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Mash said that the Dragon’s Cave was located further east from Klein Castle. He knew about it because of the chief of Nakashi Village, however, he never been to the Dragon’s Cave before. The chief said, “Once those with dragon blood get near the cave they sought to find, they will feel within themselves where the Dragon Cave exact location is”.

Anyways, I arrived in the Klein Forest from the portal. As soon as everybody got out of the portal, Seiya started complaining.

「You could’ve asked Isister to put the portal in front of the Dragon’s Cave…」

「No! We can’t abuse the power of using shortcuts all the time! Therefore, I decided that our starting point would be one of our last endeavors! 」

Under normal circumstances, we would’ve reached the location by now, because normal heroes usually won’t return to the God’s realm repeatedly like Seiya does!

「It makes no sense to do roundabouts if we need to save this world urgently.」

「It can’t be helped. I told you many times that it’s forbidden by the Law of God to help humans excessively. Besides, it is fun to walk in the field once in a while. Don’t you agree, Mash? 」

Mash nodded positively when I looked at him.

「Yeah!! I want to fight monsters as soon as possible!! I want to see how strong I became by training with Celseus!! 」

「See? Even he agrees! 」

When we mutually agreed, Seiya spewed a small sigh.

「More importantly, I want to find a place to buy some tools. 」

Then, Elle gazed at Seiya with a strange look.

「Tools? Why? 」

「We are going to a cave, right? I want to be prepared, so I need to buy food and water, and some torches as well. 」

「Even so, Mister Seiya. I don’t think that we’ll find monsters inside the cave. I heard that the cave is a sacred place containing the strongest weapon. 」

「I reject it. I don’t know what’s in there. I need proper preparation. 」

「Well, okay…I’m sure there might be a town or a village on our way to the cave. Once we find it, just drop by and buy what you want. So, let’s go now. 」

As we soothed the cautious hero, we made our way to the cave.

We’ve been following Seiya through the grasslands for about twenty minutes.

I could hear Elle’s fatigued breath from behind me. I looked at her and she had trouble walking with Seiya’s luggage. On that precisely moment, I noticed that Elle tried to make a small flame with both her hands.

「Eh? What are you going, Elle? 」

「Ah, well, that’s what Lady Hestica taught me to do. She said to practice magic while walking. But it’s quite tough to do it right. 」

「You are out of breath. 」

「Yes. But, if a monster suddenly comes out, I want to help Mister Seiya and Mash! I want to be a little useful! 」

Seiya heard Elle’s cheerful voice and turned back at us.

「You don’t need to do that. You have luggage. You only need to bring my tools.」

「I…I see. Okay… 」

Elle had a smile on her face but at the same time, she looked a bit lonely.

「How dare you, Seiya!! 」

As usual, I tried to scold Seiya but he interrupted me.

「Besides, there seems to be no monsters around here. 」

Seiya muttered so blatantly.

Now that he mentioned it, I’ve been walking for quite a while now, and I didn’t see any kind of monster. This area shouldn’t be this safe. Then, why is it so peaceful?

However, it didn’t take long. In the horizon, I could see some strange movements. My eyes have better sight than regular human beings, so I could clearly see a strange “pig monster” walking in bipedal form.

「Mash! Can you see that monster over there? Isn’t that an orc? 」

「You’re right, that’s an orc! That’ll be perfect to try my skills! I’m going for it!」

On that moment, Mash drew his sword and ran in the orc’s direction. Suddenly, a huge fire bird appeared in the sky and flew towards the orc! The fire bird looked like the one Lady Hestica had on her arm in the water-mirror pond, but this bird was much larger. Instantly, the fire bird descended from the sky and hit the orc directly! In a second, the orc was wrapped in flames and was scorched on the spot!

Elle gripped my arm.

「What happened to that monster just now!? 」

「It looked like the orc had some sort of “suicide bombs”!? 」

Or could it be an attack between monsters!? It can’t be, it was only one monster walking in that area, am I right!? If that’s not the case, then…

「Everyone, watch out!! A chemist might be nearby!! 」

When I shouted, Mash and Elle took a defensive position. In that tense mood, a senseless Seiya spoke to us to calm down.

「There’s no need to be alert. I did that attack myself. 」

「\*everyone yelled\* What?  」

All the three of us were shocked.

「The skill is called, “Automatic Phoenix”. This ability senses an evil spirit of the approaching monster within a radius of 50 meters and automatically attacks using fire. 」

 So, that was Seiya’s magic…!? A remote fire magic attack…That’s amazing, yes, it was amazing, nevertheless…Mash spoke.

「As expected of my remarkable Master! But next time, if the enemy comes out, let me do it myself! 」

On that occasion, Elle screamed.

「Ah! Mash, there’s more enemies! Look, over there! A strange tree is walking!」

That strange looking tree had a human face craved in the wood. They are usually known as “Human Faced Tree”. Moreover, it had two separate bodies and it was coming in our direction.

「Okay!! Get ready Man Tree!! 」

Mash drew his sword from the sheath and ran with his full power, but the flying phoenix in the sky was much faster. Before even Mash got closer to it, the phoenix clashed right into the human faced tree. The two bodies were simultaneously burnt.

Mash stopped immediately and was astounded by that scene. Soon after, I shouted at Elle.

