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Arifureta Chapter 527
🕑 Added 2025-05-04 15:49:22 +0000 UTCSky Dragon World Arc Mythology of Sky Dragon World
Author’s Note: I’ve been gone for so long. The update resumes from today. Best regards!
After that.
Deacon Higgs whose eyes were still rolled back while looking like a marionette with its strings cut got safely (?) retrieved with the baby dragon sticking close to him.
Though the expressions of the black dragons and dragon knights who arrived to pick them up were twitching nonstop with pity toward Deacon Higgs and fear toward Hajime.
Feels like I’m getting misunderstood here……Hajime felt and spoke to them, but they all screamed 「Hih, we’re sorryyy!」 together and prostrated. It didn’t stop there. Even the black dragons laid down on the ground facing upward. They were doing “showing the belly” pose so to speak.
Hajime became a bit down.
「It was also like this when doing “Demon King Peekaboo”. There art many times when Goshujin-sama become down in the sky dragon world.」
Tio linked her arm with Hajime while going down the stairs toward Themis Mosune Temple’s underground──actually it was inside the gigantic boulder so it was located higher than the ground though.
Hajime’s arm sank into the chest that ought to be called as huge. Perhaps it was Tio’s way to console him.
「Well, as expected I think that was just childish of him, or should I say that it was him reaping what he sowed?」
Yuuka was staring at that from right behind them while smiling wryly.
「Don’t bring that up. I’m feeling down because I’m also aware of that.」
「Hajime-san, you were really getting too merry theree~」
「Fufu, I think that was a bit cute.」
Hajime could only avert his gaze from Shia and Kaori’s smiling expressions, but there was also Yue’s warm gaze waiting for him ahead at where he looked. There was nowhere to escape.
「……Nn. There was method to go back, and there was also no pressing situation. Then, something like unknown world that he unintentionally wandered into is just Hajime’s favorite. No wonder he got high-tensioned.」
So that’s why. Roze and others who were surprised by Hajime childishly playing prank at the dragons and almost sending them to heaven, which was something very hard to imagine a demon god would be doing now nodded with expression of understanding after hearing that.
Myuu who was holding Hajime’s hand at the opposite side from Tio leaned forward to peer at her and grinned.
「It was also because papa was together with Tio-oneechan. Nano!」
She must be meaning Right? withthat Nano!. After all the face she was turning toward Hajime was somewhat grinning.
If Hajime was alone, there was no doubt he would get that high-tensioned in another world where rain of death was pouring down constantly. It wouldn’t matter even though he had the way to go back.
There was an important person beside him who he could share the sense of adventure with.
That was exactly why he acted like that, no doubt about it.
「Well yeah. I didn’t have that much time to be alone with just Tio after all……」
「Goshujin-sama……」
「To wander into a world where you can only go to the sky with only Tio of all people……it felt a bit like fate that my heart danced that time」
「……」
Hajime didn’t deny Myuu’s words. Rather he smiled at Tio. His squinted eyes looked somewhat affectionate.
Tio looked down. Her cheeks faintly blushed with shyness. While strengthening her hold of Hajime’s arm as though she was doing it in the place of averting her gaze away.
Cute……Yue and others in front of them and also Yuuka and others behind them unconsciously broke into broad smile.
「Nagumo-chi Nagumo-chi~. During the past replay tour later y’knoww, don’t forget to show the scene of you two flirting okay?」
「Haa? Of course I’m not gonna.」
「Tio-san’s maiden side is a rare thing you know? It should be fine that we get to see it at least during a trip!」
「Yeah yeah! It’s tyrannical that you monopolize Tio-san’s cuteness for yourself! We demand “Cute Tio scenes”!!」
Nana and Taeko threw him their request. For family it might not be really so rare but, for Nana and others, they only had the chance to see something like “hardcore M dragon” or “Super Tio-san”.
In card rarity term, it was only common or super rare. No wonder they didn’t want to let go of the chance of being able to see the ultra rare “Maiden Tio-san”.
「Dear. It’s fine to show them but, please give a notification beforehand if there’s a scene that might get R-rating okay? Myuu is also here after all.」
「In the first place I’m not gonna show it! That kinda scene!」
What’re you saying? Hajime tsukkomi-ed at Remia, but that was indirectly a confession (?) disclosure (?) that there was actually R-rated.
