Aurelion — Golden Palace Hotel
The evening sun was slowly disappearing behind Aurelion's enormous buildings.
Noah stood in front of the mirror inside his suite, adjusting the collar of his black enchanted coat.
He had received an invitation from Duke Richard Ashford, one of the kingdom's most influential nobles.
It wasn't an obligation, but Noah was curious about the information the duke might possess.
After all, the Ashford family had controlled the northern territories for generations.
They might have historical documents unavailable to ordinary researchers.
Noah checked his appearance.
His long black hair fell naturally over his shoulders, with subtle silver strands catching the light. His black-and-golden horns curved backwards, while his golden eyes possessed their usual narrow pupils.
He looked perfectly presentable.
"Good enough."
He left the hotel.
Ashford Estate — Noble District
The Ashford estate occupied an enormous area in the northern section of the Noble District.
Its exterior walls were constructed from pale stone, with silver decorations and the family's crest displayed above the main gate.
Two enormous statues of armored knights stood beside the entrance.
Several guards protected the estate.
When Noah approached, one of them recognized the invitation.
"Welcome, Sir Noah. The duke is expecting you."
The gates opened.
A magical carriage was waiting inside.
An attendant stepped forward.
"Please follow me. I'll escort you to the main residence."
Noah entered the carriage.
As it moved through the estate, he observed the surroundings.
The property contained beautiful gardens, training grounds, a private lake, several residential buildings, and a large library tower.
A group of knights practiced swordsmanship in a distant courtyard.
The estate looked more like a small fortress than an ordinary residence.
After several minutes, the carriage stopped in front of the main mansion.
The Ashford Mansion
The mansion was an impressive three-story structure with tall windows, decorative pillars, and an enormous entrance hall.
Adrian Ashford was waiting near the staircase.
"Noah! Welcome."
"Thanks for inviting me."
Adrian smiled.
"My father is already waiting. Please follow me."
They walked through a decorated corridor and entered a private reception room.
A middle-aged man stood near the window.
He possessed short dark-gray hair, sharp blue eyes, and a strong physique.
His clothing was elegant but relatively simple, and a silver crest decorated his chest.
Adrian introduced them.
"Father, this is Noah."
The duke turned.
For a brief moment, his eyes rested on Noah's horns.
Then he smiled.
"Welcome to my residence, Noah. I'm Richard Ashford."
Noah nodded.
"Nice to meet you, Duke Ashford."
Richard gestured towards the chairs.
"Please, have a seat. I've been looking forward to meeting you."
Noah sat down.
Adrian took the opposite seat.
Richard examined him with polite curiosity.
"Forgive my directness, but I never expected to meet a dragon in my own residence."
"Neither did I expect to visit your residence."
Adrian laughed.
Richard chuckled as well.
"Fair enough."
A Conversation With the Duke
Servants brought refreshments and placed them on the table.
Richard began with ordinary questions.
He asked about Noah's journey, his experience in Silverbrook, and his reasons for visiting Aurelion.
Noah answered naturally.
He explained that he enjoyed travelling and exploring different regions.
Richard listened carefully.
"So you're an independent traveler?"
"Something like that."
"Do you belong to any organization?"
"I'm registered with the Adventurers Association, but I don't have any permanent affiliation."
Richard nodded.
"That's understandable. Independence has its advantages."
He leaned back.
"May I ask something about dragons?"
"Go ahead."
"Do dragons still maintain their own territories somewhere in Aetherion?"
Noah considered the question.
"I haven't explored enough to answer that."
Richard nodded.
"Then allow me to explain what our family knows."
The Lost Dragon Territories
Richard called for an attendant.
A large historical map was brought into the room.
It was an old parchment protected by a transparent magical layer.
The map displayed several continents and regions that were only partially documented.
Richard pointed towards the northern section.
"During the ancient Dragon Era, historical records describe several territories dominated by dragon clans."
He indicated different locations.
Ancient Dragon Territories — Historical Records
- The Crown of the Northern Peaks.
- The Emberfall Dominion.
- The Celestial Dragon Highlands.
- The Azure Deep Territories.
- The Obsidian Dragon Realm.
- The Ancient Sky Kingdom.
- The Primordial Valley.
Richard continued.
"These names appear in records dating back thousands of years. However, their exact locations are disputed."
Noah studied the map.
Some regions were marked with faded symbols.
Others had been crossed out entirely.
"Why did they disappear?"
"That is one of Aetherion's greatest historical mysteries."
Richard folded his hands.
"Some scholars believe the dragon clans withdrew into isolated territories. Others believe the Great Dragon War destroyed many of their settlements."
Noah looked at the map again.
"What was the Great Dragon War?"
Richard glanced at Adrian.
Adrian brought another document from a nearby cabinet.
