Snow had already finished all the procedures and preparations for the country.
No, to be precise, the people of the Walker family seem to have shared the tasks. The matter was settled in an instant, and by morning, we were to depart from Laura Via and head to the village in the west.
Come to think of it, this is my first time leaving the Allied Nations.
I casually gaze at the scenery outside the carriage window.
With a young green plain as the base, white mountains are visible in the distance. I had heard that outside the Allied Nations were frontiers, but there was truly nothing. Although there were simple roads, most of it was untouched nature.
While being swayed by the carriage, I quietly speak to Reaper, who is looking at the scenery with me.
I had asked Reaper to do me a favor and ride in the same carriage as me. Snow seemed a little suspicious, but it was necessary.
“—Reaper. What was that just now…?”
“Hm, what do you mean ‘just now’?”
“You looked like you were in pain…”
“Hmm, that. That’s, um…”
Reaper, being pressed, lowers the volume of his voice.
He doesn’t seem to want the Walker family’s attendant, who is driving, to hear.
“How should I put it… The ‘homicidal impulse’ towards Rowen, well…”
“H-homicidal impulse…?”
Hearing those ominous words, I also lower my voice.
“Yeah. When I try to suppress the ‘homicidal impulse,’ it becomes like that…”
“Does suppressing it hurt…?”
“It hurts so much it feels like my body will twist and break. Maybe it’s because I’m denying my own reason for existence…”
“…………”
Reaper is magic.
And it’s highly likely that it was created solely to kill the existence named Rowen Aleis. To resist the magic inscribed in his body would be to deny the entire existence of ‘the Reaper who longs for shadows.’
I, who am not magic, cannot understand that pain.
However, I couldn’t believe that the pain of denying oneself was a light matter.
“It’s okay, I won’t lose…”
Reaper smiles and acts tough.
“Reaper?”
“—I won’t lose to a mission given to me like ‘kill Rowen.’ I won’t let anyone meddle with my destiny. I will continue to resist false emotions. I am me!”
And, though in a small voice, he makes a powerful vow.
He didn’t look like a child younger than one year old. He is confronting his own reason for existence head-on and trying to choose his own path. I felt respect for the strength of his will.
“Y-you’re amazing… Reaper.”
The words slipped out naturally.
Somehow, Reaper’s vow resonated deep within my heart.
“…Hmm, no, it’s not amazing. I’m just repeating what I heard.”
“Repeating what you heard? From whom?”
“Probably, my older brother.”
“Eh…?”
I was bewildered by the unexpected name.
Even if he said he was repeating, I have no memory of explaining such a thing to Reaper.
“It’s not clear words, but they come pouring in. ‘Don’t meddle with fate.’ ‘Don’t allow lies.’ ‘Don’t mistake your own desires’—those are hoarse cries. Those voices are more desperate, pained, and earnest than anyone else’s—that’s why I believe in those voices.”
“Pouring in…?”
I instinctively place my hand on the mark on my neck.
If something is flowing, it’s from the connection of the “Curse.” If emotions, not just magic, are flowing, then I understand the meaning of Reaper’s words now.
Although, that’s setting aside the problem of when I had such emotions…
“So, what I’m saying is also my older brother’s words…”
“My words…”
With that, Reaper turned his gaze back to the scenery outside.
The all-knowing Reaper from before disappeared, and he returned to an expression befitting his age.
I felt that I could believe his words, at least a little.
I can’t believe the previous words were only Reaper’s. Thinking that these words are my own from the past makes a lot of sense.
My past self might be enraged.
I re-examine my own emotions.
To be honest, I don’t have the strong conviction that Reaper had just now. I certainly dislike lies and disorder. However, I don’t have that much resolve.
Then, how did I gain such resolve, and for what reason did I utter those words?
‘Don’t meddle with fate.’ ‘Don’t allow lies.’
And, ‘Don’t mistake your own desires.’
I continued to think about it until we reached the western village.
I couldn’t help but think about it.
