Chapter 13

Late at night, as Diania transformed into the castle with a completely blackened flying dragon, the captain of the knights greeted her.

"Milady Diania, what is this!?"

It was only he and herself who worked on government affairs so late at night. Therefore, the special circumstances of transporting such prey were carried out at night.

"Sort of... it's a flying dragon that was burned to a crisp by my spell. Please exchange it for money and put it in the treasury later."

"Hmm... but the shape of these scales, it's an upper-class flying dragon...! No, if that's the case, for the scales that repel magic to be in this state...!"

The class of a flying dragon can be determined by its scales.

However, it would be impossible to discern without a keen eye and expertise in appraisal. The captain of the magic knights met both of these conditions.

"So, it was indeed an upper-class flying dragon."

"Yes, without a doubt! To turn it into charcoal like this, — perhaps, Milady, your skills have improved?"

The captain of the knights smiled slyly.

"I've been struggling to advance from Great Mage to Supreme Mage for a long time, but to think you could slay one alone. As your former magic tutor, I am delighted."

Mages are ranked in levels such as First Class and Second Class, with the next level after Ten being Great, and the next after Great being Supreme. The level after that is Mythical, the highest.

In other words, Diania, by the standards of this country, is the third-highest ranked mage.

"I am weak, Captain of the Knights."

"Please, don't be modest. For you, one of the few Great Mages in this country, to call yourself weak..."

"...It's different. I only borrowed the power of the man of the ley lines."

Upon hearing this, the captain of the knights tilted his head.

"Borrowed power? What do you mean?"

"Yes, I thought you, as the captain of the magic knights, would understand... I was 'boosted.' And just by touching me."

"...Boosted, just by touching...? That must be some mistake..."

It's not a mistake.

The sensation, even now, was a boost.

"But, that technique should only be usable after a ritual, right!?"

"Yes, normally. But, I was boosted just by being touched."

Transferring magic power is a highly difficult skill. Without preparation, even a temporary transfer is challenging.

"That can only be done by a Supreme Mage..."

"Yes, if there are any Supreme or Mythical Mages left, they could do it."

There is only one person in the country who has been granted the rank of Supreme Mage, and they seemed to be doing something similar. There are also legends and rumors about such feats. However,

"The important thing is that the man of the ley lines did it so easily, and I was allowed to survive due to his restraint."

"Yes, that's true. Boosting is a risky technique..."

If too much magic power is infused, there's a risk of exploding from the inside. But that didn't happen.

...Probably because of his consideration.

I thought it might have been luck, but given that strong and kind monster...

He must have held back, considering my body's limits.

"To think he could control such powerful magic. In a sense, he's a sorcerer beyond Supreme level."

"He's not registered with our Mage Association, but... at that moment, I felt more fear and respect than surprise. My power was released uncontrollably. I didn't feel alive."

But if he hadn't done that, I would have been eaten by the upper-class dragon. It was better to have a chance to survive, Diania thought.

"Ah... That's quite a situation. —Especially since the movements of the Dragon King have become more active, increasing the danger, and now there's such a monster in the forest."

Ah, there was such a report.

"The decrease in flying dragons is also due to the Dragon King, who was in hibernation, becoming active."

"The attacks by werewolves have also decreased..."

Previously, werewolves randomly attacked adventurers, merchants, wealthy farmers, and the citizens of the capital, committing robberies. Now, they live peacefully in the forest.

Some even interact with the citizens of the capital. It's as if the leadership of the clan has changed.

"The last time I checked, a young and energetic werewolf was the leader. Did he die?"

"I don't know. But I suspect it might be a harbinger of natural disasters."

"Indeed. It's better to worry about our country rather than him."

Sighing, the two, who were in charge of the capital's affairs, exhaled in unison.

Natural disasters (one main cause) — Thank you for all the support! I'll work hard and update even at night to respond to it!