"The war occurred during the final centuries of the ancient Dragon Era. Records describe conflicts involving dragon clans, ancient civilizations, and several powerful beings."
Richard continued.
Noah was interested.
"Do you know where the surviving records came from?"
"Some were discovered in ancient ruins. Others were preserved by noble families, temples, and the oldest libraries."
Richard pointed towards the northern mountains.
"Our family possesses a particularly interesting account."
The Northern Expedition
Richard opened an old leather-bound journal.
"This journal belonged to an expedition organized by one of my ancestors approximately 730 years ago."
Noah looked at the cover.
It bore the Ashford family crest.
"The expedition travelled into the Frozen Crown Mountains. Their objective was to investigate an ancient structure discovered beneath a glacier."
He turned several pages.
"According to the surviving notes, they found enormous stone pillars decorated with dragon inscriptions."
Noah leaned slightly forward.
"Did they enter the structure?"
"Unfortunately, no. The entrance was sealed by an ancient formation. The expedition lacked the necessary knowledge to open it."
Richard showed him an illustration.
It depicted a gigantic circular doorway surrounded by seven carved dragon symbols.
Noah examined it carefully.
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS]
Object: Historical Illustration.
Classification: Ancient Dragon Structure.
Detected Symbols: Seven Dragon Seals.
Similarity: 87.6%.
Possible Function: Sealed Ancient Facility.
Additional Information: Incomplete.
Noah's expression remained calm.
Seven seals.
It reminded him of the First Architects facility at Greywatch, although the symbols were completely different.
"Did the expedition discover anything else?"
Richard turned another page.
"Yes. They found a damaged stone tablet nearby. It contained a partial description of a place called the Dragonheart Sanctuary."
Noah's attention sharpened.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Detected Historical Reference:
Dragonheart Sanctuary.
Existing Investigation Record:
Ancient Dragon Sanctuary — Incomplete Location Data.
Potential Connection: 91.3%.
Noah silently read the information.
The Ancient Dragonheart Fragment he had purchased at the auction might be connected to this place.
Richard continued.
"The expedition attempted to reach the entrance again several years later, but a series of dangerous magical storms forced them to abandon the region."
"Do you still possess the original journal?"
"Yes. It is stored in our private historical archive."
Noah looked at him.
"Would it be possible to examine it?"
Richard smiled.
"Certainly. You're welcome to visit our library tomorrow."
Noah nodded.
"Thank you."
The Ashford Family Dinner
An attendant entered the room.
"Your Grace, dinner is ready."
Richard stood.
"Excellent. Let's continue our conversation at the dining hall."
The three walked towards a large dining room.
It was decorated with silver chandeliers, elegant paintings, and a long wooden table.
Several family members were already present.
A woman in her late forties sat near the head of the table. She possessed dark hair and gentle blue eyes.
Richard introduced her.
"My wife, Duchess Eleanor Ashford."
Noah greeted her politely.
"Nice to meet you."
Eleanor smiled.
"Welcome, Noah. Adrian has been talking about your visit since yesterday."
Adrian looked slightly embarrassed.
"Mother..."
Richard laughed.
They took their seats.
The conversation remained relaxed.
Eleanor asked Noah about his travels and whether he had enjoyed Aurelion.
Noah replied that the capital was considerably more developed than Silverbrook.
Adrian began describing the city's different districts.
Richard occasionally added information about the kingdom's administration and military.
The dinner itself was elegant, with several dishes served throughout the evening.
Noah ate a reasonable amount and focused mostly on the conversation.
Eventually, Richard returned to the subject of the ancient expedition.
"I believe the northern mountains deserve another expedition. The region has remained largely unexplored for centuries."
Noah nodded.
"Sounds interesting."
Richard studied him.
"Would you consider travelling there?"
"Possibly. I have several places I want to visit."
Richard smiled.
"Then I hope our historical records prove useful."
An Unexpected Offer
After dinner, the group returned to the reception room.
Richard handed Noah a small silver document case.
"These are copies of the expedition's surviving records. You may examine them at your convenience."
Noah opened the case.
Inside were:
- Northern Expedition Journal — Reproduction ×1.
- Ancient Dragon Inscription Rubbings ×7.
- Frozen Crown Mountains Regional Map ×1.
- Dragonheart Sanctuary Fragment Record ×1.
- Expedition Member Register ×1.
Noah examined the documents.
The map was especially useful.
It contained several locations that were absent from modern geographical records.
Richard continued.
"There is something else I'd like to offer."
Noah looked up.
"Our family maintains a private transportation network connecting several northern estates and military outposts. If you ever travel through our territory, you may use our facilities."
He handed Noah a silver identification emblem.
HOUSE ASHFORD — GUEST EMBLEM
Holder: Noah.
Privileges:
- Access to designated Ashford estates.
- Accommodation at authorized northern outposts.
