226. Late summer turns to fall (2)
#226
“Tell me how to get to Adren. If possible, arrive alive.”
“what?”
Itargand frowned. It was a completely unexpected question. He asked with a doubtful tone.
“Why do you suddenly want to go to Adren?”
“Well, to explain it simply…”
Ronan’s explanation continued. He was the son of Navarre after all, so it seemed okay to say it.
There were so many reasons to go to the Dragon City. First of all, what Barka said in the Sea of Ghosts bothered me. It had already been several months since the cult leader brought up the topic of contact with Adren at a meeting, so it was not surprising that some kind of conspiracy was already in progress.
Even from the data compiled by Barka over the past two days, we were able to derive information that some of the believers had already entered Adren. I don’t know what’s going on there. However, since the story came from the mouth of the religious leader, the possibility that he himself went and still remains cannot be ignored.
The most urgent task given to Ronan was to somehow get the blood of cult leader Abel. His own father, Cain, had only a little over a year left to live.
‘At this point, the world is pushing you to go.’
Also, it was not a business where there was any particular loss even if one could not meet the religious leader. Because Alibrihe, an early member of Nebula Clazier, was there.
Unlike Elthea, he said he was staying in the church, so it was highly likely that he knew details about the church leader’s whereabouts and the Bald Advent plan. Itargand said.
“It’s definitely not normal. “At that point, wouldn’t the military have to step in?”
“i think so too. But the question is whether Adren will accept it.”
“Well, that’s true too.”
In fact, Ronan requested that the imperial army be dispatched to Adren as soon as the church’s conspiracy was revealed. As a secret agent, he had the authority to move soldiers for any reason if it was related to Nebula Clazier.
‘It will definitely be rejected. ‘It’s lucky if the messenger doesn’t die.’
However, Ronan knew that Adren would not accept the request. The city created by the world’s most powerful races and their forces paid no heed to the empire. Especially after Navardose left Adren to stop the enemy in the sky.
She said that the current Dragon King was an extremely ‘dragon-like’ dragon, which simply meant that he had a shitty personality. Itargand said.
“Actually, getting there itself is not difficult. All means of transportation to the gateway are permitted except space magic. “The only problem is the immigration screening.”
“It sounds obvious, but you can’t just go in, right?”
“okay. Only dragons and their servants are permitted entry. If there is even the slightest sign of something suspicious, it will be reduced to ashes on the spot. “Maybe we can build a country just by gathering the people who died at the gate.”
“Fuck.”
Ronan cursed. It was so strong that it was almost ridiculous. Because this is where the Dragon King and Hatching live, security was very thorough.
‘Damn it, what should I do?’
I couldn’t think of any way to get through immigration. He was in the midst of thinking for a while. A thunderous idea passed through Ronan’s mind.
“wait for a sec. I can just become your servant. Temporarily for review only.”
“What?”
“You are literally engraving your imprint on me. “I don’t know why I was thinking about this.”
“It looks like you don’t know what it means to be a servant. An engraving is not just a drawing. “It’s a kind of magical binding that contracts a master-slave relationship… No way, you guy.”
Itargand’s eyes widened as he continued speaking. It was too late to understand what Ronan meant. Ronan, who was chuckling, tapped the hilt of his sword.
“okay. It’s ‘magical’ restraint. I can cut magic. “Can’t we just get past the screening and remove the engraving?”
“That’s funny. “Do you think something like that is possible?”
“I think I will. “Just wait a moment.”
Suddenly, Ronan came out of the training ground. When he returned, he held a large crow in his hand. A crow that was kidnapped while dozing on a tree flapped violently and cried.
“Caw! “Caw!”
“Now, try carving an engraving on him.”
Ronan held out a crow. Itargand’s frown narrowed sharply.
“···Shameful.”
“hurry.”
Itargand sighed and placed his hand on the crow’s wing. For a moment, the bottom of his palm sparkled red. The raven that had been running wild became calm.
“Kak?”
