Epic Of Ice Dragon: Reborn As An Ice Dragon With A System

Chapter 2446: Wishing Goodbyes

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"And they're gone..." I said softly. "Sorry, Drakda. I'll give you a big bone later, don't worry, son."

"Really?" Drakda asked, his eyes lighting up.

"Yeah, but you have to promise not to steal things, okay?" I replied gently. "Especially from sacred tombs like these. You understand?"

"Okay..." Drakda groaned. "I'm hungry..."

"Alright, let's have breakfast once we reach the surface," I said. "Hel, are you coming with us?"

"A-Am I? I think I can," Hel nodded hesitantly. "I usually have to protect Helheim, but... maybe I can take a break."

"There's no need to guard it anymore," I assured her. "Aren't I the new ruler of the dragons? My decree is that you're free from those duties. Come with me."

"Haha... That's one way to do it," Hel chuckled lightly. "But still... who will protect this place?"

"Your entire family," I said. "And above all, I'll leave something here. A strong, imposing guardian."

With a single thought, I summoned a massive black and phantasmal Divine Spirit Dragon. It swiftly took shape, becoming a formidable divine protector of Helheim.

Linked to my powers and rapidly developing its own, this guardian would handle the task perfectly. If trouble arose, Hel could teleport back instantly.

There was no separate Draconic Record Realm for Death Dragons—Helheim was their domain. Like any dragon mother, she could return whenever she wished.

"ROOAAARRR!"

My creation sought a name. The enormous, black-scaled dragon, with its burly, muscular build, phantasmal flames, and bone-like armor, was both powerful and intelligent.

"You're Thanatos, second in command of Helheim," I declared. "A Dragon Spirit of Death and Phantoms! By my command, you can now speak with the dead and guide them. Be gentle yet strong. Get along with the Death Dragons and follow their rules, alright?"

"Very well, master."

Thanatos understood immediately. Each word I spoke shaped his existence and bolstered his strength, leaving my family in awe.

"A-Amazing! Just like that?!" Hel gasped.

"Yeah, just like that!" I nodded with a grin. "Anyway, shall we get going?"

"I would love to, but... my aura could kill mortals easily..." Hel admitted worriedly.

"Ah, right. Don't worry," I said, gently patting her head. "Divine Authority Superficial Suppression."

TRUUUM!

The dark nether energy constantly radiating from Hel vanished. Her powers remained intact, but the deadly aura she emitted was gone.

"A-Amazing! You can do this?!" Hel stared in wonder.

"Yes, it wasn't difficult. I simply suppressed the external passive effect," I explained. "You're good to go now, Hel."

"Oh, Drake!" Hel rushed toward me, wrapping me in a tight hug.

Fortunately, she was in her Dragonoid form, sparing me from being crushed beneath her colossal size.

"Thank you! Thank you so much..."

Hel showered my face with kisses, then licked it affectionately, rubbing her neck against me and coiling her tail around my legs in a loving display.

"Ahh, it's nothing. Calm down... there, there."

I patted her head until she settled, her joy softening her usual near-expressionless features.

As we prepared to ascend, a vast army of colorful dragons approached from across Helheim. They seemed ready to depart as well.

All my dragon disciples and friends gathered at my side. Many wished to go their separate ways now, and I understood—they had families waiting.

Most others, like Ruby, Charlotte, Fuyu, my niece, and the rest, were already safe in my Divine Realm, still sleeping within Fuyu, who had gently pulled them inside.

Surtr and Emerald arrived with their families, who had stayed close throughout. Surtr had a large group, while Emerald brought his beloved wife, stepfather, and playful children.

"Master! We're heading back to Muspelheim with my family," Surtr said. "There's much to handle at home. I need to share what happened and address any issues."

"I'm returning to the village with Amehia and Tyrannus," Emerald added. "This is our goodbye for now, master... I'll miss you."

"Aw, come on. Don't act like we'll never meet again! How about a family dinner by year's end?"

"Sounds great!" Surtr nodded eagerly.

"Okay! Sure!" Emerald smiled brightly.

"What about your families?" I asked.

"Most are gone. They'll return to the Draconic Realm," Surtr explained. "But I'm grateful to see them again, especially after believing they were lost forever..."

"A few siblings are visiting," Emerald said. "So there'll be company in the village!"

"That's nice!" I replied with a nod. "Alright, boys. Make your master proud. Godspeed!"

"Yeah!"

"See ya!"

They departed swiftly with their siblings and mothers.

Then Hydra and Triton flew over.

"Hydra! Are you leaving?" Hel asked. "We could travel together, my son..."

