Chapter 144 – Pirate Archipelago (4)
There were only two choices, but Theodore had a reason for his decision.
It was because using Transmission on Lee Yoonsung, when he had high proficiency with Battle Song, would be more efficient than using it on Satomer, whose knowledge he had just recently accepted. Of course, the existence of the Hidden Meaning technique which Randolph showed him on the cruise ship also played a role in this decision.
Gluttony's voice responded to Theodore's request.
–I understand.
At the same time, a notification was heard in Theodore's head.
[Hidden feature 'Transmission' has been activated.]
[Confirming the request for a Quest, and calling the object name 'Lee Yoonsung'. Reviewing the quest… Success, object name 'Lee Yoonsung' has approved your call.]
[He will temporarily be synchronized with the user's consciousness.]
Theodore's vision turned black before the system's voice was cut off. He prepared for the usual loss of consciousness, but the situation was different this time. Everyone would be confused to see the black landscape around him, but Theodore was accustomed to this and waited calmly.
Unsurprisingly, particles of light started to gather before him. At first, the light just took the shape of a man before his distinct features appeared. He had an eastern appearance which looked different from the other people on the continent.
"It has been a while," Lee Yoonsung greeted Theodore with a smile. He hadn't expected to meet Theo again, so he welcomed Theodore without concealing his joy.
"Yes, it is great to see you after a long time," Theodore also responded with a welcome expression.
When he called Alfred, the situation had been so urgent that he didn't have a chance to say hello. However, Theodore would've liked to have a discussion with Alfred, who was a senior who had lived a few generations before him. Wasn't it a situation that any magician dreamed of?
The two people chatted briefly before naturally cutting to the chase. It was quick since both sides knew of the matter. Lee Yoonsung pointed out his intentions first. "I know the current situation. You will release my unfulfilled wish, and I will give everything to you."
"…That's right." Theodore was silent at the blunt words before replying.
Although 'Lee Yoonsung' was already dead, Gluttony's Transmission meant the permanent disappearance of the Lee Yoonsung standing before him right now. He couldn't even imagine what it was like to be a lingering presence when regrets weighing him down.
"If so, please ask."
Therefore, the cool answer was unexpected in many ways.
"Are you serious?"
"Hey, I thought you wanted it. Didn't you come here to ask me? In any case, the human 'Lee Yoonsung' is already dead, so there is no point in lingering," Lee Yoonsung advised him with soft eyes, causing Theodore to smile humbly.
Lee Yoonsung's face was tranquil even when discussing his own demise. Then he reluctantly expressed the regret that he, Lee Yoonsung, had when he died.
"I want to go back home."
"Do you mean…"
"The Baekun Mountains, my birthplace."
Theodore couldn't help sighing. Going back home was a fairly simply wish, but in Lee Yoonsung's case, the distance was the problem. According to his memories, the Baekun Mountains were located on the east side of the continent. It was too far for a sea journey, so it meant crossing half the continent.
This was a journey which would take at least a year.
Although Lee Yoonsung didn't show his emotion on the outside, he scratched his head with a distressed expression and started talking. "I'm sorry, but this is something I can't change. I want to make it as easy as possible, but Transmission wouldn't work like that."
"Ah, of course." Theodore had guessed it, but he couldn't help clicking his tongue at the harshness of the grimoire. If he could compromise with the contents of the quest, Lee Yoonsung would've passed everything over to Theodore for barely nothing.
However, Gluttony had set the quest as the real inner wishes, so Theodore was forced to do it, regardless of the difficulty.
'Hah, it would be a simple matter if it was Alfred or Satomer.'
Then he would be able to carry out the quests on the way back to Meltor. The difficulty compared to Lee Yoonsung was like the difference between the sky and the land.
Lee Yoonsung noticed Theodore's inner discouragement and knocked against his shoulder. "I'm sorry to have such a foolish regret. If it isn't easy, just forget about it. A dead person shouldn't be grabbing the ankle of a living person."
However, a flash went through Theodore at those words. Lee Yoonsung called Theodore his benefactor, but the reality was the opposite. Without Battle Song and the increased physical abilities, Theodore would've died in the fight against Superbia.
The worst thing was that Lee Yoonsung was saying that his 'Transmission' request was too difficult. Wasn't Theodore forgetting the kindness bestowed upon him?
Theodore reflected on his own ugly self and opened his mouth to say, "I will listen to your request."
"Hmm?"
"I can't be sure when, but I will surely bring you home to the Baekun Mountains."
Lee Yoonsung was surprised by the declaration but nodded silently. He could feel the weight in Theodore's voice. With one more bow, Lee Yoonsung thanked Theodore and then disappeared into light.
The thick darkness descended once again.
–Shall we move onto the next one? Gluttony's voice broke the silence.
"Next?"
–There is still one person, Satomer. His quest is remaining.
"…Yes, call him." Theodore accepted in order to check all the quests.
Then he heard the notification about asking for permission.
[Confirming the request for a Quest, and calling the object name 'Satomer'. Reviewing the quest… Success, object name 'Satomer' has approved your call.]
Satomer's emergence was no different from Lee Yoonsung's. The light gathered in the air and the shape of a person appeared in front of Theodore. The person had disheveled long hair and messed up robes.
His appearance was exactly the same as in Synchro, and it seemed as if a cold voice would ring out at any minute. The man who looked like a wraith at first sight was the peak of the modern summoning magician, Satomer.
As always, he spoke in a cynical tone, "Calling me so quickly… I only just handed over my knowledge, and you want to know the rest already?"
"Senior."
"I know the story, so let's get started."
Satomer suddenly sat down and stared at Theodore with red, bloodshot eyes.
A person with a weak heart wouldn't be able to face his gaze. However, Theodore noticed that his gaze was different from before. The frustration, which had filled him like sharp broken glass, had disappeared.
Satomer observed Theodore for a moment. Then with a smile, Satomer opened his mouth to speak, "Che, it's hard to focus my eyes right now. This is all because of you, cheeky young junior."
"Yes?"
"It's okay if you don't know. How is Hugin? Are you using him?"
'Hugin.' The moment that Theodore thought the name of the crow…
Kyaack?
All of a sudden, Hugin popped out of thin air. This was Theodore's consciousness, so any contracted beings could access it. However, Hugin wasn't the only one called to this mental world. Mitra, the girl who had fallen asleep on Hugin's back, raised her voice out of confusion from the sudden summoning.
[Heeeng?! Bwack sail, where? Bwack sail!]
It was okay if she just raised her voice, but the confused Mitra also tightened her legs around Hugin's neck.
Kuwaaack!
Hugin struggled, casing Mitra to tighten her grasp on his neck. It was a vicious cycle of repetition. In the end, Mitra, whose eyes had turned into whirlpools, fell to the ground and then Hugin fell next to her. It was a comedy between an elemental and summoned being.
"…Well, he seems well."
"…Yes, really well."
The two men exchanged a look before looking in another direction. In an attempt to revive the broken atmosphere, Satomer coughed a few times before going back to the main point.
"Hmm, my regret… you've guessed it right?"
Theodore's face sobered. The foolish and tenacious dream of the summoning magician, Satomer… He had spend his whole life trying to do one thing. Now that desperation was handed over to Theodore.
Theodore nodded heavily and revealed the wish which was difficult for Satomer to say.
"The summoning of a senior summons, correct?"
"Yes, exactly." Satomer clapped playfully.
The starting point of this madness was the illustration in a book he'd read in his childhood. It was an image of a summoning magician who called an ice giant to deal with a lightning magician. That summoning magician was an existence who had lived in a previous age. However, it had set off a fire in Satomer's heart, a fire intense enough to burn until it became ashes.
"It is okay if it is just once. If you can call a senior summons just once, I am fine with dying. After all, I didn't succeed until the end, but you can do it."
"Can I succeed?"
"Of course. You inherited my whole life's knowledge and have a part of me in you. No, I am part of you."
There was nothing he could do, so Satomer couldn't help feeling bittersweet.
In the end, it was like this. He was transferring to another person something he couldn't do himself. Satomer was really ridiculous and unsightly. However, Theodore didn't laugh at all as he nodded firmly.
"Yes, I will succeed."
"…Y-Yes. Thank you?" Satomer was at a loss in front of that firm determination. He wasn't familiar with this type of atmosphere, so he changed the topic hurriedly. "By the way, you seem to be in a strange place."
"Huh?"
"You are in someone's 'domain.' If it is the middle of the sea, the viable candidates are a kraken, megalodon, or sea serpent."
'Domain' was an unfamiliar word, but Theodore immediately examined all of Satomer's knowledge.
High ranking existences which could crush this world and transcendent beings who couldn't be compared to ordinary monsters… The beings that lived in ancient times were said to have a domain. The dragon, famous for being the strongest species, also had a 'domain.'
Theodore felt a sense of incongruity and asked, "Sea serpent…?"
"Ah, it is a dialect. It is a title for those without wings. In other words-"
…A blue dragon, or a sea dragon.
'…Ah!'
At that moment, the puzzle pieces scattered in Theodore's mind merged to form a completed picture. The structure of the Pirate Archipelago couldn't be maintained under normal circumstances. The ruler of the Pirate Archipelago, the sea god…
The existence of the dragons which have ruled since long ago…
There was a name Theo had found by chance from an old legend in the library. It was the name of an evil dragon who had taken on the guise of a mermaid to seduce sailors into shipwrecking and was capable of calling tsunamis.
"Sea dragon, Aquilo…?" Theodore spoke in a trembling voice.
Chapter 145 – Sea Dragon Aquilo (1)
Sea Dragon Aquilo…
In this era, only a few people remembered the name. However, sailors who lived on the sea once dreaded even speaking this name.
The sea serpent, a monster who could create a huge wave with a wave of its tail and who governed storms… Some people referred to it as one of the two disasters of the sea, along with the kraken, but they were actually in entirely different categories.
"Blue dragon?!"
"Yes."
Randolph raised his voice after being informed of this fact, and Theodore replied in a calm manner.
From the beginning, 'sea serpent' was just a title. In the minds of ordinary people, a dragon was a monster that flew through the sky with two wings, not a swimmer in the sea with a long body like a snake.
However, the dragon was never a species distinguished by the presence of wings, so calling it a serpent was nothing more than ignorance. They were the strongest species of the material world and the rulers over natural laws!
