Chapter 30: Divine Calamity and Ancient Abomination

The crimson flames flickered like blood, casting the grand and magnificent hall in a blood-stained glow. The blood light even penetrated through the dome, dyeing the sky above the Duke Mansion with an ominous hue.

At the center of this sinister flame stood a skull as tall as half a person, with thorn-like horns growing on the forehead and cheeks, exuding a crystal-like texture. This was the source of the flame.

"Is this the skull of a Molten Evil Ghost? Truly beautiful!"

Noah examined the enormous skull, unable to suppress his admiration. However, it was merely admiration. The Golden Dragon maintained a considerable distance, with no intention of getting closer to appreciate it, even though, from an artistic perspective, this object was an indisputable heirloom treasure.

Because the skull, even when enveloped in flames, revealed a black flame flickering deep within its eye sockets. As long as one locked eyes with it, there was a sense of being watched.

As the remnants of a Legendary Level undead creature that exploded, Noah could responsibly say that this thing was not completely dead.

Just casually find an active volcano, throw this skull into it, and a lively Molten Evil Ghost would reappear in the world.

This is a characteristic of legendary undead creatures, and also a feature of elemental life forms. As long as they aren't completely obliterated, and there are some remnants left, under suitable conditions, they can be resurrected.

If it weren't for his adoptive father Casius being right next to him, Noah would undoubtedly have fled by now, and would definitely not be appreciating it with his adoptive mother since this thing could be lethal.

"Then this big skull will be given to you, but only after I extract the remaining soul from it, to make it a bit safer."

Upon hearing Noah's admiration, Selena waved her hand generously, intending to give the remaining part of this legendary undead to Noah.

"No, no need."

Noah felt a chill at the tip of his tail and repeatedly refused. He just wanted to live safely to adulthood, planning to advance to Legend, without seeking death.

The remains of creatures with such high status can cause trouble even after falling. Even if his adoptive mother extracts the remaining soul from this Molten Evil Ghost, the leftover skull can still incubate something else.

Without enough strength, don't randomly collect antiques of unknown origin, unidentified equipment, and the remains of powerful creatures.

"Don't really want it? I don't really like undead-style collections."

"When I'm strong enough, I'll hunt Molten Evil Ghosts myself to decorate the Dragon Nest."

Noah gave a reason he once used to politely refuse his adoptive father's kindness.

"Alright, ambitious young dragon."

Selena didn't insist upon seeing Noah's resistance,

"Since you don't want it, I'll have to sell it. If I find a suitable buyer, I should be able to get a good price."

"A suitable buyer? That would be quite difficult."

Noah knew what was meant by a suitable buyer.

It naturally referred to Legendary Level necromancy spellcasters, but at this level, necromancers basically all transform into liches, and no one would cling to their flesh.

But whenever a Legendary Level lich appears, it must be followed by an undead army. Thus, an undead calamity forms—powerful liches appear, and everyone cries out for a fight.

"So we can only wait for a suitable opportunity. I thought you would accept it."

Selena was somewhat regretful since the Golden Dragon is a Fire True Dragon Species, and this skull would benefit the Golden Dragon's growth.

"If it were the crystal core of a Fire Element Lord, I might hesitate."

"Sure, when I advance to an Elemental Dominator, I'll give you one."

"Aunt, are you also about to advance to Legend?"

Noah was taken aback by the words, then was greatly delighted. Elemental Dominators are legendary level spellcaster professions.

If this adoptive mother could also advance to Legend, the young dragon couldn't imagine how prosperous his future life could be. After all, this adoptive mother was truly generous.

"Soon."

"How long will it take to advance?"

"About three hundred years?"

Hearing Noah's earnest inquiry, Selena tilted her head slightly, looked at the Golden Dragon, and spoke with a hint of uncertainty.

"Three hundred years? That's too long!"

Noah felt his dragon scales tingle, realizing his adoptive mother was teasing him.

"If I remember correctly, a Golden Dragon has a minimum lifespan of six thousand years, so for a Longevity Species like you, three hundred years should be considered very fast."

"But for me right now, three hundred years is really too long."

"But that's a legend, do you think it's something anyone can casually ascend to?"

His adoptive mother's words made Noah involuntarily glance at his silent yet highly present adoptive father Casius nearby.

Even when not speaking, this man who had advanced to Legend simply couldn't be ignored. He was like an endless mountain range sprawling across the earth—vast, mighty, and majestic.

The difference between this feeling and the reality in front of him was enormous, but Noah was very certain that this was not a misperception.

Although the man before him only had a stature close to two meters, which is tall by human standards, his true form was far from being such a small stature.

"You don't need to look at him; he's a monster among monsters."

Following Noah's gaze to her partner, the Lady said without much goodwill.

"How did I become a monster among monsters?"

Casius showed a helpless expression on his rugged face.

"Then I misspoke; let me correct it. You should stand with the Divine Calamity and Ancient Abominations."

Selena provided the final evaluation.

Casius was completely silent now, never expecting that after advancing to Legend, this would be the image in his partner's eyes.

Noah watched the amusing scene, staying silent, but a curious emotion rose in his heart. That is, after his adoptive father advanced to Legend, just how strong did he become?

To dispatch troublesome and thorny legendary monsters like Molten Evil Ghosts with ease, seemingly without expending much effort, and most importantly, his adoptive father didn't seem to be hurt at all.

From Noah's current understanding, the only way to achieve such outcomes was that Casius had completely overwhelmed the Molten Evil Ghost, leaving it no chance to flee or resurrect.

This isn't something a typical Legend can accomplish. Therefore, Noah couldn't help but recall the giant stance his adoptive father once displayed. What kind of advanced Giant Species bloodline could be so formidable?

The Storm Giant speculation was mostly ruled out. This Giant Species is strong but not to the extent of killing a Molten Evil Ghost immediately upon Legend advancement, even a pure-blood Giant wouldn't manage it.

However, Noah couldn't imagine any situation severe enough to force his adoptive father to reveal his true bloodline form, so he had no expectations of seeing his adoptive father exert his full power anytime soon.