Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Tenkyou no Alderamin

2015-06-07T12:12:37Z

Frenzy85: /* Story Synopsis */

[[Image:Alderamin v01 000a.png|200px|thumb|The Cover Art of Volume 1]]
'''''Alderamin on the Sky (Nejimaki Seirei Senki - Tenkyou no Alderamin)''''' (ねじ巻き精霊戦記天鏡のアルデラミン) is a Japanese light novel series written by Uno Bokuto (宇野朴人), with illustrations by Sanba Sou (さんば挿), published by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASCII_Media_Works ASCII Media Works] under their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengeki_Bunko Dengeki Bunko] label. The series took the 2nd spot in "This Light Novel is Amazing 2014".

==Story Synopsis==

The Katjvarna Empire is in a state of war with the adjacent Kioka Republic.

Within the Empire, due to certain circumstances, there was a certain youth unwillingly preparing to take the High Grade Military Officer Exam. His name: Ikta.

Dislikes war, lazy, loves women.

No one predicted that such an Ikta would later on become a soldier referred to as a great commander…

Ikta, the one who survived a world embroiled in war with his superior genius. The curtain is raised at last on a splendid fantasy military history illustrating his stormy dramatic life!

== Editors ==
I translate for grammatical accuracy and edit myself for flow, clarity and nuance. Readers are welcome to fix any minor grammatical or spelling errors that they find, but please contact me concerning any major grammatical errors that involve the meaning of the text (which do occasionally occur) for future reference. I realize that what's grammatically accurate isn't always the translation that sounds the best, so I'm also open to stylistic suggestions.

== Note to Readers ==
In this series, all of the characters are actors playing themselves in a theater production, a quite literal interpretation of the phrase "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." The narration is given from the perspective of the audience, so I recommend trying to imagine everything in the context of a stage as you read. Enjoy!

You can share and discuss this series [https://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=10288 here].

== Translation ==

=== [[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

'''Translators are asked to [[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

===Format Standards===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Guidelines|Project Specific Guidelines]] (contains spoilers)

==Updates==
*'''01-Aug-2014'''
**Story Synopsis completed
**Volume 1 Prologue completed
*'''02-Aug-2014'''
**Story Synopsis revised
*'''13-Aug-2014'''
**Chapter 1 completed
*'''29-Dec-2014'''
**Chapter 2 completed
*'''17-Feb-2015'''
**Chapter 3 completed
**Names and terminology revised
*'''26-Apr-2015'''
**Chapter 4 completed
**Names and terminology page updated
*'''14-May-2015'''
**Epilogue completed
*'''16-May-2015'''
**Afterword completed
**Volume 2 Prologue completed
*'''25-May-2015'''
**Volume 2 Chapter 1 completed

==The ''Tenkyou no Alderamin'' series by Uno Bokuto==

'''[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Gallery|Gallery (Spoilers)]]'''

===Volume 1 [[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume1_Full_Text|(Full Text)]]===

[[File:Alderamin_v01_000a.png|right|border|x200px]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 1 Color Pages|Color Pages]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: The Empire at Twilight]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: All Quiet on the Eastern Front]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Katjvanmaninik's Watchdogs]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Ikta Solork's Science of Laziness]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

===Volume 2===

[[File:Alderamin_v02_bw.m.001.png|right|border|x200px]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 2 Color Pages|Color Pages]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: An Open Box and its Unfortunate Contents]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: The Various Problems with the Land of the North]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Unrest at Katjvarna's Northern Boundaries]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Leaving with a Modest Reputation]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

===Volume 3===

[[File:Alderamin_v03_bw.m.001.png|right|border|x200px]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 3 Color Pages|Color Pages]]
 

===Volume 4===

[[File:Tenkyou_no_Alderamin_Volume_4_Cover.jpeg|right|border|x200px]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 4 Color Pages|Color Pages]]
 

===Volume 5===

[[File:Tenkyou_no_Alderamin_Volume_5_Cover.jpg|right|border|x200px]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 5 Color Pages|Color Pages]]
 

===Volume 6===

[[File:Tenkyou_no_Alderamin_Volume_6_Cover.jpeg|right|border|x200px]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 6 Color Pages|Color Pages]]
 

===Volume 7===

[[File:Tenkyou_no_Alderamin_Volume_7_Cover.jpeg|right|border|x200px]]
::*[[Tenkyou no Alderamin:Volume 6 Color Pages|Color Pages]]
 

