We Live in Dragon’s Peak – Chapter 323

We live at the foot of Dragon Peak.

Escaping Reality After the Chaos.

“Grandpa, are you alright?”

“Elnea-kun? I am fine.”

After seeing off Kusharilla, who retreated under the surveillance of the Giant Demon Lord’s subordinates, I immediately rushed to Sleigsta (Old Man).
Sleigsta (Old Man) and Asher were dropped to the ground by chains, but they didn’t seem to have any external injuries.
Near Sleigsta (Old Man), Asher was shaking his head as if he had a bad dream.

On the ground, the pure white ash scattered by Asher piled up, creating a landscape resembling the rare snowy scenery in the capital city.
When I picked it up, it was much whiter than real ash, and it sparkled like crystals, looking like real snow had fallen from a distance.

“Hmm. It truly is as far as the eye can see.”

Sleigsta (Old Man) read my mind, looked around, and nodded with satisfaction.

“Um, can I go play?”
“Let’s play, let’s play!”
“I’m sorry. Not yet, okay?”
“But the danger has passed, nyah.”
“No. Nimia, that’s not it. The danger is just beginning…”

That’s right. the truly scary part is what comes next.

“Elnea-kun, I can’t find the castle.”
“Elnea-kun, I can’t find the Great Shrine.”
“Elnea (Male), the capital city has become a wasteland…”

I can’t hear. I can’t hear anything, and I can’t see anything!

“I suppose so. Since nothing is left, there’s no way you can see anything.”
“No, no! Asher, don’t say it so lightheartedly, as if it has nothing to do with you!”

I shook my head vigorously like Asher did earlier, closed my eyes, covered my ears, and curled up.

“It truly has nothing to do with me. I don’t care about human kingdoms.”
“You should go easy on your elders.”
“You say that, but you were thrashing about awfully for your age?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I was concentrating on defense, not thrashing about as much as you were.”
“No, both of you. You thrashed about more than enough. You’ve ruined the effort to protect them from the demon race.”

Mistral, in his human-dragon form accompanied by Ruiseine, admonished the two giant dragons who had destroyed the capital city.
Ruiseine looked haggard.

“The Great Shrine… The Great Shrine…”

Mentally!

“Hahaha. The country as an entity has been preserved. You should be happy that you only lost one or two capitals.”

The Giant Demon Lord, who had returned to his normal size, also appeared.
As the Giant Demon Lord said, I don’t have the courage to accept reality.

“However, the people who evacuated to places other than the Great Shrine…”

That seems to be the reason for Ruiseine’s haggard state too.
It was a battle that reduced the capital city to a wasteland. What happened to the people who had fled to shelters, even if they were underground? I’m suddenly reminded of my mother and father, my neighbors, and many other residents.

“Didn’t I say? I was concentrating on defense.”
“Could it be, Grandpa?”

I looked up at Sleigsta (Old Man).
Sleigsta (Old Man), lying with his mountain-like giant body as serenely as he was in the Moss Garden, was looking down at me kindly.

“Hmph, it was easier than guarding the Spirit Tree.”
“Thank you so much, Grandpa!”
“You should thank me too.”
“Asher, thank you!”
“It was nothing, really. Think of it as thanks for looking after my daughter.”
“Oh? You seemed afraid of forbidden chains though?”

Asher glared down at the Giant Demon Lord, who had made an unnecessary remark. However, the Giant Demon Lord showed no sign of being bothered and wore a cool expression.

“At any rate, I’m glad everyone is safe.”
“Yes. I think so too!”
“Elnea, do you really think so?”
“Ugh…”
“Elnea-kun, report to your father.”
“Elnea-kun, explain to the ministers.”
“Elnea-kun, please explain to the Head Miko…”

What an unusual team-up. The Fut Princesses working with Ruiseine!

…I still want to escape reality.

“Well then, are you the representative for the human race?”
“Representative, you say?”

I tilted my head at the Giant Demon Lord’s words. Seeing that, the Demon Lord let out an exaggerated sigh.

“Mistral’s son-in-law seems foolish. Didn’t I just say ‘aftermath’? The demon race will send out Charlotte. You should also select a representative. Otherwise, the demon race can withdraw at our convenience.”
“That’s right!”

Disturbances, you see, continue even after the direct fighting is over. Post-war settlement. Who is responsible for what, how will reparations be made, and what kind of relationship will be built in the future? Complex procedures await.

…I really want to escape reality.
But this is something I can’t run away from.
For this disturbance, not only the Dragon Peak Alliance but also the demon race and everyone from the Dragon Forest cooperated.
I have to face the consequences of that directly.

“Huh? But can we decide on a representative on our own?”

If they say the representative of the Dragon Peak Alliance is me, then so be it. However, when it comes to who the representative of the human race is after this incident, it doesn’t necessarily have to be me.
Just like the Giant Demon Lord chose Charlotte, shouldn’t I choose someone suitable?
There are many capable people in the human race, like the King or the Hero.

