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

Chapter 2464: Epilogue 5: Louis

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Earth, 2078.

City District X.

Veil Protocol Initiative Anomaly Investigation and Containment Zone.

Fifty-three years since the Dimensional Convergence began.

"Sir, how long must we keep watching over that child? It has been four years since her birth."

"How much Fantasium have you extracted from her? Have her powers finally been neutralized?"

"We have already harvested enough to power the entire city for ten full years, yet her energy reserves appear inexhaustible. She may be the most powerful Sinner born since the Convergence began."

"I see..."

Gustaf stared at the screens before him, his sharp eyes gleaming as he studied images of a four-year-old girl with long black hair and crimson eyes.

Her small face always carried a deep sadness and exhaustion. From the moment she drew her first breath, tragedy had shadowed her life.

According to the files, her birth had instantly claimed her parents, struck down by a strange disease that emanated from her tiny body—a deadly curse that drained their life force until they resembled withered mummies.

The devastation did not end there. The entire hospital suffered horrific losses that day, with over seventy percent of the staff and patients perishing.

The VPI response team arrived in just an hour, yet by then her unleashed power had already claimed more than a hundred lives.

Since that day, with authorization from the World Government Alliance, the VPI had confined her within a secure containment zone. Only a handful of agents, those able to withstand the terrifying energy within her, could raise and interact with her.

All other personnel wore bulky protective suits to resist her overwhelming cursed aura. Most in the facility lived in quiet fear of her presence.

"Doctor, is keeping her here truly the right choice? Her very existence feels... wrong," the scientist beside Gustaf murmured, his voice trembling with dread as he watched the little girl sit motionless on her bed for hours, staring blankly at the floor. "Since we brought her here, at least three employees have died each year from close contact alone."

"The girl craves human connection, as any child her age would," Gustaf replied quietly. "She has only ever tried to hug someone, to feel a gentle pat on the head. The three agents who can safely touch her are constantly occupied. And apart from Helena, they show little interest in forming any real bond with her."

"But this is costing too many lives!" the scientist protested.

Gustaf exhaled deeply, a thin trail of cigarette smoke curling into the air. "These are direct orders from above, Clark. We cannot allow her to die, nor can we eliminate her."

"Are they truly planning to weaponize her?" Clark asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "My father would never tolerate this. She is far too unstable. Countless civilians would perish before she could complete any mission."

"Chris holds no authority over Anomaly decisions, no matter his public influence," Gustaf said calmly. "The VPI exists to contain and regulate all Anomalies and Sinners—especially Sinners: humans born with Anomaly powers, Anomalies that mimic humanity, or humans who have become vessels for Anomalies."

"B-But what exactly is she?" Clark whispered, his hands shaking. "She does not fit any of the three categories. She is an Anomaly, yet born human, and she serves as a vessel for something far more terrifying."

"She represents a new classification—a hybrid of Anomaly and human," Gustaf said, a faint smile touching his lips.

"Like... like your son, sir?" Clark ventured.

"Yes, like my son." Gustaf drew one final drag from his cigarette, crushed the remnant, and tossed it into the trash. He placed a steadying hand on Clark's shoulder. "You are still new here, Clark. You only joined this year. It will grow easier with time. You inherited your mother's powers too. It will not be as difficult as you fear, I promise."

"Your words are hardly comforting, sir. Has anyone ever mentioned how poor you are at reassurance?" Clark sighed.

Gustaf chuckled softly. "My wife reminds me often."

He turned and walked away.

As he moved through the corridors, Gustaf passed numerous other Anomalies confined in specialized containment zones, each studied intently by teams of scientists.

Those without Esper abilities wore heavy protective suits and masks to shield themselves from the intense Fantasium radiation leaking from the entities. Even within anti-Fantasium barriers, prolonged exposure could erode the mind.

