Chapter 37

I've condensed about three chapters' worth of content, so it's quite long.

"Are you alright?"

"──Yeah, thanks to you, I've recovered quite a bit. I'm grateful."

After witnessing the end of the battle, when I was about to collapse from exhaustion, Leen, Ines, and Roro rushed to my side.

Leen immediately used some kind of healing magic upon seeing my condition, and thanks to her, I recovered a significant amount of stamina. I couldn't tell what kind of magic it was, but I had recovered enough to move my body.

──This kid is really amazing.

She can do anything.

With my body feeling much better, I stood up from the ground where I had been sitting and picked up the black sword.

"Teacher...? Are you really okay? Shouldn't you rest a bit more...?"

"It's fine now. I can move again."

Ideally, I would like to have a meal here, but... in this situation, I can't be picky.

Around us, soldiers were moving about in a hurry. Groups of people in white robes were entering and exiting the stone prison with groups of armored soldiers, leading out the imprisoned soldiers of the Imperial Army one by one, treating their injuries, and questioning them.

"How about it, Sieg? Did you get any useful information?"

Nearby, I could hear voices. It was the instructor of the Mages and the instructor of the Swordsmen.

"Yeah. The commander talked. He said these are all the soldiers here. Reports say that the capital has been searched by Kalu, and there are no more hidden threats."

"Then, it seems the violent situation is coming to an end. Hohoh!'

The instructor of the Mages said this while twirling his long beard with his index finger.

"But, the emperor wasn't there. He seems to have fled."

"──The emperor? What are you talking about? The emperor of the Imperial Army? ...You mean that sly old man was here?"

"Yeah, multiple captives confirmed it. It's unlikely to be a mistake. He was a man in golden armor."

"What a fool... Is he crazy? He must have been very confident in his military... But, considering he's called the 'Wise Emperor' by the people, he lacks foresight. Hohoh!"

"Golden armor──? Could it be?"

Could it be that old man in the shiny golden armor? The two of them turned to look at me, who had spoken without thinking.

"Do you have any idea?"

"Yeah. I met an odd old man in golden armor. The horse he was riding was also in shiny golden armor and stood out."

The instructor of the Mages tilted his head as if deep in thought.

"Shiny gold? Could it be that the horse's equipment was made of 'Imperial Metal'...?

Indeed.

It may look gaudy, but it's an excellent piece of equipment with a wide range of uses.

For a commander's horse, the enchantments would likely be 'Strength Enhancement,' 'Wind Protection,' and 'Arrow Deflection.'

If that's the case, he must have fled quite far by now. What can we do about it?"

"If he reaches the border, we won't be able to pursue him. If we let him escape, he will regroup and invade again."

"That's true...

There are several well-equipped checkpoints within the empire, and there are bridges over large valleys.

They won't let anyone through unless they are from the empire."

"Then, should we give up?"

"We shouldn't give up so easily.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to corner that old bastard.

──However, he might have already crossed the border. If that's the case, we can't do anything unless we can fly, right?"

Fly, huh.

"If there's no plan, we have no choice. We'll give up on the pursuit and focus on defense against the next attack──"

"There might be a way."

A plan suddenly came to mind, and I interrupted their conversation.

"You──What did you say just now?"

"I said it might be possible to fly, if that's what you're talking about."

"──Hohoh! What an interesting man!

By the way, who are you? Hmm...

I feel like I've seen your face somewhere... but never mind.

How do you plan to fly?

Well, I can fly using [Levitation], but I can't go and capture him alone, you know?"

"No, I think anyone can fly."

"Anyone? Is there such a convenient method? How fast is it? If we can't catch up, it's meaningless, you know?"

"I think it's fast enough. Well, if he's still alive, that is."

"Still alive? Who are you talking about?"

Who──

Well, it's not human, and I can't guarantee that it will listen to me...

I stared intently at Roro, who was standing nearby.

"......What...? ...Me...?"

"I think it will be fine... If this kid is here, we can manage."

"......What...??"

"......Hohoh? Then, tell me your plan, will you?"

◇◇◇

After parting ways with the instructor of the Swordsmen, who had other duties, we headed to the place where the dragon had fallen after receiving the 'red light.' There, we found a giant dragon lying on the ground, completely charred. It didn't move at all, and I thought it might be dead, but when I put my ear to its chest, I could still feel its heart beating.

It's still alive.

If we hurry and treat it, it might survive.

So, the instructor of the Mages quickly brought the instructor of the Priests, and the treatment began immediately.

"I've healed many people and animals over the years, but this is the first time I've healed a dragon."

The instructor of the Priests said this, then placed his hands on the dragon's scales, which were blackened like charcoal, and began to chant quietly.

Then──

The black, burned scales began to regenerate, and the cracked claws and fangs also regrew, returning life to the dragon.

What an incredible power.

In no time, the dragon's body, which had been a lifeless corpse, was revived.

"Amazing... But, isn't it difficult to heal such a large body alone?"

I asked, a bit worried. Leen had told me that healing magic uses a lot of stamina. After casting a spell on me, she looked a bit tired. Magic isn't something that can do everything.

"Mr. Sain. Should I help as well?"

"This is nothing. I specialize in this.

By the way, Leen, you pushed yourself a bit, didn't you?

I told you that using the ultimate [Revival] can shorten your life. You shouldn't use more power now. Rest."

"Yes──I understand."

Perhaps it was my fault that she pushed herself. I'm sorry──I might have relied on her too much, thinking she could do anything.

"Still──"

The instructor of the Priests, with his hand still on the dragon's body, turned his head and said with a smile,

"You've really grown, Noll. You look completely different."

"What? This man is... Noll?"

"Yeah, it's been a long time. You two haven't changed at all."

It seems the instructor of the Priests remembered me.

"Hehe, I recognized you right away. Your face and aura are just like they used to be.

Reviving a [Disaster Dragon] on the brink of death──I was surprised to hear whose idea it was, but it was you.

If it had been Oaken's request, I would have refused without a second thought... but for you, I'll lend a hand."

"Sain... You can't be serious...?"

"Yeah, I'm grateful."

The instructor of the Priests had the same gentle smile I remembered from the past.

"Hohoh... So, you're that Noll. You've grown so much.

I didn't recognize you at all! Hohoh!

Time flies, doesn't it? It's been about ten years, hasn't it?"

The instructor of the Mages also seemed to remember me. I thought I might have been forgotten, but I couldn't help feeling happy.

"Yeah. It's been 15 years.

Instructor, I didn't think I'd see you again. You're still alive!"

"Hohoh...? You say that so casually?

I plan to stay healthy for another 100 years!

I'll outlive you! Hohohoh!"

"Haha, your jokes are still the same! But, it's good to see you're well."

"No, no... I'm not joking. I'm always serious! Hohoh!"

The old man rubbed his proud chin and laughed happily. This expression was one I knew well. It was really nostalgic.

"Still, this is the rumored [Disaster Dragon]... What an impressive presence.

To be able to see this 'legend' up close, it's a good thing I've lived so long.

But... are you sure it's safe?

If this giant starts rampaging again, I don't have much confidence in stopping it."

The instructor of the Mages looked up at the dragon's massive body with a serious expression. If this dragon were to rampage, I wouldn't have the confidence to stop it either. However, there are many strong people here, so I'm not too worried.

And most importantly──he's here.

"Don't worry. Roro is here."

"......Roro...?"

When I turned to look at Roro, the instructor followed my gaze. But, Roro shudd