LOTA CH40 — Shen, The Dragon Servant

 「 I have fought against all odds, facing thousands of dragons that could cover the entire sky. And just recently, I’ve slain the heretic who dares to hurt my master and daringly declare himself as my descendant. Yet at this time, I can’t do simple human behavior such as walking… 」She says faintly, failing to hide her obvious disappointment.

It was a rather hilarious sight. After her kowtow, she tried to stand up, only for her flimsy use of her legs to fail miserably as she fell down. The graceful image of hers was instantly ruined.

Now, within my arms lies the goddess that was once a dragon, Shen, grasping onto my neck. Her face inches away from me. Her radiant eyes glued at me, focusing solely on my very being. She looks up as she does, showing a gorgeous smile, one that seemingly never fades. Her enticing breast presses to my chest, where her cleavage is all open for me to see. I’ve somehow managed to not peek at it and put on a poker face.

I think this is what’s called princess carry.

「 Please forgive me for not being able to walk yet… 」

Even when ashamed and disappointed, there’s just something from her voice that entices me.

「 It’s alright, Naga… No, Shen. Your true dragon form never had limbs for you to experience, to begin with. 」

「 Doesn’t hide the fact that I’m being useless and burdensome to you, master~ 」

A shiver runs down my spine the moment she says master soo affectionately. This is bad.

「 It heavily embarrasses me, when I’m supposed to be dependable and strong. 」

「 Anyway… You don’t need to call me master. Just call me by my name, Renald. 」

「 Why master…? I do not understand. There’s joy from our bond whenever I call you master. A shiver runs down your spine. It excites you — it pleases you. 」

Damn, she’s observant.

「 Shen. 」I stare directly into her eyes,「 you’re my servant, aren’t you? 」

「 Of course, without a doubt! I’m your proud servant! 」

She lets out a wide smile, it was enough to light a blazing fire in my heart. But just like any other fire, too close and agony will strike. One that can already be felt.

「 Then do as I say. 」I retort back, plainly, but sternly.

「 If that’s your wish then… 」She says, her words trailing off,「 where are we going mas- I mean, Renald? There are still some stranglers left alive. 」

「 You need to go back to the Sky Palace, Shen. You’re in no condition to fight. Let me deal with the rest. 」

Although I say that, carrying Shen while going to Sky Palace would be an issue.

Then enlightenment hit me.

『 Lanuae Magicae 』

A somewhat standing magical circle is summoned in front of me, its inner circle has a mystifying force that slightly sucks you in. A teleportation portal to the Sky Palace.

What a convenient spell that comes at a convenient time. This unknown ability or power of mine has always been bugging me to death. And all I can do is not hopelessly stress about it. The only pattern I can deduce on this enlightenment mechanics is that it only happens when I do something novel with the Sky Palace ability.

I walk into the portal and a loud bang invades my eardrums as my vision turns black in an instant. Before my brain can begin to process it all, I’m already in the Sky Palace just in front of the throne, still carrying Shen.

「 Shen, how was the teleportation journey? 」

「 I sense nothing wrong if that’s what you’re concerned about. 」

「 No… It’s just that it seems abrupt. 」

Still carrying Shen, I move out of the throne room and move to one of the many available bedrooms in the Sky Palace. Where amidst my walk, another room appears that was once just a wall, right in front of the throne hall. Now’s not the time to explore it, however, I must take Shen to a comfortable room to relax.

As soon as I get inside the bedroom, I lay her down in the bed. Consciously forcing myself to not pay any attention to her spectacular figure that is more stressed and tempting now that she’s laying down on the bed. Still gazing at me with her glowing amethyst eyes, not even a second her eyes wander somewhere else.

I would like to withdraw and give some distance between me and her, but her hand is still grasping on my neck, leaving me in this half-kneeled awkward position.

「 Shen. Let go of me. You’re already in bed. 」

「 Such an impertinent thing to say, master~ let’s get to know each other better, now that I’ve finally awakened. 」

Her hands make their way upwards, holding up my cheek. I quickly dismay her hands, tucking them in the bed. I sit on the edge of the bed.

「 Shen. I remember that I’ve clearly told you to call me by my name. 」

Something deep inside me rises a forceful magical sensation.

「 I command you to call me by my name or any other, and never to use the word master. 」

「 Ah- y-yes, Renald… I will never use that word anymore. 」

Her smile fades away, distress clearly plastered on her gorgeous face. It slightly hurts me for her to be this way. But this is necessary.

「 B-but why, Renald?! You clearly liked being called that. Why deny something that feels good? 」

「 Because it is wrong, Shen. I am not going to abuse these dependencies of yours towards me that is due to the careless usage of my power. 」

All of her actions are exactly in line with what a person in love would do. But this happens due to my powers, not something that happens naturally.

「 I-I… 」

Confusion grows more and more in her. She’s… She’s breaking down.

「 How… how is it wrong? I… I do not understand. I love to be like this… 」

「 Shen. Think about it. 」I say slowly, trying to emphasize how serious this matter is.

「  You’re once an almighty divine dragon who made the entire dragon race bow down to your supremacy. Now… You’re bowing down to a lowly human. 」

「 My creator! 」She shouts, her eyes widen, her already fading smile is now gone,「 you might be a human, but you have divine powers no mortal being can have! You possess your own space dimension that operates with its own time with unmeasurable mana in the atmosphere. And not only that, you have the powers to manipulate the essence of souls to change it and bid it to your liking. 」

The essence of souls must’ve referred to my shadow minion ability and it might even include Shen summoning ability.

「 Yes. But look at you now, where is the proud and aloof dragon that I’ve previously known of?! This is… this is brainwashing! Your previous personality is gone! 」

「 Aloof, might not so, as I’ve seen the light and recognize the god that you truly are. But pride? Of course, I’m still proudful! Now my pride is being your most faithful servant! My creator! 」She says boldly, determination fires up in her eyes,「 that’s why I’m ashamed of my uselessness just a moment ago. One that I will rectify very soon. 」

She perks up at that.

Even when I restrict myself to use the word master, she easily finds another title that regards me as the higher being and stroke my ego.

「 Do you consider Naga, your past, and Shen, your current self as two different beings? 」

Her eyes wander slightly now, seemingly pondering over the question.

「 Forgive me for answering a question with another question, my creator, but to answer that question, is your current and past self to be different? 」

My past life and my current self huh…

Yoshinobu Ryo and Renald Alderhide. They are definitely different beings, both in appearance and personality. But not exactly so…

「 I would assume the answer is that they are different, however, your current self still has some resemblance to your past self. 」She answers the question herself,「 the same applies to me, my creator. It seems your worries are due to my change of character.  Even though I present myself to you this way as it befits me as your servant. 」

She stays quiet, must’ve been waiting for my response. But I decide to remain silent.

「 If that’s your worry… 」She says, not as confident as a second ago,「 then I can be a bit more like my past self, but of course I will still consider you as my revered god. 」

That’s fine and all, however, that doesn’t really answer her weird change. It just feels sudden and most importantly — too good to be true.

「 Maybe you are like this because you are in your human form… 」I say trying another attempt to reason with her weird change, 「 can you revert back to your dragon form? 」

「 Hmmm… It’s complicated, my creator. 」Her eyes wander slightly once more, pondering over the question.

「 Imagine a lake with a river that flows downstream, the river depletes the water in the lake continuously and gradually. Continuous rain, however, makes sure that the water in the lake never goes empty. The lake is my mana storage, the river is my mana usage in maintaining my dragon form, and the rain is your sky palace that supplies me with ample mana.

「  I was able to maintain my dragon form in the Sky Palace because the place is abundant with mana. However in the outside world with little mana. I was only able to use it shortly, subconsciously forcing me to transform to a human form after it got depleted.

「  If I don’t turn into a dragon, there will be no river to drain my mana. So the more I’m in my human form, the more mana is stored.

「 So, even if it is possible for me to revert back to my dragon form, it is heavily discouraged since it would leave you vulnerable when I need to unleash my ultimate powers. 」

「 I know… 」I say, I must insist her on trying it at least once,「 but try reverting back to your dragon form sometime after I’m away for an hour or two.  Maybe you will notice the changes in your personality. 」

「 My creator, I don’t know why, but my human form pleases you, does it not? 」

She says, her hand softly grabbing my hand, caressing it lightly, while still maintaining eye contact.

「 I sense excitement and joy from our bond. Your breathing becomes more ragged, your heartbeat quickens, especially when you benevolently carried me. I’m still clueless in the human way, but surely you prefer me in my human form, right? 」

「 Just take it easy for now, Shen. Take it easy… 」

Without another word, I left Shen alone in the bed. Giving up. This is all too much. I need to get away and process everything slowly.

『 Lanuae Magicae 』

I walk to the portal, without looking back.

 

…..

 

Finally, I’ve gotten away from her. Back to this war-torn environment that’s supposed to be horrifying. To think she, who’s now a beautiful and magnificent goddess, was once the dragon that caused this…

…So what if she’s pretty? Hah… Why am I like this? From princess to Hyledd, and now to her. Is it because of my teenager’s hormones? My libido is definitely way higher compared to my previous life. Maybe that’s why I’m being too emotional and attached.

But I’ve learned my lesson.

It’s better to never love or to be loved than to be betrayed.

That’s right, I need to calm down my mind, let go of my fluctuating emotions.

I need to be cold and indifferent. I don’t need such a whimsical concept such as love…

I walk to the source of the only mewling and grumbles of suffering. The only survivor of Shen’s slaughter-fest. One of the adventurers. Shit. He might have known nothing then.

「 No, no… Please sire, spare me life! 」

I glance at his wandering hand, seemingly trying to reach for his sword, inches away from his hand.

What a bold move. I must return the favor.

「 You see, I’m not a smart man. You might even say that I’m a fool. So you better, better… Not do anything that will make me regret it afterward due to my stupidity. 」

「 AAHHHHHH!!…. 」

With a swift swing of the sword at his wrist, blood spews out from his hand. Unfortunately, the strike can’t get past the bone so I wasn’t able to completely cut off his hand. Tch. At least I left a very deep cut at him.

「 With that said, you better answer my questions truthfully and faithfully. 」

Now then, time to clean up some mess first. Prepare a burial to hide their bodies while at it. I have a bad feeling that trouble will catch up after the death of Dae Sho.

 

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LOTA CH39 — Purpose Epiphany

The serpentine dragon flies up to the sky, causing every single spectator to hold their head up high, looking up to the sky, as the dragon returns the favor and looks down to them. The dragon lets out a mocking smirk, belittling them down below.

That is if anybody else besides me is still alive.

The thundering hail of thorny ice chunks finally passed, leaving a scene of Dae Sho’s obliterated underlings.

The ground, neither dirt nor grass, is soaked in the thawing ice and the fresh spilled red blood.

Even the once few standing trees have fallen, leaving the only thing that sticks are towering spiked ice. The kind of ice that came from the arctic that’s been hardened and frozen for millennia.

When Naga is summoned to this existence, the first thing it does is shower the plane with a storm of spiked ice.

One spell… One spell and it had managed to turn the table of the battlefield to our side and transformed the environment into a cold and brutal icy tundra.

No time to lose. Still laying down, I grab my vitality potion and quickly drink it. A never seen before a hideous grin spread over Naga’s face as it looked down towards the result of its rampage.

『 YOU ARE, ALL OF YOU, WEAKLINGS 』

The voice is deep, heavy, and resonant. Unlike the kind voice, I’m used to when I converse with the dragon, this one expresses such deep malice and hatred.

Even when its malice is not directed towards me, I still shiver.

『 I FORGOT HOW DECREPIT THE TIAN KIND CAN BE 』

My body starts feeling better, the stinging pain is becoming more numb, thanks to the vitality potion for sure. But blood is still seeping out, although a little less. I rip the cloth on my arm and start wrapping a makeshift bandage, trying to ignore the monstrosity outside.

『 EVEN YOUR TRUE PROUD ANCESTORS ARE NOTHING IN THE FACE OF MY WRATH 』

After finishing taking care of myself, I look around the battlefield once more. Dae Sho somehow is still alive — on the outside at least — as his face is going through a myriad of different emotions.

His eyes watching the dragon with wide, frightened eyes. Cold sweats drench his face.

Only he stands amongst the spiked hard ice. His underlings must’ve been finished, as they are not in sight.

Quiet mewling of pain and appalling are what’s left of them, maybe on the ground.

He looks shocked — frozen, his legs barely moving, one step back at a time. Retreating. All of his movements are stiff as if he’s a robot.

『 Kem! 』

A sudden spell cast. Puffs of white huge smoke surround him. A quick flash of his running silhouettes is what’s left. Running away in a flash.

The dragon swiftly chases him, leaving out of my sight.

『 WHERE ARE YOU RUNNING TO, LITTLE DRAGON? 』

Yet, even when I can’t see them, the dragon’s toying attempt can still be heard, forcing me to imagine what kind of fate lies in wait for him.

