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Chapter 337 – Five Years Later (2)

A few months ago, Theodore realized that he had learned all sorts of magic from the Hall of Fame and the Zero Library, like Abe no Seimei's Art of Onmyōdō and Aleister Crowley's Kabbalah.

Additionally, many great men taught him according to the achievement points spent, and Theodore was able to accept the overwhelming knowledge. The achievement points Theodore gained thanks to Jerem and his own learning ability showed great synergy.

'I didn't expect to reach saturation in five years.'

The five years had passed like flowing water, and Theodore realized he had reached the limits of a mortal.

The amount of magic that could be used at one time and the magic power flowing in his body was different from what they had been in the past. Soul Calibre was now perfect without the help of Sir Spencer. Theodore was a strong magician who wasn't lacking compared to the other tower masters. He had perfectly acquired elemental magic, as well as some special magic.

Now, Theodore could defeat the incomplete Jerem. He had stepped outside the boundaries of the 8th circle and was half a step to the 9th circle. This was Theodore's current status that was diagnosed by Gluttony.

He might take a few steps and become a transcendent, or he might miss the opportunity and fall back down to a mortal. It was unknown territory even for a grimoire that had lived for thousands of years. The wall that existed between circles was defined as the limits of a person. It wasn't something that could be done with outside help.

Gluttony, one of the Seven Sins grimoire, gave him this advice, -You can jump this stage with a little enlightenment in one night, or you might not be able to escape it for 10,000 years. A gateway with the correct answer doesn't exist.

Would he have his heart destroyed or live for hundreds of years? It didn't matter either way. Some put down all their possessions and overcame them, while others went beyond everything. Theodore would find his own answer. If there were 10,000 magicians, then there would be a million ways to achieve it. In some ways, it was like Sorcery.

Even if they trained in the same environment, all humans were different. It was impossible for Gluttony to calculate his natural abilities, talents, personality, and all other elements.

"…It makes sense, but after thinking about it again, it just means that Gluttony doesn't know either," Theodore complained quietly and watched the meeting.

The disputes between the two factions subsided with Sylvia's compromise. Ultimately, it was decided to reduce the number of artifact exports to the Austen Kingdom and pressure them using the surrounding kingdoms. It was a decent solution. Theodore nodded silently.

The reason he didn't say anything was because his status was too high. Theodore's voice was so strong that everyone would try to follow his opinion. The nobles jockeying for power were also annoying. He sighed every time they came forward.

'I know they are trying to attract me to fight against the king… But do they really think I am crazy enough to side with them?'

The king wasn't corrupt, and there was no reason to stir mischief in a kingdom that was running well. Theodore quietly favored the solution to the issue they were discussing, and the meeting naturally ended in the direction Sylvia wanted.

Kurt III announced the closing of the meeting, "Then I will finish today's meeting here. Go back to your respective departments with this conclusion and make sure that the actions against Austen are carried out carefully and urgently. Understood?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Chief Tower Master, please give me a minute. I have something to say to you. But if you have urgent business…"

Fortunately, the magic lights to announce an emergency were still off. Theodore accepted the invitation of the king, "It is okay. I will follow the will of Your Majesty."

Finally, the people gathered in the meeting hall started to leave one by one. It was a habit for the officials on the outside to open the door, while those sitting closest to Kurt III were the last to leave. Of course, the representative of the blue tower, Blue Tower Master Sylvia, was at the very end.

"Sylvia."

Sylvia had just risen from her seat when her name was called. With calm eyes, she turned to Theodore who then asked, "Are you doing well?"

"What?"

It was a dumb question. Although it was useless to say anything at this point, he couldn't help being concerned about Sylvia after she reached the 7th circle. Theodore was the only person she called a friend, and Blundell had sacrificed himself for Theodore. However, Sylvia just smiled at him.

"Yes, I'm a little busy, but I'm fine. I heard you are getting along well with Veronica these days? Congratulations."

"Ah, thank you."

"His Majesty is waiting for you, so let's talk later. Is that okay?"

"…Yes."

Sylvia was now more talented than she used to be, but her attitude had become more standoffish. If the previous situation had broken Sylvia's bond with him, then it couldn't be helped. Theodore watched Sylvia's retreating figure and walked over to Kurt, who was still sitting at the table.

Wanting to know why he was called, Theodore asked, "Did you call, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, Chief Tower Master. I borrowed your time rather than discussing in a place where all of them would argue. I'm sorry."

"No. Please don't hesitate to speak."

Then Kurt III opened his mouth with a gentle expression, "It is about the 'Southern Exploration' that you planned and talked to me about a week ago."

The southern part of the continent was a land of infamous swamps, as well as an area that civilized society hadn't stepped into. The loose boundaries of this physical world were scattered everywhere. It was a fairly common story for a half-hearted adventurer to walk through the southern part of the continent and disappear along the way.

However, Theodore planned for an exploration of the Southern Continent. It would make a loud noise if he went alone.

"I am aware that Chief Tower Master's abilities have improved a great deal. The majority of changes that have occurred in Meltor over the years have been due to your skills," Kurt praised Theodore's achievements before getting to the point. "However, the dangers of the Southern Continent are greater than them. The resources in the southern swamps are valuable, but there isn't a proper country in the Southern Continent. The Southern Continent has swallowed up dozens of expeditions over the years."

"I also know that, Your Majesty."

"I can't give permission for you to leave alone. If you really want to leave, I can't stop you. But know that I am firmly against it."

Until now, the relationship between the royal family and the magic towers had always been good because they didn't interfere with each other's identity. The magic towers didn't intervene deeply with the kingdom, while the kingdom didn't interfere with the magic towers' research. It was strictly taboo to interfere with a magician's quest. This was how the magic kingdom had lasted up to this day.

So, in a sense, Kurt III was committing a taboo.

'Hut.' Theodore laughed.

If Kurt III had blocked him for a political reason, one of Meltor's pillars might've disappeared as Theodore turned away. However, the emotion in Kurt's eyes was only pure concern.

"Of course, Your Majesty. I also don't intend to go alone."

"Hrmm? The plan…"

"I'm not taking someone from the magic tower. The blue tower master, the red tower master, and the white tower master all have things to do. I can't borrow their hands for a personal exploration."

Therefore, he picked someone from outside the magic tower.

"The swamp is still part of nature, and there is one person who has no work to do."

"Don't tell me, it's them…"

"Yes, Your Majesty has guessed correctly."

After the war was over, the sword master, Randolph, became a noble of this kingdom and could only help nurture aura users. The mercenaries under his command also converted to knights and lived good lives. Between them, the bandits and criminals in the kingdom had dried up.

As soon as Theodore's suggestion was made, Randolph had accepted it. [Go! Go! When do I need to be ready? Now is fine!]

The face of a hungry predator was still unforgettable. Randolph was easier to recruit than Theodore had thought he would be.

Additionally, the high elf, who was contracted with an ancient elemental and had a magician for a teacher, was committed to the exploration of the southern continent. She would be the main character of this exploration because she was carrying out Myrdal's words to 'put the south's distress to rest.'

Titania was his second companion to the southern continent.

* * *

"Hrmm, is that so?" Veronica cut the steak on the plate into two pieces and made an ambiguous expression. It wasn't hard for Theodore to guess the reason for that. Clearly, it was an unspoken protest about why he had to go to the Southern Continent. Veronica's eyes were cute, but she was someone with the nickname of destruction.

Theodore stretched out his hand and grabbed Veronica's hand softly. "Becky, I believe in your skills. I don't want to take you to the dirty marsh."

"Titania and Randolph are going with you?"

"Titania has a job to do, and Randolph is a mercenary who has always been on the battlefield."

Veronica pouted. She had been on battlefields, so there was no need to separate her from the swamps. "Do you think I am the lady of a prestigious family? I'm not a princess who has to be protected."

"But you are more to me than that."

"Eh…" Had a man ever treated her like this? She would've been angry if it was anyone other than Theodore. Now, Veronica's face couldn't help turning red. She shyly held his hand and whispered, "I will wait for you."

Veronica needed to stay in Meltor to handle matters there. Her fire could also be bad with all the poisonous gas in the swamps. However, it was more effective to appeal to her emotional side. Moreover, he also meant it in his own way. Fighting with someone he wanted to protect was a great strength, as well as a terrible thing.

He still remembered his panic back when Veronica's heart stopped. Her eyes, which were always filled with power and passion, had dimmed, and her voice had faded. It had been a nightmare. So, Theodore's heart felt a desire to keep her away from danger.

Thinking of this, Theodore inadvertently put strength into his hands. Veronica responded with a sigh. "…Hah, I understand. I will remain in Meltor."

"Becky."

"It is your decision, and there will be a good reason for it. When are you leaving? And what is the date of return?"

"It will take a fortnight to finish the preparations. The deadline… Well, it won't take more than a month?"

"Hrm." Veronica made the strange expression again. She didn't like being separated from Theodore for a month, so she couldn't help feeling bitter.

However, unlike her thoughts, Veronica suggested a deal. "Theo, are you doing anything after dinner?"

"Huh? No, today's schedule is finished."

At that moment, Theodore felt his hand being stroked. White slender fingers were rubbing circles on his skin. He looked at Veronica, who didn't hide her intentions at all. Her red hair blended with the gentle lights, and her golden eyes filled with an obvious desire. A chill ran down Theodore's spine in a way that was different from fear.

"A fortnight and one month…" Veronica's lips curved, and her eyes were captivating. Her tongue moved over her red and beautiful lips.

Theodore gulped like he was thirsty, and Veronica smiled at the reaction.

"Will you give me enough so that I don't become lonely?" She said, getting up from her seat and hugging him. Then she whispered in Theodore's ears, "Huhu, shall we go to your room? Or do you want to come to my room?"

Veronica's hot body filled his arms as Theodore realized that Gluttony's advice was right. The questions of the world had many answers.

Chapter 338 – Five Years Later (3)

It was a long and hot night. Veronica had been born with a strong body and a lust to match the red dragons. Shortly after returning from Elvenheim a few years ago, the two people got together actively. Perhaps it was due to the emergence of a rival called Ellenoa.

