Dark Dragons are among the most formidable magical beasts in existence, typically ranking as ninth-rank creatures. The most powerful of these dragons can even reach the Saint level of combatants. Regardless of whether a Dark Dragon is at the ninth rank or the Saint level, it is undoubtedly far more powerful than the Dragon King. The children and their instructors stood several hundred meters away from the Dark Dragon, awestruck by its sheer size and presence. The most intimidating sight was a man in gray robes standing atop the dragon's head, exuding arrogance. Despite the fierce winds, the man's robes fluttered only slightly, while he remained upright like a statue. His gaze was locked on a middle-aged man in green robes who floated in mid-air in front of him. The green-robed man, armed with a sword on his back, was also hovering.
Only wind-type magi with the seventh-ranked 'Soaring Technique' or Saint-level combatants can hover in the sky. The presence of the sword on the green-robed man confirmed his status as a Saint-level warrior. "A Saint-level combatant who can subdue a Dark Dragon? And one who can fly?" Eight-year-old Renji was utterly amazed, even more so than after witnessing the previous day's battle. Draven, a sixth-rank warrior, was equally stunned.
"Saint-level combatants. True Saint-level combatants," Draven muttered, trembling. Despite his battle-hardened nature, he felt as if he were dreaming. "Yesterday, an eighth-rank dual-element magus appeared. Today, it's even more astonishing—two Saint-level combatants and a Dark Dragon! I've never seen anything like this." Draven felt light-headed. Dark Dragons, being ninth-rank beasts, are usually subdued only by Saint-level combatants. It was clear that both the rider and the opponent were Saint-level combatants.
At this distance, even with sharp hearing, they could not catch the details of the conversation between the two combatants. Suddenly, the Dark Dragon roared furiously, flapping its massive wings vigorously, unleashing a pressure that made everyone, including Draven, feel weak and breathless. "Is this dragonsfear?" Renji wondered, feeling his heart tighten yet exhilarated by the dragon's immense power.
"Brent! Don't overdo it!" The green-robed man's thunderous shout echoed through the air, heard clearly by everyone in Dragonspire Village. Draven recognized the name and realized the gravity of the situation. Turning urgently to the children, he shouted, "Everyone, go home now! Hide! NOW!" His commanding tone and urgent demeanor stunned the children, who were reluctant to leave. Draven's clear intention was to get them out of harm's way before the potential clash between the Saint-level combatants began. Even the slightest impact from their fight could be deadly.
"Move quickly! Don't just stand there!" Draven continued, pushing some children towards their homes. Although puzzled, the children obeyed Draven's authority and ran. Lorry and Roger quickly took charge of the youngest, carrying them to safety. Draven assisted, picking up children as well. "Renji, go home now!" Draven called out while carrying several kids.
"I'm going, Uncle Draven!" Renji replied, running with impressive speed for his age. He kept glancing back at the sky, captivated by the Dark Dragon and the Saint-level combatants.
Twelve warriors from the Reshin clan arrived, sent by Lord Kazuki. "Captain, Lord Kazuki sent us to help!" they announced.
"Take these children home!" Draven ordered.
"Understood, Captain!" The warriors swiftly began escorting the younger children to safety. "All of you, go home! Hide and protect yourselves!" Draven's authoritative voice guided the villagers, who quickly took action. Dragonspire Village was in a state of frantic activity as everyone sought shelter.
Renji dashed into his home. "Hide in the cellar beneath the storage room," Kazuki instructed, standing in the courtyard. The cellar was the most secure location in the Reshin clan's manor. "Yes, father!" Renji agreed, hurrying towards the storage room. As he ran, his thoughts were on the Dark Dragon and the combatants. He glanced back one last time, seeing the Dark Dragon growling and belching smoky black fire.
A cold voice from the sky declared, "Dante, if you persist in this stubbornness, don't blame me for my actions." The Dark Dragon roared angrily, and the green-robed man retorted, "Brent, today I'll see just how powerful a Saint-level magus you really are!"