“It’s done…”
Itargand removed his hand. An engraving of a geometric shape appeared. It looked like a mark made by an iron, but it wasn’t hot. The confused crow spread her wings and roared.
“Caw!”
“Wow!”
Ronan, startled, hugged the crow with both arms. She almost missed it. Perhaps because she shared Itar Gand’s power, her strength became as good as that of an ostrich.
“This bird head. “You can’t be quiet!”
“Kak! “Caw!”
The crow was struggling, kicking the bird droppings. Ronan, unable to bear it any longer, pulled the hilt of her sword. Sgak! A sharp sword strike lightly grazed the engraved surface.
“···Squeak?”
The crow, whose body lost strength, stopped resisting. Itargand’s brow furrowed. I felt my bond with the crow disappear.
“oh my god.”
His sword skills were almost magical, and he didn’t leave even a scratch on the crow. In the place where the engraving had disappeared, only black feathers remained, shining. Itargand muttered as if in a trance.
“This… something so absurd is happening.”
“Uh… I see.”
Ronan was also clueless. She had a feeling that something was going to happen, but she didn’t expect it to come off so easily. He was scratching the back of his head and blurted out.
“This is it.”
****
Time passed quickly. Red, ripe dragonflies began to fly around the campus where Cicada’s last performance ended.
The sky, which had cooled off from the heat, was shining a deeper blue. Autumn, the season of abundance, is approaching.
Ronan did not leave for Adren right away. He had to prepare thoroughly before going because the location was different and the religious leader was involved. The equipment I requested from Aurora Skaar has not arrived yet.
‘This is better than rushing and getting screwed.’
He decided to do everything he could. He provided the Imperial forces with information related to Nebula Clazie and strengthened the security of the house where Iril lived. News of small branches being wiped out was often heard.
Of course, I did not forget about personal training. Sparring between members of the special adventure club took place without missing a single day. Ronan, who ducked her waist to avoid Marya’s horizontal slash, hit her on the wrist with the back of his sword.
“Ugh!”
“It has definitely increased. “It’s still a little slow, though.”
“Ik, I knew we would lose this time too! “Everyone rush out!”
With her cries, members rushed in from all directions. Asher’s ice, Erzebet’s flame, and Ophelia’s blood magic poured out in conjunction. Braum ran to the right position and raised his shield.
“oh.”
Ronan pursed his lips in admiration. Looking at her flowing connections, it seemed like everyone had a very enjoyable summer vacation.
All the friends I saw in just two months had grown significantly. Marya has now become renowned among the noble families not only as a merchant but also as a swordsman, and Asher and Erzebet have received love calls from all the magic towers for the first time as students.
Braum, a senior, has already decided on his career path, and said he is taking his first step in the Imperial Knights, which is difficult to get into. Ophelia succeeded in interpreting an ancient blood magic, and Schlieffen had nothing to say. Ronan, who was watching the onslaught, grinned.
“I’m glad to meet you guys.”
I meant it. The colleagues in front of him were one of the driving forces that inspired him to save the world. Ronan pulled at the hilt of his sword.
“So try harder.”
The sword forged in Aurora Skal was much lighter than before. Ronan responded to their efforts with all his might. Sigh! Scattered sword strikes tore through the magic coming from all directions. Before long, the shattered members were lying on the floor.
“Ahhhh! decomposition! “Why doesn’t the knife fit?”
“What are you doing every day… hey…”
Whining sounds echoed from all directions. Except for Schlieffen, the winning rate of the team members converged to 0%. It was true that they were growing at a rapid rate, but in a way, it was natural because Ronan was the same.
No matter how many times I did it, the result didn’t change, but that didn’t mean it was a meaningless action. Ronan, who was looking at the exhausted members in turn, nodded his head.
“good. decided.”
“Deciding what?”
“I decided on someone to go to the next club activity with. Asher, follow me.”
“Are you talking about me?! wait for a sec···!”