"Ah, umm, haaaah…"

Was Veronica afraid of Theodore being stolen if she acted late?

In the past, it had only occurred in his mental world. The emotions of the man and woman easily resonated due to their souls' connection. Theodore always had Veronica in his mind, and they soon crossed the line. Theodore was a young man in his 20s, and he accepted Veronica's passionate touch.

The first attempt was a little difficult, but the second was easy. The third was even easier. The relationship between the two magicians was known throughout the magic towers and soon spread throughout Meltor. The only two 8th circle magicians on the entire continent were together! The nobles who had prepared their relatives to seduce Theodore were forced to stop.

"T-Theo, uh, Theoo…" It was a thin voice that didn't sound like Veronica.

The bed was magically enhanced and didn't even creak despite the heavy movements of the two people. The red hair above Theodore's body danced like a wave, and the waves that swung several times with an unknown rhythm came to an end with Veronica's jerk of delight.

"-Hahhhh!" For a moment, her golden eyes lost focus as her body sank forward.

Veronica buried her face in the pillow and hugged Theodore. The heat had yet to scatter, and it circulated in the room. Their rough breathing quickly subsided. However, the two people didn't move as they stared into each other's eyes. They were sticky with sweat and body fluids, but the two of them kissed without caring.

"So good. I really can't live without Theo," Veronica whispered sweetly against his lips while Theodore stroked her messy hair.

"Is this enough to make my Becky satisfied for a month?"

"Let's see?" Veronica's bewitching expression stirred him up again.

Theodore had been with her since the early evening, and the sun was now rising. Yet Veronica still didn't feel tired. If Theodore didn't have a well-trained body, he would've collapsed earlier. Although Theodore wanted to respond to her temptation, he just smiled and kissed Veronica's fair forehead. It was an expression of affection between the two as well as a mild refusal.

"I'm sorry."

"Tch, I thought so. Chief Tower Master's work is more important than me?"

"Becky…"

"Ahaha, it was a joke. Go safely." Veronica kissed him lightly and lay down.

Their time together was over.

"I'm going, Becky." Theodore washed his body with a simple spell and put on his scattered clothes. In the meantime, Veronica's breaths became smaller, and she was asleep by the time he finished dressing. He covered Veronica with a blanket and left with a smile.

Step, step. Theodore could use space movement, but after a night with her, he felt like walking. He descended a few floors from the top floor, and the noise gradually increased. In general, the higher the rank, the higher the floor. There was little sign of life until the fifth floor where the elders stayed.

It wasn't until he descended several floors lower that somebody recognized him. "C-Chief Tower Master!"

Although the call wasn't that loud, the entire floor became quiet.

'Tsk, it is rare for me to come down this time.'

Theodore was late today. He normally got up when the sun rose, but it was now 9 a.m. However, Theodore didn't need to explain why. The bewildered magicians all bowed and greeted the Chief Tower Master.

"There is a lot of work in the morning. Please take care," Theodore responded.

"Huh? Ah, yes! Thank you, Chief Tower Master!"

"There is no need to thank me."

As soon as he moved, the magicians split into two directions like the tide. Treated with respect and awe, Theodore wasn't exaggerating when he said that he was the greatest magician of the magic tower and the world at the moment. The magicians couldn't help shaking as they faced this living legend.

'…Well, there will be people who will notice soon.'

Why had he come down from the red tower in the morning? As long as the relationship between him and Veronica was clear, it wasn't difficult to guess the reason behind Theodore's actions. However, no one said it because they were embarrassed.

As soon as Theodore left the red tower, a magician blocked his way.

"Chief Tower Master."

With gold hair flowing over her glossy brown skin, she was a beauty who could melt the hearts of men. However, Theodore wasn't affected by that as he asked her, "What's going on, Para?"

"There are a few things I have to report." It was the avatar of Paragranum, who was both the Yellow Tower master and a grimoire. Her glassy eyes without any emotions were proof of her inhumanness. She wouldn't come to see him for trivial matters.

"Let's move the location," Theodore said.

Paragranum nodded and followed Theodore to his lab in the central tower. It felt like the wind was blowing again.

* * *

The central tower was the center of the magic towers and the headquarters of all magicians in the magic kingdom. This was where they registered their statuses and exchanged research results. Unlike the other magic towers, there were no independent units to take action. It was where national events such as the magic contest and large-scale plans were organized.

This hadn't changed despite the owner of the central tower changing. There was only one difference from the days of the former chairman, Benedict.

The top floor of the central tower had undergone major renovations.

"Goetia, open the door of the laboratory."

[Yes, Master.]

The ring on Theodore's right hand shone and released the security magic on the door.

It might seem like an easy task, but in order to break through the door with Goetia, they needed the strength of Veronica in her draconic form. Other methods were to completely analyze the magic formula that Theodore had created or to take possession of Ars Goetia.

'It isn't impossible for a transcendent, but I can't assume that transcendents will be my enemies.'

Overestimating himself was something to be avoided, but he also couldn't overestimate the enemies. The boundary between a prudent person and a coward wasn't that clear. The timing of when to take a step forward and when to pause was what separated the two. He should be cautious but not a coward. Thus, Theodore maintained the security of the laboratory at this level.

Ching! Ching! The adamantium and mithril locks were released, and the noise was heard for three minutes before stopping.

Soon, the inside of the research laboratory was exposed to Paragranum and Theodore. This was the research center of the Chief Tower Master of Meltor.

"…It looks different to what I saw a few months ago. Isn't there a lack of free space? Or did you construct a new facility?" Paragranum asked when she saw the difference.

However, Theodore just shrugged. "It is similar. There is a limit to the space expansion."

In fact, it wasn't an exaggeration to say that half of the research laboratory had been thanks to her. Paragranum was a grimoire created by the best alchemist in the Age of Mythology, Paracelsus. She adhered to the principle of equivalent exchange and had built this workshop in return for several conditions.

It was the birth of a research center that transcended the standards of this time. There was a teleport gate that could immediately move to Elvenheim, the Baekun Mountains, and Paracelsus' Laboratory. There was a mirror connected to communication facilities throughout Meltor, as well as a magic scroll press and potion distillation facilities for mass production. The bronze statues placed against the walls of the research center were golems capable of 5th circle magic.

Lastly, there was one final guardian of the research center.

[Welcome, Master.] Unlike the past, the automaton wore body armor and bowed down politely.

The automaton had Sword Master Lloyd's Aura Ability. After having several modifications, it had now become a monster within the reach of the master level. It had a mighty combat power and absolute loyalty, making it the right guard for this research center.

"Gladio, are there any reports of grade 3 importance or higher?"

[No.]

"Grade 4?"

[There is one from the red tower, three from the blue tower, and two from the white tower. They are requests to handle monsters appearing in various places, the restoration of a pier broken by landslides, and the expansion of information sources in the central part of the continent.]

"Approve all of them. Tell the white tower to post a report as soon as they finish the selection," Theodore passed on the instructions. Then he sat down at a table with Paragranum and started talking, "Why did you come see me this morning?"

"It is about the Southern Continent."

"The south? This must be a big deal." Theodore's eyes widened at the unexpected words.

The grimoire, Paragranum, only cared about the purpose of its existence, not the chaotic Southern Continent. Many of the rare animals and plants that could be used for alchemy were available in the central and northern regions. So, he didn't think there was any reason for her to be interested in the swamp. Then why did the words 'the Southern Continent' emerge from Paragranum's mouth? It wasn't long before he found out the reason.

"The dragons are moving."

Dragons were the most powerful species in the material world. There was no way for Theodore's expression to remain calm, but he tried to control his expression. Meanwhile, Paragranum spoke as if she had been waiting for his reaction, "The red clan's Brasmati, the green clan's Erucus, and two more. I don't know why, but four dragons have gathered on the Southern Continent. Do you have any guesses?"

"No, I have no idea."

Dragons were beings that didn't accompany their parents after becoming adults. There had never been a collective action like this in the history of the continent. It might be different in the Age of Mythology, but this was a disaster in current times.

At this time, Theodore asked a question, "Is Aquilo included in that group?"

"…The sea isn't within my area of detection. But it is possible. If the sea dragon interferes, there would be a total of five. Maybe all the dragons are gathering in one place."

"It is a meeting of dragons…" Theodore added one more thing to his list of tasks to do in the south with a grim expression. He needed to investigate why the dragons were gathering in the Southern Continent. It was hard to overcome the power of a dragon, but he had the confidence to pull himself out if he had to fight. Theodore was a few steps before the realm of transcendence and several times stronger than he had been in the past.

'I wish Aquilo would answer… There is still no communication from her. Did something happen?'

It had been five years since he lost contact with Aquilo. That had been before the battle of the world tree, so he hadn't been able to go after her. Theodore was briefly troubled by this. Meanwhile, Paragranum rose from her spot. "Then it is up to here for me. I don't want you to miss the expedition, so be careful."

"Yes, thank you for informing me."

Once Paragranum left, Theodore kept thinking for a while. Why were the dragons showing interest in the Southern Continent? Was there a threat to the material world? If so, should he be alert to threats?

'Tsk, I don't know.' Theodore let out a long sigh and suppressed his thoughts about the dragons.

He sat down in front of the mirror of communication and organized the reports from each tower.

'It is time to replace Master's prosthesis. Balance the bonded neurons… Okay, that is enough. I can tell him separately. It has been three days since Baek Dongil returned from Bergen? The hobgoblins won't interrupt the schedule, so I will give him a vacation and send him to my hometown.'

A period of five years wasn't short. Since having come to Meltor, Baek Dongil had now reached the 4th circle. He was constantly tapping at the wall to the next level. His heart, which had gotten hurt by how he had been treated in the East Continent, was now healed.

Vince, Theodore's teacher, had also changed. It could be because he had lost one leg and devoted himself to research. His atmosphere grew softer, and the number of magicians who acted as his assistants increased.

"Well, it is good."

