Chapter 69: Twisting Two Fates (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 69: Twisting Two Fates (1)
The Seven-Colored Bird had identified a total of six dragons currently associated with the mages of Viment.
The Earth Dragon, Labus.
The Earth Dragon, Birtega.
The Earth Dragon, Untiel.
The Yellow Dragon, Jib.
The Blue Dragon, Madurai.
The Silver Dragon, Quicantel.
After reviewing the list, Murakan let out a low groan.
“Hah, these guys are still active?”
Jin had known since his past life that the three Earth Dragons, the Blue Dragon, and the Yellow Dragon were aligned with Viment.
The Silver Dragon, Quicantel, however, was a complete surprise.
Was there a human contracted with the God of Time during this era?
Receiving the protection of a Silver Dragon was a privilege granted only to those who had contracted with the God of Time. It was the same principle by which the Fire Dragon Kadun protected Kelliark, the Wind Dragon Buretta protected Andrei, and the Black Dragon Murakan protected Jin.
In his past life, Jin was twenty-six when he first heard the news that a mage had contracted with Olta, the God of Time.
Back then, the world was in an uproar because a contractor of Olta had appeared for the first time in half a century… If this information is true, it means something fishy was going on.
The reason it was fishy was simple.
As Jin remembered it, the contractor of Olta who appeared after fifty years was a pure-blooded Zipple. There was no reason for a pure-blooded Zipple to be operating as a mage in Viment.
Just as he was wondering how to ask about this naturally, Murakan spoke up.
“And Quicantel? Does this mean there’s a contractor of Olta in Viment? Insignificant being, is this information reliable?”
“Yes, Lord Murakan. The fact that a contractor of Olta is affiliated with Viment is information that has not yet been revealed to the world.”
“What family is the mage Quicantel is escorting from? Let’s see, which families did Olta favor… Rapun? Kinal?”
“Ah, about that. She is a commoner named ‘Enya.’ A talented scholarship student at the Viment Magic Academy. In fact, she is still a student there.”
“A commoner! Olta, who loves to fuss over bloodlines so much? Her talent must be extraordinary. Anyway, this is interesting. We can just ask Quicantel about the whereabouts of Yuria’s guardian dragon.”
Jin focused on the words ‘commoner’ and ‘scholarship student.’
Enya. I’ve never heard that name in my past life. To be a contractor of Olta, she must have immense potential, and as a student, her age would be similar to mine or only slightly older.
When mages spoke of beings they yearned to contract with, Solderet, Shinu the God of Fire, and Olta the God of Time were the names mentioned most frequently.
Even so, why had Enya never become a famous mage? And why did the contractor of Olta that Jin remembered only appear after half a century?
He didn’t have to think too hard about it.
The Zipples must have disposed of Enya and performed the contract ceremony again.
He had no evidence, but he was certain. Burying a commoner scholarship student with no background was as easy as breathing for them.
He didn't know how they could redo a contract—he doubted such a thing was even possible—but he felt that if anyone could make it happen, it would be them.
“Hmm, I have heard the rumors. Sir Casimir, the Seven-Colored Bird’s intelligence-gathering capabilities are truly remarkable. I didn't have the chance to say it earlier, but I was quite surprised to hear that you are the leader of the Seven-Colored Bird.”
“It is likely nothing compared to Runcandel, Young Master. I want to express my gratitude once again for your help. Phew, I also didn't get to say this earlier because of the situation, but I will take everything I know about you to my grave.”
“The feeling is mutual. It seems you and I will have many things to do together even after we rescue Yuria.”
“Yes, I consider us to be in the same boat. Even if we fail to find my daughter's guardian dragon… I will never betray you. I will treat any matter concerning you as if it were my own.”
“I promise you as well. I will find it.”
Jin reached out first, and the two men shook hands. Casimir looked somewhat calmer than when he first heard his daughter was in danger.
It was because he now had work to do to save her.
“From this moment on, I will redeploy the entire Seven-Colored Bird to search for the guardian dragon.”
“Fine, you go play spy. I’m heading out now.”
“Murakan.”
“What is it, kid?”
“I think it's better if I go with you.”
“Suit yourself. Strawberry Pie… has a severe fear of heights, so it's better if she stays here. It's also a bit dangerous.”
“Dangerous?”
“Well… Quicantel has a bit of a nasty personality. And we have some history.”
“I will personally assign people to serve Lady Gilly with the utmost care. I will prepare discreet attendants so that you and Lord Murakan do not have to worry.”
“If possible, please assign those from the Viment nobility.”
Casimir’s eyes widened at Jin’s request.
Not only was Casimir the leader of the Seven-Colored Bird, but the fact that the ‘Council of Seven’—the organization's public leaders—were all from the Viment nobility was also not yet public knowledge.
“…My, it seems I underestimated Runcandel's intelligence network. I had no intention of hiding it from you at this point, though.”
“I'll see you when I get back, Sir Casimir.”
After Casimir left, only Jin's party remained in the lodging.
*
They flew for two full days, arriving over the waters off the coast of Viment. Murakan, who had been flying at a high altitude the whole time, gradually lowered his altitude as they reached the vast, open sea.
It was dawn. Not a single fishing boat floated on the moonlit water.
