune emerged in his palm.
"We have, too."
All five Dragon Priests raised their hands, and claw-like runes appeared one after another.
In the dancing magical light, the five Dragon Priests shared a knowing smile.
"I will complete the task of power harvesting. Let’s gather by the Giant Dragon’s side when it’s time," Princess opened a portal and returned to her own world.
"My task isn’t too difficult either. I’ll be there on time," the Red Dragon Priest Freheimer departed soon after.
The Black Dragon Priest glanced at the scholar, "Don’t worry about me, I will finish it; I just need some time."
The scholar nodded and shifted his gaze to the sisters that remained.
He felt a headache coming on.
"Irason, do you need my assistance with harvesting the power of the Dream Elf race, since the City of Wandering has commercial trade with the Elf Race, maybe... I can offer you some influence and help,"
The unreliable Green Dragon Priest shook her head.
"Brother Morocoy just needs to focus on the Arcanists’ power harvesting. The only ones friendly to the City of Wandering are those Withering Druids I took away, and they are already marginalized in the Dream Forest. Don’t worry about me, I also understand the gravity of the situation, and I will definitely do my job well!"
The scholar Mr. was reassured to see his little sister finally growing up and not relying on the people around her like a salted fish anymore.
"I see, Irason has also become someone reliable. I’m looking forward to your results,"
A puzzled expression appeared on Irason’s face.
"Eh, do I really have to do it all by myself, brother, wuwuwu, I can’t do it."
"... Then how are you going to finish the task by yourself?"
Irason blinked her sparkling eyes.
"I never said I’d do it alone, and Brother Morocoy isn’t much help."
"It’s okay, I suddenly remembered, I have someone reliable at home I can depend on."
"She will definitely help me finish my task!"
Mr. Scholar covered his face.
How can you say that with a straight face? Green Dragon Irason, how did you choose to become a Dragon Priest in the first place?
These questions deeply troubled the learned Morocoy.