I had a great idea!
With that, I looked around. And then I finally noticed that the people gathered around Sleigsta (Old Man) were all kin.

The residents who evacuated to the Great Shrine. The Miko (Respectful) and Shinkan (Priest). The valiant Dragon Race warriors and Dragon Species. Soldiers and adventurers. The Dragon Kings, who must have sensed the battle had ended and rushed over at the earliest opportunity.
Many of them were looking at us from a distance, as if observing our situation.

“My, my, he truly is a foolish child.”
“It cannot be helped. I am the guardian of the Dragon Forest. I cannot easily associate with others.”
“And I know that I am a Demon Lord.”
“Now that you mention it, that’s true.”

Everyone living in Dragon Peak knows about the Giant Demon Lord. In addition, the legendary Sleigsta (Old Man). And Asher, who is an Ancient Dragon Species. These are all figures that one would not normally approach casually.
Even Yugra, Lily, and Revalia did not approach us.
Lily was in awe of Sleigsta (Old Man) and Asher, and Revalia was wary of being bullied by them at the Moss Garden before.
Yugra also did not approach, wary of the Giant Demon Lord.

However, there was someone who appeared without thinking.

“Whoa! What’s going on here!?”

It was Slaton.
Not only Slaton, but Duranel, carrying the Hero party, also dashed in from the north, delayed. However, Duranel, seeing the scene ahead, namely Sleigsta (Old Man) and the others, stopped in fear.
The Hero party, leaning forward due to the sudden braking, fell to the ground.

Yeah. Even as young dragons, they were too small to carry everyone!

“E-, Elnea…?”

Slaton, who was staring at me blankly, I waved to him.

“Hey, everyone!”

I beckoned them, but no one would come. Well, if even the Dragon Kings wouldn’t come, there’s no way Listea or Slaton could easily approach.

Well then, I shall proceed with the discussion on my own.
I haven’t forgotten. The selection of representatives, right!

…It’s not that I’m trying to escape reality!

“Nyah.”

Nimiah purred on Priscilla-chan’s head, and those who could read minds like Sleigsta (Old Man) sighed, “My, my.”

“For the Dragon Peak representative, I’ll ask Sleny, who is also the coordinator of the Dragon Kings, and Wol, who knows about the demon race. Let’s also ask Id, who knows about the Hero’s side. For the Dragon Forest representative, Carly is fine, right?”

When I confirmed with Sleigsta (Old Man), he said it was fine.
Since I couldn’t select a representative for the magic beasts, I’ll show my appreciation to them individually in the future.

“So, what role will you take?”

Mistral looked at me with a wry smile.
He must think I’m running away.
N-, no, I’m not!

“I-, I… Or rather, we still have work to do!”
“What kind of work?”

Ruiseine-san. Are you doubting me too?

“Elnea-kun has run off to escape reality.”
“Elnea-kun is averting his eyes from the disaster.”
“Elnea (Male), I will be on your side under any circumstances.”
“Um, are you free?”
“Free, free.”

Everyone… This is terrible!

“What do you all think of me?”

I slumped my shoulders in disappointment, and everyone laughed, saying, “Well…”

“In the Yorttenitos Kingdom, we erased the castle and created a large labyrinth underground.”
“In the demon race’s country, we blew away half of Kusharilla’s castle. The castle of the undead was completely demolished.”
“We also made a labyrinth in the capital.”
“Nyah.”
“We blew away the castle.”
“We turned the capital into a wasteland without a single trace.”
“The Great Shrine has collapsed.”
“Elnea, you sure do break a lot of things.”
“My, my. How troublesome.”
“Hahaha. You’re acting like a Demon Lord.”

Everyone laughed heartily.
No, wait a minute. It’s not entirely my fault!

The people who were looking this way with solemn expressions seemed to have heard me, and more people started whispering amongst themselves.

“Elnea…”
“Elnea, isn’t that the boy?”
“King of Destruction?”
“It’s no wonder he’s on familiar terms with the Demon Lord and giant dragons…”
“Who in the world is he?”

Everyone, your voices are leaking out.
The others laughed even more at the people’s rumors.

This won’t do. If this continues, I’ll be thought of as the King of Destruction or a Demon Lord from the human race.
If that’s the case, I’ll hurry and finish the remaining work!

The conversation has gone completely off track, but I need to get back to the main point.
This disturbance is not over yet!

“Grandpa.”

Sleigsta (Old Man) looked down at me with his golden eyes.

“Please take us to the Yorttenitos Kingdom!”
“Oh? Explain why.”

The disturbance is not over.
The crisis in the Armēdo Kingdom may have passed, but the Yorttenitos Kingdom must still be in danger.
The demon race army has retreated. Demon Lord Kusharilla has also withdrawn willingly. Yes, from the Armēdo Kingdom.
However, what about the Yorttenitos Kingdom?
Sefina said that the transfer device in the Ancient Ruins also connects to ruins far to the east.
And the ones who used the transfer device were that undead army.
However, the figure of Goldoba, the General of the Dead who commanded the undead army, was never confirmed until the end.