『 YOUR ANCESTORS MUST BE PROUD OF YOU FOR RUNNING AWAY LIKE THE LITTLE INSECT THAT YOU ARE 』

The ground trembles. Quick flashes of light spring out to the sky randomly.

『 WHERE ARE YOUR BOLD WORDS AND PROUD DECLARATIONS OF YOUR LINEAGE THAT WORTHS NOTHING 』

I want to move, but my body is too tired out.

『 COME SAY THOSE WORDS AGAIN SO I MAY LAUGH AS I HUNT YOU 』

All I can do is stay here and wait for Naga’s victory.

I wish I could see their fight… To make sure everything is going well. It doesn’t fit me to stay in here helplessly.

『 FOOLISH TIAN, DO YOU REALLY THINK THIS VENERABLE ONE NEEDS TO CHASE YOU DOWN? 』

A Magic circle appears on the ground, a huge one, right in front of me at that.

Then Dae Sho and Naga appear right in my own eyes.

How?! Teleportation magic?!

SURPRISE

Dae Sho’s once confident smirk immediately shifts back to the same frightening face. But amidst resignation, I start sensing defiance as rage sparks upon his face.

『 Fen! 』

Another sudden spell cast. The same burst of fire that decimated half of my shadow minions, blasting from the human-sized magic circle that hovers in front of him. The fiery red beam lances out with more heat and more than enough volume to cover the dragon, fed by his desperation, lit by his hope.

The Naga counters it with a small chuckle, as it pushes through like it is nothing, basking in its searing touch.

A swift tail smacks Dae Sho. Unseen to the eye, as I only notice it after I hear the smacking sound and the tail in Dae Sho’s former position.

It knocks him far to the edge of my sight, where a chunk of ice stops his flight. An earth-shattering impact. Releasing a shout of deep pain as he hit the spike, leaving a huge crater on the vertical ice, as he ultimately falls to the ground.

『 KOWTOW BEFORE ME FOOL 』

Somehow despite his worn-out state, Dae Sho is still able to move slightly, now kneeling and his head touching the ground, kowtowing.

「 W-w-w-why… Why are you doing this?! What has this lowly one did to anger the great ancestor! 」

Ancestor? Definitely, the wrong question to ask, as Naga releases a deafening roar, causing the ground to shake for a second.

『 DO YOU KNOW WHO THIS VENERABLE ONE IS, LITTLE DRAGON? 』

 「 M-m-my ancestor! 」Amidst his plea, he raises his head, looking directly to the dragon right in its eyes, forcing a smile「 Of course! Y-your my ancestor! My esteemed ancestor! 」

『 WRONG. I AM NAGA. YOUR ANCESTORS ETERNALLY HATED THIS SUPREME ONE 』

Out of nowhere, a frozen spike pierces Dae Sho’s abdomen. Shock and agony are clearly plastered on his face.

The ferocious smile that spread across Naga’s dragonic features that display its inhumane rows of teeth sends shivers to my back.

「 M-my family…… will never forgive this….. a-vaaa..ngeee… 」

The body slacks, laying flat on the floor, painting the dirt bright red as rivers of blood flows out from his mouth and from the huge gaping hole in his stomach.

The foe that I, despite using my all to fight, barely avoided dying to, was defeated in an instant — and in a toying manner. As if it was a tiny, insignificant matter. When it took me all my might to fight him.

With vengeance taken, the dragon seems to spare no time as it immediately dashes towards me. Its head that soared up in the sky is now lowered, closing down to me, touching the ground.

『 My Master. My Creator. Are You Alright? 』

The dragon’s voice carries an unmistakable tint of reverence. The once fierce dragon, who decimates his foes so easily, is now looking at me with its eyes that shine meekly. Its devilish and mocking smile is now replaced with a rather concerned one.

A rather abrupt change.

「 What’s up with you… Don’t worry, I’m fine… 」I say, mustering any last bit of energy I have within me.

I like to think I’m not in critical condition, but even with the help of the vitality potion, it is undeniable that I’ve lost lots of blood…

A mysterious purple light starts to emit from within the dragon’s body. It grows brighter and brighter, engulfing the dragon until it disappears inside. Worry grows more and more. I don’t know why it’s happening, but my gut feeling tells me that nothing good comes from it.

Yet, the dragon reacts with indifference, as it remains still and its attitude still the same, as if it accepts its fate.

The light brightness becomes too much to the point it stings, forcing me to close my eyes.

After a certain while the light slowly dims out, and when it is safe and the light is gone I open my eyes again. The view that greets me is jaw-dropping.

The humongous and mighty dragon is nowhere to be found, in place of it is a girl. No, a girl is not the proper word. Goddess would fit her more — as her beauty is out of this world.

Traces of the replaced dragon are apparent on her. Two bright brown horns grow out on top of her head, sharply pointing upwards zigzaggingly. Extending from the bottom that slips out from her dress is a dragon-like tail, with the same color as her hair, slightly smaller than her leg in terms of size. That’s where the dragon traits end.

Her human body is filled with tantalizing curves, as if God personally sculpted his ideal woman, wearing a one-piece purple dress that doesn’t shy away to hide her perky large beast. Her enticing, amethyst eyes gaze at me over her puffy, heart-shaped lips. She has a dainty nose and silky straight hair with the color of new bloom lilac that flows to her waist.

Her entire being radiates a bewitching aura, a mix of royal elegance and gracefulness, but with a sharp, powerful undertone. Hidden in plain sight. As her appearance would captivate anyone in her wondrous beauty.

「 Th-this grea— this one greets its creator, it’s master. 」

A feminine voice comes from her, forcing me to acknowledge her existence, reinforcing the reality where she’s not a mere illusion. Her voice carries the same depth and power, but they are greatly overshadowed by charm, grace, and intoxicating lullaby-like sound.

The girl from a seiza position bows down, lowering her upper body all the way until her chest presses against her lap. Her palms lie flat on the ground, forming a triangle directly under her face, copying Dae Sho’s kowtow. A truly revenant prostration showcasing the utmost reverence and admiration towards me…

「 Who… who are you? 」

Out of disbelief, that’s the only thing I can say. I know deep inside who she might be, but I refuse to believe in such a concept.

「 It’s me, master. The dragon you’ve summoned — your creation. 」

「 The dragon I know was never this submissive. 」I reply with curtness.「 And never adopted a human form… 」

There’s definitely a mistake.

「 This one depleted all of her reserved mana in maintaining her true dragon form and in casting her arsenal of magic spells, which subconsciously forced me to transform to my human form. This lowly one didn’t realize her true place as your creation. Sadly, this lowly one’s foolish dragonic ego obscured her true purpose in coming to her second existence, as your creation.  」

「 True purpose…? What are you trying to say? 」

「 Remember, my master, when you told this one to look from within her soul? To think hard of my own existence?  」

「 Yeah… 」I say as I recall the event where nothing unusual happens,「 what about it? 」

「 An epiphany strikes me — undoubtedly thanks to your guidance, my master.

「 I’ve realized, after pushing aside my foolish arrogant pride that deep within my soul I’ve finally had something that no sentient beings ever had and also what I’ve always craved for — a purpose. Insects had the instinct to survive, but they didn’t have the sentient mind to fully appreciate when they succeeded in their goals. Dragons could be born to fulfill some role assigned by their clan, but that was a purpose they were given.

「 I’ve come to realize, I had been reborn with a purpose, my body, my mind, my existence had been reincarnated around that purpose, for that purpose, by that purpose. You unconsciously gave me my life’s purpose. To serve you, to please you — to worship you. 」

All of this thanks from a talk out of whim? It’s undoubtedly weird how she can change her personality so easily. So many inexplicable things have happened and coupled with the recent intense fight, I can’t muster any brainpower to reason about what’s happening…

「 My master. My creator. 」She calls softly — affectionately, 「 please bestow your newly awakened servant a name. 」

「 Isn’t your name in the first place Naga? What’s wrong with your name? 」

「 That is this one’s previous life’s name. 」

In all honesty, I’m not sure what to make of all this. An almighty dragon is now submitting to me, especially more so in her womanly human figure. It would be a lie to say I hate it, but also one if I said I fully liked it.

I want to tell her that all of this is unnecessary. That she doesn’t need to prostrate and debase herself toward me. But, her prostration form looks excruciatingly stoic, as if she’s iron-willed in submitting to me. And with me being in a slightly critical condition combined with the devastated war-torn environment, we need to move and get away from this place quickly.

I should just get this over with as soon as possible and talk about this epiphany of hers more later.

「 Fine then, if that’s your request. Your name from now on will be Shen. 」

She loves to boast the title ‘God amongst dragons’ so proudly, so might as well name her from that aspect. Inspired by the Chinese word for god or deity — Shen.

「 My master… 」she says, sounding deeply ecstatic, 「 please allow this awakened servant to reaffirm her place once more by bearing witness to my oath of servitude. 」

「 What…? That’s unnecessary… 」I say, clearly shocked with what’s happening.

「 I-I insist… Please… 」

She quivers unexpectedly, still in her prostration position. Looks like I have to give in.

「 Fine… Make it quick. 」

Her quiver stops and somehow an aura of serenity and devotion comes out from her.

「 I, with the new name bestowed by his grace — Shen — solemnly pledge myself before Renald Alderhide, my creator, my lord, my master.

「 I am to fight bravely even in staggering odds on his behalf.

「 I am the guardian that defends and protects his very being.

「 To serve him; to please him; to worship him; to fulfill his commands.

「 I pledge my heart and soul to the servitude of my master until the end of times.

「 I am Renald Alderhide’s servant, and furthermore, proud to be. 」

As soon as she completes her oath, the familiar sensation of the soulbond between me and her disrupts and transforms to a gleaming thread with the exuberance of a purple diamond. Similar to the strength of the diamond, the bond becomes ever-more rigid, unbending, and feels more complete, eternal — flawless than ever before. I used to hope that the soulbond before maybe… just may be able to be cut off, but now it is truly out of the question and irreversible.

The girl raises her upper body remaining in a folded sitting position as she gazes so seriously at me. As if she’s focusing all her senses into capturing my existence.

Her expression, embarrassment? shyness? wonder?

Even in her myriad of emotions, she looks adorable and dainty, leaving no trace of the once ferocious ancient dragon that toys with its foes until finishing it with a heartless death.

 

[Click this for a link to the image if the image above is corrupted]

 

 

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LOTA CH38 — Struggle To The Bitter End

「 Don’t be an idiot and try to resist Renald! 」Dae Sho shouts, with a tinge of mocking,  「 we’ve outnumbered you ten to one. I would like to settle this peacefully. 」

He says so, but action always speaks the loudest, and what it’s showing is the opposite. Their hands are not withdrawing away from their swords, gripping tightly to it, their posture ready and on high alert. They are not going to hold back.

I keep moving behind, creating as much distance as possible from them.  I whisper my chant. Then my long-awaited minions’ arrival comes.

In this evening light, where the sun slowly falls down, leaving the sky with a tiny glimpse of the faint sunlight. Darkness comes sooner than natural.

Rows of my shadow minions come to form, inhumane soldiers ready to fight as ever in position. Spears aligned pointing straight at them. A total of around twenty shadow minions has been summoned.

My ego and pride rise to the sky-high, as I see the twist of turns their expression has now become.

「 Wh-what?! 」

「 Dear Goddess! What kind of demonic magic is this?! 」

Their minds overloaded, seemingly trying to comprehend this absurd summoning of the unknown hostile beings.

「 Calm down, men. 」Dae sho hands race to the air, halting his underlings. Chin raised high,「 my father has always taught me to never underestimate my opponents, even if they are weak humans. Now, I can see his lesson has come to fruition. Fascinating indeed, this magic of yours. 」

He moves forward, taking his time as he steps to the front.

Why is he so confident? Wait, don’t tell me… He’s going to cast a spell?!

 


All of you spread out to the sides!


 

In a split second, I roll to the other side while catching a glimpse of a magic circle hovering over Dae Sho’s hand.

『 Fen! 』

A devastating burst of white fire comes out. Enlightening the field. As if napalm was dropped. Fire brighter than the sun. Larger than what I’ve ever seen before, leaving nothing but dust and ash. Only six of my shadow minions survived. Shit.

「 Don’t give the human any breather, all of you deal with the monsters! 」

「 Go get’em lads! 」Shouts one of the adventurers.

Calm down, Renald. Even with more than half of my shadow minions decimated, the situation is still salvageable, I mus-

『 Zan! 』

A streak of white sword’s slash trail comes at me in a flash from quite the distance. My body Instinctively tries to parry it, its razor-sharp flash signaling its menace.

*clang!*

An unexpected force hits the sword and knocks me off out of balance. Even in this considerable distance of ten meters, it can reach out to me. Does that mean it is some sort of long-range sword slash? It’s even much more powerful compared to a normal sword slash.

