Silence settled over the room, as Ash stared at the screen with those thoughts. The dragon's patience was a problem. A beast that attacked head-on could be fought or outrun, but one that waited and planned was far more dangerous.
The door opened, and Maya walked in, carrying large bags filled with clothes, food, and cooking supplies. She set them on the table and noticed Ash's grim expression.
"What's wrong?" she asked, resting her hands on her hips.
Ash shook his head slightly. "The dragon's still watching us."
Maya sighed and sat across from him. "Have you found anything useful?"
"I learned one thing," Ash said. "This dragon won't give up."
He paused drifting back to Era's earlier words.
"The system mentioned something strange. She said perhaps there's a force in Longhua Castle that keeps the dragon away. It avoids the castle grounds completely."
Maya leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "A force? Like what, a ward or a weapon?"
