"…What do you know about the Cyber Dragon?"
The words hung in the air.
Kai's eyebrows shot up.
"The what?"
Garrick stiffened, his expression darkening almost immediately.
"…Where did you learn about that?" he asked, his voice suddenly cautious.
Belle didn't blink. Her silver gaze was unwavering.
"Tell me what you know."
There was a beat of silence. Then Garrick leaned back and let out a slow, humorless laugh.
"I should've known. Every time you ask a question, you've already got one foot in the answer, don't you, girl?"
Kai looked between the two of them, utterly lost.
"Okay, can someone catch me up here? What the hell is a Cyber Dragon? Is that a new species or something?"
Garrick exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temple.
"…No. It's not new. Far from it."
He folded his hands on the desk.
"The Cyber Dragon. It's a legend—older than most. A myth buried so deep even the history books barely bother with it anymore. When I was younger, I heard tales from old adventurers, drunk off their asses, talking about it around campfires. Most dismissed it as nonsense."
Belle leaned forward slightly. "A lost legend?"
Garrick nodded.
"They say the Cyber Dragon was one of the Colossal Beasts—primordial beings that once roamed Eldoria. Gods to some. Monsters to others. Some stories say they created this world. Others claim they were its guardians, protectors of the World Tree itself."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"Some say the Cyber Dragon lived alongside a lost civilization. One that vanished during the Great Calamity War over three thousand years ago."
Belle's voice grew more intense.
"The Colossal Beasts. The Great Calamity War. The World Tree. What are these things?"
Kai blinked. "Wait, is that the same World Tree that we know?"
Garrick nodded slowly.
"It's believed to be the origin of all life, all mana in Eldoria. A living pillar that connects every corner of this world. The mana we breathe, the spells we cast—everything comes from the World Tree. It existed long before Eldoria itself."
"It is located in the heart of the Forbidden Forest, just outside of Dawnstead." Garrick added. "The most dangerous place on the continent. No maps. No paths. Just endless miasma and death. Even S-Rank adventurers avoid it."
He leaned forward.
"No one knows what lies at the center. No one has ever returned from deep enough to see it."
The room grew silent again.
Belle's mind raced. The pieces were forming a pattern she didn't yet understand—but her instincts told her the Cyber Dragon wasn't just a myth. It was connected to her. Somehow.
"If this is just legend," she said softly, "then where would I even start looking for the truth?"
Garrick glanced toward the window, where the horizon stretched beyond the edge of the town.
"…The Capital. Aurelia."
Belle's eyes narrowed.
"Also known as the Grand Magic City." Garrick continued.
"It's ten times the size of Dawnstead—no, more. It's where the best minds on the continent gather. Royal mages, artifact researchers, historians. If answers exist anywhere… they'll be there. Especially at the Royal Magic Academy."
Kai let out a low whistle. "Heard of that place. Students there are trained like elite knights. Top-tier spellcasters, too."
Belle stared at the floor, her thoughts churning.
Garrick continued. "I'll send a letter ahead to the Adventurer's Guild there. The guildmaster is an old acquaintance. She'll help you if needed."
Kai tilted his head. "Wait. Didn't someone say something about a dragon slayer living in Aurelia?"
Garrick raised an eyebrow. "Ah. Yes. Him."
Kai's expression turned smug. "Rumor has it he's the only S-Rank adventurer to kill a dragon alone. Real piece of work."
Belle's head snapped up. Her eyes gleamed—not with fear, but curiosity. Determination. The word dragon had stirred something inside her.
Garrick saw it too. He gave a small, knowing nod.
Kai gave Belle a side glance and grinned. "New city, new adventures."
Belle stood slowly, a soft smile blooming on her lips for the first time in what felt like hours.
"Yes," she said. "Let's go."
"Whoa, whoa—don't get the wrong idea." Kai raised both hands in mock surrender, smirking.
"I'm not saying we should leave right now. I mean—come on. We have to enjoy this year's Starfall Festival first."
"Starfall Festival?" Belle echoed. Her head tilted slightly. It was the first time she'd heard the name.
"You've never heard of it?" Kai's eyes widened. "It's only, like, the best night of the year in this sleepy town."
"It's held once every year in Dawnstead," Garrick chimed in. "When the skies over Eldoria are at their clearest. According to the myth, on this night, a thousand stars fall—not to destroy, but to bless the earth."
Belle blinked. "Bless it?"
He nodded. "In Dawnstead, it became a tradition of light, hope, and farewells. A night to mark the end of the harvest, the shift of seasons... and the beginning of new journeys. People celebrate with food, music, games—"
"And lots of very bad dancing," Kai added, grinning.
"It's… for goodbyes?" Belle asked quietly, almost to herself.
"In a way," Garrick replied with a soft smile. "But it's also about gratitude—for surviving another year, and hoping the next one's just a little brighter."
Kai threw an arm around her shoulder. "And in two days, we are going to be right in the middle of it. You've saved this town like… what, twice now? You earned a night of fun, Belle."
"I don't remember agreeing to be thrown into any dancing," she said flatly.
Kai wiggled his eyebrows. "Then it'll be a surprise when it happens."
The morning of the festival came with a strange stillness—not quiet, but expectant. Like the town itself was holding its breath, waiting for something beautiful.
Dawnstead had changed overnight.
Soft blue and silver banners waved from balconies. Mana-infused lanterns were hung along every street, glowing with faint warmth. The scent of baked sweets and grilled skewers drifted from alleys as food stalls sprang to life. Children dashed through the cobbled roads laughing, some wearing paper star crowns or carrying glowing wands made of crystal sprigs.