Dammit, I’m not given the time to arrange their fights in an effective formation. All of my attention that should’ve gone to the shadow minions is forced to be put on Dae Sho.

『 Ig—

『 Zan! 』

I stop my chant and dodge to the right. Its slash naked to the eye, as I feel an excruciating pain flowing in my cheek. A graze or wound to the cheek. My unoccupied hand goes to feel the cheek. It’s wound half a centimeter deep, and blood flows as much as its sting.

Fuck I need to focus. I almost got myself killed.

『 Zan! 』

Another from the left, my body and sword tilted to the left.

『 Zan! 』

Another from the right, my body and sword tilted to the right.

『 Zan! 』

A quick horizontal slash from the right, sweeping to my abdomen. I jump behind quickly. Almost losing my balance.

『 Yen! 』

My mind, body, and sword already prepare for another magical sword slash, yet what comes is a darkish purple magic beam, seemingly corrosive with its mystical nature, sprouting out from his hand that hovers a magic circle.

『 Sapelo! 』

A small golden invisible magic barrier appears right in front of me. Barely in the nick of time to cover me from the burst of the darkish purple corrosive magical beam.

「 Haah… Haah… Haah.. 」

Everything goes by so quickly. I’m out of breath already.

In this short amount of time, fighting foolhardy, I’ve finally come to understand Dae Sho’s way of fighting, his fighting style — an unrelenting speed and constant pressure.

Not good on my side. I need to deal with him as soon as I can. I can’t even see the condition of the battlefield with all of my attention placed on him.

「 Out of breath already, human? 」

His katana lowers to the ground, smiling mockingly. His hand sweeps his somewhat long hair, letting out a smirking smile as his chin rises up high, as he belittles me naturally with his lowered gaze.

His haughtiness radiating from his body is at an all-time high now.

My shadow minions without my lead won’t hold out for much longer, I need to do something to finish this quickly!

It’s all or nothing.

『 Ebrest! 』

Faint small white clouds surround his head, engulfing his attention to it, obscuring his sight. Flickers white stars, then, appear, indicating that he’s fully distracted. Can’t believe I’m using wits magic for offensive usage.

I swing my sword to the bottom right, aiming at his shoulder, putting all of my energy into it, desperately hoping that this one attack will finish him which leads me a step closer to surviving this hostile encounter.

At last, rather than the sense of cutting flesh, a hard wall stumps the sword’s impact. Fuck! There’s hardened steel armor beneath his slim figure?!

「 Ughh, well struck, human. But you should’ve aimed for the head! 」

「 AHHH! 」

A wince of pain unconsciously comes out of my mouth. Shortly following with excruciating pain in my hand.

My sword flew out of nowhere, escaping away from my grasp.

Its strong momentum causes me to lose my balance and ultimately fall to the ground.

I look at my hand and although it’s still intact in one piece, a wound in the palm where all of the pain is centered. A deep slash with white bone on the bottom. Blood trailing down to my arm.

My sight unconsciously darts towards the rest of the battlefield, showcasing how grim the situation is.

His dragonkin bodyguards are still in decent shape with small wounds here and there. And that one magician is surprisingly still alive unscratched, but the other adventurers aren’t so lucky. None of my shadow minions are standing, only small patches of black dust are what’s left of them. Their death causes me to lose hope.

I can’t die like this. I haven’t repaid my debts to my mother!

There’s got to be another way. Can I summon more shadow minions with the lives of the recently defeated adventurers?! Wait, no, I need to be the one who personally takes their lives.

「 Quite a shame, human. I expected a better fight than this. 」He walks slowly at me, really taking his time.「 Especially with those shadow underlings of yours that you had. But that unsurprisingly doesn’t change your fate, as your superiors — the dragonkin — tramples the lowly human race, even to this age. 」

He brandishes the sword so close at me — toying with me.

「 Now then… Where are the ancient swords?! Spit it out! And I might actually consider sparing your worthless life. 」

The tip of his blade digs into my neck. Its stinging pain flows as much as the blood that seeps out from it.

I ain’t fucking giving up. I need something. Another spell cast. One last chance.

「 Just accept your fate already, human. Don’t be stubborn. 」

He moves another step, stepping heavily on my moving hand.

I wince in pain once more, grimacing that my last chance to direct a spell at him failed.

 


『 My Master. My Creator. Please Summon Your Dragon. 』


 

A sudden desperate plea comes to my mind, that of the dragon.

「 Ancient history dictates that us dragonkin is the superior being even in our current humanoid form as power and strength run in our very blood. If it gives you small comfort, I don’t feel any gratification from winning this fight. As it is natural for me, a dragonkin to win against a human. Lest I would shame my great ancestors if I lost to a mere human. 」

My only choice is the dragon now, but should I really use such a nuclear way?

No, I must survive. Screw the consequences.

「 As your one and only lord; heed upon your creator’s call… I summon thee…『Naga』 」

 


『 My Master. Promise Me. That No Matter What I Do Next, You Will Continue Treating Me The Same As Before. 』


 

「 I promise… 」

A thunderous earthquake shakes the earth, startling everyone including me. Dae Sho especially, his eyes darts everywhere to the surroundings. He must have felt how absurd this whole thing is.

A faint surge of power surrounds the area, tensing everyone with its dominant pressure.

「 Wh-what’s… happening. What did you do, human?! 」

A massive magic circle appears out in the sky, hypnotizing the spectators to pay attention to this never-seen-before spectacle. An unknown and bizarre phenomenon, causing the start of all kind’s biggest fear — the fear of the unknown.

『 AT LONG LAST I DESCENT UPON THIS GODFORSAKEN WORLD 』

The voice that came is another earthquake, a thunder that strikes out of nowhere, something primal with inhumane malice, trembling them as it ignites their deepest subconscious fear.

『 TO REMIND ALL OF YOU WHO’S YOUR ONCE TRUE SUPERIOR 』

The dragon’s head emerges first from the massive magic circle. Bestial and Demented. None of its once elegant features is apparent. Its eyes threaten to kill as its eyebrows lower as it can get.

『 WHERE DRAGONS COWER IN THE WAKE OF MY WRATH 』

The rest of the body comes out, hovering up in the sky. Its purple lilac scales cover the body combined with its gleaming crown lights even brighter that pales the honeyed evening light, bewitching people with its archaic divine aura that contains unmeasurable power. A divine, ancient, and almighty being.

『  I AM NAGA. GOD AMONGST DRAGONS. 』

Its long wavy serpentine body moves just a little, but that alone is enough to release a powerful freezing wind of the winter, giving me the chills. Asserting them that the dragon didn’t come out for a friendly chat.

『 AND I HAVE COME FORTH TO OBLITERATE YOUR, PITIFUL, INFERIOR, EXISTENCE. 』

 

Previous ChapterNext Chapter

LOTA CH37 — Graduation

Blue sky, a perfect protecting dome that plays with the sunlight on this fine beautiful day, promising to be the canvas to a peaceful and bright outlook towards life. A perfect day to be outside. What a coincidence that today is the graduation ceremony of Bosart University.

Groups of students stand in the beautiful field just beside the campus. Instead of the classic square cap that I’ve worn in my previous graduation, this time I’m wearing a cone baggy cap, similar to that of a mage.

On the grandiose stage adorned with golden and jewelry ornaments with bountiful flowers gather important figures such as the head of Bosart university and the deans of each department who one by one give boring speeches. Leaving me no choice but to grumbly pass through it with my mind somewhere else.

Next up is what seems to be an announcement of honor students, as one after the other gets called up and goes to the stage.

Just another mundane procedure of graduation ceremony. This whole thing sure takes a long time…

「 In the《School of Wits Magic》we have Renald Alderhide. With his great talent and no small amount of determination and hard work, he was able to master a legendary spell and achieve advanced level mastery in just three years from scratch — the first in the history of the《School of Wits Magic》academia. 」

Another wave of claps comes through with multiple eyes staring at me…

My name just got called. That means I have to come to the stage.

Why are they even over-exaggerating my achievements? It must’ve been purely to raise the other students’ morale or something. I mean it’s just achieving an advanced level of magic, not really a novelty.

Whatever, just follow along with the program.

I walk to the stage, where I stand side by side with the other students who apparently excel in their respective schools of magic.

Instructor Smush comes to me with other teachers approaching other students besides me. In front of me, she attaches a golden badge of the《School of Wits Magic》to my chest.

「 You might not notice it Renald, but I’m very proud to be a mentor to such a talented student. 」

Without even giving me a chance to reply, she already goes away, following other teachers in leaving the stage.

Soon shortly followed by all of us as we make our way back to the field. Surprisingly, after I’ve finally gotten back in my original position, she still stays on the graduation podium, standing with a straight back and proudly.

「 Today, in this beautiful clear weather I, Vivienne Veinard, the second royal princess, is incredibly honored to address the graduates of Bosart University that the Veinard can rely on should the need arise. My heart goes out to all of you who have worked for this achievement and waited for this day for years. Countless hours have been poured into perfecting the art of magic and many more in other fields. 」

Hmmm… Another dull speech. When will this ceremony be over…?

The boredom causes me to daydream…

「 We Veinard have been the spearhead of the prosperous humankind. We pioneer new frontiers and reach new heights never before imagined, bestowed by our knowledge and wisdom that is what makes us humans. And so as the representation of the Veinard Royalty, we’ve declared to open our campus door, to accept admission to all human kingdoms in the Concordis-sphere. 」

This major news is like a grenade thrown in the middle out of nowhere. Most are shocked as the field now is filled with countless whispers, with an equal number of students leaning towards one another, discussing the major change that’s about to happen to the Bosart University.

「 Times are changing. 」She continues her speech, not minding the ruckus,「 this is a small step towards a more united front of the great Humankind. Thank you and may Goddess Maria bless us all. 」

Cheerful hand claps of numerous graduates and spectators congratulate her speech, she ends her speech with a simple bow with her two hands daintily lifting the skirt.

And then with some last few words from the Head of the Bosart University, the graduation is drowned with loud magical fireworks, along with cheers of hooray and joyful screams.

The perfect rows and columns of students standing up become a mess as the ceremony is over and scrambles.

I follow along with Elras and Aaron in walking away to the sideline, where most students’ parents and families are waiting.

Hmm… Strange.

I remember when I received my degree I was ecstatic. Dreams and big hopes of a great degree flow to my mind, as I daydream and wonder about the desired future that what was once was soon reachable.

Now… I don’t really feel anything. Only a single thought that it’s finally over. A burdensome mandatory task is finally dealt with.

「 Reinhardt-sama, 」Aaron calls,  「 Have you reckoned before the princess’s shocking announcement? 」

「 Surprisingly no, 」Elras replies, seemingly a bit disappointed with himself,「 a loose alliance with the whole Concordis kingdoms, or maybe a closely knit alliance with a few of our neighbors? That’s within expectations, and what our kingdom usually does. But this kind? I don’t know if this is for the good or for the worse. One thing for sure, something worldwide is brewing. I have some ideas, but with how this recent event proves how wrong my speculation was, I might definitely be wrong. 」

I don’t have much to say with how clueless I am in regards to the kingdom’s politics, but even then I knew that the Veinard kingdom doesn’t act hostile with neighboring kingdoms, although they aren’t exactly friendly with them either. Neutral but likes poking other kingdom’s affairs. And they are allowed to act that way thanks to its sheer scale compared to other kingdoms.

I’ll leave it to the experts.

「 Congratulations sweetie! 」

Mother comes holding a flower banquet, looking very lovely. She runs out, arms wide open, and goes straight at me.

She comes quite forcefully, having to withstand her passionate platonic love, and even with flowers in her hand, she is still quite impatient enough to hug me tight.

I smile a bit forcefully and wave back to Aaron and Elras, where they return the gesture and give me time and space with my mother, as they go to their respective families that are waiting for them too.

「 Thank you, mother, for the flowers… 」

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of flowers, and I’m not sure how to reciprocate. But it’s the intention that matters right?

「 With this, you’ve truly become a real adult! What’s left is for you to find your special someone! 」

Special someone huh…

I’ve given up on finding one. Even if my love towards my mother is a platonic love that still leaves a gaping hole inside my heart, it will do.

It saddens me, even in her happy attitude I can still sense some guilt beneath it. Our last conversation must’ve weighed her down.

「 Excuse me, young lord! 」

Then out of nowhere, I look at that shout that seems to be addressed towards me. The housemaid in my dorm. She seems to come here in a rush with the apparent sweat that builds up around her normal features.

「 Yes? What’s with the rush? 」

「 Forgive my unsightly appearance young lord, 」she bows slightly, her hands holding the letter reaches out to me,「 a representative from the《Adventurers Creed》recently comes to the dorm and wants to give the young lord a letter containing an emergency quest they hope you can respond as soon as possible. 」

I take the letter, open it, and begin to read its content.

