We rested for a while and then headed to the "Mermaid's Dwelling Place".

　It was a rocky area about a dozen minutes' walk from the training site, a perfect cove for mermaids to protect themselves from the enemy.

　The rocks protect the waves, so it's a good place for mermaids to gather and sing carefree songs," Lumia the mermaid told me.

"The cave you're looking for is probably right behind you.

　Lumia leads us to the back of the cove, bouncing in the water.

　Sometimes she peeks out of the water and smiles. He's happy to be able to swim freely now that the marquises are gone.

　Cecil, Rita, Aine and Iris follow the course that Lumia points out to us.

　There was a narrow path on the rocky shore that led to a cave.

'I wonder if this is the ...... 'Dungeon of the Demon Dragon'?

　The Marquis of Hilmut and the others were confident that the Holy Sword was just ahead.

The candidate site for the Demon Dragon Dungeon, which the Sea Dragon Kerkator told us about, is also in this area.

　I have a bad feeling about those being in the same place .......

Aine and Iris, stay here. I'll send you a message if I hear anything else.

　I don't want the demons to come.

'Let me know when the enemy comes and I'll be right back.

It's okay. By the water, Aine is invincible. Whoever comes in will be dried up.

Most enemies can be killed by Iris when she wakes up, too.

　Aine and Iris were mmmm, chest heaving.

　Where there's water, Aine and Iris are pretty strong, so I think they'll be fine.

　That's why me, Cecil, Rita and the mermaid Lumia decided to head to the back of the cave.

''Then deactivate the 'Magic Attribute Change 《Elemental Changer》' and activate ......!　'Ancient Language Magic Light (Light). Adjusted output version!''

　Cecil raised the 'True Holy Wand Noeloot' and activated the magic.

　At the tip of the staff, a large light lit up. Its size is about the size of a volleyball ball.

　This ancient language magic 'light' has a smaller output and a longer duration. I'm not sure if it's because the output is higher than the normal light, but it illuminates the cave as if it's daytime.

I'll make sure it's safe as we go. Nagi and Cecil-chan, please follow me slowly.

　Rita takes the lead and walks off.

　Behind her, Cecil follows with his 'light' held high. Me and Lumia, the mermaid, are behind her.

The light illuminates the wet rock walls, the ground, and the waterway that runs along the passage.

　The mermaid lumia swims slowly along the channel at my walking speed. Sometimes she points at me and checks, telling me, "That's where it's crumbling" or "It's hard to walk". He's a good boy.

Do you know what's in this cave... what's beyond the dungeon, Lumia?

I know where the canal leads.

　Lumia nodded, letting the water droplets fly from her light blue hair.

"I've never been beyond that point, but ...... but the person who caught Lumia said things like 'there's a holy sword at the back of the cave' and 'the swordsman became a holy sword user and was invincible and unbeatable'.

The Holy Sword or .......

　Normally, though, it would be 'an insanely strong sword with God's blessing'.

　It's a good thing that you can't get away from the fact that there's a 'curse' here and the black people were looking for it. ...... I have a bad feeling about this.

I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not a fan. The older a dragon is, the more human-minded it is. The older the dragon, the more human moe...

　Lumia is singing.

　Maybe it's because of her tolerance, or maybe it's because of her singing, but I don't feel the effects of the 'curse'. There are no demons, either.

　But ...... the road is narrow and extremely difficult to walk on.

It's called a "demon dragon dungeon", but this is a natural cave. The ground and walls are wet, and occasionally water drops fall from the ceiling. Lumiere will catch you if you fall in," she says, but her size doesn't allow her to do so.

　Rita is walking right in front of me, so if I slip, she'll probably notice and hold me up.

"There's a fork in the road. Nagi.

　Suddenly, Rita, who was walking in the lead, stopped.

'The road is bumpy on the left. It's got some ups and downs. 'The right one looks easier to navigate.'

Lumiere, which one leads to the back?

This way.

　Lumia didn't hesitate and pointed to the left.

　Cecil used his wand to illuminate the path to the left. The path is scraped and tilted that way. The wall is a smooth rock wall. It doesn't look like it's going to crumble.

'I can sense a strange flow of magic from the path on the left. It's as if someone is screaming .......

　Cecil grabbed my hand and mumbled.

Rita, ease up on your speed. Let's go forward, making sure it's safe to step on.

I'm sorry.

　We headed to the left path.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on around you thanks to the Ancient Language Magic Light.

　The waterway has become narrower and narrower, just barely allowing Lumia to swim in it. The ground is gradually drying up and the water from the ceiling has stopped dripping.

　The walls have changed to craggy, and the ground, too, has become rocky. Rita takes a step forward, checking the feel of her feet. Cecil and I are following her as she walks. It's kind of like hiking in the mountains.

...... There's a trail that someone went through. Nagi-sama.

Really?

Yes. It's not natural for a natural cave. It's as if someone has made a path through it.

