Chapter 1034 Arcane Duel

• "The dragon vein carries the fate of all humankind. I will never allow you to drain it!" Mander roared, his voice thunderous. A shadow of killing intent settled over his face.
• "A joke, is it? If I had not intervened, half the human race would already be drifting about as ash. What use is so-called destiny to a pile of cinders? We simply stand on different ground—different vantage, different understanding, different courage. Right and wrong are the bedtime myths frightened children whisper in the dark. You call it theft when I claim the dragon veins; I call it hypocrisy when you chain them in place. To drink all nine veins dry, to crush the old and raise something new—that is the only path forward. Leave humanity to your stale traditions, and extinction will sweep in on silent wings."
• Sage Chronos let the words hang, his gaze a winter blade glittering under wan light. Every syllable still trembled in the air, sharper than iron filings.