This was a peaceful age. Theodore's teacher could devote himself to the research he wanted to do but hadn't been able to due to being on the battlefield. Of course, Vince didn't always like everything. At that moment…

[Master, I've received a request.]

As he heard Gladio's loud voice, Theodore turned. "Is it an interview? I didn't make a promise…"

[It is a messenger from the Soldun Kingdom. After a meeting with the king in the morning, he came to see Master.]

"The Soldun Kingdom? What is the name of the messenger?" He asked to be certain. Theodore thought it was Baek Jongmyung who came to see Baek Dongil.

However, his expectations were betrayed in a different manner.

[The name is Marquis Fergana.]

"…Why him?"

He was the 7th circle magician who had been defeated by Theodore in Soldun's civil war and eventually became a royal hound. Theodore made a strange expression and got up. "I have to meet him."

Chapter 339 – Five Years Later (4)

Marquis Fergana was one of the 7th circle magicians in the continent and one of the three masters in the Soldun Kingdom. He was also the master of a prestigious family and a person who possessed 30% of the kingdom.

That's right. This was until he was defeated in the Elsid Civil War that occurred several years ago and was arrested. Originally, it was a crime that would cause him to be executed. However, the royal family was in a weak state after the civil war, so they used a special punishment to prevent the damage which would be caused by Marquis Fergana's vacancy.

It was the Oath of Obedience. At the time, Theodore had been dispatched with the allied forces, and his power had been borrowed to carve the oath onto the marquis' heart. There was no way for the marquis to get rid of the brand on his heart. So, from that day onward, Fergana became a slave to King Elsid and the royal family.

His days of exploring magic were long gone. First of all, he was a royal hound who followed the royal family's will and acted for national events, rather than family affairs. It was too big a cost due to his family.

'…It was my own mistake for falling for Cornwall's words and not being able to refuse my daughter. I know in my mind that I shouldn't blame anyone else.' Marquis Fergana was lost in thought as he sat at an old-fashioned table in a reception room.

He could feel it without any effort—the shackle carved onto his heart that even his seven circles couldn't resist. Was it called the Oath of Obedience? It was a very terrible name. He reconfirmed the enchantment on his heart and smiled bitterly. After being defeated by a young man not even 30 years of age, Fergana now had no freedom. He felt more disappointment, rather than resentment, for the loss.

"Now, that young man is the greatest magician on the entire continent… I wonder if I was fortunate that I encountered him before that."

Either way, Fergana's defeat wouldn't be changed. He drank the bitter tea as his heart filled with messy feelings he couldn't determine. There were feelings of a magician's jealousy and the inferiority complex of the underdog, as well as a mixture of vengefulness, awe, and admiration.

Marquis Fergana let out a long breath.

Kkiiik.

The door of the reception room opened, and Theodore walked in. "It has been a while, Marquis Fergana. I heard you were looking for me."

It was different from the past. Theodore was wearing a black robe instead of a red one, and his eyes had added depth as he looked at Marquis Fergana.

Theodore Miller, the chief tower master, was the youngest magician in the continent to reach the 8th circle. Their eyes met, and they each had different reactions.

'―Heoook!' Marquis Fergana's eyes filled with astonishment. 'D-Deep. So deep that I can't see the bottom. It is like looking into another dimension…!'

They were different types of magicians. It was like the difference between a person standing on a mountain peak and a person on the middle of the mountain. The gap between the two magicians could be seen from their eyes as pressure pushed down at Marquis Fergana.

The 7th circle and the 8th circle…

The 8th circles which could be seen in Theodore's eyes were difficult to face. Therefore, Marquis Fergana couldn't say a word.

"Ah, I'm sorry." Theodore belatedly noticed the reason and reduced the amount of power in his eyes.

It wasn't necessary to say that Marquis Fergan's fear increased. "I-It has been a long time, Chief Tower Master Theodore."

"Yes. Is this the first time since the civil war?"

"Yes, it is as you said." The pride that Marquis Fergana had built over decades vanished like a mirage, and he gathered his hands together politely.

As a magician of the 7th circle, Marquis Fergana could tell that Theodore Miller was already in a realm beyond his imagination. It would be too much if the marquis tried to curry favor with Theodore. The bad feelings related to the incident of the past faded and only awe remained.

After exchanging greetings and drinking a cup of tea, the conversation between the two people truly began.

"His Majesty asked me to consult with you about this issue."

Theodore made a strange expression as King Elsid of Soldun was mentioned. There were no signs of taking out a letter, so the marquis was going to say it directly. It meant this was a problem that couldn't be conveyed through letters and was important enough for a master to come in person. Theodore's eyebrows raised in interest.

Meanwhile, Marquis Fergana started talking, "It happened three months ago. Monsters kept attacking the kingdoms in the south-west."

This wasn't uncommon. The Southern Continent, filled with infamous swamps, was located a few kilometers south of the Soldun Kingdom, and it wasn't unusual for monsters from the swamp to leave the area. There were many beasts who tried to avoid the human species. However, the number and strength of those who wandered away from their habitat weren't great, and they were easily blocked by the standing army at the border areas.

The royal family had thought the same thing three months ago.

"But after a month or two, the number of creatures attacking the border didn't diminish. No, it was estimated that they increased."

"It is an abnormal situation."

"Yes, I saw that this situation was a monster wave."

'Monster wave' was a term that referred to a phenomenon where at least 1,000 monsters moved in a single direction, regardless of species or ecology. It was a phenomenon that could be found in encyclopedias. The number of monster waves had greatly reduced over the centuries. However, there must be a reason for Marquis Fergana's certainty.

"I don't know. The swamp monsters are adapted to their environment, and it is difficult for them to survive in other areas. The swamps in the south are filled with poison, and the vegetation is drenched with this evil energy, mutating the monsters."

"Did you try exploring inside?"

Marquis Fergana nodded firmly at Theodore's question and answered, "It was just the edges, but yes."

"You couldn't find the cause?"

"Unfortunately, I didn't see anything. Ah! There was something unusual."

"What is it?"

Marquis Fergana made a fearful expression as he recalled what he felt at that time. "From outside the forest, I felt a pressure that refused to let me approach. The soldiers and skilled knights were reluctant to take even a step inside. I was able to cope, but it consumed a considerable amount of mental energy."

"It was a mental energy, not physical?"

"Yes. It was a type of rejection."

A fear that spread across a wide area and drove the creatures out of the swamp…? A light flashed in Theodore's head at this thought. It was a puzzle piece that wouldn't have fit without Paragranum's story.

'Is this the influence of Dragon Fear?'

Dragons that grew to adulthood could release their presence and drive out all life forms in the area. Even ogres felt a sense of oppression that couldn't be tolerated. Undoubtedly, the strong monsters in the swamp areas couldn't compare to a dragon.

Marquis Fergana saw how Theodore was silent and asked with expectations in his eyes, "…Do you perhaps have any guesses?"

"No. I don't know either. But…" Theodore casually turned his cup round and round. "I am going to the Southern Continent. I'll try to investigate the cause during my expedition. If there is helpful information, I will give it to Soldun immediately."

"Oh! That is more than I was expecting!"

From Soldun's perspective, it was difficult to make a request directly to Theodore, who was the chief tower master and the backbone of the magic kingdom. However, to think that Theodore was now going to the Southern Continent and that he would help them…? This was an unexpected windfall for Marquis Fergana.

Theodore's expedition to the Southern Continent was becoming more complicated.

* * *

A few days after that…

"What? Monster wave?" Randolph was surprised after coming to Mana-vil at Theodore's call.

Randolph had received monster subjugation requests several times before, but he had never experienced a monster wave. A wave of thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of monsters…? Moreover, these were swamp monsters that were twice as strong as the other monsters in the area. It was obvious that a careless person would lose their life.

Theodore saw his reaction and asked playfully, "So? Are you afraid?"

"No way! I am looking forward to the good picnic ahead!" Randolph grabbed his two swords and chuckled. "I don't hate peace. Still, I am someone who likes battlefields. Any danger is welcome!"

"Savage human," the high elf Titania scolded Randolph's exuberance before turning to Theodore. There was no change in appearance for a high elf who lived for thousands of years. A period of five years for her was like a few months for humans. Nevertheless, she didn't stop training and had a stronger momentum than before.

"I heard that swamp creatures are different from those living in other areas. Can I ask for an explanation?"

"Of course. I was already going to do that," Theodore answered positively to Titania's question. "The swamps in the Southern Continent contain more mana than those in other regions. If we compare the average concentration of mana to 'water', then the Southern Continent is a 'swamp.' After thousands of years, the mana is enough to alter the ecosystem. This is why the swamp monsters are stronger."

Mana was a source of power. Both aura and magic were powers that converted mana. Monsters lacked the capacity to handle the powers as well as other species. However, by accumulating the mana in their bodies, they gained more durability and strength than natural.

Among them, the 'mutants' were the heads of the creatures. It was the case for the twin head ogres, mutant trolls with horns on their foreheads, and wyverns that could shoot out breaths.

"These mutations are common in the swamps. It's different from the central or northern part of the continent where there's a big commotion if one mutant is found. The adventurer who explored the swamps a long time ago wrote in his autobiography that it was hell."

"…Hrmm, that is interesting."

"Yes, it is some fun after a long time."

Both Titania and Randolph weren't intimidated as they made curious expressions. Clearly, the elf hunter and mercenary weren't concerned about monsters. In response, Theodore sighed and talked about the equipment he had prepared, "This is a place where humans haven't stepped in for a thousand years. It is necessary to have the proper equipment."

���Ohh…! This is enough for a war!"

There were dozens of artifacts more expensive than some estates, hundreds of magic scrolls, and more than 10 varieties of potions. Randolph's eyes recognized the value of the items at a glance. He enjoyed a fairly abundant life as a noble, but the goods in front of him were equivalent to 10 years of budget for an estate.

While Randolph was staring blankly, Titania came to Theodore's side and took something out. "Theodore, I was asked to give you this."

"Hmm?"

