Souls Online: Mythic Ascension-Chapter 239: Dragon Zodiac

A soft ding accentuated Leo’s words as a screen appeared before his eyes.

"About goddamn time" he muttered softly with a slight smile.

-Bond of the Zodiac: Dragon has reached 10% Completion. Buffs will be applied accordingly. If the player wishes, they may also choose to permanently bind the Bond to the chosen player. Doing so will result in

Zodiac Bond : Dragon shall be permanently bound to Player: Empress.

Zodiac Bond : Dragon Growth shall become uncapped.

Total Available Zodiac Bonds shall be reduced to 6.

-Do you wish to bind Zodiac Bond: Dragon to Player Empress?

[Y/N]

The answer was already perfectly clear. Without even thinking about it for a second, he immediately clicked Yes. As if on queue, a beautiful blue light burst from his gauntlet and struck Crystal’s shoulder.

She felt a brief pain as if something was being etched into her very skin. Focusing her vision, she realized that a faint dragon tattoo glowing a faint blue had coiled around her upper arm. She hadn’t expected it but it gave her a sense of belonging when she thought about the others who had similar tattoos to her own.

Just as she was about to ask Leo what other effect this may have, a screen appeared before her own eyes.

-Zodiac Imprint Complete. The following buff(s) are currently in effect.

-Skill: Dragon’s Sovereignty (Toggleable)

-Description: Harness the ancient majesty of dragons through awakened draconic eyes. When active, the user projects a supernatural aura of dominance and regality that affects allies and enemies within range. Though it offers no direct damage, the psychological and magical pressure exerted can alter the flow of battle.

Effects While Active:

Enemies within 10 meters suffer -8% Defense and mild Fear buildup over time.

Allies gain +5% Resistance to Crowd Control effects

NPCs are more likely to submit, yield, or obey commands.

-Applied to: Empress, Leo.

A soft pulse spread through Crystal’s body as the screen faded, leaving behind a faint warmth where the dragon tattoo glowed on her shoulder. She flexed her fingers, feeling the strange shift inside her. Something had changed, subtle yet undeniable.

Leo watched her closely, his eyes narrowing with quiet concern. "You feel that?"

Crystal nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s like... something inside me is settling. Not gone, just quieter."

Leo’s gaze sharpened. There was something in the way she said it that set his nerves on edge. "Quieter, huh?"

Before she could answer, a sudden yelp broke the tension.

"Ah, damn root!"

Penny had tripped on a hidden tree root and stumbled to the ground, leaves scattering around her. Greg chuckled, and Aria quickly flew down to help, hiding her smile behind her hand.

Leo’s focus snapped away from Crystal. "Watch where you’re going."

Penny groaned. "I’m fine, I’m fine. Just forest traps everywhere."

"So are trees trying to kill us now too?" Greg asked with a playful smirk on his face.

Leo shook his head with a faint smile but did not take his eyes off Crystal. Something about her words lingered in his mind.

Penny flailed dramatically as she pushed herself up from the ground, brushing dirt and leaves off her clothes. "This forest is out to get me, I swear," she declared, voice full of mock outrage.

Crystal let out a soft breath, her shoulders relaxing just a bit. The moment of tension broke, and Leo found himself grateful for the distraction, though his concern for her had not faded.

Greg gave Penny a teasing grin. "Maybe the trees are just jealous they cannot trip us like you do."

Penny shot him a pointed look but laughed, shaking her head. "Jealous? Please."

Leo glanced back at Crystal, who stood still beneath the trees, the faint glow of the tattoo barely visible beneath her sleeve. Whatever had shifted inside her, he knew it was far from simple.

He wasn’t sure what to say, but he knew she needed space more than questions. So he simply watched, alert and ready.

Penny bounced on her feet, breaking the silence. "There’s gotta be a village nearby. Forests like this don’t just stretch on forever, right? Someone’s got to live close."

Greg shrugged. "Could be. Or it could just be dense wilderness for miles. Hard to say without seeing."

Leo’s eyes scanned the horizon, alert for any sign of life.

Suddenly, a soft chime echoed in their ears, and a notification appeared before Leo’s eyes.

Achievement Unlocked: First Discovery - Hidden Elf Village: Myriad

The notification faded, and the group paused at the edge of the dense forest. Before them lay the faint outline of a small village, nestled quietly among towering trees and thick underbrush.

"It looks untouched," Crystal murmured, her voice calm but tinged with awe.

Leo took a cautious step forward, his eyes scanning the scene for any sign of danger or hostility. "We have permission to enter. Let’s find their healer quickly."

Greg nodded. "The sooner we get that elf treated, the better."

Penny looked around, eyes bright with excitement. "Hidden village, huh? This could be interesting."

As they approached the village, a mixture of curiosity and wariness settled over the group. Faces peeked from behind windows and doorways, watching the newcomers with quiet caution.

The villagers remained quiet, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and caution. A tall elf with long silver hair stepped forward, his gaze sharp but not hostile.

"You have permission to enter, but be warned. Any harm to our people will not be tolerated," he said, voice steady.

Leo gave a small nod. "We understand. Our priority is to get your kin to the healer. We mean no harm."

The elf studied them for a moment longer, then motioned toward a narrow path that wound deeper into the village. "Follow me. The healer is this way."

The group exchanged quick glances before falling in behind the elf. As they moved through the village, the tension in the air did not fully dissipate, but there was no active hostility.

Penny leaned in to whisper to Leo, "I can’t believe this place actually exists. It feels like stepping into a storybook."

Greg kept his hand close to his weapon, eyes flicking from shadow to shadow. "Stay sharp. This village may be hidden, but that does not mean it is safe."

Leo’s focus remained on Crystal, whose glowing tattoo peeked out from beneath her sleeve. Whatever had changed inside her was still a mystery.

The healer’s hut came into view. A modest structure with herbs hanging from the rafters and the faint scent of healing salves in the air.

The elven guide knocked once and stepped aside. "She awaits."

Inside, a slender elf with kind eyes looked up, concern immediately clear on her face. "Bring me the injured one. We will do what we can."

Greg carefully settled the injured elf into the healer’s arms. The elf’s gaze softened, but a flicker of surprise crossed her features as she looked down at the patient. She didn’t speak, but the way her eyes lingered just a moment longer said everything.

Leo caught the subtle change and tensed slightly, sensing unspoken questions behind her calm demeanor.

The healer’s voice was gentle but steady. "We will do everything possible. This wound is serious, but not beyond help."

Penny glanced between the healer and the patient, curiosity bubbling just beneath her words, but she held back any questions.

Greg’s grip tightened protectively. "Thank you. Just please, keep her safe."

The healer nodded, eyes still thoughtful. "She is in good hands now."

Leo exhaled slowly, watching as the healer began her work, the quiet intensity in the room wrapping around them like a fragile shield.

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