　Cecil pointed his 'light' at the ground.

　The ground is craggy and rocky. But there is a gap between the rocks. It's a foothold just barely enough for one person to pass through. I know this because Cecil has shone his light on it and Rita has found it for me.

"Someone got through here?

Maybe someone with a resistance to the 'curse' came here.

That's not possible, sir.

　Lumia responded to Cecil's words.

The mermaids have been living in this cove for a long time. If someone passed through this cove, I think it's still in the folklore.

Before that, I don't know.

　I said, "Before the mermaids came here.

'Before the mermaids came here. Before this place became the 'Land of the d*mned', if anyone passed through here: ......

　That 'someone' might have taught the nobleman about the Holy Sword.

　But why didn't that person take the holy sword himself?

　That way, the conversation would have been quicker. We wouldn't have had to look for someone with 'curse resistance'.

　...... I don't know.

　The only way to find out is to go ahead and find out for sure.

"This is as far as I can take you, sir.

　I heard a voice.

　From the shallow water, Lumia, the mermaid, was looking up at us.

　The channel is cut off by falling rocks. Lumia can only follow us so far.

Lumiere will continue to sing a song of purification here. What are you going to do?

The saint's request can be completed by setting the silver plate near the center of the 'curse'.

　I took out the "Silver Plate of Purification" from my luggage.

　My quest is to activate it and regain the mermaid's abode, but things have already changed.

　The reason why the saint told me to activate the Silver Plate was to bring the trainee back to her senses. That's already done. There was no longer a need to set this 'Silver Disc'.

　The Marquis of Hilmut couldn't touch this land anymore. It will take time for other nobles to find someone with 'curse resistance'.

　But ...... the guys from the 'Brave Quest' will come eventually, right?

　The visitors are looking for the 'Dungeon of the Demon Dragon'. The goal is probably the holy sword. I'm not sure if this is the case or not, but it's still possible that the same thing will happen to them. That's why...

I'll go as far as I can.

　I said.

　According to the mermaid lore, the human king did something very bad to the dragon that lived on the earth.

　And maybe the dragon of the earth died because of it.

　If the holy sword was involved in this terrible thing he did to the dragon...



　I have a feeling that Heavenly Dragon (White) and 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' will be in danger if we leave them alone.



Of course, I'll come back if I can't make it," he said. I'm sure Aine and Iris will be able to help you if the situation arises. We'll manage.

'I'm interested in the old dragon, too. You might know ...... about the demon race.

I wish I could tell White about my people.

　Cecil and Rita nodded.

'Then I'd like you to take this with you.

　Lumia took out a small crystal ball from her chest.

　It's a skill crystal.

It's a skill for mermaids to enjoy singing. It's also the key to the Purification Song. Rita Shama may be able to use the "Purification Song". Mermaids can create skills on their own again after a while, so go ahead.

Thank you. I'll take care of it.

　I received a skill crystal.

　The name of the skill is "Mushinka-shoutai Level 3".







Mushinga Singing LV3.



The skill of "singing" "freely and joyfully







　We waved to Lumia and started going again.



'...... The dragon of the earth does not make mistakes. She made the right choice and ...... so sad and kind.'



　Lumia sings the cleansing song all the time.

Trying to counteract the curse. You're a good girl. You are a good mermaid.



"No one knows how it ends, but the dragon of the earth who saves others.

An earthly dragon.



　No one knows its name, the dragon of the earth.

　Did it really become a 'demonic dragon that curses people'?

　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　I'm afraid of black people much more than I am of dragons.



'The air has changed. Nagi.

　Suddenly, Rita stopped in her tracks.

'It's a dead end up here. Maybe it's the end of the line.

...... the magic is getting stronger.

　Cecil - he's cold - said, rubbing his arms.

　She leans her back to me and hugs herself as if she's hugging me.

''- I'm angry. There's a very, very big one ahead of you, ...... and it's telling you to stay away ...... from it.

Do you feel that kind of magic?

"Yes, ...... I can resist the effects of the 'curse' but it's scary .......

　A lot of people have a tendency to chatter, and Cecil's teeth were chattering.

　After a while, even the stones lying around began to shake faintly.

　I wondered if the "someone" ahead of us also noticed us.

　I turned my attention to the back of the passage.

　The path ahead is suddenly narrow. The walls on either side of the path are jutting out, so there's only enough room for one person to barely get through. If a rock falls while you are passing through, you cannot avoid it.

　Even if it was able to pass through safely, if someone who was ahead got angry and blocked the passage, it was out.

　I'd better get their permission to go through here.

"If there is someone ahead of us... 'Earth Dragon'?

They are fellow dragons just like Kerkator and Blanchalka.

　Therefore, the mummy flying dragon Raizika, who was in charge of the graveyard of Blanchalka the Heavenly Dragon, said that this graveyard was built by the demons and ancient elves.

　If the Earth Dragon was a dragon from an older era than that, then he should know about the demon race.