It was a handful of flowers. Theodore stared at the purple and white petals and blinked. There was only one person who would send this gift to him.

"…Ella sent them." (TL: Theo's new nickname for Ellenoa)

Theodore touched the stems with slender fingers and recalled her body odor. Ellenoa's smile that he saw last week was still vivid in his mind. A smile spread across Theodore's face.

Then Titania said, "Statice. Do you know what it means in the flower language?"

Theodore didn't know and looked at her blankly. Titania shrugged with a smile. "Eternal lo…ve. In fact, I don't know the language of flowers."

"What? It was just a good act?"

"I was made the messenger between you two, so give me this much. I have been getting goosebumps because of you."

"T-That…" Theodore had nothing to say.

Meanwhile, Titania moved onto another topic, "The recovery of the world tree is smooth. Thank you, Theodore. The young spirits who migrated to the forest are living well, and the reconstruction of the east forest is taking place at a rapid pace."

"How many more years until it recovers completely?"

"Well, around 50?"

Theodore's face stiffened. "…Too late."

"Well, you started it. There is no need to be impatient. You and Ellenoa will be able to live that long."

"But I can't let Ella be restrained."

"Hoh?"

Theodore ignored Titania's confusion and looked down at the map of the swamp.

The accuracy was frustrating, but it was better than nothing. Dragons were suddenly gathering in the swamps where humans hadn't stepped in for a thousand years. He wondered if there was a way to restore the power of the world tree more quickly.

"I don't want to make Ella wait anymore."

They had a promise for the day she was rid of this obligation.

Chapter 340 – Unknown Land (1)

This was the southernmost part of the Central Continent, the border of the Soldun Kingdom.

Flash!

There was a flash of light, and the shadows of a few people appeared on the ground. It was Mass Teleport. The traces of spatial magic soon disappeared.

From the capital of Meltor to the southern border of the Soldun Kingdom, Theodore and his group didn't make a single stop as they jumped nearly half the continent. They couldn't freely go back and forth like a space door, but one-time space movement was enough if Theodore used the auxiliary facilities of the magic towers.

It wasn't impossible for him to move to the East Continent beyond the sea if he was willing.

'I'll have to work a bit harder when I get back, but… isn't this much faster?'

Magic was truly convenient. A distance that would take a few months by foot or a month by carriage had been crossed in just a few minutes. In the Age of Mythology, space gates that connected the whole continent had existed. However, magicians who could use space movement like floating clouds in this era were rare.

Theodore stopped thinking about that matter and looked around. "…What are the conditions of those two?"

Magicians still hadn't resolved the difficulties of space magic. The further the distance traveled with space movement, the stronger the symptoms of nausea and dizziness would be.

"Uup, uuuup!"

"How terrible. You gave us a warning, but… Ugh."

Randolph was still half nauseous as he shook his head, while Titania took deep breaths with a pale face. In particular, she had a high mana resistance as a high elf, so she couldn��t calm down. Theodore saw her failing to get up and spoke like he understood everything, "Don't overdo it and just sit. Space nausea isn't something that can be recovered with magic or potions."

It was as he said. As such, Orta had even tried to apply it as part of his attack magic. Unlike normal nausea which was caused by equilibrium confusion, spatial nausea was caused by the body's sense of dimension. It was confusion caused by entering another dimension momentarily, inducing an 'inexplicable sensation.'

Although Theodore, the caster, had tried to ease the difficulty of the effects, this space nausea could distort even a master's senses. Still, the recovery of the masters was quick. After vomiting out a few gastric juices, Theodore, Randolph, and Titania recovered their balance. Theodore looked at the gaits of the two people and nodded, knowing that they had returned to their original conditions.

"Let's check the equipment a final time and move south. There won't be much time to rest after entering the swamp."

Randolph and Titania once again confirmed the goods they had received at the magic tower. There were several magic scrolls to deal with special situations, as well as detox potions for the poisonous swamp zones.

Randolph couldn't help letting out a long whistle as he saw the artifacts worth thousands of gold. "Can't I buy a mansion or city if I sell all the artifacts on my body?"

Theodore laughed at the joking words. "What if you combine two people? You can buy at least three territories on the outskirts."

"Yes, really."

It was meant as a joke, but it was half true. Randolph felt burdened by the value of all the artifacts he carried on his body. He might've become a noble, but at the core, he was still a mercenary who knew the weight of gold. Randolph automatically stiffened and changed the subject, "Cough. By the way, I didn't think it would just be the three of us. I thought you would bring that older sister or the little girl."

"…Then the power of Meltor would be reduced by more than half."

The yellow tower master, Paragranum, didn't reveal her strength or identity. Therefore, Meltor's defenses depended entirely on the other tower masters. It would be foolish to attack Meltor, that had a non-aggression treaty with the Andras Kingdom and was an ally of Elvenheim, but preparing for the worst was a magician's instincts.

However, this wasn't Randolph's point.

"Hrmm, I thought that sister was going to follow you anyway."

"What?"

"No, it's nothing. It would be awkward for anyone to interfere. You will realize it when the time comes."

"…?" Theodore stared at Randolph.

However, Randolph turned his head like he wouldn't speak anymore. All this while, Titania was listening to their conversation with a strange expression. Then Theodore realized that time was being wasted. "Let's go to the swamp. There are no monsters around here, so it should take less than an hour."

"Okay, let's go."

"I hope the stench of the swamp isn't too bad."

All three people kicked off from the ground almost simultaneously. The three shadows moved toward the unknown swamp that no one had stepped in for a thousand years.

* * *

The party soon arrived. As Theodore had expected, they were able to arrive at the entrance to the swamp in 30 minutes. This was their first encounter with the notorious swamp.

'Indeed, this place is worrisome.'

In general, green was the color of life. However, no vitality could be felt from the green swamp. If Theodore had to describe it, he would call it rotten. With rot and decay, this place had become a poisonous land. Normal creatures could never survive in this swamp. Poison was being emitted from each piece of grass and falling leaf. The only living creatures inside would be monsters.

"…A-A terrible place like this actually exists!" Titania shuddered at the sight, despite being a high elf who should be friendly to nature.

The blooming buds, leaves, and branches were filled with poison. This was a world where bees and butterflies couldn't survive. How could this swamp have existed for thousands of years? Theodore had doubts and called out, "Mitra, can you come out for a second?"

The girl sprang out from the ground as usual. [Hoing! Today is Mitra!]

"Yes, yes, good job."

Mitra finished with a Y-shaped pose and looked up at him with an elated expression. He didn't know what it meant, but she was always like this. Theodore stroked Mitra's head and pointed in the direction of the swamp. If they could open the way with her power, the swamp exploration would be much simpler than he thought.

"Mitra, can you control the plants in the swamp?"

[Eung? I'll try,] Mitra said. Then she walked to the entrance of the swamp and called out, [Hooing? Hoing. Ohunghung. Hoit? Hoooooi?]

She spoke in unknown words and sign language before making a confused expression. It was an unusual expression on her innocent face.

[Theo! Them guys are kinda weird!]

"How?"

[It doesn't make sense! I can't understand what they are saying. It is like we are speaking different languages!]

Indeed, Theodore nodded. The southern swamp area was a place where this material world and other dimensional worlds overlapped, and there were several places where ominous energy remained. If mana overflowed from it, then that meant the vegetation was already not part of this material world.

It was understandable that Mitra's power didn't work. After all, she couldn't intervene in the nature of another dimension.

"Thank you. Then I'll see you later."

[Hoing!] Mitra returned to the ground.

Then Theodore spoke to the party, "It can't be helped. Let's go inside."

It was impossible to investigate from outside, so the only way was to enter. If three masters couldn't make it through this smelly and foggy space, it would be impossible for anyone else in this era. Titania's response was a little late, but the party unanimously stepped into the swamp.

Squish… Squish… It was sticky.

However, it was fine when Theodore hardened the surface with ice magic. Though, he would rather burn it with fire. If he were Veronica, he would've done it without hesitation. Thinking of that, Theodore laughed and then looked around. The swamp was uncomfortable and sticky. It was a place that didn't have anything pleasant at all.

'Will monsters be present at the entrance of the swamp? Or…'

The monsters living on the outskirts of the swamp might've been killed by Soldun. Theodore couldn't be sure as he continued walking cautiously through the mysterious swamp.

One step, two steps, ten steps, one hundred steps…

After walking quite deeply into the swamp, Theodore suddenly stopped. So far, he hadn't seen any monsters.

"Too strange," Theodore said. The two people following him naturally stopped and listened as he continued to mutter, "There is no crying, no trace of monsters, no sense of resistance. Surely not all the monsters in this swamp have gone to Soldun…?"

"…Theodore."

"Hmm?"

"I want to correct one thing."

Theodore looked back at Randolph and realized Randolph and Titania were soaked in sweat.

"Do you feel it? I'm enduring it somehow, but if I relax even a little bit, I will step back," Randolph said.

"What are you feeling?"

"It is a feeling that I shouldn't approach… It is hard to describe in words. In any case, my feet won't go forward. It's similar for this girl."

Titania confirmed it with a tired face. "The elementals are about to leave me. It doesn't have much effect on Geros, but the other elementals are afraid."

"…I see." Theodore guessed the reason for their words. If this reluctance was due to Dragon Fear, then Theodore might be immune to that effect due to Aquilo's blood inside him. Therefore, he didn't feel the resistance.

'I have to pay careful attention to their condition.'

It wasn't comparable to a direct attack, but the mental strength of the party would continue to suffer unless Dragon Fear was cut off. The consumption of mental power was a big variable on the battlefield. If Theodore made a reckless judgment when accompanied by Randolph and Titania, both of them could be significantly hurt or killed.

Above all, there was a bigger problem than their condition.

"From now on, pay attention."

"Hmm?"

"What does that mean?"

Randolph and Titania asked in uncomfortable tones. Meanwhile, Theodore stared at the swamp hidden by a fog. "Maybe in the future, only monsters who can survive this rejection will remain."

The monsters who could resist Dragon Fear were real monsters in this swamp area. There was no need for Theodore to explain any more as the shaking could be heard from far away.

