Chapter 169
Above the imperial capital―――
I feel the magical waves of my followers.
It seems they are all fighting the aberrations with all their might, just as instructed.
The more the aberrations use magic, the greater the backlash on Ouronus becomes.
And yet, Ouronus himself is still unaware of this risk.。
Unbeknownst to him, he is weakening.
That’s where we’ll strike.
That’s Elibel’s view, but…
『Well, frankly, I don’t think it’s going to go that smoothly.』
『Hey!』
Scratching her head in a sloppy manner, Elibel draws my retort.
『But it’s true, right? The opponent is still of the Dragon King species, a true dragon who has awakened his power. If it were so easy to weaken and conquer him, then ‘Jibru’ wouldn’t have been defeated in the first place』
『Well… that’s true but…』
I still can’t believe that Jibru was defeated…
I glance briefly at the black altar.
There lies Jibru, still injured and immobile.
Elibel raises a finger.
『In my estimation, Ouronus is definitely an idiot. An idiot with ‘power’ enough to more than compensate for that. And on top of that, he has an unnecessarily large amount of magical power. In other words, he’s the same type as you.』
『Hey!』
What does that mean!
I’m outraged to be compared to someone like that!
Ignoring my indignation, Elibel continues, hand on her chin.
『Anyway, to conquer him, we need one more card… My ‘Sanctuary Breach’ and your ‘Armamentization: Specialized Form’, they lack the decisive factor against Ouronus who has the power of ‘Annihilation’. Something… just one more thing..』
『A decisive factor…』
Something that could determine victory or defeat.
With so much force already deployed, could there be such a thing?
『Looks like you’re in trouble, Eli! In that case, I have an idea!』
Suddenly, a voice that feels out of place echoes in our heads.
『…Earth, I told you to block incoming thought calls from strangers.』
『That’s mean, Eli! It’s me! Your beloved Léna-sis! You just affectionately called me by name a while ago! Waaaaah!』
It’s unnecessarily tense.
And loud.
Was she just excited because Elibel called her by name?
『Shut up, you old hag. If you have a plan, spit it out already. You’re wasting magical power.』
『Wow, Eli, you’re really harsh with me! But well, I like that too!』
Despite being in a thought transmission, Léna-Lloyd coughs to clear her throat
Then, her tone changes to a calm and collected one.
『How about this strategy? First―――』
――――。
―――。
The plan proposed by Léna-Lloyd.
When Elibel hears it, she is the most surprised.
『Are you okay with that?』
『I don’t mind. It’s for you, after all. So—rely on me properly, Eli.』
Léna-Lloyd responds without any hesitation.
『Earth… I’m relying on you a lot, but are you sure? It will probably require you to take on almost all of my magical power.』
『No problem.』
To be honest, I only have a third of my magical power left.
But still, I nod without hesitation.
『Alright. Let’s go with that.』
After a moment of hesitation, Elibel also nods in agreement.
『Then, let’s go. To defeat the Death Dragon.』
『Yeah』
The final plan to defeat the Death Dragon begins.
◇◆◇◆◇
While maintaining a certain distance from Ouronus, I fly.
Black stakes fly towards me.
Whoa! I narrowly avoid them.
If I focus on speed, I’m faster.
If I concentrate on dodging, I can barely evade the black stakes and the beams from the wings.
While avoiding Ouronus’s attacks, I buy time.
「《pEsKy FlIeS…」』
Ouronus seems irritated that his attacks aren’t hitting, and the amount of magical power he’s emitting has increased.
This time, it’s beams of light from his wings.
They’re thicker than before, and the area of effect is larger.
『Guh… Aaaahhhhhhh!』
That was a close shave!
But, safe.
The damage from the annihilation is minimal.
「【「DaMn It! StOp DoDgInG!」」」
Of course, I’m going to dodge!
Are you stupid?
While this is going on, several fireballs are launched towards Ouronus from the capital.
Of course, as soon as they enter Ouronus’s annihilation range, they vanish.