As time passed, the carriage continued to advance across the plains.
After about half a day, we arrived at the western village.
It was a much sturdier village than I had imagined. While it had a rustic frontier feel, its size was the same as Laura Via’s town.
We greeted the villagers and headed to the manor in the center.
We were to meet the village chief, who was our client.
Here too, the Walker family’s attendants were very active. They handled everything from negotiations to contracts, making it feel less like we were taking on a request in a distant land.
Although I was present as the party leader, there were no flaws that I could interject with, so I was truly just standing there.
It was decided that we would depart for the subjugation immediately, and we left the village chief’s manor.
Near the manor, Rowen was once again playing with children. He must have been bored while the villagers were negotiating. He was demonstrating sword techniques and receiving exclamations of “Ooh!” Rowen was in good spirits, repeating his techniques one after another.
I spread out the map I received on the ground, leaving Rowen behind.
I pull over a Reaper who was playing nearby and have them confirm the location with me.
“—Dimensional Magic: Multiple Expansion!”
“—I’ll use Dimension too!”
Those who wield Dimensional Magic don’t need scouts.
And they never get lost.
I permeate my magic power into the entire village, the nearby mountain, and the target abandoned castle, gathering topographical information. In parallel, I use my right hand to redraw the old parts of the map on the ground. I can memorize things after seeing them once, but I’m making an accurate map for Snow and Rowen just in case.
The Reaper next to me growls and imitates me. However, her magic power doesn’t seem to reach as far as mine. I’d say it’s only to the foot of the mountain.
Smiling as I watch, I expand the Dimension further.
I grasp the structure and search for the dragon residing in the castle. The castle is larger than I expected. It’s not a small one, comparable to Laura Via’s castle.
The castle was characterized by a large, withered garden.
It was three times the size of the castle I visited before with Laura Via. The owner of this castle might have liked greenery.
Thinking about this, I extend my magic even deeper.
I quickly found the dragon. It was sleeping soundly on the throne.
It had crushed the human-sized throne and was curled up on the high seat. Surrounding it were piles of crops, likely plundered from the village. There was nothing else.
It was an unsightly scene. In fairy tales, colorful dragons often guard treasure, but this one had no shiny objects.
Its scales were a dull yellow, its body covered in dirt. It made its lair in a crumbling, dilapidated castle, and there was no treasure to be found. The surrounding root vegetables only emphasized its frugality.
【Monster】Dravdragon: Rank 26
It seems I can “gaze” at monsters outside the labyrinth as well.
The information about Rank 26 is reassuring. Numerically speaking, it’s no match for me, who has delved up to the 30th floor of the labyrinth.
“A dull dragon… discovered…”
At the same time, the Dravdragon opened its eyes. It must have sensed the magic of Dimensional Magic.
However, the Dravdragon quickly closed its eyes again.
It seemed accustomed to it. Perhaps it’s common for it to be subjected to this kind of exploration magic.
“Eh, eh, Big Brother… Where, where?”
The Reaper, having heard my report, asks while looking around.
Without any other option, I assist the Reaper’s Dimension with my magic power. This is a feat that wouldn’t be possible between ordinary mages, but it was possible between the Reaper and me.
The Reaper and I are connected by a Curse, and our magic attributes and qualities are similar. Sharing Dimensions is possible.
“Reaper, not that way. Expand towards the northwest… yes, that’s it.”
“Oh, this way. Whoa! There’s an amazing castle over here! And I found a big lizard too!”
I guide the Reaper’s Dimension, somehow allowing her to confirm the dragon.
Seeing that the Reaper and I had confirmed it, Snow enthusiastically declared her departure.
“Mm, okay. It’s that way then. Let’s go. —Rowen Aleis!!”
Rowen stopped interacting with the children when Snow called him.
Then, with a satisfied smile, he bid them farewell and was seen off with shouts of “Good luck, Master!” It seems Rowen has the children here call him “Master” as well.
And so, we ventured into the mountains.
