Emerald-like scales, branched horns like a dead wood. Its powerful body has bulging muscles everywhere. The mane that grows from the top of its head to the tail reflects silver light. Its vertical pupils stared intently at the skeletons.
Although it was a living creature, it was full of beauty and dignity, like a majestic work of art. I guess you could say that it is a difference in status as a living creature. Just one look at it makes me tremble to the core.
“That’s a dragon huh.”
I was observing the dragon below while flying in the sky. Perhaps that is the sacred beast of the Empire. That means that the outcome I had in mind may come into view.
“Magnificent! This is what a sacred beast is! This is exactly my ideal form of power!”
A familiar voice reached my ears. When I looked closely, I can see a man standing on the dragon’s head. He holds a sword in one hand and is in a high spirit like a child. He is Karl from the royal family.
『Don’t frolic on top of my head! I just came out here to protect the Empire. I didn’t take your story.』
“But Doran-sama-, look at those skeletons! Isn’t it unnatural for magical beasts to form such formations? They are definitely Shinichi Tanaka’s minions who are trying to destroy the Empire! With Doran-sama’s help, I suggest that we should flatten the kingdom as soon as possible!”
『Haaah-, you are talking about that human named Shinichi Tanaka again? I just can’t believe your words. We could defeat the skeletons but isn’t it too much to destroy the kingdom?』
“What do you mean by that!? Doran-sama deserves to be called the strongest sacred beast in the world! You are the only one who can defeat the magical beasts that want to destroy the Empire! That’s what my intuition says so! Please lend me your help!”
『……It can’t be helped then. I’ll do as you say but just this once. However, I didn’t believe everything you said. I will see with my own eyes and make judgments. Don’t forget that.』
Doran finishes his conversation with Karl and goes into a combat stance.
I was stunned as I watched such situation. It seems that Karl was plotting to make me the bad guy and drag the sacred beast to the battlefield. Unfortunately, it has already ended in victory of the Allied forces. However, there is a good chance that the outcome will be overturned by one sacred beast.
Looking at the skeleton army, the entire army had regrouped under Suketarou’s orders. It is a large army with a total of 700,000 troops. Still, it’s not enough to fight the dragon. The opponent is known as the world’s strongest race and on top of that, it’s a sacred beast .
In that moment, Doran turned his face to the sky and drew his breath in. What spewed out was a bright red flash. It’s the real dragon breath. The ground melted and violent wind swept over. The light and heat were so intense that I could only cover my eyes with my arms.
『That’s tough. It’s been a long time since I’ve used Breath after all. I may not be able to use it for a while…』
At Doran’s words, I lowered my arms. The scenery I saw sent chills down my spine. The ground is still melting and there was a large hole in the mountain in the distance. The worst part was that a quarter of the 700,000 skeletons disappeared in that single attack. Even though I thought it was unbelievable, I had no choice but to accept it as reality.
“Katakatakata!”
Suketarou didn’t care about the number of troops he lost, he continued to order his entire army to charge. His opponent, Doran, is emitting white smoke from his mouth. It can be seen that he is unable to move immediately. That’s how lethal Breath is.
I guess it can’t be used continuously. I used Analysis skill on Doran.
| 【Analysis Result: Doran: Originally a pet of the eighteenth Emperor of the Estent Empire. He became a sacred beast after drinking Saint Water coming up from the basement of the Imperial Palace. His personality is laid-back and basically doesn’t like conflict. Rarity: L, Overall Ability: L】 |
| 【Status】 Name: Doran Age: 7221 years old Race: Ancient Emerald Dragon Magic Attribute: Wind, Holy Magic: Air Ball, Air Arrow, Air Cutter, Air Wall, Lightning Thunder, Tornado Break, Holy Roar, Healing Touch, Holy Chain, Purification Skills: Familiar Creation, Familiar Summoning, Dragon Transformation, Skill Picking, Race Picking, King’s Vessel ▹Special: Hell Ear Z ▹Advanced: Appraisal, Fang Emperor, Devil Nose Z, King Dragon Breath ▹Intermediate: Claw Emperor, Swift Flight ▹Beginner: Clairvoyance Z Evolution: Conditions are not met < Evolution Condition: Fang God, Hardening (Special Grade), Emperor Dragon Breath (Beginner Level)> |
Doran’s status is also on a different level. The only saving grace would be his lack of physical enhancement skills and techniques. Still, considering the overall ability: L, I can see that it is incomparably stronger than previous enemies.
The skeletons surround Doran and unleash a Shadow Bind in unison. In addition, they began to climb up, clinging to his legs and tail.
『These skeletons!』
Thousands of dark chains bind Doran up. Even a dragon can’t beat the power of numbers. Or so I thought… When Doran applied his strength on it, the chains began to snap.
“Katakata”
The high-ranking group, including Suketarou, dashed through the sea of bones and jumped unto Doran’s body which was suppressed from moving.
“Uh-, W-What the hell are you guys?”
Karl became wary by the sudden appearance of Suketarou and the others. Ignoring Karl, they begin to thrust their swords into Doran’s body.
『Guugaaaaaa!?』
“Doran-sama!? Damn it! I’ll stop them from attacking right away!”
Karl slashes at Suketarou. However, his attack was easily stopped. Karl’s sword was even thrown out of his hand and it plunged into the ground far below.
“Katakata”
It was Sukejiro who repelled Karl’s attack. The flying dragon bone sword in his hand reflects silver light and shines dazzlingly.
“That sword… Elder brother’s…”
For a few seconds, Sukejiro watched Karl’s body trembling from fear then he swung his sword without hesitation. Karl’s head flies into the air and following the gravity, it falls directly in front of Doran.
