The Voice of the Ancient Dragon

“Child of destiny, entangled by curses, you must not cross that boundary!”

Just as Phini was about to rush forward to capture a monster for study, an ancient, solemn, and mysterious voice suddenly manifested in her mind. It spoke directly to her consciousness, not through her ears.

“?!”

Startled by the abrupt command, Phini instinctively halted her charge. She looked around, her face full of bewilderment, as if seeking the owner of the voice.

“The land beyond the forest has lost its Blessing. Even you, who can devour curses, may not escape that place unscathed.”

As if reading Phini’s thoughts, the voice explained why she could not take another step forward.

“Who are you?” Phini demanded.

“My physical form has long since perished…”

“…”

“It is because you bear such heavy defilement that my voice can reach you.”

“Are you the evil dragon slain by humanity’s hero?” Connecting the dots from the local legends, Phini wore a wry expression as she questioned the entity.

“Evil dragon or deity, I do not care how mortals perceive me,” the owner of the voice replied, seemingly utterly indifferent to its historical reputation.

“It seems there’s more to that story, then.”

Distinctly sensing the hidden meaning, Phini immediately realized there was a problem with the legend of the hero slaying the evil dragon. If the owner of this voice truly was an evil beast, why would it warn her not to cross the swamp? Was it afraid she would discover something? Or perhaps…

“Whether there is or not is for you to imagine. However, the last vestiges of my power are now scarce. If you truly wish to save that girl’s village, take those untainted by the curse and leave this place!”

“Your power?”

“It is not the forest that holds back the Calamity Scars, but the final breath I released before my demise.”

“As expected…”

“Now, as time passes, my power grows weaker. Soon…”

“You won’t be able to hold back the Calamity Scars anymore?”

The more she listened, the more Phini felt that the story of this dragon held deep secrets. Why did humanity’s hero kill the owner of this voice? Why did the dragon, even in death, create a boundary to isolate the monsters, allowing the village behind the forest to persist?

If it was truly as this deceased dragon claimed, then the matter of the ‘Ashes’ from Ash Mountain repelling those ghouls suddenly made perfect sense.

“Yes, my power is almost exhausted. I can no longer protect those people.”

“Then… have you seen a group of villagers come here tonight?”

“…”

“Is that so? Then I probably understand…”

Seeing that the dragon did not answer, Phini’s worst premonition seemed correct. These Calamity Scars, attempting to rush out of the swamp into the forest, were likely those transformed from Magua, Feihu, and the other missing guards.

Phini knew how this worked. She didn’t need to ask. Recalling the corpses under the Crimson Moon in her past, Phini understood how twisted power transformed people into Calamity Scars.

“So, can those people still turn back?” Although she had braced herself for the worst, Phini couldn’t help but ask.

“They have not been fully transformed. Once the power of the twin moons passes with the dawn, these people will return to their former selves.”

In response to Phini’s question, the dragon gave an answer that surprised her. It seemed reality was not as dire as she had imagined.

“Not fully transformed? Is it because of you?” Hearing such an unexpected statement, Phini stroked her chin, immediately recalling what the dragon had said earlier.

“Something like that. Because these people were somewhat touched by my remnants, my protection was bestowed upon them. It prevented them from being fully converted into Calamity Scars, despite being corrupted by the curse.”

“I see…”

“Do you have any other questions?”

“Indeed, I do. Why did that hero kill you at all costs?”

“If you wish to know the answer to that question…”

“It seems you don’t intend to answer.”

“Sometimes, playing riddles with humans is one of our pleasures. If I were to simply tell you, the game would lose its fun.”

“Is that so?”

“However, I do not recommend you seek that answer.”

“Is it because the truth will make me think humanity is beyond saving?” Phini sneered.

“It seems you possess some self-awareness.”

“I already think humanity is beyond saving.”

“Are you not human as well?”

“Does my arm suggest I am human? Do my actions?”

“So, you already possess such resolve?”

“Resolve? I don’t see it as resolve. It’s a flame—an unquenchable flame of vengeance against that man!” Phini curled her lip, denying the dragon’s conjecture and voicing her own dark conviction.

“Is that so? It matters not. I have indeed sensed your power…”

“Am I already that powerful?”

“Yes.”

“…”

“You are one of the few individuals with a luminous soul I have witnessed thus far.”

“A luminous soul?”

“Yes.”

“How truly ironic.” Phini twitched the corner of her mouth slightly, letting out a cold laugh.

She, a person with a luminous soul? It was a statement she found hard to believe. Her past self, who had been passionate about everything, would not have become this blood-soaked monster had it not been for a terrible tragedy.

“What your past was like, I do not know. But one thing I do know…”

“…”

“You should look forward, not hesitate in place.”

“…”

“However, you are likely unable to heed my words now. Well, this is where our conversation ends… It is time for me to bid you farewell.”

“You’re leaving?” Phini asked instinctively.

“Yes, my voice cannot be sustained for much longer.”

“Is that so?”

“You need not concern yourself with those Calamity Scars. Go back…”

“…”

“Return to that village. While my power still lingers, take those untainted by the curse and leave this place!”

Perhaps knowing its own end was near, the dragon left Phini with a final admonition before fading away.

Afterward, no matter how long Phini waited, the dragon’s voice never reappeared.

“Good night…”

Standing frozen in thought for a long time, Phini silently spoke to the air. She then turned to glance at the Calamity Scars, trapped in the swamp outside the forest. With a soft sigh, Phini turned and walked back toward the village.

As for who was “untainted by the curse”? Phini had a rough idea.

By the time she returned to the village entrance, the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon. A ray of light emerged from the tree line, dispelling the darkness that had enveloped the land.

The moment the sunlight struck, the ‘ghosts’ lingering in the village scattered like frightened zombies, heading into different houses.

“…”

Observing this scene, Phini began to feel uncertain about how to explain things to Angela. It would be incredibly difficult to convince her that those ‘ghosts’ were their own transformed kin. Anyone hearing such a claim would likely dismiss it as a wild fantasy and mock her. She might even be chased away with a broom.

As Phini pondered how to begin, she unconsciously arrived at Angela’s doorstep. However, before she could enter the gate—

“Hey!”

A voice, deep and magnetic, emanated from behind her. Following the sound, Phini saw a young man waving at her.

“Who are you?”

Phini immediately withdrew her foot from the doorway, walking over to him with a suspicious look.

“You saw it all, didn’t you?” Instead of answering, the young man posed an intriguing question.

“You already knew?” Phini, who was not foolish, immediately realized that this youth was aware of the village’s dark secret.

“Yes, I’ve known about the strange occurrences in this village for a long time.”

“…”

“Aren’t you going to ask why I didn’t tell the villagers?”

“That question is meaningless.”

“You truly possess remarkable insight, woman.”

“Then who are you? I imagine you’re not just an ordinary village doctor, are you, Renard?”

How could she not recognize him? This youth was the same village healer who had treated her wounds a week ago. However, Phini did not believe for a second that he was merely a doctor.

“Alas, it’s a long story.”

“If it’s a long story, then skip it. Tell me, what is your purpose in seeking me out?”

“I prefer dealing with intelligent people!”

“Stop beating around the bush.”

“Alright, alright. I hope you can take Angela away from here.”

“Take Angela away?”

“Yes. I think this village might already be beyond saving.” Seeing Phini look at him with confusion, Renard stroked his chin, looking up at the morning sky as he answered with a melancholic tone.

“You know?” Phini was slightly surprised to hear him echo the dragon’s warning.