'He has grown again.."

Astoria spectated the spar between Vaan and Senior Jergag from a distance with a wry and self-deprecating smile.

In the blink of an eye, the weak person she decided to protect for the future of humanity had surpassed her.

Vaan had grown at a rate others could only dream of replicating.

After all, his physique was far too superior and unique compared to any other physique she had seen in existence.

It was like a great vessel that could devour all power and convert it into strength without wastage. As such, Vaan's sheer physical strength had already surpassed the known limits granted to men.

Without the enhancement of aura, the physical strength of Aura Masters was limited.

However, Vaan didn't seem to have a limit on the growth of his physical strength. If he could train his physical strength and aura to the extreme, even she could not imagine how powerful he would become.

Astoria suddenly had a vague sense of a greater force at work.

Vaan's rise was unstoppable as if a hidden hand had guided him up until this step. He possessed a destiny so great he could be regarded as heaven's chosen.

Those who followed him would prosper, and those who were against him would suffer.

'He could be the savior of this world or its destroyer, depending on how the world treats him,' Astoria thought with knitted brows.

Based on their past interaction, she knew Vaan was quite reasonable.

However, she was also aware of just how poorly the supremacist faction's witches treated men. It was even worse in the capital.

If she can't prevent a grudge from forming between the two sides, their conflict could potentially shatter the kingdom.historical

'I have to keep him away from the capital,' Astoria silently swore to herself.

Meanwhile, Eniwse and Aeliana didn't have such complicated thoughts as they watched the spar between Vaan and Senior Jergag.

They took pride in his growth, and his glory was also their glory.

..

..

..

As Vaan sparred with Senior Jergag, he did not pay attention to the onlookers, nor did he have such luxuries to be distracted.

Even so, he could still the dragons' cheers of excitement.

It was just a friendly bout between him and Senior Jergag, nothing big or exciting to watch. However, the dragons of the younger generations were just as excited as his last spar with Gryme.

Fights between humans and dragons were more interesting than fights between two dragons, especially when the latter was commonly seen in their dragon clan.

More importantly, the young dragons all wanted to see one outcome; Vaan's miserable defeat. But, unfortunately for them, such a thing was not going to happen.

Senior Jergag knew when to pull his punches. After all, he wasn't competing but assisting.

Nevertheless, each time they traded blows, the air resonated loudly from their clashes, and strong winds blew in all directions.

"Very impressive, Vahn. With that, you should have, more or less, adapted to your current strength now, right?" Senior Jergag casually asked as if he hadn't even worked up a sweat. "How about we put a stop to our spar here?"

"Sounds good, Senior Jergag. Thank you for helping me out," Vaan readily agreed and expressed his gratitude for the elderly dragon's assistance.

He ended his Lycan state and wiped his sweat with his ragged clothes, which had been torn to shreds after failing to withstand the intensity of their spar.

Regular clothes cannot endure high-level battles. He needed to consider better equipment.

Ding!

<You have ended Lycan Transformation>

<You will enter a weakened state for five minutes>

"Your strength has improved significantly, but your defense and speed are rather lacking, especially your speed, Vahn. You should really work on it," Senior Jergag offered his feedback.

"Yes, I've also noticed that problem," Vaan openly acknowledged his shortcoming and said, "However, I can only work on it when the opportunity arises."

Boo..!

Meanwhile, the voices of disapproval and disappointment sounded when the dragons didn't get to see what they came to watch.

(Get lost, you punks! This isn't a show!)

(Crap, Elder Jergag is angry. Let's quickly leave!)

Right after Senior Jergag scolded the crowd, the young dragons immediately scattered in fear of getting into trouble.

Ding!

<Your understanding of the dragon tongue increased>

<+2 proficiency in the dragon language>

..

"Sorry about that, Vahn. Members of the younger generations are still too immature. I hope you aren't offended by them," Senior Jergag apologized for the crowd's unruliness.

Nevertheless, Vaan wasn't some edge lord that would get butthurt just because he heard something unsavory or people looked at him unkindly.

It had grown accustomed to such treatment while trying to survive in the slums.

"You don't have to worry about that, Senior Jergag," Vaan calmly smiled and said, "Words and stares can't hurt me."

"That's good," Jergag nodded with relief.

He believed Vaan had the potential to overcome the Trial by Fire and lead the Red Dragon Clan.

At that time, if Vaan wanted to remove all the dissidents to reinforce his rule, none of the senior dragons would complain.

However, it was best if they could avoid such a scenario.

"Will you challenge the Trial by Fire now?" Senior Jergag asked shortly after.

However, Vaan shook his head.

"Not immediately, soon," Vaan replied before explaining further, "I need some rest to catch my breath. Also, I have company."

Astoria, Hester, Eniwse, and Aeliana were seen making their way over from different directions.

"True." Senior Jergag acknowledged with a nod and said, "Even if you have the Fire Spirit Body now, the Trial by Fire isn't a place you can take lightly. So it'd be best if you are properly prepared."

"Anyhow, this old dragon won't take up any more of your time. I will be entering isolated meditation to digest some insights, young friend. I wish you all the best with the Trial by Fire. Take care."

"You too, Senior Jergag."

With that said, the elderly dragon took off for his cave, leaving Vaan behind to accompany the ladies approaching him.