Chapter 40

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Translator: Ace

Chapter: 40

Chapter Title: Ddol Ddoli's Recovery

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Ian first moved Ddol Ddoli to a safe spot.

He cast both invisibility and levitation magic on Ddol Ddoli, floating it gently along as he headed into the thick underbrush where no one ever ventured. There, he carefully laid it down.

-Master, sorry. Ddol Ddoli is rock. Rock is heavy.

"It's not that heavy. I'm levitating it ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠with magic anyway."

In truth, it was heavy. The rapid drain on his mana proved it.

Levitation magic generally consumed more mana the heavier the object, so moving Ddol Ddoli took an enormous amount.

But Ian had mana to spare—in spades. So it didn't matter.

Any other mage would call it insane.

"Let me see that thing first?"

-Got it.

Ian received two dragon horns from Ddol Ddoli.

"Whoa, what the hell? This is ridiculously heavy."

The horns were surprisingly weighty—and huge. Bigger than a person's torso, each one required a full armful to carry.

Hmm, just how good are dragon horns?

Whoa. Insane.

Legendary-grade material, no less.

And not just one—two of them. What couldn't he make with these!

World Tree items plus dragon horns. This is nuts.

He stowed them in his inventory for now. Luckily, he had space.

"Ddoli, you're the best!"

Ian, overcome with emotion, hugged Ddol Ddoli tight. How could it be so incredible!

But Ddol Ddoli fell silent. Checking it, Ian saw its eyes closed in a faint smile. His heart skipped a beat.

Gasp!

Was it dying?!

"Ddoli! Hang on! You can't die!"

-Ddoli feels weird. Kinda sleepy. Trying to open eyes, but they keep closing. Humans call this 'sleepy.'

Its mouth corners drooped. Ian's face grew desperate.

-Ddoli gets what sleepy means now. This is sleepy. Ddoli sleeps.

"No, Ddol...!"

As the notifications appeared, the tension drained from Ian's body in an instant. He let out a long sigh, slumping against Ddol Ddoli.

Phew, it's really just sleeping.

He'd been terrified. Thought Ddol Ddoli was actually dying. He'd even teared up a bit.

A bit embarrassing to have overreacted, but relief won out.

Thank goodness. Really.

Ddol Ddoli's HP was refilling rapidly. Green light shimmered through the drought-cracked fissures in its body, new rock filling them like fresh skin.

So this is the Crack Healing ability.

It was one of Ddol Ddoli's passive skills, but it hadn't triggered before because it only activated in emergencies.

HP shot past 35% in seconds. Since notifications were set for below 35%, they stopped.

In the secluded woods, Ian lay with his head pillowed on Ddol Ddoli's sturdy knee, gazing at the sky.

Nice day. Crystal-clear sky.

But it had been the tensest moment yet.

Almost lost our Ddol Ddoli.

Honestly, he hadn't felt much attachment at first.

He'd made it for fun and released it right away.

The summon link kept him wanting to keep it alive, but that was it.

Time changed that.

Ian realized he'd grown especially fond of Ddol Ddoli.

"Our Ddol Ddoli. Sorry, Dad didn't take proper care of you."

One more thing.

Truth be told, he'd thought it invincible.

It one-shot everything, so yeah.

Clearly not.

From now on, I need to do something for it.

Ian's expression turned serious.

Couldn't let that happen again.

Anything but dying in battle.

To prevent that...

Reinforce it.

That was the answer.

For now, he'd start with what he could do immediately.

Outdoors, limited materials.

Couldn't take Ddol Ddoli to the lab or leave it to fetch stuff.

Core stabilization first.

Reinforcing the heart of the core.

Five minutes flat.

Success, but no visible change.

The core was inside, after all.

Next up immediately.

Second: Rock cohesion enhancement.

Simply put, tougher body upgrade.

Pure tankiness boost, yet +20% stability made it efficient.

That'll do for now.

Couldn't do more without materials.

Dragon horns needed processing first.

Still, reinforcements eased his mind. The rocks clung tighter now, denser somehow.

Solid as ever.

-Mm.

Ddol Ddoli stirred, rubbing its eyes.

"Oh, you're up?"

-Ddoli slept.

"Yeah, you did. Feeling okay?"

-Very good. Refreshed.

Ddol Ddoli flailed its limbs wildly, even jumping a bit until Ian told it to stop.

Condition fully restored, it seemed.

-Sleep is great. Body feels better after.

It slept about an hour.

But recovered 50% HP.

No more gaunt frame—it was back to its massive self.

Not fully healed, though.

Wish I could take it to the lab.

Proper upgrades needed the workshop.

But problems.

How to bring this giant into the crowded capital?

Buildings would crumble with each step.

Not impossible, though.

Summon shrunken mode from the lab.

Then no prying eyes for upgrades.

To bring it out, summon in secluded spots.

A hassle, but unavoidable.

"Ddoli, try shrinking. How small can you go?"

-Will try.

Ddol Ddoli shrank.

Its grown 7-meter bulk reduced sharply.

"Still huge."

About 3 meters.

Wait, even shrunken it's bigger? Why?

Originally 2 meters.

Growth scaled the shrunken size too, probably.

Ian scratched his head, stumped.

Couldn't summon that in the lab now.