An emergency quest in subjecting a very recently discovered kobold nest three hours walk, outside of the city. The kobolds have an explosive growth rate, and many were spotted in the area, thus leading the guild to ask for as much support as possible. The ultimate goal is to destroy the nest, but thinning their population is also fine, apparently. Lone adventurers without an established party will be put into a team chosen by the guild. There’s already a meeting point if I can respond to the guild’s call.

The adventures guild that I sign up for huh… Strange… I know I’ve signed up to the guild in preparation for what’s to come after graduation as I can’t depend too much on Elras name, but this seems to come out of nowhere. Well, it does give a huge reward for this kind of quest.

「 You did a good job. You can go back now. 」

The housemaid replies back by bowing slightly and immediately heads back to the dorm.

「 Mother, it seems that I’ve just received an emergency and sudden quest. It should be relatively quick and short, but I have to prepare immediately. 」

「 Sweetie, you’ve just graduated! This calls for a celebration! Not a dangerous quest. Can’t you postpone it to at least tomorrow? 」

「 I’m sorry mother. The guild calls for me and it’s an emergency quest. Due to its nature, it is always sudden, although in return they give a higher reward. Could you please give me this one chance? This is a responsibility of mine I need to fulfill, as I’ve become an adult like what you’ve said, mother. 」

「 Finee…. 」She says, seemingly giving up without hiding her displeasement, 「 make sure you be careful and after the quest is over, to go back to me alright? I’ll be waiting for you in the Alderhide mansion. 」

I hurry back to campus and ride a horse provided by the guild to the main road, accompanied by the bewildered expressions of passersby.

The reason is apparent. A graduate in fancy getup seemingly fleeing from the university.

And perhaps I am.

Though kobolds are nothing to scoff at if left alone for too long. Even if it plays into my hands, I’m doing the right thing here.

A heavily fortified gate comes into view. Guards are doing searches, but just for those entering the city.

Nonetheless, a youth in stand-out clothes at full speed is apparently suspicious enough to make an exception.

「 HALT! 」One guard shouts at me while his colleagues align their spears to make sure I turn into a pincushion should I try to run past them.

「 In a hurry are we? Why don’t you show us some identification and tell us why you need to leave the city, huh? 」

I don’t know whether he thinks I’m a thief or is just being sadistic, but I don’t have the time for either.

「 I’m on a guild mission, so shut it and make way! 」

Having the badge thrust in his face luckily makes him come to his senses. 「 Le-let him through. 」

Out of the city, the road is still well-maintained, but as I navigate towards the meeting point, stony paths take over and force me to slow the horse.

At the side of the road, lies a group of adventurers, some on horseback. Swords on their hip and one of them wears the classic baggy hat — a wizard hat. Strange. That would indicate that he is a proficient magician. With magicians being rare enough, especially in《Adventurers Creed》it would be overkill for this quest. The party consisted of six people too, a bit too much for thinning out kobold’s population.

「 You must be Renald Alderhide. 」One of them says, putting up a neutral face, 「 come. We must hurry. I want this to be done before sunset, although that would be impossible from the looks of it. 」

Their horses neigh as they start moving, all of them already on the move.

What the…

No introductions or some sort of briefing on the quest? Probably as we go I guess…

 

 

We are already quite far away from the city, our surrounding is a thin forest, with few trees, leaving considerable open space for maneuvering. Now on foot as we are nearing the nest. We should arrive soon towards our destination. The sooner I can be done with this strange party, the better.

The party is, to mildly put it, quite a bit off. The others rarely talk with one another, so our trip is filled with a heavy silence. I understand and even expect some awkwardness since this is a loosely formed team, but this is too much.

「 Hello Renald. It’s been a while. 」

Unexpectedly, what comes to view is Dae Sho with his bodyguards. How the hell is he here?

「 I wish there is a better way to settle this, human. But time is running up for me, and you don’t do much to help me anyway. 」

「 Why are you here? What do you want Dae Sho? 」I ask, quite pissed with his roundabout attitude.

「 You know what I want. Stop being clueless and put up an innocent front. Where are the ancient swords? 」

He’s still on about the swords? I thought he gave up already.

「 I will be extra nice to you and still give you the last opportunity to give me your ancient swords and return with your pockets heavy with money. 」

「 You are still on about the swords?! I’ve told you on and on that, I’m not giving it to anyone else! 」

His face explodes with fury, his hand gripping the sword at the side of his hip.

「 First, I insist on buying your swords with no small amount of money. Second, I’ve tried to avoid using violence by ransacking your place in the hopes to find your hidden swords. Now, you leave me no choice but to cripple you, human! 」

He brandishes his sword, looking awfully similar to the distinct slightly curved single-edge sword I’ve known of in my past life. A katana. A fucking katana. To think it exists in this world too. I would’ve appreciated its craftsmanship if it weren’t pointing right in front of my face.

His underlings brandish their weapons too, including “my party”, all pointing their weapons at me. Their faces belittling and mocking me.

Shit. It’s a setup. I should’ve known!

I move ever more slowly backward, brandishing my swords. My mind is already set with the incantations that will provide me the reinforcement I direly need, preparing for the worst.

 

Previous ChapterNext Chapter

LOTA CH36 — Forgotten Legend

「 Time’s up! Put down your pen, and immediately bring the exam papers to me. 」

The sound of the alarming bell strikes heavily to my eardrums, drowning in Professor’s announcement of the exam’s end. It should’ve triggered me with the suddenness of the loud ring of the bell, but on this special occasion, it’s music to my ears. Because I don’t have to bore myself to death any longer with the all too easy questions.

「 With this exam, this academy semester is coming to a close. For those graduating soon, I’ll wish you all the best in the future. 」

Graduation ceremony huh… I’ve known it’s coming closer, but with the professor mentioning it, the weight of it is only realized now. Well, it’s not something to ponder around. There’s a much more important agenda to think of.

Visiting Professor Meyer.

After handing the exam to the professor, I make my way to Professor Meyer’s quarter. Passing through the campus’ distinct white building, realizing that this might be the last time I can enjoy the beautiful architecture.

It just so happens that I come across the classic bronze Bosart statue. There are other landmarks more unique and much more magnificent in terms of appearance, but I can’t help but always notice the statue.

A figure of a greatly educated man — a symbol of great hope to the future of noble society.

For me, however, it’s reduced to a figure of my pessimism and misery.

Then she appears.

She, the ideal woman in the most artistic form, everything about her is beautiful pristine white.

…That’s wrong. Sinister white fits her most. The royal bearing and pale skin appear devilishly inhumane.

I quickly walk to the side, not wanting myself to be noticed by her group. And then continue to walk to my destination. I need to get away.

 


『 Hoooo… Who’s That Female Human? 』

I must admit, this is the first time you show interest in another human other than me. Which one are you talking about?

『 The White One That Passes Before You 』

White one… Don’t tell, Princess Vivienne?

『 Whoever That Female Human Is, I Can’t Help But Wanting To Pummel Her To The Ground. 』

Wha… Why?!

『 That Female Human Surprisingly Irks Me. Don’t You As Well? She’s The Cause Of Your Dismay, No?  』

Calm down Naga… You don’t have to worry about such an insignificant thing.


 

No… It should be me who needs to calm down.

The dragon’s outrage is due to my emotional outburst…

And I can do so by focusing on what’s going to happen soon. As I’m now already in front of Professor Meyer’s quarter.

「 Greetings Professor Meyer, I hope I didn’t disturb you. 」

As soon as I peek inside, I notice the stacks of papers on his table, covering almost half of it.

「 Ahh… Renald, it’s been a while. 」He says, putting the paper he’s holding down flat to the table,「 don’t let the stacks of papers here concern you. Some are just my research notes, although most are my student’s exams. 」

「 I really am not bothering you right? 」I say, feeling a bit guilty, interrupting in the middle of what seems to be his busy period.

「 I would gladly continue grading these later late at night, to spare some free time with one of my favorite students. Now don’t be shy, please come in. 」

Receiving the professor’s acknowledgment, I come inside, closing the door behind me, and immediately sit down in the available chair in front of him.

「 I’m sure you’ve come here not just to beg me to increase your already perfect grades like most students, so what is it that you need from me then? Is it still regarding the arcane decegram star magic rune surrounded by four hooded angels you’ve been researching about? 」

「 Ahh… actually no. I’ve come here to ask you about something else. 」

「 Does that mean you have found the answer?! 」He immediately leans forward, his eyes widening with sheer amazement,「 Please share it with me. I’m actually rather curious about that whole research subject. 」

「 Sorry Professor… I gave up researching it, sadly. My research and leads keep giving me deadends. 」

Can I even tell him that the magic rune leads to the summoning of an ancient dragon?

「 I see… What a shame…  」He looks down, seemingly disappointed.

「 Anyway, you’ve come here to ask about something else right? 」He quickly follows up,「 What is it that you want to ask? 」

「 Uhhh.. 」Damn, I’m being nervous… Here goes nothing… 「 Have you heard of the name, Naga? 」

「 Hmm… Interesting… 」He ponders, as he rests his chin on his hand,「 Naga was it? Never heard of it. What’s that?」

 


『 WHAT 』


 

Both Professor’s answer and the dragon’s reaction are well within my expectations. But Naga would probably be unsatisfied with just this small answer.

Should I just be straightforward and mention that Naga is an important and significant figure, being the supreme dragon that no other can fight against?

No… I need to test the water first, as I’m currently swimming in dangerous waters. Dragon history is the source of pride of all dragons. If a human starts questioning the legitimacy of this great pride, it will be an easy trigger to a dragon’s outrage.

「 This is merely my hypothesis that I want to discuss with you. 」I say, trying to subtly push the idea,「 I think the dragon statue that we’ve encountered on our past archeological expedition might be a newly undiscovered dragon that doesn’t exist in the history book. Not the Raiyuu kind that I’ve previously hypothesized. 」

「 The dragon statue from our past archeological expedition was it? It’s definitely a Raiyuu… It’s just like what you said before, back in the expedition. The humans who created the statue must have a misinformed idea about dragons, thus creating a false statue. Which is reasonable, considering they always lived under the surface or other dragonless areas. 」

「 Well, what if… What if they created the right depiction of one of the dragon kind? One that we have yet to know of? 」

「 Okay. Then why would a dragon wear a human-made crown? 」Professor quickly counters.

「 Professor… 」I call, trying to reason with what he thinks is unreasonable,「 the Anantem dragon kind ancestors have big jewelry implanted in their chest. Their descendants even to this day follow suit by having a small red gem implanted on their forehead. The now extinct Tubor dragonkind had leaf-like parts on their wings. I think it is within a reasonable scope that another dragon might possibly have a weird gimmick, such as a crown. 」

A hint of uncertainty and doubt plastered in his features.

I need to push in further.

「 The dragon wears a crown, Professor. 」I continue,「 The crown might’ve already existed since the beginning of its existence which might indicate that it is the ruler, the supreme one of the entire dragon race. 」

「 I’m sorry Renald, I know you mean well, but the concept of a supreme dragon ruling over the entire dragon race is to mildly put it — it baffles me. 」

「 Maybe it’s the supreme one that doesn’t bother the other dragon kind because it is the one and only kind of its kind? 」

「 Are you seriously doubting my knowledge regarding my esteemed ancestors? 」Professor asks, with a tinge of doubt and anger, raising his eyebrow,「 the dragons in the Verum Shihi era always fought with one another. Their respective strengths largely balanced the others out, with the Tian and Mervyn kind being slightly the more dominant dragon kind. 」

 


『 HOW DARE THESE LOWLY INFERIORS FORGET THEIR ONCE SUPREME DRAGON 』


 

Ughhh… My head… It’s just a telepathic thought, but its anger is definitely transmitted to the point of causing a headache.

「 Are you alright, Renald? 」Professor asks, clearly concerned for my well-being,「 It seems you need to take a rest. 」

「 Don’t worry, it’s just a slight headache. 」I say trying to brush it off.

「 You don’t need to be polite with me.  」He says, although I sense his mind to be somewhere else,「 I must admit, I’m not convinced with your theory of this supreme ‘Naga’. It contradicts some elements of our history. It would need a lot of evidence to back it up, and an unauthenticated dragon statue is barely enough. 」

He mentioned not be polite with him… That means he subtly cues me to be direct with him. To be truthful about my state? Is it out of concern for my well-being or out of the discomfort of questioning historical pride? Whatever it is, it seems that he wants this to be over soon.

「 Alright… I should get some rest then. 」I say, emphasizing on the rest,「 thank you for sparing the time to talk with me. 」

「 No, it was my pleasure, 」he lets out a small smile,「 you may leave. It’s a shame, you will be graduating soon. I sincerely hope this won’t be our last meeting, and that your passion for history never dies. 」

「 Of course professor, take care. 」

Accepting the fact that whatever I say won’t change his mind and most importantly having gotten Naga’s answer, I head out to the door.

「 Renald, wait! 」

「 Yess..? 」I say as I turn my back.

