Chapter 1116: Lingering Scent (4)
“I don’t understand what you mean by using the Hall of the Eighth Tribulation to offer compensation.”
At the Iron Chain Dragon King’s words, Lennok tilted his head.
“If several high-ranking Dragon Kings are gathered, can you revive the lost functions of the city?”
The statues of the Founders displayed in the Eighth Tribulation were not merely souvenirs.
They were divine artifacts mimicking the abilities of the Founders, made from their shed shells after they ascended and died in the Ninth Tribulation.
However, due to the battle in the Eighth Tribulation and the impact of Kundara’s fall, the Hall was completely destroyed.
It was clear that the sanctuary’s abilities could not be borrowed or utilized in this situation.
But the Iron Chain Dragon King, after hearing Lennok’s words, turned its colossal head and shifted its gaze.
[Wheel.]
[Are you the Seeker that Ghost Dragon King spoke of!!!]
Charrrrlk!!!
A colossal golden Dragon-kind, with massive, ceaselessly turning wheels behind its back.
The golden dragon, descending upon the sky above the Eighth Tribulation, stared at Lennok, its eyes gleaming.
[I have heard all the news. You alone stopped the rampaging Silver Star in the Ninth Tribulation, did you not?]
“……”
[You have suffered much. But do not worry. As long as I am here, you will receive a reward befitting your accomplishments!]
The Dragon King’s massive body ceaselessly erupted with mana, accompanied by a resounding voice.
Lennok, who had been covering his ears with a scowl, took his hands away and replied.
“So, you are the Wheel Dragon King.”
[Indeed. I am the one who presides over the laws and regulations of Kundara!!!]
The Wheel Dragon King opened its maw wide and roared mightily in reply.
[All Long-lived Beings of Kundara shall be protected by this Wheel Dragon King, so accept your recompense with peace of mind!!!]
“……Is it impossible for you to converse normally without shouting?”
He knew from the abrupt roar that it wasn’t an ordinary disposition, but it seemed to be a much louder personality than he expected.
Other Dragon Kings weren’t even attempting to restrain the Wheel Dragon King, openly ignoring it, which was enough to infer its nature.
“According to the Fearsome Blood King, you and Ghost Dragon King are the most troublesome opponents among the Dragon Kings.”
Lennok’s eyes sharpened.
“What were such beings doing when Kundara was falling?”
He remembered the conversation between Heoryeong, the administrator of the Seventh Tribulation, and the Fearsome Blood King, concerning the other Eight Great Dragon Kings.
Among the Dragon Kings, only the Wheel Dragon King and the Ghost Dragon King possessed compatibility that could make a fight with Lennok possible.
That meant the two Dragon-kind possessed uniquely challenging abilities among the Dragon Kings.
[This dragon’s role is to maintain the laws by rotating the Wheel at Kundara’s core.]
However, the Wheel Dragon King boldly projected its thundering voice despite Lennok’s words.
[It is this dragon’s power that actualized gravity in the Universe of Mist and allowed it to exist as a satellite!!]
“So you’re saying the gravity across Kundara was your doing.”
[I had to hold onto our beautiful city until the very moment of its fall, striving to prevent it from becoming a handful of dust.]
The Wheel Dragon King shook its head roughly, as if in sorrow.
[Though I could not protect the city, I protected the lives within it, so what more could I wish for?!]
“……”
Communication wasn’t entirely impossible, but the conversation was subtly off-topic.
Lennok had intended to exchange information with Kundara’s high-ranking True Blood individuals before leaving, but at this rate, no progress would be made.
The Iron Chain Dragon King seemed to sense this too, ignoring the loudly shouting Wheel Dragon King and speaking up.
[From ancient times, the Wheel is a symbol of law and governance. It possesses power specialized in maintaining and operating existing laws.]
Kugugugu…!!
As the Iron Chain Dragon King subtly twisted its body, a heavy roar erupted.
[By utilizing this, it is possible to forcibly operate Kundara’s lost ‘functions’ under the Wheel’s circulation.]
Could it be that the lost sanctuary functions could be temporarily operated by the Wheel Dragon King’s abilities?
The moment Lennok realized this and looked up, the six Dragon Kings collectively began to draw forth their mana.
Kuoooooo!!!!
The mana resonance unleashed with full power by six Level 8 Transcendent individuals.
The intensely vibrating mana light, covering the entire Eighth Tribulation, gathered and settled upon the Wheel Dragon King’s rotating wheel.
