09 - Search

After the meeting, I ran to the dragon landing strip. My destination was the breeding area. I had to report the meeting's content and conclusions to Dora-sama… and that I had been tasked with the search for Crystal's murderer.

As Dora-sama's substitute, I could have my own subordinates. I could have sent someone else to make the report. But I had my own reasons to go personally.

The breeding area was located on a small mountain not far from Dragon Roar Mountain. Although it was small, it is taller than any mountain in this world nowadays.

Of course, it was heavily guarded. It is one of the most important places in the Dragon World.

Dora-sama had one of the private rooms. Her belly was swollen, and anyone could tell that she would soon be laying her eggs. Anyone could also tell that she was full of anger.

Her room was more sophisticated than the others. But all the furniture—the custom desk, the table, even the bed—was completely destroyed. Clawed and scratched as if a tornado had passed through.

The Dragon Race does not share the human concept of husband and wife. Relationships are only temporary for conceiving children. But the partner with whom you have a child still occupies a special place. Dora-sama and Crystal. Unfortunately, I was not familiar with Crystal… but for her, it might be like losing both a lover and a comrade at the same time. It was hard to guess exactly what it meant.

"Laplace? How did it go?"

"I have been tasked with the search for those who killed Crystal."

Dora-sama looked at me with a frightening expression.

"...If you find them, let me know first."

I wanted to answer "yes," but I couldn't. She was exhausted from her pregnancy. She might even have an abortion if I took her to the suspect in this state. Nobody would want that.

"If I find them, I'll kill them in honor of Dora-sama."

Then I offered instead:

"All right… bring me their heads."

Despite her anger, Dora-sama's trust in me remained unchanged. Perhaps I was self-indulgent, but I didn't believe she would have trusted anyone else and forced herself to go.

In fact, Dora was very angry—a fellow Dragon General, a partner, and a lover all in one.

"I will not disappoint you."

Thus began my search for Crystal's murderer.

■

Well, even though I had begun searching, the Dragon World was enormous. Immeasurably vast. The problem wasn't that I didn't have subordinates.

I did have Dora-sama's subordinates working for me at the time. But they were trained for the important task of dragon training for the Dragon God. They, of course, didn't have the expertise to investigate a murder, so I couldn't use them.

And it wasn't only my subordinates who lacked the necessary knowledge—it was me as well. My initial search efforts were a complete failure. I rode Saleyakt everywhere looking for any suspicious place, aimlessly, purely by instinct—much like how I searched for prey in the Demon World. Anyone watching from the outside would have found the lack of direction frustrating.

A few days later, at the Kayos landing strip, someone called out to me.

"Laplace!"

I looked back and saw Dragon General Maxwell. I immediately gave him the highest salute and greeted him.

"Maxwell! How are you?"

"It looks like you're in trouble."

"Yes…"

I replied, frowning. After a few days, I realized that I wasn't getting any results. Far from it—I realized that what I was doing was meaningless.

"I'm telling you, your methods are too random. You won't find any clues that way."

I had no choice but to bow before those words. Although I knew it myself, I didn't know any alternatives.

"Well, it's not your fault. Take these two with you on your mission."

Behind Maxwell were two strong-looking dragon warriors—not only taller than me, but broader as well. They were both the very picture of a Dragon Warrior. Maxwell seemed even smaller in comparison.

"These two are from the Black Dragon Team, and they have a talent for investigation. Gora, Scrubava, introduce yourselves."

Upon hearing this, the two men gave their highest salutes.

"Initial greetings, Laplace-sama."

"Please, allow us to be an extension of your limbs."

Their eyes left a deep impression on me—burning with vengeance. As I later learned, they were originally from the Steel Dragon Tribe. Yes, they were relatives of Crystal. Maxwell had originally taken them from Crystal's unit.

"Are you sure?"

I couldn't hide my surprise at Maxwell's generous offer. At the time, I didn't have much of a relationship with Maxwell. The Five Dragon Generals were so high in the hierarchy that they had no reason to help me. No—but there were reasons.

"Yes, take them and find the murderer quickly!"

Maxwell said, turning on his heel to leave the landing strip. Still wondering, I called him.

"Wait...!"

"What is it?"

"Why did you recommend me for this?"

During the meeting, Maxwell had supported Szilard's suggestion that I lead the investigation.

"Wasn't I clear during the meeting?"

"I wonder if the Black Dragon Team is more suited for the investigation than I am…"

When I thought about it, it was quite strange. At that time, I was just a promising young man, while Maxwell was in charge of demon hunting. His team was skilled in both combat and investigation. He was probably stronger than me back then as well.

