Chapter 0499 Meeting
-x-X-x-
The building stood two doors down from 'Freedom Breeze Inn'.
It was the headquarters of Eastern Trading Company.
A name synonymous with power in the Free City, it was among the most famous trading companies.
A carriage entered the compound through the rear entrance.
Halting in a spot hidden from view of the surrounding buildings, a man cloaked in a deep hood stepped out, swiftly making his way inside the trading company's doors.
"He has arrived."
"Send him in."
The butler's announcement was met with a curt command from his master.
The man was ushered into the chairman's office.
"G-greetings, Sukhwe-sama…"
"That's enough, Deputy Minister Mishta. Let's get straight to the point."
Mishta, the Deputy Minister of Ports, was abruptly interrupted by the chairman of Eastern Trading Company, Sukhwe.
Sukhwe was said to be well over seventy.
However, he could easily pass for his fifties. Exuding a vitality that belied his age.
Particularly striking were his green eyes… which were said to project such an intense aura that being stared at directly felt like a physical blow.
His head was completely shaved, giving him an unusual and imposing appearance.
Meeting him even once left an unforgettable impression.
He was the embodiment of a powerful merchant.
One of the eight members of the Free City's Supreme Council.
"I've heard about the ministers' headaches, but to think they've already become puppets."
"My deepest apologies…"
"This isn't something for you to apologize for, Deputy Minister Mishta."
Cold sweat trickled down Mishta's back as he instinctively apologized.
But Sukhwe dismissed it.
The ministers had been turned into puppets by sorcery employed by the Grand Duchy's spellcasters.
While their outward behavior and responses appeared normal.
The debilitating headaches and lack of vigor made it clear they were not entirely themselves.
"How much… do you know about the Free City's main fleet, Deputy Minister Mishta?"
"…Lord Helb informed me. He said the main fleet was destroyed."
"That's correct."
Sukhwe's response was definitive.
Tempted by curiosity,
Mishta considered asking about other matters that had been troubling him.
The man before him was the most well-informed person in the Free City.
And ordinarily, Mishta would never have had a chance to meet him.
This meeting was only happening because Sukhwe had personally summoned him.
"If there's something you wish to ask me, go ahead."
"Pardon…?"
"You seem to have questions. Ask."
Instead of feeling grateful, Mishta felt a deep sense of dread.
He realized that nothing could be hidden from this man.
"I'm far from omniscient. If I truly understood everything, I would've handled the Grand Duchy's maneuvers more skillfully. At best, I can vaguely sense what the person before me is thinking."
Sukhwe smiled, a faint expression that was hard to decipher as either a smirk or a genuine grin.
In that moment, Mishta made up his mind.
"I understand about the fleet. But among the ministers—other than the Prime Minister, there's only one exception: the Naval Minister, Romanora-dono. What is his situation…?"
"It seems Romanora is being held captive."
"Captive?"
Mishta was shocked by Sukhwe's revelation.
"He's a cautious man. That's likely why he wasn't turned into a puppet. However, he was ultimately confined and forced to sign the declaration of subjugation."
Sukhwe shook his head slightly as he spoke.
"But why was the fleet destroyed…?"
"That's connected to something else Lord Helb mentioned to you."
"Could it be, the Blue Island…?"
"Yes, the Blue Island. My investigation into it is still ongoing… but it seems the fleet approached the island and was annihilated. On a related note, one of Suje Kingdom's ocean-going cruisers returned at dawn. Seemingly with some new information about the matter. I expect that information will reach me soon enough."
"Suje Kingdom's embassy? But how?"
Mishta's simple question was met with nothing more than a faint smile from Sukhwe.
"So… what will happen to the Free City now, without its main fleet?"
"Externally, we'll have to rely on the Grand Duchy for protection."
"Wha…?"
Sukhwe's blunt response left Mishta astonished.
"At least until a new fleet is built, there's no other option."
"Will the Grand Duchy even allow us to build a new fleet?"
"That will depend on negotiations… or rather, the actions of the citizens."
"The citizens?"
"A resistance movement."
"Something like that exists?"
Mishta voiced his doubts.
"Just yesterday, a large crowd gathered in front of the Grand Duchy's embassy. Apparently, they'd hoarded food supplies, causing public outrage. To top it off, part of the embassy reportedly collapsed."
"What? Such a thing happened?"
"Didn't you receive such reports in your capacity as Deputy Minister of Ports? You must work on breaking down these bureaucratic silos."
"Y-yes, of course…"
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.
The butler entered and handed a slip of paper to Sukhwe.
"Hmm, I see."
Sukhwe muttered as he threw the paper into the fireplace.
Watching it burn completely, he said to Deputy Minister Mishta.
"I'm afraid something urgent has come up. I must leave."
"Eh…?"
Chairman Sukhwe, leaving?
The man who could summon even the Prime Minister to his office.
And who rarely left his domains other than the supreme council?
But Mishta didn't question him about it.
He instinctively knew better than to ask.
"Well then, I'll excuse myself."
This was Mishta's wisest course of action.
"I'll likely call on you again soon. I trust I can count on you then."
"Certainly."
Thus ended Mishta's nerve-wracking meeting.
Ten minutes later, Sukhwe could be seen in the cafe of an inn two doors down from Eastern Trading Company's headquarters.
"Excuse me, are you Abel-dono and Ryo-dono?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Please, have a seat."
"…"
Chairman Sukhwe addressed them, Abel replied, and Ryo gestured toward a chair.
Captain Gorick, the third person present, was too shocked to speak.
He understood who had approached them, and how rare this was.
Even as a soldier of the Suje Kingdom, not deeply versed in Free City affairs, Captain Gorick knew this man.
The ripple of surprise Captain Gorick felt soon spread to others in the cafe.
After all, Chairman Sukhwe was the most powerful merchant in Free City.
A member of the Supreme Council.
He was a figure every active citizen knew by name and face…
"You seem to be quite famous."
"I'm just a humble merchant."
Abel remarked on the reaction in the cafe, and Chairman Sukhwe answered with a wry smile.
Meanwhile, Captain Gorick fidgeted.
Unsure of how to act.
"What's wrong, Captain?"
"Well, it's just… the Chairman himself…"
Abel questioned the uneasy Captain Gorick.
In response, Chairman Sukhwe began his introduction.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I run the Eastern Trading Company, located just two doors down from the 'Freedom Breeze Inn'. My name is Sukhwe."
"I'm Abel, and this is Ryo. The Captain here is…"
"Captain Gorick of the Suje Kingdom Central Navy, commanding officer of the Lone Dark."
Hearing this, Chairman Sukhwe seemed surprised.
It appeared Captain Gorick's presence was unexpected.
"So, you're the captain of the Lone Dark. I recall you entered the city aboard that vessel."
"Seems like the Chairman has access to information at the level of national leaders."
Abel commented with a wry smile.
Though his eyes remained serious.
He recognized the Chairman as a dangerous figure.
And understood the subtle message behind Sukhwe's remark.
The negotiation had already begun.
Captain Gorick, watching the exchange, felt tense.
As if caught in a high-stakes duel.