Ouronus doesn’t seem particularly concerned about the attack.
Rather, he probably doesn’t even recognize it as an attack.
Well, the current magic isn’t really meant for attacking.
It’s a signal from Léna-Lloyd.
『It looks like everything’s ready, Earth. I’m counting on you.』
『Got it.』
I take a deep breath…
『Gaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!』
I release a massive breath attack towards Ouronus.
《HmPh!『WhAt Is【this】tRiFlE!』』》
Ouronus sweeps away my breath attack with a giant swing of his arm.
Oioi, he’s brushing off my full-power breath with one hand…
But, his arm is slightly scorched.
It regenerates quickly, but I see. Unlike the previous breath, a “full-power” breath can break through the annihilation barrier to some extent.
『Earth! ‘It’s here』
In Elibel’s right hand, she’s firmly holding “something.”
The breath attack just now was a diversion. A flashy attack to distract Ouronuss.
The real deal is this thing, sent through teleportation magic.
『Let’s go, Earth! Charge into Ouronus!』
『Roger that!』
In speed form, I charge towards Ouronus.
「「「HaH, So【『YoU’vE FiNaLlY StOpPeD RuNnInG AwAy,】HuH!」FiNe!」I’Ll TaKe YoU On! 」JuSt DiSaPpEaR AlReAdY!』
I dive straight in, but Ouronus spreads his wings and fires a beam of light.
The light of annihilation.
A power that brings absolute death is unleashed towards us.
―――Now!
『Elibel!』
『Yes!』
Elibel channels magical power into the object she’s holding.
The next moment, a golden light is released.
【『「WhAt Is ThIs…「『tHaT』LiGhT?』』!」?】
Ouronus asks, puzzled.
But it’s too late!
The effect of the object Elibel is holding activates.
『Treasured ‘Vajra’―――Activate!!!』
A brilliant golden light floods our vision.
And then, in the next moment―――Ouronus’s light beam “disappears.”
『≪「―――HUh?」」」】
Ouronus lets out a dumbfounded voice.
Seizing the opportunity, I slam into his vulnerable body with all my might!
『Take this!』
「『「GoH… GaAaAaaaAaAAAAaAaAaA…」』」
Ouronus is sent flying with a cracking sound.
「「WhA…wHaT ThE…?」』」」
He must be confused.
Of course, he would be.
Suddenly, his own attack vanished.
Moreover, the “Wall of Annihilation” disappeared too, and he was struck by an attack.
No doubt, Ouronus is swirling with questions in his head.
But I don’t let up.
With this attack, it’s proven that Vajra is effective against Ouronuss’s power!
So then…
『Earth! I’ve connected the line, so keep attacking! I’ll concentrate on ‘this’ side!』
『Got it!』
Again, the object in Elibel’s hand glows golden.
「WHat…『【「WAiT―――」」』
As if I’d wait!
I close in on Ouronus!
Punch.
Punch.
Just keep punching,
Tear with claws.
Smash with fists.
Kick with feet.
Crush with the tail.
I keep attacking Ouronus relentlessly.
The attacks land amusingly well.
He’s probably weakened to some extent, but more than that, Ouronus must be greatly confused.
「「wHy… mY」 ‘AnNiHiLaTiOn’ 『PoWeR…「iSn’T WoRkInG…!?」』
『Who knows? Why don’t you figure it out yourself! ――― ‘Armamentization: Attack Form’!』
I focus the power of armament on my arm!
The claws cover the entire arm, transforming it into a massive charging spear.
『Take this!』
I couldn’t pierce Ouronus’s stomach, but the recoil blows him all the way to the black altar.
An incredible sound booms.
『Amazing effect… Frankly, it seems even more modified than when I had it, but it was a pleasant miscalculation.』
“Speaking of which,” Elibel says as she gazes at what she’s holding.
It’s the golden Vajra…
Just moments ago, it was passed to her through teleportation magic from Léna-Lloyd.
And it’s one of the six sacred weapons Elibel once bestowed with “Dungeon Destruction”.
