Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm much better now. Thank God.

　After the battle was over, Lean, Inez and Rollo rushed over to me just as I was about to collapse from exhaustion.

　As soon as Leanne saw my condition, she used some kind of healing magic on me, which helped me recover a lot of strength.
　I didn't know what kind of magic it was, but I had recovered enough to be able to move my body.

　This girl is amazing.
　She can do anything.

　When I felt better, I got up from the ground where I was sitting and picked up the black sword.

"Doctor ......?　Are you sure you're okay?　Why don't you get some more rest ......?
I've had enough. I can move now.

　I'd like to eat here if I could, but ...... I can't afford it.
　I don't think I can afford it.

　Around us, soldiers are moving quickly.
　A group of people in white robes, along with a group of people in armor, are going in and out of the stone prison, taking out the imprisoned imperial soldiers one by one, treating their injuries and listening to their stories.

"What do you think, Sig?　Have you heard anything useful?

　I hear a voice talking nearby.
　I looked over and saw that it was the [Mage] instructor and the [Swordsman] instructor.

"Ah... The commander spoke up. It's all the soldiers here. Karou has searched the interior of King's Landing, and reports have come in that there is no longer a hidden threat.
"So I guess this is the end of the rough stuff, then. "Ho ho!

　The sorcerer's instructor is playing with his long beard with his index finger as he says this.

But there was no sign of the emperor. It seems he escaped.
"The Emperor?　What are you talking about?　The emperor?　...... You're telling me that old bastard was here?
"Yes, several prisoners have said so. There's no doubt about it. It's the man in the gold armor.
What a covetous ...... fool, isn't he?　You must have been very confident in your military equipment. ...... You're not very thoughtful for a man who lets his people call him 'the wise emperor'. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.



"Golden armor...?　No way.

　Could it be that old man in the shiny gold armor?
　The two men turned to me, their voices involuntarily breaking out.

"Do you have any idea?
"Yeah. I've seen a strange old man in golden armor.
　The horse he was riding had the same shiny gold armor, and he stood out.

　The sorcerer instructor tilted his head as if he was thinking about something.

"Gilded?　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will help you.
　I see.
　It may not look like much, but it's an excellent piece of equipment with a wide range of uses.
　The only enchantments that can be given to the commander's horse are [Strengthening], [Windproofing], and [Arrow Return]?
　If that's the case, they should have already escaped a long way. What should I do?

"If he escapes to the border, there's no way we can pursue him. If we let him go, he'll regroup and invade again.

That's right. .......
　Once inside the empire, there are several well-equipped military gates and a bridge over a large valley.
　You have to be a member of the Empire to pass through them.

So we give up.

I'm not giving up so easily.
　This is our one chance to hunt down the old bastard.
　But he may have already crossed the border. Unless, of course, you're flying. ......

　The sky.

If you don't have a plan, I don't have a plan. We'll give up the chase and start planning our defenses against the next attack.
Well, that might help.

　An idea occurred to me, and I interrupted them.

"What did you just say?
I said, "If you're talking about flying, we might be able to work something out.

"Hooray!　You're a funny guy, aren't you?
　Speaking of which, who are you?　I don't know, ......?
　I've seen that face before. ...... Oh well.
　How do you think you'll be able to fly?
　I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it, but I'm sure I can.
　You can't just go out and get him all by yourself, can you?



No, maybe we can get as many people flying as we want.

How many?　Is there such a thing as a convenient way?　How fast can you fly?　If they can't keep up, what's the point?

I think it'll be fine. I think he flew pretty fast. Well, that is, if he's still alive.

Him?　Who's that?

　Who...?
　Well, it wasn't a person, and there was no guarantee that it would listen to me, but...

　I stared at Rollo's face, who was right beside me.

I stared at the face of Rollo, who was right beside me. ...... What ......?　...... What? ...... I'm ......?
Maybe I'll be okay. ...... I'll be okay with this girl.

"......What ......?

...... Ho ho?　So tell me, what's your brilliant idea?　I'm sure you'll have a great time.



　I'm not sure.



　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
　It didn't move a muscle, and I thought it was already dead, but when I put my ear to it, its heart was still beating.

　It's still alive.
　If I hurriedly treated him, he might survive.
　So, the [magician] instructor hurriedly brought in the [monk] instructor, and the treatment began immediately.

I've healed many people and animals over the years, but this is the first time I've healed a dragon.

　I have healed many people and animals over the years, but I have never healed a dragon before.

　And then...
　In no time at all, the blackened scales were born anew, the cracked claws and fangs regenerated, and life returned to the dragon.

　That's a hell of a power!
　In the blink of an eye, the dead dragon's body was restored.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that." "That's great ......, but isn't it hard to heal this huge body all by yourself?