Some creatures roared in fury, massive claws scraping desperately against unbreakable walls—monstrous beings torn from the pages of ancient myths. Others were chimeric giants or eerie humanoids that stared at Gustaf with blank, unnerving faces. A few defied comprehension entirely: shifting masses of impossible geometric forms, or inanimate objects brought to unnatural life, like a television displaying the serene face of a beautiful woman who spoke directly to him as he passed.

"Finished your work earlier today, doctor?"

"Yes, Patricia. Take care and please behave. Don't put porn on your screen."

"Fufu, but it's so fun to see everyone react to it."

"I suppose you're still among our most well-behaved Anomalies..."

"Will I one day be given as much freedom as your dear wife?"

"We'll see about that. Maybe when you finally learn not to prank people."

"What's wrong with a little prank here and there? Everyone is always so moody. Is it about the girl again?"

"Yes, it's about her."

"Don't tell me you haven't even given her a name yet!"

"The name her parents intended was Mirai—it means future. We call her that sometimes. However, her official classification is X-VI Delta. She's among our most dangerous contained Sinners, so close contact is strongly advised against."

"Aww... Can't I meet her? I bet I'm immune to whatever she leaks."

"We can't be certain, and you're trying to trick me again, aren't you? Not today, Patricia. Goodbye."

Gustaf walked past a giant bald rat screeching furiously at him and a creature that resembled a vaguely humanoid figure made of colorful geometric shapes. It stood in silence until it noticed him, then stretched a hand toward him, attempting to warp the space around but failing.

"Surprised? We installed a special barrier designed specifically to contain your space-warping abilities, Geometric Man. Behave, and perhaps one day you'll earn more privileges. I know you understand us."

"...I will kill you one day, Doctor. And I will enjoy it. Your entire body riddled with cubes, triangles, rectangles... so beautiful. You will become perfection."

"Whatever you say."

"CRYEEEEH! CRYEEEEHHHH!"

"Quiet, rat, or you won't get any more cheese for the rest of the month."

"Aw, come on... Can't a rat just screech once in a while?!"

"No."

Gustaf moved beyond the containment zone and into a larger area. He swiped his ID card to access a vast, open space within the facility, its ceiling a massive glass dome that let bright sunlight pour in from above.

It was an immense forest, complete with distant mountains, its own thriving biome filled with small animals roaming freely, butterflies dancing over flowers, and birds soaring through the sky.

"Hello, Benladra. I'm home."

"Ah, dear! You won't believe what happened!"

FLUOSH!

Out of thin air appeared a tall and breathtaking woman with pale blue skin, long flowing blonde hair, and glowing golden eyes. She wore a simple white dress. Silver scales adorned parts of her body, and large wings sprouted from her back alongside a graceful tail.

"What happened?"

"Little Louis learned to use the bathroom on his own! Can you believe it? He's only three years old! I heard that's impressive for humans?"

"It usually is. Is it not for Yggdrasian Dragons?"

"Oh no, I mastered that when I was about a year old."

"Impressive. Has your father, mother, or any of your siblings contacted you again? Have they said anything important that you're keeping from me?"

"...No."

"Benladra..."

Gustaf sighed, shrugging off his white lab coat with a weary smile. He stepped closer, and she enveloped him in a tight embrace, resting her head gently on his shoulder.

She towered over him, thrice his height, her head alone as large as his torso.

"It was my father again. He said he wants to meet Louis, but I don't want to return to Yggdrasil. I know he'll just scold me and treat me like a child."

"Ah... Well, you are an adult now. You make your own choices. If that's not what you want, then don't go."

"Okay! So how was work today, honey? Ah! The picnic is ready. Let's go eat."

Benladra gently lifted Gustaf in her large hand, letting him sit comfortably on her wide palm. She soared into the skies, gliding over lush forests and a towering mountain until they reached their home, a beautiful structure of glowing white crystals shaped by Benladra's "Magic," as she called her abilities.

"It was fine. I'm just worried about something."

"That girl again?"

