Chapter 107: Chapter 107

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Vine

Chapter Title: The Aftermath

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Isabel's ultimate technique, manifested by the Goddess's Wings.

My ultimate technique, manifested through Dragon Transformation and Lightning Summon.

After the two ultimate techniques clashed.

Emerging from the thick smoke, Isabel and I stood facing each other.

The currents that had coursed through my body vanished.

Shatter!

My horns and wings shattered and dispersed.

The magic engraving of the Fire Dragon suppressed the remnants of the Ancient Dragon, forcefully releasing the Dragon Transformation.

Heavenly Dragon Transformation is a risky technique even for me.

One wrong move, and I could truly become a dragonoid.

Therefore, even after using it, I must suppress the remnants of the Ancient Dragon.

As I gasped for breath, my eyes landed on Isabel.

The Goddess's Wings behind her back were breaking apart.

"You hesitated to use your full power."

Isabel's shoulders flinched at my question.

The moment Isabel brought out the Goddess's Wings, hesitation flickered in her eyes.

Isabel and I are rivals.

However, there are many kinds of rivalries.

Ours was a relationship where I accepted Isabel's challenges, and Isabel challenged me.

As I said before, Isabel and my relationship is ambiguous.

An uncertain connection that couldn't be clearly defined.

That's why she subconsciously thought.

What if, the moment she defeated me today, this relationship would break, never to return?

She feared feeling the same emptiness as on the day she lost her goal and lost Lucas.

That's why she hesitated even as she brought out the Goddess's Wings.

"Isabel, do you understand a little now?"

So I showed Isabel clearly.

Just because you've awakened one of the Goddess's Wings...

...doesn't mean I'll fall.

"No matter what you do, I won't be broken."

That's why I intentionally used Heavenly Dragon Transformation, giving my all.

If I hadn't, Isabel's anxieties would never have disappeared.

Isabel stared at me with vacant eyes.

"So look closely."

I can't be Lucas for you.

"I am not Lucas."

But I can be someone different from Lucas.

Isabel.

This world isn't made up solely of Lucas.

You can live perfectly well without Lucas.

Lucas would surely want that too.

The main heroine who leads everyone confidently on her own two feet, without relying on anyone.

Isabel Luna.

That's your true form, the one you should aim for.

"Hanun Aireiya."

To engrave it upon Isabel, I thumped my chest.

I can't be a childhood friend like Lucas.

But I will absolutely be the rival you strive for, no matter what. That is my sincerity.

Isabel's vacant expression slowly softened.

She let out a small, empty laugh, just like before, and raised her head.

"You're right."

On Isabel's raised face, her usual bright smile had already appeared.

"You're not Lucas, you're Hanun."

Had she unburdened her heart a little?

Isabel will undoubtedly continue to grow from now on.

My role is to watch over her as she does.

'You'd think so too, wouldn't you, Lucas?'

The game 'Flame Butterfly Arc,' which I dedicated my life to after quitting sports.

I turned my back after conveying those words to Lucas.

The Round of 64 match was a mess anyway.

No result was declared, but I wouldn't have another chance to compete.

In front of the arena, as I descended.

There was a man who descended, leading Imperial mages and Imperial Knights.

With his blue hair fluttering, he was the Blue Archmage.

Our eyes met.

He had a look that said he had many things to say, but for now, he seemed to be holding his tongue.

"Shackle him."

Immediately after the Blue Archmage's command, the knights approached me.

I felt an aura from them, sharp enough to cut flesh.

It was murderous intent, threatening to sever my neck if I made even one wrong move.

As expected, they were indeed the Empire's finest Imperial Knights.

Even Van, known as the lazy genius, couldn't stand against them.

When I obediently extended my wrists, magical handcuffs were clasped on them.

I had used Ancient Dragon magic in front of everyone.

Regardless of what punishment would be imposed within the Empire, my arrest here was a natural consequence.

Only then could they demonstrate that the use of Ancient Dragon magic was legally forbidden.

However, looking into the Blue Archmage's eyes, I could already tell what my punishment would be.

The way he looked at me was like observing an intriguing creature he had never seen before.

And why wouldn't it be? Heavenly Dragon Transformation was a lost Ancient Dragon magic, used by the Transcendent Sage 'Zerion'.

The Blue Archmage, who was obsessed with magic, would never let me die.

"Pwahahahahah! Boy, you've really outdone yourself."

At that moment, a voice filled with beautiful melody echoed.

There, the White Archduchess was walking towards us, her hair fluttering.

"Your Grace, White Archduchess, coming too close..."

As an Imperial Knight tried to block the White Archduchess's approach, her gaze turned chilling.

"To whom do you speak such words?"

The Imperial Knight, who reigned as the Empire's strongest knight order, flinched.

The pressure that momentarily emanated from the White Archduchess was on a completely different level.

"While I appreciate your concern for me, you must not impede my path."

"...I apologize. Your Grace, I dared to overstep my bounds."

As the Imperial Knight immediately retreated, the White Archduchess nodded with a satisfied expression.

"Prince Sweet Potato!"

At that moment, a familiar voice rang out.

When I turned my head, there was Seron, caught by an Imperial Knight as she tried to come towards me.

Her body was suspended in the air, and her short legs moved desperately.

"Let go! Why are you taking Prince Sweet Potato away?! Why are you putting handcuffs on him?!"

Seron shouted, not intimidated even by the Imperial Knight.

She was protesting, utterly unable to comprehend the situation.

I never imagined she'd take my side even in a situation like this.