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[user:Veracitea|Veracitea]]

===Translators===
'''ACTIVE'''
:*[[user:Veracitea|Veracitea]]

===Editors===

[[User:SallissLight|SallissLight]]

==Series Overview==
*天鏡のアルデラミン（2012年6月10日初版発行） ISBN 978-4-04-886559-3
*天鏡のアルデラミンⅡ（2012年11月10日初版発行） ISBN 978-4-04-886988-1
*天鏡のアルデラミンⅢ（2013年4月10日初版発行） ISBN 978-4-04-891533-5
*天鏡のアルデラミンⅣ（2013年9月10日初版発行） ISBN 978-4-04-891906-7
*天鏡のアルデラミンⅤ（2014年3月8日発売） ISBN 978-4-04-866437-0
*天鏡のアルデラミンVI（2014年10月10日初版発行）ISBN 978-4-04-869011-9

[[Category:Dengeki Bunko]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari:Web Chapter 187

2014-12-09T17:39:30Z

Frenzy85: /* Release */

==Release==

“Wouldn’t the ability to break through the level 100 cap be of appeal to you?” (Gaelion)

Damn… I really hate it when people tempt me like this.

Even so, this guy… made such an uproar just a few hours ago, and is asking me to lend him help.

If the situation had gotten any worse, I, along with the three other heroes would have just been killed off and re-summoned. That’s what this world’s people are like.

In the first place, with what previously was my most combat capable party member, Firo, halved in level, do you really think I’d take you on?

My concessions are at stake here, so I’m listening.

If this is just a promise to make up for what he did, I’ll drive him out and dispose of him properly.

If anything, I want him to actually act like he understands.

Honestly, it’s true that the conditions for exchange he’s speaking are exactly what I want.

But, my instincts are telling me to refuse.

In the first place, he’s still not reflecting on the time he fought with Firo at all.

It’s that habit, the one where you make up whatever reason to get what you want. Have the Dragon Emperor’s fragments not had proper manners from the very beginning?

“You know, why have you just been treating me however you please? Do you really understand?” (Naofumi)

“.....Ahh.” (Gaelion)

As expected of the Dragon Emperor, quick to understand.

Well, maybe it’s because of how his feelings were synchronized with mine for a little while.

“I’m sorry. If you can overlook what happened, I’ll help you as much as I can.” (Gaelion)

“Alright. Let’s hear what you have to say.” (Naofumi)

Jeez, you should have just said that from the start.

“Huh? Count, is that all you wanted him to say?” (Rat)

“Naofumi-chan, you just wanted to be apologized to, huh.” (Sadina)

“Shut up.” (Naofumi)

Ignoring Rat and Sadina, I look over at Gaelion.

“I can inform you about the truth behind the wave, the reality behind the legend, and all other knowledge accumulated by the Dragon Emperor.” (Gaelion)

“If that’s all you’ve got, I could just ask the Firolial Queen.” (Naofumi)

“The Firolial Queen, you say? Why don’t you take a look at the next Queen herself.” (Gaelion)

“Ah…” (Naofumi)

I take a look at Firo, and it looks like she’s playing with her ahoge.

What is she doing?

Well, Firo’s an idiot after all.

The actual Queen might just be the same.

“Hmm~?” (Firo)

“It’s no good.” (Naofumi)

Firo’s wiggles her ahoge.

What’s up with that reaction?

“Well you see, I can hear Fitoria’s forgotten voice.” (Firo)

“Is that an antenna, or what?” (Naofumi)

The reason they fought with dragons was probably some silly reason like who would get the rights to be the hero’s mount.

In any case, is she even capable of talking with that to Fitoria through that idiotic ahoge of hers?

It’s probably something like telepathy.

I swear, the fact that anything’s possible in this world makes me feel sick.

“Well you see~, Firoria is saying that since she was little, she hasn’t understood much about the past.” (Firo)

“….What do you think?” (Gaelion)

“Yeah…” (Naofumi)

That’s really fascinating, but Fitoria… you shouldn’t be so honest.

Firo and Gaelion start glaring at each other.

“Shouldn’t we be on better terms by now? The Shield Hero’s Shield will end up getting bottlenecked at this rate.” (Gaelion)

“Huh?” (Naofumi)

What? Could it be that the dragon series shield being locked is Fitoria’s doing?