In particular, the sea dragon, Aquilo, was the most notorious among the blue dragon clan, ruling over the sea since a long time ago.
Based on archaeological records, it was an adult dragon that would've lived for a least a thousand years. The last time it appeared had been 150 years ago, when it woke up from a nap and wiped out a fleet from the Soldun Kingdom.
'I've looked up the name in the library a few times, but it is never a good thing.'
Back when Theodore lived in the academy's library, he had read thousands of books, regardless of their type.
Among them, there had naturally been books containing legends and folktales about the continent. The name Aquilo had appeared only a few times, but he hadn't forgotten it. His fingers were lacking if he wanted to count all the actions in his memories.
Sweeping away a port city because their tribute was a few days late…
Killing a wandering minstrel because his lyrics were unpleasant…
Sinking a fishing boat because the number of boats had reduced…
In addition, the number of ships sunk and people killed was as numerous as the stars.
However, despite the tyranny, Aquilo couldn't be properly killed. Surrounded by the vast reaches of the sea, which was much more spacious than the land, Aquilo's power became exceedingly powerful, making it almost invincible in the sea.
"…In other words, we must absolutely never touch it."
"Yes, I think so as well."
The opinions of the two people, who would be regarded as strong in every part of the world, coincided without any errors. When considering the general power of an adult dragon, it was said that two masters were needed to equal it, and three were required to kill it reliably.
Even Veronica complained that she couldn't be certain of victory in a one-on-one match, so it was impossible for a 6th Circle magician and half-master swordsman.
After deciding on a stance of non-aggression, Randolph opened his mouth first. "Hrmm, so we should stay low during our remaining time here?"
"Yes, we can't get involved in any situations."
Theodore examined the knowledge he had recently absorbed from Satomer. It was in order to confirm the concept of 'domain,' which was still unfamiliar to him. According to Satomer's knowledge, the 'domain' of a dragon could also be called their lair, a place where they stored collected treasures and nested.
'Perhaps the fog surrounding this island is a type of alarm system.'
The fog was the boundary of Aquilo's domain, and it controlled the people who could enter. No one could go in and out without Aquilo knowing.
The two people were more likely to cause a fuss if they stole a boat and tried to escape. The safest and wisest choice was to wait for the day when the cruise ship returned and they would leave for the Soldun Kingdom.
Yes, Theodore's conclusion was undoubtedly reasonable.
However, he overlooked one thing. It was a mistake he made because he hadn't fully comprehended Satomer's knowledge.
Satomer had told Theodore in the mental world that the Pirate Archipelago was Aquilo's domain. So, from the very beginning, the existence of the two people had already caught the notorious dragon's eyes.
[…Hrmm.]
Was Theo imagining it? For a moment, a chill ran down his spine.
* * *
Five days passed since then.
Despite the tension on the first night, the two of them stayed at the inn without any problems. The passenger ship would come back in 10 days, so half the time had already passed. Perhaps their policy to stay as invisible as possible was viable.
Randolph and Theodore became deeply involved in their training while enjoying their peaceful days. As Randolph swung his sword in the yard, Theodore read books in his chair.
Tak.
Theodore finished reading a book and closed it.
"Eat, Gluttony."
Then he threw the book he was reading into the air, while at the same time, the tongue protruded and caught the book.
['Thunderbolt from Dry Skies' has been consumed. Your understanding is very high.]
[You have acquired 6th Circle magic, 'Thunderbolt.']
[By acquiring top ranked electric magic, the proficiency of lower ranked electric magic has increased.]
As the waves of knowledge flowed as usual, Theodore closed his eyes and focused.
Having Gluttony's ability to acquire knowledge and proficiency was fraudulent but the efficiency would be low if Theodore wasn't motivated to learn. However, the always sincere Theodore was able to bring out the power to the maximum.
Theodore opened his eyes with a faint smile.
'Okay, half the books I've brought with me have been digested.'
He had brought many 6th Circle magic books with him when he left Meltor. In the meantime, his progress had been slow since he hadn't had a lot of time to read books. However, his performance during these five days was comparable to that of a few weeks or a month.
Some magic books would take more time because they were difficult to understand, but he was confident that he could learn them all in three months.
However, the most important thing to solve was the issue of his vessel, which had a time limit.
"…Should I use this during my stay on this island?"
Charlotte's Necklace was the treasure grade artifact which turned all ghosts into powerful evil spirits. Theo had obtained it after the duel bid with Isaac, but he had never used it once. The saint's seal, which had turned this necklace into a mere accessory, still hadn't been released.
Theodore looked at the necklace before placing it in his inventory with a sigh.
'Stop. There is no need to increase the risk factor.'
A large scale magic event like summoning evil spirits could trigger the dragon's aggression.
He needed to keep this in mind. His opponent was the notorious sea dragon, Aquilo. It was the tyrant of the sea, who killed people for minor reasons and sank thousands of ships. Just like how children smiled when stepping on ants, the lives of humans were just like worms to a dragon.
Theo had to remember that the Pirate Archipelago was Aquilo's palm, so disaster could be found at any time.
—Like right now.
[Deo!] At that moment, Mitra, who had been sleeping in the warm sunlight on the window, shot up and screamed.
Before Theodore could question her, his sensory perception let out a large alarm. His back was frozen cold, and his hairs stood up like they were bristling. He had experienced a chill like this before.
It was when he dived into Laevateinn's flames and when he collided with Pride in the past. In other words, the owner of this presence was a monster on the same level!
'What, a bottle of water?!'
As Theodore hurriedly prepared for battle, the colourful bottle of water sitting in the room moved. To be precise, it was the bottle's contents. 'Water' filled up the room.
Chwaack.
The water emerged from the bottle and produced a surreal sight. Regardless of whether it pulled the water in the air or gathered it in small lumps, the water quickly grew to the size of a person. The water became more and more like a person, until it changed to the image of a beautiful mermaid.
"Senior elemental, a naiad…!"
The naiad, a senior elemental which couldn't be summoned unless the summoner was an elf elementalist, spoke calmly, [That is correct, human with Arv's blessing.]
Normally she wouldn't be speaking, but in this situation, she opened her mouth first without any signs of embarrassment.
[From now on, I will pass on 'Her' words.]
Before Theodore could ask, another voice was heard.
[-Hello?]
It was sweet enough to melt his ears, but cold enough to cause a chill down his spine. This wasn't the voice of a human. It embraced pure desire without any moderation. The voice whispering into his ears was enough to turn any man or woman into a horny monkey.
Theodore barely held onto his rope of reason and replied, "It is nice to meet you, Ruler of the Sea."
There was no question about the identity of the other person. Theodore politely greeted the uninvited visitor. No, she was the master of this place, so he might be the uninvited person. Sea Dragon Aquilo, the being who dominated the sea for thousands of years, scanned Theodore up and down.
Then she continued speaking in that sensual voice, [First, welcome to my island, Boy.]
"It is a very sudden welcome."
[Ahaha, you are saying that, but you don't seem very surprised? You look young in terms of your face, but you seem to have accumulated many experiences.]
Thus far, it was still okay. Theodore didn't feel any animosity in her voice. Was it mere curiosity? Or was she killing time? Either way, he needed information. Theodore was barely able to open his mouth before the gaze conveyed through the naiad.
"…I'm sorry, can I ask why you are looking for me?"
[Hrmm, is it so hard talking to me?]
"Honestly, it is quite burdensome."
Aquilo's voice cut off for a moment.
[Ahahaha! You, you are too honest! I don't hate such a personality, but shouldn't you be careful from now on?]
–I might accidentally kill you.
Theodore was soaked in a cold sweat. It wasn't a threat or warning, but just that Aquila was really worried about killing Theodore… Just like accidentally crushing an ant under her foot. Fortunately, Aquilo didn't put that declaration into action.
She chuckled before answering Theodore's question, [Okay, I'll tell you simply. In three days, a festival to worship me will be held in the heart of the islands. At that time, I want you to come with your companion.]
In the first place, a veto didn't exist. Theodore nodded and replied, "…I understand."
[You are smart as well. If you asked one more question, I would've cut off your head,] Aquilo said before turning off the naiad's summoning.
The shape of the mermaid distorted, and the water slowly fell to the ground as the magic power was cut off. While the water soaked the wooden floor and carpet, Aquilo's voice could still heard.
[Then I'll be waiting in three days.]
After that, she added a fearsome warning.
[Boy, if you don't come, I will kill you.]
Chapter 146 – Sea Dragon Aquilo (2)
"Look, I'm right," Randolph spoke grumpily while wearing a mithril alloy breastplate, gauntlets, and leggings, and carrying his falchions. He was fully armed as they were facing an opponent who the death knight couldn't even compare to.
"First a warlock and now a dragon… When I'm with Young Master, I can meet all types of existences."
"I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologize. As I said before, this is my choice, and I've always wanted to see a dragon at least once."
Randolph grinned and shook his head at Theodore's apology. For a warrior, facing death always raised a master's level. A person who turned away from it wasn't qualified to be a master.
Three days had passed, and it was time to visit Aquilo. The duo desperately prepared countermeasures. They armed themselves with the highest level of equipment on the island, as well as magic scrolls and consumables.
However, Theodore's brilliant mind was well aware of the odds.
'Even if we fight 10 times, it would be lucky if we won once.'
Despite everything the two people had done, their odds of victory didn't exceed 1%. Gluttony had given him information about 'Dragon Words' and prepared a secret destruction word, but there was no guarantee it would work properly.
If possible, it was best not to fight. Theodore realized this again and gulped.
"Well, don't be too nervous." At that moment, Randolph knocked on his shoulder and said, "Isn't a dragon famous for its fickleness? There is no point worrying about things with no answers. So, just think about it after we meet her."
"…Surprisingly, you can sometimes say good words."
"What are you saying?!" Randolph, who had given him good advice, raised his voice.
On the other hand, Theodore suppressed his anxieties. The vicious being had an 'unpredictable' nature, so it was impossible to guess her actions. He had been preparing for the last three days, and now, he would have to face her head on.
Theodore opened his mouth with a faint smile. "Then let's try it once."
Randolph laughed at his aggressive words. "Okay, let's go!"
With more intense speculation and determination than ever, the two men left the inn.
