05 - End of Training

Dragon's Roar, a mountain in the central part of the continent.

There, as usual, a girl was carrying something with her.

It was Rostelina.

In the large bathtub carried by Rostelina, there was a pile of meat.

The girl didn't know what kind of meat it was.

Laplace had simply told her to take it and feed it to the dragon.

Behind the house was a cave.

There, a massive dragon lay.

With its eyes closed and dozing off, the dragon was asleep.

"Dragon-san, Dragon-san, it's mealtime!"

After Rostelina called out to the dragon, it slowly opened its eyes.

Then, after a big yawn, it stretched its neck into the tub before it and began devouring the meat inside.

What might be just a snack for the dragon would have been a full meal for Rostelina.

Rostelina watched the dragon eat. Now that she was finally free, she started punching the air in front of her.

"Dragon-san, listen! Master told me about the Dragon Race's fighting style. Like this! First, you take this stance, then strike to the side, then punch like this! Ah, and you have to shout, 'Haa!'"

Rostelina said as she started hitting the busy dragon's claws. Her movements could hardly be called elegant.

To the dragon, her attacks might as well have been mosquito bites—completely harmless.

However, perhaps annoyed by the disturbance or merely playing along, it moved its claw.

It was a massive dragon.

Even the tip of its finger was as big as Rostelina's entire body.

"Agh!"

Rostelina was flicked away by the claw and sent tumbling across the ground.

"Oww... That was too much..."

She wasn't hurt.

She got up, rubbing the back of her head, and suddenly realized something.

"...Dragon-san is bigger than other dragons."

Rostelina had seen red dragons before.

In fact, they flew around here daily.

There were red dragon nests at the mountain peak.

Sometimes, they circled the house and got too close.

But the dragon at the house would drive them away.

The dragon before her was significantly larger than the red dragons.

Its body alone was twice the size of an average red dragon, and three times as wide with its wings spread.

"Its scales are a beautiful red, its fangs are long, its tail is sleek, and its eyes shine with intelligence."

The dragon snorted when Rostelina said that.

"Ah, so you can tell," the dragon seemed to say.

"So it's true—Dragon-san is like Master, a Dragon from the Dragon World?"

The dragon heard her but did not respond.

Too focused on its delicious meal.

In the first place, the dragon couldn't speak.

Even if it understood, it couldn't reply with words.

"Ah, right!"

Then Rostelina remembered something.

She had fallen asleep the other day.

"If I listen to the rest of that story, I might learn more about the dragon," she thought.

There was no better time than now, Rostelina decided, and she ran back home.

She entered the house and headed straight for the usual study.

There, once again, Laplace was writing at his desk.

"Master! Master!"

"Hmm? Ah, Rostelina. What is it? You were just sleeping—did you have a scary dream?"

"No, last night was a fun dream of flying in the sky! More importantly, Master!"

"What is it?"

Laplace looked at her with a stern gaze as she spoke.

"Tell me the rest of the story!"

"The story from before?"

"The story of Laplace-sama in the Dragon World! You've lived a long life and still haven't told me everything!"

Laplace seemed troubled by her words.

"Ah, the story from before... but it's not very interesting. After that, I became a full-fledged dragon warrior, got a job, did some incredible things and gained some fame, and finally lost it all. That's it."

"I didn't understand anything!"

"Is that so...?"

"Then fine, please tell me how you tamed Dragon-san. You've known Dragon-san for a long time, right?"

Hearing her, Laplace clapped his hands.

As if he had just remembered something.

"That's right, I met Saleyakt when I got my first job. It follows from the previous story."

"See! You were leaving things out!"

"Do you want to hear it?"

"I do!"

Laplace shook his head at Rostelina's eager request.

With a sigh, he had no choice but to sit back in his chair.

"Alright, sit down, Rostelina. Let's continue the story from that time."

"Yes!"

"Well, where should we start? Hmm... I suppose the easiest place to begin is the end of my education. Alright, let's go with that."

And so, Laplace began to speak.

A story from a distant mythological era.

■■■

Decades had passed since Laplace's education in the Dragon World began.

Daily classroom lessons, combat training, and flight practice—repeating.

The same thing day after day.

The only difference was Lunaria-sama's belly growing a little more each day.

That day, I was flying over the training grounds.

As usual, I was practicing flight.