"Oh, Mother. Good morning," Hydra replied. "Sorry, but I must go my own way again! I recovered the materials for my tower from Fuyu and rebuilt it—stronger than ever! My next goal is to map this world, Zipangu, and Earth. There's so much to explore and experiment with! I can't stay here. Goodbye, Drake! See you again if fate allows!"

"Ah, well... bye," I said as Hydra rushed into his tower and vanished through a crack.

That felt a bit abrupt.

"I'm sorry. Hydra has always been distant," Hel apologized. "His true passion is research and alchemy. It's what he loves most."

"That's fine! He helped a lot," I laughed. "I'm glad I met him. I'm sure our paths will cross again... Oh! And you? Heading off too?"

Triton, Amethyst, and Celene joined us.

"I wish I could, but I can't! Grandma and my siblings can't take me to my island since they're souls..." Triton sighed. "So take me home already, old man? I've done plenty!"

"Hahaha, fair enough! You have," I nodded. "I'll drop you at Aquarius on our way to Jotunheim. Just bear with us a little longer, Triton."

"Ugh, fine," Triton shrugged.

"I... well, Jord's gone for now. I don't have anywhere else," Amethyst said. "So I'll stay with you, if that's okay?"

"Of course. You're welcome," I said, patting her shoulder. "You haven't seen Aquarius or Jotunheim yet, right? You'll love them!"

"Oooh! Maybe?" Amethyst smiled, far friendlier now. "I'm looking forward to it!"

"I think I'll stick around too..." Celene added. "I've said all I needed to my mother and siblings. I don't want to return to the moon's surface. The children are in your divine realm, and you promised to help raise them, right?"

"Ah, yes. I'll do that," I nodded. "Stay as long as you like, Celene. The children too."

"Thank you, Drake," Celene said, her smile full of relief.

The three entered my divine realm after final goodbyes to their families. Silence settled over Helheim once more.

Yet two dragon families remained: Svartalf, my grandmother, and Nifl, my mother. My closest relatives—the dark and ice dragons—called my name and waved warmly.

"My grandson, we're leaving now," Svartalf said. "If you ever need us, call without hesitation. We'll help however we can, even as souls."

"Thank you, Grandmother," I nodded. "I will."

Svartalf returned home, and then my mother, father, and brothers approached—my elder brother Hrimvaldr and younger brother Nidavellir.

"We have much to catch up on with your big brother, so we're taking him to Niflheim," Mother said. "Your little brother is thrilled to have him around too."

"Ahh, sorry, Nidavellir. Your big brother's always busy," I said to my youngest sibling, who roared cutely.

"Raaar!" He wagged his tail and nipped my ankle playfully.

"Ouch! Hah... Hahah!" I laughed, patting his head. "You're a brave one!"

"I've grown fond of him already. He's adorable," Hrimvaldr smiled. "Brother... our journey was short, yet it felt eternal. Thank you for believing in me and never giving up."

"You don't need to thank me again. You've done so much," I said, pulling him into a hug. "Take care, Hrimvaldr. Enjoy the family you always deserved."

"I will..." he nodded. "But you're my family too! Can we visit?"

"Of course! Come whenever you want," I said. "You can use the portals I've granted access to."

"Nice! Thank you, brother!" Hrimvaldr beamed.

"My son, you make your father proud," Father said. "Care for your beautiful family."

"I will, Father," I promised. "Mother..."

"I love you, my son," Mother said, licking my face tenderly. "Hel, take good care of him for me, alright?"

"I will, little sister," Hel smiled softly. "Your son... is a wonderful man."

"I know. Don't waste this chance," Nifl teased gently. "Have fun on the surface! Travel, eat, laugh, smile. Do everything you couldn't before. It's finally your time for a vacation, big sister. You deserve it."

"T-Thanks..." Hel murmured, tears glistening in her eyes. "Hah... Who would have thought I'd become the crybaby now..."

"Hahah, who indeed?" Nifl laughed warmly with her sister.

Like that, my parents and brothers departed Helheim, journeying through the Draconic Records to Niflheim—a frozen continent we had yet to visit.

But perhaps we would this winter! We could even create a Dragon Christmas, celebrating Tiamat's legacy with gifts and joy.

"It feels like things have finally settled into peace, yet... they may never truly be the same," Hel said quietly. "The sun's warmth once burned me, but now... I think I love it."

She floated in midair, basking in the sunlight, her face glowing with quiet wonder.

"Daddy, I'm hungry..." Kate whined.

"Haha, okay, Hel! Let's go!" I laughed. "We're heading up!"

I enveloped everyone in my Aura and soared into the skies, racing through the cracks.

At the same time, my Dragon Spirits spread out, mending the fissures along the way.

Finally, the vibrant surface of Yggdrasil welcomed us. The brilliant sun against the clear blue sky left Hel breathless.

"It's all so beautiful...!"

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