''Cecil, try inserting the 'True Holy Staff Noeloot' into the back of the cave.

Like this?

Yeah, almost.

　It's not a good idea to have a good time, but it's a good idea to have a good time.

　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.

　It's the demon tribe's treasure, the True Holy Wand Noielut and the ancient language magic that only demons can use.

　It's proof that there are survivors of the demon tribe here.

　How will the earth dragons react to the demons who were on the side of the heavenly dragons...







　──── Oooh!







　From the depths of the cave, a voice was heard.

　At the same time, the shaking of Cecil's body stopped. Cecil's body stopped shaking, as did the shaking of the stones around him.

I am sorry to disturb your sleep. A man of the land.

　I said, putting my hand on Cecil's shoulder.

''I came here after hearing the story from 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon'. I have received blessings from the Sea Dragon. This child is connected to me. So we are not affected by the 'curse'.

　No answer.

　I continue.

"I know this is the land of the cursed, and I know there is an existence of a magical dragon. I want to know how this place came to be like that. If a dragon was killed in the past and there are items associated with it, I'd rather just get rid of them.
　My child has a dragon.
　As an adult, I can't risk my children's safety.



　──── Huh.



　There was a faint hint of laughter, perhaps it was my imagination.



'Of course, if there's no such thing and you don't want to be disturbed in your sleep, we'll just go home.
　All I've been asked to do is reclaim the mermaid's dwelling place and help those who have been affected by the 'curse'. I don't want the Transcendent Being to be angry with me.
　Rather, if you don't want anyone to interrupt your sleep, I'm going to break down the rock wall in front of you, what do you think?

...... Nagi-sama.

Nagi is amazing: ......

　Cecil and Rita are laughing, too.

　I stayed close to the two of them and waited for an answer. Honestly, if there's no such thing as a 'holy sword', I'd be happy to just go home...





　Gulp.





　Suddenly, the rock in front of me moved.

　The rock walls on either side that had blocked the passage crumbled in front of us.

　The narrowed passageway opened up and I could see what lay beyond.



'...... fossils and ...... swords?'



　There's a massive bone in the wall at the end of the hall.

　The wall is several meters high. But the bone buried there is about the bottom half of the ribs.

　That means that above this is the top half of the ribs, and beyond that is the spine. I can't even imagine the size of the whole thing .......

　The sword was stuck in one of its ribs. The blade was silver and the handle was pure white. The tip of the hilt was in the shape of a dragon's head. Perhaps because it was old, half of the head is missing. The blade itself is free of rust. The tip of the blade pierced through the ribs and into the rounded rock. This shape - it looks like a heart, but...

I think it's the dragon's bones: ...... Nagi-sama.

　Cecil's eyes widened as he looked at the 'dragon bones'.

''There's a dead dragon buried here. It's turned into bones - into a fossil.

With the sword in his arm, that's what he's gonna die of.

'Yes. It's probably .......

　The path opened up. The rocky terrain has stopped shaking.

　Cecil looks relieved. He doesn't seem to be feeling the fear anymore.

'I guess that means go through ......,'

　It's not like the exit is blocked the moment you go through. I'd like to think not.

　Hmm.

　It's frankly just my curiosity that we're going to go beyond this.

　The opponent is a ground dragon or a demon dragon. You can't tell when they will turn violent.

　I think it's best to play it safe. I don't want the two of you to get involved if something goes wrong.

　Good.

"Cecil and Rita, you wait there...

"Okay, okay, let's go, Nagi.

Don't get lost up here. We'll live and die together. We are.

　Cecil and Rita grabbed my hand and started to walk away.

　I'm no match for them.

　I also prepared myself and moved on.

　As I got closer, I could clearly see the size of the dragon's bones.

　The holy sword that pierced it was also quite long. It's only natural that it pierces through the dragon's ribs - around the thinnest part - so it's natural.

I knew it. This rock looks like a heart.

　Cecil turned his gaze to the rock the sword was stuck in.

I'm sure this sword is also a powerful magic sword. I'm not sure if this is a normal sword, it would have rusted and broken a long time ago. The fact that it pierces through bone means that it can cut through the dragon's scales and flesh. That's how capable it is. This sword...

So this is the 'Holy Sword' that the Marquises wanted.

　Oh man.

You've found ...... 'The Holy Sword'.

...... It was a much more dangerous item than I imagined, though.

　Me and Rita had the 'Holy Sword' in the distance.

　This sword is bad.

　It's bad enough that it's pierced through the dragon's ribs, and it's bad enough that it's clean even though it should be old. The fact that there is not a single rust floating on the side of the ocean is also bad, and the fact that it is in the center of the 'curse' is also bad.

If this really is the cause of the dragon's death: ......

　This holy sword will have the power to kill a dragon.

　If that's the case, this should be thrown to the bottom of the ocean right now.

