ocean-life Vol 05 Chapter 22-3: Conclusion
Vol 05 Chapter 22-3: Conclusion
Vol 05 Chapter 22-3: Conclusion
Vol 05 Chapter 22-3: Conclusion
I extended my gauntlet and fired the coil gun. Now that Ashno was gone, I could unleash its full power. With [Windbreak], the coil gun faced no air resistance, maintaining its initial velocity and allowing for more precise sniping.
A steel arrow deeply pierced and went through the back of the fleeing Voldeck. The Imperial soldiers didn't even glance at Voldeck's body as they continued their escape.
「Why?」
A bad premonition crept over me. Even if he lacked virtue, he was still a noble. His body shouldn't have been left ignored. After the Imperial soldiers had left, I went to check Voldeck's corpse.
From a distance, it wasn't clear, but... this wasn't Voldeck. A body double, perhaps?
「Cyril-niisama!」
I heard Yukino's voice directly in my mind. It was thanks to the power of the necklace with a magic stone I had given her.
「From the mountains visible to the north where Yukino is, there are lots of strange animals, like the monsters from legends, lots are pouring from the mountains. Yukino can’t count them all. Tens? Hundreds? So, so many...」
At that moment, I realized that Voldeck had intended to break the seal since before my duel with Ashno. He had deliberately used a body double to prevent Ashno from interfering. Yukino's voice faded. The effect time of the pendant had ended.
「Thank you, Yukino.」
I expressed my gratitude to Yukino for using the necklace just when it was needed. She must have treasured that necklace more than anything, yet she used it when it was needed.
This early warning of the anomaly was significant. I wouldn't waste the few minutes that Yukino had given me.
If the seal was truly broken, centuries worth of Erna would have erupted, releasing an unimaginable number of monsters all at once.
It wasn't just a threat to Erucy; it was a danger that could destroy the world. I was the only one who could stop it.
「Cyril, you are wounded. Are you okay?」
「Cyril-kun. Let me treat you.」
Worried about me, Lucy and Kuu climbed down the outer wall and rushed towards me.
Of all times, it had to be now.
「Are you really going to use the [Silver Dragon of Destruction]?」
「It's been a while, “Me”. Yes, defeating the monsters that have emerged is the top priority.」
「I find that “Me” is a bit too much for you to handle as you are now. If you summon it, you're going to collapse.」
I knew that. The time I could sustain it was at most a few seconds. And after using [Samsara Recursion], I would likely suffer damage that would prevent me from using magic for several months.
「I understand. I'm aware of the consequences.」
「You're underestimating this. A few seconds won't be enough to handle it. Plus, you have a big job after clearing out the monsters. No choice then. I'll support you. That should make it somewhat easier.」
「Thank you, “Me”. Or should I say, Suzina? Aren't you angry about Ashno?」
「She's my daughter. She won't die from something like that.」
「...I see. Then, let's go!」
I began to assemble the [Samsara Recursion] magic. With Suzina's support, the magic construction was smoother and stronger than usual.
「Release, my soul. The mirage left behind in the sands of time, manifest here and now.」
I began the incantation, speaking to the depths within myself.
「What I call forth is the Silver Dragon of Gluttony that destroyed the world, its name is...」
I recited the once familiar name.
「Falveniir!! [Samsara Recursion]!!」
My body was enveloped in light. The unique magic of [Samsara Recursion] activated.
As the light subsided, my body had transformed into a Western dragon, over fifty meters in length, covered in silver scales that gleamed like metal. And then, I spread my wings. The raging wind tousled Lucy and Kuu's hair. My massive form leaped into the sky.
From this height, I could see both the Imperial soldiers and the people of Erucy. Both groups were struck with fear at the sight of the gigantic silver dragon. Lucy and Kuu stared straight at me, shouting something with all their might. I couldn't hear them from this distance, but I felt like they were telling me to do my best, even in this form.
I flew towards the northern direction Yukino had informed me about. Let's go. To protect what's precious to me.