- Emergency assistance from Ashford personnel.
- Access to selected public historical records.
Noah accepted it.
"Thank you. I appreciate it." You are reading on g.com, the official source.
Richard nodded.
"You're welcome. I don't expect anything in return."
He paused.
"However, if you ever discover anything related to the ancient dragon territories, I would be grateful if you allowed our historians to study the historical records. We have spent generations trying to understand that era."
Noah smiled.
"That sounds reasonable."
He wasn't giving away any treasures or promising to reveal his personal discoveries.
But sharing historical information when appropriate was perfectly acceptable.
The Historical Archive
Before leaving, Richard offered to show Noah a small section of the family's private library.
The archive occupied an entire wing of the mansion.
Thousands of books and documents were preserved inside.
Noah walked between the shelves.
Some records dated back more than a thousand years.
He found books covering ancient kingdoms, forgotten wars, dragon legends, magical civilizations, and historical expeditions.
A particular shelf attracted his attention.
Dragon Era Historical Collection
- The Seven Dragon Dynasties.
- Ancient Dragon Bloodlines.
- The Great Dragon War: Surviving Accounts.
- Forgotten Dragon Territories.
- The Rise and Fall of the Ancient Sky Kingdom.
- Dragonheart Sanctuary: Fragmentary Records.
Noah spent nearly an hour examining the collection.
He didn't copy everything immediately.
Instead, he made a list of the most important titles.
Richard allowed him to request copies through the family's archivists.
Noah thanked him.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Major Historical Discovery Registered.
Location: Frozen Crown Mountains.
Related Historical Site: Dragonheart Sanctuary.
Information Acquired:
- Expedition Journal Reproduction ×1.
- Ancient Dragon Inscription Rubbings ×7.
- Regional Map ×1.
- Sanctuary Fragment Record ×1.
- Expedition Member Register ×1.
[Daily Mission Completed!]
Rewards:
- Evolution Points ×3,000.
- System Gold Coins ×75,000.
- Random Knowledge Chest ×1.
[Updated Resources]
Evolution Points: 97,500.
System Gold Coins: 1,802,000.
Noah opened the Random Knowledge Chest.
[Random Knowledge Chest Opened!]
Reward:
Ancient Dragon Language Comprehension — Legendary Knowledge.
Description:
Grants the ability to understand and interpret ancient dragon inscriptions, written records, and traditional dragon symbols.
Additional Effect:
Improves comprehension of ancient dragon formations and bloodline-related inscriptions.
Noah smiled.
"That's actually useful."
The knowledge entered his mind.
He could now recognize the meaning of ancient dragon inscriptions with far greater accuracy.
The old journal and seven inscription rubbings were no longer just historical curiosities.
He would be able to examine them properly.
Departure From the Ashford Estate
It was late evening when Noah finally prepared to leave.
Adrian accompanied him to the entrance.
"Thanks for coming. Father enjoyed the conversation."
"Tell him I appreciate the documents."
"I will."
Adrian hesitated.
"If you travel north, let me know. I might be able to arrange a guide familiar with the mountain routes."
Noah nodded.
"I'll keep that in mind."
They exchanged farewells.
A carriage took Noah back towards the hotel.
Night — Golden Palace Hotel
Once inside his suite, Noah placed the historical documents on a table.
He opened the expedition journal.
The first few pages described the journey through the northern mountains.
The expedition had encountered freezing storms, enormous magical beasts, and several abandoned settlements.
Then came the description of the ancient structure.
Noah examined the seven inscription rubbings.
Thanks to his newly acquired knowledge, the symbols became understandable.
He read the first inscription.
"Beyond the Crown of Ice, beneath the silent heavens, the sanctuary sleeps. Only the blood of the ancient dragon line may awaken the path."
Noah turned to the second.
"Seven seals guard the passage. The heart remembers what the world has forgotten."
He stopped.
The words were interesting.
The Ancient Dragonheart Fragment.
The sealed structure.
The seven dragon symbols.
Everything appeared connected.
Noah placed the documents together.
"Well, that gives me a destination."
He opened the system interface.
[EXPLORATION RECORD UPDATED]
Potential Destination: Dragonheart Sanctuary.
Region: Frozen Crown Mountains.
Estimated Distance From Aurelion: Unknown.
Access Condition: Seven Ancient Dragon Seals.
Required Information: Incomplete.
Current Research Progress: 18%.
Noah leaned back.
He had no intention of rushing into the mountains immediately.
There were still other places to explore, and he wanted to understand the sanctuary before approaching it.
He placed the documents inside his spatial ring.
Tomorrow, he would visit the Royal District and perhaps the Grand Library.
Aurelion still had plenty to offer.
Noah looked out through the window.
The enormous capital glowed beneath the night sky.
"Not a bad trip so far."
He smiled and turned away.
End of Chapter 19