Not far from the cathedral of utter destruction where the battle had ended, in the massive, untouched confines of the Dragon God's treasure hall, Sebastian was finally nearing the culmination of his immense, solitary effort. He stood before a gigantic, intricately carved door, his old hands meticulously feeling and probing the internal mechanisms of the ancient lock, his concentration absolute.

However, the voice of 'The_Absolute_Thinkerer' was a constant, high-pitched presence in his mind, an incessant stream of self-aggrandizing commentary that followed his every thought and action, yet Sebastian remained calm and focused.

"And that is how my Gilgamesh managed to turn the entire scenario into a peaceful haven, simply by defeating wave after wave of enemies for three full days!"

The entity's voice was filled with the breathless enthusiasm of a high school student sharing intimate gossip.

Sebastian did not pause his delicate work on the lock, and his fingers continued tracing the complex, aged tumblers. His voice was tranquil and kind, a soft counterpoint to the cosmic chatter.

"That sounds incredibly impressive."

He said, a small, polite smile on his face as he adjusted a crucial internal gear.

"Yes! Exactly!"

The Thinkerer exclaimed, taking the compliment as its own.

"My Gilgamesh is simply the best, and that is precisely why I chose him as my champion! If you wanted to truly honor him, the least you could do is try to emulate his deeds, even a little."

The old man's smile did not waver, the expression a genuine kindness that knew no malice.

"I would certainly try, but I do not believe I am capable of achieving the great feats of such an incredible person."

'The_Absolute_Thinkerer' seemed momentarily thrown off balance by the humility, its voice losing its confident edge.

"Well… You are technically the same person, just from another timeline, so you could do it if you really put your mind to it... In fact, before you return to your own world, I would love it if you could test some of the things that my Gilgamesh possessed so you could…"

The stream of words was abruptly severed by a sharp, resonant *Clack* that echoed through the treasure hall. The massive, complex lock finally yielded, and the door slowly began to swing inward.

Sebastian let out a soft sigh of pure, profound relief, the heavy tension that had gripped his body instantly dissipating. He noted the unusual size of the exit: it was a door built for human dimensions, a strange anomaly in a palace built for dragons, but a welcome sight nonetheless. The open door revealed a breath of fresh, cool air that immediately flooded the stale hall.

The old man inhaled deeply, savoring the simple pleasure of the clean air, and with a small, contented smile, he stepped out of the treasure hall and into the immense, obsidian hallways, his mind focused entirely on finding the fastest path toward the eventual exit.

Meanwhile, back in the intersection where Dravhark's colossal body now stood as a terrifying, petrified monument to their victory, the survivors were beginning the slow process of recovery. Samantha had once again invoked her traveling cook kit, producing a delicious, thick soup that was a magical blend of herbs and medicinal nutrients, which rapidly restored energy and sealed minor cuts for everyone present.

The girl, whose naturally maternal instincts were overpowering her youth, moved to Kazue, holding out a handful of strawberries that were perfectly coated in dark chocolate.

"These will help with the burns."

Samantha said, her voice gentle and warm.

"The sacred sugar and the natural sweetness of the 'Honey Strawberry' will counteract the corrosive effects of the black fire."

Kazue took the treat with a grateful smile, but the simple, tender exchange did not escape the notice of Katya, who was sitting silently behind her. The blonde's white mask remained fixed, but her body language screamed of pure, unadulterated jealousy, her hands clenching into tight fists. Drake, sensing the sudden, aggressive surge of emotion, instantly reached out, his hand wrapping gently around Katya's wrist, his expression one of a soft, knowing warning.

The girl immediately relaxed, allowing the impulse to pass, and watched with a strained impatience as Kazue consumed the sweets.

The bizarre post-battle atmosphere was only amplified by the presence of Solène, who had taken an immense, predatory interest in the now recovered pink-haired girl. She had moved to stand directly behind the girl, resting her chin lightly on Chloe's head, a gesture of unexpected, almost protective intimacy that took full advantage of their height difference. Chloe was surprised by this and didn't know how to act, so Adam, who was watching the odd spectacle, simply let out a low, amused sigh.

