Chapter 93
The black-winged beastmen and the mutated beasts had already launched their attack.
Ridan led part of the phoenix warriors into the sky to confront the black-winged figures, while the others engaged the mutated beasts charging across the ground.
Another group of black-winged beastmen, along with several flying mutated beasts, swooped down to encircle Odian and Nina, blocking any chance of escape by air.
Odian stood at the center, Nina cradled securely in his arms. As he shielded her with one wing, he casually unleashed sweeping waves of flame, incinerating any beast or cloaked attacker that dared approach.
Kith and Finch immediately rushed forward as well, positioning themselves at Nina’s side to guard her.
Nina lowered her gaze anxiously.
Sure enough, one of the eggs in her arms had developed visible cracks.
With so many mutated beasts and hostile beastmen attacking at once, would the fighting frighten the baby? Would it affect the hatching? Could something go wrong?
Her heart tightened.
“Odian,” she said urgently, “one of the babies is about to hatch p>
What?
Odian’s brows drew together.
They needed to end this quickly—before the newborn was disturbed.
He gathered his power in an instant. A sea of flames burst outward in all directions, roaring toward the surrounding enemies.
The forest echoed with the shrill, agonized screams of burning beasts.
Kith and Finch were startled by Nina’s words as well.
“Kill them fast,” Kith said sharply. “Let the little female and the cubs leave p>
Finch nodded, his attacks growing fiercer.
Nina watched as the cracks in the eggshell widened.
Her anxiety surged.
Her gaze swept toward the black-winged attackers with fury.
If only a few bolts of lightning would strike them dead for daring to disrupt her baby’s hatching.
As if answering her unspoken wish, the sky suddenly darkened.
Thick storm clouds churned overhead.
A deafening rumble split the air.
Then—
Lightning.
Massive bolts of thunder crashed down upon the black-winged beastmen and mutated beasts.
Boom after boom exploded through the forest, the sharp crackling like endless firecrackers detonating at once.
The attackers were struck mercilessly, flesh torn and bodies blasted apart.
Hidden in the shadows, Aviel’s expression was ice-cold.
Dare disturb my hatchling? Then none of you will leave alive.
The dragon warriors at his side were equally enraged.
Anyone who interfered with the young prince’s hatching deserved annihilation.
Nina’s eyes widened.
What in the world?
Did her words just summon lightning?
When did she become so powerful?
Still… watching their enemies blasted into chaos felt incredibly satisfying.
Yinny and Didi cheered excitedly, waving their tiny paws.
Defeat the bad guys!
Seeing they were hopelessly outmatched, the remaining black-winged beastmen and mutated beasts scattered in panic.
Odian gave Ridan a meaningful look. Ridan immediately led several phoenix warriors in pursuit.
“Taor,” Aviel said coldly, eyes glacial as he watched the fleeing enemies. “Leave none alive p>
“Yes, Your Majesty p>
Taor led a group of dragon warriors to finish the hunt.
Soon, the forest fell silent once more.
Nina exhaled in relief as she watched the enemies flee in disarray.
Not only had they won—they had crushed the attack swiftly.
“It’s over, Nina,” Odian said gently. “They’re gone p>
“Should we let the baby hatch here,” she asked, “or move somewhere else p>
“It’s safe enough here. They won’t return p>
Nina nodded and carefully placed the cracked egg on the table.
Everyone gathered around, eyes full of anticipation.
Crack.
The fissure widened.
Nina didn’t blink, her gaze locked on the shell.
Odian unconsciously clenched the edge of his sleeve, his breathing growing heavier.
Beside him, Ridan whispered, confused, “My lord, why are you so nervous? It has nothing to do with us p>
After all, it certainly wouldn’t be a little phoenix.
Odian shot him a look.
Silence.
Even if it wasn’t his, it was Nina’s child. Of course he cared.
Kith and Finch held their breath.
Would it be a little white tiger?
Or a little fox?
Hidden nearby, Aviel’s heart pounded.
It must be my dragon hatchling.
The dragon warriors clenched their fists.
It had to be their young prince.
Then—
Crack!
Half the eggshell suddenly burst outward.
Everyone stared, eyes wide in shock.
Empty?
Where was the baby?
Nina suddenly felt a weight against her chest.
She looked down.
A small golden shape clung to her.
She lifted it gently.
The little creature was covered in brilliant golden scales. Two tiny, adorable horns crowned its head. Its bright golden eyes shimmered like molten sunlight. Its round baby face was faintly chubby, and its small body equally plump. Four delicate claws gripped at her clothes, and a long slender tail swayed behind it.
A golden dragon.
An impossibly adorable golden dragon.
Nina was stunned.
There was a dragon, too?
The little golden dragon lifted its small body and nuzzled her cheek, letting out a soft, babyish cry.
“Mother… Mother p>
I’m your super cute dragon baby!
Nina came back to herself and kissed him in return.
“Mother’s little dragon is so beautiful p>
She stroked his tiny scales thoughtfully.
“If you’re a golden dragon, then your formal name will be Linus Song. But your nickname… Linny. How does that sound p>
The little dragon rubbed against her happily.
Yes! I’m Mother’s Linny!
Nina couldn’t resist kissing him again.
Yinny and Didi ran over excitedly.
Congratulations, little brother Linny!
The remaining egg babies wobbled in celebration.
Linny has hatched!
Odian stared in surprise.
A dragon hatchling… and such a precious golden one at that.
Kith and Finch were equally stunned.
A dragon?
Shouldn’t it have been a white tiger or a fox?
They exchanged glances and looked at the remaining eggs.
Then what were those?
Hidden in the shadows, Aviel crushed the branch in his hand.
Joy exploded in his eyes.
I knew it.
My dragon hatchling.
Strong. Healthy. Perfect.
The dragon warriors were nearly trembling with excitement.
It really is our young prince!
Nina took out formula. Odian accepted it smoothly and prepared it with practiced ease.
Linny soon drank his first milk.
Some phoenix warriors resumed cooking while others handled the mutated beasts’ remains.
Kith and Finch did not leave; they helped quietly from the side.
Soon, the scent of food drifted through the forest.
Everyone gathered around the table.
Nina glanced at the injuries on Kith’s back and chest, her brows furrowing slightly.
After a moment’s hesitation, she said softly, “You two… come eat with us p>
They had helped today. The least she could do was share a meal.
A flicker of joy passed through Kith’s eyes.
She had invited them.
Finch’s eyes brightened as well.
Finally, we’re allowed at the table.
They sat properly and followed Nina’s lead, awkwardly using chopsticks.
Hidden nearby, the dragon warriors sniffed the delicious aroma, nearly drooling.
When will we ever get to sit at that table?
They looked at Aviel.
He frowned, conflicted.
After the meal, Nina and the others resumed their journey.
Kith and Finch continued following.
Viann watched Nina’s retreating figure and turned to Aviel.
“Your Majesty, what do we do now p>
Aviel lowered his gaze thoughtfully.
“Let me think p>