「 I forgot to mention since you are not going to be a student here anymore, here is my address, feel free to send me a letter. I hope we can still stay in touch once in a while 」He says, giving me a small paper.

I quickly grab it and notice his address is quite close to the academy. In an affluent neighborhood.

「 Thank you very much, professor. I’ll send a letter sometime soon. 」

I leave Professor Meyer’s room, knowing full well the storm that’s possibly happening in the sky palace. Naga must be furious.

I need to immediately check in with Naga. The dragon must be shocked with the revelation that its name is truly forgotten by the dragonkin. What’s worse is how even a Dragonkin history professor is not open to the idea of Naga.

I immediately run back to my dorm, ignoring the onlookers.

I come inside the dorm, climb up the stairs, open the door of my room, but something strange has happened.

My room is messy — too messy. This is weird. I’m sure I’ve tidied up a bit, and the maid in the morning would do the rest. How come all of my stuff is scattered everywhere? All of my clothes are now crumpled, even the cabinets of my drawers are pulled and some even went missing?!

Wait a minute…

Did my room just get robbed?!

How could this happen?!

I need to report it to the security or the housemaids.

Wait, I still need to check in with Naga first… Ah… I’ll report it later, Naga comes first…

…..

By the time I’m in the sky palace, the dragon’s rampage has already started. The whole building trembles and shakes. The loud noise of impacts keeps blasted over and over again. The dragon must’ve made the room it’s hiding messy.

I run to the source of it all. And there I see the dragon’s chaotic expression, with what seems to be a tinge of depression forming.

『 DO YOU KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO REALIZE YOUR ENTIRE EXISTENCE IS MEANINGLESS?! TO HAVE TO COME TO TERMS THAT YOUR MISERABLE LIFE IS WORTHLESS?! 』

The dragon’s voice causes another rumbling tremble on the scale of a small earthquake.

Something inside me wants to back down, to get away from the dragon’s rampage. But no, I must face it. I can’t just runoff. It would be cowardly to do so.

「 Settle down, Naga. 」I say sternly,「 I know it’s heartbreaking that you’re forgotten. But does it become meaningless? What do you mean? 」

『 I WANT MY NAME TO BE REMEMBERED FOR POSTERITY. IN ORDER THAT MY MISERY HAS SOME SORT OF A MEANING. THAT IS MY MADE-UP PURPOSE TO CLENCH TO MY VOID LIFE.  』

「 Misery? When you’re the supreme dragon? 」

『 OF COURSE… 』

The dragon begins prowling, circling around me, its eyes filled with deep anger.

『 OF COURSE THAT IS WHAT YOU ALL THINK. I BECAME SUPREME NOT OUT OF MY MEER WISH BUT OUT OF NECESSITY. A LONE DRAGON LIKE ME IS AN EASY PICKING FOR THE OTHER CLANS. 』

The anger is still there, but now more controlled, shimmering beneath its eyes. It makes the dragon even more dangerous — on the appearance at least.

A lonely dragon huh…

『 IT’S A DRAGON EAT DRAGON WORLD. WHY BOTHER STRIVING IN A VIOLENT AND TRANSIENT WORLD 』

The dragon’s still angry yet it lets out a small chuckle as if it’s laughing at itself.

「 Well… 」I ponder some more to its question,「 life has always been meaningless. There is no such thing as a grand ‘purpose’ in life.  」

『 WHAT IS THE MEANING OF MY EXISTENCE THEN? BEFORE AND NOW 』

Purpose huh… Such a loose and abstract concept. Does the dragon want me to give it some sort of purpose?

Even I don’t have a concrete answer for it.

Nevertheless, an answer is needed, even an imperfect one.

「 Purpose is not something that you can just come up with in mere notice. Purpose is something you must uncover. Look from the inner within of your soul. Maybe you’ll find it inside. 」

The dragon stares daggers back at me, it’s dragonic eyes narrow to the point I can feel their sharpness, doubting and questioning my lecture.

Surprisingly, the dragon slightly withdraws, coming to reluctantly accept my idea, from the looks of it.

The dragon turns back and swiftly moves to a random room within the sky palace, the door shuts as soon as it goes inside. I quickly run, and knock on the door, questioning what’s on Naga’s mind.

『 Do Not Disturb Me.  I Shall Contemplate 』

I keep banging the door, but Naga’s response is still to remain silent…

 

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LOTA CH35 — Unusual Studying Companion

Hmm…. Interesting…

So is that it? In a world where magic becomes the ultimate entity — an extra hand or tool that influences all sorts of lives, it doesn’t have a single place in any logistical operation?

For the logistics to be merely classified as a simple way of distributing food, material, and resources among the army. Quite strange indeed. But it is reluctantly understandable.

Unlike tanks or other heavy weaponry in the previous modern world that need fuel, ammunition, and countless spare parts, not even including trained technicians both to operate and repair, magicians simply need decent food and several potions to operate.

And in a world where a single magic expert can annihilate a one hundred soldier army, the complex challenges of utilizing weaponry and army units become naught but a flickering afterthought. Something that simply happens. Not connected to warfighting capability.

I guess it is to no surprise that the logistical doctrine became such a simplified concept. Not the interconnected system over hundreds of varieties of other systems with intellectual and technological breadth, depth, and complexity that I am familiar with.

With that in mind, It is to no surprise that very few take the [Military Logistics] and the one who chose to do so, most likely only do so for the military graduation credits.

I’m disappointed with this class honestly. I expect rigorous systems and calculation but found case studies behind the scenes of wars, mostly about the logistical or political side of war. The professor also mentions that the [Military Logistics] class only has a brief history, unlike other military classes, merely two years.

The current logistical doctrine that should’ve fit according to this world’s unique situation and circumstances is still full of errors.

Cradsten war, Concordis great war, and many more; all have the same theme in terms of how they handle logistics; with the same common problem – mismanagement.

The de-facto ways of procuring food and supplies are always left to the soldiers in the field. Scavenging their way as they move forward, living off the land.

Although it does make sense, setting aside morals, I can’t help but feel there’s definitely can be something done to improve the current doctrine. With intricate calculations, experiments, and of course data, you can come up with ways to predict at which stage an army unit needs what supplies and could also be incorporated into army placement and transportation.

As most of the time, an army could’ve won if only they have more mana potions with them. While as on the other side of the battlefield a certain army who didn’t get much action finds out they have too many mana potions laying around to the point it halts their movement speed.

But still… How come what seems to be an obvious problem is not addressed? Is it something to do with the lack of political will? Or the problem is not too much of a big of a deal?

Or maybe it’s just an oversight on my part, as I don’t really have much practical knowledge or field information in this regard. And to get them…. I need to participate in perhaps the royal military or even warfare….

『 You Seem To Be Deep In Thought Human, Learning This Arcane ‘Logistics’. Is This Some Sort Of A New Way Of Magic That You Humans Developed? 』

For once, I thought it would be a quiet night in the sky-palace’s library. Accompanied with only a peaceful fireplace and surrounded in the comforting towering old wooden bookshelves. But here, a bored dragon unintentionally makes its way to my supposed private moment. The first time might I add.

I’ve been trying my hardest in ignoring the dragon, but how could I when its humongous serpentine-like body coils around on equally massive bookcases… I’m honestly surprised the dragon never got entangled with its own body.

「 Logistics is not magic. 」I say, disputing the dragon,「 It is a discipline in managing resources to help human armies fight to their fullest. 」

『 Hoooo… I See… Another Human Concept. But Why Bother Learning This Torturous Concept When You Can Simply Decimate Your Foes With Grand Magic Spells? 』

「 Because humans are born with various constraints. 」I lecture, 「 constraints that might be unthinkable or nonexistent for non-humans. To blow up a small mountain, a dragon can simply cast an explosive spell, for humans, however, it would require a lot of planning on the amount of mana needed due to our small mana capacity, and also where to strike the spell since our spells pale in power compared to the dragons. It is due to these constraints that we must be creative with our ways, one of them being this logistics concept. 」

『 Then Why Bother, When You Can Use This Great One’s Might And Power? 』

Another unnecessary offer, and most importantly a reluctant one.

I have to admit, there is the temptation in using the dragon’s power. But I never want to conquer the world, there’s a lot of responsibilities that lie hidden within it.

Let’s say I conquered the Veinard kingdom alone, what then? The power balance will be ruined, the citizens will question whether the new ruler brings good or not. Chaos will surge everywhere.

「 Are you even willing for me to use your powers? Can you even accept your fate that you were summoned by a human?! 」

『 What This Great One Thinks Does Not Matter. 』

Does not matter? How come it doesn’t matter?

So the dragon can just easily accept its fate?

「 And why does it not matter? 」 I desperately ask the dragon’s unfathomable thought.

『 That’s Just The Way It Is. None Of My Thoughts Have Always Mattered. That’s Why Go Ahead And Use This Great One’s Potential To The Fullest. 』

「 Then I simply won’t use your aid. I don’t even have any use for it. 」

Somehow, I can feel the tension in the air, a deep gruntle, a look of chagrin comes from the dragon.

『 I AM NAGA. 』

The dragon let loose a deafening roar, threatening to burst my eardrums. So much for a normal quiet moment in the library.

『 I AM THE VERY DEFINITION OF SUPREME AND MIGHT AMONGST DRAGONS. 』

With its enormous body, it hovers and flies around in the above space, thanks to the library or sky palace towering ceiling — demonstrating it’s swift flight. Untraceable to the eye.

The once still air becomes violent winds as numerous chandeliers shake vigorously, alarming to fall.

『 Many Have Fought For My Supreme Position And Many More Yearns To Utilize My Power For Their Own Personal Schemes. 』

The dragon stops its face directly in front of me, shooting me a hostile look. Its sharp dragonic crimson eyes narrow, threatening to kill.

『 The Tian, Raiyuu, Chaun, And Many More. All Are Jealous Of The Power That This Great One Possess. They Begrudgingly Revers To Me As The Supreme One As I Am The Wild Card That No Clans Can Hold Upon. 』

A contemptuous growl rumbles from the dragon’s throat. Its head rises up, just on the level below the library’s ceiling.

『 Many Would Gladly Destroy The World To Be In Your Place, My Creator. 』

Those last words were hissed out, making me instinctively knock me back. But still seating in the chair.

『 It Would Be Foolish To Not Use Me As An Aid. Or Even As A Mere Tool. 』

The dragon lets out a chuckle as she looks down at me. Deep in its eyes, a dark and blank hole.

…I’ve always wondered about this dragon.

Might. Power. Supremacy. Those three words are always what the dragon mentions on and on and on… And it keeps saying them as if there’s nothing else the dragon can think of or say…

「 Why are you so obsessed with your powers and supremacy? 」

『 Because That Is Solely My Identity. Nothing More — Nothing Less. 』

The sounds of the crisp crackling of the fireplace are what’s left in this room, focusing me to ponder and make sense of what the dragon is trying to say.

Then, a realization hit me.

The dragon is naught but an empty husk that can only project power…

As power solely defines the dragon.

…Should I pity the dragon? No, the dragon won’t like it.

I wanted to keep our relationship cold and proper but it might be best to at least warm it a bit. To lessen the dragon’s worry. From Naga’s explanation, she might’ve thought of me as one of those cold-hearted beings that will take advantage of anything.

「 Haaahhh… What do I do with you… Come here. 」I wave my hand, signaling the dragon to move close to me.

The dragon willingly comes close to me, although with a confused look. Its enormous head that is equal to that of my upper body is only a few inches away in front of my face.

I honestly don’t know what to do with this dragon, as its appearance and presence is only due to an accident.

But somehow it reminds me of what I usually do to Hyledd…

I reach out to the dragon, on top of its head is the gleaming golden crown, but it doesn’t deter me from stroking the dragon scales on top of its head that is not covered by the crown; giving it head-pats.

*pat pat*

「 I appreciate your sentiment, but you do not need to force yourself. 」

Its dragonic eyes gaze to space, seemingly deep in thought. Its tense scales are now relaxed, making me enjoy the smooth surface even more as I continue head-patting Naga.

With the dragon finally remaining silent, I continue reading the book as I write down notes.

Hmm…

A basic magician squadron composed of six assault magicians, three aegis magicians, and one support magician, is estimated to require three to five mana potions — the standard military-grade, for medium intensity skirmish combat. So if there’s an average of a single combat every day, not considering casualties, the squadron would need to be resupplied twenty-one to thirty-five mana potions, which is around thirty percent of a standard wagon capacity…

If that’s the case the-

『 Human. 』

「 What is it? 」

Is this dragon lonely or bored or what?

『 I’ve Known Your Name. Even So, I Want To Know Your Name Directly From You. 』

Well, that’s weird…

「 My name’s Renald. Renald Alderhide. 」

『 …Reynard? 』

Reynard, what?!

「 No. It’s Renald. 」

『 R-ronald…? 』

Really? Ronald!?

Isn’t that what I thought of my name when I first come to this world?