In exchange for unlocking Firolial Series, the Dragon Series was sealed?

That huge bird… trying to pass off as royalty only to do something petty like this.

This would probably limit my ability quite a bit.

Just doing whatever she wants. Damn that bird.

“Most of my power comes from that core of mine, you know.” (Gaelion)

“Ah, that makes sense.” (Naofumi)

With your level too low, you had no choice but to transform.

Is the dragon’s core the same level of importance as Fitoria’s ahoge?

If this was a game or something, it’d feel like you could only opt for one.

I’ve been thinking recently, but I really want to know if I’ve been living in reality, or just some game.

“If you’re going to take me on now, do it. Even Firo knows you’re the weakest of the dragon fragments. Ahahaha.” (Firo)

“Gununu….” (Gaelion)

I don’t understand the point of pets.

Somehow I can see things from an even lower perspective.

“Look. Take out your shield.” (Gaelion)

“Ha… If you say so.” (Naofumi)

Gaelion transfers some sort of energy into my shield.

It was as though the shield sparked for a second.

A part of the core was absorbed.

Dragon Leather Shield’s conditions have been met. Dragon Leather Shield has been unlocked.

Dragon Scale Shield’s conditions have been met. Dragon Scale Shield has been unlocked.

Dragon Meat Shield’s conditions have been met. Dragon Meat Shield has been unlocked.

Dragon Familiar Shield’s conditions have been met. Dragon Familiar Shield has been locked.

“Gu… This is it. Damn.” (Naofumi)

“Even then it’s better than nothing, right?” (Gaelion)

“Mu...!” (Firo)

Firo and her ahoge look mortified.

Well, at least the stats make it worth it. As expected of the Dragon Series, huh.

And the stats scaling is pretty good.

The condition for unlocking is to be level 50.

Fitoria really screwed me over.

Oh? The Dragon Familiar Shield has Growth Correction Up for Dragons.

In other words, if I gathered the other fragments, we could raise Gaelion’s stats even further.

“After Class Up, I can do some support techniques. I’m also willing to teach you the Dragon Pulse.” (Gaelion)

Let’s try looking at the ups and downs.

With Class Up, we’ll get stat correction…that ahoge had that kind of power huh.

I kind of understood but, the Dragon and Firolial’s attributes are pretty different. Something like darkness and light.

“I can also handle the corruption of your cursed shield. I should be able increase its performance and duration too.” (Gaelion)

Help with the Wrath Shield… Firo did it too, but Gaelion will join in, huh.

If that happens, it might be easier to handle.

“I understand. I’ll help. In any case, we were planning on raising Gaelion as a dragon from the beginning.” (Naofumi)

It’s better if I set it straight now.

It’s Taniko and the rest of the village’s job to take care of the dragon, not mine.

“Also.” (Naofumi)

“What is it?” (Gaelion)

“I’ve already been using your core in my armor. Compensate for its loss.” (Naofumi) <ref>Naofumi tells Gaelion that he has been using the dragon core for his armor and to give it back. Gaelion gives him the candy-like thing as a replacement for it. Gaelion had eaten the core used in the armor earlier after all, which is what led to the mess with the Wrath Dragon.</ref>

“Ha… It can’t be helped.” (Gaelion)

He handed me a red ball just the time he gave Firo a candy ball.

“That ball is a part of my strength, and will borrow power from your armor. I’ll be able to strengthen yours further if you get more fragments too.” (Gaelion)

“I see…” (Naofumi)

This armor just became a lot more useful.

Firo’s ahoge is showing some sort of strange response.

“What is it, Firo?” (Naofumi)

“Firo doesn’t know. But it’s trying to do something.” (Firo)

“Wait, what do you mean by that?” (Naofumi)

“It’s working together with my core to strengthen your armor further. I handed you a clone of mine, or so to speak.” (Gaelion)

“Does this mean he’ll be strengthened by both?” (Rat)

“Ah, if I recall right, Rat was studying weapons and the like used by monsters. In a way, it’s close to what monsters use for protection, huh?” (Naofumi)

“It looks like you’re getting the idea. Fumu… now that I think about it, you know about monster modification, right?” (Gaelion)

“….What is it?” (Rato)

Rat hates dragons, doesn’t she?

Although it seems to be because they supposedly have no honor.

It’s just because he mated with too many monsters in the past, huh?

