Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Freed by the Dragon
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Philip resisted with everything he had.
If he ended up imprisoned on that remote island as the dragon demanded, it would truly be game over.
He couldn't even imagine how long it would take to master Moonlight Sword.
"Please, just hear me out! Just for a moment! It won't take long!"
The dragon Previa furrowed her brow.
"Trying to persuade me?"
"Not persuade—make you understand. This isn't good for either of us. Can't you at least hear me out?"
"...You're an odd one."
Her heart stirred at the sight of him fearing a mere few years of isolation more than battling an unbeatable foe.
She released her magic and set Philip down on the ground.
"I'll allow you one sentence. If it doesn't sway me, your chance is gone."
His mind raced at the thunderous ultimatum.
'What the hell is this?'
He was thrilled to be alive, but this twist was completely unforeseen. If he'd known mastering Moonlight Sword would draw a dragon's attention, he would've abandoned it without hesitation.
'I need to offer some information. Something that minimizes variables and convinces her not to lock me away.'
Countless pieces of intel flashed through his mind and vanished.
'No good options.'
Then it hit him: he couldn't avoid risk entirely.
Steeling himself, Philip carefully parted his lips.
"First, one question. Can you detect my lies?"
"Would a dragon fall for a human's deceit? What a pointless query."
Philip nodded and pressed on.
"Then I'll make it simple. Without me, you die, and the world ends."
Previa let out a hollow laugh.
"You dare lie to me... or not?"
Startled, she scrutinized him. Though not hostile, he was remarkably composed for facing a dragon.
To a dragon with superior intellect, spotting human lies was child's play—biological reactions, even soul vibrations.
She judged he spoke truth.
His eyes gleamed with mischief, no awe or fear, just annoyance, irritation, and a hint of pity.
'Pity? For me? A mere human?'
It felt like he truly knew her future. Abandoning intimidation, she pondered.
Dragons were the most reasonable race if not provoked—rational, intelligent, non-aggressive toward intelligent beings except demons. In the original story, they were treated like regular NPCs: interactive only if you invaded nests or struck first.
'But mastering Moonlight Sword pulls me into this?'
An unimaginable connection.
Suddenly, everything felt tedious to Philip.
Less than a year in, and variables were already piling up to torment him.
Irritation and anger surged.
"One question. You say I die—how?"
Previa's query after her deliberation drew a sigh from Philip.
"If the world ends, do you think you'd survive? You'll die somehow. No proof, no confidence I'll convince you. Just leave me be. So, what now?"
"..."
The "Silver Dragon of Wisdom" Previa possessed millennium-honed insight.
Even in human form, limiting her wisdom, anyone seeing Philip now would agree.
'He's insane.'
She read a mad glint in his eyes—unpredictable chaos worse than any lunatic.
Long ago, she'd seen similar gazes.
'Sword geniuses all have that look. No exception.'
"...Do as you will."
She decided to yield for now.
No need to breed excessive wariness or hostility in Moonlight Sword's inheritor.
Human madness? She'd endured plenty over centuries.
"The girls you had with you are already outside. I'll open a portal—wait quietly."
With a casual wave, no incantation, a blue portal appeared before him.
'Suddenly so accommodating.'
"Thank you."
Philip tilted his head and stepped through.
At the dungeon entrance, he found unconscious Janis and Cheryl sprawled on the reeds.
"...This is exhausting."
Mental fatigue maxed out. Recent events had shaken him more than he'd admitted.
"Mmm..."
Janis and Cheryl slept clutching each other. Dirt, tears, and snot crusted their pretty faces—quite the sight.
Once recovered, their dynamic might shift.
Janis, embarrassed by her vulnerabilities shown to Cheryl, might feel awkward around her. Cheryl might treat Janis more casually in turn.
Friends, perhaps.
Philip smiled faintly at the thought.
Suddenly, he missed Lua.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Philip, Cheryl, and Janis were rescued by an academy dispatch and returned within an hour.
Janis, mentally shattered, wanted rest at the Muriela estate—and surprisingly, take Cheryl along.
Two magic faculty professors were sent to their dungeon.
They'd extract intel investigating, but Philip knew there was nothing left.
'It's an instance dungeon anyway.'
Dark Slime fully dissolved, vampire reduced to ash by Previa's dragon word magic—nothing remained.
Meanwhile, Philip took leave and holed up at his villa.
No one would bother him this golden weekend.
He planned to spend it with Lua.
Two days of mindless rest.
Heading to her room, he braced himself. Nearly ten days without proper time together—she'd surely be sulking.
Opening the door, he saw Lua face-down on her princess-like bed.
She seemed fully adapted to the vast mansion.
"...Janis?"
"Yeah, sleeping."
Her curt reply to his cautious question.
'Not fully sulking, good.'
Not dire. Better than pretending to sleep at his entry.
"Sleeping? For real? I was gonna suggest a forest picnic this weekend, but if you're asleep, guess it's off."
Lua bolted upright at his deadpan tease.
"...For real?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
"But... Instructor's so busy. No need to push for me..."
Her eyes sparkled briefly, then dimmed.
She knew his schedule.
Out early, home late. Even late dinners under moonlight, he forced time with her—she noticed.
Philip smiled softly, shaking his head.
"Not that. Anyway, let's plan. Leave at dawn, back at dusk. Overnight in the woods if you want. Bring fishing rods? Ever fished?"
Realizing his sincerity, Lua beamed.
Nice home, good food—all fine, but nothing beat lifelong nature.
"We're really going?"
"Yep."
"Really really?"
"Yes."
His firm yes sent her leaping off the bed, bowing deeply.
"Thank you!"
'Knew she'd love it—should've done sooner.'
Regret, but unavoidable. Past month crammed with events, no spare time.
He asked maids for picnic lunches, then returned to his room.
—...Yaaawn.
Grasping Neria's hilt, a yawn echoed from the sleeping ego sword.
—Huuuwaaah... Welcome back, Master?
"Nearly died twice, but yeah."
—Huh? Nearly died? What, dragon lair?
"Not a lair, but met a dragon. Previa—the one tied to academy founding..."
—Come on, even I wouldn't buy that. Living with you, I feel you treat me like an idiot. Keep it up, and no matter how handsome, I might not hold back!
"It's true! Listen first."
Philip lay on the bed, recounting the training incident chronologically. Neria marveled.
—How's your luck that bad? Random dungeon, vampire?
"Happened that way."
—Dragon savior still hard to swallow. Lazy lot saving you?
"True."
They bantered.
—Anyway, take me everywhere from now on. I wouldn't melt and bend like some weak blade.
"Got it. Promise."
Her whines lulled him. Eyes closing, breaths evening.
Sleep rushed in.
No future worries for days—mind eased.
—Goodnight, Master.
"You too."
—...I was sleeping fine till you woke me.