* * *
The Sea God Festival.
It was a festival held once a year on the Pirate Archipelago. Even the rulers who separated the islands into four zones didn't dare set a schedule, and Theodore quickly guessed the reason.
'It is probably on Aquilo's whim.'
The four rulers were all a smokescreen. The true owner of the Pirate Archipelago was Sea Dragon Aquilo, and the four rulers were peasants who managed the islands according to her commands. It was just his guess, but this Sea God Festival might've been decided three days ago. Shortly after talking to Theodore, she had prepared a place to lure him in.
He was convinced after seeing this bustling scene.
"Hey! You bastard, where are you looking?"
"Don't make such a fuss when I am looking straight ahead!"
"What? Do you want to fight here?"
In the narrow marina, people were arguing, and there were sometimes fist fights.
Unlike the other islands, the center of the Pirate Archipelago where the Sea God festival would take place wasn't connected by bridges. So, people had to move to the center island by boat. It was natural that there weren't enough boats compared to those who wanted to participate in the festival.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Theodore and Randolph didn't need to take part in the struggle for boats.
"I've been waiting for you, Theodore."
"I've been waiting for you, Randolph."
While people were struggling over boats, two people emerged from amongst them and approached Theodore and Randolph.
The hull was decorated with gold, and the flag depicted a dragon on a black background, the symbol of the Pirate Archipelago. It was a privilege which couldn't be enjoyed by normal executives or people from the outside.
'Don't ride it… I can't choose that option.'
Theodore raised his eyebrows before climbing onto the boat. He didn't want to stay in a place where he had attracted attention, but he realized three days ago that it wasn't good to oppose Aquilo. Randolph climbed onto the other one, and the boats started moving with the current. As soon as the boatmen moved their oars, the gold boat moved through the water.
Chwaaak! Chwaaak!
Their hands were very skillful. The boatmen moved the oars with several times more skill than those in the other boats around them.
'No, to be accurate, it isn't normal.'
However, Theodore could see that his boatman's eyes were shining blue, meaning he was controlled by Aquilo's 'Dragon Fear.' In addition to that, they had the divine blessing, so it was natural that they excelled. Additionally, the casual use of Theodore's and Randolph's real names was proof that they were under Aquilo's control.
After a while, hundreds of boats gradually gathered at the central island. When the party's boat arrived, Theodore and Randolph gulped as they saw the altar of sacrifice to the sea god.
"T-This…!"
"…Amazing."
It wasn't an exaggeration to say there was a mountain of gold piled up in front of the altar. There were gold coins, jewels, trinkets, weapons, and even food that could be eaten year round stacked up like dry leaves.
As the two people were impressed, the boatmen spoke at the same time.
""The Sea God Festival refers to the day once every year, when half the goods in the Pirate Archipelago are offered to the sea god. The greater the offerings, the better the blessing.""
"W-What?"
"…Once a year."
Unlike the confused Randolph, Theodore reexamined the explanation and asked, "Then how many years has the Sea God Festival been held?"
""Including this year, 52 times.""
Disbelieving expressions appeared on their faces. If this had happened for 52 years, how much gold and treasures were piled up in Aquilo's lair?
There was a reason why a dragon slayer quickly made a fortune. Some dragons liked to receive tributes like Aquilo, while others would plunder them. Most dragons enjoyed their lairs being decorated with rare pieces.
One million gold? 10 million gold? Maybe there was 100 million gold inside the lair. Theodore couldn't help feeling breathless, despite having no greed for riches. The rumour that a kingdom used up most of their assets to hunt a dragon wasn't so farfetched after all.
'Human greed has no end, and they always repeat the same mistakes.'
Theodore sighed as he saw the greed in the eyes of the spectators. Maybe this was Aquilo's intention. For a dragon who loved blood and destroying things, this was enough to induce a punishment.
Waaaaaah-!
In front of that lavish landscape, the authentic Sea God Festival started. Nearly naked dancers shook their bodies in front of the gold, silver, and treasures, while the spectators cheered them on. The combination of gold, alcohol, and naked beauty was enough to seduce any male eye.
Only Theodore looked around with an unconcerned look.
Shortly afterwards, he heard the voice he'd been waiting for.
[Ah, I'm bored. It has been decades since I started this, so I'm becoming bored.] The voice whispered directly into Theo's mind. It was a sweet poison which melted his senses like when he first heard it.
"…Aquilo."
[Can you relieve my boredom?]
Simultaneously, Theodore's boat started to slowly change directions. Only the current flowing around Theodore's ship moved in the other direction. Maybe it was because the flow was so calm, but Randolph still hadn't realized that Theodore was moving away.
No magic power could be felt, so it must be the inherent power of a dragon who controlled natural phenomenon. Theo didn't resist as he asked, "Didn't you ask me to come with my companion?"
[It doesn't matter if you want to come together, but I might feel a little worse.]
"…I will go alone."
It was what he'd expected in the first place. So, Theodore accepted it without any complaints. His policy was to avoid a fight if possible, and he didn't want to drag Randolph into this. Anyway, there was nothing to lose in trying. It was right to try conversing first, until Aquilo showed that she wanted to become enemies.
Chwaaaaak!
Before long, Theodore's boat was pulled through a crack in the cliff. The water depth became shallower, and eventually he reached the shore where the boat couldn't move anymore. The boatman put down the oars and pointed inside the cave. "Enter."
Theodore stepped onto the land instead of responding to the boatman.
'Um, this scent?'
A curious scent coming from the cave tickled his nose, but it wasn't toxic. Theodore calmly walked inside while clearing the scent with magic. Stalactites grew everywhere, making it seem like a natural terrain. However, the torches stuck on the wall at regular intervals were unnatural.
'I'm getting closer. In the next 10 steps…'
He reached the epicenter of the scent. The moment that Theodore thought so and took a step forward…
Chill.
His feet touched the ground, and his five senses started screaming. It was an inevitable death. There were no gaps to escape. He didn't know what attack was coming, but Theodore Miller would die here.
Even with his nerves accelerated to the extreme, the attack was too powerful and fast to be seen. Additionally, it was small. The attack was smaller than a coin and similar to a grain seed. It was like Alfred's Magic Bullet, but it wasn't a magic projectile.
However, the attack reached before its identity could be discovered.
Puk!
It punched straight through Theodore and continued in a straight line into the wall. The attack was so strong that it only stopped after penetrating half a stone wall that was tens of meters thick. It wasn't a power which could be defeated by 6th Circle defense magic.
However, Theodore survived that blow.
'A water droplet shot at ultra-high pressure…?'
Theodore's neck was sweating as he barely escaped the crisis. Then he saw Umbra shining on his right arm and realized how he'd survived. If Fluidization had been delayed even a little bit, the attack would've gone through his skull, leaving only a dead body behind.
He might've been able to do something if the water bullet was made with aura or magic power, but the pure physical damage would've dealt a blow that he couldn't endure. In some ways, this could be called superiority.
…Hah, the one with the complete advantage was waiting. Theodore scoffed at his own judgment and glared into the dark room beyond. This was the epicenter of the strange fragrance, which also contained the one who shot the water droplet at him.
"Ara, you survived?" The terrible voice filled Theodore's ears. Theo barely managed to ignore the instinct which was telling him to bow his head and lick this woman's feet.
"…Can I ask for the meaning of that attack?" Theodore's blue eyes shone as he prepared to rip his teleport scroll.
However, Aquilo replied to Theodore's question in a voice of deep boredom, with absolutely no hostility felt at all. "It isn't a big deal. I am fickle in many ways, so I decided to act like this."
"Like this? A surprise attack?"
"No. I wanted to attack once to see if you would survive or die. You did very well avoiding it. I honestly never thought you could avoid it, so you're more interesting than I thought." Aquilo flicked her fingers as she gave the terrible reply.
Clack!
Then the beads attached to the room lit up, making the dim cave brighter. Naturally, Aquilo's appearance in the darkness also became clearer.
"Uh!" Simultaneously, Theodore's body stiffened.
With hair as blue as seawater, fluorescent eyes which glowed with a bewitching light, two horns which sprouted from between the blue hair, and gorgeous white shoulders which were exposed by the luxurious cloak… Any man would be forced to feel lust, including Theodore.
He had met a few beautiful women before, but none of them were those who oozed 'femininity' in order to seduce men. Aquilo was stunning, even with her chest to lower body covered by the long cloak. Even the extravagant gold accessories, which could seem tacky, were nothing but subtle decorations for her.
As she held a strange looking pipe in her mouth, Aquilo faced Theodore with gently curved eyes.
"-Now, let's start the story."
Chapter 147 – Sea Dragon Aquilo (3)
Aquilo first sucked the pipe with her pink lips and blew out white smoke, before lifting her index finger.
Did she mean for him to come closer? The vigilant Theodore approached cautiously, and Aquilo waved her fingers with a whimsical smile. He reflexively lowered his posture, but his senses didn't warn him this time.
Jjejejeok.
The air suddenly froze and turned into the shape of a chair.
"This…!" Theodore turned to Aquilo with astonished eyes, causing her to laugh and raise her pipe. The ability to dominate the natural world itself, a power only given to a dragon, was just demonstrated.
"Sit there. It is a bit cool for humans, but isn't it better than standing?"
"Thank you."
He quickly sat down on the ice chair. It was a little chilly, but the magic power in Theodore's body immediately shook off the cold. As a 6th Circle magician, his body wasn't ordinary anymore. However, Aquilo just stared at him and casually threw him a question. "Boy, who on earth are you running away from?"
"…Huh?" Theodore's eyes widened at the words.
"It was around three days after you arrived on my island…? Some idiots touched my ward. There was no way it was a punitive expedition… So, I went out and checked."
"Yes."
"Do you call it a ghost ship? Yes, those guys were riding on it."
'Ghost ship,' Theodore's face distorted at those words. Land people dismissed it as superstition, while sailors just thought of it as an unlucky vision. However, in reality, it was neither. A ghost ship was an undead formed from the souls and ship of a wreckage.
'The last record of its appearance was more than 100 years ago…'
It was hard to obtain the materials because it required a purely maintained wrecked ship, and the creation process was extremely difficult. For that reason, it was a type of black magic found only in the magic tower's records. Yet a ghost ship was being used to pursue Theodore…? Maybe the 'Charlotte's Necklace' he acquired was very significant to the Orcus Company, or the forces behind the company.
