Chapter 2308 - 101: Crow's Prophecy IV_2

Then the eye gently closed, the light vanished, and calm returned inside the tent. Fang Hong lowered the ring he held, watching the last wisp of purple flame being drawn out, merging into the ring, and finally disappearing without a trace.

The ring in his hand was just slightly warm.

But the Crown Mark on the back of his right hand seemed uncontainable, the azure glow contracting and expanding like a heartbeat. He had a vague unease, as if the power of Pale Glory contained within this mark was trying to remind him of something.

The Ring of Golden Flame and the power of the Dragon King's Heart share the same origin. During the battle in Idus, he had already guessed that the power of the Dragon's Golden Eyes could absorb all similar energy, and now this was just another confirmation of it all.

People have long rumored that the power of the shadow creatures comes from Nikopolas, the henchmen of the Evil Dragon. And the scene before him at least showed that their powers originate from the same place.

The mist enveloping Nikopolas seemed to grow thicker, making it harder to discern whether it was truly the Dark Giant Dragon or Lady Misu. If it were the former, why give him the Ring of Golden Flame, which is its source power?

But the reaction of Pale Glory made him vaguely feel that he couldn't keep absorbing the homogenous power of the Dragon's Golden Eyes. Be it the evil Giant Dragon, the All Saints hidden in darkness, or the shadow people, their power indeed originates from the Star of Calamity. Allowing the Dragon's Golden Eyes to grow unchecked seemed destined to bring unforeseen changes someday.

And he didn't want to see such changes—

Fang Hong silently put away the ring, covering the mark on the back of his right hand, as the azure glow gradually weakened. He looked at Little Kong lying in bed, with a pale face, the boy slept deeply, as if he fell into a peaceful dream after long torment.

But it was all worth it.

"There is no way in this world to reverse Starlight, nor can I recover the life force he has lost," Fang Hong said to Shaya behind him: "He is in such a weak state, recovery will take a long time, but at least—his life was saved."

"I guess his injuries won't worsen anymore."

Shaya nodded.

It was already enough, for she originally had completely no hope anymore.

As for the Crown Mark, regarding the peculiar ring, she wisely chose to remain silent. Everyone has their secrets, and since the other party was willing to expose their secret and chose to save Little Kong, then she had more reason to keep silent about it.

"But perhaps we still have a chance to reclaim Little Kong's Starlight," Fang Hong spoke again: "But we need to understand the mystery behind the shadow creatures, those monsters born from flames. If they have the ability to devour one's Starlight, then there must be a way to reverse it—"

He turned around, looking at her: "Have you encountered those monsters here and do you know their story?"

Shaya gently shook her head.

"We have fought them," she answered softly, her voice carrying a slight tremble, as if recalling something unbearable, "but only once, as the outside world describes, they are like a blaze where light and shadow intertwine, emanating purple flames all over their bodies. We couldn't hurt them, but their attacks easily pierced even the most sturdy armor..."

"...Our encounter with them didn't last long, there were only three shadow creatures then, and most people were fleeing. Liferz and I risked our lives to save Little Kong, some were wounded by them, some were killed by them, and those who were hurt by them..."

Shaya glanced at the boy laying in bed, deeply asleep, her voice softened, the implications clear.

"By the way," Fang Hong asked again: "I've heard that three months ago, shadow creatures attacked a group of adventurers here, and those adventurers were decimated, but does it mean those killed by them could rather escape death, while the injured are doomed to have their Starlight consumed by the purple flames until they weaken and die?"

Hearing his words, Shaya fell silent, only speaking again after a while:

"Actually... I know the people you're talking about."

Fang Hong looked at her, slightly surprised.

"The adventurers who were attacked," Shaya's face showed an indescribable expression, "were from our guild escort team... They met up with the Silverwind Knights in Grey Owl Town, for safety, they didn't enter the crowded town but chose to camp in the abandoned monastery nearby."

"But then, the unexpected happened..."

She sighed: "We can say those monsters within the flames brought about a disaster for our guild, and they're still ever-present. But those people you mentioned, they indeed survived, and revival apparently... could indeed sever the shadow creatures' power..."

"Why didn't you let Little Kong try?"

Hearing the question, Shaya opened her mouth but couldn't make a sound.

Fang Hong seemed to anticipate: "So you've actually tried, but failed, right?"

Shaya silently nodded.

"I understand," Fang Hong subtly frowned, "Madam Shaya, do you think the wound the shadow creatures left on Little Kong is a special one? And they don't take everyone's Starlight, but those whose Starlight is taken must become one of them?"