Chapter 72

Chapter 24. Twisting Two Fates (4)

'As soon as I arrived in Tikan, I already had to reveal my true identity to two people.'

The Silver Sword Kasimir and the Silver Dragon Quikantel.

Kasimir is already on our side, and Quikantel also has a high chance of joining us. Although I wondered if there was ever a case among the previous candidates where one revealed their true identity like this, I ultimately didn't care.

'What's the harm in breaking the family rules a bit? I've already messed up by learning magic. I'm going to live this life my way.'

To be honest, Jin felt a certain pleasure every time he broke the family rules.

Jin formally introduced himself to Quikantel.

"Hmm, so you're Jin Runkandel. I suspected as much when I sensed Temar's aura, but it's still surprising."

"I'm the one who finds you, Quikantel, surprising. The Silver Dragon of Time— I've heard the rumors, but seeing your power to reverse time in person left me speechless."

"Doesn't seem like something you'd say to the one who cut your wings. Hmm, I said you were surprising because Enya sometimes talked about you."

"Olta's contractor talking about me?"

"Yes. Didn't the world news recently talk about your achievement of reaching five stars? Enya read that and mentioned it to me a few times. She said you were so different from her at the same age of fifteen, and she admired you."

"Haha, admiration... It's embarrassing to hear that from someone I've never even met. That kid must have incredible potential to become a god's contractor."

"True, Quikantel. Why are you suddenly praising a kid? If this brat gets spoiled, you'll be responsible, right?"

Jin and Quikantel naturally ignored Murakan and continued their conversation.

"That kid would probably like you a lot if she met you in person. How about staying in Biment for a while before meeting Vioreta?"

Quikantel said it would take about a week to summon Vioreta.

It would be ideal to meet and sort things out immediately, but Vioreta is a dragon accompanying the deputy head of the Jif family. She's not someone you can meet anytime.

"Enya will also need time to prepare, and it would be helpful if you could explain to her why she needs to leave Biment. Since she seems to have a crush on you, she might understand more easily, right?"

Jin nodded.

It wasn't so much about convincing Enya, but staying in Biment would be advantageous for meeting Vioreta.

Additionally, Quikantel had chosen this uninhabited island as the place to summon Vioreta.

Here, even a large-scale battle wouldn't be a problem, as evidenced by how Jin and Murakan fought Quikantel without any interference.

"Quikantel, where should Murakan and I stay in Biment? Using a capital residence would attract too many eyes."

Biment is not a small country like Akkin. Even in the capital, there were a few people who might recognize Jin, such as low-ranking royals and members of the Dragon King Knights.

"Ah, don't worry. I have a house with plenty of spare rooms."

"Hey, hey! Hold on. Your house? Just buy a small house in a secluded area. I'll pay you later. Even if we've parted ways, living in the same house seems a bit off, doesn't it?"

"Don't make a fuss, Murakan. I was just suggesting it as a matter of convenience."

"Ha! You were the one making a fuss earlier!"

"I'd like to forget the past. Let's clearly separate business from personal matters."

It was absurd, but further argument seemed pointless. Murakan just sighed and trembled.

* * *

Jin and Murakan sneaked into Biment hidden in Quikantel's wings. Since Murakan couldn't transform freely in Biment, it was a necessary choice.

Quikantel's house was located in the middle of a forest on the outskirts of the capital. It was a house Enya designed and built after becoming Quikantel's guardian dragon and coming to Biment.

Built entirely of logs, it had a rather stylish appearance. The pleasant smell of wood made one feel light and refreshed.

"Wait a moment, I'll tidy up and come out."

"Take your time."

Even dragons don't like showing a messy room to their ex, do they? Jin shrugged as Quikantel entered the house.

"Looks like I'll be cohabiting with an ex for a while, Murakan. How do you feel about that?"

"Ha... Don't even talk about it. I'm already troubled enough."

Murakan couldn't take his eyes off the log house.

'Damn... He built the same house we used to live in. It's obvious he brought us here on purpose.'

Seeing the same house from those days didn't reignite his affection for Quikantel, which had already cooled.

What troubled Murakan was the memories.

A thousand years ago, he used to have parties in a house just like this with Temar and Quikantel.

One person was dead, leaving no trace, and the other had become an ex. Murakan felt a bittersweet nostalgia.

"You can come in now."

As soon as they entered the house, Jin couldn't help but chuckle.

'Is it really cleaned? Quikantel seems to have a surprisingly messy side.'