Its power is a unique magic called “Usurpation”.
Using this, Elibel temporarily neutralized Ouronus’s attacks, and even the wall of annihilation.
『But really, I’m glad it worked. If it had failed, we both would’ve been wiped out.』
『Yes. But we can’t be too optimistic. Even with the treasure, it seems I couldn’t completely steal the power of the awakened Dragon King. I wonder how long we’ll last…』
Right.
To be precise, it’s more accurate to say we shaved off a part of the power rather than stole it.
Moreover, while using it, other magics can’t be used.
Even the exceptional Elibel can’t use “Sanctuary Breach” and the “Vajra” at the same time.
『―――!?』
A chill runs down my spine.
I look at the black altar.
There, an Ouronos with a ferocious expression is present..
Tremendous magical power and a killing intent are released towards us.
「Looks like he’s getting serious.」
『Yeah, the magical power he enveloped himself in, is now on a whole different level.』
With that attack, he’s surely recognized us as “enemies.”
But what we have to do hasn’t changed.
「Let’s go, Earth!」
『Right on!』
Speed form.
In a state of increased speed, we approach Ouranos.
「DoN’T GeT「「 」 CoCkYyYyY!!」
From the back of Ouronos, wings sprout.
Huge, ominous wings, over a hundred meters wide, with black leathery skin etched with malevolent ripples.
Dozens of wings, each emanating a light of annihilation.
It’s more of a whirl of light than rays.
『――――!?』
This is bad. I can’t avoid it―――.
『Earth! Keep going!』
But Elibel gives the exact opposite command.
In an instant, I understand her intention.
Switch to defense form.
Plunge into the light.
「HaHaHa! FoOlIsH!「JuSt ChArGe In LiKe ThAt!!」」 BuT, ThIs Is ThE EnD!」」」 DiSaPpEaR!!」
The light of annihilation envelops me and Elibel.
First, the wings disappear.
Then my left arm.
And then my tail.
Gradually, my body begin to vanish.
But I can keep going because Elibel’s sacred weapon weakens the power of annihilation.
But at the same time, my magical power is rapidly depleting.
『E, Elibel… not yet?』
『Not yet… just a bit more.』
Vajra emits an exceptionally bright light.
For a moment, the light of annihilation weakens.
My magical power is almost gone.
『UOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!!』
I dash through in one go――― and finally, we escape the light of annihilation.
Seeing this, Ouranos’s expression turns to shock.
「「wHaT!?」 iMpOsSiBlE!」」 hOw―――gAh!?」
Ouronus, still reeling, is hit with a powerful blow.
And then sent flying, but the impact causes his intact right arm to come off.
Damn… That hurts…
「DaMn「…」【 yOu… 『yOu WeAkLiNgS…!】』」
It seems the damage wasn’t significant.
Ouronus quickly gets back up.
His gaze shifts, focusing on Elibel.
No, more precisely, on the weapon she’s holding.
『「Ha ha… ha ha! So that’s it! It was the power of that weapon that was stealing my strength!」
Ouronus laughs as if everything makes sense now.
Did he figure it out already?
「iF ThAt’S ThE CaSe, 【『ShOuLd I TaKe CaRe Of YoU BeFoRe 【『ThE DrAgOn MoUnT? ―――nO, 【『PeRhApS ThErE’s No NeEd AnYmOrE?」
Ouronus chuckles, looking at me.
Even with the power of Vajra reducing the damage, my body is battered from the annihilation light.
I’ve lost both wings and arms, and I’m almost out of magic power, running on empty.
And most importantly, Elibel is―――,
「…Ha… Ha… cough…」
Maybe it’s the backlash, but she finally buckles to her knees.
Weakly, she collapses against my back.
『hA Ha… HAHAHAhA! wHaT’s ThIs?【『 yOu’Re BoTh A MeSs! bUt 】YoU DiD MaNaGe To』 「CoRnEr Me, 」So Be PrOuD Of ThAt! HAHAHAHAHA!!!』
A murderous aura and magical power burst out from Ouronus.