I place my hand on the forehead and look down to the desk as I’m sure I’m smiling stupidly right now…

How can this dragon think of my name as Ronald too…

This is ridiculously hilarious….

Haaaa…..

That’s right. I have no use of my past name. I should move on.

「 Like I said. It’s Renald. 」

『 Renald. 』

「 There you go. 」I say, ignoring the dragon’s expression,「 you got it right this time. 」

『 Hmph, Strange… Anyway, Decent Name… Thank You… 』

Its dragonic lips noticeably curl upwards slightly, expressing a rather content look…

A lot of weird things have happened to the dragon. But I honestly prefer this many times more compared to its usual state of always bothering me about all-might and usurpation.

「 I’m not sure where your gratitude is coming from, but you’re welcome I guess… 」

Noticing that the dragon remained silent, I took the opportunity to continue what I was studying.

Hmmm….

If a squadron is expected to face a medium intensity skirmish two times per week then it will require one wagon full of supplies per month. So if that’s the case the-

『 Be That As It May. 』

…I shouldn’t have allowed Naga to come here.

『 I Cannot Fathom That You Do Not Have Something That You Desire With How Hard You Work.  』

I pause for a moment and deeply think. What I desire huh…

Now my desire is to make my mother proud. Mother doesn’t say what she wants explicitly, other than for me deserving a better chance or to be successful in life. So in a way she doesn’t tell me in detail what she thought of as success in life.

But there’s definitely something more than what my mother wants, or making my mother proud… My unfulfilled yet foolish wish.

「 I want… as weird as it may sound… I want love… 」, I say, talking to myself as much to the dragon,「 but that’s a foolish wish, for such a delusional abstract concept does not exist. 」I quickly dismay the thought.

『 Hoooo… I See… 』

The dragon surprisingly replies quite quickly. I’m not sure the dragon does so out of boredom or out of deep thinking… as a rather sense of being in a state of contemplation comes from it.

「 Well… How about you then? 」I quickly ask, trying to divert the conversation topic,「 you might be one of my summonses but that doesn’t mean I’m not willing to fulfill any request, within my abilities of course. 」

『 Ah. Now You Mention It. When Will You Learn Of The Wondrous Tales Of My Supremacy? This Great One Can’t Wait To Hear What The Dragonkin Thinks Of The Supreme Naga. 』

「 Ahhh… That’s right. Don’t worry, it will be quite soon. Tomorrow most likely. 」

After the [Military Logistics] exams, the whole academia will enter a relaxed period. And shortly afterward graduation will come. My time in the academy is over, along with the Alderhide family…

I would need to visit Professor Meyer immediately after the exam then, before his time is filled with grading the student exams. With his expertise once and for all, we will get the concrete answer to whether the legendary tales of Naga are actually written in the history book or not.

Even then, I’ve already prepared for the worst, that Naga is truly forgotten, never mentioned at all in any history book. Because if so, then I would totally know of its name before.

The question then is, what would Naga think?

 

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LOTA CH34 — Lurking Trouble

「 It’s him… 」

「 Is that the one who achieved an Advanced level in the《School of Wits Magic》? 」

「 Great… How am I supposed to tell my father that I tried my hardest when a mere Count student achieved Advanced level 」

I make my way home the usual path, trying to ignore the people who seem to have little to do with their lives but chattering and trading rumors.

These rumors have been going on soon after I finished an advanced level exam in the 《School of Wits Magic》, where I demonstrated the cursed《Somn》spell successfully. The very same spell that revealed the hidden thoughts, the hidden side of oneself. The reason I awoke from my foolish fantasy.

And when cast on myself, it revealed another side of mine that I — though expecting it to exist — had never really grasped the depths of.

Dark, sinister, twisted compulsion. An-

…It’d do me good not to delve deeper into those thoughts, lest I get a screeching complaint from the dragon.

Although the rumors are mildly annoying and distracting, it is easily something to be brushed off, ultimately insignificant.

I just wanna go back home and be done with this.

I want to graduate as soon as possible. And focus on adventuring to hopefully strike it big and make my mother proud.

「 Ahhh! It’s you, human! I’ve been looking for you! 」

And there he is. That smug bastard. That classic streak of white that marred his blonde hair. The unforgettable arrogant dragonkin, Dae Sho, right at the front of my dorm.

Why do almost all strange and unusual things happen when I come back to my dorm?

「 Hey Dae Sho, why are you… you know… here? 」

As I ask him, I notice two dragonkin with horns similar to those of Dae Sho behind him. Both of them are wearing all black and white robes with steel armor here and there. I can only assume they are his bodyguard. This is quite concerning as I have no clue why he is here so suddenly.

「 I’ve come to visit you after a talk with Senior Meyer. After I’ve heard some interesting information from him. 」

What kind of information…?

「 I can talk all day long, but shouldn’t you take me inside your place? You know manners and what not? 」

「 Sure… 」

I open the door and welcome him and his followers inside.

It’s still strange. Back then, he used every chance to snap at me, always wary and hostile. That’s gone now, though I don’t completely buy the change.

I call upon the maid and ask her to prepare tea for my guest.

Shortly after me and Dae Sho sit in the lounge, with his followers insisting to stay, standing just behind him, our tea is placed on the table by the maid.

「 So, what is it that you seek from me? 」I ask, continuing the conversation.

「 Good question. Let me tell you a story first. I arrived in the Veinard kingdom a week ago, mainly to meet Senior Karn Sho and Senior Meyer. During our conversation, I’ve heard from him that he let you take something from the ruin for some reason. 」

Damn, is he going to them away from me? Even though it is not related to dragons? Wait… technically it is. It’s likely to be the cause of the ancient dragon’s appearance.

No wonder he brings two followers. And I didn’t have any means to defend myself…

「 Is that why you come to me? Because you want my share of the goods that we’ve found on the expedition? Even though I’ve got it with permission and approval from Professor Meyer himself? 」

「 Yes of course. I’ve learned from my mistakes and from Senior Meyer’s. That’s why I come with a proposition.  」

「 Wait… why are you even interested in human swords… 」

「 And I thought humans are smart…. I want every single item from that ruin, no matter if it is weird porcelain or human swords, there needs to be deep interest as it matters to the research of our esteemed dragon ancestors. It is of the utmost importance of us dragonkins, so my proposition is also equally handsome and rewarding… In exchange for those swords, this generous one will reward you with ten platinum coins.  」

T-ten platinum coins?!

And he says that so casually… Just how vast is his treasury for him to be willing to pay this much for something apparently useless to them? Or maybe his family covers the cost?

I can start a middle size business or buy a large piece of land with that amount of money on me. Even a mansion might be within that range…

A mansion for mother would be nice. A fitting place for my precious and gentle mother. Although mother’s house is well-off compared to the standards of the common class, it pales in comparison to the sheer size and luxuriousness of the main Alderhide mansion.

Even a Count noble has that much wealth, imagine the other nobles above that title…

Damn it, I’m getting distracted.

「 So, what do you think, human? Aren’t I such a generous fellow? 」he says, showing a smirk with one eyebrow raised.

「 How do you even have that amount of money? 」

「 Of course you humans wouldn’t know how much my family clan’s full interest entails. My family clan is the Sho clan, amongst the top nine ruling clans of the Lungkin Dynasty. For us, ten platinum coins are just a meager change. 」he boasts, as he lets out a confident smug.

Ten platinum coins are really tempting, with it I can pay upfront of my debt towards my mother. But I should ask the dragon’s opinion first.

 


Naga. I’m sure you’ve heard him. What do you think?

『 Those Swords Are Connecting You And This Great One. And You Think It Is A Great Idea To Give Them To A Stranger? What’s More, To This Little Tian Kin? 』

Ten platinum coins are nothing to scoff at, Naga. With that amount of money, the things I can trade or buy are almost limitless. The swords being gone doesn’t change a single thing, right?

『 Maybe. But I Despise Their Kind. 』

Come on… You aren’t even sure about whether the swords are essential or not.

『 I Still Stand With What I Said. Nevertheless, You Stand Above Me. You Are The One Who Makes The Decision Ultimately. If Those So-Called “Platinum Coins” Are Necessary Then Do What You Must. 』

Alright, alright… I’m not going to force you. If you really don’t want the swords to be given to him then I’ll reject his offer.

『 Is That So… Thank You, Human… For Fulfilling My Request. 』


 

「 Hey! Why are you spacing out?! 」Dae Sho shouts, pulling me out of the conversation with Naga.

…That’s the first time that dragon ever thanked me for something…. Strange…

「 Sorry Dae Sho, 」I say as I withdraw from my thoughts,「 although ten platinum coins are very tempting, the swords are not for sale. 」

「 Aihhhyyaaa… 」He grumbles a disappointing groan, 「 why are you like this human?! Is the amount that I generously give to you is not enough?! Name your price then. 」

「 Like I’ve told you before, It’s not for sale. 」

「 How about twelve platinum coins? 」

「 No. 」

「 Fourteen platinum coins? 」

「 No. 」

「 …Sixteen platinum coins? 」

「 No. It is not for sale. 」I say folding my arms, holding my stance in this regard.

「 Dammit human! 」Dae sho bangs the table with his fist, our tea splashes almost everywhere as a result,「 why do you have to make things so difficult!? 」

「 You’re the one who makes this difficult and becomes too emotional. 」

「 What rusty swords have use for you anyway?! 」He shouts even louder.

「 I could say the same to you. They are just human swords. It’s not even closely related to your ancestors. 」

「 So that’s it? No compromises huh?! 」He says, glaring at me with the classic eyes that I know him of in the ship. One with disgust and irritation.

This staring contest feels eternal, but I don’t relent and keep staring at his eyes that I swear seem to be burning.

「 If there’s nothing else for you to ask of me then please leave. 」I say, trying to be done with this whole issue.

He grumbles some more. Clearly expressing his dissatisfaction with me. He walks to the door, but as soon as his hand holds the door’s knob, he looks back at me.

「 …You will surely regret this human. 」Dae Sho says as he throws open the door and storms out. Soon followed by his guards.

I quickly go to my room to forget my encounter with him. Hopefully, the last one as his eyes that gazed at me one last time before he went out, burns forevermore brighter with such malicious intent.

Whatever… What I need to be focusing on right now is studying for the [Warfare Logistics] class. That means to the usual sky-palace library. The dragon’s lair…

LOTA CH33 — Mother’s Embrace

Life will always go on.

Even for someone as worthless as me.

No matter what mood or state I’m in, whether that’s happy, sad, or depressed, life will take its course, neither stopping nor speeding.

The black hole in my heart is patched up, sure, thanks to Aaron preaching about Goddess Maria a few weeks ago, but the bandage is slowly deteriorating.

I guess no matter what I do, my heart will always be broken with a gaping hole.

And that’s fine.

The dragon never bothered me about my emotional instability after that one time. This proves my theory of how our soul bond only detects fluctuations. So if my heart constantly stays depressed without change, positive or negative, it’ll be fine.

That reminds me, the dragon has discovered the mundane leisure of basking in the warmth of the sunlight in the beautiful courtyard of the sky palace. Honestly, I’m surprised it was able to come out of that purple room without damaging the palace.

It’s time I head back to the dorm, teleport to the sky palace, and then study for the《School of Wits Magic》exam, as it’s coming quite soon.

At least that’s the plan if nothing unusual happens.

「 H-hi sweetie! 」

By the time I return to the dorm, mother is sitting down in the couch lounge, still wearing that classic blue gown and black pillbox hat that define her. Unlike last time, however, she seems to be nervous. Though smiling broadly, unrest emanates from her posture, and the cheerful and needy aura that was once the very thing that makes her … her … is missing.

Judging from the empty cup with no tea left in front of her, she might have waited for me for quite a long time.

「 Hello, mother. 」I say as I ponder the reason for her presence…

「 H-how was class…? If I recall, exams should take place soon. Are you faring well? 」

「 Of course. Did I make you wait, mother? 」

「 No… no… I just got here, 」mother says, shaking her head,「 can I come inside your room? It’s a bit chilly here. 」

Even though there’s a lit fireplace in the lounge? Whatever, I can’t exactly oppose my mother.

「 Sure, let’s go mother. 」I say as I offer my hand to her.

Rather than simply holding my hand, she hugs my arm. Her face snugs closely as she rubs it on my shoulder. Too close. I don’t remember her being like this before.

It’s a miracle how we are able to climb the stairs and reach my room without any difficulties.

「 Oh wow… your room is so tidy sweetie, I never knew there will be a time you made your bed. 」

Dear goddess… she sure needs to rub in changes at every opportunity.

「 Ahh.. 」she closes her mouth, 「 I’m sorry, sweetie. 」

She immediately sits at the edge of the bed, patting the sheets next to her, and stares at me with watery eyes. It’s such an unexpected turn of events that it froze me for a bit. I try to comfort her, by sitting beside her closely.

