Ancient Dragon in Arknights

"Meow! Terra's weapon designs are really interesting. I hope there's a new design this time."

Leto's old weapon did not experience a second spring with his students; instead, it was quickly dismantled in the Hunter's Workshop, the precious Originium parts were extracted, and what was reassembled was nothing more than an empty shell.

Nesario's "Originium Arts" do not require a medium to cast spells, but this shell is perfect as a cover.

And so, under the scholar cat's watchful gaze, Nesario pressed the Originium against his chest—Oripathy and malignant Originium infection did not appear on his body.

The hard, scorching Originium melted and turned to ashes the moment it touched Nesario's chest, like charcoal embers extinguished by water.

The faint light on Neltharion's chest seemed to receive a tremendous boost—a series of complex reactions occurred within his body, the bioreactor completely absorbed the Originium energy, and a sun ignited in Neltharion's heart.

Chapter 151 Graduation is Imminent

Bioreactor—that's what Nesario called his energy control center—he successfully ignited the reactor, but its output power was far too low!

A single Originium is no match for this; the energy it produces can only sustain Neltharion's life.

In other words, Nesario can now operate for several days without food, but eventually, when its energy is exhausted, the reactor will shut down and become ineffective.

"We need to get some high-purity stuff... but this stuff is really hard to come by. The Xeno'jiiva can only freely absorb energy from the ley lines after it grows into an adult, and I haven't even managed to extract a large amount of energy from the ley lines yet."

As the legacy continues to be digested, the knowledge in Neltharion's mind will definitely excite the scholars of the research team—the completely unfamiliar Xeno'jiiva is something Neltharion knows all too well.

It was precisely because he understood this that he was so troubled—the growth of the Netherworld Dragon requires a huge amount of energy, an amount that would be unimaginable even in the New World—that is the energy accumulated by all the "Ancient Dragon Crossings" from ancient times to the present!

Why does Nesario enjoy such favorable conditions in Terra?

"I guess my sister can't do anything about it either... High-concentration Originium can't be delivered by freight. It's too dangerous, and it wouldn't pass the inspection for mobile cities."

Nesario was in a deep predicament. He had no idea how to break the deadlock and could only wait and see how things developed.

Time is the most powerful force in the world. Countries spanning continents, marvels of nature, and oceans with no end in sight—before the torrent of time, they are but a few grains of sand.

......

Spring goes and summer comes, autumn leaves turn yellow and winter snow melts—in the blink of an eye, time flies by.

In the second half of the second academic year, the students of Nesario's class officially entered the military system. Since they had become soldiers, they could no longer move freely in many ways.

They all need to apply for and get approval to go out, and there are clear rules in their lives—those partygoers and rich kids have finally quieted down, but this doesn't matter to Nesario and the people around him, since they have always demanded this of themselves.

Conversely, the school also arranged various opportunities to release stress. Various debates, seminars, music parties, and sports meets were started. To be honest... Nesario felt that the school should have done this sooner.

But the school's idea was probably to use the first year and a half to screen out those hopeless losers—yes, many failing students were forced to drop out.

In this kind of structured life, time really flies by.

Finally, as summer was about to begin, graduation season arrived for the Royal Guard Academy.

Four years have passed quietly. Nesario went from enrolling at 18 to now being 22 and nearing graduation—Rita and her friends have celebrated his four birthdays with him on campus. Of course, he has also celebrated with the Glasgow Gang and the Palicoes later on.

Lori didn't attend any of the birthday parties, but she always gave a fun little gift.

The crisp, clear sound of high heels clicking on the ground rang out as a female staff member led Nesario to the office area.

As he was about to graduate from university, his appearance had changed a lot. When he first enrolled, he could barely be called a Vyvan; but after the flames of the Xeno'jiiva were ignited, those who did not know the truth still called him a Vyvan.

Those in the know, such as the higher-ups at the Royal Guard Academy, had already overturned their desks several times—Nesario had also been labeled "the cunning Drak."

Fortunately, even as graduation approached, Neltharion did not suffer any incidents targeting him—it's unclear what the people of Victoria were thinking, whether they were watching something, or... whether someone secretly intervened to resolve Neltharion's troubles?