Among the three, however, there was a fourth person.
Ryo, a water-attribute magician.
Ryo, wearing a pensive expression, remained silent.
Staring intently at a single point.
After a moment, he gave a resolute nod and spoke.
"I'll have the Mandheling coffee and Karinchun. It's listed under desserts, so it must be sweet."
People often feel a sense of satisfaction after making a tough decision.
And Ryo was no exception.
He looked pleased as he explained his reasoning.
"Uh… Ryo-san?"
"Ah, Captain Gorick, you know what Karinchun is, don't you? Do you think my choice is correct?"
"Yes, uh… It's chewy and sweet…"
"Just as I thought! I'm looking forward to it."
Satisfied with Captain Gorick's response, Ryo smiled.
"Ryo…"
"Abel, would you like to try it? I assume you'll want another coffee?"
"Well… sure…"
At that point, the waiter arrived.
"Mandheling coffee and Karinchun, please!"
Ryo happily placed his order.
While the other three ordered just coffee.
"Hmm… Ryo-dono seems to be quite resilient."
"Yeah, Ryo's a much bigger deal than I am."
Chairman Sukhwe chuckled, and Abel nodded slightly in agreement.
Ryo eagerly waited for his order.
But soon noticed the others were all looking at him.
"Ah, don't mind me. Please, continue your discussion."
He encouraged them to resume their conversation politely.
"Ryo-san… doesn't any of this concern you?"
"Concern me? What do you mean?"
Captain Gorick asked, and Ryo tilted his head in confusion.
"The fate of Free City, and this gentleman here…"
"Well… even though the city was annexed, life goes on. People still have to work, earn money, and support their families. That's why this cafe is still open, right…? For now, not much has changed. Also, isn't the Chairman a member of the Supreme Council? I don't know why he personally came here, but…"
"Your insight is remarkable."
Ryo answered Gorick's question with a calm demeanor.
While Chairman Sukhwe acknowledged his observation with a nod.
Of all present, only Captain Gorick seemed surprised.
Abel's expression remained unchanged.
He had evidently reached the same conclusion.
His only comment.
"Figured as much."
"Wait… you two knew, and yet you…"
Lowering his voice, Captain Gorick expressed his disbelief.
Of course, Sukhwe, who was at the same table, heard him too.
"The Supreme Council is basically this city's ruling body, right? Like Queen Iliaja of the Suje Kingdom. Of course, I respect him… but he's just another person, you know?"
"Excuse me?"
Gorick seemed unable to follow Ryo's explanation.
But then Ryo seemed to recall something. Widening his eyes slightly, he asked Sukhwe a question.
"Chairman, you are human… right?"
"Yes, I am."
Sukhwe replied with a faint smile.
Relieved, Ryo nodded.
He had briefly recalled an ambassador from some Grand Duchy.
Who had turned out to not be human…
"Compared to Behi-chan or Gri-gri, we're all just humans. Talking things out should work. Of course, we shouldn't insult or underestimate each other, but building unnecessary walls doesn't help either."
"Your comparisons… Compared to that kind of pressure, no human could be intimidating."
Ryo passionately explained, and Abel sighed in exasperation.
Indeed, against creatures like Behemoths or Griffins… humans seemed insignificant.
In comparison, no matter how imposing the opponent, they were still manageable…
"The two of you seem to have quite a wealth of experience."
"Well, when you've been an adventurer for as long as we have, it just comes naturally."
Chairman Sukhwe remarked, sounding impressed, and Ryo replied, nodding smugly.
Abel, knowing that Ryo's career as an adventurer wasn't nearly as extensive as he made it sound, chose to stay silent.
A swordsman's mercy, perhaps… rather than a samurai's.
"Yes, the two of you are adventurers from the Kingdom of Knightley in the Central Countries, correct? I hear adventuring is very active there."
"That's right. Our Knightley Kingdom is so renowned for its adventurers that it's often called the nation of adventurers. Living in such a place, you can't help but accumulate all kinds of experiences. Some… are astonishing, others terrifying, but overall, it's a lot of fun."
Ryo said, speaking enthusiastically about the joys of being an adventurer.
Though, truth be told, he hadn't undertaken all that many adventuring requests…
Still, he bore the mark of a first-rate adventurer, a C-ranker.
"The Free City, to be honest, doesn't seem as active for adventurers."
"That appears to be the case. But even in such a place, young adventurers are growing."
Ryo responded before pulling out a thin booklet.
"This is a guide to eateries where you can get a meal for 1,500 Denari or less within this Free City. It was compiled by three young adventurers from the party 'Tiger's Fang' after conducting extensive research."
He opened the first page and showed it to Chairman Sukhwe with evident delight.
"We had lunch today at this place called 'Eat! Eat! Eat!', and it was phenomenal. Even though Abel and I know of other delicious spots, this one was on par with the best. Truly outstanding research results."
"Ooh? May I take a look?"
"Of course, here you go."
Ryo handed over the guide with a beaming smile.
As this exchange unfolded, four cups of Mandheling coffee and Ryo's ordered sweet Karinchun were delivered.
Abel and Captain Gorick sipped their coffee, while Ryo nibbled on his treat, sipping his coffee.
"Sweets and coffee really do pair well."
He remarked.
After a short while, Chairman Sukhwe looked up from the guide.
"I see. This guide truly highlights some excellent establishments."
"Oh, you think so too? "
"Indeed. These are places with fair prices, good portions, and flavors highly praised by locals. They represent a harmonious balance of these qualities."
"Chairman, you're familiar with these places?"
"Of course. I'm a merchant in the Free City, after all. Outstanding restaurants always stay on my radar."
"Ooh!"
The Chairman and Ryo shared a smile.
Good food makes people smile, but even discussions about places that serve great food have the same effect.
"However, there's one problem."
Abel's voice interjected, not in a tone of criticism.
But with a seriousness that left no room for dismissal.
"They couldn't obtain the food supplies. And the Free City government stood idly by."
"Indeed, that's true."
"What's your perspective on this, as a member of the Supreme Council?"
"It's an undeniable failure."
Chairman Sukhwe replied Abel's question without hesitation.
"You're not going to claim the Grand Duchy's hoarding was to blame?"
"As a member of the Supreme Council, I can't make such a statement. If the people go hungry, it's natural to face criticism."
"But doesn't the High Council refrain from direct involvement in governance?"
"That's true… but appointing that Prime Minister alone makes it our failure, doesn't it?"
"So you accept responsibility for the appointment."
Abel concluded with a slight nod.
"Now, the reason I'm here today is that I wanted to speak with the two of you about your visit to the Grand Duchy's embassy regarding this issue."
"How do you know about that…?"
"I looked into it."
Ryo asked, startled, and Sukhwe replied with a smile.
"Abel, we've been found out! The Supreme Council apparently knows about your assault on the Grand Duchy's embassy!"
"Don't you dare pin this on me now. You're the one who stormed in there, Ryo."
"If only you had stopped me, none of that would've happened…"
"Oh, the nerve…"
"Uh, wait! It wasn't an assault, they opened the door and invited us in. Yes, they invited us inside!"