「Look! There’s another monster behind us! 」

Groups of giant ants with the size of human children, known as the “Killer Ants,” were coming to the place where we were standing still.

「Elle! If you use your fire arrow, you can defeat enemies from the distance! The phoenix has been detonated just now, so there are no more at this moment! You can do it! 」

「Ye…Yes! 」

Elle immediately used her fire magic and released her fire arrow.

「Go!! 」

At the time, I thought that Elle’s magical arrow would hit the killer ants; however, a new phoenix replaced the arrow’s trajectory. The phoenix absorbed the fire from the magical arrow, and burnt the killer ants with double flames.

Elle was stunned. Next to her, Seiya had his arms crossed as looked quite confident.

「It’s useless. Automatic Phoenix is level 30, so it means that it will kill the monster instantly. It’s always released from the sky to the ground. There is no chance for you guys. 」

「Then, that means I don’t have a chance to fight with monsters…!! 」

Seiya gazed at Mash, who had a bitter face.

「What’s wrong, Mash. I told you that the best plan was to “win without fighting”; don’t you remember that I taught you that? 」

「Yes!! I do remember!! 」

「Rather than fighting, you and Elle need to make sure that the luggage won’t fall apart. Do you understand? 」

「Yes, sir!! 」

Soon after, Seiya started to move forward.

I observed Seiya’s back as he walked and I thought.

…So that was the reason why I didn’t see monster for a while. The phoenix was getting rid of any possible menace. He should’ve let Mash and Elle fight the monsters for a moment…Even so, how could he have mastered such high-level remote distance magic? I wonder how much Seiya have grown with his abilities? I am curious about his current status, but he won’t tell me even if I asked him anyways…

All right!! It’s been a while since the last time I saw his status!!

I decided to use my special clayvorance ability to take a small peek…

Ryuguuin Seiya

Level – 1

HP – 111

MP – 111

Attack – 1

Defense – 1

Agility – 1

Magic – 1

Potential rate – 1

Resistance – Fire, Ice, Wind, Water, Lightening, Earth

Special skills – Fire Magic (Lv 1), Magic Sword (Lv 1)

Personality – Unbelievably Cautious

…Everything is “1”!? What an obvious camouflage!! I’ll use my Megamic Power until I break the camouflage barrier!! Just wait and see what I can do!! I’ll do it even if I hurt my eyes!! Okay, here I go!! My Megamic Power…ah…What?

I noticed that the “numbers 1” jumped “out” of Seiya’s status and were lined up in a row in front of my eyes. The “numbers 1” were the size of an index finger and it looked like they were alive.

\*high-pitched sound\*

What is going on…but…it’s kinda cute! Suddenly, the “numbers 1” jumped to my eyes! The tip of one of the numbers pierced my eyes savagely!

「\*painful screams\* My eyes hurt so much!! 」

When I screamed with so much pain, Mash, who was standing right next to me, became increasingly worried.

「Lista, what’s wrong with you all of a sudden!? That really startled me!! 」

「It’s the “numbers 1”!! The moment I thought the numbers were singing so cutesy, they flew right into my face and pierced my eyes!! 」

「What are you talking about, perhaps a fairytale!? Maybe this trip is too much for you to handle it, no!? 」

「It’s not that bad of a trip!! It got nothing to do with it!! 」

As I spoke loudly, Seiya stared coldly at me.

「…I see that you made peeping your hobby. 」

「Don’t make it sound like I’m a criminal!! 」

「It is a crime to steal other people’s information without their permission. If there’s police force in this world, then I’d like to report you to them. 」

「Why don’t you show me your status then!! 」

「I reject it. You don’t need to know. By the way, the numbers trap was just a warning. The next time you try to peep, it will destroy both your eyes and head. Don’t peep ever again. 」

Destroy not only my eyes but my head as well…!? Oh my goodness…!! It’s better for me not to try peeping his status for a while…!!

I was shivering, so I gave up from using my clairvoyance ability on Seiya.

Before long, I could see a different scenery in the horizon. A couple of wooden huts were scattered in the landscape. It seems that we reached a small village.

「Okay. Let’s try to find a tool shop in there. If they have at least one shop actually. 」

An old man approached us and stood in front of Seiya. The old man spoke with a smile.

「Hello, people on a journey. Welcome. You have arrived at Izale Village. 」

Seiya took from his pocket holy water and sprinkled it in the old man’s face.

「\*looking shocked\* What the hell you did to me!? 」

「Okay. Looks like he is a human. 」

「Seiya, why!? Holy water is not necessary anymore!! You killed Death Magra, right!? So it’s safe to say that the undead won’t come to attack anymore, got it!?」

「He might be an undead, who knows. That enemy was resilient. 」

On that occasion, Seiya looked back at the Mash.

「Pay attention, Mash. This is a new advice. Remember it well, “Don’t forget the undead”.」

「“Don’t forget the undead”, you say…!! Gosh!! My heart can’t handle such wise words!!」

Why do you let silly words affect your heart…I can’t understand it at all…

Just like me, the old man who was wet because of the holy water, was watching with an annoyed look.

「I’m all wet…What’s wrong with you, c’mon… 」

「Hey, you. I want to find a tool shop in that village. Tell me where it is, quickly.」

「You really seem like a fella who only cares ‘bout himself…If you want to find a tool shop just go straight for a while, and is right at the end… 」

We walked straight just as the old man instructed. Soon, we could see the wooden signboard of the tool shop.