3-meter monster in the mansion? No way.

Give up upgrades?

Absurd.

Quit? No chance. It nearly died to a dragon. Must upgrade.

Dragons earned their 'great ones' title through power.

Ddol Ddoli handled high demons easily, yet lost to a dragon.

Though most demon power was sealed.

Full power? No contest against Ddol Ddoli.

High demons rivaled adult dragons.

Wonder what Arkbon's up to.

Checking, its forces grew to 5 members.

Added three minions.

Arkbon's thriving on its own.

Undying anyway—no worries.

Lara was with Edelin.

So just pamper Ddol Ddoli...

There was a way.

A fundamental fix for summon/dismiss issues.

Level up my magic.

Advanced spatial magic to teleport creations.

Solve everything.

Meant magic training.

Training? Piece of cake.

For his kid? Anything.

Ian parted with Ddol Ddoli for now.

Warned it thoroughly about safety, no risky moves for a while.

If spotting a dragon, run without looking back.

Next day, starting work, Director Blake approached with a glance.

"Ian. Are you sane? How could you insult His Excellency like that?"

"Pardon? Insult... Oh."

Ian scratched his head sheepishly. Remembered fleeing mid-talk with Duke Kirsten yesterday.

Wondered why the rarely-in Director showed up.

Duke Kirsten.

His subordinate insulted a high noble—how could he ignore it?

"Well, uh, sorry. Nothing to say."

Ian bowed readily. Fact was fact.

But Blake didn't seem angry. Just coughing awkwardly.

"Ahem, don't do it again! If there's a situation, tell us first! We misunderstood!"

"Pardon?"

"Still playing dumb? No need. We know!"

"Know what?"

"Your mother's illness!"

"Pardon?"

What the hell?

"Your mother's so ill, of course you'd prioritize family. But you could've told me or the Deputy. We'd have granted leave. Right?"

Ian was baffled. What was this?

Mom's perfectly healthy.

Asked last night via communicator.

"I don't follow, but my mother is..."

Ian paused. Something clicked.

Oh yeah, she mentioned tripping yesterday.

Bruises on hip and knee, hurting bad.

That must be it.

Parents somewhat known for commoners—rumors spread.

Exaggerated, probably.

"Ah, yes. I'll tell you next time."

"Good. Wouldn't want folks thinking we're slave-drivers! Ahem!"

Ian got it now.

Ah, chewed out by Duke Kirsten. For not giving leave, overworking staff. Explains the rare appearance.

Ian chuckled inwardly. No scolding—win.

"Uh, anything else?"

Blake lingered.

"Ahem! Yes."

"What?"

"Crown Prince His Highness is here."

"Pardon?"

Ian's voice rose. Who?!

Shit. Duke Kirsten, now Crown Prince.

Bran's warning real.

"Shh! Quiet! Listen—I have a request."

"Yes."

"No rudeness to His Highness. Just 'yes' or 'understood.' No backtalk. Got it?"

"No, can't do that. Won't agree to what I don't want."

Blake thumped his chest in frustration.

"Argh, so stubborn. Really. Sigh. Fine, be polite at least. No rudeness—our heads roll. Understand?"

"Yes. Got it."

"Good. Go. Fix your clothes."

Ian straightened up and entered the reception room. A tall blond man sat with attendants trailing.

Ian bowed deeply upon entry.

"I greet the Rising Dawn of the Empire. I am..."

"Skip the formalities. Look up."

At Crown Prince Asteon's command, Ian raised his head. Asteon scanned him top to bottom, nodding.

"Not bad-looking."

"I am honored. But to what do I owe the summons...?"

"What summons? Here to make an offer."

"Pardon?"

"They say you're great at your job?"

"I don't think so. I just fulfill my duties."

"That's not an answer. Yes or no. Good or bad?"

"Good."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Not very princely.

Always thought so—speech like a neighborhood punk.

"Hmm, so that's it."

Asteon stroked his clean-shaven chin at Ian's firm reply, then spoke.

"Fine. Do one job for me. Impress me, and I'll hook you up."

"Hook me up how, exactly?"

"What how? You know. Wink wink."

"Yes. My mistake asking."

Recruitment offer.

Obviously decline.

Tempting backup, sure.

But Ian paused before refusing.

Wait. No harm negotiating first.

Idea sparked.

"I accept Your Highness's offer."

"Quick answer—good. I'll call you later..."

"One condition."

Asteon paused. Guards and aides froze.

"Condition?"

"No interest in high positions."

"I know. Heard that. So?"

"If granting a favor, could it be a commensurate reward?"

Asteon smirked.

"Reward? Like cash? Or something specific."

"Insolent! This is no place for..."

"Quiet. Best deals align interests."

"Yes."

The guard retreated, masking anger.

"Fine. What?"

"Magic books."

"Magic books?"

"Yes. Spatial teleportation ones. Warp preferable."

Aides' eyes narrowed. Magic books? Rare spatial ones?

Asteon shrugged it off.

"That? Easy. That all?"

"One more?"

"What?"

"Magic circle engraving advanced book too."

"Fine. Whatever. If you succeed, that is."

"Naturally."

Approval granted. Ian bowed, grinning inside.

Ddol Ddoli's upgrade might resolve easier than thought.