Ryo said, trying to revise the narrative to align with their earlier cover story.
Abel, however, shook his head.
And curtly said,
"It's pointless."
"You traitor!"
Ryo's inner voice screamed.
"I'm not here to criticize you or anything of the sort."
Chairman Sukhwe said, cutting through the frivolity.
"Really?"
Ryo looked visibly relieved.
"Shall we get to the main topic?"
Abel urged the Chairman.
The Chairman's response was straightforward but not easily digestible.
"The citizens of the Free City wish to demand autonomy from the Grand Duchy. I've come to request your assistance with this movement."
"Autonomy, not independence?"
"Yes. With the fleet's main forces destroyed, a push for independence wouldn't succeed. Even if citizens resorted to armed resistance, the Grand Duchy has the military might to suppress it. Therefore, the realistic demand is for autonomy."
Chairman Sukhwe delivered this explanation without a hint of hesitation.
As he listened, Abel began to ponder deeply.
At times like this, Abel thinks deeply and for quite a long time.
Knowing this habit of his, Ryo decided to change the topic to keep the atmosphere light.
"By the way, Chairman Sukhwe, you seem to be familiar with Captain Gorick."
"Eh?"
Ryo brought up an unrelated topic, and Captain Gorick couldn't keep up and muttered.
"Earlier, you mentioned the Lone Dark's captain in surprise. It seemed you didn't expect him to be here."
"Ah, yes. I'm aware of him. He's with the First Fleet of the Central Navy of the Suje Kingdom."
"And I suppose you know more than just that, don't you?"
Ryo asked.
Smiling as he sipped his Mandheling coffee.
"H-How do you mean?"
"You know where the Lone Dark went and returned from. Don't you?"
At Ryo's words, both Captain Gorick and Chairman Sukhwe changed their expressions.
Captain Gorick's face showed pure astonishment.
Chairman Sukhwe's expression carried something more than just surprise.
However, Chairman Sukhwe quickly reverted to his usual calm demeanor.
A faint smile forming on his face.
"To be honest, yes, I do."
"Then, do you know the cause of the fleet's destruction?"
"…No."
"Surely you aren't completely unaware, are you?"
Ryo asked again with an innocent expression.
"Ryo-dono… just how much do you know?"
"I'm not sure which question you're asking… but in terms of hypotheses… I believe I understand most of what's happening in the southern continent."
Without changing his expression, Ryo took a sip of coffee and casually continued.
"Most of it, you say?"
"For example, the Supreme Council, including you, Chairman, had predicted the Grand Duchy's declaration to bring Kwebasa under its protection."
"…"
"Despite knowing this, you deliberately took no action. The Prime Minister may be gloating over a successful coup, but the Supreme Council was already ahead of that."
"…"
"Moreover, you likely have some idea of why the Grand Duchy is trying to unify the southern continent, including this Free City and the Southern Federation… you must have some information. Something that assures you the Grand Duchy won't back down. Unlike the past decades, this time they won't retreat. You probably understand why. That's why you're resigned to becoming a protectorate, though you aim to retain some level of autonomy. And maybe, after the Grand Duchy's unwavering pursuit concludes, there might be an opportunity for independence again."
"…"
"Further, though this is pure conjecture upon conjecture, I suspect you're aware that what you're facing isn't human. Whether it's the same entity that destroyed the fleet, I can't say… but something is occurring on a scale that encompasses all Eastern Countries…"
"…"
"Well, that's just what I think."
Having said all that in one breath, Ryo took another sip of his Mandheling coffee, seemingly satisfied.
Chairman Sukhwe, who had been silently listening, appeared increasingly grim.
The faint smile he wore earlier had disappeared midway through Ryo's hypotheses.
"How should I put this… are all of these just hypotheses?"
"Yes, as I mentioned at the start, they're all just hypotheses."
Ryo answered with a smile in response to Chairman Sukhwe's question.
Wiping away his somber expression, Chairman Sukhwe asked further,
"Ryo-dono, if you don't mind, could you share the reasoning behind these hypotheses?"
"Eh? Reasoning, you say…"
Ryo looked surprised and tilted his head.
After pondering briefly, he spoke.
"Well, this Free City is, as the name suggests, a city, so its population isn't very large… of course, it's large for a single city, but as a nation, not so much."
Pausing briefly, he continued.
"So, major merchants here likely look abroad for markets. In the southern continent, that would mean the Federation or the Grand Duchy. Now, the Federation is embroiled in civil war. I'd already heard in the Suje Kingdom that things had been tense there for some time, making it difficult to do business. Unless you're an arms dealer, it wouldn't have been an ideal environment."
"…"
"That leaves the Grand Duchy as the primary trading partner. Merchants rely on information. It would be impossible for them not to gather information about the countries in which they do business. So, they couldn't have overlooked the signs of the Grand Duchy preparing for a campaign. Wars don't just erupt out of nowhere. They require significant time and preparation. The Supreme Council must have known about the Grand Duchy's intentions to invade the Free City."
"…"
"Oh! Speaking of trade with the Grand Duchy, perhaps being annexed actually makes doing business easier…? No, that might be reading too much into it. Sorry, forget I said that. In any case, you were likely aware of the Grand Duchy's plan to annex the Free City…"
"That's enough."
Chairman Sukhwe interrupted Ryo's explanation.
Shaking his head slightly, he added,
"Interesting hypotheses, to say the least."
"Of course, they're just hypotheses."
Ryo replied, still smiling.
However, at the same table, Captain Gorick swallowed nervously.
Looking at Ryo with the eyes of someone witnessing something terrifying. He glanced anxiously at Chairman Sukhwe, as if afraid things might escalate.
Captain Gorick likely understood that Ryo's hypotheses were mostly accurate.
The last part about annexation making trade easier was unclear, though.
After all, annexation would likely strip the Supreme Council of their privileges.
It seemed implausible they'd willingly welcome such an outcome.
"Oh, it seems Abel has finally come to."
Ryo shifted the conversation upon noticing Abel lifting his head.
"I wasn't sleeping. I was thinking."
Abel grumbled irritably.
"Just a figure of speech. I kept the conversation going while you were silent."
Ryo replied, trying to highlight his contribution.
After all, he had to make his efforts known to earn his reward.
Whether it be meals or treats!
"Anyway, let's set aside Ryo's rambling for now."
"Eh…"
Ryo pouted in dissatisfaction.
Clearly upset that his theories were dismissed… After keeping the conversation alive.
"We'll help secure autonomy, but only on one condition."
"And that is?"
"Arrange transportation for Ryo and me to travel north through the Eastern Countries."
"Understood."
Chairman Sukhwe immediately agreed to Abel's condition.
"Are you sure? That was a quick response."
"Of course. As Ryo-dono mentioned earlier, much of the Free City's trade is with the Grand Duchy. However, some of our ships go further north. You may use one of those vessels."
After a brief pause, Chairman Sukhwe added,
"Though this will have to wait until the Grand Duchy declares autonomy for the Free City."
"That's fine. We'll do what we can to expedite that."
"Let's meet again in three days, then… I'd like to make the necessary preparations."
