Chapter 829

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The two of them approached the circle as Kaytam had instructed, and as soon as they put their heads inside, they felt a sensation as if sinking in the ground.

They blinked once, and a dense thicket appeared before them. It seemed to be somewhere in the ancient Mt. Murakan, a thousand years ago.

"Well, his abilities are truly amazing. Is this place really like a painting? Everything, from the earthy scent to the blowing wind, feels so real."

Murakan looked around.

"This tomb is different from the ones we've encountered before. It's not just about glimpsing the past; we can directly exercise physical forces here."

Jin said, sitting down and gently stroking a blade of grass. As Jin's fingers traced the grass, it moved back and forth.

The circle through which they had entered was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't see the circle. There's only an entrance, and it seems there's no way out."

"Are you worried? Afraid we can't leave?"

"No, in the end, this is a subspace, so I can just tear it apart with the shadow sword if necessary."

Jin didn't try it out though. This subspace is already damaged, so he didn't want to risk causing more problems by messing with it.

"No, with me here, you feel reassured. Honestly, since you and I started traveling together, facing danger anywhere doesn't feel like a big deal. Even if Elona Zipfel were to come, it wouldn't be scary."

That statement was true. The combination of Jin and Murakan was now at a level where they could handle most situations without much planning and deal with any variables through sheer force. That's why Jin had entered the painting without much hesitation.

"That's true."

"Haha! It's been so long since I felt like this! Yes, this must be how things should be in Murakan's domain. It should be this majestic!"

Jin was relieved to see Murakan in such high spirits.

In the past, whenever Murakan recalled events from a thousand years ago, he would experience headaches or lose his composure. It was the same when they first met Orgal in the old Oterium during his days as a reserve flagbearer, and when they saw Hedo's old sword (now used by Bale) in the Sota Desert.

'Every time, I had to hit Murakan to bring him back to his senses, but luckily, this time he recovered quickly on his own. Is it because he has grown stronger, or maybe the memories that resurfaced this time weren't as shocking.'

-[When Temar went berserk and tried to kill you, I was the one who stopped him. Murakan. Don't you remember me?]

-How dare you to casually throw someone's name around? Judging from your appearance, you seem like an old demon or something, certainly not someone who could have been associated with Temar. Besides, rampage, where did you pick that up from? Whatever happened on that day...

-[Are you trying to say that it was Temar, not you? Not being able to recognize me is one thing, but to remember that day's fight as Temar's responsibility... It's unimaginably unjust for the friend who died.]

Jin recalled the conversation between Orgal and Murakan in the old Oterium.

'If the truth about Temar and Murakan's fight remains here... And if what Orgal said that day is true. Can he handle it?'

More than the mysterious guardians that Kaytam had drawn in this subspace, Jin was actually more worried about this.

"Kid, why are you thinking so much? That's not the expression I expected to see when you entered Murakan's domain."

"I'm just worried about what might happen if I have to deal with you again. Like facing the past and losing your senses."

"Hmph, is it because of the headache I just had?"

"What if you cause a ruckus again, which becomes unbearable?"

"That won't happen, so don't worry, kid. Let's see, based on a quick observation, it seems like this is the southern part of Mitel."

"It is just a random spot in the mountains, how did you figure that out?"

"It's my home, how could I not know? I recognized it even from the outside when I looked at the painting. This area was one of my favorites. Many pesky dragons used to pass by without knowing it was my territory. Dealing with them was quite satisfying. Ah, I miss those days."

For a while, Murakan enthusiastically reminisced about the memories of those days spent mainly in the mountains. However, he couldn't recall anything significant about Runcandel.

"That sounds great."

"It is. But now, I prefer the present with strawberry pie and you, kid. So don't be jealous, Contractor."

"Goodness, I'm grateful beyond words. By the way, I'm not sure where we should go now. Does Temar's tomb exist separately?"

"Kaytam said he depicted events from a thousand years ago. I think this entire space is the tomb. It seems like he painted the entire Mitel Kingdom from a thousand years ago. Since we're in the southern region, let's head towards the borders. Let's see if the depiction extends beyond the border."

[Mya!]

Jin summoned Shuri from ruby. As she ran down the mountain, a strange border area came into view.

There was nothing beyond the border but a white background. Kaytam hadn't depicted anything there, and there was no sign of the guards who should be protecting the border.

"Yeah, there's nothing there."

"That makes it obvious where we need to go, kid. To the Storm Castle. Is there anywhere else we could go?"

"In that case, the guardians should also be gathered there."

"I wonder what kind of guys the guardians are. Since Kaytam drew the Mitel Kingdom, they might be the Ten Great Knights."

"Let's fly and get there quickly."