During the journey, Jin had heard various stories about Murakan's relationships with the dragons in Viment.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay? From what you’ve told me… most of the dragons in Viment probably hold a grudge against you.”
According to Murakan, he had beaten up most of the dragons currently in Viment at some point. The reason was that they had flown near the Murakan Mountain Range without permission during his prime.
[Anyone who entered my territory started by getting hit. That's just how it was back then.]
“Aren’t you just grand.”
However, unlike with the other five, his relationship with Quicantel seemed quite complicated. It was a relationship stained with love and hate; they had apparently dated for about five hundred years.
[In human terms, it's like we dated for about five years.]
“With Quicantel? Why did you break up?”
[Just… personality differences. Once I start releasing my energy, Quicantel or one of the other runts will come rushing out. Here I go.]
The release of energy began, but Jin couldn't feel a thing. The unique energy possessed only by dragons was outside the range of human perception, much like a dolphin's sonar.
Looking down at the sea, however, he saw ripples constantly forming from the spot where Murakan was hovering.
How fascinating. Does this really reach inside the Viment barrier?
He was dozens of kilometers away, by a rough estimate. It was amazing that Murakan could project his presence over such a distance with his energy alone.
[It's only possible because it's me. Not every dragon can do this, kid.]
“I’m sure you’re right.”
After waiting for about an hour, something appeared in the distance, just as Murakan had predicted. Two Earth Dragons were flying toward them.
[It's Labus and Untiel. Figures. I beat those two up the most. Put on your helmet.]
Jin activated the Rune of Mul-ta, covering his face.
The dragons were flying so fast that they were dots one moment and massive forms right in front of them the next. It felt less like they were merely fast and more like they were rushing in a panic.
[Murakan—!]
As they drew closer, Murakan spoke in a voice full of majesty.
[Earth Dragons Labus and Untiel. I have briefly awakened from my long slumber for a task I must perform… so you shall assist me.]
The two Earth Dragons, who had seemed so frantic, looked at each other, let out something like a dry cough, and slowed their wingbeats.
[Friend of Solderet, ruler of the high mountains. We know not what your circumstances are, but now is not a good time. Please, leave quickly.]
[Leave quickly! I, Untiel, do not wish for conflict to arise in Viment waters. It is true that I am glad to see you, but I do not wish to put my contractor in danger.]
Listening to the conversation between the dragons and Murakan, who had suddenly adopted a grand persona, Jin felt like he was going to burst out laughing.
So much for saving face.
But what do they mean, ‘leave quickly’?
Murakan shook his head.
[There is no place under the heavens where this Murakan must hide. Why do you tell me to leave? Are you afraid of me? I have said that I have a task to perform.]
Murakan continued to act dignified.
The Earth Dragons were the first to give up on saving face.
[Eek! Dammit, stop! Stop! This isn't the time for that. Just get out of here! Quicantel is throwing a fit, saying she’s going to kill you!]
[If a fight breaks out here, our contractors' country will be turned upside down! You didn't come here knowing Quicantel was here, did you?]
[What is the meaning of this, my old friends? Are you saying the Silver Dragon of Time would harm me?]
[Oh, come on! Please, Brother. I’m begging you. Can’t you just go?]
[The other dragons don't know you've awakened yet, right? If you don't leave now, I'll spread the word to every—]
[It seems you have forgotten fear, you insignificant Earth Dragons. Do you wish to recall the nightmare of a thousand years ago?]
Whooooosh—!
As Murakan unleashed his spirit energy, the surroundings instantly turned dark. As if they were truly afraid, the Earth Dragons didn't even dare to meet his eyes.
Jin found the situation interesting. Murakan in his prime must have been truly formidable.
Still, if the other dragons are this insistent, shouldn't we leave for now?
Just as Jin was about to suggest they at least listen to them, the two dragons screamed.
[Aaaah!]
[I don't know anything!]
They fled in opposite directions as if their bodies were being torn apart. A moment later…
Shiiiiiing—!
A massive sonic boom echoed as something shot in a straight line from the far distance.
It was Quicantel's Breath.
“Uh. Hey.”
[Hold on tight, kid.]
Murakan banked sharply to dodge the attack. Glancing back, Jin saw the Breath was moving at a speed that seemed to distort space itself. It was a power comparable to the ultimate technique of an 8-star mage.
Shhh, shing!
More Breaths followed in rapid succession. Murakan streaked through the night sky like an acrobat while Jin gripped the scales tightly, tracking the direction of the attacks.
She's closing the distance while firing Breaths in succession!?
A dragon as brilliant as silver, putting the night sky to shame, revealed itself. Quicantel, the Silver Dragon who guarded the horizon of time.
Crunch!
Closing the distance in an instant, Quicantel opened her massive maw and bit down on Murakan's neck. Fortunately, she only grazed his scales, but as they became entangled in a physical struggle, Murakan was quickly pushed back.
Unlike Murakan, who had lost much of his strength after being defeated by Temar, she was still in her prime.
[I will drown you! How dare you show your shameless face here! You should have stayed asleep.]
[That's a bit harsh for a greeting,] Murakan said as he broke free from Quicantel's grasp.
“What is this? Do we have to fight that monster?”
[That's why I said it would be dangerous, kid. If she gets a hold of us, just plunge Bradamante into her anywhere you can. Got it?]