"Okay."
With that, their discussion concluded, and Chairman Sukhwe left the 'Freedom Breeze Inn'.
-x-X-x-
Captain Gorick left the table to report to the embassy what he had just conveyed to the two of them.
This left only Ryo and Abel behind.
"Abel, how exactly are we supposed to help them gain autonomy?"
"No idea."
"Huh? What do you mean, no idea…?"
"In the end, wouldn't it be fine if you stormed into the Atinjo Grand Duchy embassy again?"
"That's outrageous…"
"This time, I'll be waiting outside the gate with the citizens…"
"You're terrible. I'll freeze everything and live strong and alone from now on."
"Just kidding, just kidding."
Abel clarified it was a joke as Ryo glared at him resentfully.
"Well, I don't have a specific plan to make them recognize autonomy yet."
"…So, we're waiting for the chairman three days from now?"
"Yeah, that's the idea."
"After all that contemplation? I expected you'd come up with some brilliant idea, Abel. I was a fool. Return my expectations!"
"Hmph, you were the one who got your hopes up and got disappointed. That's not on me."
It seemed mutual understanding between people was very difficult.
Still, Ryo wasn't discouraged.
Giving up on trying to understand each other would mean the end of the effort.
"I have an alternative proposal."
"Hmm?"
"Last time, I stormed into the embassy of the Grand Duchy. Well, I was pressured by the accompanying swordsman, so I had no choice."
"What?"
"Never mind that part. This time, I think you should charge into the midst of the Grand Duchy's navy, Abel."
"Rejected."
"Why not!"
"Because I'm a pacifist."
"And you dare say that with a straight face!"
"Yeah, and you're the last person I want to hear that from!"
Again, they failed to understand each other.
"Well, setting that aside."
"Setting it aside…?"
Ryo made a hand gesture to indicate putting the matter to one side.
Abel seemed to get the meaning somehow.
It appeared gestures could bridge the understanding gap.
"I think that island Captain Gorick encountered is at the center of all these problems."
"Yeah, I agree."
On this point, both Ryo and Abel shared the same perspective.
Being able to agree was wonderful.
Perhaps this understanding stemmed from their extensive encounters with non-human entities.
Behemoths, griffons, Akumas, Djinns, and even ghost ships like Ruri in the Eastern Countries—both had dealt with many beings beyond humanity.
This experience had made them understand, both logically and intuitively, that a world separate from the human one existed.
When understanding is intuitive, it manifests as instinct.
"The Free City fleet has supposedly turned into zombies."
"The captain did mention that."
"As for the universal question of why they'd want to grow their numbers… the answer lies in some law of this world."
"Yeah, I don't care about that."
"Don't care…"
Ryo pretended to be deeply hurt by Abel's remark.
Of course, Abel ignored him and continued.
"Hey, Ryo."
"What is it, Abel?"
"Duke Helb said he was amassing power, didn't he? That must mean…"
"Yes, it's related to that island. Preparing for a confrontation with it seems the most likely explanation."
Abel thought for a moment before continuing.
"In other words, Duke Helb knows exactly what that island is."
"Yes."
"But he has no intention of telling us."
"That's right."
"I don't think Duke Helb is an ally, but…"
"As far as the Free City citizens are concerned, he won't sacrifice them. To him, the people are subjects to rule over. While I don't think he's a good person, and he reeks of being our enemy, he does have the pride of a ruling class."
Ryo also viewed Duke Helb more as an enemy than an ally.
"If we're going to demand autonomy from someone like him…"
"We'd better have an appropriate bargaining chip."
"And that would be…?"
"That island, perhaps."
Abel and Ryo agreed on the fundamental approach.
Both were adventurers at heart.
They wanted to learn about the unknown, to see what they'd never seen before.
That's what adventurers do.
"Looks like I'm going to get dragged into another mess with Abel."
"I haven't said a word about that."
"But you're thinking it, right? That we should go to that island?"
"…I am."
Hearing Abel's response, Ryo shook his head slightly.
But Abel wasn't fooled.
"You want to go too, don't you, Ryo?"
"N-no way! I don't do reckless things…"
"You're grinning."
"That's ridiculous!"
Caught off guard, Ryo hurriedly covered his face with both hands.
The plan was set.
Though it leaned heavily on their personal preferences, that was their little secret.
Next, they needed to figure out the specifics.
"If we can get close, we can storm the place with the 'Neil Andersen'."
"Oh, the second ship of the Rondo-class."
It was a 'submarine' Ryo had created with alchemy.
They'd once used it to defeat a Kraken.
"But since we don't know the exact location…"
"We'll have to rely on those who've been there to guide us."
"Not that they'd be willing to go back."
"Of course not."
The two let out small sighs.
They didn't want to coerce anyone.
But right now, it seemed the most realistic option.
"For now…"
"Yeah, let's head to the Suje Kingdom Embassy."
With that, the two left the 'Freedom Breeze Inn'.
At the diplomatic island of the Free City, Suje Kingdom Embassy.
Ambassador Randassa faced Captain Gorick of the Lone Dark.
"So, based on Chairman Sukhwe's demeanor, you suspect the Supreme Council was aware of and even approved this annexation in advance?"
"Yes."
Captain Gorick nodded in response to Ambassador Randassa's confirmation.
During their discussion at the 'Freedom Breeze Inn', Captain Gorick had become certain of it.
"Treason… might be too strong a word, but to go that far… Unbelievable, no, I don't want to believe it."
"However…"
"No, it's not that I doubt your report, Captain. I'm just speaking from my emotions."
Cutting him off, Ambassador Randassa continued.
He understood the situation.
He understood the circumstances.
He understood the reasoning…
But even so…
"If the citizens were to find out about this…"
"Indeed."
"That said, there is little we can do. We are merely an embassy."
"From a military standpoint… even if a resistance movement were to arise, providing weapons is one thing, but for our kingdom's people to actively support it…"
"Ah, that's impossible. The Suje Kingdom's embassy is located in the Grand Duchy as well. Even though it has some degree of fortification, if the Grand Duchy were to get serious, the embassy would surely fall. In a way, we are effectively hostages."
Ambassador Randassa shook his head slightly.
If the Free City citizens were to resist, he wanted to help them.
But overt support was impossible…
That frustration was palpable.
At that moment, the secretary entered.
"Abel-sama and Ryo-sama are here to see you, Ambassador. They're waiting outside."
"The two of them?"
There had been no prior appointment.
Besides, just a moment ago, the two of them had been speaking with Captain Gorick, who was still present…
"Captain, do you have any idea what this might be about?"
"No, none…"
Captain Gorick tilted his head in confusion.
There had been no indication they would come here at all.
Ryo and Abel entered the room.
"Welcome. Captain Gorick is here as well, but what brings you here today…?"
Ambassador Randassa asked with a polite smile.
"Ambassador, we have a favor to ask of you. It also heavily involves Captain Gorick."
"Go ahead."
"Excuse me?"
Randassa said politely, and Gorick asked, puzzled.
"To get straight to the point. We want Captain Gorick to take us near the island he encountered."
"What…?"
Gorick was struck speechless at Abel's request.