　After that, I want you to ask the 'Sea Dragon Kercator' to bury it deep and deep, whether it's a rock, a stone, or anything else, so that it will never be seen again.

　In order to do that, we need to pull this out of the bone.

　The sword is through the bone. You can't just grab it and pull it out. You'll have to strike it hard with a rock and force it out.

But if we do that, he'll be furious. The master of the bone.







"...this sword cannot be removed.







　I heard a voice.

　It was from the ceiling.

　When I looked up, ...... I saw a small person sitting on one of the bones protruding from the wall.

　He was wearing a jet black robe.

　His hair is also completely black. Small horns sprouted behind slightly spiky ears.

　His skin is pure white and his eyes are narrow. It's almost impossible to tell that they are open. I can only barely see the golden eyes behind one eyelid.

'If you're going to pull out, I want you to do it now. And as you say, you may as well throw them to the bottom of the sea.

　The girl said.

"Identify yourself. The Dragon's Mate. A descendant of the demon and his friends.'

I'm Souma-Nagi. These two are my 'spirit link' partners, Cecil-Falot, a demon, and Rita-Melpheus, a beastman.

　Without a moment's pause, I replied, "Nice to meet you.

Ha, nice to meet you.

Hi. Sorry to disturb you.

　Cecil and Rita also returned the greetings immediately.

　The other party is a person related to the earth dragon. Moreover, they are in the center of the 'curse'.

　There is no doubt that they are quite strong. It's better not to offend them.

''May I ask your name? He's from the Land of the d*mned.

I am the spirit of the Earth Dragon Eargals.

　The dark-haired girl said.

　It was easy.

　As if she was talking about where she was from, the girl told her a mythical grade name.

''...... Earth Dragon ...... Earthgals.''

　I looked at Cecil and Rita.

　They both shook their heads. They don't know.

　Neither Saintess, Shiro, nor even 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon' knew the name of the earth dragon - or demon dragon. That means that the owner of this bone was a dragon from an era older than the Heavenly Dragon.

...... Sorry to disturb your sleep, my dear. O great earth dragon.

"Don't be mad. What we have here is a piece of your soul. The body is dead.

　The black-haired girl nodded her head in annoyance.

''For some reason, only the spirit couldn't die out, it just stayed like this. Moreover, my mind has split and half of it has gone somewhere else.''

Half?

It doesn't matter. That's not important, and we can't understand it with our own knowledge.

　The black-haired girl - the soul of the 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls' - sighed.

''You guys are here, what are you doing here?''

We are here to investigate the source of The Curse.

　I looked up at the soul of the earth dragon and responded.

　Before I knew it, Cecil and Rita were holding my hands firmly.

　My body stopped trembling - or rather, I didn't even notice that I was trembling.

　It can't be helped, can it? I'm talking to a god-level opponent.

'The mermaid who lived outside this cave was chased out of her dwelling place by a nobleman.

　I nodded to Cecil and Rita and continued my story.

''The reason for that was to obtain the 'Holy Sword' that the nobles say is around here. If there really is such a thing──

"To the bottom of the sea.

'Also, I was personally interested in The Dungeon of the Demon Dragon.

"I see...

　The dark-haired girl looked at me with her golden left eye.

　I thought for a moment, and then...

"You tell me you have another dragon's presence. "Outside the cave, too, you will find someone else who shares your spirit. And here is the dragon's good friend, the demon tribe. Well, very well.

　Nodding convincingly, she said.

'Curiosity is a young man's prerogative. Allow me to ask you a question. What would you like to ask this 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls who could not die'?'

I'm going to find out what happened to you. I'll tell you what happened in the past, who killed you.

　I said, looking up at the soul of 'Earth Dragon Earthgalls'.

　I don't avert my gaze. The other party is a god-level soul. The so-called ancient dragons, older than sea dragons and older than heavenly dragons. It doesn't matter how careful you are to communicate with such a thing, no matter how careful you are, it's not enough.

''If possible, the identity of the 'curse' and the reason why you're still here. Please tell me what happened in the past. Maybe that might have something to do with the 'White Guild' - the dragon's adversary - in the world outside .......

"...... Do you know what it means to not be able to die for a long time?

　The dark-haired girl put her hand on her ribs and went upside down, using it like an iron bar.

　She stood on top of the bone with a thump.

"I am here, I am a dream.

"Dreams?

'Yes. 'Yes, I dream that the body is dead and cannot die yet. That's why what I say is so vague. I have no memory, no resentment, no anger I am no longer certain.

That's okay.

Yeah?

'I am the dragon's people. I just want to know what items are dangerous to the dragon and who is dangerous to them.

"Yeah.

　The black-haired girl looked lost.

　Nevertheless, ...... somehow it's becoming less and less comfortable to talk to residual thoughts and souls.

　Maybe it's because the race of dragons, both sea dragons and celestial dragons, were human moe and friendly to me.

　...... The king and the nobility are much more frightening to deal with than the living ones. I'm not a fan of that.