"Mirai... yes. Distrust is growing around her. Everyone is terrified and refuses to even approach her. Which makes sense, I suppose."

"Aw... She reminds me of something, of someone we once fought alongside my father and family. Does she have Chaos and Demonic Energy?"

"I believe that's the power she constantly leaks from her body. It seems to kill people almost instantly unless they wear special protective suits."

"Hmm, yes. It's on the tip of my tongue. What was it... Pan... Something about Pan?"

"Well, you'll remember eventually. I don't think the cases are related. She was born here, after all."

"Yeah, you're right."

"And you've lived over fifty thousand years. It's natural that memories from your earliest years aren't as sharp anymore."

"My father has incredible memory! But I'm really not as good as he is. He always said if I just trained my mind more... well! Anyway— Ah! There he is! Gustaf, look at our boy. He caught something for you."

"Hm?"

Gustaf leaped down gracefully, levitating briefly before landing softly on the grass.

A little boy raced toward him, clutching something proudly in his small hand.

"Daddy! Daddy! Look what I caught!"

The boy was only three years old, yet his growth was remarkable—he already resembled a human child of six.

He had long blonde locks, an adorably doll-like face, and bright golden eyes. His skin matched Gustaf's, and aside from the two small horns he had, he appeared almost entirely human.

He lacked the tail, wings, or scales that marked the mighty Divine Dragons of Yggdrasil.

It was almost as if he had inherited none of their power.

His wife had once warned him that among dragons, he would face ridicule for bearing no distinguishing features and for being unable to transform.

Hybrid dragons were typically born in their Dragonoid forms but could channel their strength and shift into full Dragon Forms within days, weeks, or months.

Yet three years had passed since Louis's birth, and the boy had failed to summon even a spark of Draconic Power. He possessed a Dragon Heart, but it was small and frail.

Though Benladra felt a pang of sympathy for him, Gustaf viewed his son's condition as a hidden gift.

It meant that if his powers remained controllable, Louis could one day rejoin human society, live a normal life among peers, and perhaps serve as a vital agent.

"Hello, Louis. What did you catch today?"

"A big bug! Heheh!"

The boy proudly showed his father a large black scarab with a small golden horn.

It was a monster from another world. The entire containment zone had been shaped by Benladra's powers, and every creature here originated from Yggdrasil. This made the area a valuable source of resources, intelligence about foreign realms, and knowledge on containing or eliminating the Anomalies that threatened humanity.

"I see. It's quite shiny, isn't it?"

Gustaf lifted the creature with his psychic abilities, letting it hover. The scarab buzzed irritably, emitting a faint golden aura.

"Can I keep it? I promise I'll take care of it!"

"I don't think it likes you, Louis. Look how angry it is."

"But I caught it! It's mine!"

"Haha, all right. Do as you wish, my son. The world is yours to claim."

Gustaf was a father who delighted in spoiling his child, and Benladra was no different. She allowed the boy to keep the bug while gently patting his head.

At times, Gustaf glimpsed the innocent red eyes of Mirai in his son's gaze, stirring a quiet ache of guilt within him.

He dared to hope that one day the two children might become close friends.

"All right, Louis, come wash your hands. Dinner's ready! Look at this feast I've prepared!"

"Yay! I'm starving!"

Louis tethered the bug to a short rope and left it beside a tree. Then he followed his father, scrubbing his small hands. A few of his nails were sharp like claws, though not all.

The boy sat down and devoured a massive sandwich packed with meat and vegetables, washing it down with a bottle of orange juice.

Watching his son eat with true draconic appetite, Gustaf smiled softly. He took his wife's hand as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

"Are you sure this is the right path, Benladra?" he asked quietly.

"I am," she replied. "I've grown weary of Yggdrasil anyway. I love this place... our own little nest."

"I promise that one day Fantasium and the Anomalies will be regulated enough for you to walk freely with our son," Gustaf said. "I work toward it every day."

