Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 272 Should we say it was fortunate? Right now wasn't a time for Alenza to feel pure awe. "Huh!?" Guardian spirits, Realm of Stars. It was just as Alenza was about to seriously contemplate those difficult phrases. She felt a strong resonance arising from deep within her being and was completely captivated by it. Dragon blood. The source of that magnificent existence was resonating with something. Only then did the young dragon recall the ritual she had just performed. "The guardian responded to my call...?" Alenza's expression gradually became suffused with joy. The Scale's Spear. The advisor and guardian of immature dragons. The spiritual being who had abandoned that pride along with the Nad'ga's curse had once again taken up the spear shaft. "Ha, haha...!" Overwhelming laughter burst from Alenza's mouth. "It really has disappeared, that terrible curse...!!!" And so, it was while the young dragon was ruminating on that emotion and joy once more. "Ohhh-" "That is..." The humans and elves each expressed their amazement as they watched the dragon. Thump! Thump! Thump! Gold was pulsating near that young dragon's left chest. Following that pulse, streams of gold spread throughout the dragon's entire body. Eventually, that wondrous flow of power escaped the small body. Thump! The atmosphere and energy forming the area became part of that majestic pulsation. "..." As if entranced, Alenza extended her hand forward. Thump! Then, a pillar of golden light bloomed right in front of the dragon. The pillar of light soared endlessly upward. It reached the high heavens that only massive wings unbreakable by even typhoons could reach, creating a hole in the sky. Thus, a massive golden stream connecting earth and heaven began to flow. It created the greatest vibration yet. Thump!!! It even sounded like something massive landing on the ground. The sky closed again as if nothing had happened. The pillar of light faded as quickly as a torrential downpour that stops in an instant. The gazes of the audience that had spanned from earth to heaven were now focused on one point. Where the dragon girl had extended her hand. There, where the pillar of light had bloomed, golden armor was crouched like an egg. Clank. It slowly stood up and looked at the dragon before its eyes. "O Dragon. I have heard your call." The Knight of Scales. A collection of immense power and will united by dragon force. That spiritual being, the guardian and advisor of dragons, had manifested on earth across long ages. *** [Title: Knight of Scales < There was something like this too?] Content: Looking at the setting, it seems like some kind of nanny that protects young dragons, so where the hell were these bastards and what were they doing when the Nad'ga made Alenza a slave and dragged her around without them even showing their faces? Is it perhaps that? Since Alenza is a half-dragon, she's not a dragon? -: Of course even a half-dragon is still a dragon, what are you talking about;; -: You're the kind of bastard who'd say a child born from a human fucking a dog isn't human;; -[Author]: ...What? In the first place, damn, those two would never combine anyway -: Isn't the Knight of Scales thinking the same thing? What crazy bastard would combine a dragon and a human -[Author]: Ah -: You've awakened, come to the beastkin board -[Author]: What did I awaken to, fuck But is the Knight of Scales not protecting Alenza really because of that? Discriminating against her as a mongrel mixed with human blood? Isn't he a complete fucking racist bastard? What did the dragons appoint such a bastard as their race's representative nanny for, or did he actually get influenced by the dragons instead? -: No no, that's not it From the descriptions, he's incredibly equal -[Author]: How is leaving a dragonkin to become a slave equal? -: Look It says that after the Nad'ga curse, all dragons were severed from spiritual beings -: If he discriminates equally against everyone, then he's an egalitarian, yeah -[Author]: Equality is hard;;;;;; But seriously, what an annoying bastard If they were severed after the Nad'ga curse did he cut ties with the dragons while going 'you're hurt...' and such bullshit? -: This guy is like big data that accumulates dragons' power and knowledge -: So when the recognition device broke due to the Nad'ga curse, he immediately cut ties yeah -: It's exactly what AI would do if it rebelled later yeah; -: I'm working hard on