Dragon Siblings' Confrontation
They'd safely dealt with the last remaining Agui Crow, but the Tri-color brothers' interference didn't end there.
Without ever showing their faces to us directly, they'd thrown every trick in the book at blocking our path. It wasn't particularly threatening, but it had cost us no small amount of time.
And so, they finally arrived at the 91st floor.
Fortunately, there were no further disruptions here.
Have they given up?
After everything they've pulled so far, I doubt they'd back off this easily.
Giryu responded in a low voice, his expression weary in a way it hadn't been before departure—exhausted on multiple fronts.
Both he and Lehatna were still in their human forms without releasing Inhwa's Art, and he'd been handling all the movements on her behalf. It was only natural he'd be worn out.
After all, he'd shouldered every single one of those sabotage attempts alone.
Even for an SS-rank monster like Giryu, the Tri-color brothers' relentless, obsessive meddling had been nothing if not a massive pain.
Are they plotting their next move?
Whatever it is, I hope they stay the hell out of my sight. If they cross my path right now, screw the oath—I'll attack on sight.
There was real venom in his flatly delivered words, leaving Nix to shrug helplessly.
One thing was for sure: credit where it was due, those three knew how to pull aggro like nobody's business.
Even Nix himself—and Giryu, no less—were fuming over it.
Enough chatter. Let's pick up the pace. We need to cover as much ground as possible while they're not interfering.
Giryu nodded lightly at the hand tapping his nape.
Right. Still a long way to go... Miss, any discomfort anywhere?
I'm fine!
Lehatna, shrunken down like the smaller monsters for travel speed, flapped her wings energetically from Nix's arms.
She'd been riding along on Giryu's back with him for the same reason.
After a quick check on Lehatna's condition, Giryu beat his wings urgently once more.
As he'd said earlier, they had to move fast while the interference held off.
Who knew when those bastards might pull another stunt to block their way?
Just as Giryu surged forward through the straight-stretched sky with powerful wingbeats, something pierced through Nix's sharpened senses.
A potent aura, clear even in his human form—whose detection was a step below his true body's.
And Nix wasn't the only one who felt it.
This aura...
So that's why they didn't bother us.
...Oppa.
Lehatna's voice trembled faintly as the words left her—and then, radiating that intense presence, a single dragon materialized before them.
Dozens of monsters trailed in the wake of the one silently flapping its wings.
The deep crimson-black dragon blocking their path, Le Ganus, finally spoke.
Giryu.
...It's been a while, young master.
Still no change of heart? Just like with Father, I'd have you follow me.
I'm sorry, young master. I've already pledged myself to the miss.
Is it Father's will that makes you follow my worthless little sister over me?
That's part of it, but my choice to serve her is entirely my own will.
...What a pity.
As if mirroring his mood, Le Ganus flared his wings savagely once. His gaze shifted toward Nix.
It's been mere days, you pathetic earthworm.
I could've sworn I told you my name before. Forgetting already? Guess you're just another dumb lizard after all.
The monsters behind him reacted to Nix's casual, scoffing thought before Le Ganus could.
How dare that worm!
A wingless, inferior land-crawler like you!
I'll rip that bastard to shreds right n—!
Enough.
Le Ganus silenced his noisy underlings with a single word.
The monsters, who'd been foaming at the mouth, shut their traps in perfect unison, as if rehearsed.
He certainly had his minions well in hand.
Your yapping mouth is as impressive as ever. Fine then, Nix. Been well?
Not with all these annoying flies buzzing around. Hardly.
Hmph. Annoying flies? Squash 'em dead, then. Can't handle flying foes, typical for a lowly earthworm.
Yeah, well, I used a bit of power taking down that one white fly the other day. Wasn't enough to clean up the rest.
Was it the mention of Freya? Le Ganus's ever-composed face twisted.
The guy really wore his weaknesses on his sleeve.
Nix tacked on playfully toward the one radiating murderous intent, just like last time.
So, how's that white fly doing? Must've been tough, even using poison on such a fragile thing. Hope she's hanging in there.
You bastard—!!!
Le Ganus's wings thrashed wildly, as if he'd charge any second.
Nix gently stroked Lehatna's trembling form amid the suddenly heavy tension.
You haven't forgotten our oath, have you?
...Not much longer now, Nix. The day the oath expires, I'll tear you apart first—slow and cruel.
Like I said before: bring it, if you can.
A guttural growl rumbled low.
Watching him, the pent-up rage from dealing with the Tri-color brothers earlier evaporated clean away.
Should've managed his underlings better.
A superior bore responsibility for their subordinates, after all.
Realizing further talk would only stoke his own fury, Le Ganus finally tore his death-glare from Nix.
His eyes landed on Lehatna, cradled in Nix's arms.
Lehatna. My worthless, shameful little sister.
...Oppa.
Le Ganus barked savagely at her anxious, quavering reply.
Not even a greeting upon seeing your brother? Still the same worthless, shameful sister! Father must've lost his mind naming a halfwit like you heir!
I don't need to be Dragon King or whatever! Give that stupid throne to Unni or Oppa—whoever! Stop taking it out on innocent me!