However, my way of flying turned out to be a little different from other members of the Dragon Race.

The Dragon Race generally flies with their bodies flattened.

After generating the initial lift by forming a force field, they use the wind for support to fly and glide.

Only when changing direction or gaining altitude is the force field needed again.

This is the most efficient way to fly.

However, at that time, I could only fly with my body perpendicular to the ground.

Ignoring inertia like this, rapid acceleration, sudden stops, sharp turns, repeated.

Anyone accustomed to the Dragon Race's flight would consider this a spectacle.

In fact, many people were watching me from the slopes of the training ground.

Not just children. Some Dragon Warriors as well.

They weren't just watching—some tried to copy me but couldn't control their movements and crashed.

I ignored them.

I repeated my flight practice routine without a second thought.

A rapid ascent, a sharp turn, another turn, a sudden stop in the air, then a quick acceleration, a deep dive, another sudden stop, then a rapid ascent back to my starting position.

More or less.

This flight style was very unstable and used a lot of Dragon Touki.

Almost everyone who tried to imitate me failed.

Compared to the typical way the Dragon Race flew, it was very inefficient.

However, there were advantages.

This flight style, using almost no lift from the air, allowed for extremely sharp turns.

Besides the Dragon God, Dragon General Maxwell was considered the best flyer, but I was even more agile than him with this style.

This was a great advantage in aerial combat.

"…!"

A person on the slope jumped and flew toward me.

A woman of the Dragon Race with exceptionally large wings and silver-white scales.

Yes, Dora-sama.

Dora-sama ascended gracefully, almost like a dance.

It wasn't unusual.

Dora-sama sometimes attacked me by surprise like this to teach me aerial combat.

Dora's flight was fast.

Unlike mine, it was a flight method that didn't deviate from the Dragon Race's common sense, but her speed and technique far surpassed mine.

She ascended at tremendous speed, making subtle movements to adjust her course.

And she caught up to me as I tried to escape with a sharp turn.

Originally, she would have grabbed me from behind.

However, there was another advantage to my way of flying.

You could keep flying while facing your opponent.

"Laplace, begin!"

"Yes!"

Dora-sama shouted, and I responded. The aerial battle began.

The foundation of the Dragon Race's combat consisted of three elements.

Coating claws with Dragon Touki—the claw technique to slash the enemy.

Coating fists with Dragon Touki—the fang technique to bite the enemy.

Coating wings with Dragon Touki—the wing technique to quickly accelerate or decelerate to change position.

Use the wing technique to take the opponent's back, weaken them with the claw technique, and deliver fatal damage with the fang technique.

Train your claws, fangs, and wings to strengthen your body.

These were the fundamental lessons of the Dragon Race, the "Teaching of Claws, Fangs, and Wings."

Of course, I was also well-versed in the fundamentals.

I was especially skilled in the fang technique.

My fang technique had enough destructive power for Dora-sama to call it "lethal."

On the other hand, Dora-sama excelled in the claw technique.

She never raised her fist, having so much confidence in her claw technique.

Dora-sama circled me, aiming for my wings with her claws.

Meanwhile, I repeatedly ascended and descended, trying to counterattack her with my fangs.

Completely enveloping my claws, fangs, and wings with Dragon Touki, searching for openings in her defenses.

Even Dora-sama, if my attack landed, would become my prey.

Therefore, Dora-sama didn't attack continuously, and her claw technique didn't weaken me much.

Hmm? Was I strong enough to face the Five Dragon Generals at that time?

No, it was just training, so if Dora-sama fought me seriously, it would be over in an instant.

Even when Dora-sama went easy on me, her technique and experience were far beyond mine.

The battle was one-sided.

Dora-sama's swift claws pierced my defenses and tore into my body.

My claws and fangs were blocked and deflected, not even scratching her scales.

There was a vast difference in power between Dora and me.

I endured Dora-sama's assault as much as I could, holding on to avoid a fatal blow.

I could withstand one or two attacks.

However, even my wings couldn't protect me after a few more strikes.

Once I was weakened, the blows landed more frequently, and it was only a matter of time before I fell.

In reality, I always lost this way.

However, I wasn't blindly defeated every time.

I was always thinking and trying various countermeasures.

That day as well, I bet on a new strategy.

Shifting my wings, I escaped upward.

Of course, Dora-san followed me.