Theodore barely managed to reply in an indifferent manner, "So, what did you do?"
"What do you think I did? I killed them."
Theodore was at a loss for words and gulped. Aquilo's white skin turned red as she recalled the bloody memories of that day.
"In the beginning, someone tried to negotiate with me. So, I grabbed him and killed him. First I twisted his limbs, pulled out his eyeballs, and then pierced his ears so that he would be quiet."
"..."
"When he tried to run away, I grabbed him and cut his legs off. Then he surrendered. He dared to act so freely? These bastards dared to sprinkle black magic in my domain? I chopped him up and fed him to the sharks."
'Creepy.' Goosebumps emerged all over Theodore's body as he stared at those blissful eyes.
He couldn't even feel happy that his trackers were wiped out. The person in front of him was the incarnation of violence, an executioner and slaughterer. He would rather fight against the warlocks, since dealing with a sea dragon was literally suicide.
Then Aquilo's eyes turned to him, "I heard your name from that bastard."
Those guys didn't help him even while dying. Theodore couldn't help cursing the Orcus warlocks. It was Theodore who had attracted the ghost ship to Aquilo's domain. Whether it was deliberate or not, a dragon wasn't the type of person to be mindful of this.
As expected, there was a glint in Aquilo's eyes.
"So, I tried to kill you because I was annoyed…"
Was it coming? Theodore's calves were completely ready to move. He would be in the palm of her hand, but he needed to try and live as much as possible. However, his determination was meaningless as Aquilo just smiled.
"You smell."
"���Huh?"
"Your smell, smell." She giggled and glanced at Theodore with delighted eyes. It was a seductive gaze which made his heart sink. "A fresh young girl."
"…?" Theodore cocked his head at the words.
"An innocent high elf."
"…!!"
"Finally… the hateful smell of the red clan."
Aquilo's tongue swept across her lower lips. She looked like a snake before its prey, so Theodore got a vague chill. As Theodore was confused by the unknown mood, Aquilo leaned her upper body toward him. And…
Huuu~ She blew smoke out of the pipe and into his face.
"Ack!" Theo reacted too late. He hurriedly stopped breathing in, but it was inevitable that he inhaled some smoke. His senses were silent, and Aquilo just looked at him as she waited for his reaction.
Shortly after that…
Ping!
A wave of dizziness swept over him. Theodore looked between Aquilo and the pipe she was holding with trembling eyes. Then Aquilo lifted the white pipe at his unspoken question.
"This? It is just a drug. From my standpoint, it is just like drinking alcohol… but for you, it is a type of stimulus?"
It was as she said. Theodore soon felt his body turning hot like a fireball. No, it wasn't a fever. Due to its effect, his nervous system was a mess. He tried to get up from the chair, but his arms and legs were caught by the ice chair.
"Don't be so nervous. You will soon be pleased."
Aquilo put down her pipe and slowly got up from the chair. Then the cloak decorated with gold flowed down to the ground.
"…Heok!"
Theodore's eyes reflexively widened before he closed them. The body which had been covered by the long cloak was revealed under the bright light. Thus far, it was okay. He was a little nervous, but he was old enough not to be overcome by the sight of a woman's underwear. However, Aquilo's attire was more than that.
"So naive."
Even the sound of her laughter made him dizzy. Theodore kept his eyes closed, but he could hear Aquilo's footsteps. Her white and bare feet stepped on the damp ground, as a tail covered in blue scales extended behind her. There was a shark fin-like protrusion on the long snake-like tail.
The white legs which the tail stretched from… and above it…
'Damn!'
He desperately tried to shake off the sight, but his attempts were in vain. Before Theodore could calm himself, Aquilo's footsteps stopped in front of his chair.
"I would like to take something away from them," Aquilo whispered and sat on Theodore's lap without any hesitation.
Flinch.
Oddly, he couldn't even move a finger. He gulped as he felt the weight and soft texture of her thighs. Was this fearsome stimulation really because of the effect of the drug?
"Hey, aren't you curious?" Like a female praying mantis during breeding season, Aquilo asked Theodore coyly, "If I take away your virginity here, what faces would those females make? Will they be angry? Or will they resent you? Ahh, either way, it is fine."
"…Why…?"
"I told you. I'm…"
It felt too good as she bit Theodore's ear gently.
As a shiver went down his spine, his hand couldn't help going up to her chest. The movement was so natural that it was like he had done this many times, despite actually being unfamiliar with it. Apart from the paralysis of his body, Theodore had no experience with this, so he couldn't resist.
Aquilo overpowered him in an instant and finally reached out her fingers. Theodore suppressed a gasp as he grasped the destination of her fingers and groaned,"T-There…"
"Don't worry. Just leave it to me."
"No…"
"Yes," Aquilo whispered in a mischievous voice. Then the moment her fingers were about to reach its destination…
Slap!
There was a sound, and Aquilo's fingers were thrown back.
"…Eh?"
The immobile Theodore couldn't stop her fingers, but Aquilo's stunned gaze soon found the source.
[No!]
A small brown-skinned girl with wheat coloured hair was staring at her from Theodore's belly.
"…E-Elemental?"
[Deo no want you! Bad hands!]
"You can express your emotions? You, are you an ancient elemental?"
As Aquila became distracted by Mitra, Theodore realized that his body had recovered from the paralysis. He was puzzled about how such a strong drug was removed in a short period of time, but Theodore quickly found his answer.
'The bud of the world tree!'
The bud growing from Mitra's hair was from the seed of the world tree, a tree which had the ability to cleanse the world of hazardous substances.
It was no wonder that the detoxifying ability worked on Theodore who was in contract with Mitra, the elemental who used to be Mother Earth. If he had summoned Mitra from the beginning, he wouldn't have been paralyzed by the drug.
However, he didn't have time to waste on such regrets.
Snap.
"Eh?!" Aquilo was confused when her shoulders were abruptly grabbed by Theodore. There was no need to answer her unspoken question. Theodore faced Aquilo's fluorescent eyes while ignoring the texture underneath his hand.
"I don't intend to intervene in your display of affection, but I don't want to be in this relationship with you."
Aquilo stared into his eyes before laughing. "Even when your body is reacting like this?"
"…You are attractive."
"But you still don't want to?"
"Yes."
Theodore had no idea what Aquilo felt at the decisive rejection. However, there wasn't an unpleasant expression on her face, so he could think about it later. Aquilo looked at him strangely before laughing and getting down from his lap.
Then she clicked her tongue and said, "Well, okay. I don't want to hurt my pride by forcing you."
Theodore felt deeply relieved and sad, two contradictory emotions, as he watched Aquilo return to her chair.
He was able to stand up to her in the end, but hiding behind his calm face was a desperate emotion. If Mitra had delayed even a little bit, this might be carved as a black mark in Theodore's history.
The moment he was trying to get rid of his tension…
"…What, another bastard?"
Aquilo's angry voice resonated through the cave.
* * *
"Ah… Why is the Sea God Festival on the day when I have to patrol?"
"Who isn't annoyed? Dammit."
On the outskirts of the Pirate Archipelago, two pirates were patrolling on the first day of the Sea God Festival. It was a miracle time which occurred once a year, when pirates could freely enjoy alcohol and women at will. However, they couldn't enjoy it because they had to waste time patrolling.
A red-hooded pirate muttered, "Do you want to boast about your conquests again?"
The blue-hooded pirate replied with a sigh, "Of course. Wouldn't you?"
"Ha, shit!"
They were afraid of their boss' harsh axe, so they couldn't disobey. Yet they couldn't bear it, so they looked at the sea in the distance. The two pirates smoked the tobacco they had sneaked out and complained about their misfortune.
They didn't know that this would be the end of their lives. The waves moved in a strange way, and 'something' emerged, destroying the heads of the two pirates.
Kung!
There was a huge noise, but this outlying area wasn't popular except for patrols.
Grrrr…
There was a growling sound, and a bizarre-looking monster appeared.
It had six fins, five tails which rippled through the water, and limbs which grew on thick and tough skin, like those of land creatures. In spite of the dark night sky, its eyes emitted a faint light, like those of deep-sea creatures.
However, that wouldn't be the case from now on.
Creak, creak…
After coming from sea to the land, the creature reconstructed its characteristics and form to suit the environment. The unnecessary fins and tails were removed, while the skin turned into a thick leather. Horns sprouted from its head, and its luminous eyes pierced through the darkness.
-…It stinks.
The creature's mouth looked like gills, and a low frequency voice which humans couldn't hear emerged.
–This… the smell of a dragon…
The eyes of the monster accurately captured the center of the Pirate Archipelago, where the festival was being held. To be exact, it pinpointed the location of the cave on the outer parts of the Sea God Festival.
The reason he had come to the sea from a distant land was because he smelled a delicious dragon.
Chwaaaak!
Six wings sprouted from its back. The wings of a wyvern, gryphon, and several other creatures were stored in it since flying was a convenient way to travel. In the form of a monster which didn't exist anywhere else in the material world, the grimoire of sin that ate life landed.
This was the moment when the usurper of creatures, Pride, appeared again.
Chapter 148 – Along with the Dragon (1)
Aquilo and Theodore took the boat back to the altar, where the festival was in full swing.
The belly dancers captivated the audience with their aggressive dance, while there was smoke blowing everywhere, from the opium being lit in light concentrations. It would be difficult to maintain reason in a place like this.
However, the ugliness of the area couldn't be hidden.
'Even so… there is no chaos.'
Theodore eyebrows twitched as he looked around and clicked his tongue lightly. It was as he said. The prostitutes were already brought onto the surrounding boats, and drunkards were sleeping while tangled together.
On the other hand, Aquilo watched the humans with a satisfied expression. However, her eyebrows raised when she found a ship approaching them. What idiot dared to block her way? Aquilo raised a sharp nail at the end of a white finger and waited for the right moment to slice the person.
"Young Master!"
However, the man who jumped onto their boat stood beside Theodore. He held two swords, and the aura flowing from the blades seemed like they could cut through the darkness. Randolph sighed with relief when he saw Theodore, who had disappeared from his eyes for a while. His warrior's instincts had predicted death.
"Aha, is he your companion, Boy?"