Dragon subjugation would normally require extensive preparations, but we were lightly equipped. All the tools needed for the expedition were in our Inventory, so we each carried only one weapon.
With no hand luggage, we were able to proceed swiftly.
As we walked along the mountain path, I spoke to Snow to review the information about the target of subjugation.
“At this pace, it seems we’ll really finish within a day… subduing the Dravdragon…”
“Mm, that’s what we chose.”
“But it’s strange that a dragon so close by hasn’t been defeated until today.”
“It’s not strange at all. It’s only natural that the ‘dull dragon’ hasn’t been defeated until today.”
“Natural…?”
Snow continued talking without stopping.
“Because it’s an unprofitable dragon. It’s strong, yet the bounty is incredibly low. That’s why it’s always been left alone.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Unlike other typical greedy dragons, it’s not greedy at all. It doesn’t commit any evil acts beyond stealing the minimum necessary crops. Even the amount of those crops is minimal. Because of this, even if you defeat it, you get only a pittance. And yet, the dragon’s strength remains the same, so no one bothers to defeat it.”
It seems there’s a reason why it’s still around.
While the country wants it eliminated, its low level of harm makes it a very low priority.
That means—
“It’s a wise dragon.”
“No. It’s cunning.”
My admiration for the dragon was denied by Snow’s resentful voice.
“Cunning…?”
“It’s cunning because the other dragons are dead, so it’s hiding and abandoning its pride.”
“Uh, were there other dragons in the past…?”
“Yes. In the Allied Nations’ frontier, there were three other dragons. Well, Glen killed them all…”
At the mention of Glen’s name at the end, Snow’s eyes flickered slightly.
I was in a state of combat readiness, so my Dimension was heightened. Because of that, I realized Snow had lied.
However, that’s not a reason to ask again.
My senses aren’t a hundred percent correct, and it’s not information I particularly want to know.
“So, those three were highly dangerous.”
“Typical greedy Dragons. They burned villages, attacked towns, ate people, and stole treasure. Many bounty hunters and knights were defeated by them, but they eventually died miserably.”
“Humans versus Dragons. It’s like a fairy tale… No matter how strong a Dragon is, they eventually lose, huh?”
“Yeah. That’s right.”
Snow nodded slightly sadly and became quiet.
Snow is a Dragon Person. Perhaps the Dragon blood flowing in her veins evokes sympathy.
I avoid the topic that’s about to turn dark and focus on the problem at hand.
“So, how do we fight this Dravdragon? According to the资料, it looks quite strong…”
“We’ll fight it head-on. It’ll probably be one-sided.”
“No, that might be true… but more like, a strategy or…”
“Since everyone in this Party is a front-liner, that’s the best approach.”
It seems Snow isn’t eager to fight head-on either.
I’m troubled by the imbalance of the Party.
“I see. Ideally, I’d want someone specialized in magic—”
“That’s unnecessary.”
However, Snow cuts off my worries with a decisive “No.”
I look at Snow in surprise.
“Huh? Why…?”
“Uh, well, that’s—”
Snow seems to be searching for her next words in a troubled manner. Although she interrupted me on impulse, she didn’t seem to have prepared a reason.
That reaction leaves me in a bind.
I know Snow is plotting to take me in as her husband. I doubt if she even has affection, let alone love, but she definitely wants to “make her life easier” by using me.
However, it’s still problematic if she interferes with combat efficiency. So, I decide to state my opinion clearly.
“Snow, don’t bring your personal convenience into business.”
“Th-that’s not it? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. …Are you angry? You’re not angry, are you?”
When I speak a little sternly, Snow’s attitude changes completely.
Her subservient demeanor is very similar to Glen’s. Although not blood-related, it’s clear they are siblings.
“No, I’m not angry. I’m not angry, so…”
“That’s a relief… Th-the reason I said it was unnecessary was because the Epic Seekers have enough excellent mages! That’s right! Shall we call Teiri next?”
“That’s right. With Teiri, the breadth of our battles will expand…”
“Mhm, let’s do that!”