It was a strange sight, as if mana was added as weight to the wheel, forcing it to turn.
[If we sacrifice Kundara’s lost functions and use them to repay this city’s continued existence, it will be sufficient.]
As Lennok silently watched the scene, the Iron Chain Dragon King spoke in a deep, resonant voice.
[By sacrificing the mana and life force of us Dragon Kings, we turn the Wheel, temporarily reviving the functions of the Eighth Tribulation—]
The Iron Chain Dragon King, rising into the sky, declared to Lennok in a resolute tone.
[We will bestow upon you the lifespan of a Long-lived Being, just like us.]
“……What?”
Charrrrlk!!
As the brilliant golden wheel rotated, its divine light shone across the entire battlefield.
A powerful wave of light, centered on the Wheel, surged and poured down upon Lennok.
The moment the life force, flowing like a waterfall, enveloped Lennok through the wheel—
Kaaang!!!
The wave of light violently undulated, then bounced off Lennok without being absorbed.
The essence of the life force, reflected from Lennok, failed to permeate and instead gathered in the air, condensing.
Soon, it transformed into a small, reliquary-like form and floated before Lennok’s eyes.
Wooong!!!
[……Hmm.]
The Iron Chain Dragon King’s eyes twitched, and the other dragons expressed confusion.
A peculiar sight of colossal dragons, filling the sky, tilting their heads in bewilderment.
[What is happening?]
[Is this how lifespan extension usually works?]
[It ends quickly, typical of a Short-lived Being.]
“……”
Lennok, who had been silently gazing at the “Life Vessel” floating before him, let out a small sigh.
“I should have told them beforehand if I knew this would happen.”
It seemed they intended to activate the sanctuary to extend his lifespan, but this was something he had already gone through with Maleon’s help.
Due to the penalty, Lennok’s lifespan couldn’t be increased, so the reward manifested in a different way.
[……I see.]
After hearing Lennok’s somewhat concealed explanation and understanding, the Iron Chain Dragon King nodded with a heavy gaze.
[I regret it; I heard from the Water Minister that you desired an extension of your lifespan, and I had hoped that could be your compensation.]
“The news arrived quite late.”
[If you wish, we will endeavor to provide you with the compensation you desire in another form.]
The Iron Chain Dragon King said, lowering its massive body before Lennok.
[We may not be able to turn the Wheel again, but there must be something among the dragons’ treasures that will satisfy you.]
“……No. Although unexpected, this is valuable enough.”
Lennok replied, picking up the Life Vessel floating before him.
“Last time, I used it in such a hurry that I couldn’t even confirm how it worked. I should properly research it this time.”
He hadn’t expected to acquire the Life Vessel again after the Eternal Turtle’s sanctuary was destroyed, but this itself was a power that could offer Lennok an opportunity.
A divine artifact capable of absorbing a single instance of life-threatening damage inflicted upon Lennok’s body.
Having experienced its effectiveness firsthand after fighting Seonjong, he would certainly have to investigate its principles this time.
He hadn’t had the luxury to even attempt it in Kundara, but there would be much he could do in his laboratory once he returned to Vulcan.
Reacquiring the Life Vessel at this point would be a very significant gain.
[They are kind reptiles, though lacking.]
“……”
Lennok, who made an effort to ignore Davi’s whispered communication, composed his expression and asked.
“So, this is what you meant by offering a part of Kundara as compensation. Do you have anything more to say?”
[From there, I shall explain.]
Ooooooh!!!
The pale white dragon, wreathed in souls and scattering mournful cries, opened its mouth.
The Ghost Dragon King, who wielded spirits, possessing uniquely distinct power and Will-thought even among the Eight Great Dragon Kings.
[We will establish the domains of the Eight Great Dragon Kings around Kundara’s perimeter, making its boundary our territory.]
The Ghost Dragon King looked down at Lennok and said.
[This Central Front is unclaimed land since Ars Nova’s demise. There will be no administrative issues should Kundara settle here.]
“Is this a matter agreed upon with the Elder Council?”
[It was a proposal deliberated upon by them first.]
The mournful cry, incomparably calmer than the Wheel Dragon King’s, echoed.
[Although cooperation with them is still displeasing, we cannot privately divide ourselves in the face of a city-wide crisis.]
“……”
[We will cooperate until Kundara settles in the center and integrates into the mundane world. That is the policy of us dragons.]
