Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 268 "Risir, are you alright!?" The elves immediately ran towards Risir after subduing the Nad'ga. He had been sent flying outside the tent by the Nad'ga's attack. "Good heavens..." As the elves approached Risir, their expressions gradually became serious. They followed the exact path where Risir had been sent flying, and the traces of the attack remained clearly along that path. Not physical traces like scraped or broken ground. The remnants of the power that had been contained in the attack. Just by feeling it indirectly, the elves felt a sensation on their skin as if being crushed by enormous pressure while simultaneously being torn apart. Some elves unconsciously came to a stop. Thus, a strike containing the full power of the Nad'ga, a being of superior Status, inspires fear and awe through its traces alone. Some other elves felt similar fear and awe but went beyond that to feel even greater anger. "Even if it were me-" Lunadien, who had put herself in Risir's situation, contorted her expression. She easily envisioned herself suffering fatal injuries from the Nad'ga's sudden surprise attack. She even had such doubts. With this level of power, why did she choose such a foolish method? If it had been the Nad'ga before temporarily losing her Status by exercising Divine Authority, she could have easily pressured the expedition with that power. "She must have thought that if she just eliminated Risir, she could manipulate the situation as she pleased." In fact, the answer to that question was simple. As Karoer said, the Nad'ga had conviction. The conviction that even if she recklessly subdued Risir, her actions would be understood! It was an arrogant yet justified way of thinking possible for a Nad'ga who, as an avatar of beauty, received the respect of all races. However. This time the situation was bad. The elves were a race that would burn themselves along with the World Tree if the entire continent sought to burn it. The elves' steps toward Risir became both urgent and heavy. "Ah, I'm- I'm fine!" Fortunately, Risir's condition was not as serious as they had worried. No. Rather, he was so unharmed beyond what they had hoped that it was bewildering. Even Ratsil, who had immediately run to support him, was surprised. "Actually, I had approached with this kind of reaction in mind from the beginning. I thought that one would act righteously the moment I provided an excuse." At Risir's explanation, they retraced the situation from that time. When the Nad'ga took something from her bosom and tried to unleash power, Risir had urgently rushed in to stop it. It clearly looked like he had been flustered and caught up in the Nad'ga's sudden action. But in fact, he had induced the attack while completely prepared to defend. "Why such reckless behavior...?" "In that situation, I thought it was the best strategy to put the Nad'ga at a disadvantage." "..." The elves looked at that young human with weary expressions. A character that wouldn't be out of place for a Hero's Revival. The cunning to casually deploy Assassination Sword Techniques or schemes like an old noble with a gentle and harmless atmosphere. How could those two things coexist? Sometimes it raised questions beyond Magic Swordsmanship. "You predicted all of this in that short time? Even that we would help you?" "Ah, no matter what, I didn't think that far ahead. I thought you would intervene, but I never expected you to suddenly launch projectiles..." Risir defended himself with all his strength. Even so, it was insufficient to offset all the impact generated by the Nad'ga's power. "If this friend hadn't helped, I wouldn't have been as unharmed as I am now." Risir pointed to the dragonkin girl beside him- Alenza. "The moment I was attacked, I felt this friend's power protecting me." "..." When the elves' gazes focused on her, Alenza bowed her head and hid behind Risir. The terrible power of dragons. Because she thought she would be held responsible for using it carelessly. "Then, I express my gratitude to you." "Eh?" "Thank you for protecting Risir." Karoer bowed to the dragon. Following that, the other elves also bowed toward her. "What, what's this, why are you doing this...?" Alenza was startled and checked her own body. What? Don't I look like a dragon right now? That's not right? My horns, wings, tail, everything is clearly visible from using my power? The dragonkin girl couldn't stay still as others' kindness was extremely unfamiliar to her. "..." Risir, who had been watching them, smiled. He judged that the influence of the Nad'ga's curse had weakened, at least for the elves in this place. The evidence was the elves' behavior of showing respect to the dragon after helping him, despite the Nad'ga's manipulation. 