I agree with Snow’s desperate attempt to cover up her words.
Hearing that, Snow nods happily. She seems pleased that we’re in agreement.
I can’t stop my wry smile.
I understand that this fawning attitude, which I see occasionally, is Snow’s approach. However, that very attitude is what I find most difficult to deal with.
I hesitate over whether to tell her that clearly.
But if I speak too strongly, she might start saying strange things again, like on the night of the ball.
Regarding Snow, the problem won’t be solved unless it’s dealt with from the root.
Her engagement with an aristocrat. The Walker family’s responsibilities. Snow’s weakness. No, it’s something more fundamental—
“Haa…”
I sigh.
Already, my own problems aren’t neatly resolved.
With various issues piled on top of that, my mental strain only increases.
“Kanami… are you okay? What’s wrong?”
Snow leans closer to me, looking worried.
Her current appearance, completely opposite to when we first met, is truly lovely and girlish. However, I feel a strong sense of incongruity with it.
Simply put, the cute Snow isn’t like Snow.
To me, Snow is more languid, audacious, and unrestrained.
Above all, Snow from back then seemed happier.
The current Snow is forcing herself. Her subservient smile is unbearable to watch. Perhaps that’s the biggest reason I can’t accept the current Snow.
“I’m fine. More importantly, let’s iron out the strategy for the Dravdragon battle a little more.”
“Mhm, understood. Then—”
As I refine the strategy with Snow, I think about something else in parallel.
How can I get Snow back to her old self?
If her engagement problem is resolved, Snow will regain her composure.
However, this is a difficult problem for me, who is ignorant of the aristocratic system in this world. The only idea that comes to mind is to pretend to be her fiancé and buy time.
But I can’t determine if that would be effective. There’s also the possibility of being swept into marriage with Snow without even realizing it.
Pretending to be her fiancé is a last resort.
While talking with Snow, I think of other methods.
However, without coming up with any new good ideas, we arrive at the ruined castle where the Dravdragon awaits.
It was a steep mountain path, but we felt no fatigue.
The stamina of the four of us is extraordinary, and we are accustomed to even more challenging labyrinths. Reaper, instead of resting, is excitedly flying around the surroundings.
Facing the atmospheric ruined castle, he seems unable to contain himself.
I take Reaper out of my sight, grab him by the scruff of his neck, and hold him down as we enter the castle grounds.
We arrive at the giant garden after walking for a little while.
There are no colorful flowers. It’s green from end to end. However, the garden, woven with various shades of green from faded deep green to bright lime green, possessed a unique beauty.
It was desolate, yet it had a mysterious sense of unity.
It tickled something deep within my heart, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
“Huh, this place…?”
Reaper muttered as he looked around the garden.
“Reaper, what’s wrong?”
“N-no. It’s nothing. It’s just… it feels a little nostalgic…”
“Nostalgic…”
It seemed Reaper felt the same emotion as I did.
This green garden might easily evoke feelings of nostalgia.
However, Rowen seemed to have arrived at a different conclusion than I.
“Nostalgic, Reaper…? Snow, what is the name of this castle?”
“Name…? It has no name. It’s a ‘nameless ruined castle,’ so to speak. If it had one, it would only be a regional name prefixed.”
“Then, do you know why this castle is built here?”
“I don’t know. This is a relic from a very distant past in a frontier. I think it was built in a lost era.”
“I see… A relic from the past…”
Rowen pondered with a troubled expression.
But soon, his expression eased, and he started walking forward.
“—No, it doesn’t matter. More importantly, it’s the dragon, the dragon. Kanami, is it okay to go straight like this?”
“It’s fine to go straight. That dragon is sleeping soundly on the throne.”
“Understood. Then, let’s proceed. We came here to defeat the dragon.”
We followed behind the leading Rowen.
Leaving the world of overgrown greenery, we arrived at the castle entrance. The castle’s massive gate was destroyed, allowing even a Dravdragon to enter and exit.