From her silent pursuit, I could feel an anger from her like never before.

She probably thought I was running away.

She never taught me to turn my back and flee.

Dora-sama quickly closed in on me.

With my back to her, my vulnerable wings were exposed.

A single hit to my wings, and I would fall.

What awaited me after that would be a scolding from Dora-sama.

But that didn't happen.

Just before Dora-sama reached me, I quickly turned near the apex and attacked.

Dora-sama was ascending while I was falling.

Due to the sudden change in our relative speed, Dora-sama misjudged the situation.

I swung my claws at Dora-sama's back as we crossed paths.

The strike landed.

However, at the same time, I felt a burning sensation at the base of my wings.

I lost control and tumbled down the slope.

The battle was over.

I looked at the slope.

Dora-sama was flying in an arc in the air.

It was a courtesy of the Dragon Race for the victor to take a few laps in the sky.

Despite my strategy, how did Dora-sama find my back?

I was going to be scolded.

However, I was ready to accept it.

I had thought too simply and lost.

That's what I expected, but Dora-san wasn't angry.

"When you suddenly ran, I was wondering if it was over… but that ending was good!"

With a satisfied smile, Dora-san was bleeding from her forehead.

My strike had scratched Dora-sama's forehead.

It was a hit aimed at the wings, but I probably struck her head as she turned.

The wings were, of course, our weakness, but since the Dragon Race was humanoid, our heads also needed protection.

It was a coincidence, but I had hit Dora-sama's weakness.

"Except for Dragon God-sama and the Five Dragon Generals, no one has ever hit me in the air! In terms of flight and combat techniques, you've passed!"

I was happy.

Dora-sama usually didn't praise me much.

These words could be considered the highest praise.

Dora-sama continued to rejoice with me.

"Besides, I have no more knowledge to teach you. You already know more than most of the Dragon Race!"

Dora looked at me, her expression softening.

The ever-severe Dora-sama laughed.

"You are a full-fledged Dragon Race. This completes your education."

Dora murmured, "Good work," and extended her hand to me.

I grabbed her hand and stood up, crossing my arms in front of Dora-sama with my wings folded.

At that moment, I felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment and a slight anxiety.

To be honest, I thought the training would last until I died.

But if something has a beginning, it must have an end.

"Dora-sama, thank you for everything."

"You don't need to thank me, but don't forget words of gratitude to Dragon God-sama."

"Yes!"

"Then go home and wait! The Dragon God will judge your progress!"

That was the end of my training.

■

I returned home and reported to Lunaria-sama that my training was complete.

When she heard that, she gave a benevolent smile, looking genuinely happy.

"Then we must celebrate today!"

She said and went to instruct the servants to prepare a feast.

For the Dragon Race, other dragons were the primary staple food.

Previously, the Dragon Race might have survived on small lizards or fruits, but that changed after gaining strength.

Red Dragons, Blue Dragons, and Earth Dragons.

After all, for the Dragon Race, celebration meant meat.

On special occasions, special dragons were served.

The meat of rare dragons like the King Dragon, the Black Dragon, or the White Dragon.

Many delicacies that I normally couldn't even eat were brought out that day.

I can't forget the taste of that day.

But more than the taste of the food, there are other things I can't forget.

The servants looked at me a little differently after that day.

To be specific, I had become a man rather than a dog.

By completing Dora-sama's training, I had become a full-fledged Dragon Race in their eyes.

I remember some changes in myself too.

I no longer considered myself a pet.

I had transformed from the Dragon God's Royal Pet into the Dragon God's loyal servant.

In any case, I became more aware of my position.

So, I waited for the return of the Dragon God.

The Dragon God returned to the mansion every few months.

When he came home, he always went to Lunaria-sama first, greeting her and confirming her well-being.

Of course, that didn't mean he ignored me.

The Dragon God always asked Dora-sama about my training.

Dora-sama would report everything she taught me and how well I understood it.

Sometimes, no growth was observed, but Dora-sama never lied.

The Dragon God never said anything in response, just nodded and let her continue.

Additionally, since I had begun speaking, he started asking me questions.

The usual questions.

Mostly, what did you do today, what did you learn, what do you want to learn, etc.

I answered honestly.

There was no reason to lie.

Sometimes I had no new results or couldn't understand new lessons, but I never lied.