For a while, there was only silence, but upon closer inspection, sweat could be seen on Gorick's face.
"Even just near the island is fine; we don't need to get too close. Somewhere where the island is just visible on the horizon. Or near the area you mentioned earlier, where the seawater turns black, would suffice."
Ryo added.
"And what exactly… do you plan to do there?"
"We won't know for certain until we get there, but most likely, we'll try to land on the island."
Abel replied to Randassa's question.
Ryo nodded beside him.
"Uh… once we get you as far as the horizon, how do you plan to proceed from there…?"
"We have a method."
"Wait… are you going to make an ice bridge or something?"
"No, that's probably too far even for me."
Ryo replied, tilting his head thoughtfully.
The horizon was likely more than two hundred meters away…
"Still, we have no idea what's actually on that island."
"Indeed."
Ambassador Randassa nodded deeply at Abel's words.
"But there's one person in this Free City who does know what's on that island."
"Wait, someone knows?"
"Yes. Duke Helb does."
"What…?"
Abel affirmed, and Gorick was again left speechless.
A heavy silence filled the room for a while.
Until Ambassador Randassa broke it.
"Abel-san, are you certain of this information?"
"Yes, absolutely. Which is why we're going to ask him directly."
"I see…"
After a moment's thought, Ambassador Randassa continued.
"However, Duke Helb is not currently at the Grand Duchy Embassy."
"What?"
"Yesterday… well, the destruction of the main embassy building likely played a role, but he is currently staying at the Prime Minister's Residence."
"Yesterday… because of Abel's charge, then."
Ryo said, nodding grimly.
Abel said nothing.
He simply sighed quietly.
"The Prime Minister's Residence is part of the Free City. You can't just waltz in there."
"Indeed… even Abel would find that challenging."
"Ryo, be quiet for a moment."
Abel said, silencing him.
"If Duke Helb is at the Prime Minister's Residence, then please arrange a diplomatic meeting for us."
"Understood."
Abel requested, and Randassa nodded.
"And make it urgent. If possible, right now."
"That might be difficult…"
Diplomatic channels always take time.
"Just tell them we're coming to discuss 'that island'. No need to negotiate. Just inform them one-sidedly."
"What…?"
"We'll handle the rest."
"But if you…"
If Abel and Ryo caused a ruckus after formal diplomatic notification… it would put the Suje Kingdom Embassy in a bad spot.
They wouldn't be able to feign ignorance as they did the previous day.
"Yesterday, we didn't injure anyone until we got to Duke Helb's room. We'll manage this too."
Abel said, smiling.
But Ryo knew better.
When Abel smiled like that, he couldn't be trusted.
He could lie with a smile…
"Ryo, don't say a word."
Abel said, cutting him off before he could protest.
"Well, I'll trust the two of you. I'll contact the Prime Minister's Residence immediately. Let's see… you should head there in about 15 minutes."
"Thank you, Ambassador."
Ambassador Randassa decided, and Abel replied with gratitude.
-x-X-x-
Ryo and Abel arrived at the Prime Minister's residence in the carriage of the Suje Kingdom's embassy.
After a quick check, they were escorted to the carriage turnaround.
When the two stepped out, they were greeted by over twenty guards.
While this was a 'welcome', it wasn't in the literal sense.
The two were evidently considered dangerous individuals.
The guards were visibly tense.
Surrounding the pair, the group began moving together.
"It seems even the guards at the Prime Minister's residence are aware of Abel's notorious reputation."
"More likely, they've been told to watch out for the robed magician, not me."
"Come now, I'm a harmless, gentle magician, no matter how you look at it. Unlike you—a terrifying swordsman who exudes fear."
"Sometimes. I'm amazed at how you can spout such nonsense so effortlessly. It's almost a talent."
"Rude! It's precisely because I'm always thinking that I can come up with things so quickly. It's the result of effort."
"What a waste of effort…"
Their banter, of course, was audible to the surrounding guards.
Though none dared to speak.
"But ignorance is frightening, isn't it?"
"What are you talking about?"
Ryo continued at a normal conversational volume.
Abel asked, puzzled.
"The guards don't realize they're within range of the fearsome swordsman Abel's strike. A single swing of his sword could send twenty heads flying—it's terrifying."
"Hey…"
Abel interjected, noticing the guards visibly tense at Ryo's words.
Abel exclaimed in shock, noticing some even instinctively reached for their weapons, though they refrained from drawing them.
It seemed Ryo and Abel were notorious individuals, or at least deemed highly dangerous.
"Don't worry so much. Even I couldn't cut down twenty people with a single stroke."
Abel tried to reassure them.
But of course, the guards were not reassured.
If anything, his words only made the guards' expressions grow stiffer.
Abel tilted his head in confusion, unsure of what caused their fear.
Ryo shook his head slightly and quipped.
"You're only scaring them more."
"I was trying to reassure them…"
"In what world is 'I can't cut down twenty people in one stroke' a comforting statement…?"
"Is that so?"
"They know, you see. That you can kill without even using a sword, Abel."
At Ryo's remark, several guards glanced nervously at the two men as they walked.
"Hmm… even after all that, they don't run away. These guys are pretty well-trained."
"Well, they're the Prime Minister's security detail. It's like the royal guard in the kingdom. They're the nation's elite."
"And you're bullying such elite people with your words…"
"Information gathering is necessary, isn't it? We need to understand just how well-trained they are."
The two deliberately spoke loud enough for all twenty guards to hear.
It wasn't malice.
Their conversation was simply part of their reconnaissance.
…Probably.
After a while, they arrived at a large door.
The guards opened it and gestured for them to enter.
"Abel-dono and Ryo-dono have arrived."
Someone who appeared to be the guard captain announced into the room.
"Ah, let them in."
A familiar voice replied.
Inside, three men awaited them.
Two of them were people Ryo and Abel recognized.
One was their objective, Duke Helb.
The other was Zlurma, the second secretary from the embassy.
"Wait, didn't Abel kill that secretary?"
"Yeah."
"You cut off his head, severed his limbs, and stabbed his heart, right?"
"Yeah, I cut off his head, severed his limbs, and stabbed his heart."
They stepped forward to stand before Duke Helb, who was seated on a sofa.
"How dare you two shamelessly appear before His Excellency again, you scoundrels!"
Second Secretary Zlurma, who should have been chopped to pieces, berated them angrily.
Ryo stared at his neck intently.
Before nodding and remarking.
"Looks like your head was stitched back on with string."
"Pftt."
Duke Helb let out a stifled laugh at Ryo's observation.
"Uh…"
"Ah, my apologies. Ryo-dono, could you refrain from commenting further? The procedure was mine, but the scars can't vanish overnight."
"Procedure…"
Duke Helb explained with a laugh, leaving Ryo momentarily at a loss for words.
"Allow me to introduce everyone. You already know myself and Zlurma. The other gentleman here is the Prime Minister of this Free City, Prime Minister Noson."
Still seated, Duke Helb made the introductions.
The Prime Minister gave a silent nod with an impassive expression.
"Are you controlling the Prime Minister with sorcery too?"