Kung! Kung! The earth shook. The three people noticed that the shaking was moving closer. If it was a monster that weighed this much, there wouldn't be more than 10 types found in Theodore's mental encyclopedia. Unsurprisingly, the monster appeared in a dignified manner.

"Cyclops! They shouldn't be living in swamps!" The astonished Titania shouted.

Meanwhile, Theodore noticed something strange ahead of her. Unlike the usual cyclops, this one had bright skin and a blazing red eye. However, the red eye wasn't due to strong emotions. Theodore sensed something and paused. "…Magic eye?"

The moment he stopped moving…

Wiiiiiiing! The cyclops' eye burned like lava as a ray of light shot out from it.

Chapter 341 – Unknown Land (2)

'Tch, it is too late to avoid it.' Theodore reflexively stepped forward and reached out his hand.

A wall of shadow rose from the ground, blocking the trajectory of the light ray. Ray type attacks were threatening because of their speed, but they also had disadvantages due to being a pure form of energy. For example, Jerem's wall of imaginary space had a property that sucked all the energy and turned it to zero, making shadow and darkness the nemesis of this light ray. However…

Jjejeok.

The shadow wall couldn't handle the power of the ray and got a few cracks.

Theodore's low proficiency was one of the reasons, but the power of the Cyclops' ray was also stronger than he had thought it would be. It was a little below the level of great magic. Although it might be limited to this swamp, its level could be designated as a grade 3 disaster.

"Randolph! Titania!" Theodore didn't need to look back at both of them. "As soon as this wall disappears, split to the left and right! I'll scatter the ray attack somehow!"

"Then I will completely stop its breathing!"

"I understand."

There was no need to separately specify the timing. Randolph's two swords were drawn, and Titania's bowstring was pulled taut. The shadow wall reached its limit and shattered. Kakang!

'Now!' Theodore triggered the magic he had prepared a few seconds earlier. The second weakness of a ray-based attack was deflecting using the nature of light. Theodore used the double attribute magic of wind and water, and a prism in the shape of an octahedron appeared, absorbing the red light.

Wiiiiing!

The refracted ray started to bend in eight directions. The moment the three people were exposed, Titania's bow cried out like it had been waiting. The arrow tore through the wind.

"Grrrruk?" The cyclops received an instinctive type of warning and noticed the arrow's presence.

Nevertheless, it didn't move its arms or step backward. Instead, it turned its gaze from Theodore to the flying arrow. The hot beam from the ray could burn even the arrows shot by Titania. The cyclops had a clever judgment.

"Heh, you have a good head."

However, Titania's archery skill was better than how cunning the cyclops was.

Chiik. The wind and arrow were burned by the ray. However, this was followed up with another arrow. It wasn't just one or two. Titania fired three arrows in the same orbit without any error. The first one couldn't reach, and the second was a bit lacking. So, she shot three arrows. The last arrow pierced the cyclops' one eye.

"Kuwaaah!?" The ray and blood scattered from the cyclops' crushed eyeball. The magic eye was ultimately dependent on the eye. It couldn't be used properly with damaged eyes.

Furthermore, the cyclops who lost an eye had forgotten something. The sword master of the twin swords, Randolph, approached it and swung his two swords. The cyclops' shin bones and femur were split apart in an instant. Randolph's blades broke the cyclops' spine and moved upward, cutting its carotid artery.

It felt like cutting a rock. The cyclops' skin was tough and full of swamp mana. A good aura user would find it hard to cut a single line. However, it was no match for a sword master's aura.

"Gruk…! Grr…ru…ruok." Just two seconds after the shadow wall disappeared, the body of the cyclops was bleeding and torn to rags. Its opponents were too terrible. However, Theodore sighed bitterly. "Geez, I made a mistake."

"What?"

Before Titania received an answer, they heard it.

Kwaaaang!

A pillar of fire rose in several places simultaneously, and black smoke appeared. There was a reason Theodore had been wary of using magic after entering the swamp. It was hard to guess how many flammable gases and liquids were present in a swamp area that was thousands of years old. The rays of light that Theodore had refracted caused the environment to burn up.

'Fortunately, it isn't all of the swamp…'

Theodore looked around at the flames and spoke to his group, "Be prepared while maintaining your breathing."

"What?"

"The disturbance will reach quite far."

The cyclops was powerful, but the group was still quite a distance away from the center of the swamp. It was just a little 'strong' here.

――――――――――――――!!!

The disturbance would agitate creatures with a far bigger presence than the cyclops. That wasn't all. The ground shook due to all the approaching creatures. Monsters were coming from all three directions except for the rear where the party had come from. If he had to count roughly, there were over 100 monsters. Theodore looked carefully at them with Hugin whom he had called in advance.

'Let's see the left side.'

It felt like the side had the most enemies. His vision greatly expanded, and he could see multiple creatures with green skin.

Orcs—they could be found everywhere on the continent, but Theodore hadn't expected to see them in the swamp. The experienced orc warriors could fight one knight alone, but most orcs could be defeated by a group of soldiers. He never thought it would be a species that could stay in this swamp.

'They are all mutated. They might be stronger than an ogre?'

Looking closer, there were scales on their skin, and they had some aspects of a crocodile. The orc was tall and oversized, being at least over 3 meters in height. It was appropriate to call this the hybrid of an orc and lizardman. Furthermore, there were other creatures approaching from the front.

There were twin head ogres with two horns and a pair of wings, reminiscent of chimeras. Their skin was hard like iron, and the flames coming from their mouths were alarming. The swamp trolls looked quite dangerous too.

Finally, Theodore looked to the right, and his eyes shook.

'Heok!'

Shortly afterward, the connection to Hugin was cut off. However, the scene he saw at that moment was truly shocking. There was a six-headed snake with a body length of over 100 meters long!

"Hydra…?"

The number of heads was lacking, but Theodore guessed this was a hydra. A hydra was a snake with nine heads and an immortal body, and it had a poison that was hard to decipher. Similar to Jörmungandr and Azi Dahaka, it was something that couldn't be opposed by mortals if it was in a perfect condition. In the myth, it was defeated by a demigod, but it couldn't be completely killed. It was buried alive…? The standard of a hero was needed to defeat it.

'…No, I can do it now.'

In the legends, the hydra's immortality came from its one head, out of its nine heads, that had golden scales. However, this hydra didn't have any golden head. It didn't have nine heads either, so it might still be incomplete or was a variant hydra. In that case, its force wouldn't be as big, which meant Theodore could defeat it.

"How can I give up now?"

The odds weren't impossible. Theodore looked back at the two others who were smiling as they held their weapons.

"I knew it would be hard when I accompanied you."

"Well, it can't be helped. Let's do it!"

As it happened, the combination of the three people was the best. The combination of a sword master, archer, and magician could display the best combat power regardless of distance. If they could complement each other's weaknesses and maximize their strengths, it wouldn't be difficult to wipe out the monsters.

Theodore laughed at Randolph and Titania's answers. "Okay, shall I take care of the weak bastards?"

His eyes shone as he looked at the mutant orcs coming from the left.

* * *

If there were two words to describe the southern swamp, it must be 'fearful' and 'unknown.' They were afraid because they couldn't know, or they didn't know because they were afraid.

The sequence of the relationship wasn't important. All those who tried to conquer or explore the swamp were killed, making it a prohibited area. Transcendents didn't step into the area for an unknown reason, and over the years, humanity had lost the power to attack the swamp.

…At least, until today.

Kwarururung!

A few lightning bolts fell in the shape of a spear, causing the ground to turn over and fry two trolls. The trolls, notorious for their sturdy skin and natural regenerative power, were fried by the lightning. Theodore set up a lightning spear and threw it at another swamp troll.

"Get lost!"

The power was so fierce that the swamp troll's head vaporized, leading the headless body to fall down. In retrospect, it was surprising that it didn't die in one 7th circle blow. There was time to sum things up, so Theodore looked at the twinhead ogre fighting the other two.

■■■■■■■■―――!!

'Strong' would be the only word he could say. The ogre had pure power and speed, and it used its power efficiently to handle two masters by itself. It used its two pairs of eyes to block attacks, the flying ability of its wings to accelerate, and the durability of its skin to withstand the aura blow. Additionally, he had an earth-shaking fist that contained all its power. It was almost like Superbia.

'But it is still lacking to deal with both of them.'

It was obviously the ogre's defeat. There was only one head left. Its wings were torn, and one area had been cut so many times that the bones were revealed. Randolph's blue blades once again shone brightly. "Ha! Your bottom will be exposed, you monster!"

Black blood splattered, serving as proof that Randolph was getting close to the bone marrow. Nevertheless, the response of the mutant ogre was fearsome. It ignored the pain and bleeding as it tried to kill the humans. The strike was too fast for Randolph, who had just finished his attack, to avoid.

Chaaeng!

However, its fist bounced off. The fist that contained the force of a thick wall was pushed back by a single arrow. It was Titania's arrow which had flown in with perfect timing! The ogre had been subjected to this technique a few times and roared angrily. However, Titania's footwork exceeded its speed. Above all, Randolph's blades kept coming while the ogre was chasing Titania. Either way, the ogre was one-sidedly pushed and beaten. The monster that had never been pushed by force before reached its limit.

"This is the end!"

An arrow pierced the ogre's mouth, causing it to step back. Then it raised its left hand to its face to pull out the arrow. One hand was in view, and a sword master would never sit by idly when a gap was revealed.

Clovis Two Swords Style.

Hidden Technique.

Triple Lightning Strokes.

The two blades were charged with blue lightning as they moved. One blade accurately pieced the ogre's throat, and blood gushed up like a fountain. It lacked the power to completely behead the ogre, but the amount of bleeding couldn't be ignored. The ogre realized it had made a mistake and lowered its left hand.

"Too late you idiot!" Randolph shouted as a flash of lightning shot from his right hand.

The second strike was a diagonal split. From the left temple to the right jaw joint, the surface of the ogre split open. Its relatively thin skin was cracked into two.

