Chapter 69

Chapter 24. Twisting Two Fates (1)

Among the dragons currently in contact with the wizards of Viment, the number that the Seven-Colored Group has identified is a total of six.

Earth Dragon Labus.

Earth Dragon Virtega.

Earth Dragon Untiel.

Golden Dragon Jib.

Azure Dragon Madurai.

Silver Dragon Quicantel.

Muran, after checking the list, let out a low sigh.

"K, these guys are still active?"

The fact that three Earth Dragons, an Azure Dragon, and a Golden Dragon are with Viment was something known from the previous life.

However, the Silver Dragon Quicantel was quite unexpected.

'Did a human contract with the God of Time during this period?'

Receiving the blessing of a Silver Dragon is only allowed to those who have contracted with the God of Time. Just like how the Fire Dragon Kadun protects Kelliac, the Wind Dragon Vioreta protects Andrei, and the Black Dragon Muran protects Jin.

Jin heard that a magician who had contracted with the God of Time, Olta, was born in the previous life when he was twenty-six.

'At that time, the world was in an uproar because Olta's contractor appeared after half a century... If this information is true, it means something fishy happened.'

The reason it's fishy is none other than the fact that the contractor who appeared after half a century, according to Jin's memory, was a pure-blooded Jifel. A pure-blooded Jifel wouldn't need to be active as a wizard in Viment.

While pondering how to naturally ask about this issue, Muran spoke.

"Moreover, Quicantel? Is there an Olta contractor in Viment? Little one, is this information accurate?"

"Yes, Lord Muran. The fact that an Olta contractor is affiliated with Viment is still unknown to the world."

"Which family does the wizard that Quicantel is with belong to? Let's see, which family did Olta favor, Raphan? Kainel?"

"Ah, that's... a commoner named 'Enya.' They were a talent scholarship student at the Viment Magic Academy and are still enrolled."

"A commoner! That Olta, who is so particular about lineage? It seems they must have had exceptional talent. Anyway, this is interesting. I can ask Quicantel about the whereabouts of the guardian dragon of Az Mil."

Jin focused on the words 'commoner' and 'talent scholarship student.'

'Enya. I've never heard that name in the previous life. If they are Olta's contractor, they must have tremendous potential, and being a student, they are probably around my age or a bit older.'

If a wizard is as desired by magicians as Solideret, the God of Fire, Shinu, and the God of Time, Olta, are often mentioned.

Then why didn't Enya become a famous wizard, and why did the contractor Jin remembers appear after half a century?

There was no need to overthink it.

'The Jifels must have eliminated Enya and re-contracted.'

Without evidence or suspicion, he was certain.

Burying a commoner scholarship student with no background is as easy for them as breathing.

He didn't know how they re-contracted, and he even doubted if it was possible, but somehow, he felt they could do it.

"Hmm, I've heard the rumors, but Sir Kashmir, the information-gathering ability of the Seven-Colored Group is impressive. I was quite surprised to hear that you are the leader of the Seven-Colored Group, though I didn't have the chance to mention it earlier."

"I can't compare to Runkandel, young master. I would like to express my gratitude again for your kindness. Phew, I also didn't have the chance to mention it, but I will take the story of the young master to my grave."

"Mutual respect. After saving Yuria, Sir Kashmir and I will have many more things to do together."

"Yes, I think we are in the same boat. Even if we don't find the guardian dragon of your daughter... I will not betray you. I will treat your matters as my own."

"I also promise. I will definitely come."

Jin extended his hand first, and the two shook hands. Kashmir seemed more composed than when he first heard about his daughter's danger.

It was because he needed to act to save his daughter.

"I will now redeploy the entire Seven-Colored Group to search for the guardian dragon."

"Alright, take good care of the kid. I'll be back right away."

"Muran."

"What is it, kid?"

"I should go with you."

"Sure, if you want. But Strawberry Pie... has a severe fear of heights, so it's better for her to stay here. It's also a bit dangerous."

"Dangerous?"

"Hmm... Quicantel has a bit of a crazy personality. We have some history."

"Lord Gilly, I will personally assign people to take care of you. I will prepare discreet friends so that Lord Jin and Lord Muran don't worry."

"If possible, assign someone from the Viment nobility."

When Jin said this, Kashmir's eyes widened.

Not only the fact that the leader of the Seven-Colored Group was Kashmir, but also that the 'Council of Seven,' the public leaders, were from the Viment nobility, was still unknown.

"Seems I underestimated Runkandel's information-gathering ability. I didn't intend to hide anything from Lord Jin now."

"I'll see you when I return, Sir Kashmir."

After Kashmir left, only Jin's group remained in the lodging.

* * *

They flew for two full days to reach the waters near Viment. Muran, who had been flying at high altitude, gradually descended as they reached the vast sea.

It was dawn. The bright moonlit sea had no fishing boats in sight.

During the journey, Jin heard many stories from Muran about the relationships between the dragons in Viment.