The answer derived from that is.

The undead army led by Goldoba is approaching the Yorttenitos Kingdom!

“Hoh? Another commotion?”
“Yes. So, I would like to ask Grandpa for the Transferring Art.”
“You people again… Explain it in words.”
“Ugh, that’s right.”

Mistral pointed out as usual, and I explained to everyone again.

“Ah. Even for Grandpa, it might be impossible for everyone at once, right?”

The Transferring Art is a super high-level dragon art that even Asher cannot use. While it might be possible for a small number of people, it might not be for all of us. Besides, can we even transfer to an unknown place?

“Hahaha. Do you not know what kind of being your teacher is?”
“You mean?”

I tilted my head at the Giant Demon Lord’s words and looked up at Sleigsta (Old Man).

“Here, kid, you come along too. I’ll specially watch over the Spirit Tree while you’re gone.”
“I’m reluctant to leave it to an old woman like her. But it can’t be helped, Elnea asked.”
“Elnea, watch closely. The true power of the Yin-Yang Dragon tribe, attendants to the Dragon God.”
“Yin-Yang Dragon…”

I repeated the Giant Demon Lord’s words and Sleigsta (Old Man) picked me up. And then placed me on top of his head.
Sleigsta (Old Man), with me on his back, elegantly flapped his wings and ascended into the sky.

“The disturbance is not over. Those who still have the will to fight, prepare! We shall now proceed to the eastern lands. Follow me, Elnea, the Eight Great Dragon King, and me, the guardian of the Dragon Forest! Pass through the Gates of Light!”

Sleigsta (Old Man)’s powerful and majestic words echoed across the white, shining land.
Sleigsta (Old Man), who had spoken, let out a divine roar that shook the world.

Black, glossy scales turned pure white. Jet-black fur turned to silver.
While transforming his entire body into a beautiful white, he meticulously refined immeasurable dragon energy.

A golden, shining 3D magic circle appeared in the sky and on the ground.

“I’ll accompany you!”

Laira, riding Revalia, ascended into the sky.

“It’s wise to flee.”
“Fleeing is winning.”

The Fut Princesses jumped onto Lily.

No, no, we’re not fleeing. We’re just in a hurry to deal with the crisis in the East!

“I suppose so. I’ll go too.”
“I-, I’ll accompany you.”

Ruiseine got on top of Asher.
Asher simply dislikes being with a demon lord he’s not close to.

“What? Is there still more?”
“Follow Elnea!”
“Yippee!”
“Don’t fall behind, everyone!”

The Dragon Race and Dragon Race people stood up one after another and jumped into the golden, shining 3D magic circle deployed by Sleigsta (Old Man).

“Elnea, can we go too?”

From the ground, Listea and the others were looking up.

“Of course!”

Nodding at my agreement, the Hero party also began to move.

“Elnea-kun, I’m sorry. I cannot go.”

It was Friel who said that.
Friel, still riding Yugra, continued to look up at us.

“As the representative from the Yorttenitos side, I must be involved in the post-war settlement. Please give my regards to my brothers.”
“Yes, I understand!”

It can’t be helped that Friel is staying behind. However, the three attendants who were also riding on Yugra’s back lowered their shoulders in disappointment.

“Conversely, I will proceed to Yorttenitos. Someone is needed to convey the circumstances on this side.”

Instead of Friel, it was Sefina who stepped forward. Sefina disappeared into the golden light without confirming our consent.

“Well then. Elnea, Elder, let’s go.”

Urged by Mistral, who had approached flapping his wings, we also plunged into the dazzling golden light.

As soon as we passed through the light, the scenery changed completely.
There was a vast army of undead covering the land.

I felt a gaze and looked around.
Grave and Madrine, riding blue wyverns, were looking at us in surprise.

Grave, I apologize in advance. I’m sorry.
It seems everyone hasn’t thrashed enough.
That’s only natural. The Giant Demon Lord and Sleigsta (Old Man) took all the good parts.

Goldoba, prepare yourself.
We won’t hold back!

“Charge—!”

At my command, the entire force of the Dragon Peak Alliance, gathered in the capital of the Armēdo Kingdom, joyfully began their charge!

“An unfamiliar land. We can thrash about to our hearts’ content!”
“Apparently, there’s a banquet after this!”
“I’ve heard about it. I hear there are many delicious cows and pigs raised in the human kingdom to the east!”
“All you can eat!?”
“Yippee!”
“Don’t fall behind the Dragon Race!”
“Show them the strength of the Dragon Race!”
“Mistral, watch this!”
“Laira-san, I’ll do my best!”
“I’m going to get married to my childhood friend after this fight.”

The people of the Dragon Peak Alliance approached the undead army, saying whatever they wanted.
Sleigsta (Old Man), with me on him, descended into the very center of the undead army without hesitation.

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