"Thank you, my love. So that academy you mentioned—is it already under construction?" she asked.

"Yes. It's part of the Normalization Protocol. We'll recruit Agents and Sinners, train them to master their powers, and prepare them to regulate Anomalies and the Rifts leading to the Twisted Realms of the Hintergrid," Gustaf explained. "Our son will naturally be among the first students."

"And that girl too? I bet you're worried about her," Benladra teased with a light giggle, sipping her wine.

"I... You mean Mirai?" Gustaf rubbed his chin. "Perhaps. The government wants force, but there might be another way."

He glanced at his son devouring the sandwich with pure joy and allowed himself a faint smile.

"The future of Earth and beyond, even the key to halting Universal Decay, may rest with the next generation—those born into this chaotic world."

Louis looked up at his father, tilting his head innocently, unaware of the destiny awaiting him.

"That sandwich looks delicious. Mind sharing a bite with me?"

"Hm? Mom? You want my sandwich? It's mine! I don't share."

Louis glared at his mother, brows furrowed in proud defiance.

"Huh? I didn't say anything, dear."

"Eh? But I heard something."

"Nobody mentioned your sandwich, son."

"..."

Confusion washed over Louis as he glanced around, finding nothing unusual.

Yet that voice had not come from outside.

It had echoed inside his mind.

"Don't bother. Nobody can hear me except you."

"Huh? W-Who are you?!"

Panic surged through the boy. He bolted into the forest, searching desperately among the trees for the source.

"Louis?" his father called.

"Let him be. He's at that age where they run wild everywhere," Benladra laughed softly.

"No matter where you go, you won't find me, Louis. I am already beside you."

The boy spun around, wind rattling the leaves, his small heart pounding with confusion and anger.

"Get out of my head!"

"This is not yet the time for me to claim your soul. But that day will come. I will savor every bite. If only I could see the expression on your grandfather's face."

"...?!"

A chill gripped Louis, fear tightening his chest. The voice vanished, leaving him trembling. Tears welled up as he began to cry.

"Buaaaah!"

"Louis?!"

His parents rushed to him, finding their son sobbing in the middle of the woods.

They carried the weeping boy home, unable to comprehend his frantic words.

Even after Gustaf ran exhaustive tests, no Anomaly appeared in the child's body or mind.

In time, over many years, Louis gradually forgot that terrifying day.

But on his eighteenth birthday, the nightmare from when he was three would return.

It would arrive with the cold embrace of death and a sharp blade piercing his abdomen.

As darkness engulfed him and memories of a former life stirred awake, thousands of claws reached desperately to snatch his soul from the abyss as he journeyed across the River of Time, accompanied by the mocking laughter of an ancient evil.

In that harrowing instant, he discovered that death would grant him return to the past.

Thus began the saga of the Dragon Prince and his endless regressions.

The only one blessed—and cursed—to halt the chaos that would one day consume not only Earth, but the entire Universe.

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Author's Note:

Wow, what a ride. This has been one of my best novels and I really loved writing it until the end.

Although we saw Drake's journey coming to an end, through these epilogue chapters, we also saw what's building up to be the next book.

This new novel will happen, as you saw, many years in the future, and the protagonist will be Drake's grandson.

The sequel will be named "Spiral of Madness: Ascension of the Dragon Prince", and it will be about Louis and his incredible ability to return to the past whenever he dies, called the Death Loop.

We will explore Earth and what has happened since the Dimensional Convergence, the new threat of the Dimensional Labyrinth, the Entities, Grievances, and the Spiral of Madness, a new Power System.

It will be a story with action, tragedy, deep phylosophy and also lots of the awesome things you liked about Epic of Ice Dragon, but even better... Although it is technically not Monster Evolution anymore, Louis will do everything in his power to evolve into a dragon, slowly transforming his body through Cultivation and countless other challenges.

So please, once you see it being released, do check it out!

Thank you so much for reading and I love you all, see you in the our next journey.