"No, he's quite normal."
Abel asked, and Duke Helb responded.
"But using sorcery for control… how did you figure that out? I did indeed do so for the other ministers. How did you guess?"
"Just a hunch."
Abel replied blandly, unamused by the question.
"A hunch, you say…"
"A swordsman's intuition is truly remarkable."
"Indeed."
Abel responded curtly, Ryo nodded gravely, and Duke Helb agreed.
"Now then, let's discuss the reason for your visit. I hear it concerns the island."
Duke Helb gestured to the sofa opposite him, inviting them to sit, and urged them on.
"That island is the 'Blue Island' you mentioned to the Deputy Minister of Ports, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"What's on that island?"
Abel's question was met with a brief silence from Duke Helb.
After some thought, he finally spoke.
"And if I tell you, what will you do?"
"Depending on what it is, Ryo and I will take care of it."
Abel declared firmly.
With Ryo nodding silently in agreement.
Duke Helb's eyes widened in surprise.
At their unwavering determination.
"Indeed… the two of you are strong. Among humans, you could certainly be considered quite powerful. However…"
"Can't you tell us what exactly is there?"
"Well… there are several possibilities. But one thing is certain, the presence of Death Dragons."
"Death Dragons?"
Ryo and Abel said in unison.
The term completely unfamiliar to both of them.
"Quite literally, they are dragons that have died."
"Dragons can die?"
"Yes. Dragons live for hundreds of thousands, even millions of years. But like all living things, they eventually die. However, when they die, their souls typically inhabit a newly born body. In that sense, calling them eternal beings isn't entirely inaccurate."
No one interjected as Duke Helb continued his explanation.
"Normally, their soul leaves the body, and the body perishes. But some dragons fail to fully shed their soul. These dragons, with fragments of their soul lingering in their decaying bodies, are what we call Death Dragons. To put it simply, that's what they are."
"Such a thing exists…"
"Rather than a fragment of their soul, it might be closer to a 'phantom of the soul'. You see, the true soul has already moved on to a new body. Death Dragons are like empty shells… or garbage. As the dragons themselves might call them. Eventually, they rot away completely… to dragons, they're nothing worth worrying about."
"But to humans…?"
"Yes, they have a significant impact. For dragons, things like time and power are trivial, but for us… it's a big problem. Even if they eventually decay, some individuals take hundreds of years to do so."
Both Abel and Duke Helb frowned as they discussed the matter.
"Is the reason people are turning into zombies because of the Death Dragon?"
"Yes. You're referring to the Free City Fleet's main force, I assume. Indeed… they rot everything around them. That is the essence of a Death Dragon. So, yes, it's certain there is one present."
"But there might be something else as well?"
"Exactly. There is undoubtedly something else. But what it is, I can't say…"
"Hmm."
Duke Helb gave a small shake of his head. And Abel nodded.
Throughout the conversation, Ryo remained silent.
Ryo knew about dragons.
He was on friendly terms with the Dragon King Lewin, exchanging gifts akin to seasonal presents… and even receiving personal lessons on techniques like exerting one's 'pressure'.
To Ryo… the Dragon King was an opponent he couldn't imagine defeating.
No, it wasn't even a matter of winning or losing. If the Dragon King so much as twitched his little finger, Ryo would likely vanish from existence…
The difference in their power was akin to that between a god and an ant.
"If it were a living dragon, we'd have no chance, but can something be done about a Death Dragon?"
"Perhaps… Ryo-dono, do you know about dragons?"
"Uh… ah, well, just a little…"
Ryo couldn't quite cover it up.
"Truly remarkable individuals, the two of you. To know of Akumas, the ghost ship Ruri, and now even dragons…"
Duke Helb marveled.
"I don't know them. They're just in Ryo's territory, aren't they?"
"Yes, they're my neighbors."
Abel asked, and Ryo nodded.
"…Let's pretend I didn't hear that. For the sake of my own safety in the future."
"Eh?"
Duke Helb said with a wry smile, leaving Ryo tilting his head in confusion.
Unable to understand the meaning.
"At any rate, the Death Dragon. I don't know why it's there or what caused it to be there, but… Are the two of you still going to try to slay it?"
"Yes, we are."
Abel replied without hesitation.
"Understood. In that case, I shall accompany you as well."
"What?"
Duke Helb's words surprised both Ryo and Abel.
"I've been conserving my magic power for that reason. The creature is moving, albeit slowly, toward the west. In other words, toward the southern part of this continent."
"What…?"
"My brother had warned me about this possibility. That's why I was sent to this Free City… however, its movement has accelerated beyond expectations."
Duke Helb said with a tilt of his head.
Suspecting that something besides the Death Dragon was influencing the increased movement.
"I was planning to depart tomorrow morning with a fleet detachment. If the two of you wish to join, I will grant you permission."
"Then we'll take you up on that. We'll board the Lone Dark of the Suje Kingdom."
Abel firmly stated.
Ryo felt a little sorry for Captain Gorik and his crew.
Knowing they would now have to work alongside the Grand Duchy's fleet…
-x-X-x-
"To be honest, I don't feel like I'm alive right now."
On the deck of the Lone Dark.
Three men sat on ice chairs around a table made of ice.
Ryo, Abel, and Captain Gorick.
The one who candidly revealed his inner thoughts was Captain Gorick.
Speaking in a hushed voice so the other crew members wouldn't overhear.
"It's all Abel's fault. I sincerely apologize for the trouble."
"Why me?!"
Ryo tried to shift the blame onto Abel, but it didn't work.
"Oh, no, it's no trouble or dissatisfaction or anything like that. We're a military vessel. If we're told to go somewhere, we go, no questions asked. And if it's to save many lives, we'll gladly charge into the jaws of death. It's just… the current atmosphere is uncomfortable, that's all."
Captain Gorick said with a wry smile.
The source of his discomfort was visible ahead of the Lone Dark.
In front of the Lone Dark were 30 ships of the Grand Duchy's fleet.
The Lone Dark followed at the rear as the fleet made its way eastward.
They had departed the free city of Kwebasa in the morning, and now the sun was about to set.
"Duke Helb said we'd reach the designated waters by tomorrow morning, right…?"
"Before that, Abel and I will be transferring to another ship, correct?"
"Yeah. They said only one ship protected by sorcery will approach the island."
"Well, my Neil Andersen could've worked too, but if Duke Helb is willing to show us his cards, then that's even better."
Ryo said with a mischievous grin.
It was an overly exaggerated expression.
"What do you mean, show us his cards?"
"Because Duke Helb is definitely an enemy. I'm convinced we're destined to fight each other eventually."
"I don't get why you're so certain about that."
"It's the pathos of things."
"There it is again—the pathos of things…"
Ryo said cryptically, and Abel replied, clearly baffled.
"If… if Duke Helb were to die on the island…"
"His people would turn on us… wouldn't they?"
"Most likely. In that case, don't worry about us—just break through and escape."
Gorick said, expressing the worst-case scenario. Ryo acknowledged it as plausible, and Abel added a grim confirmation.
