Chapter 242
Chapter 242
So that’s how it is. Coming all the way to Adren to stop the cult... impressive.” “It was easier than I thought. Oh, and thanks for earlier.” “Hm?” Ronan suddenly bowed his head. Alibrije’s eyebrows twitched. “What’re you thanking me for?” “You saved me and the kid. Honestly, I had no idea how we were gonna make it to the sewers.” Ronan expressed his gratitude as politely as he could. Acknowledging a favor was one of his principles. He didn’t fully trust the old man yet, but the fact remained that he’d helped them escape danger. Alibrije, who had been caught off guard, finally spoke. “...
You’re not the cult leader’s son. I had my suspicions, but...” “Huh? Suddenly so sure?” “No one carrying that monster’s blood would thank another person. Bow their head? Even less likely. Just look at Lyucophos.” Alibrije’s tone dripped with disgust as he spoke. As he’d said himself, things between him and the cult weren’t amicable. “Then your identity... don’t tell me this old fool’s guess is right.” “Probably.” Ronan didn’t deny it. He’d have to reveal it eventually, having come this far. They wouldn’t know his exact status or location until he told them, so this much was fine. “I’m the Savior’s son. Cain’s son.” “Ah... my god.” Alibrije sighed. He slowly rubbed his face with his palm before continuing. “I’ve no idea how long it’s been since I last heard that name. A son, no less... Is he still alive?” “Who knows. Your turn now, old timer.” Ronan cheekily lifted one corner of his mouth. He’d given one piece; time to receive one in return. Alibrije stared at him in disbelief before letting out a light chuckle. “...
Your smile looks just like your father’s.” “Does it?” Ronan’s smirk widened a bit. Alibrije opened his mouth to say something. Rumble...! Suddenly, the floor and walls began to shake like an earthquake. “What the—?” Ronan frowned. He could feel the musty air churning. Faint shouts echoed sporadically from somewhere far off. Alibrije clicked his tongue. “Looks like Azidahaka’s started the pursuit in earnest. The surface must be chaos right now.” Ronan realized the sounds were coming from above ground. Hiss— Alibrije pointed at the campfire, and the flames died down as if covered by a blanket. “Let’s move. Follow me.” He turned and strode deeper into the sewer, hands clasped behind his back. Ronan hoisted Asel onto his back without waking him and followed. Mages recovered mana while sleeping, so he wanted to let him rest as much as possible. “Mm... ugh...” “Sleep tight. Won’t get another chance like this.” Their footsteps echoed on. Adren’s sewers were larger and more expansive than any Ronan had seen before. The main channels, in particular, were comparable to rivers. Damn, it’s huge. Dragons sure thought big. As Ronan marveled at the scale and craftsmanship, Alibrije spoke up from ahead. “...
Vacation means just that—a vacation. This is the first time I’ve left the cult and returned home since Nebula Klazie was founded. No one except the leader even knows I’m here.” It was the answer to Ronan’s initial question. The rushing water was so loud he had to strain to hear. True to his word, Alibrije began sharing about himself. “That tavern where we first met? A little hobby of mine. A modest pleasure in my old age. Ruined by some hot-blooded punk who couldn’t control himself.” “That’s a shame. Figured it was a hobby. I was wondering why a blacksmith like you was running a place like that.” “What? How’d you know I was a blacksmith?” “Picked it up fighting the cult. You’re pretty famous, apparently.” Ronan played it casual. He didn’t mention sharing the Savior’s memories. No need to show all his cards yet. “And my girlfriend’s using a whip you made. The one that woman Yuria or whatever used.” “Ah... I know the one. Tricky weapon, but impressive she’s adapted to it.” “That’s what I think.” They chatted back and forth. He wanted to cut to the chase, but easing into it naturally was safer than rushing. Suddenly, Alibrije asked, “Right, what exactly happened with Azidahaka? I really know nothing about it.” “That guy’s a total psycho. He’d sell his own parents if it meant beating Navardoje.” Recalling the events made Ronan’s blood boil. Plenty of other targets out there. He recounted the Sky Tower incident in a voice thick with anger. His jealousy toward Navardoje, his ties to the cult, the suspicious ritual drawing power from the stars. He wrapped up with Schlieffen’s story. Alibrije stroked his beard. “Sorry to hear about your comrade. But since they said ‘capture,’ he’s probably alive. Dragons have few virtues, but keeping their word is one.” “Gotta believe that.” Ronan clenched his fist. He had to save that idiot no matter what. Alibrije let out a low hum. “Hmmm... Azidahaka made a foolish choice. I heard rumors Abel made contact with Adren, but I didn’t think it was true.” “If he gets that power, could the Dragon King beat Navardoje?” “Hard to say. But one thing’s certain. Once the ritual ends, Adren falls.” Alibrije stated it matter-of-factly. So plainly that it took a moment to sink in. Thud. Ronan stopped dead in his tracks. “...
