Chapter 1159: A New Direction for Effort

Noretta had no idea what expression she wore as she stepped into the room—each step felt like she was falling into the unknown. Her thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind, all the guesses she’d made before arriving now swept away like leaves in a storm. None of them came close to the sight before her: a massive, pale golden egg resting in the center of the room.

By the time she realized what she was doing, she was already seated on a sky-blue sofa.

The room’s furnishings were oddly sparse. Aside from the giant egg and its pedestal in the middle, there was only a cluster of arcane devices nearby, a few sofas by the window, and a small tea table. The simplicity felt almost stark, but considering the current state of the room’s owner, it didn’t seem out of place.

Scattered thoughts began to drift through Noretta’s mind—an automatic response after the initial shock faded. She glanced sideways at her companion, who was carefully placing the dragon egg they had brought onto the floor. Her friend’s expression was noticeably calmer than her own.

Noretta recalled—Melita had led the team that delivered the “Dragon God’s Relic” to Talrond. No wonder…

While the white dragon’s mind wandered, Melita had already settled the egg and looked up. The former Talrond ambassador, who had personally escorted the “Divine Humanity” to the continent of Loren, wore a complex expression. Her gaze flickered several times over the golden egg before she hesitated and spoke: “Enya… Lady, it’s been a long time.”

After much thought, she felt that only by adding “Lady” after the name of this former deity could she sound somewhat appropriate.

“Indeed, it has been a long time, young blue dragon,” Enya’s voice carried a gentle smile. “The last time you brought me here, I was still in a dormant state. So, in my clearer memories, our last meeting was in Talrond.”

The deliberately avoided memory suddenly surged uncontrollably. Images flashed through Melita’s mind—the resplendent temple, the long stairway, the hall suffused with a golden halo and sacred aura. The supreme and beautiful deity stood before the high throne, gazing down kindly. At that moment, she felt as insignificant as a speck of dust on the temple steps…

She blinked, and the memory faded. The deity on the dais vanished, replaced by nothing but a gleaming, smooth eggshell shining in the sunlight.

“I… ahem,” a strange feeling flickered through her mind, and Melita cleared her throat. “Sorry, I’m not quite sure what to say right now. I wasn’t prepared to meet you, and… well, even if I had time, I probably wouldn’t know what to say.”

“That’s perfectly normal,” Enya’s smile deepened. “I can tell you’re both a little nervous—relax. Would you like something to drink? I have some refreshing beverages that can help clear the mind…”

(A friendly recommendation: a book by Guan Wuya called Actors Have No Holidays, set in the urban entertainment industry. I rarely promote this genre, but this time it’s mainly to support Jitian.)

“Wait!” Enya’s words were cut off as Gawain suddenly stood up, looking horrified as he stared at the former Dragon God and the two stunned Talrond ambassadors. “Be careful! Those drinks are still experimental. You know their effects are a bit… over-stimulating.”

The dragon physiology was strong, and Gawain himself was no ordinary figure. He knew exactly what the retired Dragon God’s “energizing tonic” could do—no sane creature would drink it. If Melita and Noretta guzzled it out of respect, it could easily spark a diplomatic incident! They might not die, but they’d have to be carried out…

Enya’s reply cut him off sharply: “No need to worry. It’s just ordinary black tea, prepared by Betty. I’m not a reckless child.”

As she spoke, two teacups and a large, exquisite teapot floated out from behind the golden egg. Guided by magic, they hovered over to Melita and Noretta, poured themselves, and gently settled on the tea table.

The two Talrond ambassadors stared blankly for a moment before awkwardly lifting their cups. They exchanged a glance, both feeling that this scene defied everything they’d ever understood about the world—the Dragon God, revered and worshiped by countless dragons, was personally serving them tea…

“Th-thank you…” Melita finally found her voice, hurriedly expressing gratitude and bringing the cup to her lips. The tea, kept piping hot by magic, seemed to have no effect on her nerves as she drank it all in one go—almost biting the rim of the cup by accident before catching herself just in time.

Whether it was the tea or something else, her mind gradually calmed, and the fog of confusion began to clear.

From the golden egg came that familiar, gentle voice: “How is Talrond now? And the other dragons… are they doing well?”

Melita paused for two seconds. She still couldn’t treat this former deity as just another conversational partner, but on this question, she chose to speak honestly: “The situation is dire. Ninety percent of our lands have been completely scorched. All cities destroyed, with only a few factories and warehouses inside mountains or underground spared. Transportation and communication systems have collapsed. Omega has left this planet.

“As for the dragons… fewer than ten percent remain, and no healthy adult dragons have been found. Our kin face two… no, three post-war afflictions. First, implant failures—many rely heavily on the Omega system, and as it shuts down, these implants become heavy, rigid burdens, even life-threatening. We can only remove them through crude, primitive surgery, causing secondary trauma to many.

“Second, addiction to enhancers—mostly among the lower-class dragons. Without the enhancers, their nervous systems suffer immense pain. The good news is some have passed the worst phase. Moreover, the nations of Loren have sent us large amounts of alchemical materials. Our leader, Heragor, has guided us in preparing ancient remedies to help our addicted kin repair their nervous systems.”

“Finally, the last…”

Melita hesitated, then looked at the golden egg with growing resolve.

“The harsh environment tests our will, and the fading divine magic causes a chain reaction tormenting the priests and attendants who once served in the lower ranks of the temple system. We’ve crawled out of the cradle, but the world outside is cold. Some weaker members long for the warmth of the cradle. However, Heragor, as the former highest authority of the temple system, has stabilized this situation. All dragons are regaining their resolve.”