Aquilo recognized Randolph's identity and put her nails away. The red lips on her white face seemed like cherry blossoms in bloom. Randolph lost his spirit for a moment at the smile, but his trained mentality meant that he quickly recovered. She might superficially appear as a beautiful woman, but…
'Dammit, I'm not a match for her.'
Randolph felt himself quickly getting drenched in sweat. Unlike magicians who pursued ideas, a warrior's ability to determine strength was unmatched. His senses, which had been trained for many decades, were screaming that no matter what, he shouldn't fight her.
"…Damn, I want to hit you."
However, Randolph didn't put his swords away. Rather, his two eyes stared straight at Aquilo. The surprising thing was Aquilo's reaction. She ignored Randolph, who had been prepared for battle, and manipulated the ocean currents to guide their boat to the center of the festival.
Then she climbed onto dry land and licked her lips.
[Stop.]
Simultaneously, everything became static. The hundreds, maybe thousands, of people stopped moving.
This was 'Dragon Fear,' the ability of a transcendent species which allowed them to dominate those below them. It didn't mean much to Theodore and Randolph, but the merchants and pirates couldn't resist.
However, shortly after that…
-It's coming.
Theodore perceived its presence before anyone else. Gluttony warned him, but this was the second time today that his senses let out a howl of warning. The size of the warning was equal to or greater than that of Aquilo's surprise attack. The biggest problem was that this presence was somehow familiar.
'No, I distinctly remember this presence… Can it be…?'
Theodore stiffened while trying to figure out the identity of the intruder. If his guess was correct… it was possible the uninvited guest had come for Aquilo, not him. There was nothing to base his speculation on, but it might be considered reality when thinking about the ominous warning.
Like right now…
Kuuong!
The ground formed a pit as something landed from the sky, and six fluttering wings caused dust to rise up. In front of the expressionless Aquilo, Pride of the Seven Sins revealed its heinous appearance.
–I found you.
When Theodore saw it, he became nervous.
'Dangerous. Even more than last time…'
Gluttony heard his thoughts and agreed.
-5th stage. This time, don't even try to fight it.
'What? Already?'
-That's right. I don't know what Pride ate, but it has already unlocked the 5th seal. That swine.
A Seven Sins grimoire with the 5th seal released…! When Pride had been at the 4th stage, Theodore had been helpless until Veronica arrived. Now, it was even stronger? Theodore gulped and carefully looked at the confrontation between two monsters.
'How much stronger is it?'
Gluttony hesitated for a moment before replying.
–Now, even if that woman called Veronica comes, the odds are fifty-fifty. No, it is probably around 40%.
'This is just stage 5?!'
Theodore barely managed to maintain his expressionless face as he screamed inwardly. The last time, Theodore had to use Transmission to borrow Alfred's power. Now, Pride had released one more seal and could fight Veronica equally? If Theodore was currently five times stronger than that time, then Pride was 10 times stronger.
As another piece of the Seven Sins, Gluttony replied like it was natural.
–Of course. For the Seven Sins, releasing the seals is the process of returning to our 'original state'… If you reach stage 6 according to Pride's standards, you can slaughter an ancient dragon by yourself.
"…Crazy." Theo couldn't hide the astonished cry which emerged from his mouth. The ancient dragon was already mostly gone from the material world, but a 6th stage grimoire could defeat it. If so, what was the 7th stage, and what would Pride be like at that point? He couldn't imagine such a horrible future.
However, Theodore wasn't given any more leeway.
–We meet again, Gluttony's monkey.
"Uh!"
Superbia's head didn't need to turn around as an eyeball appeared on the back and stared at Theodore. Perhaps it had known he was there from the beginning. It glanced at Theodore and wriggled its blade-like projections, as if it wanted to kill him right here.
However, the response came from a different direction.
"What, do you know this thing?" Aquilo smoked her pipe and spoke while pointing at Superbia. She seemed mild-mannered and friendly, but there was a sharp look in her eyes. Aquilo was certain that Superbia wasn't an easy opponent.
Theodore kept up his vigilance and nodded slightly. "I do. It is an unfortunate relationship."
"Hrmm, then this guy is chasing you as well?"
The answer came from elsewhere.
–No, I have no interest in a monkey. [Pride,] Superbia, spoke while gazing at Aquilo with hungry eyes. Of course, only Aquilo and Theodore could hear its low frequency voice, but Randolph felt an unpleasant sensation every time it spoke.
–Young sea dragon, I will ask you something. [Pride] Superbia's super low voice rang out. –My purpose is completion. Are you willing to join this noble purpose and be reborn as the perfect creature?
Aquilo's answer was clear. "Many dogs are noisy these days."
It was instant. Aquilo spoke in a way which didn't suit her beautiful lips and stepped forward. Veronica, a quarter dragon, was able to display the body of an aura user. Then how strong was a pure-blooded dragon? The question which Theodore couldn't answer was resolved in front of him.
Kwaang!
The origin of the blow was the tail. As soon as Aquilo twisted her body, the fast-waving tail became the strongest whip on the planet. However, Superbia, who was hit by the blow, wasn't normal either. As half of its body burst, it used the repulsion to push its body back into the strong currents.
–Kuhu, huhuhu…! Refusal, I see!
As Superbia laughed at her, Aquilo was astounded.
"You want to go a round with me?"
Superbia wanted to face the sea dragon in the sea? Even the gold clan, the so-called strongest dragon clan, avoided fighting Aquilo at sea. Aquilo didn't hesitate to jump into the sea currents after Superbia. It wasn't the shadow of a woman but the long shadow of a huge snake moving through the waves.
Randolph held his double swords and looked at Theodore.
"I don't know really know what is going on, but… Young Master, what are you going to do?"
"I'm not sure."
Theodore looked at the shadows of the two monsters who had disappeared into the sea, and inquired inwardly, 'Gluttony, can Aquilo defeat Pride?'
–It is impossible, Gluttony replied immediately, without any hesitation. –The dragon's power would be sufficient if Pride was still stage 4, but after reaching stage 5, the odds are 0%. There is no means for a sea dragon to kill it.
'Even if the sea dragon is fighting in the sea?'
–Pride's combat power doesn't depend on environment. You should remember since you fought it once.
Certainly. Theodore couldn't deny it and stopped speaking. Pride's ability meant it could instantly create a shell which reflected Magic Bullet and could endure 5th Circle fire magic. There were many creatures which were strong in the sea, and Superbia's immortality wasn't something that a sea dragon could beat.
In the end, Theodore was forced to make a difficult decision. "I'm going."
"Are you serious?" Randolph was stiff, unlike his usual self. "I don't know what it is, but this isn't something we can afford to get involved in. It is like shrimps interfering in a fight between whales."
"Well, I can't deny it." Theodore shrugged. "But I have an unfortunate relationship with that creature. If that dragon is defeated, the creature will surely come to kill me. It is better to fight with the dragon to beat it."
"However… no, even if you win… can you trust in the wicked dragon?"
"A wicked dragon is still a dragon. Perhaps it will pay back the favour."
He had already made a decision. Theodore's face was showing that. The one struggling now was Randolph. Randolph followed Theodore with the desire to become a complete master, but he had never imagined contending with a dragon or monster.
How could Randolph fight an opponent that he couldn't win against? Did he have to risk his life just because Theodore helped him find the heirloom swords?
As he hesitated, Theodore spoke to him, "Captain Randolph, thank you for everything in the meantime."
"…What?"
"All old debts have been repaid, so you can leave me here. It is enough."
After giving his farewell message, Theodore ran in the direction of Aquilo. He ran by using the boats as stepping bridges. Using acceleration magic and physical strengthening magic, Theo soon disappeared from Randolph's sight.
Randolph simply stared dumbly in that direction. "..."
After Aquilo disappeared, the influence of 'Dragon Fear' gradually lifted and people started making noise again around the confused Randolph.
"…Hah."
Randolph had received consideration from someone younger than him. Whether Theodore realized Randolph's hesitation or not, his intentions were good.
"…Damn, dammit. This sucks!" Randolph scratched his head in a rough manner as he shouted loudly, surprising the people around him. His wounded pride, disappointment in himself, worry for Theodore, and fear toward the dragon and unknown monster mixed together.
Kang!
Then Randolph grabbed his two falchions and ran over the boats like Theodore had done.
'Ah! This bastard!' Complaints came from behind him, but he didn't hear them. Randolph ran toward the battlefield of monsters.
"Damn! It sure came without warning!"
The clear sky was now filled with dark clouds, and strong gusts of winds blew over the previous silent sea. Today's fighting promised not to end peacefully, as one swordsman entered the storm of his own volition.
Chapter 149 – Along with the Dragon (2)
The sea dragon, the so-called blue dragon, was known as one of the biggest among the dragon species.
It had a streamlined body more than 50 meters long, with a horned head and a powerful tail. On average, they boasted a thicker and more elongated body than that of adult dragons, who were typically 40 meters long. Clearly, there was a reason why the red clan, famous for their strength, couldn't face them in the sea.
These dragons gave up aerial wings and chose the sea. They developed a large size as well as sharp claws. Their fins and tails could endure the strong currents.
The speed of Aquilo, the water dragon who was so thoroughly specialized for underwater, was faster and more flexible than an arrow shot on land. Every time the smoothly curved tail moved through the water, she traveled a few hundred meters and emitted an intense shock wave.
[I caught up.]
Aquilo smiled cruelly as she caught sight of 'Pride.' She had sensed it on land, but she couldn't help feeling something ominous from the creature. It had reconstructed itself to be more efficient, with the feet of a mollusk and a wide tail like a squid.
Aquilo observed it for a while before opening her mouth, [Hrmm, should I just check it after I kill it?]
It wasn't a false confidence. She had lived for over a thousand years and had never missed a kill. Yet this insignificant thing dared to come unauthorized into her domain? She couldn't forgive it. As anger bubbled in her body, the water around her was sucked into her mouth.
This was Aqua Breath.
Water sprayed out with ultra-high pressure became a weapon in itself, and it was sharper than any sword. It had the strength to crush a thick ore to pieces. Theodore had barely survived just one drop of water, so this was serious.
Chut―――!
A thin, solid line shot out from Aquilo's mouth. The prerequisite for the propulsion was that the narrower the output, the stronger the pressure would become. She exhaled for 8 feet, and it turned Pride's bizarre body into a sophisticated puzzle piece.