The current appearance of Neltharion would deter many timid people from approaching. His silver-white hair was styled into a handsome look by Lothilly, and six black horns grew from the top of his head like a black crown. His eyes were still red, but compared to the clear red at first, they were now scarlet—the murderous aura of the Nergigante made the weak unable to meet Neltharion's gaze.

His body, already well-trained, possessed smooth muscle lines. Under the joint nurturing of several warlike dragons, Neltharion's physical abilities could be described as perfect! His ability to freely use various dragon-like techniques was all based on his exceptional physical attributes.

On Neltharion's chest, one could see a blazing heart burning like the sun within his chest cavity—a bioreactor, though most outsiders believed it to be Drak's Heart of Flame. After two years of frugal living, his energy reserves were enough for Neltharion to indulge himself—he should be able to maintain full Ancient Dragon power for an hour.

Previously, Neltharion had gill filters growing on his collarbone, which were created to filter miasma. Neltharion could also use them to resist air pollution. However, with the addition of Elder Dragons such as Nergigante and Kushala Daora, mere pollution and poison gas could no longer erode Neltharion's body, and the gill filters had long been replaced by scales.

Nesario has neatly arranged scales growing near his collarbone, including a rather large reverse scale—the story of dragons having reverse scales is true, and that scale is extremely sensitive.

That's all that's visible on the surface. The truly amazing thing is inside his body—the ability to regenerate rapidly, the growth and contraction organs of his thorns, the hard shell of a steel dragon, the ability to sense and control airflow, the energy circulation circuit of a Netherworld dragon, and the explosive power that combines berserk and critical states.

The weapons are claws and a tail made of steel alloy. These two abilities may not be Neltharion's strongest abilities, but they are definitely the most frequently used abilities—low cost and high effectiveness.

As for Neltharion's face... to be honest, under the influence of various dragons, although he still has human features, his temperament has gradually developed into the ferocious power of a dragon. Anyone who sees Neltharion's face will feel as if they are standing in front of a dragon.

"Student, please fill in your information and complete the form as required."

The attractive staff member gently reminded Nesario.

He was filling out his employment preferences—other Victorian students were probably filling out recommendations for military units prepared by their tutors, or various units of the Victorian military, while some nobles were probably going to inherit their family businesses and command private armies.

Now, many factions are waiting to see what Nesario will do – will he stay in Victoria?

"Transnational development, returning to Colombia."

Upon seeing Nesario write down the Victorian inscription, the staff member sighed silently; Lentinium was about to get lively again.

Chapter 152 Confession

Leaving the office area, Nesario walked quietly down the road.

He was contemplating how to handle the various situations that might arise. Other students who occasionally brushed past him avoided Nesario, not out of dislike, but out of fear—this ruthless man had unleashed terrifying power in numerous combat exercises.

Especially in the real combat operation jointly organized by the school and the military to wipe out the Wilderness Thugs—while others were still trembling, nauseous, and vomiting at the sight of blood, entrails, and corpses, Nesario had already killed several enemies.

According to rumors circulating on campus, "Nesario kills people as easily as drinking water or eating."

In reality, Nesario was simply venting his frustration—the thugs roaming the wilderness reminded him of some unpleasant memories, and in their tent, Nesario had witnessed the ugliest and darkest side of humanity, so he was slightly annoyed.

"Rita and Fiona have both been recommended to extremely elite special forces units, their specific titles are unknown, but Angelia guarantees it; Chen has chosen to return to Lungmen as a police inspector... she can help him out when he goes to Lungmen in the future; Losley has joined the military, she probably won't be called 'Losley' anymore... Fisher plans to continue working at the police station, but with his abilities, it's only a matter of time before his career takes off."

"Alde is still holding the Cumberland family together, and her dignity as a noblewoman still stands firm, which is worthy of recognition... Vina and Glasgow are thriving, and I hope she can grow up soon, but... just don't stab me in the back then. I will definitely take the Palicoes with me, it's just a pity about those precious plants."

Nesario painstakingly disentangled himself from the network of interpersonal relationships, ultimately discovering that only three adorable Palicoes remained by his side. Hopefully, Victoria's fire wouldn't reach them... but that was unlikely; trying to escape with them would only harm them.

"I hope Vina can do me a favor and take in three homeless kittens, right?"