Although Duke Helb currently guaranteed the safety of the Lone Dark and its crew… there was no assurance that this would continue indefinitely.
Captain Gorick already considered the situation precarious.
At that moment, Chief Officer Mostara called out to Captain Gorick, and he left the two men.
"Still… something like a dragon's corpse is troubling."
"Yeah, he called it a death dragon, didn't he?"
"You've never heard of it either, right, Abel?"
"Not once."
"If even the king doesn't know, isn't that dereliction of duty?"
"Just because I'm king doesn't mean I know everything."
The premier duke criticized the king for neglecting his duties, only to be deflected masterfully.
"Rather, shouldn't the premier duke, who supports the king, be the one to know these things?"
"W-well, I've been busy practicing water magic and playing with… no, experimenting with alchemy!"
"Did you just admit to playing around?"
"That's just how I contribute to the kingdom! Utilizing diverse talents is essential for the nation's growth!"
Abel countered, and Ryo tried to dodge.
Despite their banter, they were the kingdom's number one and number two—king and premier duke.
Both were constantly thinking of the kingdom.
…At least, that's how it should appear.
"Duke Helb will deal with the death dragon, but I'm curious about how he plans to do it."
"Well, he did say he's been storing up magic power. But is that even possible?"
"No idea. I doubt it's literal magic power… it's probably something similar, though."
"What do you mean, something similar?"
"Well, magic is… never mind. Let's talk about magic another time."
"Don't leave me hanging…!"
What exactly is magic?
Ryo had a hypothesis, but he doubted he could explain it to Abel.
Or even to Ilarion back home.
He wondered if someone like Akuma Leonor would understand better…
"Anyway, while Duke Helb handles the death dragon, we'll probably deal with something else. I'm counting on you, Abel."
"What? Me? No way—it's gotta be you, Ryo."
"I'll cheer you two on! Don't worry, I'm great at cheering!"
"Yeah, I doubt there'll be time for that."
Ryo's suggestion was quickly dismissed by Abel.
"You're so mean, always dragging me into things, Abel."
"I'd say you're the mean one, Ryo."
Their fruitless argument was cut short by the ship's chef, Susie.
"Dinner's ready! Tonight, it's curry!"
"Woohoo!"
Cheers erupted across the ship.
Sailors must really love curry.
"Yippee, Abel. It's curry!"
"Yeah. Susie's curry is amazing."
Abel still pronounced it 'cah-ree'.
Likely in memory of his late brother, Crown Prince Cain.
Nodding once, Ryo joined the line for curry.
With Abel following close behind.
Later, they secretly had three helpings each.
The next morning.
Early the next day, Ryo and Abel were on deck practicing swordsmanship and stretching when the Lone Dark came to a halt.
"It's stopped?"
"Yes, it has."
Abel confirmed, both looking toward the bow.
Ahead of them was the Grand Duchy's fleet.
Which had also come to a complete stop.
"Captain! Semaphore signals from the Grand Duchy fleet. It's an emergency! Repeating: it's an emergency!"
"All hands, battle stations!"
Nan shouted from the mast, and Captain Gorick immediately issued orders.
Ryo and Abel quickly prepared themselves.
And ran to the bow.
A voice rang out.
"The sky!"
Looking east, the sky was turning black.
Although the sun was beginning to rise, something was spreading across the sky, obscuring the light.
"A massive flock of birds?"
As Abel muttered, Ryo instantly chanted a spell.
Creating a protective ice barrier that completely covered the Lone Dark.
"Captain Gorick, I've covered the ship in ice."
"Thank you! But what in the world is that…"
The barrier, nearly transparent, allowed Ryo to report.
While Gorick expressed gratitude, still unsure of the unfolding situation.
"Flying monsters?"
"Wyverns, maybe?"
"I've never heard of wyverns appearing at sea."
Ryo voiced a thought, Abel added a possible name, and Captain Gorick denied it based on his knowledge.
"Well, they are too big to call birds."
"More like a dragon's lesser counterpart!"
"Smaller than normal wyverns, but…"
"Completely black wyverns, it seems."
Both Ryo and Abel were familiar with wyverns on the continent.
Having hunted them for magic stones.
Usually brown or dark brown… these wyverns, however, were pitch black.
Jet black, one could say.
But…
"Only their eyes are red?"
"Unsettling."
Then, as expected, the wyverns launched a
One
Creating an area-of-effect strike.
However, the
"Whoa!"
The crew gasped in amazement.
"Attacks like this won't leave so much as a scratch!"
Ryo declared, puffing out his chest confidently.
The number of black wyverns attacking exceeded a thousand.
The Grand Duchy fleet ahead was also under attack, though they seemed to be defending themselves with some invisible force.
And then…
A flash of light cut through the air.
It likely came from the flagship of the fleet.
And in one sweep, the light severed dozens of wyverns, sending them plummeting into the sea.
"Is that Duke Helb's sorcery? Impressive."
"Now's not the time to admire it…"
Ryo folded his arms and nodded sagely at the display.
Earning an exasperated look from Abel.
"Moments like this call for the right atmosphere. One must exude an air of greatness!"
"Real big shots don't announce they're exuding anything."
"Ugh… Abel got me with semantics again."
Their casual exchange was only possible because the
Counterattacks are best executed after drawing out an opponent's offense.
As retaliation could lead to another wave of counter-strikes.
"Hmm. It seems like the black wyverns won't increase further."
With a mutter, Ryo nodded and began chanting.
"
Sixteen magic circles appeared, suspended outside the Ice Wall.
"
The moment he completed the chant, thousands of ice spears shot out from the magic circles.
Each spear pierced through the wyverns.
Heads and chests.
Like a skilled assassin targeting vital points with bullets… Ryo's ice spears struck with lethal precision.
"Oooooooh!"
Cheers erupted.
The applause came not just from the Lone Dark but also from the Grand Duchy fleet.
They likely had no idea who cast the spell.
If they knew it came from a magician aboard the warship from the Suje Kingdom, their reactions might be more conflicted.
But for now, the crisis was averted.
And that was reason enough to celebrate.
For now, at least.
"Approaching an island!"
Nan's voice called out from the mast.
A single ship, larger than the rest, broke away from the Grand Duchy fleet and began heading toward the island.
"Duke Helb's ship."
Abel said with a nod.
"Abel-san, Ryo-san, you can go now!"
Captain Gorick shouted.
"But then the ice barrier…"
Ryo pointed out.
The barrier could be maintained in his absence, but only passively.
It couldn't be opened or closed as needed.
Leaving it unable to respond to emergencies, such as rescuing someone overboard…
Thus, the
"If things go south, we'll retreat. The Lone Dark is a fast ship."
Captain Gorick laughed reassuringly.
That was the plan from the start.
"Understood."
"We'll be fine. Just make sure to get out safely."
Ryo and Abel said their farewells.
"
With Ryo's chant, a massive ice bridge appeared.
Connecting their ship to Duke Helb's vessel, now sailing ahead.
"Good luck!"
Ryo and Abel sprinted forward.
-x-X-x-
"Ryo-dono, I already knew you were a powerful magician, but that ice spear earlier, and now this ice bridge—you're truly remarkable."