"Are you really okay? If what you say is true... most of the dragons in Viment probably have more negative feelings than positive ones towards you."

According to Muran, most of the dragons in Viment had been beaten by him at some point. This was because, during his prime, they had flown near the Muran Mountains without permission.

[If you enter my territory, I start by beating you. That's how it was back then.]

"Great, really."

However, the relationship with Quicantel was quite complex. It was a love-hate relationship, and they had been in a relationship for about five hundred years in the past.

[In human terms, it's like being together for about five years.]

"Quicantel, huh? Why did you break up?"

[Just... personality differences. Now, if I start emitting my aura, Quicantel or one of the other lackeys will come out. Let's start.]

The aura emission began, but Jin couldn't feel anything.

One of the special auras that only dragons possess is beyond the human sensory range, like dolphin sonar.

However, looking down at the sea, waves were continuously forming from the point where Muran was floating.

'Amazing. This really reaches inside the Viment barrier?'

It must be at least several dozen kilometers. It was astonishing that his presence could be conveyed over such a distance with just this aura.

[It's only possible at my level. Not all dragons can do this, kid.]

"Of course."

After about an hour of waiting.

Surprisingly, as Muran had said, something started flying towards them from a distance. Two Earth Dragons.

[It's Labus and Untiel. Well, they were the ones I beat the most. Put on your helmet.]

Jin activated Melta's rune to cover his face.

They were flying so fast that they appeared as dots and then quickly turned into the massive forms of dragons right in front of them.

They seemed more frantic than fast.

[Muran-!]

As they approached, Muran continued with a majestic voice.

[Earth Dragons Labus and Untiel. I have awakened from my long slumber to do something... help me.]

The two Earth Dragons, who had seemed so urgent, looked at each other, coughed, and slowed their wing flaps.

[Lord of the lofty mountains, friend of Solideret. We don't know your business, but now is not a good time. Please leave quickly.]

[Please leave quickly! I, Untiel, do not want any trouble in the Viment waters. I am glad to see you, but I don't want to put my contractor in danger.]

Hearing the sudden change in tone between Muran and the dragons, Jin almost burst out laughing.

There was no such thing as saving face.

'But what do you mean by "leave quickly"?'

Muran shook his head.

[There is no place for this Muran to hide under the sky. Why do you tell me to leave? Are you afraid of me? I said I have something to do.]

Muran continued to act superior.

The Earth Dragons, who had given up on their dignity first, spoke.

[Yikes! Damn, stop! Stop! This is not the time. Hurry, get out of here, Quicantel is making a fuss, saying she'll kill you!]

[If a fight breaks out here, our contractors' countries will be turned upside down! Could it be that you know Quicantel is here and came looking for her?]

[What are you saying, old friends? Are you saying the Silver Dragon of Time will harm me?]

[Oh, please, brother. I'm begging you. Can't you just leave?]

[You don't know that you've awakened, and the other dragons don't know yet? If you don't leave now, I'll spread the news...]

[You seem to have forgotten fear, insignificant Earth Dragons. Do you want to relive the nightmare of a thousand years ago?]

Whoosh-!

As Muran revealed his aura, the surroundings suddenly darkened. The Earth Dragons, who seemed genuinely afraid, dared not even meet his eyes.

Jin found the situation both interesting and impressive, feeling that the prime Muran was indeed formidable.

Still, if the other dragons were saying this much, maybe it was better to leave for now?

Just as Jin was about to suggest they retreat,

[Roar.]

[I don't know!]

The two dragons split and flew in opposite directions. Then, a moment later.

Swoosh-!

A massive sonic boom was heard as something flew straight towards them from a distance.

It was Quicantel's breath attack.

"Whoa. Hey."

[Hold on tight, kid.]

Muran also engaged in rapid flight to dodge the breath attack. The breath attack, which he glanced at, was moving at a speed that distorted space.

A power comparable to the ultimate technique of an 8th-rank magician.

Swoosh, swoosh!

Such breath attacks were being fired in rapid succession. Muran darted through the night sky like an acrobat, and Jin clung tightly to the scales, checking the direction of the attacks.

'They're closing the distance while firing breath attacks continuously?'

A silver dragon, resplendent in the night sky, revealed itself. Quicantel, the Silver Dragon of Time, guardian of the horizon.

Crack!

In an instant, Quicantel, who had closed the distance, opened her massive mouth and bit Muran's neck. Fortunately, it only grazed the scales, but the physical struggle began, and Muran was quickly on the defensive.

Unlike Muran, who had lost his strength after being defeated by Temar, Quicantel was still in her prime.

[I'll make you my subordinate. How dare you show your face here! You should have stayed asleep.]

[That's quite a greeting.]

Muran said as he escaped from Quicantel's grasp.

"What, are we supposed to fight that monstrous dragon?"

[That's why I said it would be dangerous, kid. If he catches you, just stab him with Bradamante anywhere. Got it?]