"Do you think you could move away from her, Solène?"

The boy asked, his voice entirely devoid of malice. However, Solène merely laughed, a low, powerful sound.

"I am simply ensuring she is protected."

Despite the bizarre situation, the small moments of healing allowed the entire group to finally focus on the next immediate danger. They had defeated the Dread Fang, but the logical consequence of that act was immense, and alter Drake was the first to articulate the terrifying reality of their situation.

"Yes, we defeated him."

Alter Drake stated, his voice cold and sharp, addressing the entire group.

"But what happens now? It is illogical to assume that the Dragon God Vharzun would not have sensed the death of his own son. What if he comes here to avenge the death?"

A fresh wave of profound worry washed over the group, silencing the small pockets of lightheartedness. It was at this crucial moment that Chloe stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, blinking slowly, and she spoke, her voice still weak but carrying a new, strange certainty.

"I do not believe Vharzun will bother us for the moment."

Alter Drake immediately fixed his gaze on her, his face a mask of annoyance that was barely contained, an extreme reaction that made no sense.

"And what would make you so certain of that?"

The blond demanded, his voice laced with suspicion.

Chloe, though still weak, slowly raised her shirt, rolling up the sleeve to reveal her right arm. Where the terrifying, raw burn of the divine curse had been, there was now a large, fully healed scar that was almost invisible, but across the palm of her hand, there was a strange, intricate new mark—a black, serpentine tattoo of a long, coiled dragon.

"This is the [Mark Of the Corrupted Dragonkin]."

Chloe explained, her voice gaining strength as she spoke.

"After… David helped me neutralize the curse; it changed. I checked the system description just a minute ago, and it does not seem to be anything negative."

Alter Drake immediately shifted his gaze to alter Li, his command a silent, sharp flash of recognition. The man nodded, understanding the urgency of the request, so he stepped forward and invoked his powerful spellbook.

"[Erudo Reveal]"

Alter Li chanted, with the massive tome 'Atomica Arcanum' glowing with a fierce, silver light that was instantly directed at Chloe's marked hand. Incidentally, Adam just saw for the first time alter Li's spellbook, recognizing it immediately… Wow, just how different would the second scenario have had to be for something like that to end up happening?

The spell had an immediate effect. The mark on Chloe's palm glowed faintly, and a familiar System window materialized in the air, floating before the entire group. Adam, who was reading the screen with his newly returned vision, focused on the information. The data displayed was the same that Chloe herself had seen in her moment of desperation: the Mark was Level 15, and the text indicated a forced race change to 'Corrupted High Dragonkin - Rank A+' and the potential to receive a powerful [Blessing of the Sons of Vharzun].

However, Adam's gaze immediately focused on a single line of information that only his [Cursed Vision] had the power to reveal. He focused his attention, revealing the hidden lines of code that only he could decipher.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

[Hint: The user, being now a 'Corrupted High Dragonkin', possesses a 'Dragon Core' in the interior of her body.] [Warning: The 'Dragon Core' is the source of life of a 'Corrupted High Dragonkin'; any direct damage to this can be fatal for the user.]

The revelation of this hidden, critical information was a terrifying addition to the already terrifying reality of their victory. Adam, seeing the immediate need for a full assessment, used the full capacity of his [Cursed Vision] directly on Chloe.

Name: Chloe Vanderlyle Race: Corrupted High Dragonkin - Rank E Team: 'No Name' Potential: C Points: Calculating...

Adam's surprise was absolute. The change was not only real, but it had already fully materialized. He announced this fact to the group.

"Chloe's race change is already completed… She is now classified as a 'Corrupted High Dragonkin'."

The announcement caused immediate, profound shock among the members of 'No Name', while the members of 'Black Phoenix' remained completely silent, their disbelief palpable. The shock gave way to immediate curiosity and excitement. Kazue, her eyes gleaming with absolute enthusiasm and curiosity, immediately rushed toward Chloe.