Even near death, this pressure feels like it’s burning my skin.
Moreover, the part I hit is healing.
He truly is the awakened, real Dragon King.
Even weakened, his power is extraordinary.
But,
『Are you sure about that?』
「Huh? What are you talking about?」
Ouronus responds with a puzzled voice to my words.
No, I mean―――.
『―――You should watch your ‘back’.』
「―――WHat?」
Thud!!
The next moment, Ouronuss’ chest is pierced through.
The hand doing the piercing belongs to an armored Earth Dragon.
Who could it be?
It’s obvious.
「You let your guard down, Ouronus.」
―――Divine Catastrophe Dragon King, Jibru.
Her appearance is nothing like the battered figure from minutes ago.
Her wounds are completely healed.
「SiSter…? HoW… Why…」
Why can she move?
Although he doesn’t say it out loud, that’s what Ouronus seems to be asking.
「…Haa…Haa…It was me」
It’s Elibel who answers Ouronus’s question.
「I… with my ‘Sanctuary Breach’, I restored Jibru’s body. Cough cough… back to the state before she fought you. Well, it wasn’t a complete recovery, but it’s enough, right?」
「Yes, thank you, Sage Elibel. I am grateful for your efforts.」
「fOoLiSh… fOoLiSh FoOl! 【「yOu ReStOrEd HeR BoDy?」 yOu!? iMpOsSiBlE! HoW CaN YoU HeAl HeR WoUnDs】『while』 UsInG ThE』 SaCrEd WeApOn!? EvEn I CaN’t Do ThAt! a MeRe HuMaN LiKe YoU DoInG SuCh A ThInG Is ImPoSsIbLe!」」』」
「Yes, I know. I hate to admit it, but you’re right. It’s impossible.」
Elibel agrees with Ouronus’s words.
「tHen――—」
Yes, that’s why,
「———That sacred weapon was used by me, Ouronus.」
A voice is heard.
Behind Jibru.
The person who pops her face out from there is an ordinary-looking woman with no distinguishing features.
It’s the witch Léna-Lloyd Reynolds.
「I was the one controlling that weapon from the ground, timing it just right.」
Léna-Lloyd, like Elibel, is pale and can barely stand on her own.
She is somehow standing, supported by a large, battered man.
He’s probably Rugios.
「You might not have noticed, but the fireball I launched at the beginning. It wasn’t just a signal, but also to measure the distance from the ground. To coordinate with Eli and that Earth Dragon over there.」
「「『WhAt… wHaT… aRe YoU TaLkInG AbOuT?』」」
「Ah, I just got here a little while ago. While I was controlling the weapon, Eli healed Jibru with ‘Sanctuary Breach’. And to prevent you from catching on, Earth was creating a distraction by making a scene… That was our plan.」
Ouronus can’t be defeated by us.
So, let’s just get Jibru back into the battle, who can do it.
Just that, nothing more.
When you hear the plan, it’s a deceptively simple ambush.
Distract Ouronus with the treasure Vajra, and heal Jibru with the Sanctuary Breach in the meantime. Just that.
But actually doing it was incredibly hard.
Remote control of the weapon through a medium, the difficulty of timing, the slight fluctuation in activation.
It was impossible without precise magical operations down to fractions of a second.
It was tough to draw Ouronus’ attention too.
I had to be careful not to let on that it was Léna-Lloyd using the Vajra, and I had to get Elibel to perform the Sanctuary Breach simultaneously.
Of course, I substituted all the magical power myself.
Thanks to that, I’m totally out of gas.
…I’m scared of the backlash when I return to my main body.
I might die this time…
With trembling steps, Léna-Lloyd approaches Elibel, but each time, Elibel steps back.
The distance doesn’t close at all.
In fact,
「Tsk, you’re alive…」
「…Eli, I tried really hard, so I think I deserve a little more reward…」
Tearful, plain Lloyd.
Elibel acts indifferent on the surface, but deep down, she must acknowledge her.
