The group tried to move as swiftly as possible so as not to lose the dragon's trail. However, they didn't need to put much effort in when tracking the dragon.
The ground bore slight scorch marks and massive footprints from where it would occasionally land, and the branches above were bent and snapped, clear evidence that it had passed through the area.
The trail wound through increasingly treacherous terrain, the once dense and orderly forest giving way to rocky hills and uneven ground. Massive roots jutted out from the soil like claws, creating natural obstacles that slowed their pace.
Every so often, the dragon would appear far in the distance, its massive shadow briefly visible through gaps in the canopy before it disappeared again. These occasional glimpses confirmed they were on the right track.
The dragon would stop and rest, allowing the group time to close the distance before it took flight again. At first, this reassured them—after all, a being of its strength had no need to rest so often unless it wanted them to catch up.
But as the pattern repeated, unease crept back into their ranks.
Moreover, as they got further and further away from the heart of Elowen Haven to a territory that may be considered no-mans-land, their travelling conditions only got harsher.
Steep inclines on cliffs forcing them to scramble over loose stones and narrow passes where a single misstep could send them tumbling into ravines.
Finally, after what felt like days of travel, the group reached the base of a towering mountain range.
Their jagged peaks stretched so high they disappeared into the clouds, their sheer cliffs glistening with veins of silver and gold that reflected the sunlight and gave the mountains an otherworldly glow.
The dragon flew high above them and disappeared into the clouds, leaving the group staring in silence.
"Is this... where the nest is?" someone whispered, their voice barely audible over the harsh wind coming in from the mountain range.
"This has to be the nest," Caelum said, breaking the silence. His voice was steady, but the weight of the situation was clear in his tone. "The question now is how we're going to reach it."
Climbing the smooth and shiny cliffs seemed impossible without extensive preparation. The peaks were jagged and treacherous, and the higher they went, the more oppressive the aura of the dragons, which would negatively impact their contracts.
"We could try flying," suggested a Pathfinder hesitantly, their voice uncertain. "Some of us have contracts that can manage it..."
Kain frowned, glancing at his Vespid Guards. They could carry him, but something told him that it wouldn't be wise to fly unannounced into a dragon's territory.
Caelum shook his head. "Flying is risky. If the dragons consider it an intrusion, they won't hesitate to attack. And given their strength..." He trailed off, the implication clear.
The group fell silent, their options were limited and none seemed particularly safe.
Before the debate could continue, a powerful gust of wind rushed through the valley, followed by the sound of massive wings beating against the air.
A shadow loomed over them, larger and more oppressive than before. A second dragon descended from the clouds, its red scales gleaming like molten metal in the sunlight. It landed with a resounding thud that shook the ground beneath their feet.
The dragon was enormous, easily five times the size of Cassian's largest dragon contract. Its golden eyes scanned them with a predatory intelligence, and the aura it exuded was suffocating.
The spiritual creatures in the group once again prostrated themselves in submission, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. Even Cassian's Dream Dragon, though clearly struggling, bowed its head slightly.
Looking at the trembling spiritual creatures and humans, a clear expression of smugness mixed with disdain flashed across its reptilian face.
Given that its strength seemed even stronger than the last one, Kain was willing to bet that it was at least violet-grade, the equivalent of an 8-star beast-tamer.
The dragon's deep, resonant voice broke the silence, reverberating through the valley like thunder. "You have entered the territory of the Colored Dragons."
The group froze, their breaths caught in their throats.
"I am here to escort you to the nest," the dragon continued, its golden eyes narrowing. "With my guidance, you are permitted to fly. Without it, any attempt to take to the skies will be met with... death."
A ripple of relief passed through the group, though it was tinged with lingering anxiety.
'Thank the stars we didn't just start flying after the first dragon,' many thought after hearing of the death sentence such an action would bring down on them.
"Prepare yourselves," the dragon commanded, spreading its massive wings. "We leave now."
The group hurried to mount their flying contracts or clamber onto the mounts of those who had them.
Kain motioned to his Vespid Guards, who hovered around him obediently. Five of them latched onto him and four other members without flying contracts, Each guard was now far larger than an adult human male and could carry the load without issue.
Serena, meanwhile, summoned her Elemental Guardian, which had taken its wind sprite form. The ethereal figure grasped her hand, lifting her gracefully into the air.
Once everyone was airborne, the dragon let out a deep, echoing roar and launched itself into the sky. The group followed cautiously, their flying formations tight as they ascended toward the mountains.
The higher they flew, the more breathtaking—and intimidating—the landscape became. The peaks of the mountains shimmered with what looked like solid gold.
Cave openings dotted the mountainsides, and surrounding each cave opening, interestingly, it looked like the cave owner embedded a variety of glittering gemstones.
The higher the cave, the more golden the mountain peak, the more gems surrounded the cave opening, and the stronger the pressure that emanated from its occupant.
Looking at the golden and bedazzled homes of the dragons and remembering the introductory statement of their current dragon guide, Kain was reminded of the legends of dragons back on Earth. Particularly, those talking about the greedy and somewhat evil nature of a certain 5-coloured dragon clan…