My Love Debts Are Everywhere!

"So, you received word from Liliana Crimson that the Fated One is dead?"

The Dragon Ancestor narrowed his eyes, eyeing Athena with suspicion.

"Yes, that's the news, Ancestor," Athena replied with a small nod. She wiped a tear from the corner of her right eye, then added in a stubborn tone, "But I don't believe it. Leon is too strong—there's no way he could just die like that! So please, Ancestor, can you help me confirm his condition? I want to know the truth!"

Although she sounded convinced, Athena knew better than anyone that it was a lie she had told herself.

She hated to admit it, but deep down, she knew Liliana wouldn't say something like that about Leon without reason.

After all, she could feel how deeply that damn demon loved her Leon—and it was strange, even absurd, for Liliana to report his death without solid proof.

The Dragon Ancestor remained silent, but his expression grew grave.

"I understand. I'll try to look into it. Fortunately, Leon has dragon blood, and I possess a technique that allows me to connect with him directly," he said in a calm tone.

Athena let out a breath of relief and nodded slowly. "Then, I'm counting on you, Ancestor."

The Dragon Ancestor closed his eyes. Suddenly, a surge of black light burst from his body.

A Black Dragon Avatar emerged behind him, letting out a thunderous roar.

*Roar!*

The roar was so powerful that the grass around them was shredded instantly.

Yet Athena remained completely unfazed. As a member of the dragon race, she had resistance to dragon roars—and was long accustomed to them, including her own.

Moments later, the avatar vanished, and the black aura slowly receded into the Dragon Ancestor's body.

"Did it work, Ancestor?" Athena asked nervously.

But the Dragon Ancestor's expression had darkened as he slowly opened his eyes.

"I can't sense his dragon aura," he said heavily.

"What?" Athena's eyes widened. "You... can't sense it? Doesn't that mean—"

Her words caught in her throat. Her body began to tremble violently, her face turning pale as if all the blood had drained from her.

Seeing his granddaughter's sudden reaction, the Dragon Ancestor was startled and quickly tried to calm her down.

"Don't panic. What you're thinking might not be true. We need to stay calm."

Despite his composed tone, his heart was pounding wildly in his chest.

"Damn it… How did it come to this?" He cursed inwardly.

The technique he used should have connected him to Leon, no matter the distance.

But just now… he couldn't sense Leon's presence or condition at all.

That should've been impossible—unless one thing had happened: Leon was dead.

"Damn it... I hope that's not the case," he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with fear.

If Leon was truly gone, the world would be doomed—left to fall into ruin at the hands of the Evil God.

And all their seven thousand years of sacrifice and effort... would have been in vain.

*Buzz!*

A green light suddenly flickered from the pocket of Athena's dress, startling both her and the Dragon Ancestor.

Reaching in, Athena pulled out a green, pentagon-shaped crystal.

It was the communication device Zelda had left her—through this crystal, they could speak without meeting in person.

"Why is she reaching out now? Could she have heard about Leon too?" Athena thought, her heart tightening with unease.

Without a moment's hesitation, she infused the crystal with her mana.

In an instant, Zelda's pale, unreadable face materialized before her.

"Athena, where are you? I couldn't reach you through the crystal orb," Zelda said, her tone laced with suspicion.

Athena took a steadying breath and replied calmly, "Sorry. I'm outside right now—away from the palace."

Zelda's eyes narrowed, clearly doubtful, but she let it go. Her expression quickly turned serious.

"Athena, have you heard the news about Leon?"

The moment the words left Zelda's mouth, Athena's face tensed.

"So, you already know..." Athena muttered.

"Good," Zelda said with a soft sigh. "Actually, I already know. Coincidentally, my sister Elina was traveling with Leon—she sent me some important news."

It wasn't just Athena—the Dragon Ancestor also looked surprised upon hearing that.

Still, he said nothing and kept his focus on what Zelda would reveal next.

"According to my sister's report, Leon went to Mount Durnhak Crater in search of a creature from Dwarven legend. It's said to be the mount of the Evil God from seven thousand years ago—the Nine-Headed Hydra!"

Athena was stunned, but the Dragon Ancestor's reaction was even more severe.

"The Nine-Headed Hydra? That's impossible... Isn't that monster supposed to be dead?" He exclaimed, his face twisted in horror.

Athena turned to him in surprise. "Ancestor, you know about that creature?"

"Of course I do." The Dragon Ancestor clenched his chest as if trying to contain the storm within. "The Nine-Headed Hydra didn't originate from this world. It's a being from beyond—a monster of unimaginable power."

He went on to explain its origins, the scale of its strength, and the terrifying nature of its abilities.

Athena felt her chest tighten. Cold sweat trickled down her forehead, neck, and spine.

"So... if Leon really fought that monster... does that mean he's truly dead?"

The Dragon Ancestor didn't answer immediately. He stood in heavy silence, his head lowered in grim contemplation.

"If his opponent was truly the Hydra... then yes. The chances of survival are nearly zero."

"Hah... hah..." Athena's breathing grew erratic. The mana inside her surged, her power spiraling dangerously out of control.

The Dragon Ancestor was about to step forward to calm her, but before he could, Zelda's cold voice rang out from the crystal in Athena's hand.

"Control your anger, Athena Hellness. I know how hard this news hits—I feel it too. But we must stay clear-headed. Come to the Forest of Eternal Silence. And bring the Dragon Ancestor with you."

With that, the communication was abruptly cut off.

Athena snapped out of her emotional haze. Gritting her teeth, she drew a deep breath and forced the turmoil within her to settle.

Zelda was right. This wasn't the time for rage or regret. What mattered now was finding a way forward.

"Ancestor," she said, turning to face him. "Will you come with me?"

The Dragon Ancestor gave a firm nod. "Of course. Let's go—now."

***

*Woosh... Splash!*

Waves crashed violently against the white sandy beach across the shore. The occasional cry of seabirds echoed through the air, filling the silence of the deserted coastline—void of any sign of life.

A blanket of clouds loomed overhead. Thick, black masses smothered the afternoon sun, casting the scene in a somber gloom.

*Boom!*

Thunder rumbled through the sky, rolling between the clouds, followed by fierce gusts of wind whipping from every direction.

Amidst the chaos, a dark figure was carried ashore by the tide and thrown onto the white sand.

As the waves receded, the form became clearer—a man, strikingly handsome even in such a state. It was Leon.

His face was deathly pale, and blood streamed from the corners of his eyes. His body lay stiff and unmoving, like a fallen tree limb left to rot.

"Tsk!" Footsteps crunched against the sand, followed by a weak, mocking voice.

"So, you really dared to defy fate, Leon Kruger... That's practically suicide, you know?"