Otherwise, Elibel would never adopt such a strategy.
I sneak a glance at Elibel.
「……What, got something to say?」
『Not reallyyy.』
I say with a grin, then she turns her face away.
You really have changed, haven’t you?
I was a bit happy about Elibel’s change of heart.
That she would rely on me, on others.
「DaMn… dAmN… dAmN It!!!」
Ouronus shouts in frustration.
But this is the end.
It’s impossible to face Jibru in his weakened state, with almost no power left.
There should be no chance of turning this around from here.
But what’s this chill I feel…?
「ArGh, eNoUgH! EnOuGh! ThIs Is ThE WoRsT! I nEvEr ThOuGhT I’d Be CoRnErEd LiKe ThIs By AnYoNe OtHeR ThAn My SiStEr. Ah, It’S TrUlY HuMiLiAtInG…」
Even as he spits out black blood, Ouronus doesn’t stop laughing.
「BuT—dId YoU FoRgEt, SiStEr? I StIlL HaVe OnE MoVe LeFt!」
No way.
Does he really have a move left in this situation!?
But Jibru remains unflustered.
「Your ‘Annihilation’ ability, ‘Counter,’ right? It’s useless. Now, I can block it with my ‘Gluttony’———」
That’s when Ouronus’s smile deepens.
A cruel, malicious grin.
「wRoNg, SiStEr.」
「Eh?」
「I’m NoT UsInG ‘CoUnTeR’ On YoU! It’S FoR ThAt EaRtH DrAgOn ThErE!」
「What?」
In the next moment, something black is released from Ouronus’s body.
That thing invades my body in an instant.
「Earth!?」
「What, he expanded the range of ‘Reversal’———」
「HaHaHaHaHa! AhAhAhA! iT’s ToO LaTe! ThIs Is My ViCtOrY!!」
Elibel and Jibru are saying something, but I can’t hear them.
The annoying laughter of Ouronus is also fading away.
My consciousness———disappears.
◇◆◇◆◇
Deep in the pitch-black darkness, Ouronus wanders as nothing but a consciousness.
It’s a space of endless, profound darkness.
This is Earth’s realm of the soul.
Ouronus, now merely a consciousness, steps into that world.
To devour Earth’s soul and resurrect once again.
The true terror of “Annihilation” isn’t in its power to destroy or obliterate.
Rather, it lies beyond that.
It doesn’t end with mere destruction.
Devouring the opponent’s soul, “Counter,” that’s the essence of Ouronus’s power.
The worst power to consume the soul of the opponent and be reborn into this world.
Jibru must have been careless.
Indeed, until a thousand years ago, “Counter” could only be used on those who had dealt the final blow.
But abilities evolve.
During a thousand years of sealing, just as Ouronus acquired the power to create “Aberrations,” the precision of “Counter” improved.
Now, its targets aren’t just those who struck the fatal blow, but anyone who inflicted wounds.
In this case, besides Jibru, that Earth Dragon was also a target of the “Counter” effect.
It pains me to eat soul of some unknown, who might not even have the bone of dragon, but there’s no choice.
It’s better than devouring the soul of my beloved sister.
She must live.
To enjoy life with me, and eventually bear my child, the fruit of our love.
For that, the Earth Dragon must be sacrificed.
A noble sacrifice. An honor.
While sending selfish praises to Earth, Ouronus searches for his soul.
And then,
―――Found it.
There, in the deep darkness, shines a radiant soul.
A soul of high purity.
Even if a low-ranking one, it’s still of the same kind as my beloved sister.
I can resurrect if I eat that.
Then, those damn humans are next.
After that, Gwyve, the White Wyverns, Accurate Crows, and all the humans on earth.
I’ll slaughter them all.
I’ll make them pay for disturbing me and my sister.
What faces will those humans make when they realize I, whom they thought dead, has resurrected?
What will they think when they learn their dragon mount’s soul was used for my resurrection?
Ah, I can’t stop laughing.
It is time.
This is realm of soul.