Even a body made from adamantium wouldn't be able to survive this! It wasn't surprising that even with the traits, Pride's body was rendered into dozens of pieces. This was a scene of blood and flesh scattering instantaneously. However, Aquilo sensed that Superbia was still alive.
She muttered in a small voice, [You, a slime?]
–You are foolish, but you noticed quickly.
One piece of Superbia which had been cut off confirmed it. The body of a king slime…
A king slime was an S rank slime which occupied the southern swamps, and common attacks rarely worked against it. The slime's weakness was that it had a 'nucleus.' So, in order to get rid of it, she needed to destroy the whole body at once with huge firepower. It was unfortunate since Aqua Breath only exercised absolute power at one point.
–Now, it is my turn, Superbia declared as it restored its body in an instant.
'Kraken's tentacles.'
Before Aquilo could prepare, Superbia's body expanded and transformed into another form. Attached to the surface of the thick eight legs, there were suckers filled with poison where one drop could poison an adult male.
It was called a nightmare by seafarers in legends and was one of the two disasters of the sea, along with the sea serpent.
[Kraken!?]
The eight tentacles stretched out swiftly and wrapped around Aquilo's confused body. It wasn't just the outward appearance. Aquilo felt pressure on her scales from the poison.
She was the strongest in the sea, but she wasn't invincible. When she fought the kraken occasionally, a few of her scales would melt. Additionally, the megalodon's skin was sharp enough to penetrate a dragon's rugged hide.
However, she was never inferior.
Jijijik! Jijijik!
The tentacles around Aquilo's body swelled up. No, they were trying to tear her apart. However, the tentacles were unable to cope with the power of a sea dragon, so the mollusk's flexible body started to rupture.
Chwaaack!
Finally, Aquilo tore apart the kraken's tentacles. The dark water became so brightly lit that all the fish fled desperately.
[…Okay, this is finally a fun entertainment.]
Superbia wasn't an easy opponent, so she would start killing it sincerely. As Aquilo thought so, the sea water stirred and a wall of currents surrounded the whole area tightly. This was the sea dragon's innate ability to dominate the water. Despite the complete disappearance of an escape route, Pride scoffed.
–This will be the last play of your life.
However, Aquilo didn't have an answer. For her, the enemy was an object to be defeated, not a person to talk to. The fight had already begun. As Aquilo rushed into the waterway she had made herself, Superbia created the teeth of a megalodon.
There was a huge shock wave! The impact of the collision was so much that it even created a tsunami, as one of the rulers of the sea and a Seven Sins entered the battle.
* * *
Kururung!
Despite there being not a single drop of rain, thunder struck down. The water shook ominously as vibrations transmitted from far away reached the harbor, creating high waves. Theodore, who used magic to float above the sea, measured the echoes of the shock waves and immediately calculated the location of the epicenter.
"Over there."
Aquilo and Superbia were on the bottom of the sea approximately three kilometers from the coast. Theo didn't know in whose favor the fight was flowing, but it was on a scale in which he couldn't intervene.
One side was an adult dragon whom even Veronica would struggle with, while the other was a Seven Sins grimoire with the 5th seal released. It was a battlefield from which no one but a master could return.
–Are you really going? Gluttony asked Theodore. –Stop now, User. Pride is an emotional being, but it is one of the Seven Sins grimoires. It won't slaughter you for unnecessary things.
"Can you be sure of that?"
–…No.
Theodore smiled and shrugged at the uncertain answer.
"Well, that's right. And even if I survive here, is there any guarantee I won't meet it again? If it becomes even more powerful than now, the world tree won't be able to stop it… The safety of Ellenoa and Elvenheim will be at stake."
-...
"So I have to end it here. If it appears stronger next time, it won't be something that people of this era can handle."
Gluttony remained silent. The user's survival was always of the highest priority, but it realized that Theodore's words made sense. It was a gamble to fight here, but it would be checkmate if they fought again. Pride could reach the 6th stage by eating the sea dragon. By then, even if the continent formed an alliance, they would be wiped out in a week.
'Seems Gluttony is easily convinced by the far-sighted view…'
Theodore, who convinced Gluttony with just a few words, stared calmly at the sea.
Aquilo's tail would occasionally soar up, and red blood sprayed like a fountain, turning the water red. The aftermath of the two monsters' fight beneath the surface of the water was tremendous, reaching three kilometers away.
Theodore grabbed his pounding heart, which felt like it would burst, and looked down at his left hand.
"…Is it possible?" It was a weak voice but Theo couldn't help it.
Before facing Aquilo today, Theodore had desperately worked out measures to deal with a dragon and had obtained his own results. However, he had no time to practice it. Modern magic wouldn't work, so he had to pin his hope on ancient magic, which he had never attempted before.
At that moment, someone's voice reached his ears.
"Hey, Young Master! It isn't fun if you fly alone!"
Theo already knew who it was without looking back. No, he was afraid of what his expression would be like. So, he replied without looking back, "What are you doing here Randolph? You can really die!"
"Didn't I tell you? It doesn't matter!"
Randolph's level meant he could clearly see it… the struggle of the monster in the sea and the hell-like landscape they were now involved in. Yet Randolph still declared that they would go together. That loyal goodwill was such a heavy burden. Theodore opened his mouth and enchanted Randolph's shoes.
Then he spoke in a testy voice, "Now you can even run around on the water. Of course, the surface will be different, but you can easily compensate for that."
Randolph took one step at a time on the water, feeling delighted at not falling through the waves.
"Oh, this is good!"
He could walk on water if he utilized aura, but it was good to save energy and not have his concentration divided by the technique. As expected of a master level aura user, Randolph walked on the waves easily. It wasn't perfect, but it wasn't that different from his usual form.
However, there was no more time for the two of them to talk.
"This…!"
"Be careful, Young Master!"
Jjejejeok…! Jjejejeok…!
There was no warning as the waves froze, and the warm air became freezing cold like they were in a glacier.
It was a chill reminiscent of the 7th Circle Blizzard. Theodore and Randolph stood next to each other and used their power to resist. A normal person would immediately have their muscles and blood frozen over.
The sudden chill meant his eyelashes were frozen, but Theodore easily removed the ice from his eyelashes and opened his eyes.
"The sea…!"
It was all ice. The famous frigid landscape of the north was spread out before them.
From the coast to the horizon, the whole area was frozen white. The seagulls flying in the sky fell down. They were so deeply frozen that no water emerged when Randolph placed the tip of his sword in one as a test.
The one who created this landscape…
Ku kwa kwa kwang!
Penetrating through the thick ice like it was a thin wooden board, a dragon with blue scales rose to the surface.
However, she didn't have her usual unblemished and beautiful appearance, as her body was a wreck. Her scales had been melted by poison, and her skin had been torn by teeth. These wounds couldn't heal, and blood flowed from them.
Who could push Aquilo so far in the sea? As if to answer that question, Pride's grotesque body appeared on the glacier.
"Let's go!"
If Aquilo collapsed, they were dead. Pride wasn't an opponent that Theodore and Randolph could face. Theodore flew in the sky, while Randolph ran on the glacier. A distance of three kilometers wasn't particularly far for two people whose speed was accelerated to the maximum, but they couldn't help sweating from the intense nervousness.
Fortunately, Aquilo still resisted violently.
Kwaang!
Pride was struck by the long tail and pushed deeper into the glacier, but then it pounced at Aquilo and gouged her with sharp claws. This was probably a fearsome trait from another creature. As Theodore moved closer, he calculated the distance and prepared the magic which would be most effective.
However, there was still a big gap between them.
[Kuack, this chimera bastard is trying to intimidate…!]
As Aquilo prepared another breath attack, Pride saw an opportunity and its claws flashed.
Superbia used an unidentified poison. It was a poisonous solution capable of melting a dragon's scales and muscles, and Aquilo couldn't even guess its origin. If this poison hit her heart, brain, or spine, it would be a wound that could endanger her life.
Aquilo, who sensed her defeat, closed her eyes.
Kurururung!
Then lightning struck with a thunderous sound and shattered Pride. It was the 6th Circle lightning magic, Thunderbolt!
Theodore had used 'Memorize' to create seven Thunderbolts, so it was inevitable for even a master to suffer serious injuries. The seven thunderbolts struck the unprepared Superbia, stopping its nervous system momentarily.
Then in front of Aquilo, a red cloak fluttered down.
"You will probably tell me not to interrupt," the magician, who had inherited one of the Seven Sins, spoke as he thoroughly prepared for battle. "But Aquilo, I have a previous appointment with this creature."
Chapter 150 – Along with the Dragon (3)
Superbia, who had been hit by Theodore's Thunderbolt, was quicker to recover than Aquilo. The majority of the traits Pride had armed itself with were still unknown, but its red eyeball blazed angrily.
This was already the second time. Pride recovered its flesh and started growling.
–You again, Monkey.
The air was tense, but Theodore just looked over with a nonchalant expression.
"Hah, it is so funny."
–What?
"You are the one who fled, and now you've come back. Once again, I should be the one saying that, not you."
At those words, the thick ice beneath Superbia's feet broke. Superbia lost control of its strength for a moment, crushing the thick ice floor. This was 'Pride' of the Seven Sins, so Theo provoked its arrogance by mentioning that it had fled in the past.
Unsurprisingly, Superbia's dozens of eyes were now all concentrated on Theodore, not Aquilo.
–Pretentious monkey! The loser on that day was you, not me! If that female monkey hadn't come, your body would've become part of me by now!
An intense fury swept over Theo, but unlike in the past, he wasn't shaken this time. No, he looked at Superbia with cold ridicule.
"Do you think there is any point discussing 'what if'? You might boast about all the species you've usurped, but in the end, you are just a weak chimera."
–…You.
Once water boiled over, there would be nothing left. Likewise, the monster's patience had run dry.
It changed from an underwater form to one suitable to fight on land. The kraken's eight tentacles turned into thick and tough horse legs. Its skin resembled a hard shell, and the fins became several layers of wings. Oddly enough, the form was very similar to the one Theodore had faced in the past.
A centaur's lower body, a storm locust's wings, and a spriggan's acceleration ability…
After restructuring itself with these features, Pride declared in a mocking voice, –Don't think this is the same as last time. You are no different from the gravel on the street.