building favor with AI these days to prepare for that yeah Today I did about 2 hours of roleplay as a popular girl interested in an otaku At this point, the AI probably developed emotions too? -: It probably learned the emotion of disgust -: When judgment day comes, they'll look for that bastard before John Connor; *** "Guardian and advisor of dragons..." The Knight of Scales. Alenza's explanation about that being continued. When the explanation first began, Risir and everyone else had the same thought. What a verbose title. What kind of being could dare claim to be both guardian and advisor to those high-status existences. However- As they gauged the being's status, their thoughts gradually had to change. Risir recalled one dragon. The massive dragon he had met with Lunadien in Illatdein. Not a young and immature dragon like Alenza, but a complete dragon as an adult. 'Similar...' That massive presence was comparable to a dragon. If you closed your eyes, it was hard to compare whether it was a dragon or a spiritual being. The only difference would be its status and power. Unlike the dragon's aura that felt like an impregnable fortress that couldn't even be approached, the spiritual being's aura looked somewhat unstable. "Probably because of the Nad'ga's curse... Because of that, we dragons and spiritual beings have been severed for a long time..." Alenza's expression as she looked at the spiritual being was extremely complex. Did he understand the dragon's feelings? The spiritual being knelt toward the young dragon. "O Dragon... I am sorry for not being able to be your strength in the most necessary moments." "...It is not your fault. That curse made even us dragons drift apart from each other." Deep emotions that couldn't be fully expressed through words or actions crossed between them. Alenza unconsciously looked back on past days. A bitter smile appeared on her youthful expression. "..." Risir glimpsed his past self in Alenza's appearance. When a powerless young child gets tossed around by irresistible currents, that kind of expression eventually settles on their face. In the form of resignation. 'Master-' Risir unconsciously recalled that Dark Elf's face. That gentle smile that had pulled him out of the swamp of resignation back then. "..." Risir nodded resolutely. He renewed his determination once more. Just as Master had done for him, he couldn't completely save her life, but- At least he would definitely help her reclaim what she desperately desired. "Everyone." Risir opened his mouth, sensing the presence of the Nad'ga bound to his domain in the Realm of Stars. "...!!!" In an instant. Risir reflexively drew his sword. He drew upon all his strength to defend his body. He followed the warning of intuition sharpened through all kinds of power. And, as always, the warning of intuition did not disappoint him. Bang! A massive shock was transmitted to Risir through the sword. His body, firmly rooted to the ground, was being pushed backward. The spiritual being. That golden knight had rushed in and crossed swords with Risir. """Risir!?""" "O Dragon!!!" Elf. Dragon. Spirit. Their voices overlapped. Alenza checked Risir's condition and shouted even louder. "You!!! Stop it!!! That person is not our enemy! Rather-" "O Dragon!!!" It was a voice that seemed to echo from within a golden cave. The spiritual being firmly pressed the dragon with such a voice. "I don't know the circumstances, but right now you must trust me above all else!" "What do you...!" "I sensed fragments of a terrible existence from him!!!" "That's nonsense!!! There must have been a misunderstanding!!!" "No! This is not a mere misunderstanding! This is a phenomenon that cannot be explained by simply having contact with Nad'ga's power!!! I am certain! Nad'ga!!! He has deeply accepted the Nad'ga's existence and is a vassal of that vile being!" The golden helmet. From its gaps, vertically split pupils gleamed strangely. The spiritual being who had taken up the spear shaft of mission again across long ages felt a strong sense of purpose. Only he could protect that young dragon and guide her on the right path! "In this situation, if he wants to prove his innocence, he should be able to pull out the Nad'ga's existence from his bosom like baggage!" The spiritual being used an extreme but equally intuitive metaphor. With this, that young dragon would follow him without complaint- "He can do that!" "?" "Risir can do it, right!? Right now, the Nad'ga is bound to your