Maxwell laughed at my question and replied:

"My Black Dragon Team rode on some of the dragons you created. They're all stubborn, but courageous. To be honest, you have been a great help. The dragons that Dora trained always came in a bit battered and without claws or fangs. That's why I was confident in your work."

"Besides," continued Maxwell, "the victim this time was Crystal, Dora's partner. She cares about this more than anyone, and you are her most trusted subordinate. That is why you are the best man for the job outside of the Dragon Generals."

As one of the Five Dragon Generals, he also had a long relationship with Crystal.

To avenge Crystal, he was more than happy to lend a hand. Unlike today, back then there were no power struggles among the Dragon Generals.

"We, the Five Dragon Generals, have fought side by side for tens of thousands of years. One of us is gone. It is unforgivable if we do not avenge Crystal's death."

"Yes!"

I nodded in agreement, but my heart was troubled. An emotion called jealousy grew in my mind. The closeness of the Dragon Generals—and the closeness between the Dragon Generals and the Dragon God—was something I could never match.

"If you find someone you can't control, call me! I'll drop everything and come!"

"Yes!"

"I await your results."

Thus, I gained two subordinates: Gora and Scrubava.

■

The two of them began searching for Crystal's murderer with me. With the increased manpower, our efficiency improved drastically. After all, they knew everything about how to find someone in the Dragon World.

The method for finding a suspect hadn't changed much from current times. First, investigate the crime scene. Find clues, follow leads, gather testimonies, and pursue the perpetrators step by step.

Easier said than done. If it were so easy to find a clue, Maxwell—who conducted the initial inspection—would have already found one. As the captain of the monster-hunting unit, Maxwell was the expert on this matter.

I sent my subordinates to collect Maxwell's investigation report. I also visited the crime scene to verify everything again. After compiling everyone's opinions, I could only reach one conclusion: I did not know.

I couldn't find anything that Maxwell hadn't found. The barrier was quite high.

I divided my subordinates, sending one to collect clues and the other to gather testimonies. It wasn't that I didn't trust Maxwell's investigation, but I thought we might find something by conducting another search.

Of course, we found nothing. Not a single clue or hint. Crystal's murderer should have stood out, but nobody saw a suspect. It really seemed like a mutual annihilation between the Golden Dragon and Crystal.

Then I changed my approach. If it wasn't a monster, perhaps it was a trap set by someone. I couldn't find anything because someone had deliberately erased their tracks. Huh? Isn't that something to brag about? Was it obvious? Don't say that—I have some search experience.

Anyway, I changed my method a bit. I decided to follow Crystal's trail instead of the criminal's. What was he doing at the Golden Dragon's nest? Was he looking for something? The reason for his being there—I had to find out.

I found something interesting.

He was researching teleportation under the command of the Dragon God. At that time, teleportation was only used to cross the boundaries between worlds… in other words, a technique to move to another world.

At that time, it was impossible for ordinary people to cross the boundaries between worlds. Moving between worlds required an enormous amount of energy—an amount available only to the gods. It was basically a privilege of the gods.

However, the gods of each world had research on teleportation conducted in their name because there had been incidents of mysterious disappearances at that time. Have I mentioned that…?

The research showed that the disappearances had, in fact, been transports to other worlds. Therefore, the gods ordered research on teleportation—to discover the cause of accidental teleportations.

And in the Dragon World, it was Crystal who was in charge of that task. However, this was not widely known for several reasons: to keep the mysterious disappearances secret and avoid unnecessary anxiety among the general public.

Or perhaps to prevent the abuse of teleportation research. Chaos was the leader of the anti-demon faction. If they knew of a way to attack, they could instigate a war against the demons.

Thinking about that, I had a thought. Perhaps Chaos killed Crystal. Crystal was researching teleportation. Chaos, in search of a way to attack the Demon Race, tried to obtain his secrets. But Crystal refused. During the argument, Chaos killed Crystal…

With that speculation in mind, I flew toward Chaos.

■

Chaos's Workshop was located at the western border. I remember it as being much hotter than Kayos because of its proximity to the volcanic region.

In the workshop, armor was made using high-quality dragon materials and ores. Swords, spears, shields, and armor—though the Dragon Race fights with claws, they don't necessarily fight bare-handed. Sometimes, we also need weapons against powerful enemies.

I feared that Chaos's armor was designed with other races in mind. Like the demons.

"Laplace… Found something?"

"Still investigating."

"I see… well, you'll need to rest too. Take your time."