「T-that’s right! That……that kind of scene, it’s scandalous to display something like that at the open! Yes!」
『Roze……you, were desperate that time weren’t you……you tried to somehow watch……』
「I couldn’t help it! Because, because! For them to intentionally do it in half-naked state! What’s more what with that! To deliberately make her wear, that……if I remember it correctly, it’s called yukata is it? To even go out of his way to make her wear that! Kuh, just what’s with that! What’s with that! The abnormal eroticness brought about by that disheveled yukata! The level is too high!」
『……Roze, I’m embarrassed with you.』
「I wouldst rather the two of thee to stop casually disclosing that past though!?」
Roze who was walking at the forefront for leading and guiding the group looked back over her shoulder. Her face was bright red, and on top of that, *trickle” the red proof of her hidden perversion was trickling from her nose. Kuwaibel looked wholeheartedly repulsed.
「Fuuhn? Hajime-kun, you did it on a ship that you had just only gotten invited to? So you assaulted Tio huh?」
「What’s more, in a place where the country’ s queen could run into you two.」
Naturally, fixee~d stare rained down on Hajime from Kaori and Shizuku. Aiko and Liliana too……
「Additionally even making demand for yukata……no, that one, it was definitely Tio-san’s request wasn’t it? She said before that she like a situation where she got forcefully stripped……」
「I get her. Just why is a disheveled Japanese clothes look that erotic I wonder?」
No, Aiko was making a greatly accurate conjecture while Liliana was heavily sympathizing with Roze.
Tio became flustered from Roze’s revelation, Aiko’s conjecture hitting the bull’s eye, and the false charge (?) toward Hajime.
「No, certainly it was me who changed clothes but, I wouldst not do such thing in front of others! It also wasn’t an assault! I couldst at least discern the right time and place!」
Discern……? What’s this phenomenal deviant saying……Atsushi and Noboru’s dubious expressions said. But putting that aside.
「Yeah. I think we went as far as kissing but……we went to our room properly when doing it. Tio acting spoiled was so cute……it made unable to control myself, I admit it. But we at least put up a soundproofing barrier just so you guys know.」
「I think thee doth not need to say that part! Goshujin-sama!」
Even though she wasn’t embarrassed going Haa Haa at public, she was apparently embarrassed talking about her pure flirting. Tio-san whose standard was quite incomprehensible. Her face was bright red in bashfulness. Everyone of dragon kingdom at the back was also making face that said, I don’t get it at all……
Everyone stepped into the underground level around that time. Sabas who was wiping Roze’s nose for her turned around and bowed his head deeply.
「Roze-sama felt very guilty for that. She was also at that age so she couldn’t stop no matter how many times she was punished……no, that’s just an excuse. Everything is caused by Gramps’s lack of virtue. I’ll properly educate the lewd heart of the queen who tried to peek into other’s room using that way and this way, so please I beg forgiveness for her.」
「The polite apology sounds hars instead……I’m sorry for being a lecher!!」
Roze-sama became even redder this time in different sense.
「Curiosity toward lewdness that cannot be fully suppressed……it somehow resembles Soona-chan at the town of Brook……」
「Aa, that girl at “Masaka’s Inn”. Now that you mention it Shia-san, do you know? It looks like many of the empire’s nobles frequently visit Brook recently. I also heard the rumor that they’re trying to study the stealth technique that can rival Hauria from Soona-san.」
Liliana’s report made not only Shia, but also Hajime to Yue to go 「There’s no way……」 with wide eyes. (TN: “There’s no way” in Japanese is “sonna masaka”)
But, it didn’t really sound out there. After all a mere inn’s poster girl possessed skill that exceeded even the hero’s detection ability. Yes, everything was due to curiosity for eros that couldn’t be suppressed fully!
Putting aside such story.
The first floor of the temple’s underground looked really modern (for sky dragon world) to be called a ruin.
First the scenery changed from stairs that were made from stone to floor, no, even walls and ceiling of different material. Every direction was reinforced with metal plate and pillar.
That ceiling was furnished with light source that looked like straight fluorescent tube──fluorescent lamp with thin tube shape that could often be seen in office and the like──illuminating the room with desks and chairs that also looked like they belonged to office lined up at the center. Along the wall there were also wall shelves made from new metal.
Protective cases with size around A4 made from thin metal plate were tightly lining up the shelves. Paper documents must be stored inside them.
Apparently the preservation method of the documents had also be modernized along with the repair of the temple.