■■■■■――!?!

This was a fatal blow. Randolph's blade gouged deeply into the ogre's skull and almost cut its brain. Before the ogre could back away, lightning struck it. Randolph's other blade once again struck the ogre's head in the same spot. It was the end of the mutant twinhead ogre. Half of its severed head slipped down, and the ogre's body collapsed to the ground. The creature that would've caused a disaster outside the swamp had died.

"Sigh, the appetizer is done." Randolph shook off the blood on his swords and took out a bottle of potion. He hadn't received any direct injuries, but his skin had been scraped by the ogre's fist. Theodore wasn't the only one to think about Superbia when facing that absurd power. Randolph would've struggled if he had to deal with it alone.

"It is the first match, but there are more powerful monsters left." Titania couldn't hide her tiredness as she sighed.

Compared to Randolph, her role was easy. However, it was difficult to maintain a distance of hundreds of meters while shooting, and there was a corresponding consumption of mental power. Despite that, Theodore couldn't allow both of them to take a break. "It has come a lot closer. It will soon be in sight."

Although it might be imperfect, the hydra—the disaster which had been recorded in the old myths—was making its appearance. There was a chance of victory. Theodore had saved his magic when fighting the twinhead ogre, and he had also refrained from using scrolls and artifacts in order to save it for the hydra.

The three people were alert as they stared at the swamp and waited for the hydra to come.

Then they saw it.

"…Wow, it is huge."

It was much smaller than Hraesvelgr, who covered the sky with his wings, but this realistic size made it feel more real. The hydra's body length was over 100 meters, and it had six heads. It was like a small hill wriggling around. The hydra looked down at Theodore, and one of its six heads opened its mouth.

[Two humans, one elf… What a strange combination,] a cunning voice tickled the ears of the three people.

This dubious voice belonged to the hydra.

"Six-headed snake, are you the master of this swamp?"

The hydra answered the question with yellow eyes, [You don't need to know.]

"…"

[By the way, in your body… I feel an unpleasant power. The strength and smell are that of the corrupted god who repulsed my ancestors long ago…]

The hydra's killing intent grew stronger. In this breathless atmosphere, Theodore gave a hand signal to the two people. It was to prepare to fight. Simultaneously, the six hydra heads opened their mouths, and their poisonous fangs aimed at the three people.

[Die.]

Chapter 342 – Unknown Land (3)

Theodore's response was quicker. Before the snake could move, Theodore cast the magic spell he had prepared.

The target was the group of three people, and the target point was 500 meters away. Poison soon spilled from the hydra's mouth, but Theodore's group disappeared first.

Kuuuuoh!

Poison Breath—the poison from the hydra's six heads struck the ground. The damp ground crumbled, and bubbles rose like lava. It was a frightening sight.

There were various characteristics for all types of poisons in this world. For example, there was acid poison that corroded metals and rocks. There was also a poison that destroyed the nervous system, a poison that caused internal bleeding, a poison that caused unidentified diseases, and so on. It was impossible to count them with the fingers of both hands.

Nevertheless, Theodore was convinced that the hydra's poison was the most dangerous one.

'…I would've made a mistake if I faced it directly.'

In the old myths, the hydra's poison was one that was impossible to find an antidote for. If the hydra's breath was that terrible, Theodore would've decided to retreat without hesitation as the poison would have annihilated all three of them. However, his super sensitivity told him that he had a 60% chance of winning. It was proof that the measures he had prepared in advance were sufficient for the low-level poisoning.

Theodore assessed the situation in a matter of seconds and sent a signal to the others, (Come to this position now.)

He drank a detox potion and used a few auxiliary spells essential to fighting the hydra. He used Air-walk, which made it possible to walk in the air, and Purification, which made harmful substances harmless, as well as Air-flow, which scattered the air around the body and increased the resistance of the body. It made his respiratory tract feel a little tight, but it was better than inhaling poison.

After completing 13 types of secondary spells in an instant, Theodore realized that his clouded flesh became clearer.

'It noticed quicker than I thought. Is it sensitive to the movement of mana? That big snake?'

The hydra had raised its heads and stared at the three people with killing intent. Despite the gap of a few hundred meters, they hydra's big body gave off a foreboding feeling like it was right in front of them. If Theodore were lacking in courage, his heart would've stopped when faced with those yellow eyes.

However, Theodore's complexion was the same as he shouted in a loud voice, "Goetia! Automatically keep up the purification, detoxification, and airflow control! Reapply the spells every five minutes and give priority to assisting the two others above me!"

[Yes, Master!]

"Use some of the stored magic power in my circles for independent mobility. Isolate the circuit and use it! Do your best to last a long time!"

Goetia didn't answer. One circuit was isolated as soon as the instructions were received. Over the past years, Goetia had transformed into a loyal existence. Theodore focused on the imprint on his heart—the Artificial Yin and Yang. It was to use the power of Laevateinn from the Ring of Muspelheim.

"「 I declare. 」"

In the myths, the weakness of the hydra was fire. However, there was no way it could be defeated by ordinary fire magic. It had to be divine fire or a fire that was beyond the rules of this world. As an example, yes, the fire of Muspelheim was valid.

"「 As your master, I command you. Fire of Muspelheim, become my weapon and manifest here. 」"

The crack of the dimension opened, and a white light spilled onto Theodore's palms, turning into a few swords and spears. A fire that wasn't bound by the laws of this physical world burned endlessly even in a vacuum and ignored the boundary between matter and non-matter. The body of the snake instinctively sensed danger and moved.

"Go!"

Several white spears were stuck into the hydra's body. Shortly after that, the whole world was burning brightly.

―――――――――――――!!!

The one thing Theodore overlooked was that the hydra's poison was also flammable. The deadly gas caused a massive explosion of smoke and fire, and the earth of the entire swamp area seemed to be shaking. The shockwave caused by the explosion even tore through the clouds.

[Kiyaaaaaaack!]

Of course, the impact to the hydra at the center of the explosion was much greater. They hydra's scales which couldn't be cut by an aura blade were torn, and green blood gushed upward like a fountain. Theodore wasn't pleased as he looked down at the hydra. 'This is the extent of the injury? Its durability is better than a dragon's.'

The explosion from a little while ago displayed power that was comparable to 8th circle wide-area magic. With an attack like that, even a dragon wouldn't be able to avoid suffering a serious injury. However, only a little of the hydra's skin had been peeled off.

This was a level of durability that couldn't be destroyed with wide-area magic. Theodore quickly changed his tactics and instructed his group, "Titania, shoot!"

Titania nodded as she was pushed by the pressure of the explosion, while the shape of a translucent giant emerged behind her. It was Geros, the ancient elemental who had been called Zephyrus in the distant past. The Hurricane Bow cried loudly, Kuooooh!

The hydra bowed down belatedly, but the stormy arrow had already hit one of its heads. The huge green snake bounced away like it was hit by a hammer.

[Kuaaaack! I will kill you!] Despite feeling slightly pained because of the Hurricane Bow, the hydra kept attacking the three people.

It was dreadfully fast for something as big as a hill. However, in comparison to the three masters, the hydra's reflexes were lacking. Randolph and Titania scattered using Air-walk, while Theodore made some illusions and distracted the hydra. Randolph was the first to change his stance. "Your eyes won't be as hard as your skin, you cunning snake!"

He accelerated with his Aura Ability and reached the hydra's heads. Then his blades struck a pair of eyes.

Kaaang!

[Kiyaaaaak? Get lost, human!]

Randolph's two blades clashed with the hydra's closed eyelids, and flames emerged. The hydra's eyeballs couldn't be damaged, but the shock was transmitted. The confused hydra shook its heads. Meanwhile, Titania used this gap to only aim arrows at the eyeballs. Faced with multiple attacks, the hydra didn't know which eyes to open or close.

Theodore felt a sense of incongruity. 'It is too panicked. Does it not have much experience fighting despite its strength? It just needs to close its eyes and flounder around.'

The big snake shook its head, but the sword master didn't budge. The hydra had the high durability and toxic poison, but that was it. It was too weak to be a descendant of a creature from the Age of Mythology. However, it wasn't weak enough for Theodore to relax. He didn't hesitate as he prepared the next move.

"Mitra, I will ask you to do it."

The girl named Mitra popped out. [Hoing! Today is another transformation?]

After becoming a god at Elvenheim, Mitra had been able to regain her status for a short period of time.

Despite being contaminated, this swamp was part of the material world. As such, it couldn't rebel against Mitra, who had regained Dmitra's name. She nodded and sank into the ground where the poison was a little thinner. The poison of the hydra was incomplete, so Mitra wasn't affected by it.

A few moments later, the hydra thought of Theodore's idea and started to flounder.

Kukukung! Kukung…! Kukukung!

Massive amounts of dirt rose and fell back to the ground. The hydra's struggle without any eyesight was like a natural disaster. It was indeed a monster known in the Age of Mythology.

[Don't go up! These foolish bastards!]

The cliff was struck by six heads, and stones poured down. Randolph wielded his swords and stopped the obstacles from hitting Titania. Then the hydra turned its head triumphantly. However, Theodore was expecting this. 'Mitra, now!'

The hydra was looking at the three people when the swamp swirled, and a large muddy hand rose up. It wasn't just one or two hands but six, which was precisely the number of heads the hydra had.

[Hoiiit! This is huge!]

[W-What? Mud monster!]

The hydra was surprised by the unexpected situation, while Mitra grabbed the heads without missing one. Her grip was so tight that the hydra couldn't open its mouths. The hydra could only blink as it was caught, while Theodore waved his hands.

'Not even thinking about escaping… Is this really a hydra?'

It had absurd strength, durability, and deadly poison. Theodore had been determined to fight for half a day when this fight began, but it ended in just 30 minutes. He wasn't disappointed with the enemy's weakness, but this was the first time his expectations were betrayed.

"…Abraxas, deploy." As Theodore cast a spell to destroy the hydra's body, his colleagues had a similar expression. It would be better to win easily, even if he felt empty about it. Theodore's eight circles revolved, and the unstable mana gathered under his control. It was magic that could kill a dragon when focused on one point.

