Ancient Dragon in Arknights

To cooperate with the scholars' research, Neltharion had to constantly replenish his energy—the most effective method being Dragon Crystals, these magnificent minerals being composed of high concentrations of life energy. Neltharion felt that if he stayed in the Dragon Crystal Lands for about a year, Dragon Jade would probably appear.

Unfortunately—he didn't have that much time left.

"What are the investigation team's plans after this? Nergigante will probably not be active for a while, and the activities of the Elder Dragons have also been reduced because of it."

Nesario suddenly realized that he hadn't asked the survey team about their ultimate goal—they had come to this new continent, yet they had been conducting surveys all along; with such vast resources and land, it was hard not to develop it into a colony.

Of course, this is all predicated on the elimination of the threat posed by the ancient dragons.

"The investigation team's initial goal was to investigate the truth behind 'Ancient Dragon Crossing,' which is a crucial part of the Exterminator event. But the most critical factor is not it."

"what?"

"'Ancient Dragon Crossing' refers to the deeds of many ancient dragons on the verge of death from the Old World crossing the ocean to the New World—the research team came following this Ancient Dragon Crossing. That powerful ancient dragon was called Lava Mountain Dragon, and its original goal was to head towards the Ley Line Corridor."

"If it has indeed reached that place, the energy it has accumulated will engulf the entire New World in flames; the investigation team has driven it to another route—after that, we need to investigate what exactly is in the ley lines."

As a key figure in the Fifth Fleet and even the entire Research Fellowship, Azure Star was well aware of the Fellowship's ultimate goal—a great undertaking, humanity's exploration and pursuit of the unknown.

When will the operation begin?

"It should take... another month. The survey team's supplies are running low and need a new round of replenishment, and the initial exploration of the Leyline Corridor is not yet complete."

"If I have the opportunity, I will go and help."

Nesario had noticed this long ago—the flow rate between the New World and Terra was different; he had spent a week in Terra, but it seemed like only two or three days had passed in the New World.

'So, conservatively speaking, it's two or three months from now?'

By then, the second semester in Nesario had already begun.

"That's really reliable. With a dragon helping us, the exploration will definitely be much easier."

Azure Star knew that the ancient dragons had many powerful qualities, one of which was their keen intuition for various events.

No one knows what the ley lines are like, but with the help of an ancient dragon, it could play a crucial role at a critical moment.

......

The journey to the New World came to an end quickly—and Nesario enjoyed a rare moment of peace afterwards.

With no pressure or tasks on his mind, he maintained a relaxed state every day. Glasgow began purchasing ore, while Craftsman Meow and Scholar Meow were adjusting the most suitable proportions—finally, on the day before school started, "Iron Skin" was finally completed.

At this moment, Nesario looks no different from an ordinary Vayvan (?), but once you touch him, you will find that his skin is much harder—in the instant of impact, the hardness of his skin can even exceed that of steel armor.

This is the manifestation of the Steel Dragon's characteristics in humans.

Of course, Neltharion possesses more than just the Steel Dragon's power—his other abilities have also been enhanced.

The claws of the former subordinate, Odogaron, have become even sharper and harder after being reforged in steel a second time. When necessary, Neltharion can wrap himself in wind pressure, making his movement faster and smoother. The laceration attribute of his claws, enhanced by wind blades, can leave enemies covered in blood and gore.

The tail of the dragon has also been enhanced twice. More importantly, the surrounding wind can intensify the flames on the tail. The sweeping attack plus the storm is equivalent to a fan-shaped fire youth version.

Nergigante's spikes can also transform from pure keratin into steel spikes—and propelled by wind pressure, they can even be launched like arrows.

It seems that Nesario has received a comprehensive upgrade at this moment.

However, if these methods were to be reported back to the ancient dragon clan, they would be scorned and ridiculed.

Is this all it takes to combine the powers of two ancient dragons?

What about tornadoes? What about storms? What about the destructive vortexes that shatter the earth?

Neltharion: I don't even have enough energy stored up in my body to unleash a few of my ultimate attacks.

"The most urgent task is to get some Originium so I can test the energy consumption ratio."

Originium can definitely provide energy for itself—but the rate at which it is consumed is currently unknown.

The Pure Originium, a rare and priceless gem on the market, how long can it sustain Nesario?

A month? A day? Or an hour?

How long does it take for the Originium fragments that are commonly seen to be found?

The statement that investigation and research require a large number of experiments to obtain data is absolutely correct.

But Originium is something that's very difficult to obtain through ordinary means.

After all, Originium can represent too many things.

It can be the raw material for making bombs, the lifeblood of industry, or a source of infection that tears people apart.

The countries of Terra have extremely strict control over Originium. On the black market, even military weapons are not as expensive as Originium.

Of course, Originium fuel mixed with other chemicals is much cheaper; but its composition is too complex, and Nesario doesn't dare to eat it.

Chapter 137 Returning to School

"yawn......"

At the entrance to Londinium—Nesario stood away from the crowd, waiting for something. Considering recent events, it wasn't hard to guess who his target was—the first cohort of freshmen from the Royal Guard Academy had returned, or rather, the second cohort had returned.