The determination of Roze and others to never allow situation that caused the black rain ever again must be real but, that was that, and this was this. No, perhaps that was exactly why.
In the future, they wouldn’t allow history to be severed no matter what happened. This room showed that strong will.
「You requested the “myth fresco” for your perusal wasn’t it?」
Hajime nodded to Sabas for confirmation.
Much time had passed due to this and that happening. Based on from what they saw before entering underground, the sky had been dyed deep orange. There was no doubt that the preparation for the festival had progressed much further.
A part of them wanted to take their time looking around this ruin that must be overflowing with romance from existing for who knew how many thousand years, but for today there was something more important that had to be done first.
「If there’s time, I also want to see not just the temple document but also the record of dragon kingdom’s founding……」
「My, it brighten my heart to know that you have interest with our country’s history. For that we also have some books remaining in the palace’s library but, let’s also bring some restored documents in here so you can read it later.」
Roze smiled happily. She instructed one of the civil officials with her gaze and the old official also happily nodded and headed toward the document shelves.
「Remaining books? Even though the palace itself was safe? Are you saying that the books stored there didn’t get away unscathed too?」
The sharp-eared Shizuku tilted her head with a confused look. She wondered whether those books were lost in the flame of war of the past, or perhaps it happened during Gregor’s usurpation battle.
It was Sabas who answered. He shook his head with a deep crease between his eyes.
「Gregor intentionally burned them. In order to break the heart of the dragon kingdom’s people, he went out of his way to gather the people and made a show of burning the books.」
It was self-evident that usurper king wasn’t a man who saw any value in something like history book.
Certainly, it was something understandable for such man to do.
But, that was exactly why. Those who knew the worth of book desperately hid them in not few number. They were still existing without even any need to search hard for them.
「There are also numerous books restored from parts that survived the fire. All people of the dragon kingdom are deeply grateful for Hajime-sama and Kouki-sama.」
「It was Amanogawa who used the regeneration magic. I didn’t do anything.」
「I heard that it was Hajime-sama who provided vast amount of magic power for it.」
「……Well, there was that.」
The grateful gaze didn’t come from only Sabas, but also other people of dragon kingdom. But, it really wasn’t something much for Hajime who had acquired unlimited magic power, so it felt really itchy to be thanked for it.
Just being able to regain a part of the history that had been protected and accumulated by the temple must be something very significant for the people of dragon kingdom but……
Surely, Kouki too also felt really awkward like Hajime by how grateful they were toward him, so he brought up the matter of Hajime supplying the magic power, no doubt about it. And so, Hajime too spoke up half with the intention of dodging the topic.
「The one who you should thank the most is the people of dragon kingdom who hide even the small parts that escaped fire at the risk of their life. Their patriotism is the real deal huh.」
『Ahaha, hero-san also said the same thing. You two are somewhat similar with each other!』
Hajime’s expression instantly turned reaa~lly bitter from Kuwaibel’s innocent words. Kaori and Shizuku reflexively snorted. Ryuutarou and others also chuckled while holding back from laughing.
And so, Hajime opened his mouth again to dodge the topic.
「The report from that Amanogawa also slightly mentioned about that country founding era but……some parts in it caught my curiosity……I want to take my time reading about them later at night.」
「Fufu, understood. Then, I’ll tell someone to bring the books to your room later.」
Come to think of it, Kouki-san also looked similarly bii~tter when hearing about Hajime-sama’s story……Roze recalled and her lips unconsciously slackened into a smile.
「Now then, let us start moving again. Our destination is at the deepest level, but please don’t hesitate to ask question if something grab your attention on the way.」
As expected from the attentive veteran butler. He glanced at Atsushi, Noboru, and Nana and others who were grinning and looking like they were going to say something and threw Hajime a lifeline by resuming the tour.
Like that.
The group further walked toward lower floor while sightseeing the displayed historical treasures like in museum, stopping by at the new history reference room──especially one that contained the record and statue that was in the middle of being created about the demon god and dragon god. Of course Hajime and Tio were writhing as that was going.
Then they arrived after passing through around five floors. That place wasn’t reinforced with metal wall or pillar.
What was visible was rock wall and, a lantern that worked using sky core directly embedded into the wall. All of them looked old and there was a vague atmosphere of something inexplicable that made them couldn’t help but straighten their collar.
It was a cylindrical room with diameter around 20 meters and there was nothing placed on the floor. There was only a spiral staircase at the center of the room.