『Karl…』
Doran was speechless at the sight of Karl’s head. I am relieved that such troublesome enemy was finally dead but from Doran’s point of view, this must have been a shocking event.
『I won’t forgive you! You bastards!!!!』
An earth-shaking roar emanates from Doran. The chains bound by the skeletons were torn off in an instant. The sacred beast began to rage violently, Suketarou and the others who were riding on his body fell off to the ground.
Filled with rage, Doran uses magic indiscriminately.
“Break Tornado!”
Four tornadoes formed around him. The whirlpool of wind rages, engulfing the skeletons. Dark clouds gathered in the sky and the lightning showed how angry the sacred beast was.
『Karl is a kind-hearted young man who visits old people like me! For you bastards to–!』
Doran had a furious facial expression. His eyes widen and his fangs were exposed. It reminded me that the dragon in front of me is also a beast after all. I felt a little saddened by Doran’s words. This wouldn’t have happened if we weren’t enemies. But that’s just “if”, the reality is that we are killing each other.
Now is not the time to let emotions get the better of me. I have to do what I have to do.
I then drew my sword and swooped down on the rampaging Doran. My target is the red dot on his back.
『Unforgivable! I won’t forgive you!』
Doran inhales and exhales his breath toward the ground. When the bright red flash hit the ground, it obliterated the skeletons and created a large hole. At this rate, even the Imperial City is likely to turn into a sea of fire. I will have no choice but to end him after all…
“Sacred Beast Doran, let me kill you!”
I stabbed my sword the moment I landed on his back. The blade of my sword broke the emerald scales and sinks deep to the root.
『Gugaaaaaaaa!!!?』
Doran turns his face to the sky, his mouth wide open, and he cried a death knell. The magic that had been raging around him was gone and Doran’s pupils widened lifelessly. He slowly leaned down and he lied on the ground with a heavy thud.
“……The victory this time wasn’t very pleasant.”
I pulled out my sword and then I used the skill, Skill Picking and acquired the skills from Doran. I got the high-speed flight (Intermediate) and King Dragon Breath (Advanced). It makes me happy to think that I can emit a powerful breath with this but it is so powerful that it may be difficult for me to use it properly.
“Oh my God!!! O-Our guardian beast…. Doran-sama!!!!!”
The Imperial soldiers who watched the battle wept and mourned Doran’s death. They probably didn’t even imagine that he would be killed. Unfortunately, sacred beasts are still living creatures. They will die or be killed someday. It’s just that it came early.
I cut off Doran’s front leg with a dragon slash and stores it inside the bangle. The reason for this is that the Empire must recognize that the sacred beast is dead. And that information will probably reach the ears of the emperor.
“Katakata”
Suketarou approached me and reported the current number of troops. The skeleton army, which numbered 700,000, had been reduced to about 300,000. I don’t know if it’s because he’s a sacred beast or because he is a dragon but I would like to give him credit for reducing my subordinates to this point.
“Katakata”
This time, Sukejiro reports. Apparently, they have recovered some skeleton that can be restored. A short distance away, there was a pile of bones and using human wave tactics, the skeleton soldiers scrape up the dismembered bones together. When I used the skill, Restoration Space on the pile of bones, five skeletons burst out of the pile and one after another.
As expected, it is impossible to restore a skeleton that has been wiped out by the breath skill. However, as long as it is a part of the body, it can be revived with this magic. Eventually, the number of troops increased from 300,000 to 400,000.
“Well then, shall we advance?”
“Katakata”
At my words, with Suketarou in the lead, the skeleton army saluted in unison. Such tireless soldiers were both frightening and dependable. The army of skeletons begins its march. We are heading to the Imperial City. It is the center of the empire where Emperor Dragnil is said to be located.
◇◇◇
“Doran-sama is.…, How could.…”
The Imperial soldiers, who had witnessed the entire battle, were grieving when they saw the sacred beast Doran lying on the ground. Among them was the Advisor who had led the Imperial Army up to this point.
“Advisor, the skeletons have begun to move to the Imperial City. Please give us instructions.”
“Corps Commander…”
The Advisor reacted to the words of the corps commander with an exhausted face. They have spent the past week desperately fleeing from the skeleton army. It would be more accurate to say that he had no choice but to flee. With their frightening numbers and power, the Imperial army lost its will to fight after a single battle.
The Advisor, who led the army, made the decision to return to the Imperial City as soon as possible. The reason is simple. This is to enlist the cooperation of the sacred beast Doran, the guardian beast of the Empire. The Advisor thought that a dragon of ancient race would be able to defeat the skeleton army. And then, in front of the Imperial City, the sacred beast Doran did appear. This is the end of those skeletons, they thought. The Imperial army cheered when Doran appeared.
However, Doran is defeated by the skeletons. The soldiers, who had been watching the battle from afar, could not help but cry out in despair.
“There’s nothing we can do to stop them. We’ll just have to wait and see what those skeletons will do.”
“Then…, while those skeletons overrun the city, do you just want me to watch and do nothing!?”
“In that case, you go fight! We are already in a sense of loss, no longer able to stand up for the loss of the sacred beast. Look at them!”
In front of the Advisor, there were soldiers slumped on the ground. They are stunned as they look at the sacred beast that still lies there. Some were still crying. The Corps Commander bites his lip and looks away from them.
“Already… Is the empire over?”
“I don’t know. The rest is for His Majesty to decide.”
The Advisor and the Corps Commander are still watching the skeletons marching towards the Imperial City, worrying about what future the Empire would face.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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