“I see……”
Even after coming all this way, they weren’t contemplating betrayal or division among themselves. In any other city, it wouldn’t have been strange for them to have already killed each other, split into factions, and become independent.
It was a very unfamiliar situation for Lennok, but the Long-lived Beings he had encountered so far possessed a surprisingly broad-minded aspect.
Although they looked down on Short-lived Beings, not many of them were inherently petty or cruel.
It would be fair to say their disposition was remarkably better compared to other cities Lennok had traversed.
[You resolved the calamity that befell Kundara and opened a future for the city.]
The Ghost Dragon King looked down at Lennok with blurry eyes.
[Though it was not the direction we wished for, it is clearly a better alternative than the destruction we would have faced by abandoning the Outer Tribulation. We all owe you a great debt.]
“……”
[Therefore, with the authority of the Eight Great Dragon Kings, we intend to recommend your name for a Supreme Committee Member position within the Elder Council.]
“……A Supreme Committee Member of the Elder Council?”
Lennok tilted his head at the unexpected proposal.
“I plan to leave Outer Tribulation City soon. Is it even permissible to recommend a human for an administrative position in a governing body?”
[A Supreme Committee Member of the Elder Council has free access to all facilities in Kundara, regardless of permission or qualification.]
The Ghost Dragon King said.
[Considering the future of this city, it would be a meaningful advantage for you as well.]
“……”
Lennok immediately understood the meaning of those words and fell silent.
Now that Kundara had settled on the Western Front, it was clear that it would become a massive power spanning the continent.
Long-lived Beings not only live for hundreds of years, but they are monsters who accumulate hierarchy simply by existing.
If such Transcendent beings were to advance into the Central Front and exert their influence, the value generated would be astronomical.
It was highly likely that all kinds of assets and talents from across the continent would naturally begin to flock to Kundara.
The Ghost Dragon King was advising Lennok to accept the committee position in the Elder Council in preparation for that time.
“Judging by what you’re saying, it seems you prepared this beforehand.”
Lennok asked.
“Did you deliberately arrange this meeting to make this offer to me?”
[Now that the Silver Star, who represented the stance of the Eight Great Dragon Kings, is gone, it is a time when someone to stand on the side of the Dragon-kind is needed.]
The Ghost Dragon King affirmed.
[If your name is registered with the Elder Council for that purpose, it will be sufficient to keep the Elder Council’s authority in check.]
“……”
[The Iron Chain Dragon King would not like such a proposal. Considering his upright nature, he would deem such machinations meaningless.]
The Ghost Dragon King’s blurry eyes gazed at Lennok as if piercing through him.
[However, I recognize that an intangible promise is necessary to maintain the Elder Society. Granting authority to a Short-lived Being for that purpose is nothing to me.]
“As was the case when I last faced you, you are quite a politically astute dragon…”
Lennok chuckled and nodded.
“Very well. If it’s for the purpose of gaining access to Kundara, there’s no harm in it. Is there anything I need to do?”
[Regnus highly regards you, who brought about the end of the Silver Star. He will permit your name to be entered into the Elder Council without any separate intervention.]
The Ghost Dragon King replied.
[Anyone who has witnessed your spellcraft reach the heavens will be convinced.]
“……I see.”
Ultimately, it was because of Lennok’s power and spellcraft that complex procedures could be bypassed and enforced.
Because he had overwhelmed the Water God Dragon King Alohan in front of the Eight Great Dragon Kings and spared his life.
Because he had fought an Ascendant at the end of the Ninth Tribulation and given Outer Tribulation City a proper conclusion.
In the face of overwhelming results, the Ghost Dragon King subtly indicated that no objections to the process could exist.
“Where is Alohan?”
[He is resting in the Deep Sea Domain.]
The Ghost Dragon King said calmly.
[He too would have received the outcome of your actions, so he will not bear grudges about today’s decision.]
“That’s not what I was curious about, but……”
Lennok, leaning on his staff, stood up and said.
“I plan to leave Kundara once I’ve made my preparations. I’ll be careful not to pass through the Deep Sea Domain this time.”
[I see. I once again express my gratitude for the conclusion you gifted this city.]
The Ghost Dragon King replied thus, slowly lifting its body into the sky above the broken hall.
[What you have accomplished today was a decision that saved thousands of Long-lived Beings and changed the future of the city. This proves that you have embarked on a great path of seeking, unconstrained by your innate lifespan.]