The fact that dragons are beings with no honor isn’t something that’s been proven.

“Don’t lay a hand on Rat.” (Naofumi)

“I wouldn’t do such a thing. But, if she wanted to, I wouldn’t mind playing with her for a bit. Claiming this place as my territory and mating with the monsters in the area doesn’t sound too bad.” (Gaelion)

“No way!” (Rat)

“Don’t say that. I’m greedy for strength, enough to take down that Firolial Queen.” (Gaelion)

“No… you’re filth.” (Rat)

“Fufu, I wonder how long you’ll last with that mentality. Is this the extent of your motivation for research?” (Gaelion)

Rat glares at Gaelion with a somewhat bitter face.

What is up with this eroge-like development?

All of a sudden, I feel like driving out Gaelion now.

“If your daughter had heard this, she’d cry you know.” (Naofumi)

“Gumu…” (Gaelion)

Taniko’s completely against messing with monsters in research.

If her parent Gaelion is all for it, all her efforts are for nothing.

“The times are changing… is another way to put it.” (Gaelion)

“What do you mean?” (Naofumi)

“I’ve forgotten the true meaning behind the wave itself. But, there is one thing I do remember.” (Gaelion)

“What is it? Speak.” (Naofumi)

“Well you see… Every time a wave takes place, monsters around the world get stronger.” (Gaelion)

“What?” (Naofumi)

Stronger… somehow, what he said has a bad ring to it.

In other words, it’s similar to online games from my world where the strength of monsters would scale with the player population?

“Come to think of it, how do wild monsters Class Up?” (Naofumi)

“Wild monsters work on a different system from humans. They get power from the earth itself, which is where humans also get experience from. Hence why there’s a level cap.” (Gaelion)

I’ve been told something I hadn’t known before.

“In the first place, is that knowledge a fragment like you should have?” (Naofumi)

“From the beginning, I’ve been a wild dragon.” (Gaelion)

“Well that’s only natural.” (Naofumi)

“Of course. Like wild monsters, we also work on a different system.” (Gaelion)

“How the hell do you know that!” (Naofumi)

“I heard it from an offspring of mine.” (Gaelion)

“…I see.” (Naofumi)

As a parent, Gaelion really doesn’t care about anyone aside from Taniko.

Was the fact we worked on different systems supposed to be common sense?

Although, in Japan there’s no way I’d be able to talk with wild animals like this in the first place.

“I understand what you’re saying. Well, it’s not that I won’t consider it, but…if we get attacked by some dragon because of you, get out of here.” (Naofumi)

“If it ever came down to that, I would fight. I need to protect what’s here, after all.” (Gaelion)

“You should probably tell that to the Queen.” (Naofumi)

If the waves were to continue on like this, and the people of this world didn’t find a solution, they would die sooner or later.

Just like an RPG, the monsters around the devil king are stronger, while the beginner area is a lot weaker.

“Well then, I’m tired and going to sleep soon. Would that be all?” (Gaelion)

“Well, I guess so. I guess next we’ll need to discipline your body’s actual owner, huh?” (Naofumi)

“He’s reflecting plenty enough. Probably because of how he went against orders.” (Gaelion)

“I see. If he shows results, I’ll believe that. Ping Pong Dash.” (Naofumi)

“Gumu… Ha…. I understand. It can’t be helped.” (Gaelion)

Like this, the conversation was over and I retired for the day.

Of course, Gaelion and Rat left.

For some reason, Sadina is sleeping in the same room though.

Firo is sticking to me without a shred of dignity.

Something will probably come out of this.

<noinclude>

==Translator Note==
<references />

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| Back to [[Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari:Web_Chapter_186_Preview|Web Chapter 186 Preview]]
| Return to [[Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari:Web_Chapter_188_Preview|Web Chapter 188 Preview]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari

2014-11-05T01:49:32Z

Frenzy85: /* Calmira Island Arc and Beyond */

{{Status|Active}}

'''Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari / The Rising of the Shield Hero''' (盾の勇者の成り上がり) is a Japanese web novel written by Aneko Yusagi (アネコユサギ). The web novel was adapted into a Manga drawn by Aiya Kyuu (藍屋球) and published by MF Books. The Light Novel is illustrated by Minami Seira (弥南せいら) with 7 volumes and ongoing.

The Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari series is also available in the following languages:

*[[Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (Indonesia)|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
*[[Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (Italia)|Italia (Italian)]]

==Synopsis==
Iwatani Naofumi was summoned into a parallel world along with 3 other people to become the world's Heroes. Each of the heroes were respectively equipped with their own legendary equipment when summoned. Naofumi coincidentally received the Legendary Shield as his weapon. Due to Naofumi's lack of charisma and experience, he ended up with only a single teammate while others have several. Unfortunately, on his third day Naofumi was betrayed, falsely accused, and robbed by the said teammate. Shunned by everyone from king to peasants, Naofumi's thoughts were filled with nothing but vengeance and hatred. Thus, his destiny in a parallel World begins...

==Translation==

===[[Tate_no_Yuusha:Registration_page|Registration]]===

Translators are asked to [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Registration_page|register]] beforehand to avoid confusions.

===Guidelines and Formats===

*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Tate_no_Yuusha:Names_and_Terminology|Tate no Yuusha Names and Terminology]]

===Feedback & Discussion===
If you like the novel then please give us your [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=7641 feedback and/or thoughts]

==Recent Updates==

{{:Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari: Updates||}}
Older updates can be found [[Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari: Updates|here]].

==Light Novel Information==

The differences between the LN and WN can be found [[Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari:_Recommended_Read|here]].

===Covers===

<gallery>
File:Tate_no_Yuusha_Volume_1_Cover.png|Volume 1
File:Tate_no_Yuusha_Volume_2_Cover.jpg|Volume 2
File:Tate_no_Yuusha_Volume_3_Cover.jpg|Volume 3
File:Tate_no_Yuusha_Volume_4_Cover.jpg|Volume 4
File:Tate_no_Yuusha_Volume_5_Cover.jpg|Volume 5
File:Tate_no_Yuusha_Volume_6_Cover.jpg|Volume 6
File:Tate_no_Yuusha_Volume_7_Cover.jpg|Volume 7
</gallery>

===Illustrations===

[[Tate_no_Yuusha_ Illustrations| Illustrations]]

==Web Novel Translation==

There are differences between the light novel and web novel. The first four volumes follow more or less the progression in the web version, but start to really diverge in the fifth.

These translations are based on the web novel.

===Events Covered in Volume 1===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_1|[Web Novel 1] Chapter 1 - Royal Summoning]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_2|[Web Novel 2] Chapter 2 - Hero Introduction]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_3|[Web Novel 3] Chapter 3 - Hero Discussion]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_4|[Web Novel 4] Chapter 4 - Specially Arranged Gold]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_5|[Web Novel 5] Chapter 5 - Shield's Reality ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_6|[Web Novel 6] Chapter 6 - The Trap & Arts of Betrayal]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_7|[Web Novel 7] Chapter 7 - False Charge]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_8|[Web Novel 8] Chapter 8 - Fallen Fame]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_9|[Web Novel 9] Chapter 9 - Something Called a Slave]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_10|[Web Novel 10] Chapter 10 - Kids' Lunch]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_11|[Web Novel 11] Chapter 11 - Slave's Accomplishments ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_12|[Web Novel 12] Chapter 12 - What's Yours is Mine]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_13|[Web Novel 13] Chapter 13 - Remedy]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_14|[Web Novel 14] Chapter 14 - Taking a Life]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_15|[Web Novel 15] Chapter 15 - Demi-Human's Traits ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_16|[Web Novel 16] Chapter 16 - Preparations for the Wave]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_17|[Web Novel 17] Chapter 17 - The Barbarian's Armor ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_18|[Web Novel 18] Chapter 18 - Engraved Dragon Hourglass]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_19|[Web Novel 19] Chapter 19 - Memory/Black Beast]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_20|[Web Novel 20] Chapter 20 - Wave of Calamity ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_21|[Web Novel 21] Chapter 21 - Contradicting Actions]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_22|[Web Novel 22] Chapter 22 - What I Wanted to Hear]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_23|[Web Novel 23] Chapter 23 - Shared Pain]]