I learned from Dora-sama that it was rude to lie.

However, there were things I couldn't answer, even if I didn't want to lie.

Where were you born?

Who are your parents?

Why were you in the corner of the Demon World...

I couldn't answer those questions.

Because I didn't know.

When I said, "I don't know," Dragon God-sama simply responded, "I see."

I shrank back.

I knew I was an unusual existence, and Dragon God-sama wanted to know what made me special… But since I didn't know, it couldn't be helped.

The Dragon God also examined my body sometimes.

Wings, claws, fangs, and hair.

The Dragon God never explained anything, but I entrusted myself to him without complaint.

As my benefactor who brought me to the Dragon World, I would have submitted to him willingly even if he wished to harm me.

Of course, the Dragon God never harmed me in any way.

That kind of reporting and inspection also ended that day.

"Dora. How was Laplace?"

"His training is complete. Laplace is now an excellent Dragon Warrior who will not disgrace Dragon God-sama."

I was happy that Dora-sama said that to Dragon God-sama.

I could only straighten my back a little and clench my fists tightly.

I couldn't disgrace myself in front of the Dragon God.

"I see. Thank you. Did Laplace perform well?"

"Yes! He is excellent! Laplace should be capable of carrying out anything Dragon God-sama assigns to him!"

"Work?"

The Dragon God murmured, turning toward the window.

He was a brilliant man, but even he needed time to consider what job to assign me.

Of course, I hadn't even thought about it.

That's right.

Do you train dogs to do human work?

Certainly not.

No matter how much training, a dog is still a dog.

However, my mentality was changing a little.

If I were given a job, I would accept it willingly.

"That's right..."

What kind of job is coming?

My heart raced as the Dragon God pondered his next words for a while.

Although it seemed like a long time, it was only a few minutes.

But it felt like hours.

"Uh-hum."

Perhaps reaching a conclusion, the Dragon God turned away from the window and looked at me, asking—

"Laplace, what do you think of the Dragon World?"

The question wasn't related to my job, but I answered openly.

"It is paradise. There is no better place than this."

The words made the Dragon God's expression soften.

It was a smile.

"Really?"

I had no intention of flattery.

To me, this was paradise.

Meals arrived even if you didn't ask for them, and you were taught many things.

Dora-sama was strict, but for a bright future, I couldn't be happier to have her.

It was a relief to see the Dragon God smile.

Reading the atmosphere, I asked—

"Why did you help me?"

It was rude to question the Dragon God.

Dora-sama taught me that, but perhaps my curiosity got the better of my mouth.

Or maybe I just wanted a solid answer, whether I had a job in the future or not.

What am I working for?

Because it's an order from Dragon God-sama… but knowing the details helps.

"..."

When the Dragon God looked at me, his expression was terrifyingly empty.

Dora-sama's shoulders stiffened, her wings slowly spreading.

When I saw them, I immediately realized my rudeness.

So I immediately crossed my arms and folded my wings.

"Please accept my apologies and forget my question."

However, before that, the Dragon God opened his mouth.

"Observe!"

Once again, the Dragon God looked at the window.

Outside the window, you could see the cityscape of Kayos.

Although inside a cave, it was a bright and vast city bustling with many Dragon Race flying around.

"It was once a Red Dragon's nest."

"…Is that so?"

"Yes, the Red Dragon was a creature that lived inside the mountain like us. The Dragon Race was weak and hunted by the Red Dragons."

The history of the Dragon World that I did not know, told by the Dragon God.

The Dragon God came before the Dragon Race even had a language.

He stood before his people, who were terrified of the Red Dragons, demonstrated his power, and became their leader...

He encountered Five Dragon Generals and divided the clans, elevating them to become more powerful than anything else in the world.

It had been a terrifying time.

Hundreds of thousands died.

However, they steadily advanced, and the Dragon Race came to dominate the world.

"So, I consider the entire Dragon Race as my children."

Then, the Dragon God turned to me and narrowed his eyes.

"Why did I help you? Even as a mix of the Dragon Race and Demon Race, the blood of a Dragon still flows within you, so you are also my child."

Even though only half, I had never been prouder of my Dragon blood.

But that wasn't the answer I wanted.

I wanted to know how I could be useful to the Dragon God.

As a half-blood, I wanted to know how or where I could be of use.