A warm, gentle golden light rippled across the egg’s surface. Enya sighed softly, a note of relief in her voice: “It seems that even without me, you can truly move forward on your own… Heragor has served by my side for many years. No matter the burdens behind that companionship, it has deepened our understanding. I am certain that as long as Heragor remains steadfast, Talrond’s revival is imminent. As for Andar and Balogor… their wisdom and experience are Heragor’s greatest support and your most precious treasure.”

“Rest assured, we understand this well,” Noretta finally found her footing, nodding solemnly. “We’ve established a new sanctuary city in Agondor. In some stable and secure areas, camps and forward bases are gradually taking root. The three leaders each guide our people in their own way and with their own strength. Most of us know exactly what we must do.”

“That’s good, that’s good…” Enya said slowly, turning her attention to the smaller dragon egg beside Melita. “I noticed you brought a dragon egg? It looks like it’s already in the third stage of incubation.”

“This is a dragon egg we’ve adopted together,” Noretta nodded quickly. “We found many healthy eggs among the ruins of the incubation factory. The dragons are adopting them in temporary ‘families.’ Using primitive incubation methods, these healthy eggs will hatch the first truly healthy, pure dragons in 1.87 million years…”

“The healthiest hatchlings in a million years, facing the harshest Talrond environment in a million years… Their lives ahead won’t be easy,” Enya said gently. “But I still wish them well… though my ‘blessings’ no longer carry much power.”

Melita bowed her head sincerely. “Such ‘blessings’ are already precious enough.”

“They want to incubate the egg here,” Gawain seized the moment to speak up. “The embassy’s preparations will take some time, and these two were just assigned here with many tasks. They probably can’t care for the egg properly. There are existing incubation facilities here, and royal attendants to help watch over it. I think it’s a good fit. Of course, it’s up to you.”

“I guessed as much when I saw the egg,” Enya smiled. “Of course, no problem. I’m happy to help—I’m quite confident in caring for dragon eggs and hatchlings.”

She added with a laugh, “Besides, I’m just a ‘tenant’ staying here with you, like those two little ones who won’t leave the Shadow Realm. You can arrange your affairs however you like without worrying about our opinions.”

Her polite add-on was clearly just a formality. Gawain didn’t mind; he smiled and nodded, then looked at the two Talrond ambassadors. “Does this arrangement work for you? The egg can stay in the incubation room here, Enya can help care for it, which is definitely more reliable than entrusting it to anyone else. And you can come by anytime to check on it.”

“To be honest, I never imagined things would turn out like this,” Melita sighed, then nodded. “I have no objections. This is better than we expected.”

“Neither do I,” Noretta nodded, rubbing her temples. “Honestly, it’s unbelievable… I still wonder if I’m dreaming. If we reported this to Speaker Andar or Leader Heragor, they’d probably be just as shocked.”

“I’m actually quite looking forward to seeing their startled faces—especially Hrathgor’s,” Enya said immediately, a smile playing on her lips. “He’s been by my side for over a million years, and through all that time, he’s kept that stern expression locked on his face. Sometimes I try to scare him on purpose, and all he does is look terrified while still keeping that same stiff face… I’m really curious what he looks like when he’s actually caught off guard.”

Melita and Noretta exchanged a glance, speechless.

They were already racing through their thoughts, wondering if Enya’s remark might be worth reporting back…

With the arrangements for the dragon egg settled, the atmosphere in the incubation chamber finally relaxed. The two Talrond emissaries spent a long time talking with their former goddess—reminiscing about the past, discussing the present, and sharing visions for the future. Most of the time, it was Melita or Noretta speaking, while Enya listened quietly, just as she had done in her divine role for over a million years: listening, and remaining silent.

But this time, that listening didn’t feel so painfully sharp.

Throughout the entire conversation, whether it was Melita, Noretta, or Enya herself, they deliberately avoided mentioning the final battle.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the two Talrond emissaries finally took their leave. The incubation chamber was left with only Gawain and Enya once more—but this time, there was also a dragon egg resting there, glowing softly in the lamplight.

“I’ll have someone make a proper stand for it later, right next to you,” Gawain said, looking at the egg. “It’ll be more stable on a stand—I keep worrying it might roll around otherwise…”

The golden egg gave no response. Enya seemed lost in thought, remaining silent after Gawain’s words.

“Enya?” Gawain asked curiously, glancing at the golden egg. “What are you thinking about? Still mulling over Talrond?”

“Gawain, my friend,” Enya finally spoke after a few seconds, her tone unusually serious and earnest, “have you ever cared for a youngling before?”

“Cared for a youngling? You mean raising a child?” Gawain blinked, then gave a slightly embarrassed smile. “Well… to be honest, I’m a bit ashamed to say this, but back then… or rather, in my memories of ‘back then,’ I was mostly either fighting in battles or on the way to battles. When my children were born, I wasn’t really around, and as for raising them…”

He suddenly realized something, eyes widening as he looked at the golden egg. “Wait—are you saying you… actually don’t know how to hatch a dragon egg or care for a hatchling?”

“I have the knowledge, but no practical experience.”

“No experience… right, how could you possibly have any?” Gawain stared at Enya’s egg in disbelief. “Then what were you just—”

“…”

Enya remained silent. Gawain stared at her for a long moment before cautiously asking, “Could it be… it’s a matter of pride?”

The golden egg finally broke the silence: “…In any case, now I have something to strive for.”

(End of chapter)