===Events Covered in Volume 2===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_24|[Web Novel 24] Chapter 24 - Egg Gacha]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_25|[Web Novel 25] Chapter 25 - Gift of Life]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_26|[Web Novel 26] Chapter 26 - Filo]] [[http://pastebin.com/Pmmdvy9a PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_27|[Web Novel 27] Chapter 27 - Growth]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_28|[Web Novel 28] Chapter 28 - Exit by a Kick ]] [[http://pastebin.com/NuddPzZ0 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_29|[Web Novel 29] Chapter 29 - Those With Wings]] [[http://pastebin.com/zvzDhYEX PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_30|[Web Novel 30] Chapter 30 - Transformation Ability]] [[http://pastebin.com/RKBEUwHq PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_31|[Web Novel 31] Chapter 31 - 飴と鞭 Carrot and Stick]] [[http://pastebin.com/kB1n5bWG PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_32|[Web Novel 32] Chapter 32 - ご褒美 Reward (aka Riverside BBQ)]] [[http://pastebin.com/BRBdJnMS PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_33|[Web Novel 33] Chapter 33 - 行商 Peddling]] [[http://pastebin.com/iqjJ2dX5 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_34|[Web Novel 34] Chapter 34 - 馬車の旅 Journey on Carriage]] [[http://pastebin.com/3YtuVrta PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_35|[Web Novel 35] Chapter 35 - 勇者達の噂 Rumors of Our Hero]] [[http://pastebin.com/1gXK85Zh PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_36|[Web Novel 36] Chapter 36 - 命以外の全てを奪う To Take Everything But Your Life]] [[http://pastebin.com/bBAKPpja PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_37|[Web Novel 37] Chapter 37 - 魔法習得 Magical Study]] [[http://pastebin.com/JjS4VuLQ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_38|[Web Novel 38] Chapter 38 - 封印された理由 The Reason it is Sealed]] [[http://pastebin.com/251SGJpZ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_39|[Web Novel 39] Chapter 39 - 侵食植物 Plant Invasion]] [[http://pastebin.com/VKVLsf2d PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_40|[Web Novel 40] Chapter 40 - 品種改良 Selective Breeding]] [[http://pastebin.com/pH9VZP9v PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_41|[Web Novel 41] Chapter 41 - 将軍様…… Shogun-Sama]] [[http://pastebin.com/1qHiHWjS PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_42|[Web Novel 42] Chapter 42 - 疫病の村 The Village of Plague]] [[http://pastebin.com/4SqRZHzS PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_43|[Web Novel 43] Chapter 43 - カースシリーズ Curse Series]] [[http://pastebin.com/jmkfaPy1 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_44|[Web Novel 44] Chapter 44 - 憤怒の盾 Shield of Rage]] [[http://pastebin.com/maLEJtNn PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_45|[Web Novel 45] Chapter 45 - 行商の成果 The Results of Peddling]] [[http://pastebin.com/FxuQnG0E PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_46|[Web Novel 46] Chapter 46 - 蹴り逃げ、再び Exit By A Kick, Again]] [[http://pastebin.com/RV2qA2Td PREVIEW]]

===Events Covered in Volume 3===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_47|[Web Novel 47] Chapter 47 - ウェルカム Welcome]] [[http://pastebin.com/jp48XpM8 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_48|[Web Novel 48] Chapter 48 - 成りすまし冤罪 Accusations of Identity Fraud]] [[http://pastebin.com/MhnD62cv PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_49|[Web Novel 49] Chapter 49 - 志願者 Volunteers]] [[http://pastebin.com/q8MK24Z5 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_50|[Web Novel 50] Chapter 50 - 嵐の前の Before the Storm]] [[http://pastebin.com/GXMvWepL PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_51|[Web Novel 51] Chapter 51 - 第三の厄災 Third Disaster ]] [[http://pastebin.com/C8k3qEDt PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_52|[Web Novel 52] Chapter 52 - グロウアップ Grow Up]] [[http://pastebin.com/0zw1pBs5 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_53|[Web Novel 53] Chapter 53 - アイアンメイデン Iron Maiden]] [[http://pastebin.com/CjFLqYSe PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_54|[Web Novel 54] Chapter 54 - 決別 Farewell]] [[http://pastebin.com/vXY028GG PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_55|[Web Novel 55] Chapter 55 - 旅立ち Departure]] [[http://pastebin.com/ThPHwPzH PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_56|[Web Novel 56] Chapter 56 - 盾の悪魔 Shield Demon]] [[http://pastebin.com/GkTSr9wp PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_57|[Web Novel 57] Chapter 57 - 三勇教会 The Church of The Three Heroes]] [[http://pastebin.com/fxg8m967 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_58|[Web Novel 58] Chapter 58 - 指名手配 Wanted]] [[http://pastebin.com/BS5dSDXe PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_59|[Web Novel 59] Chapter 59 - フィーロの秘密 Firo's Secret]] [[http://pastebin.com/LX5DR78b PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_60|[Web Novel 60] Chapter 60 - 悪魔の所業 Deviltry ]] [[http://pastebin.com/05N8y6HU PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_61|[Web Novel 61] Chapter 61 - 説得 Persuasion]] [[http://pastebin.com/JQ6NKR7n PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_62|[Web Novel 62] Chapter 62 - 運命共同体 Common Destiny ]] [[http://pastebin.com/mB8F3aGe PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_63|[Web Novel 63] Chapter 63 - 影 Shadow]] [[http://pastebin.com/8c8vKrni PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_64|[Web Novel 64] Chapter 64 - 名前 Names]] [[http://pastebin.com/xZ7KSys7 PREVIEW]]