What?” “What’s happening at the top of the Sky Tower isn’t just some power boost. It’s bait—a Dragon King and Adren’s massive power to summon something from the distant skies. He’ll get stronger, sure.” “Something from the skies... You don’t mean those giants...” “What was that?” “Ah.” Alibrije halted. Their eyes met, and Ronan sucked in a sharp breath. He’d let slip too soon in his excitement. Damn, my bad. Ronan bit his lower lip. This was a bad spot. If Alibrije had even a shred of loyalty to the cult, he’d try to eliminate him. Ronan’s hand slowly crept toward his sword hilt. Should I cut him down? Tension hung thick in the suffocating silence. Ronan was ready to draw at any moment. After a few seconds, an unexpected reaction came. “Haha... You’ve already dug that deep? The cult’s secrets are all out in the open.” “...
What?”
Alibrije burst out laughing. It was genuine amusement, not malice. This didn’t feel good. Unable to hold back, Ronan pressed him.
“Damn it, stop laughing and explain. What the hell’s going on?”
“It’s nothing much. But I’ll tell you what I know.”
Alibrije was surprisingly agreeable. His grudge against the cult seemed real. As Ronan swallowed and waited, Alibrije suddenly turned and headed deeper into the sewer.
“Hey, you said you’d talk!”
“I will. But first, there’s someone you need to meet.”
“Someone I need to meet?”
Ronan asked, but Alibrije didn’t answer. His brisk steps carried him farther away. Ronan’s brow furrowed.
“What the...?”
Stopping mid-sentence like that—what was this? No other options, though, so Ronan followed. The scenery stayed much the same. This place was like the shadow of the glittering city above. Sewer rats scurried at the sound of footsteps, and human corpses appeared now and then. Most were skeletons, likely servants abandoned by their masters. Too scared to be exiled from Adren, they’d fled here instead. Ronan glanced up at the ceiling. It’s nuts up there. Voices searching for him and Asel filtered through the drains. Louder than before—more troops deployed. He’d have to see for himself, but bluntly, it looked hopeless. Who the hell was he introducing him to in this mess? After an hour of straight walking, Alibrije rounded a corner. Without turning, he said, “We’re here. Good work making it.”
“No problem. So, who am I meeting...”
Ronan grumbled as he turned the corner. His legs froze as if rooted to the ground. The stench of blood hit him. In the center of the empty space—like a room without furniture—a man sat cross-legged.
“You...!”
A single lantern flickered beside him. The man’s hair hung down like willow branches to his side. Eyes closed, but Ronan recognized the face instantly. It was Orse, the Martial Dragon. Why the hell is this guy here? Orse’s well-trained abdomen was wrapped thickly in bandages. A mountain of blood-soaked ones piled in the corner—he’d lost a lot. Herbs scattered around haphazardly. Some new trap? As Ronan’s free hand moved toward his sword hilt, Alibrije waved his prosthetic arm at him.
“Hey, how’s the body holding up?”
Casual, like greeting a friend. Orse opened his eyes and growled lowly at Alibrije.
🐉 DRAGON SPEECH 🐉
【You’ve got some nerve saying that. If you hadn’t snitched, none of this would’ve happened.】 “Don’t make me laugh. I snitched so you’d run, but you went berserk on your own. If I’d left you, you’d have died without a trace.”
🐉 DRAGON SPEECH 🐉
【Shut up, old man. I’ve recovered enough. I’m leaving now.】 Watching their exchange, Ronan was baffled. Bickering, sure, but they didn’t seem on bad terms. What the hell was going on? Alibrije sighed. “Hah... Ungrateful bastard. Up to you if you leave, but why not talk to this guy first?”
🐉 DRAGON SPEECH 🐉
【Talk?】 Orse tilted his head. Alibrije stepped aside wordlessly. His eyes met Ronan’s, who stood behind. An excruciatingly awkward silence descended. Ronan broke it first. “You’re alive?” <divcourier new',="" monospace;"="">
🐉 DRAGON SPEECH 🐉