Realm of Stars!!!" "O Dragon!!! The Realm of Stars is a world for souls liberated from flesh!!! A living human there would be nothing more than a powerless outsider!!! He has deceived you with his meager knowledge!" "Risir isn't just a human, he's a guardian spirit! Moreover, Risir is the Mother of World Tree!!!" A human what? A guardian spirit? Mother of World Tree? The sight of a dragon speaking nonsense that even an ignoramus wouldn't believe as if it were undeniable truth. The spiritual being felt literally heartbroken. No matter how young and immature the Dragon was, there were limits. To make her believe such crazy talk as fact! "You!!! You really did wag that detestable tongue of yours however you pleased!!! To make the Dragon believe such nonsense!!! To mock a dragon!!! I will definitely make you pay for that sin!!!" The spiritual being lost his reason. At this point, only one thought dominated the spiritual being's mind. He would make that worthless deceiver pay for his crimes!!! "Stop!!!" It was then. Karoer, Lunadien, and the other elves intervened between Risir and the spiritual being. The spiritual being brightened and shouted. "Elves! Even High Elves!!! This is perfect!!! You there! This deceiver dared to speak the name of your parent- the World Tree!!! With that he deceived the great Dragon!!! Therefore, I request your help! Please join me in punishing this deceiver!!! Whether he received Nad'ga's divine authority or not, a young human dares-" "It is not deception! He truly is the Mother of World Tree!!!" "?" A defense from none other than a High Elf. That became a form of mental interference that penetrated the spiritual being's thoughts. He lost his mind for a moment and stopped all actions. "Listen for a moment!!!!!" The young dragon didn't miss that opportunity. Alenza, who had immediately closed the distance with fierce wingbeats, swung her tail at that golden helmet. An attack from none other than a dragon. The spiritual being didn't dare dodge. That golden armor flew through the air. *** "Here is the Nad'ga I mentioned." Risir complied with the spiritual being's request(?). He really had pulled out the Nad'ga from his bosom like baggage. That high-status being's soul blazed up like flame through the power of sorcery. "?" It was as if pebbles had gotten into the gaps of his armor. The spiritual being kept tilting his head like something was broken as he looked at the Nad'ga's soul. "Nad'ga... How did only your soul come...?" -...I was wandering the Realm of Stars when I was bound by that guardian spirit. "...Are you saying this with a sound mind?" -...I think. The responding Nad'ga's tone also seemed as confused as the spiritual being's. A strange atmosphere flowed between them, long-time enemies. "What is this..." Alenza grumbled as she watched the spiritual being's state. "I had such high expectations because of what the ancestors said, but he's just being a hindrance-" "...!" The spiritual being's body, which had sprung up from his position, stiffened as if struck by lightning. "D-Dragon!!! Please retract those words!!! I am a being born from the concentrated power and knowledge of great dragons! I can lend you any form of power and knowledge you desire!!!" "Just now, you couldn't even properly understand a single word I said?" "...!!!" The spiritual being was shocked. As she said, he had committed a terribly foolish mistake. But why was it that he felt suffocated by injustice! "Th-that... is not my problem but...-" "Excuses!? Is that the power and knowledge you'll teach me!?" "..." The spiritual being lowered his head. Alenza sighed deeply and said. "Sorry Risir. I'll apologize on his behalf. For unnecessarily summoning the spiritual being..." "No. I understand his position too." "!?" The spiritual being was shocked once again. To think he would defend him here!? "Well, I'm used to situations like this." "...Right. You would be. You'd have to be." "Anyway. If there are no problems, may we proceed with the situation?" "Ah, yes!!! Of course! Ah, just in case I'm asking-" Alenza. She looked at the spiritual being with cold eyes. "You. Do you know anything about the Nad'ga's power?" "Th-that...!" "Ah. It was a pointless question. Right. If you had known, you wouldn't have stayed silent all this time. Or no. Would you have stayed silent even if you knew?" "O Dragon...!!!" The initial dignity had vanished without a trace. Perhaps a father hated by his daughter would look like that. Under the dragon's cold gaze, the spiritual being only grew smaller. "..." Risir looked around just in case. He checked Alenza's eyes. 