「It feels like……the air is clean……」
「Yes, that’s true……even though we’re underground. It’s mysterious.」
「Myu. It can be compared, like the atmosphere of a shrine deep inside the mountain where there’s the god of the land still residing there nano.」
「Yes, that’s……true? Eh? God of the land?」
Remia mama was bewildered by the example her daughter made. Why do you know that kind of place, and what do you mean by god of the land? Or rather how do you know there is a god like that remaining there? Questions flooded her, but Hajime patted her shoulder with a clear smile so she also made the same expression.
Well, this was Myuu. Everyone also concluded it like that with similar expression. Especially now it had been proved that apparition existed along with the world.
「So this is, the fresco that Kouki restored huh……」
「It’s drawn on the whole wall. Its height is also around six or seven meters so it’s stunning……」
「The colors are also still properly there.」
「After all it’s also the temple role to maintain it so the colors doesn’t fade. It was being preserved in a beautiful enough state even before the black rain began.」
Ryuutarou ran his gaze over the wall in admiration. Atsushi and Noboru were sounding impressed. Sabas gave additional explanation.
Aiko and Shia were also running their eyes over the painting while muttering.
「That large tree is the Dragon Tree isn’t it? It’s drawn several times?」
「It’s always being drawn together with a white dragon isn’t it.」
Kaori commented 「Naming it Dragon Tree is right on the spot」, Shizuku was saying 「There’s one each at the east, west, north, and south……for them to be drawn in different state……」 with a pondering face, then she asked Roze for confirmation.
「This fresco, is it depicting mythology chronologically from west to east?」
「Yes, the temple is also interpreting it like that.」
Roze nodded and walked toward the fresco at north side. Kuwaibel quietly followed. Carefully so he didn’t raise a single dust. Perhaps he was making every effort so to not disturb the sleep of his grand ancestors.
And then, he stared fixedly at the white dragon from the floor.
「The history start from that shining Dragon Tree drawn at the north side, until when it is lost and left behind its roots at the west side.」
「Roze. What kindst of existence that white dragon was?」
「In our world he is called as “Originator of Every Living Thing”, “True Dragon of the Beginning”, or perhaps simply “True Ancestor” for all.」
「Nine times out of ten, he must be the “Great Tree’s Avatar” of this sky dragon world.」
I see, air of understanding drifted through the room. Hajime chose Meeres as the avatar of the Dragon Tree wasn’t merely because this was sky dragon world, but definitely because he received the report about this fresco and judged that the possibility would be higher the Dragon Tree would accept similar dragon kind as its avatar.
「I’ve been thinking since reading the report from Amanogawa but……」
That Hajime was walking along the wall toward the east side fresco. And then he stared at the various paintings there──human and dragon, and then various living things, nature and buildings while nodding as though he had understood something.
「As expected they are drawn while keeping the scaling in mind quite accurately. In that case, that white dragon……it’s even more gigantic than Tio in her dragon god mode.」
The white dragon was encircling the Dragon Tree snugly. Even though it didn’t have the snake type body that was characteristic of eastern dragon, but the lizard type body of western dragon.
Even though it was sprawling on the tree’s base, the height of its torso reached two third of the Dragon Tree. If the tail wasn’t included then just the total length of its torso could easily encircle around the tree.
Its standing figure like as depicted at the east side even easily surpassed the whole height of the Dragon Tree.
If Tio was used as comparison, then perhaps it would be like her normal black dragon mode got enlarged as it was to her black dragon god size.
It was truly, like a mountain. Even just from the fresco it was conveyed that it possessed majestic appearance that pierced the sky.
「And if such being couldst also wield the avatar’s authority, then it’s no wonder. He truly ought to be described as the god dragon.」
「Yes, it’s truly the figure of god that we believe in. Therefore, the future dragon who reached the zenith became called as genuine dragon that is the closest to god──”True Dragon”. Those are one of the words that has been passed down through generations.」
Roze’s finger glided from the north side to east side’s fresco to point.
There the wall was drawn with the sight of weather and land changing, with flora and fauna gradually increasing. Near the east side the painting of human could also be seen and cluster of buildings formed at the bast of the Dragon Tree……they could also see painting that was likely to be a nation.
「Creation of heaven and earth, the birth of life, then development of civilization. It’s depicted from the north to the east.」
「Yes. And then, from the east to south, the chain of events is depicted. The major incident of the Dragon Tree’s disappearance.」
Liliana continued after Aiko and stared at the east’s Dragon Tree with a grave expression.