'With this momentum...' It's a good flow. Risir spoke to the elves to make it more certain. "Everyone, may I ask one thing amid this confusion? Lord Karoer?" "I'm fine, so ask without hesitation." "Thank you. Then... could you tell me how you feel right now? If possible, your condition as well-" "May I ask the intention of your question?" "Ah! Well, I don't know if you all felt it too- but you are in a state of having awakened from being dominated by the Nad'ga's curse." "Curse..." "That's right. You will remember that the Nad'ga incited you to call me a demon. In fact, that was her curse. She made you believe I was a demon. But- as you know, you broke free from that curse and helped me." "..." "Lord Karoer? Everyone?" Risir felt something was off about the elves' reaction. Soon. Karoer, who had exchanged glances with the elves, spoke. "Risir. I'm sorry, but I can't follow the story. So. Is what you're saying this? That you're actually not a demon?" "..." Now Risir exchanged glances with Alenza. He spoke carefully to the elves. "Everyone. Do you perhaps think I'm a demon?" "...Then, if you're not a demon, what are you?" "..." That wasn't all. Risir noticed that several elves were repeatedly glancing sideways to check on the Nad'ga's condition. They seemed to be worried about the aftermath that would occur from the elves' conflict with the Nad'ga. "Good heavens..." Risir unconsciously sighed. Contrary to expectations, the elves still seemed to be under the influence of the curse. In their minds, the Nad'ga was still a great race. And himself- "Then why-" "Hmm?" "Why did you help me, a demon, instead of the Nad'ga?" The elves answered without a moment's hesitation. "Because it's you." It was a word with truly many meanings implied. The elves' unwavering eyes gazed at Risir. "You, what did you really do to the elves...?" A demon, the incarnation of evil. A trust stronger than the rejection toward them. The dragon girl looked at the human with fearful eyes. "..." Risir felt a mild headache. Was it a mistake to think the situation was being resolved? 'That curse... just how powerful is it?' The Nad'ga's curse. The depth and mystery of the power that comprised it easily exceeded his expectations. 'In a way, it's natural... since it's the power that brought down none other than the dragons...' Risir's gaze, feeling frustrated, naturally turned toward the fallen Nad'ga. Hera. Near her, an unidentified object resembling a platinum egg had fallen. "Alenza. Do you know what that is?" "Of course I know. The Nad'ga's relic called 'Shell'. The source of the curse." Alenza had dreamed of nothing but finding that relic and destroying the curse for a long time. The reptilian pupils looking at the Shell gleamed with strange light. "As expected." Risir confirmed once again that his intuition was correct. The end of the curse. The normalization of perception. The answer would be in that relic. The only answer. "Lord Karoer. I intend to take that Nad'ga's possession, would that be alright?" "...Subduing the Nad'ga was possible because they crossed the line first." "You're saying that the moment I take the Nad'ga's relic, I would be the one crossing the line." "That's right. If this becomes known to the world, many will rise up. The Nad'ga. They were once great Guardians who sacrificed themselves to protect the harmony and peace of the continent. If this goes wrong... the entire world might become hostile to us." "..." Karoer's words shook Risir's resolve. 'Not just me, but all the elves...' Karoer asked once more. "Risir. Are you certain? Are the Nad'ga truly deceivers who blind the world's eyes with curses?" "..." Risir nodded. "Yes. They are usurpers who stole the position of true guardians." "And who are these true guardians?" "The dragons." "W-wait...!" Alenza unconsciously stopped them. It had been a good flow, but mentioning the name of dragons had ruined everything. It was something she didn't want to admit, but in the current situation, there was nothing good about mentioning dragons. 'Wouldn't it have been better to vaguely generalize here-...' The elves' subsequent gazes proved that fact. There was contempt that couldn't be completely hidden. It was a situation countless dragons had experienced throughout history. They too had collaborators. Good people who, despite being dominated by the curse, showed understanding and respect to dragons who were objects of hatred. They appealed to the world on behalf of dragons. However, the answer that came back each time was the same. Dragons. That evil being had bewitched the target. Dragons were such powerful beings, and at the same time, hideous beings. "..." The elves also reached that possibility and showed anxiety. But that was only for a moment. "Yes." They nodded. Karoer spoke. "If that is your truth... we too shall regard it as truth." The truth got through. "..." Alenza covered her mouth. Those cold and sharp eyes pitifully shed tears. *** [Title: Are dragons originally like this?] Content: Isn't dragon form = serious mode? But Alenza < this one won't go into dragon form