Elle looked puzzled.

「What? Is this a tool shop too? Aren’t we supposed to find the shop right at the end? 」

「This shop must be the real deal since it has written “tool shop” in the signboard, right? 」

「I’m sure that old man told us a lie because he got soaked in holy water because of Seiya… 」

Then, we entered that tool shop. However, as soon as I put my foot inside the shop, I was struck by a strange feeling. It seemed that Seiya noticed it too as he held his sword in the sheath.

「Welcome. 」

We heard the voice from behind the counter with other tools in display. When we got closer, I could see the tiny shop owner looking at us. The moment I saw him, I knew right away. That’s…

I tried to stop Seiya who, in the meantime, was trying to take out his sword.

「Wa…Wait, Seiya! It is a dwarf! They are classified as monsters, but most of them do not attack people. They usually live in peace among humans! 」

Because I spoke loudly, a small elderly woman and a boy came running from the back of the shop. They looked at Seiya with his sword on his hand and they panicked as if their blood circulation stopped for a moment.

「Please stop! What did my husband do to you! 」

「Stop! Don’t hurt my dad! 」

The dwarf boy, who loudly complained to Seiya, was only about the height below my knees. Soon after, Seiya put his sword down. He mustn’t have felt any kind of hostility. He told the frightened dwarf.

「Hey. Do you have torches on your shop? 」

「Ye…Yes, we have. If you allow me to ask…but are you possibly going to a cave?」

「Do you know any cave? 」

「Yes. There is a cave in the eastern rock-strewn area. But as soon as you get inside the cave, it’s a dead end… 」

Mash hit his knees with excitement.

「That must be it! If Elle and I break the seal, we’ll be able to go beyond the dead end! 」

「I see. Anyways, let me have some torches first. 」

「Listen, Seiya. I’ve been thinking, but why don’t you use your fire magic instead? If you do, then you won’t need torches, right? 」

「I can’t. I don’t want to waste my MP. 」

Then, Elle raised her hand cheerfully.

「In that case, Mister Seiya! Please, let me use my fire magic! If it’s with my MP, then it will be fine, am I right? 」

Seiya rejected her proposal promptly.

「I don’t need you. I trust the capability of torches way more than your magic abilities. 」

「Seiya!! How dare you!! 」

I yelled at Seiya, but Elle showed an awkward smile.

「It’s okay, Lisutan. He’s right, my fire magic is unstable. 」

「Elle… 」

Elle was feeling a bit down and I felt sad for her.

What’s the matter with Seiya!! He could at least let Elle do that little job!!

However, Seiya was no longer willing to buy torches himself. He turned his attention to Mash as he was taking gold coins out of the sachets.

「Hey, Mash. We’re going to a cave for the first time. And that’s a problem. How many torches do you think we should buy? 」

「Fifty!! 」

「Mash!? 」

I was speechless when I heard Mash say that ridiculous amount of torches.

This child was totally “poisoned” by Seiya’s ideals!! His knowledge of tool usage is completely abnormal!!

Yet, Seiya shook his head negatively.

「You need to think differently. The cave formation might be complicated like a labyrinth. In other words, once you enter, it might take a few days to come out from there. We might get attacked by water monsters inside the cave, meaning that torches might get in contact with moisture. If that happens its light will become thinner and thinner until it becomes useless to use. In addition, after acquiring the strongest weapon, we will need torches to return back…we need, at least, five hundred torches. 」

「Please, give me five torches!! 」

I immediately requested my amount to the shop owner before he could fully grasp the nonsense from Seiya’s unrealistic words.

After we bought the torches, we left the shop with a clearly dissatisfied Seiya. The shop owner dwarf, his wife and son sent us off with a smile.

「Thank you for your purchase. May you, the adventurers, be blessed by Cross Tanathus… 」

Cross…? I’ve never heard of it before. It is some sort of spirit being worshiped around this particular area, maybe?

I didn’t particularly care. After that, we purchased some food and water from another shop and we finally went to the Dragon’s Cave.

...................................................

Just like the dwarf shop owner told us, we left the village and headed further east. The landscape gradually changed. We had walked through grasslands earlier today, but right now, we were stepping into a rocky terrain full of small and large rocks beneath our feet.

Even so, this place was a fairly wide rocky area. I should have listened properly about the exact location of the cave from the shop owner. Suddenly, Elle grabbed my hand.

「Lisutan, look at this. 」

The dragon crest in Elle’s hand started to shine brightly. The similar emblem also sparkled on Mash’s hand.

「We are here for the first time. But, I understand what I’m feeling right now. I’m sure the cave is nearby… 」

Mash and Elle went through the rocky terrain guided by the dragon crest. Seiya and I followed them closely behind.

Soon, both of them stopped walking, and when I looked up, there was a huge rock wall in front of us. At the bottom, there seemed to be a large cavity leading to the inside of the cave.

「It looks like we finally arrived. 」

Seiya took out a torch and ignited the fire. We entered the cave, headed by Seiya.

Seiya was walking slowly and carefully through the cave; however, after going fifty steps further inside, we reached a dead end.

「Ah, look! It’s already the dead end! I knew it! We didn’t need a torch after all!」

Seiya was not paying attention to me.

