Monestrier de Strange.
Though he shared the same bloodline as me, he was never able to fully spread his wings because he was born into a collateral branch. I briefly paid my respects by bowing my head towards the spot where he had evaporated the moment our conversation ended.
'He was stronger than I imagined.'
An adversary of a level I had never encountered in my previous life.
Meeting him was a great fortune for me. Thanks to him, I discovered the key to defeating a dragon, and facing such a high-level swordsman gave me the chance to grow even further.
Moreover, the massive fireball emitting intense heat above Legion, almost like a second sun, served as a perfect showcase for my new power to everyone gathered here.
"Lady, I will handle that."
Valentine, covered in wounds and looking exhausted, spoke to me.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Our conversation was brief. The weight of my words is never light. She knew this too and entrusted me with the aftermath.
'I didn't expect to be able to use this right away.'
The rubies embedded in the bracelets 'Rising Force' that wrapped around my arms glowed.
Shhhh-
This was a good opportunity to test it before facing a real dragon, not just a hatchling. Without hesitation, I leaped into the air, reaching out towards the massive fireball created by Monestrier.
In my previous life, Faust, the master of all alchemists who succeeded in creating the Philosopher's Stone, said that an artifact's power is proportional to the strength of its wielder. So even if I couldn't completely annihilate it, I should be able to mitigate the damage significantly.
"Swallow the flames, Rising Force."
The rubies embedded in the artifact 'Rising Force' shone brightly. At the same time, another artifact hanging around my neck, 'Dark Star,' amplified my aura and mana to their maximum, pushing me into a rampage.
And with that, I lost consciousness.
I distinctly remember the scene where the two artifacts were swallowing the flames, but I don't know what happened afterward.
'However.'
Later, those who witnessed the scene said that the sight of me engulfing the massive fireball with radiant golden aura emanating from my body was like a god.
"They said it like this."
Valentine, who was sitting by my bedside, held my hand. Her eyes, filled with anxiety, restlessness, and regret, showed just how much she worried about me.
"I'm glad I could protect you, Lady."
Though it was a hollow statement, I said what I knew would please her. Valentine's lips curled up slightly, but she soon returned to her cold expression and smacked my forehead with her palm.
"Don't ever engage in such reckless battles again. According to the doctor, if you had expended a little more energy, you could have died."
Though I fought risking my life, could I really have died?
Forcing my barely moving upper body to sit up, I answered her.
"I heard that a true knight grows through battles where they risk their lives."
"..."
"Though this battle was dangerous, it undoubtedly made me stronger."
For the first time since I was born, Valentine smiled with her eyes. Though she didn't offer any advice or praise for me, she gently patted my head and held me close, calling my name softly.
"Verdin."
"Yes, Lady."
"May I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"…Yesterday, the violet divine energy you displayed against the dragon. Did your spirit teach you that technique?"
I instantly understood her question. She wanted to know the origin of the power that allowed me to pierce the dragon's skin, which she couldn't even scratch.
'Well.'
There's no need to hide it now. I've gained enough strength that even the Glazer family wouldn't dare to approach recklessly, and the Empire's army, acting under the Emperor's orders, has surely recognized my presence after this incident.
No one would dare approach me carelessly now, no matter what abilities I displayed.
"No."
"No?"
"Yes. While my spirit, Siegfried, did teach me how to slay a dragon—or rather, a hatchling—the violet divine energy was a technique I created."
I wondered how she would react. Valentine stared at my hands intensely, then raised an eyebrow and replied.
"Well, you've worked hard, Verdin."
'Huh?'
Her response was completely unexpected. I thought she would ask how I gained this power or how to use it, but she just said I've worked hard?
"Rest."
With these words, she left with a meaningful smile.
'Could it be?'
Does she know the true identity of Bun?
Two generals who had visited Legion to deal with Marquis Pierre returned to the Papal Palace. Without even considering tending to their own territories, they went straight to the Archbishop to report everything they had witnessed.
"A dragon appeared in Legion."
The Archbishop was visibly shocked upon hearing their news. The two generals standing before him were not the type to lie.
If so, the appearance of a dragon, a legendary monster, on the continent must be true.