The ghostly dragon king, wreathed in souls, declared in a noble, thundering voice.
[The Dragon Kings of Kundara promise to repay the Silver Star’s debt to you in the future.]
“……Maleon’s debt, you say.”
[Provided it does not harm the city’s well-being, this dragon will lend its power to you once.]
The Wheel Dragon King nodded.
[If you wish, I will permit you the honor of testing your strength against this dragon right here and now!!]
“……What?”
As Lennok scowled at the sudden proposal, the Wheel Dragon King asked.
[Didn’t you express curiosity about this dragon’s and Ghost Dragon King’s might earlier?]
Charrrrlk!!
The Wheel Dragon King, rotating the wheel on its back, cried out as it drew forth mana.
[A great Dragon-kind does not shy away from challenges, so I shall satisfy your curiosity!]
[Rumor has it among the mundane world that you are a Seeker who enjoys bloody conflicts.]
The Ghost Dragon King, too, turned its gaze, as if there was no reason to object.
[If this can repay the Silver Star’s debt, I shall humor you, as the Wheel Dragon King says.]
“……”
Did they still remember Lennok’s interest in the martial prowess of the Wheel Dragon King and the Ghost Dragon King?
After having just offered all kinds of compensation and gratitude, they were still not averse to a fight.
High-ranking Long-lived Beings were all like this; their actions and thoughts were hard to predict.
“I don’t wish to avoid a fight that’s offered, but it’s difficult right now.”
Lennok, who had been looking at the Dragon Kings in disbelief, shook his head and turned away.
“If an opportunity arises, I will accept it next time. In this state, it would be tough.”
[I see. Is it because your body is still unwell?]
“No.”
Lennok said, walking out of the hall.
“If I were to use magic now, I don’t think I’d be able to hold back.”
He finished organizing the traces he left in Kundara and preparing to leave.
As he had brought no luggage, tidying his affairs didn’t take long.
After his name was placed on the recommendation list for a Supreme Committee Member position in the Elder Council, and all preparations were completed at the Blood-Veil Palace.
“I made it clear.”
In the middle of the grand palace lobby, the Fearsome Blood King, Racy, spoke brusquely.
“You need to recuperate for two months and consistently receive blood transfusions. Until then, you’re just a corpse.”
“Thanks for the ill wishes.”
Lennok, leaning on his staff, took the bag Racy handed him and turned away.
“If I need more treatment, I’ll call. The summoning contract means distance won’t be an issue, after all.”
“Forget it? Are you telling me to come back to that chaotic, blood-smelling city?”
The Fearsome Blood King recoiled, waving her hand in disgust.
“If it weren’t for the project, I’d never set foot in Vulcan my entire life. I detest it, so don’t even try.”
“I see.”
“……Are you not listening to a word I’m saying?”
Lennok, who naturally planned to summon the Fearsome Blood King as soon as he arrived in Vulcan, cleanly ignored her.
The Fearsome Blood King’s Blood-Veil Palace was the optimal place for cleansing and purifying Lennok’s blood.
There was no reason to reject the abilities of such a vampire upon returning to Vulcan.
With the help of both the Fearsome Blood King and Murphy, who worked in Vulcan, there would be significant progress in his health check-ups.
“For now, this will be enough.”
Lennok said, lifting the staff he was leaning on.
“It’s a life support device made by a skilled vampire. It will boost my metabolism to a decent level.”
“……A vampire, you say.”
“When I return, I’ll introduce you to the vampires I know in Vulcan. You’ll be good friends.”
“We’re not like puppies that become friends at first sight. What do you take us vampires for?”
The Fearsome Blood King sighed softly and waved her hand, looking exhausted.
“Just go. You asked me to open a gate, avoiding the Deep Sea Domain, right?”
Swoosh!!
The inner wall of the blood palace parted, revealing the landscape of a lush, grassy plain.
Olivera, cloaked in a black robe, stood with her back to Lennok in the field beyond.
The Blood-Veil Palace existed on the boundary between reality and the Imaginary Dimension. The power to freely change the location of its entrance.
Through it, the Fearsome Blood King had directly dropped Lennok off at the outermost perimeter of the fall zone where Kundara had crashed.
He walked toward Olivera, who was waiting beyond the rift.
“Maize.”
The vampire, who had walked out of the Blood-Veil Palace with Lennok, called out to Olivera.
