We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
A New Crisis
“Master your limbs in an instant.”
I extended my hand, stilling my fingertips and one raised leg for just a moment, then continued to dance with flowing movements.
The dances of the Harem Dancing Girls I’d seen in the capital cities of the Armēdo Kingdom and Yorttenitos Kingdom were beautiful, captivating those who watched, with their ebb and flow.
Initially, I thought it was because the flowing movements naturally led to the next, and my entire body, in its meticulous expression, perfectly conveyed the dancer’s heart.
No, it certainly conveyed the dancer’s heart. However, there were subtle mistakes in the movements.
Dragon Sword Dance is a dance that unleashes continuous swordplay and taijutsu with flowing movements, luring and bewildering opponents within the dance.
The essence of Dragon Sword Dance is its continuous, unceasing attack.
And the flowing movements have something in common with the dances of the Harem Dancing Girls. I had convinced myself of this and had been practicing, focusing on the continuity and natural flow of the movements until now.
But, that was wrong.
Within the dance that mesmerizes spectators and even opponents, there is a mixture of stillness and motion. Intense movements. Gentle movements. And a moment of silence.
I never imagined that fixing the entire body for a moment in a poised state was crucial during the dance.
I would never have thought of it if the Spirit Tree Spirit, a woman, hadn’t pointed it out.
Dragon Sword Dance is, after all, a battle dance. A sword dance that utilizes Dragon Energy, swordsmanship, and taijutsu.
The number of techniques is everything. If you show an opening, you will be counterattacked. If your movements stop, you can escape. That thinking is not wrong.
However, if you aim for what lies beyond that.
If you aim for a sword dance like that of Kensei Faruna, which captivates everyone, then I must also master Dragon Sword Dance as a dance.
Oh, right. I must not forget.
Of course, I want to incorporate elements of Kagura, dedicated to the Goddess and the Spirit Tree.
I want to incorporate everything that comes to mind, to complete my own Dragon Sword Dance, my own dance.
Am I greedy?
No.
I believe that putting forth multiple goals like this, and incorporating all of them, is where the results of training lie.
Saying “I can’t do this,” and “Let’s try incorporating that,” will never lead to the completion of something perfect. Only by mastering everything you notice can you create something unique.
“Greedy, greedy.”
Ares-chan is smiling happily on the lap of the Spirit Tree woman.
I don’t know why the Spirit Tree Spirits other than Ares-chan are cooperating with my trial.
Perhaps it’s just that the spirits sometimes act on a whim, and I happened to catch their interest.
The woman who is guiding me, with Ares-chan on her lap and sitting on a thick root of the Spirit Tree, was clearly a high-ranking Spirit Tree Spirit.
From the side, they look like a mother and daughter.
Fufufu, Ares-chan. You will accompany me to the very end in everything I do!
“Greed is not always a bad thing. Do not forget your desire to explore yourself. Stagnation leads to decline. To always move forward, you must have desire.”
In the end, it was supposed to be a solo trial, but it has become a training session supported by the Spirit Tree woman, Ares-chan, and many Spirits.
I firmly close the final pose and finish dancing Dragon Sword Dance.
Perhaps it’s because I’ve been continuously sharpening my mind, my fingertips are tingling. Movements I’ve never done before have been added, and the muscles in my back and inner thighs are screaming.
For the past few days, I’ve experienced firsthand how physically and mentally difficult it is to consciously stop my body for a moment within flowing movements.
With short, clumsy legs, a strange child-like spirit brought me water. Thank you, I said, and drank the water.
The cool, cold water gave my throat a pleasant stimulation.
I take a deep breath and calm my breathing. Then, I look up at the sky.
The tips of the Spirit Tree’s deep branches and leaves are pitch black.
Although the area around me is bright, illuminated by the Light Spirits, it is already midnight.
In the end, I didn’t make it in time for New Year’s Eve.
Or rather, it’s not exactly New Year’s Eve yet. But even if I return now, it’s too late.
I feel like I’ve done something bad to everyone.
It was supposed to be the first New Year’s Eve with the whole family gathered.
I knew it would take time to complete the task I set for myself. But I came up with it.
I can’t make excuses about time constraints and run away. I cannot betray the expectations of Old Man Sleigsta.
“Even so, if you truly want to master it, it will take a few more years, or even a lifetime, to be honest.”
“Ugh, if I return when I’m an old man, no one will be happy.”
“Bury me, bury me.”
“No, no, Ares-chan. I won’t die of old age here!”
She says something terrifying so casually.
Perhaps Ares-chan thinks that if I die here and get buried, she can have me all to herself.
How terrifying…
“I can’t hold Elnea captive until she dies. I’ve taught her the basics. Basic things and other essentials, and Elnea has learned them well. Isn’t that good enough for now?”
“Yes. If Grandpa says the trial is insufficient, I will return. Please take care of me again then.”
“What? You mean you won’t come back for any other reason?”
“Eeeh. But you can’t enter here without Grandpa’s permission, can you?”
“Then, this is my trial for you. Obtain permission so you can come here anytime. If Elnea stops coming… let me see, shall I let the forest encroach upon the Human Realm? I will also remove the Spirit Tree’s blessing upon Elnea.”
“Wh-what!”
I let out a scream at the new trial proposed by the Spirit Tree woman.
“Let’s go, let’s go.”
As if my confusion didn’t matter, Ares-chan, with her small steps, walks towards me and tries to lead me deeper into the Ancient Tree Forest by holding my hand.