"This is amazing! A High Dragonkin! What does it feel like? What powers do you have? Do you breathe fire? Can you create wings on your back?"

Drake also showed a deep interest, moving closer to the two girls.

"I also experienced a race change during the last battle, although it was another branch of humans. What was your experience like? Do you feel different? I would like to compare the experiences."

Even Li pushed his way through the small crowd, his red robotic eye fixed entirely on Chloe's veins.

"Hey, can you give me a sample of your blood?"

He stated, his voice flat and direct and his hand outstretched. The entire group instantly fell silent, staring at the man with a mixture of shock and profound confusion.

"What?"

Li asked, his voice entirely devoid of remorse.

"Dragon's blood is highly valuable."

The absurdity of the statement was enough to break the tension, but before anyone could respond, Solène simply pushed through the crowd, moving directly toward Chloe. The red-haired girl's yellow eyes, filled with a primal, fierce intensity, were fixed on the new Dragonkin. Chloe flinched, expecting an attack, but instead of aggression, Solène did the unthinkable: she wrapped her long arms around the girl and embraced her tightly, nuzzling her cheek against Chloe's head in a strange, affectionate gesture.

The act of pure, powerful affection left the entire group stunned.

Chloe did not understand the action, but, somehow, she felt a profound, sudden sensation of relaxation that flowed through her body, an instinctive sense of acceptance and familiarity that was entirely unexpected.

Adam finally stepped forward, his expression a mixture of confusion and annoyance, and gently separated the two girls.

"Solène, stop bothering her. She is clearly uncomfortable."

Solène simply laughed, her voice a deep, powerful sound. She gave Adam a series of powerful, friendly claps on the shoulder that made the boy wince with visible pain.

"I am not bothering her. I just understand now. She is one of the royal lineage, a High Dragonkin, just like me."

Adam's confusion only deepened.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Solène smiled, a powerful, fierce curve of her lips. She explained the deep, primal hierarchy of the Dragon race.

"The Dragons have a rigid society. When two males of the High Dragonkin lineage meet, they instinctively clash, showing immediate, profound hostility. But when two females meet, the reaction is one of immediate, powerful friendliness. Females are incredibly rare in the species, and by instinct, we simply do not harm one another."

The entire group listened in stunned amazement, and Drake was the first to speak.

"How do you know so much about the Dragons?"

Solène laughed, the sound low and filled with dark amusement.

"How else do you think I acquired this race? I spent a long, long time living with them during a past scenario."

Adam quickly interrupted, his voice sharp with pragmatic concern.

"That is useful information, but that does not give you the right to behave this way! You cannot let your instincts run wild!"

The red-haired girl raised a challenging eyebrow, looking directly into his eyes.

"You are being incredibly hypocritical. For better or for worse, when a user changes race, the impulses and instincts of that race become a part of them. It is like resisting the need for water. Have you not suffered from the powerful, deep urges of your own race?"

Chloe intervened, placing a gentle hand on Adam's arm.

"I actually do not mind. She is right. I don't know how to explain it, but even though I was afraid of her before, I feel a great sympathy for her now."

Adam sighed, closing his eyes in frustration. He could not argue the point; he had suffered from the oppressive, cold impulses of his Undead nature countless times.

"You are right, Solène. I apologize."

With the immediate threat neutralized and the stunning revelations processed, the groups' primary objective returned to the search for Sebastian. The members of 'Black Phoenix' reluctantly accepted the continuation of the journey. Solène was visibly excited, and her anticipation was palpable.

"I want to test my new friend's powers! We must continue!"

Chloe, her eyes bright with a newfound, dangerous energy, nodded eagerly.

"I agree! I am dying to try my new powers! I need to see what I can do!"

Kazue joined the enthusiastic agreement.

"I want to see too!"

Adam, however, injected a note of severe caution into the sudden wave of excitement.

"On the contrary… You must abstain from being reckless."

Solène immediately bristled, turning on the boy.