"Prince Sweet Potato, you tell them too! There's no reason for you to be arrested!"

Seron struggled, shouting, trying desperately to get me out.

To her, ignorant of the circumstances, it simply looked like I was being arbitrarily arrested.

Click-clack—

"Indeed."

At that moment, the sound of heels echoed.

The owner of the sound was a woman with jet-black hair fluttering.

The Third Princess, Iris Haisirion.

Beneath her raven hair, ruby-colored eyes gleamed.

As soon as they saw her, the Imperial Knights immediately straightened their posture.

"We greet Her Royal Highness, the Third Princess."

They were the Emperor's sword.

Naturally, they had to show the utmost respect to the Princess, the Emperor's daughter.

Moreover, she hadn't come alone.

Sharin, the Blue Archmage's daughter, also approached with her.

Since her father had personally come, she had followed along to try and smooth over the situation in her own way.

When our eyes met, she let out a short sigh.

Since Sharin had helped me with this matter, she would have to defend me if she didn't want to get implicated herself.

I had unintentionally dragged Sharin into this.

"You've all worked hard."

Iris said so, then looked at the Imperial Knight holding Seron.

"I'd appreciate it if you'd let Seron down. She's a classmate of mine."

"Yes, Your Highness."

At Iris's words, the Imperial Knight promptly released Seron.

Seron, whose feet had barely touched the ground, observed the situation and remained quiet.

She, too, had realized that Iris had personally intervened.

Iris turned to the White Archduchess.

"Duchess Raxid, I'd like to hear an explanation of the current situation. Would that be alright?"

The White Archduchess was someone who couldn't be treated lightly by a princess, though it might be different if she were the Emperor.

Therefore, Iris asked with the utmost respect.

Yet, the subtle displeasure emanating from her couldn't be hidden.

"Hmm, Your Royal Highness, Third Princess, it's a simple situation. The boy tampered with Ancient Dragon magic.

According to Imperial law, anyone who handles Ancient Dragon magic is subject to immediate execution."

Iris paused, then turned her eyes to me.

Soon after, she furrowed her brow slightly.

A sigh escaped her lips.

"...There are circumstances. He did it trying to help me, in fact."

My eyes widened.

I never imagined Iris would take my side like this.

'If Iris takes my side...'

It becomes even harder for the Imperial family to punish me.

"Hmm, that's a new piece of information."

The White Archduchess stroked her chin, finding it interesting.

"In that case, would it be safe to assume the boy saved Her Royal Highness, the Third Princess's life?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"My, I see. Indeed."

The corners of her mouth curved upwards.

It seemed the White Archduchess had already figured out how to defend me, by applying the hero's special exemption law.

And with that, she looked back at me, seemingly amused.

"Well, I expected it from the first time I saw you, but you truly are a spirited young man."

Could I finally relax?

It seems I won't be dying.

"However, Your Royal Highness, Third Princess, too many people are watching right now. With people from other kingdoms present, we can't simply overlook this."

Iris realized from the White Archduchess's words that this was merely for show.

The White Archduchess had no intention of dealing with me according to Imperial law from the very beginning.

Iris's face showed relief.

Once the White Archduchess and Iris finished their conversation, the Blue Archmage turned his head.

"Sharin."

"Ah, yes."

At her father's call, Sharin straightened her posture and replied.

"There's something to discuss regarding this matter. Forfeit the individual match and come with me."

Sharin was now implicated along with me because of the Ancient Dragon magic.

The international individual match was no longer the issue.

When I gave Sharin an apologetic look, she nodded.

"Alright, I guess."

Perhaps because Sharin wasn't particularly interested in the international individual match to begin with.

She didn't say much and decided to follow the Blue Archmage's words.

"Uh, uh, is, is he alright?"

Seron, the only one who couldn't understand the situation, wore a bewildered expression.

I was escorted away just like that.

Isabel also looked surprised, but seeing my expression, she seemed confident that everything would be fine.

As I walked, my eyes met with someone.

There was a blue-haired woman glaring fiercely in my direction.

Her name was Eve.

The Unyielding Azure Flame.

This was Eve, who had intended to remove my Ancient Dragon magic during this international individual match.

But she probably never imagined I'd end up being escorted away.

I hadn't aimed for it either, but somehow, it turned into an indefinite struggle with her.

'Even if removing the Ancient Dragon magic is out of the question now...'

I've certainly imprinted many questions about my existence upon Eve.

She won't give up on me until she finds the answers herself.

I gave Isabel a silent farewell and was escorted out of the arena.

"Your Grace, White Archduchess."

I subtly spoke to the White Archduchess, who was walking beside me.

The White Archduchess read the intent in my eyes and motioned for the Imperial Knights to fall back a little.

"Go on, speak."

Her dignified demeanor was like that of a true warrior.

It was precisely because she was this kind of person that I could willingly reveal the information.

"Today, there are those in this arena targeting the Saintess."

I had personally confirmed it all with my own eyes this morning.

Those planning the Saintess's assassination were all present, as expected.

The White Archduchess's perpetually smiling face changed in an instant.

"Since I must be escorted away, I wish to provide Your Grace, the White Archduchess, with a list of the culprits."

"Huh."

The White Archduchess let out a surprised breath, then spun around.

"Very well. I'll hear later how a boy like you knows such things."

Her cape fluttered.

The confidence that spilled forth from her was the greatest I had ever seen.

"As an old hero, let's see... I'll swing my sword once."

The living hero.

The White Archduchess, Raxid Anvesia.

She had delivered the biggest middle finger in the world to those targeting the Saintess.