The east side’s Dragon Tree and True Ancestor were enveloped in something like black mist.
It was like diluted black ink was splashed on a canvas.
In there, the True Ancestor was standing up and roaring. From there a circle that was drawn with white color was surrounding the Dragon Tree and itself.
「It looks like he’s trying to drive away the black mist with everything he has nano.」
「Yeah. But, it didn’t work well.」
The group’s gaze moved from the east side to south side. The figures of humans and dragons fighting small lumps of black mist were drawn there. The black mist seemed to have human shape, or dragon shape, or perhaps the shape of something else. It didn’t have any definite shape.
「This black mist……what is it?」
Yuuka asked the question as though she was talking to herself. Roze weakly shook her head.
「We don’t know. Where did it come from, or what is its true identity. There’s no record about it. After all it’s something that happened a long time ago before the dragon kingdom was founded.」
「It’s not mud beast? You know, the black mist is……it was also like that with Helmut right? That’s why……it’s, you know?」
Yuuka slightly hesitated to say. It must be because the question could be taken as affront to the god of this world. To question that perhaps the ancestor of dragon who was worshipped by everyone could possibly fall.
However, Roze and others didn’t look particularly offended or anything. Rather, they only smiled wryly. Because it was also something that they themselves had considered.
「Certainly, that kind of point of view also exist. But……」
「The black mist and the white light the True Ancestor radiated are clearly differentiated from each other. In other words, it shows that the True Ancestor was certainly fighting the black mist. That’s what I think. In other words he didn’t fall.」
Hajime thoroughly observed the fresco while speaking his answer with a tone as though he was speaking out his own thinking to confirm it.
「Then, if the true identity of this black mist is an evil dragon from the mythological age like Helmut……you gotta question why isn’t it drawn to show that. Why do they hide the true identity? I don’t know any logical reason to justify that. In short, even the successors who wanted to pass down this myth to future generations didn’t know the black mist’s true identity. That’s the reasonable thinking……」
「That is also the mainstream interpretation of the temple.」
Hajime was absorbed in his own thinking without even looking their way. Roze smiled wryly at that while nodding.
I see, Yuuka also nodded in acceptance. Next it was Yue who pointed out.
「……Thin lines like shower extended from the black mist surrounding the Dragon Tree. Is it showing how the small monsters of the black mist appeared?」
「Must be. Then, human and dragon work together to support the Dragon Tree based on the painting.」
「Yes. That is also the interpretation of the temple.」
The black mist’s monsters were turning their back on the Dragon Tree, while humans and dragons were heading to the Dragon Tree.
Not a single figure of human or dragon was drawn nearby the Dragon Tree. It seemed to convey just how powerful the black mist’s monsters were.
And the further south the painting went──in other words the more time progressed, the greater the number of the black mist monsters became. Conversely the number of human and dragon was also clearly decreasing. Nature and building were also gradually painted to be decaying.
「Papa, this is like in Kuu-chan’s world……」
「You’re asking whether this is the “calamity” and “Dark Beings” that assaulted the desert world? Yeah, Amanogawa and I also wondered whether that was the case.」
The sky dragon world also got attacked by “calamity” from the outer space, but they couldn’t fully oppose it and lost the Dragon Tree and its avatar.
Perhaps this fresco was trying to convey that.
「Look, the south side’s Dragon Tree. It’s depicting their defeat clearly.」
The black mist was coiling around the Dragon Tree. And then, the figure of the True Ancestor was powerlessly on the ground some distance away. There were some cracks running over its body here and there must not be because of the deterioration of the wall itself. It was definitely depicting its heavily wounded state.
Figures of humans and dragons in few number were drawn around the True Ancestor protecting it.
Meanwhile, numerous small black mist monsters were drawn at the base of the Dragon Tree.
The state of defeat was clear to see no matter who saw it.
「Defeat is unavoidable. The True Ancestor was forced to accept that fact, but, it must have played a card to turn the table at the very end.」
「……That’s……ah, could it be, the circulation ability of sky core and dragon core, and the role of the Dragon Tree?」
Yue’s eyes glided from south to west while looking at the sight depicted there, then she guessed it.
Only here there were further three Dragon Trees drawn in between, but that Dragon Tree this time was drawn with white mist──most likely it was depicting shine of light──covering it.
