I got into school for nothing - Chapter 348
Lesson 68. Those Who Desire the True Dragon's Revival - 4
"Pentheus, son of the serpent, has come to punish the impious murderers."
"Nycteus, son of the earth, and Lycus join him!"
All names I've heard somewhere before. Ban Yuwon looked up at these darlings of the universe, who plagiarized not just Roman nomenclature but even Greek mythology, and quietly murmured.
"They're not first-generation Dragon Fang Soldiers. Second generation, perhaps?"
"They feel similar to our knight order. Though much stronger..." Asha's knight order had preserved its purity across generations, miraculously remaining true Dragon Fang Soldiers.
Indeed, it was the prevailing theory that no Dragon Fang Soldiers remained in the universe, save for them. He had thought so until he recently encountered Quinodon inside the Tower.
"Were all the Dragon Fang Soldiers who vanished from the universe gathered there?"
"Hngh..."
"I understand that was the agreement."
He glanced at Clio, who had regained her true form and stood beside Ban Yuwon, and said.
"In exchange for borrowing a sword to stab our master, we promised to stand by and watch them. But who would have thought that those who hid from us in fear would be the first to seek us out."
"You know well."
"Because it was our duty to record and remember."
The old man, speaking calmly, looked at Clio.
"But it was not our task to foresee the future. Clio had to pay that price."
"Knowing of the future salvation by Lord Yuwon, I was not afraid."
Clio replied without even looking at the old man.
Ban Yuwon, who remembered her being quite surprised when he transferred the concept of 'bandage', decided not to point that out and kept his mouth shut.
"Impious murderers, are they referring to us?"
"Although we joined hands at the last moment, an indelible ancient grudge (舊怨) exists between them and the Ten Great Families."
"An ancient grudge, indeed..."
At the words of the Ortima family head's deputy, the Hecate family head nodded gravely.
"No matter how much they've forgotten the Tower Lord, they will surely remember the clash between the Ten Great Families and the True Dragons. There must be artifacts based on True Dragons in each family."
"An interesting tale, indeed."
"I'd like to hear more, but let's punish those bastards first, then discuss it. ...Hah, it seems the Ten Great Families were quite underestimated."
"Hah."
The Fridwen family head pulled out a shield from somewhere and armed himself. With the appearance of artifacts based on True Dragons, just as the Hecate family head had just testified, the Melodia family head, who had thus far merely observed the situation, seemed to twitch an eyebrow.
"Well then, shall we see the skill of these skeleton bastards who've been hiding so well until now, only to confront us?"
The Fridwen family head led his elite troops out of the hotel. As he left, he glanced back at Ban Yuwon, seemingly hinting that he intended to watch him in action.
The Ortima family head's deputy also lightly lifted himself into the air.
"If that ship is entirely made of dragon bones... it would make a good trophy. Luisha, Lusein. Will you stay with that man?"
"Yes, Great Uncle."
"Forgive me."
"No, it's a good choice. ...Better than being by my side, perhaps."
He gave a small nod, seemingly acknowledging Ban Yuwon's strength, then launched his body into the air as if firing a cannonball. In sync with his movement, the mana in the air condensed densely, creating hundreds of mana projectiles that left long trails of light.
In terms of sheer performance, it was more dazzling and elegant than any other family's display—a truly extravagant show, as if his very soul depended on superficial flair.
As Ban Yuwon stared blankly at it, Luisha beside him put a hand to her forehead and said.
"Well... not all Ortima are like that."
"What are you talking about? That was truly perfect mana domination."
"Brother Lusein, please be quiet for a moment."
In the meantime, combatants from other families also left the hotel one by one, joining the battle. Most of the family-head-level beings seemed to soar into the sky, intending to confront the second-generation Dragon Fang Soldiers. The fact that the situation wasn't being resolved, even with several individuals who could become legends stepping forward, offered a glimpse into their power.
However...
"Still, it seems insufficient to face the entire leadership of the Ten Great Families."
"Of course. Since the first generation hasn't stepped forward."
The Hecate family head, subtly positioning himself closer to Ban Yuwon, began to explain in earnest.
"The True Dragon created five Spartoi with immense effort. The first among them was Echion, renowned for his tenacious vitality and poison, like a serpent."
"Are the others perhaps Udaeus, Hyperenor, Peloros, and Chthonius? And Pentheus, Nycteus, and Lycus, who have attacked us now, are the sons of Echion and Chthonius?"
"...!"
The old man's jaw dropped in astonishment. Though, in truth, anyone who had merely read Greek mythology would know this!
"Th-that's right. Of course, they are strong, but they cannot compare to beings like Echion. Even they couldn't contend with the Ten Great Families thousands of years ago and went into hiding. Furthermore, if they knew we were all gathered here, at least all five Spartoi should have come together."
Ban Yuwon drew out his words, "Well..."
Of course, the Ten Great Families also prospered for thousands of years. However, it seems they focused on inheriting their power across generations, concentrating on maintaining the strength of their family heads.