"Nonsense!

　The dark-haired girl turned her throat back and sighed, huffing and puffing.

　Then she pointed to the sword stuck in her ribs.

"The name of that sword the humans used to call the Holy Sword Dragonslayer.

"The Holy Sword-Dragon Slayer?

　It was a straightforward name.

'Dragon Slayer', or 'Dragon Slayer'.

...... How did you come up with that?

"I've heard that a sub-human with a grudge against dragons... ...was created by his people over a long, long period of time...

　'I don't know exactly what I am, as I am half of the remaining souls,' said the black girl.

'But the power of the Dragonslayer was so strong that even those who made it could not use this sword. The situation changed when a king summoned a brave man from another world. That brave man had the skills to use this sword.''

　That brave person took a long time to find the Holy Sword Dragon Slayer.

　And so, after spending even more - a dizzying amount of time, he arrived at the 'Earth Dragon Earthgalls'.

Why did that person ...... even want to fight you so badly?

"Because the king made a contract with him. "Use your skills to show the king your power.

The soul of the 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls' said in disgust.

''And that person's only skills were 'Sword Master' and 'Holy Sword Adaptation'. His true power would not manifest with an ordinary sword. For him to show his power, he had to actually use the Holy Sword.''

""...... haha"

　...... What's that?

　A summoner called in the distant past had the skill to 'manifest true power by using the holy sword'.

　That brave person made a 'contract' with the king that he would 'utilize the skill and show his power to the king'.

　That's why it was necessary to fight the 'Earth Dragon Earth Gulls' with the holy sword──.

............ isn't that the best way to go about this?

"I got stuck, he said.

A retraction, sir?

"Decades to find the Holy Sword. It took me decades to find the Earth Dragon Earthgulls. Considering the time and effort I've paid for it, I can't afford to stop now.''

"If it's been that long, isn't the king who made the 'deal' dead ......?

"My father's project was too important to stop," his successor said, "and if I did, the people around me would accuse me of rejecting my father's methods.

What good did it do you to beat you ......?

"No, nothing.

That's right. The earth dragon was on the side of the humans.

It's because I created the artifact. I've been giving them to royalty, nobility and commoners alike, and that may have been a turn-off.

　The earth dragon's soul had a distant look in its eyes.

　It had a calm face.

　If he had suffered such a look, he should be able to hate a human.

''That's why I fought against the 'Holy Sword Master' and was defeated. My scales, flesh and bones were pierced by the Holy Sword Dragon Slayer, and my heart was split open. This sword, as its name suggests, was the dragon's natural enemy.''

　The black girl jumped off her ribs and stood next to the sword stuck in the bone.

　She pulled away, close to us, and pointed at the pure white holy sword.

But I would not let another dragon use this dangerous sword. I did not want the other dragons to use this dangerous sword on me, so I threw myself into the sea with the sword still inside me. With the last of his strength, he swam to the far shore and found this cave. I lay down at the back of it - and collapsed the entrance.''

...... Huh?

　Cecil made a small noise.

''Then. The reason you hid here was to seal the holy sword?''

"Mm.

Then why were you generating the 'curse'?

"No one can come near this place. "No one may use the sword.

'Earth Dragon Earthgulls' nodded.

　Even though the name is common, the 'Holy Sword Dragon Slayer' has a powerful power against dragons. It's not just a matter of time before you get your hands on it. In order to prevent that from happening, this earth dragon escaped with the holy sword in its body and lost its life here──.

''You were a ............ good dragon, weren't you?''

　Cecil murmured.

　Rita is also in tears. It's true that this is a good story, but...

I have a question, sir.

Let's see.

　The dark-haired girl smiled.

'It's fun to talk to young people. They give us new insights.'

''Thank you. ...... Well, if you collapsed the cave, you don't need a 'curse', right?　Besides, the cave was open when we arrived.

　I said.

'I have another question. How could the nobleman know that the Holy Sword was here? If you were able to hide here with the holy sword in your hand, no one would know where the holy sword is...?

............ was the first to tell you. I said... half.

The soul of the "Earth Dragon Earthgulls" opened both eyes.

　The golden left eye looked at me.

　There was nothing ...... where my right eye should have been.

　The right eye socket was a hollow space.

　I'm not going to be the only one who's going to be able to do that.

I'm not going to be able to get rid of it. At the same time, there is a part of me that wants to destroy everything in my heart.

...... Are you saying that you have a dual identity?

"Mm.

　...... That's understandable, then.

　No matter how many earth dragons are on the side of the humans, if they are killed for no reason, it's natural to be angry. Moreover, it was a brave man who did it, and it was the human king who requested it. You can't be blamed for being outraged without question.

You can't blame them for being angry without question. The other half has left. I've taken on human form. I took on the form of a man, to spread anger and chaos in their world. He will call me the Devil's Dragon, and he will speak of me as the incarnation of his anger.

That's why the cave entrance was open?