In reality, not even a second has passed, just a brief moment.
Slowly, Ouronus tries to devour that soul…
《DON’T TOUCH IT!!》
――――!?
With a snap, Ouronus is repelled from the soul.
What’s happening!? What’s going on!?
This is Earth’s deep consciousness.
The world of souls.
Only I can intervene.
No one else should be here.
《―――――pear》
Again, I hear someone’s voice.
Who are you? Who in the world are you?
Each soul is unique to one person.
There are no exceptions. And yet…
―――Why does this guy have “another soul” inside him!?
Why can he intervene with me!?
Something approaches Ouronus.
It’s like a hand, a vision.
It firmly grasps the intangible Ouronus, entangling and capturing him.
《――――sappear》
――Don’t…
《―――Disappear》
Stop it.
《DISAPPEAR!!!!》
Stop it, stop it, stop it!!
The soul that should be consumed! The being that should be consumed by me! Don’t resist me! Don’t defy me!
Then, countless hands completely repel Ouronus’ consciousness.
Fade to black.
◇◆◇◆◇
―――Consciousness awakens.
『――!? Haa… Haa… Haa』
What was that just now?
「Earth! Are you okay? Is anything wrong!?」
『Ah, I’m fine, but…』
Elibel frantically checks my body, but what exactly happened?
What just happened to me?
「Ugh… Aaaaahhhhhhhh! What does this mean aaaaahhhhh!?」
I hear Ouronus’s scream.
His voice has returned to normal.
His appearance, too, has reverted to the boy I first saw.
It must mean he’s almost out of power.
Holding his pierced chest, he staggers toward me.
「What are you! What’s with that soul!? What is that thing doing inside of you!?」
Huh?
What is he talking about?
「Don’t mess with me! Don’t mess with me! Don’t mess with meeeeee! I’m the Death Dragon, the only being in this world allowed to be on the same level as my sister! Yet, yet, yettttt! Why, why does someone like you reject meeeeeee!」
Stomping his feet, Ouronus glares at me as if he wants to shoot me.
I have no idea what he’s talking about.
But from the situation, it seems Ouronus tried to cast some kind of spell on me.
However, it failed.
I don’t know why, but good riddance.
I send a mocking glance at Ouronus, who looks frustrated.
「Damn it! Damn it! Then fine… if not you, then that human over there―――」
As he’s about to finish his sentence, Ouronus collapses to his knees with a thud.
「Eh…? What…? Wh-why can’t my body…?」
As he falls, Ouronus’s body trembles violently.
「Looks like the effects of his weakening are becoming apparent. Overconsumption of magical power. That’s why he can barely move now.」
Elibel calmly states Ouronus’s current condition.
「Weakening…? What does that mean―――」
Ouronus wears a perplexed expression, as if to say he doesn’t understand.
Ah, I see.
It’s likely that he has never experienced the sensation of running out of magical power before.
His power was too immense for that to ever happen.
For Ouronus, it’s a completely foreign sensation, a fear of the unknown.
His face clearly shows it.
So,
『Well, here’s the thing,』
I decide to tell him straight.
『You lost.』
「――――――!!!!!」
Ouronus’s expression dramatically changes upon hearing this.
He shows an indescribable expression, a mix of various emotions.
Gritting his teeth, furrowing his brow, his face turning red, he’s probably tasting the utmost humiliation.
「What the hell…! What are you, why do you keep getting in my way! How dare you, a mere Earth Dragon, oppose me———」
「You’re mistaken, Ouronus. He’s not just any Earth Dragon.」
It was Jibru who interrupted Ouronus.
「Ah!? What, why are you defending that Earth Dragon, sis! I’m your brother! Why would you prioritize him over me!!!」
Ouronus, frustrated, is countered by Jibru.
She says one crucial thing.
「Of course. Because that Earth Dragon, Earth, is—my beloved, precious child.」
「…Huh?」
Ouronus’s face goes blank, as if everything has been drained from him.