The conclusion reached after witnessing the abilities of the Ten Great Family heads who have stepped forward so far is that, while certainly impressive, they are nowhere near the Chancellor's level.
Indeed, that's likely why the Ten Great Families haven't been able to do anything about Union, guarded by a single Chancellor.
'And where did that difference come from... Of course, there's a high possibility that the Chancellor was originally the strongest. But isn't it more likely that the gap widened because the Ten Great Families inherit their power upon the death of their predecessors, while the Chancellor has continuously accumulated strength?'
If one's physical and magical prime is maintained while their life is extended indefinitely, wouldn't they naturally continue to hone their strength and skills in that state, becoming stronger?
What if the first-generation Spartoi, including Echion, born from the True Dragon's teeth, were under the same conditions as the Chancellor?
Even if the Chancellor was out of their league, couldn't they have overwhelmed the heads of the Ten Great Families?
'But they didn't come. There are two possibilities. First, my hypothesis is wrong, and they are hiding in fear. Second...'
Ban Yuwon's sharp gaze pierced the Melodia family head.
Coincidentally, Ban Yuwon wasn't the only one glaring at him.
Aire was also glaring at him intensely.
"Was it you?"
"Lady Aire."
"You called them forth, didn't you?"
"Do you suspect me?"
"..."
In truth, Ban Yuwon wasn't just suspicious; he was certain.
Isn't this terminal structured so that only members of the Ten Great Families can enter it right now?
And for any other Ten Great Family member who isn't Melodia, the possibility of communicating with them is fundamentally zero.
Only one possibility remained: the Melodia family head.
'Thanks to Aire's presence, I thought they wouldn't become enemies, even if not allies. What an absurd misconception.'
Could this perhaps be his way of testing Ban Yuwon?
Even if so, from this moment on, he would be Ban Yuwon's enemy.
Because he had completely crossed the line of what could be tolerated.
"You..."
Vertical slits appeared in Aire's eyes.
Ban Yuwon gently took her hand.
"Yuwon."
"If it were just us, perhaps, but not now."
"...Yuwon."
"The time has come to choose, Aire. What will you do?"
He had always thought this moment would come. At the very least, he'd expected to ask in a quieter atmosphere, when only Ban Yuwon and Aire could face each other and talk seriously.
As he sighed, Aire replied resolutely.
"I've told you countless times, I cannot let you go."
"Alright, then you're my ally."
"Yes, forever...!"
"Perhaps not."
It was at that moment, during their brief yet intense conversation, that the Melodia family head interjected.
"Lady Aire, who do you believe created Echion, the King of Spartoi?"
"Does that matter...?"
"It will likely matter to Lady Aire."
The Melodia family head's voice sounded distant somehow. Ban Yuwon only then realized that while his attention had been focused on the other Ten Great Families and Dragon Fang Soldiers, the Melodia head's true body had already vanished.
Observe Ban Yuwon, judge him, deliver his words, then disappear before being attacked.
No one else would have dared to do so against Ban Yuwon, except for the Melodia family head, a genius of spatial movement.
It would have been impossible if Professor Yumina's Starlight Garden hadn't lost its power due to the hotel being opened.
"I mentioned that the Spartoi do not serve other dragons. But at the same time, it is also a legacy inherited by their own blood relatives."
"Indeed. So, it wasn't because of me or the Ten Great Families that you summoned the Dragon Fang Soldiers, but because of Aire?"
"I must have told you from the start. That I came here not because of you."
The Melodia family head scoffed, then completely vanished.
Though he was gone, only his voice echoed in the space like a lingering scent.
"They will awaken Lady Aire's instincts. True Dragons can never be with the Tower Lord's descendants."
"True Dragon...?"
Several family heads looked at Aire with shocked expressions upon hearing that. But she no longer had time to pay attention to them.
Her eyes once again transformed into those of a dragon. Horns sprouted from her forehead.
It appeared to be a transformation beyond her control.
"Y-Yuwon."
"Aire?"
"They're... calling me."
—Death's Pupil announces. A dense scent of death is drawing near.
Suddenly, Aire lifted her head.
Ban Yuwon thought he needed to stop her, even if it meant knocking her out— But Aire, whose wings had sprouted from her back, flapped them, pushing Ban Yuwon back, then kicked off the ground and shot like an arrow into the sky.
"Damn it, I'm going crazy!"
"Aire—!"
Asha, frantically drawing her True Dragon Sword, flew after her.
While the remaining members of the Ten Great Families in the hall were dumbfounded by the unimaginable sudden turn of events, Ban Yuwon also scratched his head and rushed out.
Had the Melodia family head intended this from the beginning?
Or had he made his judgment after witnessing Ban Yuwon's actions at today's gathering of the Ten Great Families?
'If that were the case... there are too many points that fit. Perhaps his attitude towards Clarent was the decisive factor.'
If he had known it would come to this, he should have settled things with that bastard much sooner. It was his mistake to leave Aire alone, believing she would control herself.