"Have I proven my worth to join you?"
"Oh, without a doubt."
Duke Helb offered sincere praise.
After all, having a powerful ally was always a blessing.
"Now then, I'd like to ask about that black wyvern we encountered earlier."
Abel inquired promptly.
"That creature was not one of the death dragon's abilities."
"What?"
"As I mentioned before, the death dragon corrupts everything. It rots people, land, and even the sea. While it can enslave and control the rotted remains… the wyvern we saw earlier wasn't decayed."
"I see. But it was smaller than the wyverns we know. Is it an eastern variant?"
"No. Wyverns are found all over the world. But I've never heard of their appearance or size differing based on region."
Duke Helb responded without hesitation.
"So, in other words…"
"That wyvern wasn't natural."
Abel was taken aback by the statement.
"Are you saying someone—or something… created that wyvern? It even unleashed a
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. Someone has created magical creatures. Over a thousand wyverns, no less."
Duke Helb frowned deeply as he answered Abel's question.
The death dragon was already a major threat, but the presence of another equally dangerous entity…
Was enough to make anyone grimace.
"Even the Djinn Garwin couldn't create familiars capable of casting magic…"
"Yeah… That makes this situation all the more incredible."
Abel murmured, and Ryo nodded in agreement.
But Ryo couldn't help but wonder.
Is the ability to use magic really that extraordinary?
Even ordinary monsters, if classified as 'greater' variants, often used magic.
Ryo had fought many Greater Boa that hurled stones with magical force.
Ryo recalled what Michael (pseudonym) had once taught him: 'The key to magic lies in imagination'.
However, in the Central Countries, magic could be performed without imagination simply by chanting incantations.
The spells were far weaker… but this discovery was likely made by the True Ancestor of the vampires.
That True Ancestor must have thoroughly researched the nature of magic in this world called 'Phi'.
The result was the chanting system.
As for why Garwin's familiars couldn't use magic…
"I get the impression Garwin wasn't very serious about researching magic."
"Ryo?"
"Well, Garwin just strikes me as someone who half-asses things. It's no wonder he didn't dedicate himself to magical studies."
It's worth noting that this was purely Ryo's personal opinion.
Abel and Duke Helb continued their discussion.
"Creating over a thousand wyverns, even if they're smaller… The closest comparison I can think of is Djinns creating minions."
"Djinns?"
"Are there any legends of Djinns in the eastern countries?"
"I've never heard of Djinns before."
Duke Helb replied, tilting his head.
"Djinns used to call themselves Spelno."
According to the red Djinn, Merlin, Ryo added.
"Ah, Spelno. That term I recognize. However… I've never heard of any Spelno creating minions in the eastern countries."
"In the Central Countries, the Djinn in the south didn't create minions either, and Djinn Merlin in the west admitted he wasn't good at it. Just like how humans can differ in their ability to lead others, perhaps Djinns also vary in their proficiency with minions."
"Is that comparison accurate?"
"Merlin mentioned that Garwin was particularly skilled at creating minions. Even among Djinns, what he did was extraordinary."
"So, the one who created those wyverns is unlikely to be a Djinn… or a Spelno."
Abel pondered over Ryo's explanation.
"Those black wyverns earlier had physical forms. They weren't like the conjured shikigami we know from sorcery."
"Shikigami? Now that's intriguing… come to think of it, didn't you create some terrifying creatures summoned through talismans?"
"Ah, you're well-informed. But those talismans merely summon entities prepared in advance. And even then, those creatures can't use magic."
"I see."
It seemed the three of them didn't have the knowledge to unravel the mystery of the black wyverns.
"We'll have to figure it out as we go."
"That's Abel's specialty."
Ryo quipped at Abel's mutter.
"My specialty?"
"Since ancient times, swordsmen have been known for thriving in unpredictable situations. Precision strategy doesn't suit them anyway…"
"Right, you're just mocking me now."
"That wasn't my intention!"
Ryo exclaimed, feigning surprise.
Abel was about to retort but froze, his gaze fixed on the bow of the ship.
Ryo and Duke Helb followed his line of sight.
The island ahead shimmered with a brilliant blue light and stopped.
They were about 100 meters away.
In the center of the glowing island, a massive figure loomed.
"That's…?"
"Yes, the death dragon."
Duke Helb confirmed in response to Abel's question.
"Within a radius of 20 meters around me, the death dragon's breath attacks will be repelled. By the talismans."
"Understood."
"Breath attacks… so cool."
Abel nodded at Duke Helb's explanation. While the water-attribute magician… well, his reaction was par for the course.
"The ship will stay here. The protective talismans on board will safeguard them. I will jump from this point… please, both of you, follow me."
With those words, Duke Helb leapt.
More accurately, he bounded across talismans suspended in the air, like stepping stones, heading toward the island.
"We're going too. Abel, hold on tight."
Ryo said as he firmly grabbed Abel's belt with his left hand.
"…Will this really work?"
Abel asked, clinging to Ryo's waist with both hands.
"Here we go!
The two took off.
Not by leaping, but by flying.
Arcing gracefully toward the island.
Helb and the pair landed on the island nearly at the same time.
"I expected you to use an ice bridge, but to see you fly…"
"I'm a water-attribute magician, after all."
Ryo replied proudly to Duke Helb's admiring words.
Abel, however, chose not to comment.
In the center of the island stood an enormous black dragon. Likely the death dragon.
One of its wings was torn off, and its right foreleg appeared missing.
The word decayed best described its appearance.
There was no blood seeping from its wounds either.
However, the three of them noticed something near the dragon's feet—a bipedal figure.
The dragon's colossal size made it difficult to gauge the figure's exact dimensions.
But at first glance, it seemed humanoid…
As the three of them advanced, they saw what it was: the death dragon, and a woman standing at its feet.
"What brings you here?"
It was the voice of a woman.
Presumably, the one near the dragon…
Duke Helb stepped forward slowly.
With Abel to his right and Ryo to his left.
"We're here to slay the death dragon."
Duke Helb replied in his usual calm tone as they walked closer.
"That would be a problem."
The woman said.
"Why is that?"
"The experiment isn't finished yet."
"Experiment?"
"I'm uncovering the truth of ma…"
Her words halted abruptly.
She seemed to falter, as though fully processing the sight of the three drawing nearer.
The woman had light, pale-blue hair cut to her shoulders, glasses perched on her nose, and wore something white.
From a distance, it resembled a lab coat.
But her face was frozen in shock, her eyes wide and unblinking.
Ryo felt a strange sense of familiarity.
Of course, he'd never met her before, it had to be his first encounter…
And yet, something about her aura felt oddly recognizable.
Yes, it must be that.
She carried a similar presence to someone he knew.
Two individuals came to mind.
Particularly one who was always ready to challenge him to a fight whenever they met…
Yet this woman lacked horns or a black tail…
Then Ryo remembered: the male counterpart of that acquaintance also had neither horns nor a tail.
"The experiment is over. I've thought of something better."
The bespectacled woman declared, her lips curling into a sinister smile.
It was… a devilish grin.
In that instant, the world turned upside down.
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