Even the guild hall had been decorated with garlands of white lilies and midnight-blue ribbon.
Belle stood in front of a mirror in her room, adjusting the black ribbon she'd tied into her hair. Her usual high-collared jacket was replaced with something lighter—a sleeveless navy blouse with silver trim and a short pleated skirt that allowed freer movement. Black tights and short boots completed the look.
She studied herself for a moment, unsure if she looked festive… or awkward.
Then came a knock.
"You done transforming into a fashion goddess yet?" Kai's voice called from the other side.
She opened the door.
"…Whoa."
He stood there blinking, wearing a dark vest over a rolled-up white shirt and black pants. His unruly red hair had actually been tied neatly at the back, and a tiny silver star charm dangled from his wrist.
Belle gave a faint smirk.
"You clean up better than I expected."
He held a hand to his chest dramatically.
"Belle, that might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me."
"Don't get used to it."
They stepped into the square, which had become unrecognizable. Lanterns floated freely now, suspended by enchanted threads of mana, swaying gently above the crowds. A soft melody from string instruments echoed from the stage near the fountain. Families gathered at tables, merchants hawked festival snacks, and laughter filled every corner of the town.
Belle paused, gazing up at the drifting lights.
Kai returned moments later, holding something behind his back.
"What are you hiding?"
"I come bearing gifts."
He revealed a skewer of honey-glazed chicken with a smug grin.
"…When did you buy that?"
"Swiped two while you were admiring the lanterns. You're welcome."
Belle took it, gave it a cautious bite… and paused. Her eyes widened.
"...It's really good."
"I knew it. You've been living on bread and dried rations too long."
"You're not wrong."
They walked through the game section next, where colorful stalls competed for attention—ring tosses, spell-tag, fortune fish pools, even a booth with dancing slimes.
Kai pointed at one of the ring toss games.
"This used to be my thing, you know. King of the ring."
Belle folded her arms.
"Prove it."
"With pleasure."
He handed her his chicken skewer, took a stance like a master archer… and missed completely. The ring bounced off the pedestal and flew straight into someone's drink.
Kai flinched. "Okay that was… wind interference."
"Right," Belle said with a smirk, taking a ring.
She observed the moving target, flicked her wrist—and landed it cleanly.
The stall owner clapped.
"A winner! Pick your prize, miss."
Belle picked out a small plush—a star-eyed blue fox—and silently offered it to Kai.
He blinked. "You're giving it to me?"
"You were trying to win one anyway."
He took it sheepishly. "...Thanks. I'll name him Captain Redemption."
"I was thinking 'Failure Fox.'"
"Ouch. You wound me."
A few familiar faces found them in the crowd. Darin and Lena showed up first, both wearing makeshift capes of festival garland. Garron trailed behind holding a meat bun in each hand.
"Heard you are leaving, is it true?" Lena asked, nudging Belle.
"Tomorrow morning."
"You're going to Aurelia next, right?" Garron added.
"Yeah," Kai said. "Long journey ahead."
Lena folded her arms. "Well… you'll be missed."
"Even I'll admit it," Darin added. "You kind of kicked our butts back there."
"You did okay," Belle said softly.
Kai laughed. "She's being polite. Compared to her, you're still league-zero."
Belle elbowed him in the ribs.
"Ow! Okay, okay—ow—fine. League one."
Garron smiled. "We're staying in Dawnstead for a while, anyway. Gonna rebuild. Get stronger."
"Good." Kai's tone shifted—sincere now. "You've got potential. Just don't rush it."
"Dawnstead will be in your good hands now, Dawnstead's strongest party." Belle added with a smile.
Night fell slowly, like a curtain drawn by invisible hands. People began to gather near the riverbank, where the view of the sky was the clearest. Blankets were spread across the grass, couples and families huddling together under the floating glow of star-shaped lanterns.
Belle and Kai found a quieter spot on the edge, sitting on a low stone wall overlooking the water.
She hugged her knees to her chest as wind brushed across the grass.
"The stars should start falling soon," she murmured.
Kai leaned back, looking up. "You know the story?"
She shook her head.
"People say the stars are guardians. They watch over us all year. And on this night, they come down to visit—just briefly—to bless us, to listen, to carry our wishes when they return to the sky."
Belle turned her gaze skyward. "That's… beautiful."
He shrugged. "Gale told me that when I first arrived here. I used to think it was nonsense."
"And now?"
"…Now I think it's a good excuse to sit under the stars with someone you trust. And eat like a glutton."
Belle gave a quiet laugh. "That sounds more like you."
"Hey. I contain multitudes."
Then the first star fell.
A streak of glowing blue cut across the sky, trailing luminous wisps. Another followed. Then a cascade—like glittering tears from the heavens, falling in silence.
People gasped all around. Children clapped. Someone played a gentle tune on a flute nearby.
Belle's silver eyes reflected the falling light.
"…It's beautiful."
Kai looked at her more than the sky. "Yeah. It really is."
A long silence stretched between them, full of warmth.
"…I'm glad we stayed," she said softly.
Kai smiled. "Me too."
As the festival wound down, the two of them walked back through the quiet town. The lanterns above flickered lower, as if drifting to sleep.
They stopped in front of the guild hall—its windows glowing faintly.
"Do you think we'll see Dawnstead again?" Belle asked.
Kai looked up at the stars still twinkling faintly.
"…Maybe. Maybe not. But even if we don't…" He touched the silver star charm on his wrist. "It'll always be with us."
Belle nodded slowly.
And side by side, they stood for one last moment beneath the fading starlight—a night that would live forever in memory, long after they were gone from that little town called Dawnstead.
End of Chapter 79