At the same time, the drawing of black mist was visibly thinning and becoming fewer.
「The Dragon Tree……it’s vanishing nano……」
「Yeah. Perhaps, the Dragon Tree used some kind of mighty power using itself as the compensation.」
At the second and third drawing, the Dragon Tree was vanishing from the top. It transformed into particles of light from where it vanished and that light looked to be raining down on the world.
「Most likely, this is the true form of sky core. As his last resort, True Ancestor-sama used the Dragon Tree as the cost of his desperate measure to defeat the black mist. But, the world’s circulation would stagnate like that. That was why……」
「Before the Dragon Tree used up its power and rotted completely, he broke it down finely and rained it down all over the world. So that energy circulate in this world……no, at least within just this planet.」
This world’s Dragon Tree too undoubtedly was originally in charge of energy circulation just like in other worlds. In fact, the revived Dragon Tree linked with other worlds and performing circulation and conversion of elements without problem.
「I see. Sky cores art the fragments of the Dragon Tree in the past. Or mayhaps, it transformed into that from connecting with nature. Then, it’s understandable how it couldst possess such outstanding quality.」
Tio’s eyes were staring at the figure of the True Ancestor drawn between the west and north sides.
Her gaze was filled with admiration, respect, and also sadness.
「The god of dragons……did he use himself as compensation too nano?」
「……Yeah. Surely that was what he did. That is the dragon core. He entrusted the future to his retainers.」
Like the Dragon Tree, the white dragon was drawn with only half its body. It was similarly transforming into light. However that light didn’t rain down to the land but connecting to all the surviving dragons.
「……Dragons are the world’s balancer. Nn, logical. The role of avatar was entrusted to his whole race.」
Even with the black mist clearing, the black mist monsters were remaining.
The True Ancestor himself didn’t defeat them perhaps because he was already at his limit. In the fresco, the dragons who inherited the True Ancestor’s power were shown to exterminate the monsters.
Just what did they felt at that time. Even just from the two dimensional painting, their sorrow from losing the god they loved and their fierce resolve, and also their rage toward the monsters were conveyed.
「Umm, Hajime-kun. I get the connection between the Dragon Tree and the dragons now. But, in that case now that the Dragon Tree is revived, the sky cores and all the dragons are……」
Hajime was staring onec more at the east side fresco with a conflicted expression for some reason. Aiko asked him a question.
「Nothing has really changed. Rather, no matter what happens to the Dragon Tree from now on at least there’ll be an insurance. Rather, the source is the Dragon Tree after all. According to Meeres, it makes it easier to control and interfere with the world.」
「Aa, I see.」
「By the way, he also detected the giant mud beast and contacted me. Even without me giving reinforcement, Meeres would have make it in time.」
The giant mud beast had no soul. It wasn’t even a living creature. As expected even the avatar would have a hard time directly detecting something like that. But, it was possible to indirectly sense the abnormality, like nature energy suddenly vanishing or an area void of energy suddenly appearing.
And so, although it was a bit late, Meeres had contacted Hajime just a bit after Hajime and others decided to go as reinforcement.
Then, why didn’t Meeres come to help?
Of course, that was because Hajime prioritized romance and making a display for his daughter.
Getting back on topic.
Hajime finally took his eyes off from the fresco and said 「Besides」 with a shrug.
「I had mentioned it a bit just now but, energy won’t spread to other planets without Dragon Tree. I can’t make sufficient observation because the scale is too big but, I can’t imagine that’ll give good impact to the world.」
「Aa, certainly. Hearing the words other world make you imagine only a single planet but, to be more accurate it also includes a whole other universe.」
Aiko nodded with a look of understanding.
「……Nn. In addition, if the World Tree’s branch and the avatar are present, even if they can’t win against this “calamity” they still won’t be completely defeated. This painting also proved that in a sense.」
Yue narrowed her eyes toward the black mist. Seen from the side her face even looked heartless. That was her look when in combat mode.
She had a peerless beauty even at normal time. If she made such expression that gave off the air like a goddess of war, it would also indiscriminately radiate another charm of different vector.
The people of dragon kingdom who had only seen her playful expression, nonchalant expression, or enchanting expression, it couldn’t be helped that this new expression drew in their eyes and captivated them.
See, the the royal guard vice captain(Jean) was mumbling 「B-beautiful……」 with bright red face while his hand was tightly gripping his chest again.
That Jean-kun was hit with additional blow.