even if she dies -: It's not that she won't, but that she can't -: She's dragonkin yeah -: Ah, Jung Pyeongtaek of dragonkin? -: It's Ansan though -[Author]: Dragonkin? What, is it different from dragons? -: Dragon+human hybrid is dragonkin yeah -: No shit, really? That's crazy -: What's with the fuss Is it that surprising -: For real, weren't there some hints that Alenza wasn't a pure dragon? -: No, not that Dragon + human hybrid, is that even possible? -: Ah geez Obviously they would have done it in human form -: Ah I see lol -: Why is that obvious? (E/N: Asking the real question) -: ? -: I prefer non-human form though? -: (not human emoticon) -: You have awakened, come to the beastkin board -[Author]: But this is strange Pure-blooded dragons are so ashamed of their identity that they grit their teeth and hide it, but why is this one, who isn't even pure-blooded, shouting "Dragon Great Again" and ruining her life? -: Looking at the inner description It's rather because she's dragonkin yeah. Her existence is proof that someone acknowledged and loved dragons, so she should have pride -[Author]: Ah ok, that kind of feeling -: Then wouldn't it work to show Alenza the beastkin board? -: Are you a genius? -[Author]: Why is that genius? *** "Dragon... no, you said Alenza. Alenza. Do you know how to destroy this relic? I mean, this relic's power-" At Karoer's question, Alenza's expression hardened. If she had known that, she wouldn't have suffered such humiliation until now. "Wait! Stop! You mustn't come in!" "It would be better not to stop us, since we sensed something wrong with Lady Hera from here." Then. A commotion arose outside the tent. The instigators of the commotion ignored the guards at the entrance and stubbornly entered the tent. They were the followers of the Nad'ga Hera. "Lady Hera!!!" They seemed to already be certain of Hera's misfortune, as they didn't panic and immediately approached her. "..." Hmm. Karoer and the other elves let out heavy sighs. As expected. The situation they had worried about unfolded immediately. "Guardian Karoer! Star of the Garden Lunadien! Don't tell me you attacked Lady Hera!?" Should they indeed be called Nad'ga. The composition of her followers was far from ordinary. Recalling the reputation they had heard during their first encounter, Karoer closed her eyes tightly. Individually, their fame and power couldn’t compare to the great Guardian or the Star of the Garden. However, they were undoubtedly figures renowned across the continent. What would happen if they, who had gathered from all over the continent to follow the Nad'ga, scattered again to all parts of the continent. Along with the news that the elf expedition, which was currently the talk of the world, had attacked the Nad'ga. "I am Ares ye Dibrian! I formally demand an explanation from you!" Among them, he was the person who troubled the elves the most. The second son of the Great Noble house Dibrian. Originally, he had set out leading a Knight Order to handle family affairs, but during the journey, he encountered the Nad'ga and joined their group. Though he wasn't a follower of the Nad'ga, as a member of a Great Noble house bloodline, he had proper respect for the Nad'ga as guardians of the continent. The Nad'ga's followers including the Dibrian Knight Order. If they set their minds to it, they could join Hera and settle matters here before spreading news of the elves' evil deeds across the continent. A hair-trigger situation where both sides could suffer near-annihilation. "Lady Hera! Come to your senses!" In such a situation, a Healer included in the follower group worsened the situation. When he used the power of Healing, the Nad'ga awakened. "...!" The Nad'ga, who had been briefly dazed, immediately regained her senses. A 'gasp!' sound leaked from her mouth. The Shell. She confirmed that the Nad'ga's relic was in the hands of a detestable human. Risir. He had taken it beforehand, predicting that the situation would become complicated. "Ares!!!" Hera acted the part of a startled beauty and clung to that Great Noble house's knight. "Risir, that one attacked me and stole my relic and slave!!!" "What do you mean- please explain in detail!" "He joined hands with that detestable dragon, bewitched the elves, attacked me, and stole the Nad'ga's relic!!!" "...!" Ares, who confirmed the wounds on Hera's face, immediately drew his sword. Sling! Sling! Taking that as a signal, everyone in the area entered combat stance. "Guardian Karoer! Star of the Garden Lunadien! What is the meaning of this! Joining hands with a dragon to attack the Nad'ga!!!" "..." Karoer and Lunadien showed their distress through their respective actions, such as biting their lips. Risir. Since it was his will, they were following for now, but they couldn't muster the courage to persuade them. As the elves hesitated, the followers began to pressure them even more. "W-wait a moment!!!" Then, the Nad'ga