If there were a mage specializing in attack magic, they could attack from here using Dimension, but since there isn’t, we have no choice but to enter normally.
Finally, we confirmed our formation and took out dragon-fighting tools from our Inventory. The dragon-fighting tools are just logs. Snow carries two, and I carry one.
Once prepared, we cautiously infiltrated the castle.
We passed through the moldy and moss-covered entrance, ascended the grand staircase, and entered the throne room.
And then, we encountered the Dravdragon.
As soon as we entered the throne room, the Dravdragon spread its wings.
The Dravdragon was awake the moment we infiltrated the castle. From this, we can tell it has keen senses. The Dravdragon intends to fight us here.
Its massive body is intimidating.
I have fought many monsters so far, but this is the largest monster I have ever encountered. Its appearance is exactly like the dragons of Western fairy tales, a giant lizard with wings. Its body length is about fifteen meters, but its presence is greater than that number when its huge wings are spread. It is covered in seemingly hard, ochre scales, and there are old scars all over its body. Its appearance suggests it has overcome numerous near-death experiences.
Then, the Dravdragon slowly turned its head towards us.
It’s a massive head. It’s large enough to swallow all four of us whole.
The Dravdragon’s reptilian eyes meet mine.
Then, its gaze shifts slightly and turns to Reaper next to me.
It showed strong interest in the two of us: me and Reaper.
The Dravdragon rumbled deep in its throat. Making a sound like a rapid succession of percussion instruments, it continued to stare only at me and Reaper.
“Eh…?”
I felt no hostility.
On the contrary, I sensed clear intelligence from the dragon’s twin eyes.
This dragon… towards me and Reaper—
“—Kanami!”
Snow’s scolding voice flew towards me, who was standing there dumbfounded.
Rowen, who was at the very front, had already drawn his sword. Panicked, I threw away the log in my hand and took out the Crescent Pectoral Azure’s Straight Sword from my Inventory.
If the plan went as intended, Rowen and I were supposed to charge in first. Snow and Reaper would follow behind, aiming for a surprise attack.
Seeing us draw our weapons, the Dravdragon changed its expression. Its intelligent twin eyes turned cold and ferocious, and it opened its massive mouth.
Then, it let out a roar like a thousand resonant instruments.
In response to the roar, I dashed forward to the left. Rowen went to the right.
As we dashed forward, the Dravdragon flapped its wings powerfully, creating wind.
This wind is not just any wind. It’s the wind created by a top-tier monster, a Dragon, the Dragon’s Wind. A gale imbued with immense magic power slammed into our bodies.
If this wind were composed solely of mechanical energy, I would have been helpless. However, if magic is added to it—I can deal with it.
“—Dimension Winter!”
I shifted the magic contained within the gust.
The Dravdragon’s magic management appears crude, but in reality, it is intricate. Even a simple flap of its wings weaves a sophisticated Wind Magic. It’s truly the mystery of a dragon, but it’s only counterproductive against me.
The more intricate it is, the greater the price when it is displaced.
The Dragon’s Wind became ‘just wind,’ and I endured the gale with sheer physical strength alone.
Rowen, on the other side, couldn’t cope and was blown away. As expected, there’s nothing one can do against magic attacks.
However, even so, Rowen is “the strongest swordsman in history.” He uses the stone pillars and walls of the throne room to kick off, rejecting the push back with superhuman physical ability.
The Dravdragon swings its claws at us who have endured the wind.
Rowen and I dodge the claws, imbued with deadly strength, with our entire bodies.
Without a moment’s pause, the Dravdragon’s tail swings, toppling a stone pillar. Its target is Rowen. However, he briefly places his hand on the approaching tail at high speed and leaps over it as if clearing a fence.
The first phase—the first turn—is over.
And our formation is complete. Facing the Dravdragon, Snow is in front, I am on the right flank, Rowen is on the left flank, and behind us—
“—Got your back!!”
Reaper’s scythe tears into the dragon’s back.
However, it’s shallow.