Clearly, something had been hastily cleaned, but clothes were scattered around and empty bottles rolled on the floor.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"I'll just have some cold water."

"Murakan, what about you?"

"Bring me a few bottles of alcohol. Damn, that's why I didn't want to come to your house."

"You came here first and disturbed my peace of mind. And I really don't have any ulterior motives, so if you really don't like it, go somewhere else."

"Fine."

Murakan grumbled and lay down on the living room sofa.

He then suddenly fell asleep, snoring loudly.

"What, Murakan. Are you sleeping? Why did you fall asleep so suddenly?"

"…It's probably because of the fight with Jin earlier. He was bitten in several places and used a lot of spiritual energy, so he must be exhausted."

"Ah… I see. I didn't realize he was fine just a moment ago."

Plop.

Quikantel opened a bottle of alcohol for Murakan and poured it into her own glass.

"Jin Runkandel."

"Yes."

"I'm helping you for Temar's sake and to protect Enya, but the biggest reason is that sleeping guy."

"Hmm."

Jin had no response. He could only think that Quikantel must still have deep feelings for Murakan.

But the next moment, Quikantel said something completely different.

"That guy hasn't fully realized how weak he's become."

In his prime, Murakan was considered the strongest among dragons. Even the fire dragons, known to be born solely for battle, avoided confronting him.

Moreover, while other dragons had a vertical relationship with the gods, Murakan had a horizontal relationship with Soladeret, making him a truly exceptional dragon.

But not anymore. Thanks to Jin, he was gradually recovering his spiritual energy, but he was far from his prime.

"The current Murakan can't match Vioreta. I didn't say it earlier to spare his pride, but if he has to fight, I'll take his place."

"Is Vioreta that strong?"

"It's not just that she's strong, but that he's become too weak. When I attacked him in the sea earlier, it would have been just a tantrum to the Murakan of a thousand years ago."

Quikantel drained her glass in one go.

Her repeated refills of alcohol made her look somewhat melancholic.

"I'm telling you this so you know. If you tell Murakan, he'll stubbornly insist he doesn't need help in battle."

Jin nodded calmly.

'He seemed a bit crazy when we first met, but it's a relief to see he has a good side.'

Snore, snore...

Murakan's snoring echoed indifferently.

"Jin Runkandel. What do you plan to do after it's revealed that Vioreta kidnapped Latry?"

"Well, as a Runkandel, it's natural to be at odds with Jif, isn't it?"

"An interesting answer. Does that mean you haven't thought about the aftermath?"

"I have thought about it, but I don't have a detailed plan, so you're not wrong. First, I need to save Az Mil's contractor."

"You seem to be very close to Az Mil's contractor."

"No, I just met her the day before yesterday."

Quikantel's eyes widened as she looked at Jin.

"What?"

"Just, I couldn't stand by and watch a child die. Az Mil's contractor is a little girl named Yuria, who is only five years old."

"So you're willing to risk your life to fight Vioreta for a child you met just two days ago? Even as a Runkandel candidate, and despite the risk of provoking the entire Jif family?"

"That's the plan."

"Haha… Truly the reincarnation of Temar. Your actions are just like his. Fascinating."

"I've noticed that you seem to be very close to the first head of the family, Quikantel."

"Very close. Temar was a friend I could give everything to. We had a happy time together with Murakan."

"Then why did Murakan lose to the first head of the family and go into a thousand-year hibernation?"

It was a story that occasionally piqued his curiosity. He had asked Murakan a few times, but never received a proper answer.

"Better to hear it directly from Murakan later. I'll tell you when the time is right."

There must be some story behind it.

Jin understood that much and nodded. There was no need to hear the story right away.

As the silence naturally continued, a presence was heard from outside the door. The front door creaked open, and a young girl entered.

It was Enya.

"Quikantel, I'm here...? Who are these people?"

Enya bowed deeply to Jin, not knowing who he was but assuming he was of higher status.

"Sit down, Enya. This is Jin Runkandel, and the one sprawled over there is a dragon, an old friend of mine."

"Ah, yes. Jin Runkandel. Nice to m... Jin Runkandel!?"

Enya's eyes widened, and she rushed to Jin's face, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"I'm a fan! Lord Jin! It's an honor to meet you!"

Quikantel facepalmed, and Jin could only awkwardly smile.

"Enya, how about maintaining your dignity as a contractor?"

"Ah, I'm sorry, Quikantel. But Lord Jin! Is it really you? Oh my, goodness! My God! Lord Jin is right in front of me! Ohh!"

Enya was a girl who had a bit of a crush on Jin.