「More importantly, look at this. 」

Seiya pointed to the rock wall in front of me.

He kept reminding me of my surroundings as if I was dumb…!! He surely has an annoying personality but enviable traits…!!

Nonetheless, just as Seiya said, the crest of the Dragon Tribe was painted like a mural on the rock wall. Under the emblem, I saw two insignia, and it was clear that the seal could be dissolved if Mash and Elle’s hands were placed in there.

「Okay, Elle! It’s our turn! 」

「Yes! 」

When both of them were trying to break the seal, I heard some noise. A metallic sound came from Seiya’s direction. When I looked at him, I saw that he grabbed his platinum sword and he was aiming directly at the rock wall.

「Se…Seiya!? 」

Using the Phoenix Drive skill, Seiya began to strike the robust rock wall continuously with his sword at an astonishing speed! The aggressive sounds from his sword attacks echoed so loudly that I had to put my hands on my ears!

「Stop!! What are you doing… 」

I tried to stop him. However…Seiya was extremely focused. Seiya’s sword-wielding arm had a strong grip, striking the rock’s surface with a circle motion and a strong flurry. I never seen he use his sword like that before. Seiya kept slashing brilliantly and powerfully, without even taking a breath.

「…he is making use of both his arms and wrists flexibility, just by performing a sword technique based on consecutive slashing. It looks like it’s mainly a single attack, but repeated countless times. Still, it seems that nothing happened yet. 」

The moment I said that, cracks formed on the rock wall! The barrier that was standing in front of us collapsed to the ground!

「This was…“Eternal Sword”… 」

The two from the Dragon Tribe were more stunned than I was when we saw Seiya using Adenela’s abilities.

「The seal was forcibly broken…!! 」

「He didn’t need us, after all…!! 」

Seiya ignored the two of them and proceeded beyond the collapsed wall.

Both Mash and Elle were petrified by the shocking event, but I urged them to go after Seiya to the other side of the rock wall. I thought that the special sword was inside a big treasure box; however, once I came inside, there was nothing but a small and dime space.

「What? The strongest weapon is not inside here? 」

I looked around but saw nothing. I could only spot a magic enchantment chart drawn on the floor. In an instant, I had a shivering feeling on my shoulders and, suddenly, a light started to shine from that magical chart. At the same time, a solemn voice echoed around.

「Our compatriots who inherited the blood of the Dragon…You finally came here…」

「What’s going on!? 」

I thought that it was a man speaking at first, but the voice seemed to come from the magical chart below us.

「Hero and everyone else…Please get on the top on the magical chart. Let’s open the “door” to the Dragon Village where our Dragon Tribe lives. In there, let’s us bestow you the strongest weapon Egzation. 」

Egzation…!! That’s the name of the strongest weapon that can defeat the Demon King…!!

「Listen, everyone! I think that this magical chart must be a portal! If we cross this over, we’ll be able to arrive in the Dragon Village! 」

「The Dragon Village! That’s the real hometown of Elle and I? 」

「I hope so! I’m so thrilled right now! 」

「Yes! Let’s go immediately! 」

We were excited and walked right into the top of the magical chart; however, Seiya stretched out one arm and stopped us from going further.

「Wait. It’s too dangerous. It might be a trap. 」

「Huh…What do you mean by “trap”…Seiya? 」

Seiya captured a lizard crawling on a rock wall and he put it on the magical chart.

「Okay. We are all on the magical chart. 」

He just lied to the solemn voice.

What!? We’re not the ones on the magical chart!! It’s the lizard that’s on it!!

「I will transfer you to the Dragon Village. 」

Just as the solemn voice professed, the lizard was wrapped in light and it disappeared into the magical chart.

Not before long, the solemn voice was heard from below and it seemed upset.

「Excuse me…Why did you sent a lizard instead…? 」

「Okay. Now send that lizard back to us. 」

「Why on earth do you want that…? 」

「Just do it. Don’t tell me that you can’t? 」

「I…I understand… 」

After a while, the lizard was sent back. Seiya observed the lizard closely as if he was going to devour it.

「I see. The lizard doesn’t have any external abnormality. Maybe it will be a trap to send us all into different dimensions. 」

「…I won’t do that…kind of thing to you… 」

Before I knew it, the solemn voice stopped coming from the magical chart.

…After discussing the situation with Seiya for while, we finally managed to be on the top of the chart. We were wrapped in light and we were transferred from that place.

「Welcome to the Dragon Village. 」

That voice was the same as the one we heard back in the cave. As soon as I turned around to see who it was…

「What!? 」

I raised my voice unexpectedly.

I saw a being standing on two feet like a human and it was wearing hemp clothes. Nevertheless, that being resembled a big lizard. It had short fangs coming out from its mouth and it spoke the human language.

「There is no reason to be surprised. We, the “Dragon Man”, have a very different appearance compared to human beings. 」

The dragon man distorted his eyes and mouth while squinting like a reptile. Apparently, he seemed to be smiling at us.

「However, I was really startled a moment ago. I thought you were coming from the magical chart and I said “Welcome to the Dragon Village”, but what came through was only a small lizard. 」

「We’re sorry for doing that… 」

When I apologized, the dragon man giggled.