「 I’m… I’m so sorry for what I did, Renald. 」

「 Wh-what? You don’t have anything to apologize mother. 」

「 You’ve grown up to a full-fledged adult, yet I keep treating and pestering you as if you’re still my little boy. 」

I don’t know what to make of all this…

「 No buts. 」She continues, 「 because of my actions, you feel awkward and uncomfortable with me. I should’ve noticed back then in your past birthday celebration. 」

「 What are you talking about, mother? 」I intervene,「 if it’s because of my urgency to leave my birthday, it was because I have to meet with a professor, remember? 」

「 Then, why are you not replying to my letters, and why didn’t you tell me that you’re going to Reinhardt’s territory during the vacation? 」

How did she know…?

Silence weighs on me, as I don’t know what to say…

「 If there’s one thing that stays consistent about you it’s that you always seem to hide your true feelings. Back when you were still my baby boy, to the adult you right now. 」She says, breaking the silence, letting out a small smile,「 it is first and foremost my fault sweetie, for being insensitive towards you. 」

This is… to mildly put it, quite unexpected. Her apology is so deeply felt and seems serious enough that I feel guilty.

「 I think it’s time you know your mother’s past, Renald. 」She says, her gaze lowers as her eyes darken.

Now that I think about it, I don’t really know much about her. All I know is that she’s a cheerful mother who always compares me to the past Renald Alderhide. A beautiful woman both inside and out. Although she can be very overprotective at times, in the end, she is this way because she actually cares about her son’s entire being.

For the love that I’ve always wanted to be this close — yet unreachable, at the same time.

「 Your mother’s maiden name is Heva Avia, from the great… Baron Br… Braxton Avia… 」

She stops speaking suddenly, her breath shakes and becomes shallow.

「 Mother…? 」I ask, not sure why she’s behaving like this.

「 I’m… I’m sorry sweetie, your mother recalls some dark memories when mentioning his name… My father’s name. 」

That means… My grandfather?

「 I was the only daughter in the small Baron Avia family 」, she continues, her breath still shaking, but better now, 「 and Braxton Avia… he’s a brutish man, obsessed with his role in the military, so he loves and cherishes his sons while ignoring and detesting his daughter… 」

H-how could he! To her?!

「 C-calm down Renald… your face is scary right now… It’s just the past… I’m fine now… 」

Shit… Without realizing it my facial expression must’ve turned for the worse… I mean I can’t help it… To think this angelic mother was treated cruelly…

「 When your mother was in the middle of studying in the academy, he, among a few older brothers, was killed in the great Concordis war. And with the Avia family left to survive alone with its treasury greatly diminished, I was immediately engaged to Falben Alderhide, sending me off to the Alderhide family. Your father… he used to be a better person, he truly loves me, until this day I’m sure… But when you were born, things changed… I’m guessing they are worried since I gave birth to a boy.  」

「 T-then why don’t you discard me, mother…? 」I ask, I mean isn’t it the obvious choice?

「 How could you say that?! 」she shouts, right at my ear, with a wronged undertone, 「  I know how it feels to be unloved and ignored. I won’t let my only son feel the same way as I did in the past!  」

Her loud shout forces me to reply with another silence…

Everything is just… Unexpected…

「 W-which leads me to how… recently I… I accidentally heard the news that your father wants to kick you out from the family for good by the time you graduate… Even though you deserve so much better… 」

With the way I rarely interact with him and how he treats me, giving me all sorts of disadvantages, it is to no surprise that he does so if his intention since the beginning is to get rid of me.

I’ve already known this since ages ago, but it seems she only realized it recently.

「 I’m sorry… Renald.. 」Her watery eyes now swell even more, as a single tear rolls down her cheek, 「  if your mother actually tried hard enough, to earn a decent position in the family… Maybe y-you wouldn’t be in this miserable disadvantageous position. 」

She leans towards me, her arms wide open. I open my arms as I hug her, falling into my mother’s embrace. She continues to sob into my shoulder, wet with her tears.

「 Because of your mother’s… selfishness… and obliviousness… You ended up in such a predicament… 」

Seeing this woman who was once always cheerful, with a generous smile and positive outlook towards life, to be reduced to this pitiful, crying state, something snaps within me.

I don’t want to see her like this. She might have a part in making me the way I am, but that doesn’t mean she deserves to be in this state.

As I wrack my brain trying to find relief for her, amidst the sobs and whining, it reminds me of the one thing I achieved and quite proud of in my miserable past life — making my father proud.

I remember him crying happily as I received my graduate degree in a stadium near Tokyo University. He’s never seen before smile as I was able to support him, and lift him out of poverty.

How he doesn’t longer need to live in a run-down, small apartment, without a working heater or clean water. How I could treat him to eat the large unagi-don my father always secretly craved for, but wasn’t able to afford due to his meager salary.

…Maybe Aaron is right.

I never had a mother, and she might never replace my real deceased mother. But it is my responsibility as Renald Alderhide to ease her — my new mother’s — worries and make her proud that she gave birth to an incredible son.

Even if her love is towards her past son, at the very least I should never give her a reason to cry again.

That’s right, I’m Renald Alderhide. Yoshinobu Ryo was the past. And I’m no longer my past self.

「 Don’t worry… My mother… Your little boy will manage somehow. You’ve done nothing wrong. I forgive you… my mother. 」

I hug her tighter. The warm sensation makes it to my heart.

 

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LOTA CH32 — Change of Heart

 「 Aaron, honestly, what’s up with these damn boxes… Can’t you just rent a cart or something? 」

「 It can’t be helped, Alderhide-sama. 」Aaron replies, putting up a defeated smile,  「 This is why I was very reluctant in letting you help me. It’s fine if you change your mind, we’re halfway to the orphanage anyway. 」

「 And leave you alone with these boxes? 」I frown, 「 it would leave a bad taste for me to do things half-assed. 」

「 Well, if you still insist… I appreciate it. 」

The sky is no longer bright blue, but a rather honeyed dew; the serenity of eventide. A rather spectacular view, as it complements the vibrant rows of white buildings the city Hasten has to offer. As it soon reaches nighttime, manaritium street lamps start radiating their distinctive white light.

The streets even with the sun soon setting down are still littered with all sorts of people, adding more vibrant colors.

Time feels rather quite slow but that must’ve been because of this heavy box.

But somehow in this small trip, a change of scenery is done in an instant. Gone are the pristine white buildings, replaced with worn brown facades.

「 Ahh… This is another reason why… As you can see it’s not a really pleasant thing to witness. 」

Dirt roads with muddy puddles take over the meticulously tiled streets and the lamps become scarcer. A rather nasty smell lingers around this place. It’s very unpleasant and I’m not sure where it comes from, or whether I even really want to know.

Other small shelters are also made of thin wood boards and shabby rooftops.

The residents of this area are surprisingly slim, looking fragile, due to starvation most likely. Their eyes are pure dark with no life in them. Other than me and Aaron, very few can be spotted walking in these places, maybe because it’s nightfall, but even around this time there would still be some people passing by in the center of Hasten city.

Just from these alone, I don’t need anyone to tell me what kind of place we are in right now.

So this is the slums huh… No wonder we walked for quite a long time. This is at the very outskirts of the city.

To think this kind of environment is within a considerable distance to the prosperous and luxurious parts of Hasten city. I want to feel pity for them, for living in this broken, dying place. But why do they have to place it near Hasten city?

Aaron in front of me, leading the way, seemingly quite tense, with how stiff his movements are. Is it because of the eerie, poor environment?

Two people approach us from an alley wearing black and rugged hooded robes. Their face is well hidden. Probably a bunch of hoodlums. They most likely won’t bother to deal with us. We are just carrying plain old boxes with no valuables on us.

As soon as we reach a considerable distance, one of them walks faster than his partner towards us. Strange. His hands tucked in his pockets.

Something’s weird. My hand reaches immediately towards my waist. Fuck, I didn’t bring a weapon.

That hoodlum then dashes towards Aaron who’s further ahead, knocking his box down and instantly going for it. Aaron pushes the hoodlum with considerable strength as he rebounds a few steps back.

They are clearly aggressive towards us. No need to hold back then.

The hoodlum pulls up a knife. Too late. I already prepared a spell for this fucker.

『 Igni 』

The deadly blue blossom sprouts from my hands. Engulfed by it, the target dances like a joyous specter, draining its life to give me this beautiful display.

No time to think. I go to the ashes and pick up the knife to fight the other hoodlum.

「 M-m-mercy! 」

The other hoodlum begs mercy as always. But you never know when they will retaliate back. I plunge the knife immediately towards his abdomen.

「 Alderhide-sama! 」

「 …m-m-ma..maa…. 」

He lets out his dying breath. Well, that was quick. But better than holding us up for long.

「 Alderhide-sama! How could you?! 」

He shouts again as he places his hand on my shoulder.

Aaron looks around. I follow his gaze and look at our surroundings. The people watching us are shivering and hiding to anything they could use to cover them, although their faces and widened eyes are visible.

Why are they so scared? It’s like they saw creepy and humongous hairy spiders like that one time in my adventure quest with Elras. It still sends shivers to my spine to this day.

Some of them retreat deeper into the shadows of entrances and paths. Their faces filled with fear and disgust. The stench of the burnt flesh is rather unappetizing so their reaction is reasonable.

「 We’ll have a talk later. Not in here. Let’s go. 」Aaron quickly says, in an unusually serious manner.

He picks up the pace quicker than before, forcing me to sprint a bit just to catch up, ignoring the stares of the passerby still remaining.

Shortly after, we arrive at the orphanage, a small one that could house at most ten people.

「 Aaron! There you are! What took you so long? Thank the Goddess you are safe. 」A girl decked in a full nun outfit asks Aaron.

「 I’m sorry for making you wait. 」

Aaron places the box he’s carrying on a nearby huge table, I quickly follow suit. He soon opens them. Inside the box is packed heavily with what seems to be brand new toys and dolls alike.

「 The Goddess Maria has blessed us! This is wonderful! I’m sure the kids will love it! They are currently in the dorm room, sleeping, so they won’t immediately get this. But I’ll distribute them tomorrow morning. 」

She takes a deeper peek inside the boxes, counting the amount of the toys inside. Once she lifts her head, she takes notice of me.

「 Oh my, and who is he? 」

「 He’s a friend of mine from the academy, Renald Alderhide, 」Aaron soon replies,「 is the small church next to the orphanage available to be used? I would like to talk privately with him for a moment. 」

「 Ahh… I think it’s fine. Wait for a second, 」the nun reaches into her pocket,「 here are the keys. 」

「 Thank you, it won’t take long. 」

The church Aaron was talking about is actually right beside the orphanage, so we walk there quickly.

I’m starting to feel like I’m a small kid who is soon going to be lectured by his parents. But I’ve never experienced that so I might be wrong.

The moonlight courses through the inside of the dimly lit church from the window sides, creating a rather gloomy yet serene atmosphere. Its interior is overly simple and bland with a stone altar and rows of benches. Definitely a far cry from the churches I’m used to,  with their beautiful paintings and colored window panels, exhibiting a holy and majestic atmosphere.

Well, they did mention it is just a small church, and considering the shitty environment surrounding it, this is actually wonderful in comparison.

「 Do you know why we are here, Alderhide-sama? 」Aaron says as he takes a seat in the front.

Wait, what was the reason again?

「 Because you want to pray…? 」I reply as I take a seat beside him.

「 Well, yes, but not entirely correct. I hope you can also join me in praying to Goddess Maria, for forgiveness. 」

Determination flashes in his eyes and subtlety look quite scary.

「 O-okay.. 」I say, not feeling like fighting back. Even though I’m not a firm believer in the Goddess Maria.

He starts with ushering low whispers, filling the church’s solemn atmosphere with a hint of calm and focus, preparing for whatever mantras he wants me to echo.

「 Repeat after me. Dear Goddess Maria, who art in heaven. 」Aaron solemnly prays, his hands grouped together.

「 Dear Goddess Maria, who art in heaven. 」I say, following his lead.

「 Please bestow us your heavenly grace. 」

「 Please bestow us your heavenly grace. 」

「 For I have greatly sinned. For I am but a little human. 」

「 For I have greatly sinned. For I am but a little human. 」

「 In your love, forgive me and give me a change of heart. Amen. 」

「 In your love, forgive me and give me a change of heart. Amen. 」

A bright-line shines underneath us as we finished our prayers, flickers of yellow lights surround us, a classic effect of the《School of Miracle & Blessing Magic》

「 How does it feel? Is your heart at peace now? 」Aaron asks, his face full of tranquility.

The black hole is still there but it’s now patched up with a soothing yet small bandage, now filling me with a soothing calmness — but not fully for it is still there.

「 I take your silence as a yes, 」Aaron continues,「 do you know what grave sin you have committed? 」

「 Yeah… 」I answer, still not feeling any weight or guilt from what I did but I do know it is wrong,「 I guess you’re right. 」

「 I was furious at you back then. Burning them alive and slaughtering them was excessive and unnecessary. Killing and especially causing suffering is a huge sin. I want to scold you but as soon as I looked at your face, however, I noticed something. A deep dark hatred of oneself. 」

Feels like everybody is slowly but surely starting to get past the facade that I’ve put up.