Compared to the Dravdragon’s massive body, the weapon is too small.
Still, damage is damage. The Dravdragon roars with anger and turns around.
“Hee hee, you’ve turned around! Then, you’re the prey of ‘Shadow-Longing Reaper’! —Magic [Dimension: Black Foam], Magic [Form: Abyss]!!”
Reaper conjures dimensional magic I’ve never seen before, cloaking his scythe in black magic power. It seems Reaper has grown too. I’m tempted to analyze it, but I suppress the urge as we’re in the boss fight now.
The Dravdragon attacks Reaper behind it with its claws and tail, but cannot catch her as she repeatedly teleports. In the first place, as far as I can tell with [Dimension], Reaper has no physical form. Even if hit directly, it would do no damage. However, the Dravdragon, unaware of Reaper’s abilities, continues its attacks.
“—Magic [Impulse Break]”
Then, seeing that the Dravdragon’s front and back have completely swapped, Snow unleashes her magic with all her might.
Even so, it’s just throwing a log wrapped in vibration magic.
Compared to the Dravdragon’s intricate magic, it’s quite primitive.
However, its primitiveness gives it a solid strength. The log thrown with Snow’s incredible strength had enough power to shake the Dravdragon’s massive body.
Taking advantage of its off-balance moment, Rowen and I attack.
“—Magic [Magic Power Solidification]”
“—Skill [Magic Power Solidification]”
To land an effective blow on the massive Dravdragon, I extend the length of my sword. Then, I slash at the enemy’s arms and legs with my longsword.
The Dravdragon was helpless against the coordinated attack from all directions.
Then, as if to deliver the finishing blow, Reaper swings his scythe cloaked in dark magic. For that moment only, I stop tracking Reaper with [Dimension].
The Dravdragon’s back is torn open. The wound extends to its left wing, a deep gash that threatens to tear it off.
“—Gaaaaaaah!”
The Dravdragon falls with a scream.
Then, it remains crouched, only taking shallow breaths.
Judging that we had inflicted a fatal wound, we ease up on our attacks.
Of course, we do not let our guard down. However, since our formation was based on attacking from behind when the opponent made a move, we lost the timing to strike.
Silence fills the throne room.
With shallow breaths, the Dravdragon moves its head slightly.
Then, it turns its eyes toward me.
It stares intently at me alone, faintly growling something in its throat.
I feel as though this dragon is trying to convey something to me.
However, I understand nothing.
Even with excellent skill and observation, I cannot understand the dragon’s words here and now.
Still, I lower the tip of my sword, trying to grasp the dragon’s will, and take a single step closer.
I approach it.
If.
If, that is.
If there is a way to complete the request without killing this dragon, then—
“No. There is no hand to extend to a proud, mongrel dragon.”
Snow’s cold voice echoes in the throne room.
—The voice seemed to be speaking to the Dravdragon.
She raises her colossal axe, about to deliver the finishing blow to the Dravdragon.
Hearing this declaration, the Dravdragon’s killing intent intensifies.
“Ah, wait! I’ll take the dragon’s head! I’m the ‘Dragon Slayer’—!”
Rowen steps forward with his sword, intending to claim the finishing blow on the dragon.
And Reaper—only Reaper was different.
She lowered her weapon like me and stared at the Dravdragon with a solemn expression.
What is this difference?
To understand it, I wanted to communicate with the dragon a little longer.
However, it was all too late.
Snow and Rowen’s attacks reach the Dravdragon.
The great axe strikes its head, crushing its skull. The sword bites into its neck, and a torrent of blood erupts.
With this, the Dravdragon did not perish—it was not dead.
With terrifying vitality, it was still alive.
Still with the great axe lodged in its head, the Dravdragon swings its head and slams Snow away.
“—Guh!”
Furthermore, with its neck nearly severed, it moves its wings and sends Rowen flying.
“—Naht!”
Snow and Rowen, struck directly by the Dravdragon’s attack, are unceremoniously slammed into the wall and floor.