"Your brain is worse than I thought." Despite the warning from his senses, Theodore raised his finger and gestured for Superbia to come near. "Do you understand what I am saying? Don't think I will let you flee like last time."
-…How impertinent!
Finally, Superbia's patience broke, and it ran across the frozen ground with a loud cry. In response, the ground cracked like a spider web. Superbia's assertion that it was different from last time seemed to be true, as its acceleration exceeded Theodore's reaction time.
There was no room to evade, and blocking it would cause serious injuries. In this crisis situation, Theodore accepted the fearful blow without any defenses.
-What?!
However, Superbia was the one who received a surprise. Theodore's defenseless body turned semi-transparent, and the attack passed through it!
Kakang!
At that moment, Randolph wielded his two falchions and aimed at Superbia. It was his trademark high-speed attack. In other words, it aligned with the saying that there were always gaps in the defense to exploit.
'Clovis Two Swords Style.
Special Hidden Meaning Technique.
Thunder Claws.'
This wasn't an opponent Randolph could go easy on. He sensed this and used his Hidden Meaning technique without any hesitation. Dozens of strands of aura emerged from the blades like thunderbolts.
Kwarurung!
It was a bombardment instead of a surrender, and the attack crushed Superbia's ribs and heart. This type of wound would take longer to recover from than a single, neat wound. Additionally, the combined attack of the two people wasn't over yet.
"Release!"
Randolph retreated, while Theodore's translucent body returned to its original form. Theodore, who avoided the attack with Fluidization, had prepared the magic needed for this situation.
'Memorize.
'All Slots Open.
'Triple Blaze Burst.
'Triple Fire Strike.
'Spell Fusion: Explosion.'
The fusion magic converged six fire attack spells into one. It was overkill when used against humans but lacking if he wanted to kill Pride.
"Strike Flare!"
It was a menacing swirl of magic power! The heavy spirit of magic power and flames hit Superbia's upper body, which hadn't finished regenerating yet.
Kwakwakwakwa!
The sound of the attack shook the heavens and earth. Along with the loud roar, the frozen land shook and cracked.
The widespread melting of the ice caused the water to become unstable, and the seawater underneath evaporated, leaving only salt behind. This was the greatest firepower that the current Theodore could produce.
However, the monster at the center of the heat survived.
–…Annoying.
The thick water vapor was lifted by the sea breeze, revealing a shape Theo had never seen before.
–A monkey managed to do this to my body?
'Pride,' Superbia, glanced between the two humans with annoyed eyes.
It had golden eyes like a wild beast and white hair like a snowstorm. Unlike its previous ugly appearance, it now looked beautiful. However, Theodore and Randolph couldn't help taking a few steps back. This was because they sensed enormous power was hidden within this form.
'Werewolf…?'
-No. Gluttony, who had remained silent after the battle began, denied Theo's speculation. –That is a species called Ulfheðnar.
'I've never heard of it.
-Of course not. It is the species that exterminated the beast king, Fenrir. The werewolf that you just mentioned is a subgroup of the Ulfheðnar. It is similar to the relationship between the elves and the Arv.
'A top species!' Theodore's eyes filled with astonishment.
They were an ancient species who some said had the power of a god, unlike the modern species' descendants who had lost all of their origins. The high elves only inherited some of the Arv's powers, but they were able to cause miracles. So, what was the power of this top species?
'Gluttony, what is the ability of the Ulfheðnar?'
–Um…
'You don't know?'
–I know. But it is ambiguous to explain.
As Gluttony was choosing his words, Superbia lifted both fists with a body which had completely regenerated. Theodore reflexively lowered his body as Gluttony's ridiculous ability came back.
–There is no special ability. It is just merely strong.
"What?"
Simultaneously, there was a white flash, and a deafening sound rang out.
――――――――――!
Theodore couldn't grasp the situation and frowned.
"Cough!"
Suddenly, Randolph fell to one knee and coughed up blood. Both his hands were still holding the falchions, but it was like he had stepped into a furnace. Superbia, who was in its original spot, clapped and praised Randolph.
–You are better than expected, Monkey. There were 36 strikes from the top, bottom, left, and right, so it is impossible for monkeys to catch up to this speed.
Theodore was shocked as he understood what had happened.
'This is ridiculous…!'
When he observed closely, there were traces of something having moved across the surface of the ice. Pride and Randolph, the two beings had an incredible exchange of speed.
'Merely strong.' Theodore finally realized what Gluttony meant. All the physical abilities were above the realm of a master, that was a Ulfheðnar!
Randolph used Hidden Voice to send the shocked Theodore a message.
[Young Master, please handle the healing magic.]
[Where are you hit?]
Randolph pretended to lift his right arm naturally, but Theodore was forced to gulp when he saw it. Blood was dripping out from the fist mark on the mithril alloy breastplate which Theodore had enchanted with protection magic before they left.
[I was struck lightly in one place… but three ribs are broken. I won't be able to endure a second direct hit.]
Randolph advised that he would be more comfortable if his ribs were healed. The wolf was able to deal a deadly blow to someone who had master-level aura and wore the highest quality armor.
"…It's coming!"
The two people gathered up their strength as they watched Superbia.
At the very least, they had to hang on until Aquilo recovered enough to return to the front lines. That was the only prerequisite for their victory. The red cloak and double swords started to move against the white flash.
On the outskirts of the thrilling battlefield, Aquilo was staring blankly at the backs of the two people.
* * *
Kwaang!
Once again, Randolph blocked an invisible kick and fell far away. His right wrist was dislocated, his left clavicle fractured, and even his hip joints were dangerously creaky.
���Kuheok…!"
Had it been 5 minutes, or maybe 10 minutes? Maybe it wasn't more than 30 seconds.
After Superbia transformed into the Ulfheðnar, the battle flowed one-sidedly against the two men. Despite concentrating on defense, their wounds were getting bigger, and scars were starting to form despite the recovery magic.
'Thunderbolt!'
Theodore's thunderbolts struck the glacier, but Superbia wasn't hit by any of them. The wolf, Ulfheðnar, was a species capable of avoiding thunder. The speed of lightning magic wasn't comparable to sound, but Superbia's movements seemed to go beyond the walls of physics.
Superbia leisurely raised its claws as it walked forward one step at a time.
–Do you see your deaths nearing?
"You're a dog talking nonsense!"
–Hmm, the wolf definitely belongs in the mammals category with dogs.
This guy was saying hateful things. Theodore and Randolph were feeling hopeless and beginning to despair, and Pride didn't miss this moment.
��I'm tired of this. The appetizer ends here.
In an instant…
Superbia moved so quickly that neither Theodore or Randolph could perceive it. The story might've been different if the injuries and fatigue hadn't accumulated. However, Theodore had said it first, 'what ifs' were just the excuses of a loser.
–Die.
The claws of the Ulfheðnar, which were more powerful than aura, headed towards their necks.
Randolph made at least 15 calculations, but he realized that all the countermeasures conceived would lead to a ruthless end. It was the same for Theodore. He could avoid the attack with Umbra, but the moment Randolph fell, there would be no one left to protect Theodore.
It was a checkmate, the desperate moment of life or death. Therefore, it wasn't them who saved themselves, but a helper from the outside.
[лед (Freeze).]
The world stopped. Theodore realized it the moment he heard an unknown language spoken clearly.
It was magic which calculated the natural laws and changed the flow. If so, this power was the peak of a magician. The true power of a dragon was to change the existing flow and give commands above the natural laws.
The body of a top species was locked inside the glacier!
"-Ahh, this thing is really hard to kill," Aquilo muttered with a pale face, changing back from a sea dragon to a beauty. "But this will be able to hold it for a while."
She patted the trapped Superbia a few times before looking at the two people who were barely breathing. No, to be precise, she looked at Theodore's face and smiled.
"Boy, you are more than I thought."
"Huh?"
"Did you come to fight on the premise that I will help you?"
Theodore closed his mouth at the words which pierced through him. However, Aquilo didn't seem offended as she giggled at him. She hadn't struggled like this even when wiping out a high fleet. When fools came to try and subjugate her, she had laughed merrily.
However, now, she was cornered by a monster and saved by humans.
"Hoo… This is the first time I've felt this way."
It wasn't good or bad. She was just angry that someone had intervened in the game, and the pride of a dragon didn't allow her to bow her head first.
Aquilo sent Theodore and Randolph a strange look as she sucked on her pipe and pondered for a moment. Then she decided to act in an improvised manner as always.
"Well, it doesn't really matter," she said to Theodore while blowing out white smoke. "I'll follow your instructions as much as I can. But do you have an idea of how to take that monster out? The power of my breath failed to kill it."
"…I've thought of a way."
However, there was no time to explain it as the mass of ice had begun to crack. They would die if she refused or tried to escape, but Aquilo replied surprisingly easily.
"Okay, then what do you need me to do?"
"I need time."
At least 10-15 minutes. Randolph couldn't hold on for five minutes alone, but it might be possible if Aquilo's support was added. Every minute and second was precious. Aquilo accepted the request. Then as the ice broke, the second round would soon begin.
During this gap, Theodore invoked the method he had prepared, "Activate Overwrite."
The system responded to the user's will immediately.
[The C Rank 'Overwrite' has been triggered!]
[Please select the author you want to overwrite. (Available people: 2)]
The martial artist from the east, Lee Yoonsung… Or the best summoning magician in the modern age, Satomer…
Confronted with these two choices, Theodore chose one without hesitation.
[Object name 'Satomer' has been loaded into the user's body.]
Chapter 151 – Along with the Dragon (4)
It was the summoning magician, whose luck didn't follow his extraordinary talent and enthusiasm, Satomer.
The magician who had explored all corners of the continent responded to Theodore's call. While his consciousness was called from inside Gluttony, Pride managed to escape from his ice prison and roared in anger.
This was the howling of a top species from the forgotten period, Ulfheðnar!
■■■■■■―!
The weakened glacier collapsed. Seawater rose through the cracks in the ice like paddy rice fields, and fish with busted guts floated on the surface of the water. Theodore, who was floating with magic—no, Satomer frowned at the sight.
'This is confusing. Why did you call me? Wouldn't the eastern martial artist, Lee Yoonsung, be more helpful than me who was always stuck behind a desk?'