Asher’s eyes grew so big that they seemed about to pop out. Instead of answering, Ronan lifted him by his shoulders and carried him. Asher, who had completely exhausted his mana for the first time in a while, could not even resist.
“Save me!”
“Ah, Asher…damn it.”
Only mournful screams rang out. Braum, who was about to say something, fainted. Although the exhausted members felt sorry for him, he felt relieved that he had not been selected.
****
“W-what do you mean? “What do you mean Adren?”
“Literally. “I don’t know about you, but I thought about who I would take for a fucking long time.”
It was about three hours after putting Asher in his room that Ronan told him about his plan. This was to prevent him from fainting by giving him time to recover his exhausted mana and mind and body. Asher, who was breathing heavily, continued speaking.
“If it’s Adren, it’s the city of dragons. “Why would you go to such a scary place?”
“Well, there are many reasons. “The genius wizard is scared of something like this.”
“Wow, you’re a genius… I’m like that…”
“Don’t say no in good conscience. Unless you’re a genius, most wizards would commit suicide. And I heard it all from Marya, man. “He said they just killed him in the North.”
Ronan patted Asher on the back as if he was grateful. In fact, his performance, which I heard from Marya a while ago, was so heroic that it was not enough.
He virtually guarded the top of Caravel single-handedly. Violent natives and Jager’s men attacked day and night, but Asher’s telekinetic powers did not allow them to even make a single claw mark on the top.
I actually found out after sparring for a few days. Asher would seriously be helpful in Adren. Ronan continued.
“And think about it, it’s the city of the most magic-wielding race in the world, wouldn’t you be inspired by it too? “There will be a wealth of information that is much more valuable than what the old men of the Magic Tower can teach you.”
“New, new spell?”
For a moment, Asher’s eyes wavered. Even though they were so scared, seeing how they reacted to the story of the new spell made it seem like all wizards were similar. Ronan nodded.
“okay. I’m going to grow up a lot with this short visit. “I’m sure Marya will like it too, right?”
“Well, why did that story come out all of a sudden?”
“It seems like the old girl developed a romantic interest in you after going to the North. Really.”
Moreover, Marya’s thoughts about Asher seemed to have changed. Ronan remembered her mysterious expression as she talked about Asher’s activities.
‘Even though this little guy doesn’t notice.’
In the past, it was just like treating a same-sex friend or a cute stuffed toy, but now it’s definitely the opposite sex. At the very least, it seemed like he was perceived as a colleague who could be trusted and had his back. Asher’s eyes widened.
“Oh, Marya…? really?”
“I don’t lie about things like that. If you don’t feel like it, you can refuse. Still, if I were to be honest and add one thing…”
Ronan’s voice suddenly became heavier. Asher sucked in a breath as the atmosphere was completely different from usual. Ronan, who had been pausing, opened her mouth.
“I need your strength. Asher.”
“Ro, Ronan…?”
“It feels a little different from the travel I’ve done so far. Should I say it’s cheap? “I have a gut feeling that I need to have a colleague.”
Ronan chewed his lower lip. He didn’t worry for a long time for no reason. I don’t know if I got caught up in an incident by chance, but dragging a friend into a predicted threat was never an easy thing to do.
“But you really can refuse. This is a trip that has the potential to become more dangerous than any other trip. “This is not a compulsion, it’s just a request on my part.”
“I, I…”
Asher was about to answer something. smart. Maid Lucy came in with a sudden knock. There was a box in her hand that looked as solid as a stone.
“Hello Ronan. “Tsk, a package has arrived.”
“Oh, leave it there. “Where did it come from?”
“It’s a place called Aurora Scal…? “A person named Catan sent me.”
“Aha, you’re finally here. Thank you always, Lucy.”
Lucy responded with a friendly smile. An awkward silence fell as she left, closing her door behind her.
The once serious atmosphere turned ambiguous. Ronan, who was scratching her chin, pointed to the package.
“Well, let’s start with this and then we’ll talk about it.”