Wuooooong…!

Once the huge amount of magic power started moving, the hydra began to struggle. However, it was too late. Dmitra's mud hands were firm and the binding force of earth wasn't easily broken. It took 30 seconds for Theodore's spell to be completed.

First water and fire phase—blue and red beads floated around him.

Second wind and earth collapse—the two beads increased to four and circulated around him.

Final chapter—as soon as the beads merged and divided, a small world was created with a huge destructive force.

It was enough to blow away more than half of the six heads. The four magic spheres slowly got closer, and Theodore waited for the right moment to throw it. Unless someone interfered with his spell…

「рассеивание (Disperse)! 」

As the powerful voice was heard from somewhere, the magic power around Theodore's body lost its strength and faded away. The three people looked in the direction of the third party who intervened. The person who prevented them from dealing a heavy blow wouldn't be an ally. Nevertheless, the three people were surprised at the sight of the enemy.

"…Don't tell me?"

The man had red hair and vertical pupils that were different from a human's. Theodore was familiar with these pupils. These eyes belonged to the strongest species, the guardians of this material world.

"Hrmm, I guess you know my essence." The unidentified red dragon was curious about the unexpected reaction and stood between the three men and the hydra.

Then he looked at Theodore and asked, "Are you willing to break the pledge, transcendent human? If you crossed the 'wall', you should know that you aren't allowed to enter the swamp."

Of course, Theodore made a stupid expression.

Chapter 343 – Unknown Land (4)

'Pledge? Transcendent? Furthermore, not allowed in the swamp?'

As words, of which he couldn't understand the context, poured out, Theodore inwardly estimated the power of the dragon. The superiority of power was a great variable in any situation. However, Theodore was soon forced to gulp. 'Damn, a monster. He is literally on a different level.'

At first glance, the dragon was far stronger than the hydra. The dragon wasn't a Desertio-level presence, but he was at least an ancient monster. He had stopped Abraxas with simple Dragon Words. If he wanted to hurt the three people, he would be able to temporarily seal Theodore's magic.

The dragon hadn't done this, so Theodore scattered the spell he had completed. He felt that this could be solved with words rather than fighting.

"Huh? Something is strange. Wait a minute." At this moment, the dragon looked at Theodore with wide eyes. "You aren't transcendent? Your spirit is high, but it isn't over the limit. It seems you are at the boundary? It is interesting that you have a transcendental spirit."

The red dragon didn't ask for an answer because he could see through everything. After realizing Theodore's abilities, the red dragon made a strange expression and then closed his eyes like he was thinking. However, there was someone who interfered with his silence.

[Kuaaaaaah! I will get rid of you! Tear you into hundreds of pieces!] The hydra finally shook off the mud hands.

The snake overturned the ground in a violent manner and was able to smash the solid clay. Its tail dug into the ground as its six heads roared. This was an ignorant destructive force. As Theodore's group regained his vigilance, the red dragon opened his mouth and spoke in a low voice, "Hey."

The hydra's frenzied body stiffened. […Yes?]

"Shut up before you make me angry."

[B-But Brasmati…!]

"I don't want to say it twice."

The hydra became aware of the irritation in the voice of the red dragon, Brasmati, and fell silent. There was a clear hierarchical relationship between them. Despite the difference in strength, there was a strange relationship between the dragon and endangered creature. Didn't it seem like Red Dragon Brasmati and the hydra were working together?

'My guess may be right, but let's put it on hold for the moment.'

There were so many problems before Theodore that he couldn't afford to worry about anymore. Theodore had to prioritize his thoughts while waiting for Brasmati to open his mouth. Randolph and Titania were also aware of the identity of their opponent and held their breaths.

"Ah," Brasmati soon spoke. "I just thought of something. Was it you? Aquilo, she said she has a blood contract with a human magician."

"Yes?"

"I suppose your body odor is familiar because of Aquilo's blood? It is mixed in with the smell of another… that I don't know."

Theodore remembered the face of his lover. Was Veronica, a quarter dragon who had inherited the blood of a red dragon, related to Brasmati somehow? However, Theodore didn't speak his thoughts.

Even if the dragon before him really was closely related to her, it wouldn't be strange if Theodore didn't know about him. Theodore and Veronica were lovers, so he knew Veronica had an unhappy childhood because her grandfather, the dragon, hadn't taken care of her at all.

'…Dragons are a species who don't care about blood relations.' Theodore knew this, but he couldn't stop his gaze from becoming colder. If this dragon was one of those who had made Veronica suffer, then an unnecessary hostility would emerge.

It was much better to pretend not to know anything.

"Well, good. You wouldn't have made the pledge since you aren't a transcendent," Brasmati spoke without any consideration toward Theodore. "There are two options for you. If you were an outsider, I would've driven you out already. But you have Aquilo's blood, meaning you are no longer an outsider."

"What are the choices?"

"One, give up on moving forward and go back in good health. Stop searching the areas you haven't reached yet." Brasmati looked at them with calm eyes. There was no malice in his gaze, but neither was there a liking toward them. It was a dull gaze with no interest on whether Theodore died.

Then he shrugged and warned them lightly, "There is no reason to stop mortals from staying, but I can't let you act as a variable. If you dare move forward, I will stop you will be own strength."

"…Then what is the second choice?"

"Heh, you are wise."

Theodore didn't think he would die. However, it was true that the odds were slim. A dragon approached the area beyond the framework of life and was almost comparable to a god. The risk for a fight without any merits was ridiculously huge. It was a situation with a 70% chance of collapsing, a 20% of getting annihilated, and a 10% chance of having one or two deaths. In such a situation, there was no reason to fight.

"Secondly, come with me to the middle of the swamp and cooperate with our work. If you do, I will allow you to move forward and promise a reward equivalent to your merit."

"…Can I know the situation before choosing?"

"No. If you were another person, you would've been sent back regardless of your capabilities. Now, make your choice."

Theodore shut up at Brasmati's words. Brasmati didn't want an 8th circle magician. He wanted a 'competent magician linked to Aquilo.'

According to the information he'd gathered before heading to the swamp, there were at least five dragons gathered here. Assuming there were two or three on the same level as Brasmati, Theodore wouldn't be able to endure it. What was the problem that they couldn't disclose it yet had to ask for his cooperation?

'The situation is serious enough that the dragons on the continent have gathered together. It is also so secret they have to stop the intervention of other species.'

Even without his super sensitivity, he could tell that the future would change dramatically depending on the choice he made here. To step back without obtaining anything or take the risk and move forward… The greatest magician in this age stood at the crossroads where no magician would hesitate.

* * *

"First, let me explain the pledge related to the swamp."

Once they started moving, Red Dragon Brasmati explained the history that they didn't know.

It was a story that of what happened thousands of years ago.

In the latter half of the Age of Mythology, many superpowers and high-grade species had existed all over the world, even though it wasn't comparable to the peak of the period. During that time, the swamp didn't reject civilization like it did now, nor was it a place where mutated creatures lived. More than 100 demonic energy sites had been sealed by strong hands, and the southern part of the continent had once been the most prosperous tourist spot in the continent.

Then the destruction started suddenly one day.

"13 transcendents living on the southern continent died in one day. The causes of death consisted of heart attack, brain death, respiratory arrest, and so on. The people who would live even when thrown out into the universe were wiped out. At first, we thought a demon king had descended."

"…That wasn't the case?"

"No, it would be easy to kill if a demon king had been summoned."

For a demon king to be treated as a wild beast from another dimension… Theodore made a frightened expression.

After all, Nídhöggur was in the category of a demon king. He was a transcendent who could turn the horizon upside down with a single flap of the wings and who had induced the onset of darkness with a single command. Yet, in the Age of Mythology, even demon kings had been subject to subjugation. They would descend once a century and be defeated.

'There is something more dangerous and difficult than a demon king? A great demon king?' Theodore was mumbling these words in his mind.

It was then when Brasmati stopped walking and looked back. From here on out, he cut to the chase.

"A grimoire."

"…Huh?"

"A grimoire. One grimoire ate more than a dozen transcendents at the end of the Age of Mythology. When we became aware of its existence, we sealed it with the help of a safe and over 40 people."

Theodore's expression became blank. He knew the power of a grimoire, but he didn't know of a grimoire that could eat a dozen transcendents. He couldn't help raising his voice, "If the transcendents really died that way, isn't it a disaster for the continent? Why wasn't such a disaster recorded?"

"There are three major reasons." The hot and damp air stirred around Brasmati. "One, only transcendents, not mortals, died. It was a raid only on transcendents… Although, the word 'raid' is also strange. It is more suitable to say transition."

"Transition..?"

"Two, we covered up the history. If someone got their hands on a grimoire that could threaten transcendents, it could jeopardize the world. The hydra is a guardian we prepared a long time ago. Transcendents don't enter this swamp, and the hydra can easily beat mortals."

The three people looked at each other with confused faces at this wave of truth.

The unknown land, the southern swamp that had been unexplored for thousands of years… It was an area where people had once flourished, and the cause of the swamp's current state was a grimoire. Any historians who heard this would have a defining moment of their career.

"Then why doesn't the hydra have any practical experience?"

"There are rarely any strong people who aren't transcendents. Most of them can be defeated with just its poison and body, so it didn't feel the need to sharpen its combat skills."

"Then the third reason?"

Brasmati went silent for a moment. Then he replied with a stiff expression without looking back, "It is simple."

Only a dragon could intervene with this seal.

"The grimoire can't be described by any means other than 'memories'."

The meaning of his words was vague, but Brasmati didn't explain any further. No, he arrived at his destination before he could say any more.

"We're here. I will tell you the rest after the introductions."

As Brasmati spoke, Theodore felt a shadow over his face. Someone was approaching from above them. The approach didn't involve an enemy, so Theodore's reaction rate was slightly slow. He barely raised his eyes when something white and blue pounced on him.

