In the next moment, like being yanked by a chain, the wyvern crashed into the ground.
Despite falling, the wyvern still shot its fire breath toward the target.
The flame shot toward Isolde and Aldric. It exploded, rising smoke in the sky.
But it only lasted for a moment before the flame was cut into two like someone cleaved it from inside.
A sharp ice bolt cut through the distance, instantly impaling the wyvern's eyes.
Multiple more appeared, this time followed by a rumble of electricity. Isolde imbued the ice with it to enhance the damage.
This time, the target was the other wyvern that dived toward them. The Dragari above the fallen wyvern also leaped forward, brandishing its sharp claws.
Aldric responded by slashing his sword at such an angle that it cut through the Dragari's head cleanly while parrying multiple attacks from the other Dragari.
Compared to the others, the Dragari that rode the wyverns had stronger physical strength but weaker defense. They were higher-leveled since they shared a connection with their wyverns, allowing them to fight together.
But in front of Aldric and Isolde, this combination was not effective, and their numbers were too small to make any difference.
"Is this it? They are too weak," Isolde replied with a smirk.
"Don't underestimate them; they are nothing more than cannon fodder."
"In that case, I will just freeze them all as we go to the spire to save on energy," Isolde replied.
The Dragari and wyverns were frozen by Isolde as they moved toward the spire. But as their backs faced the wyverns, something happened.
A cracking sound could be heard, followed by the ice shattering. The wyverns' eyes glowed purple, the same as the Dragari riders.
With swift motions, they threw their weapons toward Aldric and Isolde. Feeling the change of vibrations behind him, Aldric turned his head.
As his ability allowed him to control kinetic energy, Aldric used it to create an invisible shield around him. This shield was very weak; it could not stop any attack or anyone.
The purpose was only to alert him if something moved inside.
Aldric slashed his sword, parrying the incoming attack. Sparks flew in the air, and this time, the strength behind it was far stronger. It was like the Dragari's strength was boosted by the drake, layering above each other.
Feeling the change, Isolde also turned. Her hair fluttered as she created a blast of wind to scatter all the incoming attacks.
Meanwhile, Seraphine and Luca had already reached the spire. To their surprise, even when they reached there, the guards were too weak.
As they entered the tower, corpses littered the ground.
"Don't they have a portal here? I don't believe they didn't send anyone to come here," Seraphine said.
The place was in shambles now. Logically, they should have asked for backup since it was connected to the dungeon.
Luca's lips curled into a smile as what she saw made her feel more hopeful. "This just means they cannot send any help as something happened on the other side, but I refuse to believe there is no one strong here. At the very least, there should be one person equal to a five-star hunter."
Seraphine nodded, "The strongest so far is only two stars. They are all too weak. Do you think Edward is the one causing trouble on the other side?"
"I don't know who, but I am hopeful Seraphine. You know how he is; there is no way he would just stay down as long as they could fight back."
"That is true. It reminds me of how we first met. Honestly, I never understood what made both of you so kind to other people. You could have just left me to die at that time or just benefited and earned money by selling me to the dark guild."
"We are not being kind; you can think it's just our hobby or something."
"What kind of hobby is that, risking your life for others?"
Luca sighed, "It will be a long story if I tell you, but you already know our past."
"Because I know it, I feel even more confused. Those who know the hardship of life usually become more self-centered as they do anything for their own survival."
"That would just grow into a chain of hatred, Seraphine. It's not like you were the one who caused the tragedy in my or Edward's life. Blaming someone for another's fault is stupid and useless. I don't know if God exists or not, but I know for sure now that I have the strength for it, I won't become like them. I will help those who need and deserve it."
"Deserve, huh… what makes you think I deserve it? I am only a selfish person who prioritizes my own survival."
"You are just a victim of circumstance, Seraphine. A lot of people don't have a choice but to do what they did to survive. But I believe if they have the opportunity, some will change."
"This 'some' is just a minority, Luca. The majority of them won't change. Some will even bite you back."
Luca's lips curled into a sad smile, "I just take it as part of the risk. Who cares what they do; the minority is enough to make me satisfied. And if any of them do the same as me, the cycle will continue."
"I hate to say this, but it will never happen, Luca. Edward is smart; I am sure he also realizes it. People are selfish and greedy; that is wired in our DNA. We will only cooperate when the situation deems so."
"I don't agree. We may be selfish, but that selfishness can be pointed toward kindness. We are greedy, but that is not necessarily a bad thing, Seraphine. Just like me, I know I am greedy by hoping the world will change to my ideal."
A clap suddenly reached Luca's ears, making her turn alert. Looking at the source, she saw a Dragari that looked different from the others.