「Well, it is safer to entrust the fate of the world to someone who is cautious of its surroundings…Anyways, I’m sorry for my late introduction. My name is Lagos and I am the keeper of the Dragon’s Cave. 」

Lagos walked ahead and he opened a door for us.

「Okay, let’s go. The Dragon Mother is waiting at the temple. I will take you there… 」

When I crossed the door, I saw a place that resembled a town. However, everything looked different from the towns and villages in Geabrande. I imagined that the “Dragon Village” would have an idyllic atmosphere, but in reality, it looked so much like the God’s realm. The houses and buildings had a similar vibe and artistically they seemed to have the baroque style.

Lagos talked to us as I kept looking closely at my surroundings.

「The Dragon Village is located in the far-west continent of Eurea. This continent is separated from the place you were before by a vast sea. Eurea is an unexplored continent by humanity, shrouded in deep fog. There is no other way for a human to enter this place than to be transferred from that magic enchantment chart. 」

…I see. To the worlds I’ve been before, a dragon is treated like a god. So, they have been living closely to humans but in secrecy; except when something important happens in the world and they need to come forward.

As we walked with Lagos across the town, the dragon people who passed by us, saw Mash and Elle and started speaking loudly.

「They are Lord Mash and Lady Elle! 」

「Lord Mash! How handsome you became! 」

「Ah, Lady Elle is a beauty! 」

Mash spoke closely to Lagos to hide his embarrassment and envy from the dragon people.

「Hey. Why are Elle and I completely different from these guys? 」

「Originally, we, the “Dragon Man”, are an existence between dragon and human. However, most of them have more intensity of dragon blood overflowing on their body, so their appearance becomes more prominent. In the end, they will look more like a dragon. 」

After listening to it, Seiya opened his mouth.

「In other words, if they have less blood of the dragon, it means that they are defective. 」

「Is that right…!? 」

「That’s true…!? 」

Mash and Elle looked gloomy after hearing those harsh words. When I tried to scold Seiya, Lagos laughed cheerfully.

「Oh no! On the contrary, hero! Mash and Elle are the chosen ones! The Dragon Tribe carries the fate to accomplish great feats, and we, normal dragons, cannot achieve those feats! 」

「What does that mean? 」

Mash asked that question but Lagos shook his head.

「It is better for you to listen directly to what the Dragon Mother has to say. 」

After Lagos spoke, Elle asked the following.

「Excuse me, Mister Lagos. Could it be that Mash and I still have family in here? For example, my father or mother… 」

Lagos was quiet for a while before answering.

「It’s a hard story to tell, in fact…Lord Mash and Lady Elle’s parents passed away around ten years ago because of a serious plague that spread throughout our village. I heard that all of your relatives and friends also caught up with the disease during that time… 」

「I…I see. 」

「Elle…Are you okay? 」

「Sure! It’s sad to hear about what happened to them. But I have Mash with me, so I’m fine」

Lagos smiled at a confident Elle.

「All of the dragon people think of you as family. Besides, the Dragon Mother is like a mother to all of us. We were all looking forward to see you again. 」

「Is that so!! I also wanted to meet all of you!! 」

Elle smiled innocently.

The Dragon Mother…The mother of the Dragon Tribe. Maybe she is noble and gentle just like Great Goddess Isister is to me?

Guided by Lagos, we arrived at a magnificent temple no less grand than the God’s realm own large temple.

We walked through a long red carpet. At the end, the Dragon Mother was sitting on a throne surrounded by followers of the Dragon Tribe.

I was curious to see the appearance of the mother of all dragons. Therefore, I slowly raised my head to have a look at her.

「You finally came, Mash and Elle. Also, welcome hero and goddess as well. I am the Dragon Mother who governs over the Dragon Village. 」

When I heard her voice, I felt that this dragon was certainly a noble. She was wearing an expensive-looking necklace on her neck, and a colored dress that she grabbed on its hem. However, when I looked closely, beneath that dress was a reptile with orangey skin, with emotionless cold eyes and protuberant nose and mouth.

The Dragon Mother was also a big lizard just like the rest of the dragon people.

Whoa…She is totally different from the Great Goddess Isister. She’s not pretty and she’s far from being pleasant…

Suddenly, I had a very bad feeling and I turned my eyes away from the Dragon Mother and looked immediately at Seiya. I was right about my ominous feeling because Seiya looked at the Dragon Mother as if he was looking at something dirty.

「It’s grotesque. 」

\*screams loudly\*

I screamed aloud, and it seemed that the Dragon Mother did not hear Seiya’s rude words.

「Hmm? What did you say? 」

「About that, you see…What the hero said just know was…Yes! He said that you had an atmosphere reminiscent of a “Basilisk”! 」

「\*laughs\* Basilisk you say. I am far from being a snake. 」

「Yes, that’s right! \*laughs nervously\* 」

After somehow saving the situation, I angrily glared at Seiya. I hope that he won’t say more unnecessary things. The Dragon Mother rolled her reptile eyes and had a serious look on her face.

「To important matters now…The threatening situation is imminent. The late Dragon Emperor predicted a hundred years ago that the evil forces would swallow this world. The Demon King keeps invading the Alfreis continent and he has started to conquer the north of that region. 」

I spoke without hesitation after hearing the Dragon Mother’s concerned words.

「Alfreis continent…! The castle of the Demon King is in that region…! 」

I was thinking about a plan to destroy the castle for a while now.