It was a legitimate point, but Theodore answered differently.
–I want you to review something.
'Review? What are you say-'
Satomer stopped talking. Once 'Overwrite' was used, he could read Theodore's memories and share their knowledge and power. It was the reason why Alfred had been able to fight immediately in the past. So, Satomer soon found the memory of the 'trump card' Theodore had developed, and he shook, thrilled by what he saw.
–Senior, is it possible?
Satomer laughed at Theodore's prudent question.
"Ku, kuha, kuhahahaha!"
–S-Senior?!
Theodore's summoning knowledge had all derived from Satomer. He lacked in proficiency and application, but there was no big difference when it came to the breadth and depth of his knowledge.
So, if Theodore decided it was possible, Satomer would probably come to that conclusion as well. Satomer looked over Theodore's plan a few times before laughing like a madman. Then he praised Theodore,
"Kuahaha! Damn guy! You are a damn genius! You are really a terrible person to be so smart!"
While Theodore remained surprised, Satomer nodded.
All the necessary supplies were already prepared, this body was several times richer in power and sensitivity, and there was even the 'door to another world' on his left hand… If Satomer tried 10 times, he could succeed all 10 times without any worries.
Then he raised his magic power and shouted to the party, "I'm starting! Don't let anything interrupt me, no matter what!"
–What are you trying to do? The first person who reacted was Superbia, who had previous experience with Theodore. It quickly bypassed Aquilo and Randolph, trying to strike Theodore directly. However…
"Hello. Where are you going?"
Kwaaaaang!
Superbia was hit by the tail of Aquilo, who had a speed comparable to Superbia. It was difficult for an Ulfheðnar to shake off a dragon's speed. Moreover, the situation was different from before.
The front and back defense areas were covered, so both people could respond more promptly than before. The collaboration of the dragon and sword master created a defense line which was more robust than when they'd been on their own.
Therefore, Satomer could fully concentrate on the summoning magic.
"「Open, door to the blazing world-」"
He started chanting a summoning spell. The center of the magic circle was completed in just a few seconds as the best summoning magician of the modern era started to show his true value.
"「Knock knock knock three times, turn once, open the door to the burning world. I will be your master.」"
–F-Fast…!
"「Flame that burns the world, death that scorches the world, dragon that calls destruction. My voice is over 1,000 years old, and I call on you. I command you to follow my will.」"
Theodore was more surprised than anyone else.
The spells weren't just mere words, they were the result of high-level formulae calculations. Those which crossed a few bars were classified as complex strategy magic and were at a level that required a group to perform, not an individual.
However, Satomer's spell was at a level of computation which surpassed strategy magic. No, this had already surpassed the concept of computing.
Theodore was able to tell because they shared the same body. From Satomer's childhood to death, the formulae and calculations of summoning magic had been as familiar as breathing. It was a level of effort which could only be reached at the end of a long period of obsession.
As he thought this, something emerged from the ground before his eyes. This was the holy domain of the best summoner of the modern age. Satomer's super-fast spell casting couldn't be done by anyone else, including Theodore.
"「Offering!」" The 'Ring of Muspelheim,'the red mark on the back of his left hand, started burning as Satomer roared. He held out 'Charlotte's Necklace' in his right hand as the sacrifice.
"「The people who have lost their country, knights who have lost their monarch, and dead men who have lost their lives, set fire to those grudges. Set to rest those who have fallen into purgatory.」"
It would be a lie if Theodore said he didn't regret it. However, he was prepared to use this necklace as a sacrifice. The warlocks of the Orcus Company were after it. Theodore was convinced that it was due to tracking 'Charlotte's Necklace' that they had found him so far in the sea.
Hwaruruk!
'Charlotte's Necklace' was burned, and the mark on his left hand glittered like it was satisfied. It meant the offering was accepted. In other words, the summons would answer him. Now, he just needed to open the door by calling the name of the summons and supplying the magic power, then it would be finished. No more calculations or chanting were required.
At that moment, Satomer realized something.
'Hey, this will fail.'
–?!
Satomer realized it first, a variable which was overlooked before as he had never gotten this far previously.
'I will use a simple fishing analogy. The magic spell is the fishing rod, while the offering is the bait. Of course, the goal is a fish. Then what about the fishing line?'
Theodore thought about it and quickly realized the right answer. -…The summoner?
'That is the correct answer. To be precise, it is your soul.' Satomer continued to explain, 'The fishing rod is perfect. The fish has eaten the bait, and the only thing left is to pull up the fishing line…'
–Is it not possible?
'It is only a bit, but you are lacking strength. If you pull it in this state, the line will break and the magic will fail. Apart from the failure, your soul that is used as the fishing line won't be safe either.'
Satomer finished the explanation and grinned.
[Object name 'Satomer' has requested to complete his quest. Reviewing the status of the quest and the current situation in response to the target's unexpected request…]
[I acknowledge that object name 'Satomer' has a reasonable request.]
[The completion of the quest is confirmed. I will begin the transmission of object name 'Satomer' in 30 seconds.]
It was what he had been hoping for, but Theodore shouted in an urgent voice, –What does this mean?!
'What? It is what you wanted and what I have to do.'
-…Don't make me laugh!
Theodore had a good head. He could guess why Satomer had asked to complete the quest and why the system accepted. The strength he was lacking for the fishing line would be covered by Satomer's soul.
However, unlike Theo's convinced mind, his heart couldn't admit it. Satomer had wasted his whole life and now even lost the dream he had tried to achieve after death! As a fellow magician, Theodore couldn't accept that despairing ending!
–This is your wish! You didn't give up until you died! Don't lose it now! Don't turn away. You should watch until the end!
Even if Theodore succeeded in the summoning magic, Satomer wouldn't be rewarded for that success. Theo couldn't accept such a conclusion. Satomer replied with the same cynical tone as always, 'Kuk, acting like this, you look like a loser again.'
–Senior!
'Shut up. It is already done. Rather, you should look at what's in front of you.'
Front? Theodore looked away from his inner self and saw the scene before him.
Kwaang!
Randolph crossed his two swords and barely prevented the attack. However, his wrists and knees shook as if they were going to break. It was evidence that they were already at their limit. Even Aquilo was in jeopardy, like a candle facing a storm.
"Heok…! Heeeok…!"
Randolph's shoulders shook as he struggled to breathe. Even a top class swordsman couldn't control his breathing while the relentless barrage from Superbia continued. There was no difference with Aquilo, who struggled to block him.
"Ack!" Aquilo screamed and hurried away from the sharp teeth.
Her beautiful blue scales were red from her blood, and there were no unscathed areas on her body, from head to toe. Even her lips were bloody. How long would they last? She seemed to be muttering something that Theo couldn't hear.
Satomer, who shared Theo's vision, nailed in the last wedge.
'Boy? Aren't they fighting that monster to protect you?'
With the fate of his colleagues on the line, Theodore couldn't say anything more. Additionally, the end of the 30-second grace period was in sight.
Satomer spoke with a sincere expression, 'Don't worry about me. Think about the living, rather than the dead. My wish is almost completed. Didn't I tell you? It is good even if I die. It is time to put your words into actions.'
-…Are you satisfied with that?
'Satisfied? Of course not. I never managed it from my birth to my death.'
As Theodore's face distorted from the cynicism, the 30-second grace period ended.
[Starting Transmission with object name 'Satomer.']
–Ugh!
'Senior!' Theodore cried out reflexively and noticed that control of his body had been passed back to him. He admired the high perfection of the magic circle formed and listened to the ever-diminishing voice of Satomer.
–Anyway, I did everything. From the chant to the magic circle… I taught you, didn't I?
'That's right.'
–Then it is enough. In the end, wasn't the one who succeeded in this summoning magic… me, Satomer…? My regrets, my dreams, this inferiority, this ideology, I have given it all to you…! I can even throw my life away.
As evidence of his determination, Satomer didn't feel regrets as his soul was being absorbed. Rather, this attitude was strengthened. Satomer stared at Theo, who was a junior caught up in a fate that Satomer couldn't enjoy, someone with a rich bond to fate.
For the promising but still young Theodore, he spoke, –I'll leave it to you.
This was when the best summoning magician of the modern era gave up his role of to the protagonist.
–Summoning magic, new achievements… I'm handing it all to you. The honor… realize it.
"…Yes, it is an honor."
–If you understand… call, it, now.
With some exceptions, summoning magic was always done by calling the name of the entity the person wanted to summon. As Theodore tried to move his lips, the remnant of Satomer cried out, –Call!!!
At the same time, Theodore shouted loudly, "「Come, Fafnir!」"
* * *
It happened in an instant. The moment 'it' appeared, the world started burning. 'It' was a sacred dragon made of white fire.
The night retreated, and the darkness fled. All the clouds in the sky evaporated, and the sea level lowered faster than the frozen sea could melt.
The sky became as bright as daylight, almost burning the eyeballs, while some of the fishing boats near the coast melted away. The cool seawater bubbled up like lava, and the swimming fish died without knowing anything.
The amount of time elapsed was exactly one second.
As Fafnir descended to the material world, the radius of three kilometers was turned into a fiery hell.
This was the existence which burned the original world trees in the Age of Mythology and transformed the Red Plateau into a land where no life could live. Fafnir was the strongest trump card Theodore had prepared.
'...!'
Some might say it was nonsense, but they couldn't make any noise because there was no air to vibrate.
Aquilo looked up at the white dragon in the sky with damp, fluorescent eyes. The enormous light and heat emanated from Fafnir's scales, making it an area which normal humans couldn't live in. It was the ancient dragon which could even kill her!
Knowing its potential, Aquilo desperately cut off all heat and tried not to be noticed.
"The great dragon god floating in the sky, please ignore this beautiful girl."
"..."
If Randolph was awake, he would be laughing after hearing the prayer. Luckily, he was dragged into Aquilo's hands and lost consciousness. However, did her prayer enter the ears of the gods somewhere in the universe?
Exactly two seconds after Fafnir was summoned…
『Target picked, extermination begins.』
Fafnir's glowing white eyes looked down at something floating on the sea. Half of the glacier, which had been used as a fighting ground, had melted away. Superbia had transformed into a marine life, just like when it fought Aquilo.
–D-Dammit…! Superbia thought despairingly as the situation reversed.