Tilting his head as if he doesn’t understand,
「Eh…? Wha, what, what are you talking about… sis? Ch-ch-ch-ch-child? Whose? Who’s? Eh, eh?」
Gradually, emotions return to his face.
Fear, dread, and panic arise.
For him, this is a fatal truth,
「So, the one there, Earth, is my child. In other words, he’s your nephew.」
Suddenly, Ouronus repeatedly looks back and forth between me and Jibru.
His beloved sister. And an Earth Dragon with a similar soul, a similar magical power.
「Ah… a-aah… aah…」
Then, it seems he realized his sister’s words were true.
His face grows paler by the second.
He trembles, not from cold, but from something else.
「A child? My sister’s child? Not my child, but a child that’s not mine, born to another man by my sister, a child, a child, a child, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie―――」
The light fades from Ouronus’s eyes.
「――――……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………ah」
With a single murmur, he collapses.
He doesn’t move at all.
…Huh?
Slowly, Jibru approaches and pokes him.
「He seems to have completely fainted.」
She says.
「What?」
「Eh?」
「How can this be…」
Everyone present is dumbfounded.
『Seriously…?』
「Seems like those words were the final straw… It’s a common tactic to push someone physically and then mentally, but this, honestly, I’m not sure about… Siscon is really something…」
Elibel mutters with a hint of disgust.
How much of a siscon is this guy…
Maybe if we had talked about this from the start, we wouldn’t have had to fight this much?
It was such a terrible anticlimax.
Well, it’s fitting for us, I suppose…
Anyway, it’s over.
Honestly, it was the worst way to settle things…
◇◆◇◆◇
After Ouronos loses consciousness, Ann and the others report the disappearance of the “aberrations.”
As Elibel had guessed, it seems that if the Ouronus is defeated, the aberrations also vanish.
In other words, the battle is over.
『Phew…』
I plop down right where I am.
『…But still』
Suddenly, I recall the sensation from earlier.
What was that, anyway?
I could see it.
I could feel Ouronos entering me.
The sensation of nearly having my soul devoured.
I could see it all clearly.
That voice and those hands…
Unconsciously, I find my hand resting on my chest.
Could it be—that was the original soul of this body, the “Earth Dragon”?
I don’t know.
But, well, it’s fine for now.
The issue is resolved, after all.
I can always ask Jibru or Elibel later.
Haah, I’m tired.
I want to head back to the dungeon and eat some magic stones.
「Good work.」
As I’m thinking this, Elibel sits down next to me, snuggling against my side.
「…Somehow, I’m tired…」
『Yeah, me too.』
It’s only been a few hours, but it feels like I’ve been fighting for months.
That’s how intense it was.
『Honestly, the aftermath is going to be tough…』
The cleanup is going to be a huge pain.
「Yeah. The dungeon, and the surface world all suffered considerable damage. We’ve got a mountain of cleanup waiting for us.」
『Ugh. Just hearing about it is depressing.』
「You’re the leader, so buck up.」
『Yeah, but troublesome things are still troublesome.』
「Ha ha, that’s just like you.」
That’s how the conversation casually continued between me and Elibel.
Then, unexpectedly, Elibel stared intently at me.
「………」
『What’s up?』
「Hey, Earth…I’m not exactly honest, and I can be pretty selfish, right?」
『Well, I won’t deny it. There aren’t many as troublesome as you.』
Always full of desires, it wouldn’t be surprising if she got reported at any moment.
Elibel’s face momentarily tensed up, but then she relaxed.
「Yeah. You’re right. That’s why I’ll only say this once, okay?」
『What’s that?』
And then, without averting her gaze,
With a dazzling smile, she said,
「Thank you.」
『…!』
It completely caught me off guard.
What the heck, she can make that kind of expression too?
Honestly, it felt almost unfair, her smile was so beautiful.
Damn, such audacity from a disappointing sage…
But, well, it’s like this.
Maybe, just maybe, it was worth the effort after all.
Sub29: I haven’t been feeling well these past few days. I’ll probably release another chapter tomorrow.
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