"Damn it," Ban Yuwon clicked his tongue lightly, narrowing his eyes at the enemy warship that was now almost upon them.
[It's beautiful! How can there be such a beautiful warship!]
A pristine white warship, forged from the bones of a True Dragon. Lilyth, the warship collector, had been drooling uncontrollably for a while now.
—Death's Pupil announces that a formidable individual, one who cannot be ignored, is hidden.
"Indeed, if the Melodia family head's aim was Aire's succession, then at least Echion among the first-generation Spartoi would be present."
Ban Yuwon gripped Requiem and took a stance.
Aire, who had flown up frantically, was now seen hovering close to the warship, clutching her head in agony.
Asha was trying desperately to suppress her, but it was useless.
It was clear at a glance that if she was left unchecked for a little longer, she would transform into a dragon.
Judging from the Melodia family head's confident demeanor, if that happened, whatever feelings Aire harbored for Ban Yuwon would likely reverse, turning her into an enemy.
A True Dragon, a being of legend.
Aire's abilities, demonstrated so far, were certainly outstanding, second to none. But in truth, they were far too lacking to be considered a True Dragon, a being said to have contended with his ancestors.
He had thought it was because Aire was still young. But what if there were separate conditions to awaken her true power?
What if the Melodia family head, who had simply been waiting for that moment to arrive, could no longer tolerate seeing Ban Yuwon so utterly fond of Aire, and was now trying to forcibly awaken her?
What if Aire were to go on a rampage in such a state, like an Agumon forced to evolve, turning into SkullGreymon instead of MetalGreymon!
'At the very least, she'll be expelled.'
At this point, it didn't matter whether a conclusion was reached here or not.
Aire, having revealed herself as a True Dragon, would face the scrutiny of the Ten Great Families. And, of course, she would no longer be able to return to Union.
In that case, the only place Aire could be was Melodia, and... with the group these Dragon Fang Soldier bastards had created.
She had already received information that other True Dragons were imprisoned in the Tower.
If she truly turned into an enemy, she would try to pull those True Dragons out. And then—the worst possible enemy would be born.
'Well, that's the despair scenario.'
Now, it was time to execute the hope scenario.
Spellcraft, Herculean Strength, Starlight, Judgment, Domination, Constellation's Stigma, Adamantine, Crimson Blaze, Divine Wind.
All concepts capable of strengthening himself activated simultaneously. Ban Yuwon, clad in armor of golden characters across his entire body, shouted in a resounding voice.
"Clear a path to the warship's core—!"
All of Ban Yuwon's power surged.
Rucell, Heukseol, the Prominence family, and the Clarent family directly confronted and pushed back the Dragon-kin.
Hecate, Selene, and, of course, Yumina, who had inherited the essence of the fallen Juventa family, unleashed a torrent of high-level magic, clearing anything that stood in his path.
Ban Yuwon added two more concepts with his Giwon Sword.
Pierce (突), advancing fiercely.
Penetrate (貫), piercing through all obstacles.
Ban Yuwon, gripping Requiem, kicked off the air and charged.
A black mist lightly enveloped Requiem, adding the power of death.
A few Dragon Fang Soldiers, who had somehow slipped past the restraints and charged at him, scattered into mere specks of blood. Yet, Ban Yuwon, his power undiminished, instantly shattered and broke through the dozens of protective layers shielding the warship—
And in the heart of the warship, crafted from the enormous bones of a dragon, he found a naked man performing a ritual, seated on a magic circle drawn in blood.
"It's already too late—cough!"
He pierced him.
The Dragon Fang Soldier, who had stood still as if unconcerned with his own life, now pierced by Requiem, chuckled again. He coughed up gouts of blood imbued with vitality.
Because the magic had been activated with the sacrifice of his life as a prerequisite.
"The succession is complete, and thus, my death holds meaning. True Dragons grow incredibly furious when they lose what is theirs, don't you know?"
"Tch."
Ban Yuwon first crushed the bastard's face. Then he plundered all the concepts he possessed.
"Asha, who commands the true Dragon Fang Soldiers, would absolutely love this if I gave it to her—" Just as that thought crossed his mind, he felt a colossal shadow fall over him.
A triangular head, countless scales shimmering like a lizard's.
Sky-blue eyes gazing directly at him.
The True Dragon looked at him and spoke.
"—Yuwon... do I look very strange?"
A girl's tense voice.
Dragon fangs, glowing menacingly as if they would chew him up and swallow him whole if he said "strange."
Ban Yuwon, his mind blank, answered instinctively.
"No, you look amazing!"
"—That's a relief."
The dragon, genuinely relieved, opened its mouth and smiled.
Ban Yuwon, who had been considerably intimidated by the True Dragon's majestic presence, laughed heartily, checking the concept of the 'pact' that shone brightly within him, as if suppressing all of her instincts as a True Dragon.
For once, he decided to humbly give thanks for his light-heartedness.
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