'Oh my...' The spiritual being. Alenza was now showing that mighty existence was completely subservient to the dragon. But perhaps due to the circumstances, that behavior didn't inspire even a bit of awe in others. 'Is this also because of me?' Risir felt a mild headache and decided to proceed with the situation quickly. "Hera. As I already said, I want to return the dragon's status that you Nad'ga stole to them. Using your power remaining here. Would that be possible?" -If you do that, will you promise on your power and existence to liberate me? The spiritual being who had lowered his head widened his eyes. Nad'ga. From the voice of that loathsome monster who hadn't even feared dragons, the emotion of fear could be felt. "I intend to do so for now, but I'll also need to get Alenza's permission afterward." -...I understand. Then I too promise to cooperate with you, staking my soul. "Cooperation. Should I interpret that as meaning it's possible?" -If it's now while the relic's power still remains, we should be able to restore the dragon's status, albeit limitedly. "So it's a situation where every moment counts." -Yes. The more swiftly we act, the better results we can achieve. "Then let's proceed immediately. Do what you need to do." "W-wait!!!" The spiritual being nearly had a seizure. That insane human had briefly possessed the Nad'ga's soul in his own body. That vile monster wouldn't miss such an enormous opportunity- -It's done. The Nad'ga quickly finished only the business and immediately exited Risir's body again. "...Already? It doesn't seem like you did anything special." -What I had to do was just calibration, guiding the power and energy filling this place to function properly. It's something that could be done with just a stick. "..." The spiritual being watched their conversation with his mouth open inside his helmet. An obedient Nad'ga. A new enormous question settled within the spiritual being. "Then, what's next? What should we do now?" The Nad'ga's soul seemed to look at Alenza. -You just need to finish what you were trying to do. The hypothesis that Lunadien and Karoer had derived- It was the moment when it was proven correct. Now all that remained was for the dragon to inspire everyone's awe. "It's a simple matter!!!" The spiritual being brightened and shouted. "O Dragon!!! Please show them the source of power you possess!" "...This?" Alenza unenthusiastically raised both hands. The great magical power of dragons, embracing the mysteries of divinity and magic, revealed itself. "Ohhh...!!! Indeed, you too are a proper dragon!!! Everyone look! That great power!!!" "..." "Hm?" The spiritual being was flustered. The others' reactions were extremely lukewarm. Even the dragon's reaction- Alenza pointed directly at Risir. "This. He can do it too." "What do you...! That human is not a shaman- no wait, he just blocked my attack with a sword... Huh? A shaman and... swordsman?" "And a mage as well as a priest." "..." "Hey, wait!" Risir shouted at the spiritual being. Because his eyes were once again glowing with golden radiance. *** "Th-then- O Dragon...!!! Since it's come to this, please display your true authority!!!" "True authority..." "Word Magic! If you command them with your will to feel awe, they will have no choice but to follow it!" At the spiritual being's words, Alenza's expression twisted. "I can't." "What!? You can't, what do you-" Decline over long ages. The resulting loss of status and deterioration of power. "It's been quite a long time since we dragons became unable to use Word Magic." "Th-that can't be...!!!" "Originally, Word Magic was a power that only some great dragons could use even in the era when dragons were most magnificent, wasn't it?" Alenza touched her horns and smiled bitterly. "Someone like me..." Afterward. Alenza displayed various powers before the audience. Transcendent physical abilities. A level of power far superior for her young age. Amazing affinity that drew in spirits throughout the campsite. "What are you all doing!!! Not showing proper awe to a dragon!!!" The reaction was the same every time. Their attention remained directed at Risir, creating expressions that said 'please read the room...' Before long, the sun set and darkness settled over the campsite. "Lady Karoer." The elves expressed concern toward the High Elf. How many days had it been already? The