'Yes. 'Yes, when my half left, he protected his power. It was with that power that you opened the door.

　I see.

The Earth Dragon Earthgulls loved humans. But after they were killed by a brave human, he felt bitterness in his heart.

　It was split in two.

　One of them stayed here and kept the 'Holy Sword' sealed up.

　But the other chose to get back at the humans by opening the cave and leaving.

''Wait, Nagi. If there's such a thing, it must be rumored, right?

　Rita looked at me and said.

'You have dragon level power, right?　I've never heard of such a thing.

　Cecil has a strange look on his face, too.

　I shook my head.

　Because after hearing the earth dragon's story, I remembered something.

''After we met ...... Cutlass, we fought the Black Knight, didn't we?

　At my words, Rita nods.

　Cecil's eyes widen, and he becomes flabbergasted. She seems to have remembered.

'At that time, the black knight said. He said that the sorcerer who summoned him was 'something like a dragon'.

　I felt something very grave. He also said that that could be the Demon Dragon.

　If so, then it might be one half of the 'Earth Dragon Earthgalls'.

　Come to think of it, there was also a 'Guildmaster' from the 'White Guild'. The identity of that one too is unknown. I've heard various stories from the 'visitors', but they are all different in appearance. If it is the soul of the Earth Dragon Earthgalls, it should be powerful enough to control the "visitors".

　But if it's ......, then...

'Why would one half of you want to give a human the holy sword?'

"Perhaps it hates everything. "You may hate everything, even the dragon that tries to bless it.

　With that, 'Earth Dragon Earthgalls' concluded his story.

''If you guys have the power to collapse this cave, then you should do so.

And if that happens, what about you?

"I can't die and sleep again. I can't die while my body is still moving around. When this sword is drawn, my anger towards ...... people will diminish. My half of me should be able to quieten down.

The soul of the Earth Dragon Earthgulls looked at the holy sword stuck in its ribs.

　Me, Cecil and Rita also look at the holy sword.

　I actually wanted to ask you a lot of information when we met the earth dragon. About the demon race, or stories about the ancient elves.

　But that's not the situation right now.

''Cecil, can you 'appraise' this holy sword?

'...... Sorry, Nagi-sama. This sword is too high level. It's really an item for the higher level brave, so it's ...... for me.

　Cecil looked apologetic and lowered his eyes.

''I just feel a powerful magical power. That power is also flowing into the dragon's bones. There's no doubt in my mind that it's an item that specializes in killing dragons.

''Rita. Assuming that the Earth Dragon's residual thoughts are related to the 'White Guild', would Rita's divine power be able to purify them?

That's impossible. Isn't it dragon-level?　That's like saying you should use 'divine power' to prevent God's wrath.

Yeah.

''With Feen-chan's 'Immediate Sacred Object Seizure, Artifact Ruler,' wouldn't it be possible to control the Holy Sword?''

The 'curse' has taken its toll. Fynn can't come to this place. Even if he stopped the 'curse' and called it in, as long as there's a condition of use for 'holy swordsman', it would be difficult to control him.

Only an expert in the Holy Sword can use it - a sword that cannot be removed.

　The reason is that the Dragon Slayer's power is too strong.

　To do something about that condition, go to .......

　...... Huh?　Isn't it easy?

　The point is, as long as this sword isn't the 'Dragon Slayer Holy Sword', it's fine.

''I have a question, 'Earth Dragon Earth Gulls'. Who owns this sword?

"You have some interesting thoughts.

Tell me about it.

It's been a long time since the holy sword wielder of that time is no longer with us. "If so, the sword has been in my body for hundreds of years, and I must have the right to own it.

Can you surrender that ownership to me?

I could, but you can't use it if I give it away.

That's okay.

　I've been 'rebuilding' skills that I can't use myself.

　It's the same as the skills of all the slaves. The point is, I should have the ownership.

Well. I'll just give you the d*mn holy sword! I'll give it to you. SOUMA-NAGI

Thanks.

　I approached the Holy Sword standing against the wall.

　To be honest, I don't want to touch the Dragon Slayer's Holy Sword. In fact, I don't even want to look at it.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you.

I'll give it a try.

　Deep breath.

　Prepare yourself and reach out. Touch.

　I grip the hilt, which is shaped like a dragon. With all my strength, as if to test the sensation, I activate the skill.

Activate!　"Ability reconstruction, skill structure, Lv 7"!　I invoke the concept of 'Holy Sword Dragon Slayer'!



The "Holy Sword Dragon Slayer" is entangled with the "String of Magic Power".

　It's a holy sword with a straightforward name. The ability is predictable.

　The concept is displayed in a window ...... as I knew it would be.





'Holy Sword Dragon Slayer'



"Dragon Slayer Lv 6.

The sword that stops the dragon's life cycle.



Power enhancement LV6.

A sword that increases the power of an attack.





　As expected of a holy sword. It has a dragon killing skill and an attack power increase skill.