「Once we know the exact location of the Demon King’s castle, it will be annihilated if Seiya’s Meteor Strike clashes on that particularly area, am I right!?」

However, the Dragon Mother shook her head negatively.

「It’s useless. A protection barrier surrounds that huge castle. Any attacks coming from outside will be reflected on the opposite direction. It means that if you strike the castle with that meteorite magic, it will be reflected back to its operator. 」

Is that so…Then, it means that it won’t be easy to defeat the evil after all…

「But I feel relieved. That’s why Mash and Elle are here in the first place. 」

After rolling her eyes at both of them, the Dragon Mother summoned Mash.

「Mash. Come closer. 」

「Eh! Me? 」

Mash approached the throne slowly and the Dragon Mother put her hand on his head.

「I’ll show you how a dragon man can change. 」

On that moment, the Dragon Mother’s hand started to shine. At that point…

「Ma…Mash!? 」

I shouted. Mash’s face and skin was changing into an orangey color! At the same time, the outline of his body and expression changed as well…

「Wha…what!! Hey, what’s going on with me!? 」

When Mash shouted uneasily about the unexpected transformation, he had already became a fine lizard man…ah no, well, a dragon man to be precise.

「Oh my…Oh my. Who has a mirror? 」

A follower of the Dragon Mother brought a mirror for Mash and he looked closely at it.

「Whoa… 」

He lamented at his own appearance. Meanwhile, the Dragon Mother laughed.

「\*giggles happily\* You’re not used at being a dragon man with a true dragon figure. But listen to me, Mash. Your ability has improved considerably now, do you understand? 」

「Is that true? …Lista! Can you look at my status? 」

「Ye…Yes! I got it! 」

I took a deep breath and used my clairvoyance ability.

Mash

Level – 16

HP – 13810

MP – 0

Attack – 9210

Defense – 8770

Agility – 7900

Magic – 0

Potential rate – 57

Resistance – Fire, Ice, Poison, Paralysis

Special skills – Attack power increase (Lv 5), Dragoning (Lv 3)

Skills – Dragon Thrust, Dragon Slash

Personality – Brave

…His top level has not changed at all. However…

「Mash, it’s amazing!! You’re ten times more powerful than before!! 」

「Is that so!! But now that you mention it…I really feel an overflowing power throughout my whole body!! I feel like I can do anything now!! 」

Mash was dissatisfied with his own visual at first, but now he professed proudly at Seiya.

「Look at me, Master!! I got so strong!! 」

「Okay. But don’t get too close to me. You look like a monster now, so I might strike and kill you without hesitating. 」

「Master, that’s cruel!! 」

「Well, that sure was a surprise. But you did it well, Mash. 」

It was unusual for Seiya to praise Mash. Even so, Mash looked really pleased.

「It’s about one-thirty of my abilities. 」

I was greatly shocked by Seiya’s sudden words that gave obvious clues about his status.

「What…I’m one-thirty away from Master’s abilities…? Even though I transformed into a dragon man…? It can’t be. Seriously…? 」

Eventually, Mash returned to his human form. Seiya was indifferent to Mash as he touched his shoulder.

「That’s good. Now you can carry more of my luggage. 」

「Yes, sir. 」

He was so pleased to be ten times stronger but Seiya kept downgrading him…!! Poor thing…!! That horrible hero, to say to Mash that he was thirty times stronger than him…just how strong did he became exactly!?

Nonetheless, the Dragon Mother smiled at a dejected Mash.

「Listen, Mash. If you continue to train hard, you’ll be able to transform from “human form” to “dragon man” at ease. If you keep training, your ability value will rise even further. 」

「Re…Really!? 」

「Of course. You are the powerful chosen one from the Dragon Tribe. 」

「Okay!! I’ll do my best!! 」

As Mash was full of hope and confidence, Elle shouted out unbearably.

「Dra…Dragon Mother!! Please…do it for me as well!! 」

「No. Elle, you don’t need that. 」

「What? But…But…!! 」

The Dragon Mother rejected Elle just as Seiya did before. Elle was about to burst into tears.

Still, the Dragon Mother spoke gently to Elle.

「Don’t worry. You have a much more important role to fulfill than Mash. 」

「Is that true!? What is my role!? 」

Elle was excited to find out about her real role as her eyes shined brightly. The Dragon Mother opened her mouth wide, making her torn red and long tongue visibly to all of us, and she said the following words.

「Listen carefully, Elle. You will give up your life to become the strongest holy sword, the Egzation. 」

...................................................................

「…What? 」

Elle was petrified. At the same time, Mash and I were both speechless.

At first I thought I heard the wrong words, so I asked the Dragon Mother again.

「Excuse me…What did you just say? 」

「Hmm? I just said that this child Elle is destined to become the Egzation. 」

「What do you mean by that!! Egzation is a weapon, am I right!? 」

「Of course. Egzation is a holy sword that has the strongest power to defeat the Demon King. Yet, it was “born” with a human appearance. By forsaking her life, the sword will manifest itself before the whole world. 」

The Dragon Mother spoke indifferently about this horror story as if she was having a normal conversation with us.