「 It would be much better if you confess your sin later with an official priest. 」Aaron continues,「 But for now this will do. 」

「 Okay… But why are you doing all of this? 」

「 You seem lost. Reinhardt-sama also mentioned something along those lines before. Now seeing directly from you, I’ve come to believe what he said. 」

「 Damn… So he told you about that, huh… 」

Will he spill the beans if I mention my adsignatos or dragon summoning ability too?

「 Don’t worry, I’m sure he does so with good intention, 」he says, his hand on my shoulder.「 Compared to Reinhardt-sama, you and I interact quite rarely, but that doesn’t mean I’m not willing to extend a helping hand. 」

「 And what is this helping hand? How are you going to help me? 」

「 The most merciful, Goddess Maria, will be the one to help you. My role is to merely guide your path towards her benevolence. 」

Is he going to preach about Goddess Maria?

「 Born a noble with a few servants and a pile of gold in my name, I have been boundlessly arrogant. But even to this wretched sinner did the Goddess Maria extend her graceful hand. And after taking it, I will use this life to repay her by guiding others to her light. 」

「 And so, after repenting you want to become a priest to get closer to the Goddess Maria out of guilt too?  」

「 It’s much more than that. Alderhide-sama, 」he replies, 「 Living a hedonistic life is fantastic I have to admit, but when your pleasure is gone, it lacks meaning in everything. And so hidden deep beneath my arrogance is a dire need to find a purpose. Serving and worshiping the Goddess Maria in return gives me peace of mind and fulfilling life. All of my worries and anxiety are gone.  」

「 Hmm… I see… 」I say as I ponder over his words.「 Then, do you become a priest solely because you feel that you are supposed to? 」

「 No, 」he says, letting out a small smile, 「 it is because I love Goddess Maria.  」

His eyes make their way towards the altar of the church, I follow his gaze. Past the altar is a small sculpture as white as the clouds. A healthy woman with a warm smile holding a white wooden staff, with an enneagram star emblem on the tip — Goddess Maria.

A look of deep reverence and servitude comes from him. I never knew a person can be in such a deeply tranquil state just from devoting oneself to a high deity.

「 I must say… I didn’t expect that answer. 」I say out of bewilderment.

「 It takes true devotion. But you can start with small steps. How about helping others? There’s joy and a sense of fulfillment when you bring them joy. What did you feel when you… how should I say this… end that person’s life back then? 」

「 I.. hmm… 」I say, not sure what to answer,「 it feels… empty… nothing. 」

「 It’s an uncomfortable feeling, judging from your expression, Alderhide-sama. Instead of being selfish, how about being selfless? By serving and helping others, your parents, or friends, you will gain joy by making them happy.  」

Helping others huh… I did that and it didn’t give me happiness. Is it because I’m too selfish? Too much of a sick person to be saved or helped?

「 And I can also help you to follow our Goddess Maria. 」Aaron continues,「 visit the Saint Boxora Cathedral every other day. Other priests and I will guide you in-depth in how to become closer to the Goddess Maria. 」

Well, this is starting to remind me of my past life experience in the US, where many Americans tried to persuade me to convert to their religion.

「 Ah… I see… I’m sorry to break it up to you, but it’s already quite late actually. 」I respond immediately, trying to stir away from this topic before it becomes too unsavory,「 we should go back to our dorm. 」

「 There’s still a lot that I want to share with you, but I agree, let’s head back. The Goddess Maria preaches that the night is full of temptations of bad deeds. 」

 


『 To Serve And Worship God… Hooooo…. Interesting. 』


 

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LOTA CH31 — Back To The Usual Life

The ray of bright sunshine creates a spectacular view on the campus filled with its classic artistic white buildings. A common sight once before, to the point of being bothersome and plainly boring. But now, it’s a pleasing and welcome return. As it indicates what once used to be normal every day.

Back to the usual academy life. Away from the unpredictable adventures to the peaceful, more stable life filled with books and learning.

But nothing’s the same anymore. I may have returned back to normal life again, however, things have changed. Before, I entered the academy with great ambitions, with dreams as high as the sky. To overcome the limitations that were imposed by my circumstances and achieve things that I’ve never been able to do in my past life. Now, I feel little of the past euphoria about going to the academy again.

Why bother aiming past the limit when my path is set in stone.

An inevitable doom.

「 It’s great seeing you Reinhardt-sama and Alderhide-sama again. 」Aaron says, cutting me off from my thoughts.

The only great thing about coming back to this way of life is how it keeps me busy and gets my mind away from my foolish past mistakes. With a rather good distraction in the form of decent friends that I surprisingly quite enjoy.

As we walk together to our respective classes…

「 It’s been a while, 」Elras replies,「 How’s Hasten been while we were away? 」

「 Nothing spectacular. As always I volunteered in the Saint Goxara Cathedral. By graduation, I will be at an advanced level and officially become a priest with the blessing of the wise and merciful Goddess Maria. 」Aaron nonchalantly says.

「 Aaron as expected. 」Elras seemingly boasts,「 I knew you’re going to be quite the figure in the church a few years down the line. 」

「 No, no no…. It is thanks to the head priest and the goddess Maria for greatly paying attention to my efforts. Not because of my talent. If you want real talent then it’s definitely Alderhide-sama. I heard he will soon achieve Advanced level when he entered the academy with not a single knowledge of his school of magic.  」

「 That’s nothing special… really…  」I say, trying to deviate from this pointless praise of my so-called “talent”, 「 if it’s that big of a deal it would’ve created a ruckus around the academy. 」

「 Indeed. Most likely because it’s the《School of Wits Magic》, what do you think Aaron? 」

「 Haven’t you heard? The white flower of Veinard, Princess Vivienne Veinard is greatly predicted to achieve a Master’s level in the《School of Aegis Magic》by graduation. The first princess ever in the history of Veinard to obtain the achievement. It becomes quite the topic in the university. 」

Princess Vivienne…

There’s still a striking and deep ache when I think about her.

I know that even thinking about her that way was undeserved for someone like me. But being hated this much hits deep regardless.

Reflecting back again, how come I develop feelings for her?

To think I would magically fall in love with someone just because of their bewitching beauty. I’m no different than the people who only look towards power and status…

 


Human, I Sense That You Are Greatly Perturbed. Maintain Your Composure, As It Surprisingly Disturbs This Great One’s Mood.


 

The dragon’s immediate thoughts rip me away from these depressing memories.

Looks like the dragon was able to re-establish our mind linkage…

 


Forgive me, this is a matter concerning my old dunce self. I did not know it would bother you.

『 It Matters Not. Though I Am In Wonder At Your Passivity. A Trouble This Depressing Should Be Addressed, Not Pitied. What Could Possibly Not Be Achieved With My Aid? 』


 

「 Hello, Renald…? Renald?! 」Elras says, reminding me that I’m still walking with them.

「 Uh… Yes…? 」

「 You seem to be spaced out more and more recently, what’s happening with you? 」

Can I even tell them an almighty ancient dragon is now living in my head? Of course not, they would think I’m insane.

「 Nothing — I was caught up in random thought. It feels like it’s been an eternity since I’ve been here. Oh, I need to go to the military academy building. Bye-bye. 」

「 Take care, Alderhide-sama. 」

「 Make sure to not space out too much alright! 」Elras shouts.

I walk to my respective destination in mind, separating ways from them. To the military academy building.

《School of Wits Magic》huh…

I caught up from far behind to upper average. Quickly, true, but even then, it’s just a school of magic for future lackeys of the truly strong. What pride should I take in that?

Amidst my deprecating thoughts, the usual military academy building comes to view. Although it uses authentic pure white paint on almost the entire building, it is quite distinctive with its square castle-like design. All sorts of Veinard war banners decorate and add flavor to it, showcasing the pride of the kingdom’s military. Or should I say the royal army? As the banners on display are only the army units under the royalty or the dukedom.

It is the same building I went to for [Military Doctrine] class, but now, in this new period another class awaits for me. A class that I chose out of the recommendation of Professor Smush. A class that’s also similar to my past study and profession — the [Warfare Logistics] class.

 


『 I Must Say, Humans, Are Quite Peculiar. Your Kind In This New Era Creates Never-Seen Before Magnificent Structures. And I Found It Rather Amusing Even When Dominating The Free Surface, You Still Prefer To Be Confined With These Stone Piles.  』

It’s both about strength and weakness, in a way. Building imposing monuments shows off the group’s power and resources. That, and humans are still as fragile as they were before the calamity.

『 That Reminds Me, Human. Every Single One Of The Dragon Kin Bows Down To This Great One Supremacy. It’s Unfathomable How Come I’ve Never Crossed My Name And Legacy In This New Era. 』


 

If there’s one thing that the dragon loves to talk about, it is always regarding the weight and pride of its name — Naga.

Even if it is just a mere legend, the dragon’s supreme legacy would’ve taken a substantial portion inside the dragonic history book, as the proud dragonkin will go to great lengths in researching their mighty ancestors’ history. The time where they conquered the whole earth and sky with their massive genuine dragonic body and inapprehensible mana manipulation. A far cry to the present, where they are a pushed back minority.

It is no surprise their race is stuck in the past, compared to humans who are currently at their peak. So how come I’ve never heard of the name Naga?

From my understanding, back in the Verum Shihi Era, the dragonic society was always a constant battle or warfare with one another, not under one supreme ruler who controls every single dragon. Is the dragon wrong? Or am I witnessing a forgotten entity that will shatter the history book?

 


『 Do Not Worry Human. I Do Not Expect Your Kind To Know How Much Weight The Name Naga Carries. Only The Dragon Descendents Will Quiver And Remember The Naga’s Legacy. 』

Alright, alright…  I get it. I’ll read your jaw-dropping tales of reign supremacy later on when I’m free… For the time being, I need to focus on my university and the present moment. I will cut off our mind connection for now.

『 As You Should Be, Human. Farewell. 』


 

With the dragon’s farewell, I grasp the complex mind linkage and cut off the dragon’s connection to my mind, and the ability to sense my surroundings. Surprisingly, however, I can sense another link between the dragon and some primitive, emotional parts of my brain, which somehow is impossible to disconnect.

It’s rather strange how out of all the others, I cannot sever the dragon’s ability to detect my emotions or feelings.

And as always, the only thing I can do is just accept this fate of mine that I have little to no ability to change…

I’ve finally come across the room I’m looking for. Inside is the typical classroom that you could find anywhere in the Bosart University. But something is missing….

This room feels rather empty. The class should begin very soon, yet only nine students including me are in this class. Even the《School of Wits Magic》class has around seventeen students…

Some students here are slightly overweight as if they are spoiled noble kids and surprisingly most wear glasses, a rather rare sight to see this many in a single view.

As I come to take a seat, a realization hits me… I’m in the nerds class, aren’t I?

「 Attention! 」

All students stand up tall and high as is expected in the military academy. As soon as the professor comes to standing still in the middle of the class with a single nod, the students drop down to their seats again.

「 Greetings students, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Aristide Snijder. As all you students were taught in the military academy, I’ll expect you to address me as “Sir Snijder” with respect, even if your nobility rank is higher than mine. Some of you might’ve already taken [Military Doctrine] and that’s fine, as in this class all of you will learn what supports every war effort — [Warfare Logistics].

「 A very underrated subject in academia. As you may know, most people would rather be in the front show, decimating their enemies with grand magic, in the hopes of going back home with honor and rewards. However, a starving and under-equipped army won’t give you those, something that most people forget. And in this class, we will discuss how to avoid those and many other pitfalls, starting with the disastrous event in the Cradsten war….  」

 

…..

 

The new  [Warfare Logistics] class is over and I now start walking back home, in the rare situation of having no plan in mind.

I guess at the moment I need to find out what the dragon ultimately wants to do. It’s a bit ironic how although the dragon comments on my passivity in life, it also remains passive with me right now, only inviting me to use the dragon’s power for whatever it thinks I want. Which are always false.

What I want will never be fulfilled. Especially with force and power…

Lost in thought like so often lately, I barely remember anything about my path to the dorms. And stumbles upon Aaron at the front of the door seems to be quite troubled, carrying two big boxes in his hands and a bag slung on his shoulder.

「 Oh, it’s you, Alderhide-sama. How are the classes? 」Aaron says, trying to smile that fails to hide its burden in carrying them.

「 Same old, same old… How about you? What’s up with the boxes and bags you’re carrying? They seem rather plain. 」

「 Oh, don’t worry too much about it. I just need to carry these to an orphanage just southwest of the city. 」

「 That’s rather far, isn’t it… How about I help you carry them? 」

Feeling a bit of pity towards Aaron, I offer help to him. I mean, it’s just a simple walk with the added heavy loads right?

 

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