===Events Covered in Volume 4===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_65|[Web Novel 65] Chapter 65 - 伝説の神鳥 Legend of The Divine Bird]] [[http://pastebin.com/e5xAmgdr PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_66|[Web Novel 66] Chapter 66 - アホ毛 - Ahoge ]] [[http://pastebin.com/DybPD9h0 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_67|[Web Novel 67] Chapter 67 - 密林 - Jungle ]] [[http://pastebin.com/5S09eB0a PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_68|[Web Novel 68] Chapter 68 - 盾と槍の戦い - Battle between Spear and Shield]] [[http://pastebin.com/1A9dGgdm PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_69|[Web Novel 69] Chapter 69 - 裁き Judgement]] [[http://pastebin.com/eM507cQA PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_70|[Web Novel 70] Chapter 70 - 教皇 The Pope]] [[http://pastebin.com/ZDe2cXZt PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_71|[Web Novel 71] Chapter 71 - 複製品 - Replica ]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/chapter-71-of-shieldbro-co-vs-the-pope-part-2/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_72|[Web Novel 72] Chapter 72 - ラースシールド - Wrath Shield]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/chapter-72-of-shieldbro-co-vs-the-pope-part-3/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_73|[Web Novel 73] Chapter 73 - 代償 - Price ]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/chapter-73-of-shieldbro-co-vs-the-pope-part-4/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_74|[Web Novel 74] Chapter 74 - 女王 - The Queen ]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/chapter-74-of-shieldbrotanukifiroand-melty/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_75|[Web Novel 75] Chapter 75 - 説教 - Sermon]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/27/chapter-75-badass-queen-edition/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_76|[Web Novel 76] Chapter 76 - クズとビッチ - Trash and Bitch]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/27/chapter-76-badass-queen-edition-part-2/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_77|[Web Novel 77] Chapter 77 - 土下座 - Dogeza]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/28/chapter-77-badass-queen-edition-part-3/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_78|[Web Novel 78] Chapter 78 - 契約 - Agreement]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/chapter-78-badass-queen-edition-part-4/ PREVIEW]]