　I was a little worried and called out to him.
　I heard from Lean that recovery magic takes a lot of energy.
　In fact, after casting the spell on me, she looked a little tired.
　You can't do everything with magic.

"Master Thane. Would you like me to help you?

"This is nothing, sir. This is my specialty.


　And, Leanne. You overreacted a bit, didn't you?
　Didn't I tell you that the Resurrection technique can shorten your life if you use it carelessly?
　Don't use any more power now. You need to rest.

Yes... I understand.

　Did I put her through something that she shouldn't have?
　I'm sorry...
　Maybe I relied on her too much, thinking she could do anything.

But still...

　The monk instructor put his hand on the dragon's body and turned his head to look at it...
　He smiled and said.

"You've really grown... Noor. Look at you.

What?　What? You think this guy is ...... Noor?
Yeah, it's been a long time. You two look exactly the same.

　Apparently, the monk instructor remembered me.

"I recognized you right away. I recognized you right away. Your face and mood are the same as before.
　I was surprised to find out who was proposing to revive the dying [Demon Dragon of Misfortune], but it was you, wasn't it?
　It's a good idea to have a little bit of time to think about what you're doing and how you're doing it.

"Thane, ...... that's not ...... it?
Yes, I will.

　The monk instructor has the exact same kind smile that I remember from the past.

"Ho ho ......, but you're that knoll. You've grown up.
　I didn't recognize you at all!　Ho-ho!
　How time flies! It's been about ten years since then, hasn't it?

　The sorcerer instructor seems to have remembered me.
　I thought he might have forgotten about me, but ...... I couldn't help but feel happy.

"Oh. It's been 15 years.
　Instructor, I never thought I'd see you again. You're still alive!

"Ho ho ......?　How dare you say such a thing so casually?
　I'm going to be alive and well for another hundred years, remember?


　I'm going to outlive you!　Ho-ho-ho!

"Haha, you're still joking!　But I'm glad to see you're doing so well.

But I'm glad to see you're doing well." "No, no, no, no, ......, I'm not joking.　I'm always serious!　Ho ho!

　The old man smiles happily while rubbing his beard, his pride and joy.
　This expression was also one I knew well.
　I really miss it.

The old man was rubbing his beard and smiling happily.
　I hope I live long enough to be able to see the legend this close up.
　But ...... is it really safe?
　I'm not sure I'd be able to stop this behemoth if it started rampaging again.

　The sorcerer instructor is looking up at the dragon's huge body with a sullen expression.
　I'm not sure I can stop this dragon if it gets out of control.
　I'm not too worried about it though, because I'm sure there are plenty of people here who are much stronger than I am.

　What's more... he's here.

"Don't worry. You've got Rollo.

"...... Rollo......?

　I looked at him and he looked at me.
　But when he met my gaze, his shoulders shook with fear.

"Hou ...... is that a demon boy ......?
Yes. How did you know?

I've been around long enough to know that. ...... So, can you do it?　Rollo and all.

...... I'm not entirely sure, but I'll ...... try!

"......ho......ho......?　You have to be confident. ......?

　The sorcerer instructor looked at me with a blue face.
　I know you're worried, but you don't have to look like that. .......

It's all right, sir. Even though it looks like this, Rolo...

　Suddenly, there was an earth tremor from the bottom of the earth.

　An earthquake.
　That's what I thought at first.

　But no.
　This is the roar of a dragon.
　A low voice echoing from the depths of the earth.



"Be careful... it's almost time for the dragon to regain consciousness.

"Already?　Great." "At ......, Rollo. Please.

　I was going to tell you about Rollo's powers, but that's okay.
　It's much faster if you see it than if I explain it myself.
　See for yourself, and you'll understand.

"Yes...yes...!

　Immediately after, the dragon rises.
　It lifts its massive neck and slams its limbs into the earth, causing it to shake so much that it cannot stand still.
　Then, it pointed its jaws to the sky and roared.
　An angry wail that sounded like an explosion.

　The skin of my entire body shivered.
　At the same time, the earth shook and the sky cried out.

It's big, isn't it?

　The dragon's size felt tremendous even when it was lying on the ground, but it felt even bigger when it stood up.

　The dragon spun its long neck around and turned to face us.
　Its huge, crystal-like eyes seemed to have found a presence at our feet.

　That dragon is watching us.
　That's enough to make me shudder.
　Giant creatures are terrifying. It's an instinctive fear.

　But...

　Rollo was calm in the face of that giant dragon.

...... Good.
　It looks like it's going to listen to me. ......!

　It's a good idea to take a look at the website of the company.

I was taken aback by the boy in front of me who said as a matter of course, "...... Well, ...... that's great .......
"Ho ho ...... really great, this is ...... really great, this is ...... really great... ...

　I'm not sure what to say.