Of course, it would be rude to keep asking, so I remained silent.

But...

The Dragon God, being as brilliant as he was, noticed my distress.

"Of course, that wasn't the only reason... Recently, there have been strange disappearances all over the world. No one knew the cause or the reason, nor where they had disappeared to. If someone had been transported to the Demon World and had given birth to you, then it could be a clue."

"Was there any clue within me?"

"No, nothing so far."

"In that case..."

"It's fine. Either way, I have great expectations for you."

Still looking out the window, the Dragon God continued.

"The second reason is to improve the deteriorating relationship with the demons. That race has been the enemy of the Dragon Race for thousands of years. Rumors have spread that the Dragon God is trying to destroy the demons... Even though it is a complete fabrication."

"..."

"Raising you, a mixed race of demons and dragons, could be proof that it is a misunderstanding."

Was that really evidence?

Having been persecuted by demons in the Demon World, I couldn't believe it.

In fact, I might have been an obstacle.

However, I didn't have the courage to say so.

If I said that and was expelled from here, I would have nowhere to go.

Dragon God-sama, Lunaria-sama, Dora-sama, and the servants.

Now that I had met many people and could communicate, I couldn't bear to be alone again.

"The third reason is for my child, who will be born soon."

The Dragon God turned to face me.

No, behind me.

Looking deep into the mansion, toward Lunaria-sama.

"My wife, Lunaria, is of the human race. So my daughter will be a mixed race of Human and Dragon."

"..."

"As I said, anyone with the blood of a dragon is my child. The Dragon Race worships me as a god and has sworn loyalty to me."

I nodded at his words.

From prominent figures like Dora-sama to Lunaria-sama's servants, Dragon Warriors in the training fields, and children in training facilities, there was no one who disliked the Dragon God.

Everyone respected and worshiped Dragon God-sama.

"However, what if my daughter is born of a human race? They might look at her differently."

I remembered their gaze when I left.

Their alienating stares.

It was the same here with the Dragon Race.

I no longer cared, but if I were a newborn child, it would have been difficult.

"Therefore, I wanted them to get used to it by having another mixed-blood child like you."

By letting me, a half-blood, walk around the city, those around would eventually grow accustomed to it.

I served as a precedent that mixed races were neither rare, horrifying, nor repulsive.

"I also hope that the two of you, being both mixed-bloods, will understand each other better. I look forward to it."

The third reason.

The Dragon God-sama's conclusion.

It was exactly the answer I wanted.

I couldn't be more grateful to Dragon God-sama.

It wasn't just sympathy and charity to rescue me from my loneliness.

There was a purpose.

Moreover, the god before me had expectations of me.

As a companion to his daughter.

I had never been happier.

"Rescuing you for my own reasons—are you disappointed?"

"No, it's the opposite."

I had made my decision.

I would become someone useful to the Dragon God's child child.

I would do my best so that a mixed race could live comfortably.

It had been decades since I started living in Dragon Race society.

It was full of things I didn't understand.

However, I understood that, as a half-blood, if I failed to become useful, it wouldn't just bring the contempt of others upon me but also upon the unborn child.

I must use Dora-sama's training and produce results.

That is what I must do.

"Let me be a source of strength for the Dragon God!"

"I'm looking forward to it."

At that moment, the idea of "repaying the Dragon God" took shape in my mind.

It became clear what I needed to do.

I wanted to give it my all.

Of course, I had always intended to do my best until now.

But from that day on, its form changed drastically.

Having set a clear goal for myself, I became more focused.

Not only working harder but also with more ingenuity and effort.

"Well, Dora."

"Yes!"

Dora-sama had been silent in the corner of the room during the conversation.

"Laplace's work... do you have any ideas?"

"I thought about it before—why not have him work for me?!"

"Is that all?"

"No, of course not. If he has such a noble aspiration, it's better to keep him by my side..."

Thinking back on that interaction now, it's kind of funny.

No matter how great the Dragon God was, finding suitable work for me must have been a real headache. For Dora-sama to show a rare moment of selfishness...

However, the Dragon God was the father of the entire Dragon Race.

Even for Dora-sama.

Accepting her selfish request was to be expected.

"Alright, fine, since you say so."

"Yes! Thank you!"

And that's how I became Dora-sama's subordinate.

Did I mention Dora-sama's work before?

It was dragon training.