Lehatna flinched at his outburst but spat back defiantly.
As Nix stroked her back in quiet pride at her courage, Le Ganus pressed on.
"Stupid throne"? Since when is the great title of Dragon King mere trash?! Father's soul would weep!
I don't care about Father's feelings when he dumped something I never wanted on me! And if he's weeping, it'd be over you, Oppa—not keeping his dying wish!
I'm simply correcting Father's mistake! Handing the throne to a dimwit like you—what bigger blunder is there?!
Lies! Call it what it is—you just covet the title! Like when you stole my favorite gem back then!
Everything has its rightful owner, Lehatna!
Doesn't mean it has to be you!
You insolent little—!
You anger-management case of a brother!
The shouting dragons somehow screamed sibling rivalry from every pore.
As silence fell around their racket, Le Ganus spoke quietly.
...My inadequate sister, Lehatna. If you're truly uninterested in the throne, your brother has no desire to harm you. Blood of my blood—you're still my one and only sibling, worthless or not.
...So?
Hand over Giryu and that worm I want to shred. Then live as you please.
Lehatna clamped her mouth shut at his low murmur.
You've always doted on weaklings. I'll ensure you live happily with them forever—no interference. I'll protect you, clear out anyone who dares wrong you, craft a world just for you.
......
Give me Giryu and Nix. Anything you wish, granted.
Lehatna remained silent.
Nix and Giryu said nothing to her quiet.
Well, Lehatna? Will you take your brother's hand?
No.
...What?
Le Ganus blinked blankly, unable to process—or accept—her answer.
Undaunted, Lehatna declared to him:
I said no! Your world might be comfy, but I doubt it'd be happy! And more than that—Giryu and Nix aren't things! I can't just hand them over like objects!
Lehatna flapped her wings vigorously, unbowed even under Le Ganus's piercing glare.
At her display, Le Ganus spoke in a low, sinister tone.
...Still so inadequate, sister. You'll make an enemy of this brother after all?
I don't want to be enemies with Oppa.
Then...
But to protect what's mine, I have no choice. I won't stand by helplessly and lose everything like before.
So you'll fight me...?
It's not fighting. It's protecting.
Lehatna slipped calmly from Nix's arms.
She flapped quietly skyward, reverting her shrunken body to its original size.
Far smaller than Le Ganus, yet unmistakably a dragon—she beat her wings proudly.
Sunlight poured down at just the right moment, glinting off her yellowish—no, golden scales.
I hate fighting, but I won't run just because I do. I'll stand my ground to protect what's precious—even if it means facing you head-on.
...Truly inadequate, sister... Fine, Lehatna. From this moment, you're no sister of mine. You're my clear enemy.
As Le Ganus quietly unleashed his overwhelming dragon fear, Lehatna matched it without flinching, radiating her own.
True to her Dragon King lineage, her aura held not an inch against his.
Nix murmured in quiet admiration at this near-unprecedented side of her.
Who knew the girl he'd pegged as all fluff could step up like this?
One more reason he could see why Giryu followed her.
A glance at Giryu confirmed it: misty-eyed, deeply moved as he watched her.
Our miss... that same scatterbrained miss of ours...
Giryu seemed just as stunned—likely seeing this Lehatna for the first time too.
His loyalty clearly ran deeper than hero worship.
I wonder if you can truly hold your own against me, Lehatna.
Worry more about Unni first, don't you think?
...Leysa can't match me.
Say that to her face! Don't just get beat and run like old times!
...We're done here. Get lost.
Who's blocking who?! Move aside already, Oppa!
......
Le Ganus glared with blazing eyes, but Lehatna—riding high on momentum—didn't budge a whisker.
She even boldly voiced her piece.
And stop sending your weird goons to mess with us! Quit the petty tricks! Act like the great Dragon King's blood—fair and square! That's why Unni always beats you down!
Lehatna's sharp jab left Le Ganus speechless.
His face twisted horribly as he quietly withdrew.
He looked ready to lunge if not for the oath.
As Le Ganus and his horde retreated silently, Lehatna puffed out her chest proudly.
Her vigorous wing-flaps broadcast her elation loud and clear.
How was I? Did I do good?
Splendidly, miss! The Dragon King would've been overjoyed!
Lehatna bobbed her head happily at Giryu's praise—Mm-hmm!
Nix added quietly to her glee.
You did great.
Right?! See?! Hehe, you see Oppa's face at the end? First time he's made that face in front of me since I got scales!
Indeed! He'll be too furious to sleep for days! Well done, miss!
Mm-hmm! I was awesome!
Nix watched the beaming pair in silence before murmuring:
The fallout's gonna be rough. You've pissed him off royally now—he'll pull every stop to take us out.
Beyond the sabotage ahead, Leysia talks now had to go perfectly—no choice.
Don't worry about Unni! She's way kinder than Oppa!
...Can I trust that?
Yep! Trust me! I got this!
Her sunny grin—so unlike moments ago—stirred faint worry, but there was no alternative.
They had to trust her.
After their brief halt for the Le Ganus encounter, they resumed toward Leysia once more.