Despite my suspicions, Chaos received me warmly. Although he had opposed my mixed demon blood during the meeting, Chaos still gave me a tour of his workshop despite my doubts.

"Chaos-sama, I have a few questions. Do you mind?"

I began asking some questions. Or rather, I started my interrogation. Come to think of it, I was embarrassed at how rude I had been to Dragon General.

"What is it?"

"Where were you and what were you doing when Crystal-sama was killed?"

"I was here, making a weapon for Dragon God-sama. Look, that one there—I named it 'Dragon God's Sword.' It's a sword that can withstand even the mighty power of Dragon God-sama. Although Dragon God-sama might not need it, I plan to offer it to his child when he is born."

"I see…"

"Is there anything else you want to ask?"

It was quite evident that I doubted Chaos. But Chaos did not complain—not even his expression changed. If it was for the investigation, he spared no effort to cooperate, even if it meant renouncing his greatest secrets if necessary.

And finally, he said:

"Laplace, feel free to say whatever you need. During the meeting, I was emotional, but I never doubted your loyalty to Dragon God-sama. Forgive me."

Finally, Chaos said, patting my shoulder:

"I will definitely help you avenge Crystal. If you need help, let me know. I will try to assist you in secret."

I was ashamed of myself. I had forgotten the anger that Chaos had shown during that meeting. I had doubted the friendship and honor among the Five Dragon Generals.

"I will not fail your expectations."

I then gave him the highest salute and left.

■

Then I flew everywhere—north to south, west to east—following Crystal's footsteps over the past decades, searching for a clue.

But I couldn't find one. There was nothing wrong with Crystal's trail. Like all the Dragon Generals, he was respected by everyone around him—an example of virtue for the Dragon Race. Who would kill him?

I even thought that maybe a Demon Race from another world had killed him. However, a demon would have difficulty surviving in the Dragon World. Even if it committed the murder and returned immediately, it would be hard not to leave traces.

I was lost. I never thought that after searching for so long, I wouldn't find anything.

At the same time, I was growing impatient. Once a year, I would return to Kayos and report to Dragon God-sama and Szilard, but it was never satisfactory. If I had a clue, I would have calmed down. However, after reporting nothing so many times, I became impatient.

I was entrusted by Dragon God-sama. I promised Dora-sama. But I couldn't do anything—just circling near the beginning. How could I possibly remain calm?

I searched the entire Dragon World in a frenzy, venturing into dangerous places in search of any clue. Red Dragon's Nest, Blue Dragon's Nest, Black Dragon's Nest, Golden Dragon's Nest, Earth Dragon's Nest—I examined every location and investigated. I even killed all the dragons that got in my way. Riding on Saleyakt, with my two subordinates in tow, I roamed the Dragon World.

I was constantly running from one side to the other. After a dozen years since the investigation began, my reputation slowly faded in the Dragon World. Though I was good at training dragons, I was an incompetent half-breed who could not meet Dragon God-sama's expectations. It was humiliating, but I had to accept it. Because it was true—I couldn't live up to Dragon God-sama's expectations, and I couldn't erase the regrets of the Dragon Generals.

But I didn't care about my humiliation. I just wanted to live according to Dragon God-sama's expectations and avenge the Dragon Generals. That was all.

I flew for days, searching, investigating—day after day. Saleyakt also worked hard. That day, exhausted, I decided to rest in one of the many mountain caves in the Dragon World.

Wrapped in Saleyakt's tail, watching the campfire, I observed it flickering silently, motionless. I was exhausted. My subordinates were exhausted. I didn't want to admit defeat, but that feeling definitely permeated our state of mind. Even Saleyakt, who could not speak, seemed mentally drained.

Then it happened. Oh, I remember it well.

I cannot forget. I cannot forget that moment.

At that moment, my subordinates were asleep, and I was dozing off, wrapped in Saleyakt's tail.

That was my first encounter. Oh, if only I had the power to go back. If I could return to that moment…

No, nothing would change. At that time, that bastard may have seemed carefree, but he was certainly scheming. If I had shown my fangs, he certainly would have found a way to disentangle himself from me.

But it's lamentable. He was right there. So lamentable… Ah…

I'm sorry. I became very emotional. Let's calm down. This is an old story—no matter how many times I recall it, the past does not change.

Yes, he appeared—the bastard—at the entrance of the cave. I still remember his first words.

"Hey!"

Cheerfully, he raised a hand and said:

"It looks like you're in a difficult situation. Let me help you a little!"

He smiled like a good-humored person.