"Of course, you certainly wouldn't know, your mother has spent the past decade trying to free you from the destiny foretold by prophecy."

"...Why?"

"'Destiny brings forth the hero, who will use themselves as a torch to illuminate the path for all,' said the Divination Master. If you've met them, you know they're always shrouded in mystery, speaking words that are hard to understand."

The ancient tree paused, then continued, "It seems your mother believes the hero in the prophecy will sacrifice themselves, just like in those epic tales of heroes... It appears your mother doesn't want you to become a hero; rather, she hopes you grow up happily and peacefully, but life seldom goes as planned, doesn't it?"

The ancient tree's gaze was filled with profound meaning.

The predetermined fate cannot be defied; no matter how one resists, the prophesied person will return to the correct path at the proper time.

Then suddenly, it changed the subject, "And you, chosen by the Black Dragon, it's really strange, I never imagined you would act together with the 'hero'."

"In the prophecy, are we arch-enemies?"

Charlotte asked.

When she first heard Ethan's name from the Poacher Gang, an unusual emotion surged in her heart, and now it seems none of this was coincidental.

"Arch-enemies? Hmm, more precisely, he will end this era, and ultimately, you'll die at his hand... at least, that's what the prophecy says."

"What? Me?"

Ethan felt he had to say something. Just what in the world was going on lately? Why does he always end up being regarded as a murderer wherever he goes?

"The Cautious Tree is definitely an imposter, he could almost confirm this ancient tree is a subspecies called the Nonsense Tree, spewing nonsense without even blinking."

"Firstly, I have no intention of harming anyone."

"That's the wonder of destiny." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

The ancient tree smiled, replying to him, "Just as she hadn't originally intended to become a hero."

"No, you're completely mistaken, this dragon egg was entrusted to me by a single dragon mom, according to the Kingdom's magical creature compendium, their family should belong to the forest thorn dragon in the flying dragon species..."

"You mentioned a single parent dragon mom, then who is the father of this young dragon?"

The answer was the black dragon, the Black Dragon.

Ethan's mind instantly conjured this answer, and he, like Miss Charlotte, widened his eyes in astonishment. It was just like a novel by Henry, both unexpected and perfectly logical.

Lady Thorn Dragon's private life seems to be a bit too open.

"Now, do you understand? The so-called destiny weaves together those fates that seem impossible to intertwine."

The black young dragon woke from sleep in Ethan's arms, poking its head out, chirping softly, appearing completely harmless.

An utterly peaceful dragon baby.

Anyone who sees it would unconsciously reach out to gently stroke its head.

No one would ever imagine that it might one day become the destroyer of the world.

"I see, I see!"

The ghostly voice entered the courtyard, and everyone present was immune to it; no one was surprised by Henry's arrival. Just during the conversation, he had changed into poacher gear and brought back the iconic white headband.

He walked forward, muttering to himself, "Prophecy's child, destined encounter—"

He spread his arms wide, walked past Ethan and Charlotte, and stood beneath the ancient tree.

Such a profoundly epic meeting, and as its witness, he was fully prepared.

White Dragon, amidst the Black.

And, the legendary Poacher, Lord White Headband.

His eyes were eager and locked with the ancient tree, persistently signaling with his gaze.

The introductions between the hero and the archenemy were concluded, followed by his appearance as the teacher of the hero, or perhaps as a dual foe and friend during the hero's adventures, possibly hiding a legendary identity. Maybe when he was born, certain legendary magical creatures passed through his hometown...

"Lady Fengweidie."

The confrontation continued for several minutes before the ancient tree spoke, "You've got a stink clay in your courtyard."

...

A moment later.

"This, this isn't right, is it?"

In the courtyard, the white headband had disappeared, replaced by a human-like figure tightly wrapped in white bandages, even the head was wrapped in several layers, making his voice sound as if coming from a far-off place, "I can't breathe!"

"Quit whining! I'm already taking good care of you!"

Lady Fengweidie snorted coldly, stomping on the stomach of the human-shaped object, stopping him from squirming restlessly on the ground.

The human-shaped object indeed quieted down significantly, only making some odd noises.

She introduced the specifics of the teleportation to Ethan and Charlotte, "Teleportation is simple, you just walk into the mouth of the Cautious Tree and when you come out, you'll be at the Royal Capital, at the Royal Summoner Association's courtyard."

Ethan listened intently.

Teleportation Magic is a precise study, last time he accidentally sent Ave into the water of Fireplace Bay.

It turns out Ave is a grudge-holding girl; this incident has been recorded into the Old Sen Anecdote Collection in the "Imperial Truth."

The teleportation magic of the tree crown plane vastly differs from the Empire's style, with the Cautious Tree acting as a medium for spatial teleportation.

"Got it."

Charlotte took a deep breath, clenched her fists to encourage herself.