Olivera, too, looked at the girl’s crimson eyes through her veil.
Racy said.
“I know why you acquired that Mystic Eye.”
[……]
“I don’t particularly want to worry. You’ll manage somehow anyway. But……”
The girl’s crimson eyes shone sharply.
“Don’t die. While you’re cooperating with my contractor, your existence will be a meaningful help.”
[Interesting. Have you already become so loyal to this one’s summoner?]
Olivera let out a cold laugh.
[You still seem truly free only when you are bound to something.]
“……”
[But I have chosen to abandon that kind of co-dependence.]
Olivera, who turned away without regret, said.
[Even if futile, I must find an answer that satisfies myself.]
Racy didn’t reply, and Olivera didn’t wait.
As if the shared memories no longer held meaning, she turned her steps towards where she needed to be.
Kwooong!!
After the Blood-Veil Palace’s door closed and the vampire left, Lennok turned his head towards the blowing wind.
[If you have safely exited Kundara, let us part ways here.]
Olivera spoke first.
[I have a place I must go, and you have work remaining.]
“……”
[In that case, there is no reason for us to travel together back to Vulcan.]
“The War-Mage Tower won’t be picking us up this time.”
Lennok gave a wry smile.
“Are you sure you’ll be alright going back alone in that condition?”
Lennok had pushed himself to fight Seonjong, but Olivera’s injuries were also considerable.
She had not only forced the use of her Mystic Eye and Radiant Magic but had also been impaled by a spear, suffering significant blood loss, so by no means was she in good health.
[I wonder who is worrying about whom.]
However, Olivera coldly retorted to Lennok’s words.
[Considering what you are about to do, that question should rather be answered by you.]
“……”
[Do you not intend to answer? Well, fine.]
Olivera sneered and turned away.
[Either way, it is a matter for you to decide personally. Do as you wish.]
Hwoooosh!!
Beyond the veil, the radiance of her Mystic Eye flickered, beginning to envelop her body.
Only the message she left echoed in the rapidly fading presence.
[However, I do not know if that can truly be called consideration.]
“……”
Lennok looked at the spot where Olivera had left, then smiled bitterly.
Even without him speaking, did she already know what he was ‘waiting’ for?
Despite having accompanied her to Kundara for her competence, he was sometimes surprised by her insight.
However, if this journey with her concluded this way, it wouldn’t be bad.
This incident, which began in Vulcan and led to Kundara, ended here today.
Now was the time to finally bring a proper conclusion to someone else’s lingering regret.
Click!!
Summoning his monster bike, he twisted the throttle.
The bike carrying Lennok sped across the vast plains.
Vrooom!!!!
An unnamed mid-sized city located outside the Western Front border.
Perhaps a stopover for transcontinental trains, a massive railway ran through the city.
He rode the bike along the rails and entered the train station.
Descending to the underground parking lot, he stored the bike and ascended to the surface.
The station was bustling with people waiting for the transcontinental train.
[The transcontinental train bound for Torquepaz will arrive in 15 minutes.]
[All services passing through the Western Front have been canceled today.]
“Those without tickets should immediately head to info-”
“Hot bento boxes available for consumption on the train, only 20,000 cells-”
The station was noisy, a cacophony of announcement sounds, shouts, and hawking.
The sounds and warmth of people, which he had barely experienced while in Kundara.
Even standing still, many people brushed past Lennok, moving along.
Lennok, swept up in the crowd, eventually turned towards the commercial district behind the station.
A city through which trains passed would likely be relatively well-informed about news and information from around the continent.
He might be able to check the continent’s reaction to the Kundara incident while waiting for his ‘task’.
The moment Lennok thought this and entered the bustling street, he stopped at the sight of screens spread across the city.
“……”
News from across the continent continuously streamed from dozens of screens.
Newspapers and magazines from various companies were being sold in real time.
Every media outlet visible continuously broadcasted the name and photo of a single person.
A photo of a man in a black coat, his face obscured by intense noise.
Though dimly captured in the dark, it was not difficult to recognize him.
[Vulcan’s Archmage Van has been identified as a key figure in the Kundara incident, causing shockwaves….]
[Adamant Thunder’s advance into the Central Front. This is his second move since massacring druids on the Western Front and disappearing.]
[Voices of condemnation are rising over his actions, having half-destroyed yet another city after the Machine City Machina…]
[All central media and factions are searching for Adamant Thunder. If you have any information, please report it immediately.]