The atmosphere shifted abruptly between the two—all because of the man's change in tone and his widened eyes.

"Oh goodness! Golden Finger! It really is you!"

Gaya scowled at the man.

"I warned you never to call me that again."

The man had already reached her, closing the distance so swiftly that even the air between them seemed unaware. Gaya didn't flinch. She remained utterly indifferent, as if she were accustomed to his supernatural speed.

The man tugged her cheek like an uncle reuniting with his little niece.

"Oh… your skin has grown even more…"

He tilted his head and studied her with intense focus, as if examining a fascinating specimen.

Only when Gaya slapped his hand away did he retreat, clearing his throat sheepishly.

Gaya frowned slightly, watching him. She used to radiate maternal warmth whenever she was with Lucien—now she felt like a kindergartener with this man. That was simply because of who he was.

"Weren't you killed by the Jade Empress? How are you alive right now?"

The man sighed, looking despondent.

"What if I told you that my death was divine orchestration—designed to remove me from this world?"

Gaya arched her brows. His words struck her as odd.

"What do you mean?"

The Dragon of the East sighed again.

"Never mind, Golden Finger. It would be wrong of me to drag you into this."

He smiled warmly at her.

"It's good to see you again after so many years. What about Valdris, that old fool—did he finally abandon his obsession with prophecies?"

Gaya blushed lightly and looked down.

"Our paths have diverged, so I don't know how he is right now."

The man studied her coolly for a moment, then chuckled.

"Of course, baby girl. It's only natural that your paths would diverge. People grow, people leave. That's how the world works. Anyway, I too have my own path—and currently, you happen to be standing in my way."

He smiled warmly again.

"Who was that man to you?"

Gaya looked straight into the man's eyes and replied.

"He's a weapon—one I'm going to use to kill the gods."

The man recoiled slightly, startled not just by her statement but by the dangerous glint that flickered in her gaze. His eyes, fixed on Gaya, wavered for a moment. Even the gentle smile that had graced his face vanished.

But he restored his expression within a heartbeat and smiled again—this time wider, more genuine, yet menacing.

"Oh my, Gaya… what have you been meddling with these past thirteen thousand years?"

Gaya shrugged.

"Things you probably already know."

The man closed his eyes, still smiling, though the expression never reached them.

"Oh, Golden Finger. Knowing you, what I'm about to say will likely have no effect on you, but I'll say it anyway."

He opened his eyes slightly, blue irises glowing.

"I've spent every year since my death in a place dedicated to forging the ultimate weapon that could kill the gods. I've watched them create heroes, legacies, legends—apparently, I was one of their creations too. And I've never seen a single success. They all failed miserably."

Gaya smiled.

"That's because they don't have what I have."

The Dragon of the East tilted his head slightly.

"And what would that be?"

Gaya's smile sharpened.

"Lord Cien."

The man stared at her for longer than five seconds, then shook his head.

"I don't know what happened to my sweet Golden Finger, but the path you're treading is perilous."

Gaya met his gaze, her eyes blazing with unwavering resolve.

"I know. And I'm ready."

"Oh? Is that so?"

The Dragon of the East wore a peculiar smile—one that felt ominous.

He looked beyond Gaya, deeper into the forest, then slowly came to a realization.

"Ah, now that I think about it—you recognized me the moment you arrived, yet fought me nonetheless. You made him escape because you foresaw this conversation and knew what would happen next after telling me."

He shifted his gaze back to Gaya.

"As expected of my Golden Finger—so clever!"

Gaya's expression remained cold and resolute, unchanged even as the man exclaimed warmly.

He nodded with an acknowledging smile.

"My Golden Finger has certainly grown wise. A weapon capable of killing a god must be destroyed. You knew I'd try to eliminate him. Unfortunately, that's not why I'm here."

Gaya's eyes narrowed slightly.

"I had a suspicion as well…"

The man smiled.

"Of course you did. I'm searching for a rather peculiar dragon egg."

Gaya's eyes twitched, and the man caught it. But his smile remained unchanged, as if he hadn't noticed.

"Tell me, Golden Finger—how often does one encounter a human with a dragon heart in a civilized region like this?"

Gaya shrugged.

"I don't know… ancient dragons could decide to take a stroll."

The man laughed.

"Ah, such a stroll—an entire human kingdom could pay the price. Dragons, especially the elders, don't leave their territory for good reason. We don't want human civilization razed to the ground in a single day."

Gaya nodded in agreement.

"Well, you're right. But who's to say one or two can't sneak out? You know, even dragons need to touch grass occasionally."

The man fell silent. Gaya studied him and asked:

"Why are you hunting for a dragon, and who are these people you work for now?"

The man waved dismissively and scoffed.

"Don't worry about that."

He raised his head, regarding Gaya with deep, hidden malice.

"I think you should leave now, Golden Finger. But beware—the next time we cross paths, things might get rocky between us, given our conflicting goals. I hope you understand."

Gaya smiled coldly.

"Of course, Pervert. I'm not a child anymore. And I'm thrilled that there's now a clear opportunity to prove that to you."

The man smiled wistfully as he watched Gaya turn away and walk deeper into the forest until she vanished from sight.

He suddenly exhaled deeply.

"Haaaaa, I should sample some human cuisine before resuming my hunt. I heard human food these days is quite delicious and varied. Right, little snake?"

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