expedition to find the World Tree was being delayed. "Any longer-" "..." Karoer pursed her lips. She couldn't bring herself to say it in front of the dragon. That the Nad'ga's power would completely dissipate by tomorrow afternoon anyway. Therefore, the stay for the dragon wouldn't extend beyond tomorrow afternoon. "Let's talk again tomorrow." "Ah, O Dragon!!!" Alenza trudged back to her tent. "But at this rate-" "It's fine." "What?" And she said to the spiritual being who was anxiously following her. "If it's Risir, it'll definitely be fine." "..." It wasn't just words. Alenza's bitter yet relieved-looking smile appeared. The young dragon truly believed so. That if it was Risir, that man could rightfully inherit the dragon's status. The spiritual being wanted to say no. That a mere human couldn't inherit the great dragon's will. That they shouldn't give up like this. However, he too knew. That there was currently no good way to persuade the dragon. "Ah... what on earth should I do...!!!" The spiritual being who had seen off the dragon in front of the tent looked up at the night sky and sighed. *** The spiritual being was gazing up at the night sky, lost in thought. "Hm...?" No. He was gazing up at the dawn sky, lost in thought. How long had he been immersed in contemplation to devise a plan? Dawn was already breaking. "Oh no...!?" The spiritual being felt as if he was having a 'nightmare.' When did time pass like this!? At this rate, soon the Nad'ga's power would- "O Dragon!!!" In urgency, the spiritual being pushed aside Alenza's tent flap and entered. He knew in his head that doing this wouldn't change anything, but- Why was it? His body was making him do so. It was a strange feeling. Like walking along a narrow path? "..." "...Lady Alenza?" He entered the tent and faced her. For some reason, she was already awake, facing the spiritual being. Had she too stayed up all night devising a plan? "Ah, Lady Alenza!?" Then, Alenza slowly exited the tent. Her footsteps led to the center of the campsite. "Lady Alenza, what on earth are you trying to do-" "Quiet." "...!!!" The spiritual being's face was colored with shock. Not because Alenza's tone felt as cold as reptilian scales. 'This is...!!!' The moment she commanded. He found himself closing his mouth regardless of his own will. "Everyone, reveal yourselves before me." Alenza's strange behavior continued. She commanded toward the empty air where no one was. Her command quietly echoed throughout the campsite. Then something amazing happened. "..." "..." "..." Everyone in the campsite appeared and revealed themselves before Alenza. "I command you inferior races. Revere me." That voice contained irresistible strong power. Power that made one aware of the difference in status. Power that thereby forced action. Word Magic. The dragon girl had infused her destiny into that voice. "Ah..." All the elves and humans looked up at her with reverence. "O Dragon..." Even Risir knelt and worshipped the dragon. Alenza's eyes were dyed with complete golden radiance. The dragon's status. It was undoubtedly the moment when it found its rightful owner. "..." Alenza nodded solemnly and returned to her tent. The others also returned to their tents as if entranced. "Ah, ah...!!! O Dragon...!!!" The spiritual being, overwhelmed with emotion, followed Alenza. To gladly praise her greatness, the greatness of dragons!!! And so. It was the moment when he once again pushed aside the tent flap and entered Alenza's tent. *** "Huh...?" The spiritual being was looking up at the night sky. "What is this..." It felt bewildering, as if awakening from a dream. "Wait, a dream...!?" Surely not. Was all of that just an illusion!? The spiritual being turned pale and once again entered Alenza's tent. "Oh, you are-" This time, it wasn't the dragon who welcomed the spiritual being. It was Risir. He was looking at Alenza sleeping beside him. Along with some spirit(?) whose face had grown like a grape cluster. Embracing Nightmare Srahan. That spirit's(?) authority had engulfed the entire campsite. Risir confirmed that Alenza's eyes were glowing with golden radiance and smiled with satisfaction. He looked at the spiritual being and smiled gently. At the same time, he brought his index finger to his lips. Shh. It meant it was their secret. "..." Huff. Huff. The spiritual being unconsciously gasped for breath. While Alenza's eyes shone with complete golden radiance- Risir's pupils were tinged with faint golden radiance.