“Wait for me a moment.”
I stop Ares-chan and turn back to the Spirit Tree.
“Let me dance one more time.”
To the Spirit Tree woman and the Spirits who have accompanied my training for days, and to the Spirit Tree itself, which I feel has been watching me dance awkwardly at its roots with warm eyes.
I want to dance the Dragon Sword Dance, not as practice, but with all my gratitude.
It’s possible I’ll be coming here again starting tomorrow, but it’s important to express my gratitude for today.
I dance the last Dragon Sword Dance of the year with deep gratitude and prayer.
Solemnly, like a Kagura offering. With a dance that excites the heart, blending stillness and motion like a dance performance. And carefully, while being mindful of the original power and flowing continuity of Dragon Sword Dance.
I dance with single-minded devotion, and as I strike the final pose, applause erupts around me. The humanoid spirits clap, and the animal and insect spirits jump with joy. The light-particle spirits dance wildly, expressing their happiness.
The Spirit Tree shakes its branches, rustling its leaves. Were they pleased?
“Hmm, still not quite there.”
My knees buckle at the Spirit Tree woman’s merciless evaluation, but I thank everyone again.
Then, hand in hand with Ares-chan, I return into the dark depths of the Ancient Tree Forest.
My last trial of the year thus concludes, with the possibility of it continuing.
From next year, my goal is to continue both the Dragon Sword Dance trial and another trial that I’ve thought of.
With a slight sense of satisfaction and a renewed determination for what lies ahead, I aim for the Moss Garden.
“Grandpa, Asher, I’m back!”
“Hoho, you finally returned, have you?”
“That was a late return. The date has already changed.”
“Eeeh, did I miss it after all?”
“You noisy one in the middle of the night.”
“Oh, Revalia is here too? Didn’t you say before that Dragons don’t care about New Year’s Eve?”
“Rim and Fiorina are staying over because of you.”
“Ah, so that’s why. And by the way, that’s definitely not my fault, right?”
In the Moss Garden, besides Old Man Sleigsta, the guardian of the Dragon Forest, there was Asher, who was running away from home, and Revalia, who was left behind.
“What do you mean, running away from home!”
Asher opens his massive mouth and intimidates me. I toss a Spirit Tree fruit into his mouth. Then, his intimidation vanishes. He rolls the fruit around in his mouth, enjoying the taste.
It’s a souvenir.
“Hoho, you have Spirit Tree fruit at this time of year?”
“Ah, shoot. I was supposed to keep this a secret from you!”
“Hehehe. You probably got it from an old woman by the Spirit Tree, didn’t you?”
“Is that person older than Grandpa?”
“Well, who knows.”
“Why are you being evasive!”
That’s definitely on purpose, isn’t it? Hinting at something profound without really thinking deeply about it.
Since I’ve been found out, there’s nothing I can do.
“This is your New Year’s gift.”
Saying that, I toss Spirit Tree fruits into the mouths of Old Man Sleigsta and Revalia as well.
The Dragons chew and savor the familiar taste. For the massive Dragons, Spirit Tree fruits are probably too small to be filling, but the deliciousness surely reaches their tongues.
Seeing the satisfied expressions of the three Dragons, I am also very satisfied.
I hope for a return gift of at least triple the value of this New Year’s gift.
Now that I’m back, I wonder if I should report on the trial’s content. While observing Old Man Sleigsta, I look for an opportunity to speak.
However, Old Man Sleigsta tells me something else.
“From now on, you shall head to the Mimicho Race village.”
“?”
“A telepathic message has arrived from Yuuri. It seems something terrible has happened to Mistral. A rescue request has come in.”
“Eeeh!”
Why is Mistral in the Mimicho Race village instead of her own village? Why is the strongest among them, the Dragon Princess, in danger within the Dragon Forest?
Normally, Mistral would rush to my aid when I’m in trouble, but this time it’s the other way around.
Upon hearing Old Man Sleigsta’s words, I immediately start running towards the Mimicho Race village.
Then, I hastily turn back!
“Grandpa, please give me back the White Sword and the Spirit Tree Wooden Sword.”
“Hmm, they are under that fur. I understand your haste, but sometimes it is necessary to calm down.”
“Yes! I’ll be careful and go!”
Taking out the White Sword and the Spirit Tree Wooden Sword from the jet-black fur at the tip of Old Man Sleigsta’s foreleg, I charge forward again, with full Dragon Energy.
“What a noisy one.”
Feeling Revalia’s sigh behind me, I enter the Ancient Tree Forest.
One cannot reach the Mimicho Race village without following a certain procedure. First, pass through the Ancient Tree Forest, then into the Dragon Forest.
I utilize Spatial Jump and accelerate.
Ares-chan had temporarily disappeared.
I gallop through the pitch-black forest.
My eyes, imbued with Dragon Energy, see through the midnight darkness.
Spotting the Ancient Tree as a landmark, I quickly circle the surroundings. Heading south, I go around the spring, and follow the revealed path.
Onlooker to the changing scenery with each Spatial Jump, I aim for the Mimicho Race village.
Mistral, please be safe!
My hasty emotions are running wild, and the distance of my Spatial Jumps doesn’t extend as far as I’d like. However, I arrive at the Mimicho Race village much faster than running on the ground.
“Mistral!”
Beyond my line of sight as I shout, I see Mistral collapsed.
You can easily express your support by clicking the heart. (Login required)
Support
Login if you have an account
Learn more about the reading experience on Kakuyomu