　The sword that stops the dragon's life activity. ...... I see, this is why "Earth Dragon Earthgulls" was unable to die. Life activity can be stopped, but not the spirit. I'm not sure if that means that they couldn't stop the soul's activity.

''I'll ask you one last question. If I pull out this holy sword and furthermore, change it into something good for the dragon - what will happen to your half of the body that curses people?

"will disappear.

Gone?

'There will be no more resentment. The half-self in this room will be satisfied and disappear. Even if it does not disappear, its power will diminish.

Do you want that?

'Of course. "Of course, I love dragons as well as humans. If you can calm my half of the body ...... there is nothing better.

　The black-haired girl - the soul of the 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls' - bowed to me.

''If you can erase this abominable holy sword, I can even give you a reward.

So tell me about the old days.

　I looked at Cecil and said.

''──I like the place where the demon race used to live in the past. If you know, could you tell me?

Nagi-sama!

　Cecil, I'm surprised.

''It could be a place where the demon tribe might build a capital. Like a place deep in the mountains where it is not popular and it seems like a good place for the demon tribe to live. I want to show my 'Spirit Link' partner - my daughter-in-law - the hometown of my clan.

"I do not know where ...... is located, but I do know where the Ancient Elven City is. You will find your answer there.

There you go. Now....

　I installed Mushinka-shoukasho (Mushinka-shouk) LV3, which Lumia the mermaid had given me, on myself.

　I switched the "Concept" in my mind. I'll simulate it.

　And then, I grab the abominable holy sword.

"I command 'Holy Sword Dragon Slayer' to change into something good for the dragon. Turn into something good for the dragon.

　With all my magic, I declare.

'The holy sword that binds dragons and men even after death. I'll have you rewritten in a heartbeat!　Activate!　"Rapid Reconstruction Quick Structure!

　I quickly replaced the "Concept" in "Holy Sword Dragon Slayer".

　There was a bit of resistance, but it's okay. The original 'Ability Rebuild' is at level 7. Besides, I've rewritten the magic item many times.

　Plus, I'm angry. I'm pretty pissed.

I'm pretty pissed at whoever made this thing called the Dragonslayer Sacred Sword, and I'm also pissed at the king for letting someone else use it.

　If this holy sword and the wrathful half of the dragon-slaying demon Earthgulls have anything to do with the black labor of this world...

　─ You might be able to stop it by freeing 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls' from this sword.

''Don't underestimate the 'Young Living Body of the Heavenly Dragon (White)' guy. I'll smash this dangerous holy sword and rewrite it!

The concept of "Dragon Slayer" only replaces one thing.

What do you care about power augmentation? Let's just use the skills of those brave mermaids who have been cleansing this land for centuries.

　Bastards! The old king might as well have been the one who created this sword.

　I'll take your sword and turn it into something else.

　If you fail to do so, the sword will be useless, and that's okay.

　As long as the sword is safe for the dragon, the rest is fine with me.

''Do it!　"Quick Reconstruction Quick Structure"!　Holy sword, transform into a sword that praises the dragon!

　I declare with magic power.

A light runs across the surface of the "Holy Sword Dragon Slayer".

　The holy sword, which is still stuck in the ribs, begins to shake.

　The holy sword was shaking for a while as if it was resisting, but...







　T-ball.







　And then it slipped off the bone and fell out.

"Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

The soul of the Earth Dragon Earthgulls - screamed out.

''Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!　The sword, the sword that has been hurting me and my heart for hundreds of years... the sword is ────!

Yup.

　I picked up the fallen holy sword.

　This guy wasn't the 'Holy Sword Dragon Slayer' anymore.

　When I rewrote his abilities, even his name was changed to something different.





"Holy Sword Dragon Slayer.



"Dragon Activation Lv 1.

The sword that heightens the dragon's life force.



　Increases the life force of the dragon within the area of effect and those connected to the dragon.

　Due to the increased vitality, minor wounds will heal instantly.





Power Singing Lv 1

The sword that 'sings' the 'power' of 'attack' in 'freedom and fun'



　It measures the power of the target's attack and tells you about it with a fun song.

　When your dragon friends use it, it says, "This one's high-powered. Goblins die instantly. The dragon is very impressive!" while singing a song to intimidate the enemy.



It's like a song to intimidate the enemy.

　The cave began to shake.

The Dragon Slayer's Holy Sword has gained new power and is now a blessing to the dragon. There will be no more cursing of my land. And now that the sword has been transformed into something good for the dragon, my power has also been restored a little. I will use its power to destroy the cave. When the holy sword is gone, this half of me must have sensed that my body is gone and he is freed.

Thank you. "Earthgalls.

"I will tell you. I will tell you the location of the ancient Elven city, you are ready!

　The moment she was about to say it, I took out the map from my luggage and unfolded it.

The finger of the "Black Girl" - "Earth Dragon Earth Gulls" pointed to a point on the map.