"Can't we take a slower ride on Shuri and look around first? Black dragons sometimes want to indulge in memories. But I guess you wouldn't understand, kid."

"Yes, yes. Then let's take a look around before going."

Though time may be precious, witnessing Murakan's joyous demeanor, Jin couldn't refuse the opportunity. If Jin himself had a chance to revisit memories of his youth one day, he wouldn't just pass it by either. Of course, Murakan wasn't too old by dragon standards, but he had lived quite a while.

[Mya mya mya!]

Shuri started running briskly along the mountain trail. Occasionally, wild animals would look at them with curiosity.

After running for a while, Shuri had already leaped over a mountain peak, and when they reached lower peaks, they could see cities and towns below.

At least, for now.

They couldn't identify which part of the painting had been damaged. The mountain range was full of refreshing scents of memories, and there was no trace of contamination in the scenery. The weather was clear and pleasant, which further improved Jin's mood.

"Let's go down to that village over there. The humans might remember me."

"Sure. But won't they be scared if you suddenly appear? In the past, they usually reacted that way when they saw you."

This time, Murakan transformed and carried Jin and Shuri on his back. As they began their descent, they reached the village in an instant.

[Dragons, demons, or strong humans with crooked personality, they might react that way. But the ordinary humans from the Mitel Kingdom who had seen me didn't react like that. They even revered and worshiped me. Sometimes, for fun, I helped those poor humans with their troubles. Catching monsters, digging wells for them, punishing abusive officials. That kind of stuff. They all liked me so much.]

"You had that side to you?"

[Do you think I was just out there killing and defeating everyone all the time? I'm a lenient black dragon when it comes to those small fry creatures, that's Murakan.]

Now that Jin looked back, it did seem that way. While Murakan often intimidated and frightened creatures like dragons or demons (Kashmir being a typical example when they first met), he showed many friendly moments to ordinary, weak people. He played well with children, too.

In a way, Murakan only picked fights and threatened those who he considered as enemies or warriors based on his criteria.

[Hahaha, humans! I have arrived!]

Even though it was just a painting and not reality, Murakan shouted as if he were actually facing the villagers from that era.

And the people walking in the streets, upon seeing Murakan, were filled with a mixture of surprise and terror, screaming in fear.

"Aaah!"

"Run away...!"

"Run away? How can we run away? Haven't you heard about Loron? A single breath from him can wipe out an entire region!"

At the sight, instead of landing on the ground, Murakan froze in mid-air. His large pumpkin-colored eyes blinked incessantly.

"Damn it, this monster! Why does he keep causing trouble for no reason? Are we just playthings for him, to be toyed with and killed like bugs?"

Loron was the name of another city nearby.

"Shut up! Lord Murakan, I apologize. My friend seems to be insane. Please, I beg you, at least spare the children... We will do anything, please."

The village turned into chaos in an instant. The people gathered in front of Murakan were all pleading, cursing, and screaming.

Their cries were so vivid that Jin couldn't help but wonder if this was still just a painting.

[...What is this? Who do you think I am? When have I killed any of you?]

"It was you who annihilated Loron just two days ago! Have you already forgotten? You slaughter every day, so it's no surprise you can't remember."

"Shut up! Why do you keep provoking Lord Murakan like this? Shouldn't you at least spare the children...!"

"Hah, do you really think begging like that would save the children? He's an evil incarnate. He shouldn't exist in this world."

Through the scale on his back, Jin felt Murakan's heart pounding wildly. He also sensed the volatile shadow force Murakan was struggling to control. It was a sign of him losing control.

[Myaa…]

Shuri licked Murakan's back as if worried.

[I have never done such a thing... I don't have a single memory of killing weak humans for no reason...]

"What's with that reaction? Are you suddenly feeling guilty? Just because you don't remember doesn't mean it didn't happen."

A young man who had been hurling insults at Murakan spoke calmly. Jin was considering whether he should hit Murakan or not.

However, luckily enough, Murakan soon regained control, calming his erratic shadow force. He let out a deep sigh.

[There seems to be some misunderstanding. First of all, I have no intention of harming any of you. And whether you believe it or not, the things you just mentioned aren't my doing. So tell me in detail. There seems to be another me here, and I must find and make sure that I take revenge on whoever is imitating me.]

"Are you, are you really serious!?"

[Yes! I never tell lies. And while that imitation bastard is causing this mess, what has Runcandel been doing? What about Temar and the Ten Great Knights?]

At the mention of Temar's name, people's eyes widened.

"... Lord Temar is, fleeing after being critically injured by you, Lord Murakan. Are you really unable to remember, or are you just playing with us? If not that, then are you truly a different Murakan?"

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