　Well, I knew this would happen.
　I wasn't worried about it at all, but...

　This sight is always amazing.

　That huge dragon is sitting quietly and obediently in front of a small boy, Rollo.

　The dragon bent down and let out a low roar.
　The tone of his voice was similar to the one he had just shouted.
　Somehow, I knew what he meant.

"...... So, you're angry. You're angry with the people who hurt you...

　Because I have lived in the mountains for a long time, I can understand the moods of animals.
　This is the tone of voice they use when they're quietly angry about something...


　It's the feeling you get when someone hurts something important to you and you're trying to get it back.

It's like when you've been hurt by something you care about and you're trying to get it back. ...... Yeah, ...... it looks like that. ...... Oh. I'm also saying thank you. Thank you for fixing me up. ......
I see.

　It is true that in the earth-shaking tone of his voice, you can sense his compassion for us in front of him.
　This dragon may actually not be as ferocious as you think.

I'm not sure what to make of that.　That's great. That's great. ......!　Hey, Rollo and I were wondering if you could translate for us at ......?　I'm sure you could do a lot of research.
"Oken, that's not the right order. First of all, you're welcome.

　The old man's eyes sparkled like a child's as he faced the dragon, and the [monk] instructor smiled quietly and waved.
　They are two contrasting people.

　Suddenly, Roro opens his hand as if to say something.
　Then the dragon clears his throat again.

"......, I knew it, she wants to get back at ....... He wants you to order him to do it. ......

What ...... do you want me to order you to do, ......?　You've got a demon dragon on your hands,......?　Well, that's great. ......!　It's really ...... amazing ......!

"Oh, yeah. Rollo is awesome.
...... No, not ......!　I'm not talking about me. ...... This dragon is talking about Noor...!

　In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to take a look at a few of these.
　He doesn't need to hide himself like that.
　I feel a little guilty.
　Hopefully, one day she'll be able to admit to herself what she's capable of.

So... whoever goes after the old man, get in. We'd better hurry, right?
"Sir, ......?　You mean you're going to ride this dragon?
Yeah, there's plenty of places to ride.

　Leanne looks surprised, but the sorcerer instructor looks happy.

Lean looks surprised, but the sorcerer instructor looks happy.　I wish I could go with you.　I wish I could go with you!
"No, Oaken. You're in charge of the Stone Cage. I can't go with you.


I know. ...... I'm just saying.

"......After all, ......bo, I have to go, too, don't I ......?
......That's what I thought. ......

　Oh no ......, I didn't think that far ahead.
　If Rollo doesn't go, no one will be able to talk to the dragon.
　But you can't put a kid like him in danger.
　What should I do, ......?
　As I was pondering, Inez stepped forward.

"Mr. Linneburg, may I have your permission to accompany you? I would like to escort this child ...... Rollo.
"Yes, of course... I was planning to go anyway.
　Of course you're going.

...... Yeah, ......?　......I'm going to ............?

　...... Wait a minute, wait a minute.
　I was just trying to teach you how to fly, I wasn't planning on going myself. ......?
　No, I can go if I want to.
　You can go if you want to. I was the one who suggested it in the first place, and I can understand why you should go with me.

　But there's one big problem.

　I'm not very good at heights.
　It's not that I'm totally bad at it, but I'm pretty bad at it.
　When I'm on top of a high cliff, I shrink and can't do anything.
　As long as I don't look down, I can manage to move. .......
　To be honest, I'd rather not go up too high.

　But it seems strange to let Rollo, who got involved, go, but not the person who started the whole thing.

　You have no choice but to go to ......?

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.
What are you talking about?　Of course not.　You're the one who suggested it.
...... Yeah, that's right. ......

　Rollo has been looking up at me with an anxious expression.
　...... No choice.

I'll go with you. I'll go with you, okay?
...... Okay, okay, ......!
I'm sorry I got you into this.
I'm sorry I dragged you into this. ...... Yeah, yeah, but I'm ...... trying. ......!

　Really, Rollo is a good and healthy guy.
　I've been involved in a lot of dangerous things because of my selfishness,........

　But if Leanne and Ines are coming, he will probably be fine.


　He says all we have to do is go after the old man and catch him, and we'll have to protect him until then.
　If that strange light comes flying at us, my black sword will stop it.

I'm coming with you.
　I'll go with you. I want to take care of the patient until the end. ...... "Discussion" is our specialty, right?　Hey, Karou?

"...... Don't be like you. I'm not going to scare them off by playing games with them.

　Suddenly, a man dressed in black appeared.
　I wondered if he had been there all this time.
　I hadn't noticed him at all.
　Most of his face was covered by a black mask, but I recognized him.
　It was the [bandit] instructor who had trained me when I was in training.