　That place is outside of the map. North of the recreational area Micheline. It was a place that was about four days' walk away.

He said. Tell the dragon of this age about me. No need for me to leave any records or legends. I don't need to leave any records or lore behind. That is all that matters.

All right. Goodbye. Earthgalls.

Thank you. I'll never forget you.

I'll tell you in song. There's a really sweet dragon in this world.

　Then we turned our backs to the dragon's bones and started running.

'Ladies and gentlemen!　It's like a tremor... aah!

'I'm sorry, Lumiere. Just bear with me for a minute!

　When I got back to the waterway, I picked up Lumia without question.

　Swimming in the narrow channel takes time. It's faster to pick up and run.

　Besides, my legs feel lighter than before.

　Is this──is this the power of the "Dragon Activation" of the "Holy Sword Dragon Goiner"?

The Dragon's Gazetteer increases the life force of the Dragon and the Dragon People.

　I'm the Sea Dragon Warrior and I'm Ilisu's Spirit Bearer. Cecil and Rita are soul bound to me.

　The three of us could be considered to be related to the dragon. That's why "Dragon Activation Lv 1" is affecting us, that's why we're running faster than ever before...!

Nay-kun! Big brother!　Hurry up...!

　Aine and Iris, who had come to the inside of the cave, received Lumia from me.

　As it is, I'm running as fast as I can to the sandy beach.　That was insanely fast!

Iris, I don't know why I'm so full of it. ────!　Hiyahaha, right? ────!

　Thud.

　Iris jumped straight into the water with a lot of energy.

　Well, it's all right. You're a good swimmer, Iris.

"...... What's going on with the cave?

　I turned around and saw that the cave was buried in the rocks.

　Only the mermaid's channel remained. 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls' seemed to have thought it through.

　I knew he was a gentle dragon.

The quest is complete. Nagi-sama...

You're done. Nagi.

　While sitting on the sandy beach, Cecil and Rita laughed.

The 'curse' has also completely disappeared. This is no longer the 'cursed land'. Of course, the 'Holy Sword Dragon Slayer' is also gone. The "Holy Sword Dragon Goyner" is there, but - the nobles and the royal family won't need it. If I offered it to them, they would be offended.

"Wow!　Come on. Lumia-san, you're getting too excited!

'Hahahaha!　It's done!　Everyone, I'll be back!

　Iris and Lumia the mermaid are hugging each other in the sea.

　Leticia, Cutlass and Rafilia are running towards me, probably because I sent them a message that the curse is gone.

　I asked the mermaid Lumia, 'The curse is gone, but what happens to the mermaid now? And then...



They sing until they get bored, and when they get bored, they go somewhere else.



　He replied, "I'm jealous.

　I'm jealous. I'm jealous of your character.

　So we rested on the beach for a while.

　When we had calmed down, we parted ways with Lumia the mermaid. Later, we would return with the mermaid Sonia, along with the holy woman. That's when I'll get the mermaid's hidden treasure.

　There is no sign of enemies around. The Marquis's ship is no longer in sight. There is no sign of him coming back.

　We were relieved to see that the mermaid's ship was no longer in sight.



　I return the silver plate I didn't use to her and report that my quest is complete.

The "rookie training" is over, and you've cleansed and released people.

The identity of the Demon Dragon Dungeon and the Curse.

　A nobleman's quest for the Dragonslayer, the Sacred Sword of the Dragonslayer.

　The fact that I made the dragon's sword, the Holy Sword Dragon Goiner, the sword that makes the dragon healthy.

The Earth Dragon Earthgulls have disappeared with satisfaction. The dungeons are gone.

　I told him about the halves of the Spirit of the Earth Dragon...







"You guys are too much.　I've made too many legends...!

　I was pissed.

'It hasn't even been a week since you asked for the quest!　And yet, it's all been resolved!　You're not afraid to talk to legends and mythical creatures in the first place!　You've solved that problem too, and if you're not good at it, you've changed the world!　How's that?　And you guys are unknown!　You don't do much better than Mr. Delilira, who is called a legendary saint!　Delilah, what are we going to do now...?

I got a clue to the City of Monsters that Our Lady is looking for.

"Let's talk about it later. But first.







"Whoa, whoa, whoa... "I thought I had it in me!

'Iris, I'm not comfortable!　I have a lot of energy...!







I'm going to find the sheath that blocks the power of the 'Holy Sword Dragon Goiner', so you can calm Iris-kun and Ritogon...!　Stop it, stop it, stop them both!　That dungeon is still in the works, so don't rush through it...!



　That's why.

　We split up and found a scabbard with a strong magic-blocking ability from the Saintess's storeroom and attached it to the Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner.

　And then we all shared the information with each other.



「「「「「「「 "'Good job!'" 」」」」」」」



　We decided to stay in the dungeon today, and we continued to talk in a daze (with the saint and Sonia the mermaid) until we fell asleep.