Yue slightly lifted up the corner of her lips, showing a peek of her vampire fang with her fearless smile and ran her gaze at the surrounding.
Anyone who met her eyes reflexively blushed without exception. That was just how immense the charm radiated by Yue in her adult mode that was overflowing with confidence as well as her combat mode. Jean-kun almost fainted and got supported by his big sister who was making a disgusted expression.
Such Yue at the end stared straight at Hajime and said.
「…….And then, there are us now. Rather, even just me by myself is enough. Even if the “calamity” appear once more the World Tree’s branch and the avatar can be sent to do zombie attack.」
It looks like there’s some kind of dangerous being out there but, in the worst case, we can win if the great tree and its avatar launch kamikaze attack right? Then, we’ll restore you back to top shape afterward so it’s fine if we just have them do suicide attack until the enemy die~ee!
Yue-sama said such thing with sweet smile so beautiful it sent shivers to everyone’s back. Seriously Yue-sama.
Kaori and others thought, This is what people refers to when talking about demonic act that show no fear to even god……
Roze and others didn’t know what the term zombie meant but, the meaning was conveyed. They thought, A-as expected from the demon god’s first wife……scaryyyy……
Meeres-san jerked strongly and splashed around. Perhaps he felt something despite the far distance. And at the same time perhaps it was also transmitted through the World Tree’s branch as intermediary. The star spirit world’s avatar Lutria-san also jerked strongly and shivered. She suddenly started looked around restlessly but……let’s put that aside for now.
「Yeah, I guess. ……Thanks.」
「……Nn-」
Hajime broke into a smile and caressed Yue’s cheek. Because he guessed that Yue’s statement just now was because she was thinking of him.
Most likely Yue was thinking that one of the causes of Hajime’s poor condition lately was his sense of danger toward the “calamity”. That was why, she conveyed to him “I’ll protect Hajime so there’s no problem” in order to reassure him, no doubt about it.
The fluffy pink atmosphere from the two lovebirds, it painted over the solemn and sorrowful atmosphere from the end of the road of the True Ancestor in the blink of eye.
This trip was also a trip for reassuring Hajime. Yue carried that out in every chance that presented itself. Kaori and others also followed after her and snuggled close to Hajime.
Of course, it felt very awkward for everyone of dragon kingdom to be also present there. Eh, what’s with this atmosphere……breaking it is no good isn’t it……let’s wait them out quietly……They acted kind of like that.
Everyone was adult who could read the atmosphere well.
The one who broke that suddenly occurring faint pink & at home atmosphere was Kuwaibel who had been staring at the True Ancestor’s picture this whole time since the tour started.
『Then, I’ll become stronger so there won’t be any need to do that.』
The voice was quiet, but radiated determination that startled everyone and drew their gaze to him.
Kuwaibel turned around and looked at Tio.
『I’ll become even stronger than Meeres-sama, no……I’ll surpass even Haha-ue.』
That gaze that proclaimed to surpass even a god didn’t belong to a child who was dreaming.
Tio’s eyes widened for an instant. A big talk that would surely be judged as impossible if other people heard it. Depending on the situation that proclamation could even be said as haughty and disrespectful. Roze and others spontaneously almost cut in, but it was none other than Tio who stopped them by raising her hand.
『I’ll become able to cross even worlds and save all the people I want to save. I should be able to do that.』
「Why doth thou think so?」
Kuwaibel didn’t answer. However, he showed his answer with his gaze. He looked over his shoulder at his ancestor, the white god dragon.
His eyes declared that the power of king dragon in his possession, it had been passed down through unbroken line for that purpose.
That he was born as the last king dragon, the only one left and protected carefully by everyone until now.
『It’s fine. I promise you Roze. Everyone. The thousand years of the reborn dragon kingdom’s future, and also the future with our new neighbors, I’ll protect them all to the end no matter what happen.』
「Kuwaibel……」
The lifespan of king dragon was long compared to other dragons, no, it couldn’t even be compared. It went without saying that it was even longer than Roze and others.
Kuwaibel was still a child but, apparently he was already considering the future where Roze and others wouldn’t be there anymore too.
That was certainly a determination, a way of life befitting “the king of dragon”, and a proclamation that displayed his respect.
Surely, Kuwaibel had quietly made his resolve ever since the black rain stopped and he visited this temple for the first time every since he was born, and stared at the painting of his ancestor just like now.