"Do not be such a spoilsport!"

Chloe was about to protest, but Adam cut her off, his voice firm and unwavering.

"You must be extremely careful. I just learned that you now possess a Core, similar to Dravhark, somewhere in your body, and that is your single most vulnerable point."

Adam turned to Solène.

"Is that true for all of you? Do you also have a core?"

The girl shrugged in indifference.

"No, I do not. The Core thing seems to be specific only to the 'Corrupted High Dragonkin' lineage. I do not have anything like that."

Adam considered the information.

"Then the best course of action is not to risk anything until you know the exact location of your Core, and we can find a way to protect it."

Chloe looked down at her hands and the serpentine dragon mark, her excitement subdued by the cold, logical reality of her new condition. She had to adapt to the idea that she was no longer a simple human.

Suddenly, Adam spoke again, though the voice was clearly that of the Empress, using his mouth.

"Why are you making such a fuss? Leave the girl alone. I can feel a massive cursed power emanating from her. She will be fine."

Chloe instantly recognized the Empress's voice and smiled widely, genuinely happy that she was safe.

"Thank you, Empress! I am so grateful for your help! You also helped save my life!"

The Empress, still using Adam's mouth, stammered a denial, the denial entirely devoid of conviction.

"I… It's not like I did it for you, human… But I am glad that you are well."

The honest, awkward tenderness in the Empress's voice caused a wave of genuine warmth and affection to ripple through the members of 'No Name'. It was an incredible display of a soft, emotional side that they had never expected to see from the terrifying entity.

Finally, Adam let out a deep sigh and prepared to give the order to move, but the Empress spoke once more, her voice sharp and commanding, the sound cutting across the hall.

"Besides, I don't know why you are all making such a big deal out of this. Her Core is right here."

The ghost instantly seized control of the boy's right arm, the arm shooting forward, Adam's finger extending and pressing directly onto the center of Chloe's chest, indicating the exact location of the Core.

The action was cold, physical, and entirely practical without any ulterior motive, but the intimacy of the action left everyone utterly frozen. Adam's eyes snapped wide open in horror, realizing the profound awkwardness that the Empress had forced upon him, and he retracted his hand immediately… However, the damage was done.

Chloe's face turned a violent, profound red. She let out a sharp, painful shriek and instantly raised her hand, trying to strike Adam with a fierce, reflexive slap. The boy, whose mind was still reeling, reacted instantly, activating his [Spectral Mist Step] to turn his face into mist and avoid the blow. However, Chloe's palm impacted the mist as if it were solid, delivering a ferocious slap across Adam's right cheek that echoed loudly through the entire hall.

Adam's instinctive defense had been completely useless.

The boy knew why: his mist form could be damaged by cursed or malignant energy. For better or for worse, Chloe now possessed corrupted energy surging through her body, rendering his defense entirely void. The entire 'No Name' team erupted in surprised laughter, joined even by Solène, Samantha, and Nikolai, who found the sudden, chaotic act of violence hilarious. Only Emir rushed worried toward Adam, utterly confused by the loud slap.

After a short while, alter Drake, whose gaze had been cold and focused the entire time, finally spoke.

"If there is no more silly business and there is no longer any immediate danger, then the most logical course of action is to divide the groups. You need to search for your friend, and we need to continue our search for a way to end this Scenario."

The entire group instantly agreed. The final split was agreed upon: Adam, Chloe, Solène, Samantha, Teo, and Charles would form the smaller, faster group, as they were the ones who could most easily return if necessary. The final decision was sealed by the fact that Solène and Chloe now possessed the immense presence of the dragon race, which would make them harder to detect by any roaming threats, if there were any at all.

As they began to move away, Chloe approached Solène once more.

"Solène, I have a question. If two male High Dragonkin are hostile, and two females are friendly, what happens when a male and a female High Dragonkin meet?"

Solène merely shrugged, like it wasn't important.

"I don't know. They mentioned something about pheromones or something, but it does not matter. There are no other High Dragonkin in this place anyway."

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