"Long time no see, Noor. Take me with you.
　I've got their [Concealment Enhancement] grimoire.
　If you're going to fly something this big, you'll need [Concealment].
　The leaner there can use concealment too, but he's this big.
　You'd better be careful.

"Oh, thank you.
Dr. Kallu, ......, please.

Ho ho ...... Inez, Karou, and the young lady ......, it seems that even a small group of people will not be worried?
　We don't have much time, so let's get started...

Wait a minute.

　As we were about to board the dragon's back, a familiar voice came from behind us.

I'll ride with you. We'll need a negotiator.

"Brother?

Leanne, you're safe.

　There was Lean's brother.
　And right behind him...

"Father, thank God you're okay!
"Yeah, I'm glad you're okay. I'm glad you're okay, too.

　While Leanne was happy to see her father again, her brother walked straight towards Inez.

"Inez?
"Inez... What is the penalty for violating an order?

No, it was I who gave the stupid order.
　I'm sorry, Inez.
　I'm glad you're back.
　And thank you, Mr. Nohl... for your help.



Yeah, I shouldn't have been traveling around so much.
　It's a good thing I came back soon.
　But it's not over yet, is it?
　If you're going, you'd better hurry.

"Yes, yes. Father. I'm off.

Yeah. Good luck, Lane.
　I'll leave the wartime decisions and negotiations to you.
　You have a better grasp of our situation now.
　You can let me know the results later.

"Yes.

　And so they all got on the dragon's back.

"...... Okay, ...... fly. Let's go...

　As if in response to Rollo's quiet words, the dragon flapped its wings wide.
　With that, a stormy wind blew through the area.

　In the midst of the dust and debris blown by the strong winds, Lean's father stopped me on the dragon's back.

"Noor...

What is it?

　Lean's father looked me straight in the eye and smiled softly at my scarred and wrinkled face.

"I'm sorry I'm always relying on you, but I need you to take care of them.

"You...?　Yeah, don't worry. I'll be back.

　And with that, the dragon flapped its wings once more...

　I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great idea.






　You're gone.






"He's gone.
"Oh...


　After the giant dragon flew away, a figure emerged from behind a towering wall of rock.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　The two men, called [Sword Saint] Sig and [Shield Saint] Dundargu, stood quietly side by side, staring at the shadows in the sky that were gradually getting smaller.
　After looking at the sky in silence for a while, a hulking man in heavy armor opens his mouth.

"Hey, Sig.
　You're sure that was a good idea?
　I'm sure you'll be glad you didn't talk to ...... Noor.

I don't care.
　It turns out that the boy is alive and well.
　That's all I need to know. ......



"But you were looking for him, weren't you?
　You've been saying all along that it's your fault he's gone, haven't you?

That's what you said, too.

Yeah, well, we all felt the same way at the time. .......
　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.　...... You finally got to meet that guy, didn't you?

"...... Enough. I'm done with that.
Finished?

I'm telling you, we had nothing to do with it.
　We had the audacity to think that we could take in and raise a boy of that caliber (・・・・).
　We had no idea the boy would become the man he is today.

　The two of them looked at the swords and shields scattered all over the place, as well as the wreckage of the magic weapons that were probably the mainstay of the enemy.
　It was hard to believe that a single person could have jumped into the midst of more than ten thousand soldiers and knocked them down in an instant.

"...... Yeah, right.
　In front of him, we [the Six Saints] are nothing...
　Just like old man Oken said, it grew up on its own even if we left it alone.
　And he's so strong... he's like a hero from a fairy tale.
　It's really funny.

　Dundargu shrugged his shoulders and shook his massive body in amusement.

"Dundargu.
　When King's Landing is rebuilt, ...... lend me a hand.
　I'm going to have to start training from scratch.
　I'm going to have to start from scratch.

　The man's face was serious as he spoke quietly with his hand on his sword at his hip.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. You're not going to be a challenger at your age, are you?
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a little nervous about this.

The path of the sword has no end...
　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　From now on, if I don't work hard, that man will always leave me behind.

...... Is that it?　I haven't seen it firsthand, but ......

Yeah.
　I am now deeply ashamed of my own negligence.
　I'm really ashamed of my laziness right now, I shouldn't have thought I could teach others anything.

　I'm really ashamed of my laziness right now.
　This is a gesture that Dundargues, who has known the man for a long time, knows he makes when he is in a good mood.

"You look quite... happy for that.

　At this point, the man who doesn't smile often lifts the corners of his mouth wide.

"Of course. After what you've seen.



　The huge man's face broke into a smile, which was extremely rare.

"Well... I guess you're right.
　I'm sure you're right.

　The two of them stood shoulder-to-shoulder, watching the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune] disappear into the distance...
　The two of them stood there, shoulder to shoulder, watching the dragon disappear into the distance.