Kuwaibel lightly floated and brought his face closer to Roze’s cheek. Roze didn’t really say anything, however, she put on a smile that radiated the greatest affection and trust she could and put her hand on Kuwaibel’s face.
A warm and soft atmosphere that was slightly different from just now spread out.
It was just a vague feeling but, looking at the figure of Roze and Kuwaibel leaning on each other,
「Fumu. Mayhaps I couldst not keep resting on mine laurel. A thousand years of peace wouldst be realized even without us doing anything……I wonder if it’s too optimistic to have such thought?」
Tio looked somewhat happy even after receiving a proclamation that she would be surpassed. Not a single person made an objection to her words. Not even Hajime who would ever have optimistic view.
Hajime and co, and also Roze and co felt a mysterious deep emotion even though they only came touring this place just to observe the mythology fresco. As expected was it because this place was a holy place……
It was then, Sabas’s communicator received a call.
「It looks like the festival’s preparation is finished. What should we do now?」
Were they going to continue the tour, or would they return to the capital? Sabas asked that question. Hajime answered him 「No, it’s enough」. He ran his gaze around but, Yue and others also didn’t offer any argument.
Was it to change the atmosphere, or was it simply because of pure desire? Myuu raised her hands Banzai while shouting energetically.
「Papa! Can we go back on Overanger? Let’s fly it along Avenst!」
「Overanger exist for overrunning enemy so no. As expected there’s no way we can show off weapon to the capital’s citizens.」
「You’re using common sense at this point!?」
「Yeah yeah! Boss! It’s a rare chance so let us ride on the aircrafts from the hangar!」
Putting aside the childish uncle Bovid who was begging with an expression exactly like Myuu.
「Fufu, it cannot rival a luxury cruiser at all but, please enjoy the festival to your heart’s content.」
『Once again, welcome! To our new kingdom!』
This whole time it had been them who had been given a lot of fun, but finally they would be able to offer warm reception next. Roze and Kuwaibel turned around with spring in their steps.
Hajime and others smiled seeing that and followed behind.
At the end, for some reason Hajime looked at the fresco one more time. At the east side where black mist covered the painting and monsters were produced from there.
It was an action that he took without really any particular reason but……
「……tsu」
「Hajime!?」
Right after he turned back, Hajime’s feet staggered. His vision wavered for a moment.
Yue beside him looked surprised and hurriedly held his body to support him.
「Ah, no, I’m fine. It was just a bit of vertigo.」
Do you ever have something like that before this? The expression of Yue and also Kaori and others became slightly grave. Kaori and Aiko started preparing regeneration magic and soul magic, but Hajime got panicked instead seeing that.
「No, I’m really alright. I just don’t have enough sleep.」
「……Not enough sleep? Even so for Hajime to sway just because of that」
「As expected it looks like not sleeping for ten days is harsh even for me huh」
「「「「「……」」」」」
Tahaha, Hajime laughed while scratching his head. Yue and others all fell silent together. Or rather, their eyes became glaring.
Everyone already knew how he stayed inside Hour Crystal at their last night at the machine world to finish up Avenst in a hurry, but this man, apparently he was working without sleeping for ten days.
They once more thought, Well, no wonder he decorated the ship with that painful to look gaming mode……
「……Hajime」
Yue-sama strongly grabbed her husband’s shoulders. The peerless beautiful face was smiling really widely. And yet, rather than looking pretty or cute, it only felt scaa~ryy.
「……Go sleep when we get back」
「No, but the festival──」
「……」
Even wider smiiile!! The pressure was immense! Something like time doesn’t matter, even more so if Hour Cystal is used. Enough complaining and go sleep now! It was clear her eyes were saying that.
Of course,
「Yes……」
「Nn」
Hajime yielded. His hands got pulled like suspect──not, like a little child getting dragged by his mother.
「Having a body that can be worked like crazy, having magic……in a sense, this might be harmful effect from those?」
「Right. Something being too convenient doesn’t mean everything is good.」
The healing team for body and soul sighed while following after them. Tio and others also followed behind while smiling wryly.
The people of dragon kingdom thought after seeing that. Or rather they got a keen realization.
「I-I see. Certainly that person is the first wife……」
.
AN: Thank you very much for reading this every time.
Thank you very much too for the thoughts, opinions, and reports about misspelling and omitted words.
During April I keenly realized that rather than the bad health itself, the most painful thing is not being able to sleep from that. In any case, my best regards for everyone once more.
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