A stir moved in Leylo's heart, and he immediately headed toward the backyard.
The closer he got, the clearer that peculiar fluctuation of magic became. The air seemed permeated with an invisible pressure, making his breathing hitch slightly. The entrance to the backyard was half-hidden by withered vines and weeds, appearing somewhat desolate.
Leylo pushed aside the vines and stepped inside. The backyard was small, bounded on three sides by the rear walls of the barracks and on one side by a steep mountain cliff. In the center of the yard, a space had been cleared where junk had previously been piled.
And there, in that open space, an elegant figure occupied his entire field of vision.
That was definitely not a cat.
The body, over three meters long, was covered in streamlined silver scales. Each scale was like the finest work of art, reflecting a cold yet gentle moonlight-like radiance under the afternoon sun. Its graceful neck curved slightly, head held high, with two long silver horns bearing spiral patterns pointing straight toward the sky, emitting a faint halo.
A pair of membrane wings, resembling massive feathered wings, were folded against its sides. The wing membranes had a translucent quality, and one could vaguely see complex magical circuits flowing within them. Its physique was filled with an indescribable sense of power and oppression. Yet, strangely, within this oppression was an inexpressible air of sanctity and majesty.
A Silver Dragon! A real, living Silver Dragon!
Leylo held his breath instantly; his heart seemed to skip a beat. This was the first time he had seen Moonlight's true form as a Silver Dragon. He had long known Moonlight's "ostrich-style" secret identity, but he never expected to see the true form so suddenly under these circumstances.
The Growth Phase! Leylo immediately realized the possibility.
The lifespan of a dragon is extremely long, and their growth is not at a constant speed; instead, they undergo several significant growth phases. Each phase brings a massive leap in size, strength, and magic. During a growth phase, their control over their own power—especially delicate operations like transformation spells—can become temporarily unstable.
Clearly, Moonlight had entered a growth phase. Because of the rapid surge in power, it was temporarily unable to maintain its cat form and had reverted to its true Silver Dragon self. Its choice to hide in this deserted backyard was obviously following its usual logic: hiding its dragon identity.
Looking at the massive and majestic Silver Dragon before him, then thinking back to the white "fat cat" that usually liked to bat at his knees, curl up in a ball to sleep, and occasionally get huffy because it missed a mouse, an extremely odd sensation welled up in Leylo's heart. Shock, wonder, and a hint of... a desire to laugh?
The Silver Dragon seemed to perceive Leylo's complex emotions. It lowered its noble head slightly, its pale gold eyes blinking, and a deep purr—sounding like wind blowing through a massive pipe organ—vibrated in its throat. There seemed to be a touch of embarrassment in that sound.
Leylo walked over slowly. "How do you feel?" He looked up at it, trying his best to keep his voice calm.
The Silver Dragon let out another deep purr and gently nudged Leylo's palm with its massive head, its movements incredibly cautious. That familiar sense of attachment caused the shock in Leylo's heart to gradually settle, replaced by a feeling of peace and closeness.
"It seems you can't change back for the time being?" Leylo looked over its massive body, feeling a bit worried. A fellow this big hidden in the backyard would be discovered sooner or later.
The Silver Dragon seemed to understand him. A look of distress appeared in its large eyes, and its massive tail swept restlessly, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Seeing its human-like expression, Leylo couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright, don't worry. We'll find a way." He patted the cold, smooth scales on the dragon's head, his mind quickly calculating a strategy.
Moonlight entering the growth phase was a good thing; the surge in strength would be a massive asset to him. However, handling the temporary inability to transform required a solid plan. The longer the news of him possessing a dragon remained hidden, the better.
He summoned four trusted knights and ordered them to guard every entrance to the backyard, forbidding anyone from entering.
Early morning, several days later.
Sunlight filtered through the window frame, casting mottled spots of light. Leylo opened his eyes, his consciousness still somewhat blurred. He habitually turned his head and then paused slightly.
A familiar ball of snowy-white fur was curled up beside his pillow, pressed right against his head, emitting steady and soft snores. The sunlight hit its supple fur, as if plating it with a faint golden halo.
It was Moonlight. It had changed back.
Moonlight seemed to sense his gaze. The tip of its long tail twitched twice, and its eyelids fluttered, revealing a pair of pale gold eyes filled with lingering sleepiness. It gave a wide yawn, showing its pink tongue and sharp teeth, then habitually reached out a paw to gently pat Leylo's cheek with its soft pads.
"Awooo~" A lazy call, as if declaring that it was still the same "big cat" as before.
[Daily Intelligence Refresh]
1: Due to the Blackstone Territory's annihilation of the Blood Wolf Mercenaries, the sense of security for travelers in the surrounding areas has improved. Several merchant caravans plan to reopen trade routes passing through the edge of the Blackstone Territory.
2: On the edge of the Misty Forest, an unusually large "Shadow Leopard" has appeared. Its speed far exceeds its kind. This Shadow Leopard is a mutant and has broken through to the level of a Tier 3 magical beast.
3: Southeast of the Blackstone Territory, the number of Mire Giant Lizards in the Rotting Swamp has increased abnormally. they have begun expanding toward the edge of the swamp, threatening nearby villages and trade routes. The Mire Giant Lizard is a Tier 2 magical beast with thick hide and a massive tail capable of snapping trees.
4: The Holy See of Light has dispatched a new Regional Bishop to the northern frontier. This Bishop is firm in style and is a persistent fanatic.
5: The famous Alchemical Master, the "Potion Genius" Barnaby Gray, arrived in Megalith City yesterday and is staying on the top floor of the Golden Griffin Inn. Rumor has it he is searching for a certain rare dragon-type material.
6: ...
7: The Lord of the neighboring Red Maple Territory, Viscount Baker, is recruiting adventurers to clear an Ogre nest within his lands.
8: Near the Withered Ridge of the Blackstone Mountains, a group of Harpies has migrated there. In the past month, they have repeatedly attacked several small merchant caravans passing through.
9: Baron Monde, Lord of the Ironthorn Territory, has recently been frequently mobilizing his knights and has added observation posts on the border with the Blackstone Territory. Monde is an Earth Knight, and his loyalty lies with your elder brother, Elliot.
10: Followers of the "Plague Head" of the Nine-Headed Demon Serpent are spreading a mutant plague on the edge of the Emerald Swamp, having already destroyed several small villages.