'Hmm...that's it then. Enjoy the last moments. Graduation is over, and the most exciting part of university life is about to begin.'

The gentle breeze suddenly turned into a fierce one, as if it were cheering on its owner.

"what!"

As Nesario was slightly lost in his grief, a familiar voice broke his silence.

It's Rita's voice, but... when did she start making such an embarrassing sound?

Nesario's perspective shifted—and then he was instantly captivated.

Her shimmering blonde hair was adorned with tiny white flowers, the dazzling gold and elegant white complementing each other, making her resemble the purest saint in various legends; large swaths of her fair skin, usually covered by military uniform and equipment, were exposed, the girl's purity and sensuality complementing each other perfectly—an incomparably beautiful girl who captured all eyes around her, including Nesario's.

"Rita?"

"It's me... So what? Isn't that too strange?"

Nesario and Rita had been classmates for four years, and this was the first time he had seen her wearing such "light and airy clothes"; it was clear that she herself had little experience, so the composed, mature, and strong Rita disappeared, leaving only a shy girl on her first date.

"Absolutely beautiful, like she stepped right out of an opera."

"Yes, really? Thank you. It was Lori's idea; she picked out the clothes for me."

Rita is usually dignified and solemn, but now her hands seem to be at a loss, touching her hair with the left hand and tugging at her clothes with the right. She seems to be really uncomfortable.

"Why are you dressed so nicely all of a sudden? Graduation is tomorrow!"

"Because...because you're leaving, aren't you?"

"...Who told you that?"

Nesario didn't publicize his thoughts; until now, he had only said, "It depends on the graduation grades."

Delay it! Just keep delaying it!

Of course, there was one person he had informed in advance.

'Losiri...'

"Let's go, let's go out and have some fun one last time."

It seems that Lothiri had already prepared for the exposure, and Rita probably also knew that Nesario and Lothiri were actually very close.

Since you've completed all your studies and tomorrow is graduation, the school won't restrict you anymore—tonight, whether you're having a party or going on a date, it doesn't matter. But if you're late for tomorrow's graduation ceremony, it'll be a loss for the rest of your life.

Nesario and Rita, dressed in their finest attire, explored most of the interesting places in the Sadion district, places filled with their memories.

“Remember? Our first gathering was at that restaurant. Fiona ate a meal for three people, and you ate a meal for five. Chen and I were both stunned.”

"Of course I remember. If we do it again now, Fiona could probably eat enough for five people, while I could eat enough for ten!"

"Ha ha..."

Rita didn't restrain her emotions; she laughed as she pleased, laughing uncontrollably. This was how girls her age should be, instead of constantly talking about "honor," "family," and "belief."

"This is... the place where Chen first got drunk. The owner really liked Yan Guo's liquor. He had a batch stored up, and Chen initially said it wasn't authentic."

"To be honest, the first thing I heard in Lungmen dialect was swearing. I'm really curious about the scenery of that city."

This is true—if given the chance in the future, Neltharion would love to travel around Terra, to appreciate its cultural landscapes, and certainly not to search for any of those ley lines.

"I still remember the first time you took us to the history museum, that was one of the impressions you left on me."

"What impression?"

"A young girl who deeply loved Victoria."

"It's like something out of a literary work... but I truly love Victoria..."

Rita spoke slowly, then fell silent, offering no further comment. As the atmosphere between them grew increasingly cold, the question, trembling slightly, finally escaped her lips.

"So...you can't stay in Victoria for my sake?"

Nesario glanced at their clasped hands—fingers intertwined, inseparable. When did they hold hands? Nesario himself wasn't sure; it seemed like a natural, unconscious action... Ah, he really did have many thoughts about Rita.

"Nesario, I like you. This isn't a lie to keep you... I don't know when it started, but I've fallen for you."

Rita grew up in the glory of her family, but the decline of her family made her mature prematurely. She never experienced the life of a normal girl, and she had little expectation for love.

Therefore, she did not want to give up on Nesario's passionate feelings.

"The days at school were the most relaxing time... Before, I thought it was the school atmosphere that made me feel relaxed; but when I went home for the holidays, I realized that I felt relaxed because of you; so, when I received your letter, I was so excited that I forgot myself... My reply afterward was a failure."