It had been four months since the orcs had declared war on the people of the Southern Federation. Despite the great casualties on both sides, the battle continued with full force.
As the war dragged on, the atmosphere in all three Magi camps was grim and weary. Yet, there was a sense of steadfastness that lingered in the air.
The once vibrant colors of the Magi's robes had faded, paralleling the toll that the constant cycle of blood and spells had taken on them, both physically and mentally.
Faces that were once filled with determination and resolve, now bore traces of fatigue and sorrow.
Yet, they persevered.
Despite the hardships, the Magi of the Southern Federation remained united in their cause. The bonds of camaraderie that they had formed since the early days of the war had only strengthened with time.
Magi of different races from all over the land leaned on each other for support, and shared stories of their homes and loved ones waiting for them.
This kept their spirits up in the darkest of times.
The losses had been significant on both sides. The orcs fought for land and resources, dreaming of a better world to come for their future generations.
Whereas, the allied forces fought not just for victory, but also for the freedom and safety of their lands.
However.
In wars, there were no winners, only survivors.
Each side believed that their cause was just and that their actions were justified.
But in the end, the true cost of war was paid in lives lost.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})In the dark of the night, the twin moons, Selene and Luna, cast their soft, ethereal glow over the eastern camp. Countless campfires had been lit up within the camp, and the Magi gathered around it, finding solace in each other's company.
They shared jokes and laughter, finding moments of joy and friendship in the midst of war. As they looked at the stars and the twin moons, they hoped for a better tomorrow.
The night was darkest just before dawn.
Amidst the chatter and chuckles, the sound of deep and loud snoring could be heard in a certain tent within the camp.
Valerian was lying on his back and deeply sleeping. Every time he breathed in, his furry tummy would bloat, and every time he exhaled, he would snore cutely.
The little guy's sleeping posture was completely unlike a cat, or a dragon for that matter. If anything, he resembled a man gone off to slumberland after a heavy bout of drinking.
Perhaps, he had picked up this habit from his big brother, Adam, who, at the moment, was sitting inside a large barrel full of bubbling, crimson water and gazing at him in a speechless manner.
What's wrong with this kid? He's always sleeping nowadays...
Adam thought to himself as he gazed at Valerian's tummy rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Seeing such a hilarious scene, the corner of his lips couldn't help but twitch.
No, wait, this is not funny! Why is he always sleeping? Is something wrong with him?
Although the youth didn't know much about dragons in general, he was sure that these mighty magical creatures didn't spend the majority of their time sleeping.
Moreover, this phase had also just begun recently.
Valerian would spend the majority of his time inside Adam's spirit sea, sleeping on the white lotus. Whenever he came out of his spirit sea, he would eat meat and then sleep some more.
Adam started to stroke his chin and wondered, Is it because he's just an infant and still needs a lot of sleep?
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})But then his eyes narrowed and he thought of another possibility.
Or is he just lazy…
Thinking of this, he conjured a beast core from his earring and chucked it at the little guy.
POW!
The beast core struck the little guy on the head, causing him to gradually open his eyes and wake up.
"Myu?" Valerian looked around, wondering what just hit him. When his gaze fell on the crystal beast core, he lazily stretched out his paw and grabbed it.
Then, he opened his mouth and started chomping on it.
Adam was flabergasted.
Does this brat only think about sleeping and eating?
Valerian had already eaten the beast core in a matter of seconds and was about to sleep once again, but before he could, Adam called out to him, "Val, what is up with you? Why are you sleeping all the time? Are you sick?"
"Myuuu…" Valerian languidly turned his head to glance at Adam. He then yawned loudly, at the same time, sending a mental transmission to the youth.
'Brother, you're too noisy.'
With that said, a gray light flashed and the little guy dove into his spirit sea.
Adam was stunned for a very long time. "Did he just…"
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})The next moment, he shifted his consciousness to his spirit sea. There, he saw the little guy comfortable snuggling between the pristine white petals of the lotus.
He was about to reprimand Valerian, but when he saw how tranquil the young dragon's expression was, he couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.
His lips curled up into a doting smile, "Fine, sleep."
The youth glanced at the little guy and then at the island-
sized white lotus that the latter seemed to be so attached to. He had asked him once, 'Why do you always like to be around the lotus?'
'Because I like it,' the young dragon had said at the time.
Adam deeply looked at Valerian and the white lotus, pondering the infinite mysteries of their origins. But the next moment, he suddenly heard someone call out to him.
He opened his eyes and saw that Edward and Lisa had entered his tent in the outside world.
The blue-eyed youth glanced at the wooden barrel full of crimson liquid that Adam was bathing in and chuckled, "Oh, what's this? You've begun bathing in wine now?"
Adam rolled his eyes. "I've quit wine for the time being."
Edward and Lisa had dumbfounded looks on their faces, wondering if they had heard wrong. The latter asked in disbelief, "You… you quit drinking wine? Why?"
Adam shrugged. "I'm detoxing."
Edward squinted his eyes, not really believing his friend's words. He knew just how much Adam loved wine.
He stepped closer to the barrel and scrutinized the liquid inside. "Really?"
Seeing Edward about to dip his finger inside the crimson liquid, Adam muttered with an amused look. "Careful."
However, Edward didn't bother about the warning. But when he dipped his index finger inside the liquid, his eyes widened and he hurriedly jumped backward, screaming in agony.
"W-What… What the hell is that?!"