shouted. "Ares! Calm down! The elves are merely being manipulated by that evil dragon and human! We must not be hostile to them! We must help them!" "Lady Hera...!" Such generous treatment toward those who attacked her. An even stronger light shone in the eyes of the followers looking at the Nad'ga. "Guardian Karoer! Star of the Garden Lunadien! Tell us! Why!? Why do you believe that human's words over mine!?" Hera, backed by that momentum, pressed the elves. In the end, they had no choice but to answer, even knowing the other party wouldn't listen. "Risir. He is the Mother of World Tree." "..." A moment of silence flowed through the area- "What, what-" "Are you speaking with a sane mind?" "Hey, Holland. Did I hear correctly? The elf just looked at that man and said-" "Mother of World Tree... that's what they said for sure." The followers began to stir. "As expected..." "Lady Hera?" By now, Hera's suspicion had become certainty. She realized the reason why the elves had taken the human's side between the Nad'ga and the human. She shared her realization with the followers. "Everyone! You must have seen! The elves are not in their right minds right now!!! It's all because that human- no, demon is controlling their minds!!!" "A, a demon!?" That's right. A demon. Hera believed that the Mental Interference of that transcendent being was controlling the elves. Otherwise, it couldn't be explained why the elves would help him despite recognizing Risir as a demon. "..." The panicked reaction of the elves gave even more strength to Hera's assumption. The elves under the curse's control were denying it on the surface, but deep inside they believed Risir was a demon and were confused by that fact. "Armien!!! Rapion, Dola, Muradin!" """Yes, Lady Hera!!!""" The followers responded to the Nad'ga's call. They were vassals who had directly received Divine Authority from the Nad'ga. "Prepare the ritual! The Eyes that See Through!!!" "The Eyes that See Through...!!!" Karoer and Lunadien showed shock. It was a lost ancient magic- A magic that could discern truth from falsehood. The Nad'ga and followers completed that massive ritual in an instant. A fierce gale arose and the tent was swept into it. A giant eye appeared at the location. A giant eye that could even penetrate the essence of transcendent beings- "Kyahahahahahahaha!!!" Within the swirling whirlwind created by the gale, the Nad'ga's 'beautiful' laughter echoed like background music. The elves' bewilderment grew moment by moment, and accordingly, Hera's conviction became even more solid. She was already anticipating her victory. "Risir!!! Evil being!!!" The Nad'ga called the name of that 'demon'. "Tell me! Are you really the father of the World Tree!?" "...Yes, I am." !!! Those giant eyes stared directly at Risir. It was proof that his words were not true. Thus, it was the moment when the full truth of all events was about to be revealed. "Ah, no!!! Wait!" Risir urgently shouted. *** [Title: So what's the method to destroy the 'Shell'?] Content: Caught Alenza and even caught the Nad'ga but it's not coming out till the end Is it just ending like this? Dragons continue to be ugly bastards And Nad'ga continue to be beautiful and noble bastards? -: That gets revealed later after the Nad'ga dies They say the Nad'ga just needs to reboot -[Author]: Reboot? -: Yeah The power of that relic is based on the Nad'ga's minds So if you cause serious cognitive dissonance in the Nad'ga The system reboots itself and the settings get reset yeah *** The Nad'ga Hera. She couldn't understand what had happened. Suddenly the penetrating gaze withdrew its attention from the human. "I'll say it again! I am not the father of the World Tree but the mother!" This happened when that human corrected his own words. "That's why the elves trust me!!!" The Nad'ga repeatedly checked if the ritual had gone wrong. The ritual was functioning normally. Then why? Even while that human was spouting nonsensical gibberish, the focus of the Eyes that See Through wouldn't correct itself. What that meant was one thing. "L-Lady Hera!!! Something's wrong!!! There's a problem with the ritual-" The followers were confused, but that was all. As they say, you see as much as you know. "..." Hera was different. She fully understood what the current situation meant. Hera's pupils shook violently. Shaking, shaking, and shaking again. The Nad'ga. The world of that being of superior Status was shaking. "Huh!?" Risir looked down at his hand in surprise. Crack! The Shell split in half and revealed an empty interior. That was the moment. "...Kyaak!?" The followers who had been staring at Hera seeking answers recoiled in shock. "Human... Mother of World Tree... human male... World Tree's... mother..." Unfocused pupils. A lost voice. Disintegrating sentences. The Nad'ga Hera. Today, the world of that being of superior Status collapsed. The altered thoughts began to return to their proper place.