When I woke up, I saw a familiar ceiling. It was the ceiling of Efil’s Room. Since I was lying in bed, I must have fallen into a deep sleep after that. However, despite just waking up, my head felt strangely clear. That’s why I could clearly recall the events of that dream. I was a little worried it might have become vague memories like before, but it was an unnecessary concern.
“However, that way of parting ways… Scratching my old wounds, no, it felt like they were trying to finish me off.”
I won’t say what it was, what it was. That was supposed to be a secret between me and Efil. But then some sword elder twisted it into something amusing, and our memories—
“Master, good morning. You’re awake.”
“…”
“…? What’s wrong?”
Efil, you startled me by appearing so suddenly. It’s enough to give even the Grim Reaper a shock when you appear just as I’m picturing your face.
“No, it’s nothing. More importantly, Efil, you seem to be in your maid outfit, is your condition okay now?”
“Yes. I slept with Master and I’m completely better. This is all thanks to you, Master.”
“I don’t have powers like Rion, you know?”
“You do. At least, to me.”
Don’t say that with such a beautiful smile, you’ll make me cry… Yeah, I won’t worry about that sword elder anymore. What’s a poet compared to me!
“But, I was a little worried. You seemed to be sleeping soundly, but you weren’t showing any signs of waking up… You must have been very tired.”
“Did I sleep that long? Um, what time is it now?”
“It’s almost 10 o’clock.”
Whoa, no wonder the sun is so high. I really overslept. …No, remember. I think I woke up from that dream in conjunction with Kuromel waking up. That means Kuromel has also just woken up. Even the corrupted Kuromel seems to retain her Mel-like traits. Oh, I’ve already discovered a weakness for the great boss. Kuromel is weak to mornings.
“Is your physical condition alright?”
“Hmm… I’m fine, no problems.”
I lightly rotated my arms, demonstrating my utmost health. Perhaps because I got enough sleep, I felt no fatigue from last night.
“Then Master, I will help you change.”
Efil, in a cheerful mood, brought neatly folded clothes. Ah, yes. She seems very happy to be able to take care of me again after a long time.
***
Kelvin’s Mansion – Dining Hall
“And so, I believe we need to strengthen our forces.”
“No, wait a moment. Wait, Your Majesty. This is too sudden for my old mind to comprehend…”
“Um, um…”
“Kelvin, please wait a moment! I need to sort some things out!”
“Hmm, this is all new information for me too.”
I gathered my allies, who were scattered in various places, using telepathy and confided in them about the contents of my dream. I told them everything, without hiding anything, about my previous life, the circumstances of Kuromel’s birth from Melfina. With the decisive battle approaching, I couldn’t keep it a secret. Fortunately, only trusted comrades were present. I had no hesitation.
“Oh, so Elearis was quite clumsy. Or rather, downright malicious?”
“…Hey Serge. Why are you here?”
I just noticed Serge sitting on the dining hall window frame. It seems her Unique Skill was working, as Ange shook her head, saying she hadn’t noticed either until now. She must have been eavesdropping outside.
“Well, well, it’s not like it’s going to hurt anything, is it? You need more fighters, right? I can help too.”
“Ange told me, but you’re quite the free spirit…”
“Hahaha! You’re one to talk, Kelvin-kun.”
As soon as she was discovered, Serge naturally sat down at the dining hall table and joined the conversation. The servants, including Ellie, looked bewildered. I gave them permission to treat her as a guest.
“Honestly, Serge, it would be helpful if you were on our side. However, I need to correct one thing. Regarding Mel killing me, it seems it wasn’t Elearis who made her do it, but the System of the world. Elearis was just following that system and using divine power. In other words, it’s not Elearis’s fault, but the first one who created this world.”
“Hmm, you’re saying complicated things… But will the black version of Melfina be convinced by such a reason?”
“Convinced or not, Mel, who shares memories with that black version of Mel, is saying so. Kuromel is no longer acting solely on evil intentions.”
In fact, Kuromel had resented Elearis for decades and acted on that resentment. However, after that, she focused not only on denigrating Elearis but also on altering the world itself to realize the world I idealized. Her desire was not destruction, but change.
“So, Kelvin-niichan, you mentioned strengthening our forces, but what specifically will we do? Even if we raise our levels, I don’t think ordinary opponents will be enough to boost us anymore, will they?”
Shutra, who quickly understood what I was saying (at Gerard’s request, she was in her younger form at the mansion), asked for the details. Shutra’s question was valid. We’ve fought various enemies like demons, demon lords, dragons, and apostles, but further growth won’t be achieved with ordinary opponents. It would probably require facing the remaining Dragon Kings or enemies on par with my father-in-law. But, you know, increasing strength isn’t just about raising levels, is it?
“We will continue to subjugate Angel-type monsters that appear in various places, as before. Even those are not enough, but they are stronger than other monsters. However, this is not to raise our levels, but solely to ensure the safety of each country and to keep our skills sharp. The intention for strengthening our forces lies elsewhere.”
“And what would that be?”
“For example, receiving blessings from the Dragon Kings.”
“From the Dragon Kings?”
Everyone simultaneously turned their gazes towards Dahak, Kou Mudo, and Boga, who were now in human form. Caught off guard, the two who were mindlessly devouring vegetable sticks and tea snacks became flustered, and Boga was openly terrified.
“U-us?”
“Yes, you two. Well, technically, there are still Wind Dragon King and Thunder Dragon King that we haven’t met, but let’s put them aside for now. You can tell from Efil’s flames, which bear the Fire Dragon King’s blessing, that the power and resistance of elemental attributes are vastly different with or without a blessing. This is separate from levels and directly relates to combat strength. Of course, this is only if Dahak and Mudo agree. I know that only one person can receive a Dragon King’s blessing in their lifetime, and I have no intention of forcing you. However, if you agree to it, I would like you to grant me Dahak’s power of Earth and Mudo’s power of Light. So, I want you both to think carefully—”
“—Heh, this is silly, brother! You and I are one, we don’t hold back from each other, right! I’ll never forget the oath of brotherhood we swore while weeding!”
“I will be satisfied with Efil-neesan’s handmade sweets until I’m full. Of course, I demand three servings: one for myself, one for myself, and one for myself.”
…Um, I have no memory of making such an oath while weeding. Well, let’s just go with it. Mudo trying to satisfy his desires in such a way is very Mudo-like. However, I am genuinely happy that they agreed without any hesitation.
“Ah, um, what about my blessing…?”
“Boga’s blessing as the Fire Dragon King? In our party, Efil and Rion use Red Magic, but Efil has the previous generation’s, and Rion doesn’t use fire-elemental magic much. So, Boga, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Me?”
Gerard kept pointing at himself, but I ignored it.
Today at 9 PM, there will be an announcement related to “The Black Summoner” on Nico Live hosted by Overlap. The link is posted in the activity report, so please check there if you are interested.