"―Boy!" Theodore's face was deeply buried in something. "Did you come to pick me up? I thought you abandoned me after calling a few times. I'm sorry I misunderstood."

"A-Aquilo?"

"Uh, your voice is coming from my chest, not my mind? You have grown since I last saw you, Boy."

"Uup, let me go, puhaah!" Theodore barely managed to escape from the slender beauty, stepping away from Aquilo with a reddened face.

A few years wasn't a long time for a dragon who lived for thousands of years, but her welcome was more excited than he had thought it would be. She'd grabbed his neck and buried his face in her chest. The reddening of his face was caused by his breath being blocked, not because of Aquilo's smell or texture… probably.

"It has been a while. I didn't know we would be reunited here."

Aquilo grinned at Theodore's serious tone. "Really? I knew you would come."

"What does that mean?"

"From now on, you will know. Our last lord is waiting for you."

"…Lord?"

Facing Theodore's wide eyes, the dragon of the sea laughed at him. "Yes, the dragon lord. Don't you know about it?"

That's right. It was impossible not to know.

Chapter 344 – Dragon Lord (1)

Dragon lord—using the dictionary meaning, it meant the 'king' of dragons. This was unusual for dragons who rarely gathered together.

It was a habit of dragons to nest in an area that wasn't related to their parents and where there were no peers. A dragon was no longer protected after leaving their parents, but they weren't commanded by anyone and enjoyed their own life. Even an old dragon couldn't impose their will on another dragon. A dragon who reached adulthood had no obligation to follow the orders of others. They would have a thoroughly individualistic life.

However, no dragon could disobey the command of the lord. The leader of all dragons was at the peak of the species from the time they were born. In a sense, the lord was a god. Born without parents, growing up without a gender, and then dying without any offspring, the dragon lord deviated from the category of dragons and only showed its power when the material world was in a crisis.

The dragon lord had gold scales that didn't belong to any clan, and they ruled over the mana of the world, regardless of its nature. As such, the dragon lord was literally the final weapon of this material world.

"…The lord came to this swamp?"

"Yes, if it wasn't for the lord, would these people lift their heavy asses?" Aquilo placed her left arm around Theodore's shoulder as she responded to Theodore's trembling voice. Her cool and smooth skin felt good on his shoulder, but Theodore was concentrated on the dragon lord.

A dragon lord wouldn't abuse their power on personal affairs. If the records were true, they only acted when there was a crisis that threatened the whole world.

'It means they didn't come here lightly.'

Legend had it that the appearance of a dragon lord was enough to gather people from all over the continent. Even Theodore, who could compete with an old dragon, was lacking in comparison. If he had known this would happen, he would've saved all his strength.

While Theodore was thinking, Brasmati turned his gaze to Aquilo and growled, "You are still talking nonsense, daughter of Surmidon. You are too old to be a child. Why don't you have some decency?"

The situation suddenly became uncomfortable. However, rather than apologizing, Aquilo kept talking. She had no hesitation in provoking an opponent she couldn't win against.

"Since when did our species follow the rules of seniority? Has your brain become ripe from living in the lava? What is behind your dissatisfaction?"

"This damn woman…!"

"Oh, my. How scary."

Brasmati's eyebrows twitched as heat flowed from his body and started to melt the ground. The moist ground dried, and the water vapor evaporated. Theodore had seen this a few times with Veronica, but the power controlled by the red dragon was more powerful than Veronica's draconic state.

'Damn, why are they arguing like this?'

As the atmosphere between them seemed as if they would fight at any minute, Theodore felt greatly disturbed being between them. He knew Aquilo's capricious personality, but he didn't think she would do something so reckless. Theodore looked carefully at the left arm attached to him and stopped breathing as fluorescent eyes appeared right in front of his nose.

"Boy, aren't you on my side?"

"What?"

"If I fight this jerk, won't you protect me?"

His nose was ticklish. The distance was so close that his nose touched hers with every word. Theodore's eyes filled with an unknown excitement, and his breathing had gotten heavy. His body naturally reacted to this, and he realized that the question was a test. Aquilo's attitude would change depending on how he answered.

However, the strange atmosphere between the two didn't continue.

"I thought it was too boisterous. Guests have come," a soft and cheerful voice was heard from the forest.

Brasmati mumbled with an expression like he was chewing a bug, "Erucus."

It was the name of the green dragon that Theodore had heard of a few days ago. Theodore remembered the information related to him. Erucus lived quietly in the mountains, saved those who were lost, and raised endangered animals. He was a saint compared to Aquilo, who played with pirates and collected treasures, and Brasmati, who was easily enraged.

"A magician on the boundary line, a sword master, and…" Erucus looked at Titania standing behind Theodore, and a liking filled his eyes. "A child of Arv, a high elf. Can I ask your name?"

"T-Titania."

"I am Erucus. It is nice to meet you." The dragons of the green clan seemed to have a relationship with the elves since long ago. Erucus looked at Titania with a gaze that was as gentle as a grandfather looking at his granddaughter.

Furthermore, thanks to Erucus' appearance, the two dragons stepped back from their fight. They weren't angry enough to fight in this atmosphere. Brasmati settled down and asked Erucus, "Erucus, where is the lord? Didn't they accompany you?"

"They are coming. They sent me back first because they have something to check."

"You can't stay for a long time on your own?"

"Of course. In order to resist it, conditions of other attributes are needed. The problem is I don't know what those conditions are."

The words were confusing, but Brasmati nodded like he understood.

'The matter won't be explained until I see the lord.'

Theodore had to wait until the lord came. Erucus spoke with Titania, while Aquilo stuck to Theodore from beginning to end. Only Randolph didn't have a companion, making him stand awkwardly. Fortunately, the dragon lord appeared quickly. There was a glittering light from the other side of the forest, and the dragons and Theodore's group looked in that direction. Before they faced the lord, Erucus gave some advice, "The lord is coming. I don't intend to force our manners on other species, but please don't act in a rude manner."

"Yes, I understand." Theodore nodded. However, the promise was unnecessary from the beginning. The brilliant light wasn't disturbed at all by the dingy swamp and vegetation.

Theodore couldn't look directly at the light as his eyes narrowed. 'Light…? No, this dazzling existence…!'

It wasn't strange. Theodore had experienced this feeling somewhere before. He soon recalled the golden coffin he had seen in the basement of Lairon. This was a divine light that felt similar to Baldur's. It was a bit stricter than Baldur's warm light, but it was proof that the power was far from evil.

Suddenly, the two dragons and Aquilo, who was attached to Theodore's left arm, bowed down to the light.

"Descendant of Bahamut, I greet the lord." It was a polite greeting.

Theodore was surprised that the dragons would show formal courtesies, even if it was to their lord. They were a species without a hierarchical relationship, yet they showed such a polite attitude to the lord? As Theodore was blinking with surprise, a childlike voice emerged from the mass of light believed to be the dragon lord, [Stand up.]

The three dragons raised their bodies, then the light scattered, and the shape within became increasingly clear. The light that couldn't be penetrated by Theodore's eyes finally revealed the concealed entity. Simultaneously, the six pupils of the three people became bigger.

'…A kid?'

It was a child who could be a boy or a girl. The child's golden hair shone like sunlight, and the light from their eyes was also brilliant. This brilliance couldn't be covered, even in a place with no light.

A gold dragon…

The gold dragon clan was one that didn't move while looking at the whole world, defending the providence and mana of the world. Nevertheless, the lord had the body of a child that was less than 10 years old. At that time, a voice resonated in the heads of Theodore and the others, [Yes, I am a child. On a human basis, I'm not even 10 years old.]

"What? This voice, don't tell me?"

[Yes, my vocal organs are still immature, so I can only speak like this. I should've said it in advance, I'm sorry.]

"No, rather, you are…"

[That's right. I'm reading your surface thoughts. If you are uncomfortable, close your eyes. I don't yet have the ability to consciously read your thoughts.]

Theodore lost his composure with just a few words. For the dragon lord to be able to ignore all barriers and reading the minds of an 8th circle magician, sword master, and high elf… This was a power that could be attributed to divine beings in ancient books.

['Ey, I'm not that strong. At a level like yours, I have to face you for at least a minute to read your thoughts in depth. Don't worry too much. I'm not grown up yet and can't fight well.]

"…I understand. But did you read our names?"

[Ah! Indeed. I haven't introduced myself yet.] The gold dragon read Theodore's intentions and spoke their name with an innocent expression. [I am the dragon lord of the present age, Clipeus. It is a pleasure!]

The dragon lord was different from what Theodore had expected, but he still didn't relax. If Clipeus' words were true, then they were still a hatchling. Rather than a proper ability of breadth, they were born with the worship of other dragons and the ability to see a master's heart. The type of experience they would grow into was unfathomable.

Theodore tried not to shrink back and opened his mouth, "If the lord has read my mind, then you know the reasons why I came here. Right?"

[Well, I guess so. I sent Brasmati to bring you to me.]

"Why? If the dragons here can't solve it, I can't imagine what I can do."

[That is the case if combat force is required. But we shouldn't fight what is in the center of this swamp. If we don't resolve it using another method, this world will be in danger.]

Before Theodore could ask, Clipeus read his question and replied, [It is simple, Theodore Miller. I'm not asking for cooperation from a 'magician' or the 'chief tower master.' I am asking you as the 'owner of Gluttony.']

"…You read that from my surface thoughts?"

[Haha, perhaps.] Clipeus laughed innocently after hearing Theodore's sharp question. Then they looked at Theodore's left hand. [It has been a long time, Gluttony. How are you?]

As everyone paid attention, a tongue emerged from the palm of Theodore's left hand. -…Damn lizard, you still can't read the mood.

The two monsters conversed.

-What did you call me for?

[Don't you know the story?]

-Damn bastard. You know I can't say it, yet you are still acting like this…?

[Hihi, think of it as revenge for the old days.]

This time, it wasn't just the three people in Theodore's party. Even the dragons didn't understand what was going on. While everyone was feeling astonished, Clipeus eventually confessed the reason for their presence in the swamp, [Please reseal 'Sloth.']