「After spending more than ten years in the human world, Elle was more enriched. She was the right vessel to become the Egzation. My dear Elle. I am truly envious of you, my darling. You have the power to save this world. You will become the holy sword Egzation and you will continue to live forever. You are the greatest pride of our Dragon Tribe. 」

The Dragon Mother and all of her followers opened their mouths, displaying their fangs as if they were smiling.

「Well then. My subordinates will prepare for the holy sword ceremony. The upcoming ceremony is going to be hold tonight after the last supper. Listen to me, Elle. Until then, you can relax and spend time with your friends… 」

Afterwards. We came out of the dragon temple in silence as if our souls were pulled out from our bodies.

No one talked for a while. We were perplexed and we just walked around the Dragon Village as if we were wandering around.

Before long, Mash stopped and he opened his mouth.

「Elle…you…what are you going to do? 」

「Going to do what…? 」

「Idiot!! Your fate was decided moments ago!! You’re gonna die and become Egzation!! Are you really okay with that!? 」

Elle looked a little troubled.

「Well…If that’s my true calling, then I guess I have no choice. 」

「“I have no choice” you say…What’s wrong with you!! 」

Elle smiled awkwardly.

「You know that I always wanted to be useful to everybody!! Now that my wish came true, I feel a little happy!! It seems that I can live forever if I become a sword, and that means that I will be able to save the world as well!! The Dragon Mother said that it was great honor after all!! 」

「Elle… 」

Mash looked devastated while Elle sent me a glance.

「I am right, yes!? It’s really okay, Lisutan!? 」

「Ye…Yes… 」

I answered her as I gritted my teeth.

…I came here as a goddess whose purpose was to save the world Geabrande. But to be suddenly told to sacrifice a comrade’s life in order to save this world…Is it really okay? Should I not worry? However, Elle herself told us that she was willing to give up her life for the greater good. If that’s so, then…

No…This seems off…I wonder….Is this really fine?

No matter how much I thought about it, I could not come up with a clear conclusion. My head was spinning around like crazy.

I could no longer think properly, so I sought some advice from a man in spite of being a goddess myself.

「Seiya…do you have anything to say on this…matter? 」

As I tried to ask for Seiya’s advice, he was not nowhere to be found. When I looked around, I saw that he was talking with a dragon man of a tool shop in a shadowy area.

「Dear customer! This is the “seed of agility”! If you eat this seed, your agility will increase by ten times more! The human towns don’t sell this rarity! 」

「Is it really okay for me to eat that? 」

「No matter how much seeds you eat, you’ll be just fine! 」

「If you’re lying to me, I won’t forgive you. Be forewarned, I will sue you. 」

「You are a very suspicious customer! I said that it is really okay! I swear on the dragon god of my village that it is harmless! 」

「If that’s the case, then give me a little. 」

「Seiya, wait a second!! What are you doing over there!! It’s not the best time to go shopping now!! 」

I was shouting angrily at him, but he did not listen to me. After he took some gold coins from the sachet and bought some items, Seiya turned around at last and asked me.

「What? 」

「Don’t go “what” on me!! You need to say something to Elle as well!! 」

Then, Seiya gazed at Elle with piercing eyes.

「It’s already been decided what will happen her. I don’t have anything else to say on that matter during the day. 」

Whoa…!

He spoke emotionless just like the Dragon Mother, however, his second phrasing showed his true cold-hearted characteristics.

Elle’s smile showed loneliness.

「He’s…right! There’s nothing else to add to this matter! \*laughs nervously\* It’s just as Mister Seiya said! 」

…I know. It’s true that her fate was already decided. It’s all about saving this world, and nothing else. More than anything, she’s prepared to face the ordeals of her destiny…

Before I knew it, the sun began to fade away. In an instant, I noticed that dragons wearing armors stood in front of us and kneeled.

「The last supper is ready now. We will guide you to the Dragon Valley, so please come this way… 」

After the sunset, we climbed a steep highland and we arrived at an area on top of a hill that was lit by the lights of several torches. I noticed numerous wooden tables and chairs lined up. On the tables, there was steaming food and expensive wine placed on the top, and dozens of dragon men were chatting with each other.

There was a particular luxurious table at the center. The Dragon Mother sat on that table as she drank some alcohol from a glass. She noticed us and requested.

「Hello. Goddess, hero and Mash too, please come this way. 」

When Elle tried to come with us, the dragon soldiers stopped her.

「Lady Elle, please change into these clothes… 」

「What…Elle…! 」

Mash tried to grab Elle’s hand, but he couldn’t reach her. The dragon soldiers took Elle away as she kept looking back at an uneasy Mash.

Suddenly, the Dragon Mother made a big clap with her hands.

「Now everyone. Until Elle changes her clothes, let us enjoy this banquet. 」

A dragon soldier pushed both Mash and I and we were forced to take a seat.

「The villagers prepared all of the food on this banquet. Come on, feel free to taste it and eat as many as you like. 」

「Ye…Yes… 」

I had no appetite at all. Still, I was told to eat some food, so I got my hands on salads and soups. Mash was also eating some soup but he looked unenthusiastic.

However, Seiya did not eat anything from the banquet, and, instead, he drank a preserved water that he had prepared beforehand.

Young dragons came running to Seiya and the rest of us with a plate on their hands.

「Listen! We made some cookies! Please, try them! 」

Those three dragon children had prettier faces than the adult dragons. I felt my heart heal for a brief moment, so I accepted a cookie with a smile.