"That is indeed grave news. Long ago, the Pope received a divine oracle saying that the appearance of a dragon heralds the continent's destruction."
Normally, they would have dismissed the oracle as a warning to those with low faith, but Clark and Wendy couldn't ignore it this time.
"Destruction?"
"Is it true?"
Both asked simultaneously.
The Archbishop nodded slightly in response.
"Yes, as both of you know, dragons are beings beyond human control."
The Archbishop opened an old book and continued speaking as he flipped through its pages.
Swish.
"Before the tower was built in Legion, it is said that the gods descended to this land to prevent destruction caused by them."
Clark swallowed hard.
"Did the gods themselves descend?"
"Yes, if they hadn't, this continent would have likely vanished. 'Dragon' itself is the seed of our destruction."
As the Archbishop elaborated on the dragon, Clark's expression grew increasingly grim.
"So, if a human can defeat a dragon, does that mean they are as strong as the gods?"
"Exactly. If such a human exists, that is."
"..."
"Currently, the Strange and Glazer families are the closest to that level."
The Archbishop turned another page, revealing an illustration of a dragon.
"Whether they can actually defeat a dragon is uncertain. Just as you both fled from Legion."
Wendy shook her head.
"Your Excellency, we did not flee from Legion."
"What? Then…."
"We were on our way back after slaying the dragon."
The Archbishop's eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape.
"You…you slew the dragon?"
"Yes. Though it wasn't us who did it…"
Wendy glanced at Clark. He met her gaze and smiled awkwardly.
"A knight named Verdin, the youngest son of the Strange family, succeeded in killing the dragon."
The Archbishop couldn't believe it. The youngest of the Strange family he knew was only about eight or nine years old.
That such a young child defeated a dragon? And in front of two of the continent's strongest generals, no less.
"Is this true?"
"Yes, every word."
"So the dragon in Legion was dealt with by someone from the Strange family?"
"That's correct. I failed to mention earlier, but there was another member of the Strange family present there besides Verdin."
"Who?"
"…Valentine de Strange, known as the Adjudicator, was there as well."
The Archbishop paused, deep in thought. Two members of the Strange family had handled the dragon in Legion. This not only reinforced their claim of defending the fortress but also served to showcase their power.
'Could they have deliberately revived the dragon?'
Once suspicion starts, it knows no end. The Archbishop's mind was now wandering far from what the two generals had witnessed in battle.
'Is there any need for the Strange family to flaunt their power now?'
Lois was already known as the strongest being on earth, and Valentine was so formidable that even the Glazer family wouldn't dare to provoke her.
'Why would they?'
His doubt deepened.
Unable to provide a clear answer, the Archbishop addressed the two generals.
"Could you bring this Verdin to the Papal Palace?"
Clark and Wendy bowed deeply, one knee touching the ground, and responded.
Thud.
"Would you issue it as an order rather than a request? It's easier for us to understand that way, and it gives us the justification to bring him."
"Exactly. If we just ask him to come without a reason, he won't listen to us."
The Archbishop, clasping his hands in front of his chest, prayed as he listened to their response.
"May blessings be upon these young lambs who tread the path opened by God's will."
As he anointed Clark and Wendy's heads, he continued speaking.
"May you endure any trials and return here safely."
Amen.
* * *
The aftereffects of fighting Monestrier lasted longer than I expected.
It's been half a month, and the wounds inflicted by him haven't healed, and my energy is drained from using the talismans to their maximum capacity.
**'This is the problem.'**
Using talismans grants immense power, but it comes with a proportionate recovery time. I estimate it will take roughly three months to fully recover.
Spending that time confined to the mansion would be a waste.
**'And.'**
Now that my presence is too prominent to ignore on the continent, there are bound to be those targeting me here in Legion.
Staying idle would be dangerous.
**'I have no choice.'**
I wanted to avoid meeting him for as long as possible.
"Cynthia."
"Yes?"
"It seems we need to find one more ally."
"An ally?"
"Yes, an ally."
It's frustrating enough to make me sigh, but there's no one else on this continent who compares to him in the field of healing.
"We'll head to the Papal Palace at sunrise, so have everything ready by then."