Claudia led Leon and Rossweise to a quiet spot beside the academy's field, where a large willow tree offered shade. As they approached, Leon immediately noticed a long, narrow wooden box leaning against the tree trunk. Its shape suggested it was made for a specific purpose, not just general storage.
Claudia stepped forward, picked up the box, and gently brushed off the fallen leaves that had settled on its lid.
Leon pointed at the box. "What's this, Elder?"
With a knowing smile, Claudia slowly opened the wooden box.
Inside, resting on a bed of dark velvet, lay a sleek, elongated katana. The handle was wrapped in dark blue silk, and the blade gleamed with a sharp, deadly light in the afternoon sun.
Leon's eyes widened in recognition. "Isn't this my master's sword?"
Having trained for years under Tiger, Leon knew this blade instantly.
Claudia nodded. "That's right. This is the Thundercloud Blade, forged from the rarest battle steel in all the human territories. It's a legendary weapon, famous for being 'sharp enough to cut anything, yet unbreakable by anything.'"
Leon knew little of its origins, only that his master had received it as a reward for heroic service in a great battle long ago. The old Empire had commissioned its creation, making it a unique masterpiece. The primary material, battle steel, was an exceedingly rare metal, prized across the human lands and the entire Samuel continent for its incredible durability, malleability, and, most importantly, its ability to seamlessly channel and amplify almost any elemental magic—even the most volatile lightning energy.
"When we last spoke of your progress," Claudia began, "I heard you sought to inherit new techniques and break your limits. After you nearly drained my Sea Dragon clan's library, your master decided to spoil his 'son' himself. So, he entrusted this blade to you."
She then opened a hidden compartment in the box, revealing a finely bound book. The cover bore two simple, bold words in his master's unmistakable handwriting: Thundercloud Manual.
"Take it, Leon. It is yours now."
Leon accepted the wooden box with both hands, his gaze fixed on the sword within. A wave of emotion washed over him.
"Honestly, I can't believe Master would give me his most treasured sword. He must be... truly proud."
A childhood memory surfaced: a young Leon, trying to secretly play with the Thundercloud Blade, only to be caught red-handed by his master. After a stern scolding, he'd been punished with a week of guard duty. At the time, he didn't understand why a simple sword mattered so much. His master had told him it symbolized a knight's honor, something more precious than life itself.
"Why doesn't Master just hang his 'honor' on the wall, then?" a young Leon had once grumbled through a mouthful of food given to him by his master's wife.
Now, as an adult, he fully understood. Honor wasn't just an idea; it was the core principle for those who wielded power responsibly. For his master to entrust him with this blade now, to help him surpass his limits, was a monumental gesture.
His voice was thick with gratitude and curiosity. "Elder, before Master gave this to me, the Empire had also promised me a weapon as a reward. But they gave me a black-gold war chariot instead. Do you know why?"
Claudia chuckled softly. "Your master told me. Even a weapon made of battle steel was deemed unable to withstand the raw power of your lightning magic. The Empire's top craftsmen decided a war chariot would suit your unique style better, offering both defense and mobility."
Leon nodded, understanding dawning.
"So, this blade... the Thundercloud Blade... will it hold up?"
Claudia clapped her hands lightly. "Don't worry about that. Your master already foresaw this. Using my Sea Dragon clan's secret forging methods, we have significantly enhanced the blade's resilience. The Thundercloud Blade is now uniquely tailored for you, Leon. No one else could hope to wield its full potential."
Leon paused, absorbing the immense significance.
"So... you and Master went to all this trouble, just to help me break through my bottleneck?"
Claudia smirked. "Of course. You're the most capable fighter among the younger generation in our alliance. Naturally, the best resources should be invested in you!"
"Being the 'younger generation' has its perks, I see," Leon teased, a rare lightness in his tone.
"Enjoy it while it lasts. You might not get pampered like this again," Claudia retorted with a wink.
Leon smiled warmly and gave a slight, respectful bow.
"Thank you. Please convey my deepest thanks to Master when you see him."
"I will."
Claudia's eyes softened as she watched Leon. His dark eyes shone with a rare intensity as he looked at the blade, his appreciation evident.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Claudia spoke again, her tone thoughtful.
"My father once said something about you humans."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"
"He said humans seem to place profound value on the idea of inheritance. One of his old human friends once told him: 'You toil your whole life, only for dust to return to dust. But what you pass on to the next generation is what truly endures.'"
Her voice grew quieter, more reflective.
"That's how your kind grows—slowly, but steadily. And now, your master's blade has passed to you."
She fixed him with a firm, meaningful gaze.
"Leon, do not let your master's hopes for you be in vain."
Leon's expression solidified into one of absolute resolve. He nodded.
"I won't, Elder. I promise."
Claudia smiled, satisfied.
"Well, that's all I had. Oh, one more thing—did you receive any new information from the Tower Master?"
Leon's demeanor shifted, becoming more serious. He recounted everything he had learned.
"Shadow's so-called 'Great Being' appears to be an entity called the 'Ultimate Fear.' After the ancient Dragon King Noah ended the dragon civil war, they used their power to seal it away."
He explained the origins of the Ultimate Fear, its nature as a being of pure chaos, and its intrinsic connection to Noah.
Claudia's face grew grim as she processed the information.
"If this news were to spread, it would cause panic throughout all the dragon clans. And... have you managed to locate Noah's soul?"
Leon nodded. "We found it. Noah's soul is currently in my house."
Claudia raised an eyebrow, confused. "Not that Noah. I mean the Primordial Dragon King Noah, the one who is..." She gestured first toward her leg, then tapped her temple.
Leon blinked. "That Noah's soul is also in my house."
Claudia was stunned into silence for a second. "Wait, are you being serious right now?!"
Rossweise stepped in, her tone characteristically matter-of-fact.
"Yes. The soul of the Primordial Dragon King is currently residing within our daughter Noah's consciousness. It is gathering its strength, preparing for the day it must face the Ultimate Fear in battle once more."
Leon nodded in confirmation. "Exactly."
Claudia clenched her fists, a mix of awe and frustration on her face. "You two... don't just drop world-shattering revelations like it's everyday gossip!"
Even someone as experienced and unflappable as Claudia found the reality of a primordial soul living inside their eldest daughter difficult to comprehend. It was yet another confirmation that the challenges facing the Melkvey family were anything but ordinary.