Chapter 329: The fruit?

The sweet fragrance of the fruit wafted through the air, casting a spell on my senses and transporting me back to memories of exploring the realm of the Gods with my grandmother. The fruit before me beckoned, and I couldn't help but wonder if it held the same enchantment as the one I had once before.

In the blink of an eye, Ynos seized the opportunity, his hunger overtaking any sense of caution. Without a moment's hesitation, he devoured the fruit in a single gulp, the satisfaction painting a contented expression on his face. Little did we know that this seemingly innocuous act would set in motion a remarkable transformation.

As the fruit's essence permeated his being, an extraordinary surge of earth mana surged forth from Ynos, rending the air with explosive cracks like thunderclaps. My brows furrowed in concern as I witnessed his body convulse, his bones audibly fracturing under the sheer force of this newfound power. The sight was simultaneously unnerving and captivating.

Yet, what astounded me even more was the sheer resilience of his nature. Like a symphony of renewal, Ynos's body began its astonishing dance of regeneration. Scales, once shed, sprouted anew with remarkable swiftness, reclaiming their place upon his majestic form. And as if choreographed by cosmic forces, Ynos grew before our very eyes, his size expanding at a visibly accelerated rate, his presence radiating strength and power.

It was a breathtaking sight, a testament to the inherent vitality and regenerative capabilities of our dragon lineage. Ynos, now a towering figure, more so than before released a strained roar, his voice resounding through the forest, carrying the weight of his transformation. The ground beneath him trembled in response, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

"Oh, it truly is unfair," Tharla's melodic laughter filled the air, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she observed our incredulous expressions. Puzzled, I couldn't help but voice my confusion, seeking clarity on her remark.

"Unfair?" I queried, my voice laced with curiosity.

The Goddess nodded gently, her expression a blend of compassion and understanding. With a serene grace, she began to unravel the secrets hidden within the magical fruits she had bestowed upon us.

"These fruits are not merely delicious delicacies," Tharla explained, her voice carrying a hint of reverence. "In fact, their mana concentration is so immense that a mortal who dares to partake in even a single bite would face a cataclysmic fate, their bodies unable to withstand the overwhelming energy. Even some of the lesser deities struggle to harness the sheer force contained within, resorting to consuming the fruit in cautious nibbles, constantly struggling to tame the unruly mana surges. Even then, so much of the mana is simply wasted, as it dissipates back to the world."

Her words resonated within me, amplifying my admiration for the fruits' potency. I glanced at Ynos, who wore a contented expression, fully satiated by his devouring of the fruit. Tharla's gaze followed mine, a knowing smile playing upon her lips as she delved deeper into the intricacies of their magical properties.

"Yet, with you, Dragons, it is an entirely different story," the Goddess continued, her eyes gleaming with fascination. "Not a single strand of mana is wasted. The fruits find perfect harmony within your very essence, unlocking your inherent abilities to channel and absorb the mana."

Breta, ever the pragmatist, interjected with a tinge of resentment in her voice. "Ridiculous," she muttered under her breath, her hand moving to claim her own fruit.

Tharla's gaze shifted to Breta, a gentle smile gracing her features. "Indeed," she agreed, acknowledging Breta's skepticism. "It is an extraordinary phenomenon, allowing you dragons to harness the fruits' boundless mana potential without any loss. Truly, a captivating and remarkable gift."

With a nod, I marveled at the intricate dance between power and fragility, witnessing the delicate balance that separated mortals from gods, and how we, as dragons, stood at the intersection of both realms, standing in a domain of our own.

Sidus's eyes gleamed as he surveyed the vibrant fruit in his claw. He turned his gaze to look at me before he released a sigh. With a swift, precise motion, he deftly sliced the fruit in half, dividing it into two equal portions. One half vanished into his mouth.

But it was the other half that held my attention, for Sidus seemed to have something else in mind. With an enigmatic gleam in his eyes, he flung the remaining portion toward his own shadow, the embodiment of darkness cast beneath his form. As if summoned by his will, the inky silhouette surged upward, taking on a tangible form that mirrored his own draconic shape.

In an awe-inspiring display, the shadowy figure extended a clawed limb, snatching the fruit mid-air with astonishing dexterity. It held the morsel for a brief moment, before retreating back into the depths of darkness from which it emerged.

'Oh, now that's new,' I inwardly noted in surprise. I didn't sense any life coming from his shadow only mana, so that could only mean one thing, a spell. Although the fruit was gone, I could still somewhat sense it, hidden in his shadow.

'Is it something like a pocket realm?' I wondered.

'And if so, is he saving that half for Immy?' I couldn't help but smile. My little brother was indeed cute. He quickly turned his gaze away, however, avoiding my eyes.

I didn't mind, and instead, I eagerly observed his reaction, waiting for a remarkable transformation or some sort of visible manifestation of the fruit's influence. Yet, to my dismay, nothing overtly dramatic occurred. There was a subtle shift in the energy around him, a surge of mana that pulsed through his veins, but its nature eluded my senses.

Frowning slightly, I focused my perception, attempting to discern the intricate elements within the surge of mana. It was peculiar, as if the mana had taken on a complex and enigmatic form, challenging my understanding. I strained to catch a glimpse of its composition, but it remained elusive, its true nature shrouded in mystery.

'Hmm,' When it came to Ynos, it was easy to discern the nature of the mana. The mana coursing through his body was undeniably aligned with the earth element. Its essence permeated his being, and I was sure it nurtured not only his physical form but also elevated his soul space. Or at least that was the feeling he gave me.

In contrast, discerning the nature of Sidus's mana proved to be a perplexing task. Its intricacies eluded me, shrouded in an enigmatic veil that resisted easy classification. While I couldn't determine its precise elements, one thing was clear—it must have triggered some sort subtle transformation within him. I could sense the shift in energy, of that I was sure.

Curiosity mingled with a tinge of frustration as I grappled with the mysteries surrounding Sidus's mana, before I moved to grab my fruit.