「I want the Mister to try it too! We did our best to bake them! 」

I was staring closely at Seiya to make sure he would behave properly. Seiya noticed my furiously gaze and he tried not to say terrible things to the innocent children. Seiya reluctantly picked up a cookie and he chew it in silence.

While I ate the cookie, I tried to speak to the Dragon Mother who was drinking right next to me.

「Excuse me…Is it really impossible to prevent Elle from becoming a sword? 」

「It is impossible. If we don’t let Elle become the holy sword, the Demon King will destroy this world. 」

「Yes, that’s true….that’s true… 」

「Don’t worry, goddess. Please enjoy this banquet to your heart’s content. More than anything, this is all for Elle’s well-being. 」

「Okay… 」

In front of our table, the dragon men performed dances to the rhythm of drums and flutes. When the dance was over, the torches that illuminated the area were extinguished all at once. Suddenly, the surroundings were engulfed in deep darkness. Immediately after that, the path to the deepest part in the Valley was lit in unison.

Accompanied by the dragon soldiers, Elle slowly walked towards us through the illuminated torches. She was wearing a lovely light crimson dress. Her red hair was beautifully tied. She was also using makeup, and I noticed an expensive necklace around her neck, just like the one that the Dragon Mother has been using. Elle was really stunning and dignified as if she was a noble.

The Dragon Mother stood up.

「All right…Let’s finally start the Holy Sword Ceremony. 」

The Dragon Mother pointed towards Elle’s destined walking path, the deepest hole in the Valley.

「At the bottom of this valley, there is an ancient magic enchantment chart written by the Dragon Emperor. If she jumps in there, Elle’s destined blood will be absorbed, and soon, her blood will be transformed into the dazzling holy sword Egzation.」

All of the dragon men surrounding us applauded at the Dragon Mother’s words.

During the strong applause, Elle walked into the abyss.

Mash and I raised our voices to Elle, who kept walking further into the Valley.

「Elle!! 」

「E…Elle!! Wait!! 」

Elle looked back at us with a sad smile on her face.

「Goodbye, Mash, Lisutan, and…Mister Seiya! Please, use me carefully once I become the sword! \*laughs timidly\* Don’t forget to polish the sword occasionally so it will not rust! 」

The Dragon Mother started to shout vociferously.

「Okay, Elle!! Now is the time to throw your body into the dragon abyss!! 」

The cheers of the dragon men became louder and louder. However, Mash was trembling next to me.

「This is wrong…! This is absolutely wrong…! 」

「Ma…Mash? 」

「This is all wrong after all!! 」

On that instant, Mash tried to run in Elle’s direction. Yet, it was useless since the entire dragon soldiers regiment stopped him from going any further, as if they were anticipating his moves.

「Lord Mash! Please calm down! 」

「Please, don’t try to ruin the long-awaited ceremonial ritual because of your feelings! 」

Mash was prevented from going further.

「Damn it!! 」

Suddenly, Mash yelled desperately at me.

「Lista!! Is this really acceptable!? Is it!? 」

「Eh…! 」

I had no words.

Of course, I didn’t want to see Elle die!! But this world cannot be saved without Egzation!! What…What should I do!?

I did not know what to do to prevent this horrible situation. Then, I turned my teary eyes to Elle and…

「Mash…!! Lisutan…!! I…!! I…!! 」

Elle looked distraught too. Her eyes were tearful, and her determination seemed to be wavering. The Dragon Mother gazed at us with an upset expression.

「Oh my dear. You should not get on her way. Look at what you did to her resolution. I can’t allow this. I really can’t. You’re not helping Elle with your unreasonable actions. Instead, I will call someone who will help her with her fate. 」

A large dragon man, much bigger than the other dragon men, approached Elle.

The Dragon Mother distorted her reptile eyes and spoke as if she did not have any affection for Elle whatsoever.

「Now then, just push Elle into the abyss right now. 」

「It can’t be!! Please, stop!! What you’re trying to do is murder!! 」

Yet, my panicking words overwhelmed the dragon men and their enthusiasm just got higher than expected.

「Ah, I’m so happy, yes happy!! 」

「Come on, just quickly fall into the abyss!! 」

「Die and become the Egzation!! 」

「Lady Elle, that’s your destiny!! 」

「Your sacrifice will save the world!! 」

They were so full of unspeakable excitement. During this crazy turmoil, I realized that it was impossible to save Elle. The dragon men blocked both mash and I. In front of my eyes, I could see that the large dragon man strongly grabbed Elle’s hand. He was trying to push a frightened Elle into the abyss.

But on that moment…

「Whoa!! 」

A body of a dragon man suddenly went flying a few meters away and it destroyed the table in front of the Dragon Mother.

「What happened just now!? 」

The Dragon Mother was surprised. The wild cheery noise quickly faded away. In front of everyone, the silhouette of a hero slowly appeared after that strong kick.

Mash and I, as well as Elle, were all stunned by Seiya’s abrupt actions.

Elle opened her quivering mouth.

「Mi…Mister Seiya? Why? 」

「I said that I didn’t had anything to say about this matter during the day …Well…it’s night right now, so that doesn’t count anymore. 」

After a deep sigh, Seiya spoke without fear.

「You have to take my luggage. If you become a sword, you’ll no longer be able to carry my stuff anymore. 」