Upon closer inspection, one could occasionally spot a few well-dressed or energetic young people among the crowd entering the city. This year of study and training had also honed Nesario's exceptional observational skills.

Judging from the appearance of those young masters and ladies, it's not hard to guess that they are probably students from a national university or the Imperial Guard Academy.

"Why haven't we arrived yet..."

The earliest intercity train has arrived, and given Rita and Chen's personalities, they should probably be on this train.

A golden, sun-like scent gradually wafted in.

Nesario knew the owner of this scent well, and he strode towards the city entrance.

Rita, whom I hadn't seen for two months, was standing there looking quite pretty—she hadn't changed at all, the only noticeable difference being that her hair had grown a little longer, while her serious, responsible, and solemn expression remained unchanged.

She showed no fear or confusion at this moment, and headed straight for the nearest railway line in the city—she desperately wanted to return to school. The pressure from the White Wolf family hadn't crushed her, but it still didn't feel easy.

Only when she is with her friends can she truly let go of her burdens.

"Oh. What's wrong? Why are you looking so gloomy?"

"Nesario? You... what brings you here?"

Rita was somewhat incredulous at the feeling... She didn't know how to describe it; her heart was pounding, as if a warm current was flowing through her entire body.

"How about a long-awaited hug?"

"..."

Rita pulled her hand off the suitcase and then quickly ran towards Nesario—whereupon he embraced the sunlight.

"Welcome back."

Nesario gently stroked Rita's hair, and the two enjoyed each other's warmth. If there was anything they weren't satisfied with, it was that the temperature was too low, so Rita was dressed quite warmly, and Nesario felt like he was hugging a ball of cotton, unable to feel the girl's softness.

"You were the first to arrive."

"Chen should be arriving soon, Fiona... I hope she can arrive before tomorrow night."

It seems that Rita and Nesario are completely in agreement, and the two walk side by side toward the station.

Chen should be arriving soon, but the exact time is unknown. Nesario can wait, but Rita cannot; she has luggage with her, so it would be a bit strange to ask her to wait with her.

More importantly—compared to Chen, the person in front of them at this moment held a higher priority in their hearts. This couldn't be said aloud; it was enough for them to know it.

......

Stepping out of the station, Chen, having regained her composure, perked up—she had traveled all the way from Longmen to Victoria not only for her studies; more importantly—her long-lost sister was deeply connected to this.

Last semester was practically devoid of any progress. It seemed as if Draco had truly vanished from Victoria, and for an outsider like her to inquire about him was utterly absurd.

She still has time; she can only keep trying.

"Huh? Isn't that Neltharion?"

In the crowd, Chen quickly spotted the striking black horns and huge tail. She was about to rush over to say hello when she saw Rita, who was obscured by the crowd, walking side by side with her, seemingly chatting and laughing.

"So that's how it is...tsk tsk tsk."

Chen stopped in his tracks. There's a saying in Yan: "It's better to destroy ten temples than to break up one marriage."

She wasn't stupid; she could naturally tell what was going on between the two of them. Although she was a little disappointed that no one was there to welcome them, she didn't have any feelings for them other than friendship, so her main concern was to offer her blessings.

......

"We are about to arrive at Lentinium. Passengers, please prepare to disembark."

On a civilian land cruiser, many passengers were packing their belongings, among them a young woman with orange hair named Vayvan carrying a huge bundle.

She was incredibly excited, seemingly eagerly anticipating Lentinium—an emotion that infected those around her, bringing smiles to the faces of many who felt lost about the future.

"The holiday is over, and it's time to go back to school. Nana must be so lonely being alone at school; it was worth bringing all this to comfort her!"

Unexpectedly, Fiona wasn't far behind either; she even brought many gifts.

......

The Royal Guard College of Victoria is bustling with activity once again, as students from all over the world continue to arrive in Lentinium.

Finally, after settling their luggage, they all gathered on the playground.

Compared to the scattered state of the freshmen, Nesario and others, who had been promoted to the second term, had already lined up in their respective groups.

"So that's how our seniors felt about us back then. I feel a little nostalgic."

"It's only been a year, what's there to be sentimental about?"

"You don't understand, that's my lost youth."

It can only be said that Victoria and Colombia are exactly the same. Even in formal occasions, once the atmosphere is not serious and tense, the radio and the order within the team are very noisy; all kinds of jokes are the most common topics.

"I am truly happy to see that you have remained the same."

"What? You've attained enlightenment during your vacation?"

Nesario, Rita, Fiona, and Chen—the four of them naturally gathered together as a group; even someone as serious as Rita had a lot to say at this moment.

"Of course, I have been following the captain's instructions and studying and exercising every day. I have finished previewing all the courses for the second semester."

In fact, this is only the smallest gain—the real gain lies in the cool breeze that keeps blowing.

"Unfortunately, this is only the most basic level. Me too, I've already mastered the second semester's courses."

Chen wanted to deflate Nesario's arrogance—but she was still holding back her words. During the holiday, she swallowed her pride and went to her uncle to learn a few more tricks.