===Calmira Island Arc and Beyond===
At this point, the web and light novels start to diverge quite a bit.
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_79|[Web Novel 79] Chapter 79 - 晩餐 - Dinner]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/chapter-79-badass-queen-edition-part-5/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_80|[Web Novel 80] Chapter 80 - 活発化現象 - Invigoration]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/chapter-80-badass-queen-edition-part-6/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_81|[Web Novel 81] Chapter 81 - クラスアップ - Class Up]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/chapter-81-of-shieldbrotanukifiroand-melty/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_82|[Web Novel 82] Chapter 82 - 墓参り - Grave Visit]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/chapter-82-of-shieldbro-tanuki-firo-and-melty/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_83|[Web Novel 83] Chapter 83 - 伝承の魔法 - Magic Lore]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/01/chapter-83-shieldbro-tanuki-and-firo/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_84|[Web Novel 84] Chapter 84 - カルミラ島ジンクス・誕生編 Cal Mira Island Jinx - Origin Story]] [[http://anontranslator.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/tate-no-yuusha-ch-84/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_85|[Web Novel 85] Chapter 85 - 槍の勇者の仲間達 - The Companions of the Spear Hero]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/chapter-85-of-shieldbro-no-tanuki-and-firo-edition/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_86|[Web Novel 86] Chapter 86 - 愚痴 - Murmurs]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/chapter-86-of-shieldbro-woman-1-and-shadow/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_87|[Web Novel 87] Chapter 87 - 槍の勇者と仲間達 - The Spear Hero & My Companions]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/04/chapter-86-hero-of-the-spears-companions/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_88|[Web Novel 88] Chapter 88 - 直感と分析 - Intuition and Analysis]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/05/chapter-88-intuition-and-analysis/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_89|[Web Novel 89] Chapter 89 - カルミラ島スポーツ誕生 - The Birth of Cal Mira Island Sports]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/chapter-89-the-birth-of-cal-mira-island-sports/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_90|[Web Novel 90] Chapter 90 - 人員交換の意義 - The Significance of Personnel Exchange]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/07/chapter-90-the-significance-of-personnel-exchange/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_91|[Web Novel 91] Chapter 91 - 剣の勇者の仲間達 - The Companions of the Sword Hero]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/chapter-91-hero-of-the-swords-companions/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_92|[Web Novel 92] Chapter 92 - 剣の勇者と仲間達 - The Sword Hero & My Companions]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/chapter-92-being-companions-to-the-hero-of-the-sword// PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_93|[Web Novel 93] Chapter 93 - 酒場 - Tavern]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/chapter-93-bar/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_94|[Web Novel 94] Chapter 94 - 弓の勇者の仲間達 - The Companions of the Bow Hero]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/11/chapter-94-being-companions-to-the-hero-of-the-bow/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_95|[Web Novel 95] Chapter 95 - 正義の病 - The Disease of Justice]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/11/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-95/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_96|[Web Novel 96] Chapter 96 - 弓の勇者と仲間達 - The Bow Hero & My Companions]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/12/chapter-96-being-companions-to-the-hero-of-the-bow/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_97|[Web Novel 97] Chapter 97 - 虚言 - Lies]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/12/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-97/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_98|[Web Novel 98] Chapter 98 - 反省会 - Evaluation Session]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/13/chapter-98-evaluation-meeting/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_99|[Web Novel 99] Chapter 99 - カルミラ島ジンクス・流行編 - Karumira Island Jinx - Craze Chapter]] [[http://epithetic.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/shieldbro-99-calmira-island-jinx-craze-chapter/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_100|[Web Novel 100] Chapter 100 - 温泉 Hot Spring]] [[http://pastebin.com/F3umyv3i PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_101|[Web Novel 101] Chapter 101 - 勇者会議【上】 - Hero Conference (Start)]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/13/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-101/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_102|[Web Novel 102] Chapter 102 - 勇者会議【中】 - Hero Conference (Middle)]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/chapter-102-hero-conference-during/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_103|[Web Novel 103] Chapter 103 - 勇者会議【下】 - Hero Conference (End)]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-103/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_104|[Web Novel 104] Chapter 104 - １/４ ]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/chapter-104-14/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_105|[Web Novel 105] Chapter 105 - ウェポンコピー - Weapon Copy]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/17/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-105/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_106|[Web Novel 106] Chapter 106 - カルミラ島の日々 - Days Spent on Karumira Island]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/18/chapter-106-days-on-cal-mira-island/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_107|[Web Novel 107] Chapter 107 - カルミラ島ジンクス・躍進編 The Karumira Island Revolution]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/18/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-107/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_108|[Web Novel 108] Chapter 108 - 冤罪、再び - False Charges, Again]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/chapter-108-false-accusations-again/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_109|[Web Novel 109] Chapter 109 - 解雇の理由 - Reason for Dismissal]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-109/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_110|[Web Novel 110] Chapter 110 - 幸薄少女 - A Girl Full of Joy ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-110/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_111|[Web Novel 111] Chapter 111 - 馬鹿にしか見えない王 - A King I Can Only See as an Idiot]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/20/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-111/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_112|[Web Novel 112] Chapter 112 - 倉庫 - Storage]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/chapter-112-warehouse/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_113|[Web Novel 113] Chapter 113 - 強くなる方法 - How to Become Stronger]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/chapter-113-a-method-on-becoming-stronger/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_114|[Web Novel 114] Chapter 114 - 流星盾 - Meteor Shield]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/chapter-114-meteor-shield/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_115|[Web Novel 115] Chapter 115 - 武器屋の好奇心 Weapon Shop Owner's Curiosity]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-115/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_116|[Web Novel 116] Chapter 116 - 青い砂音 - Blue Sand Sound]] [[http://pastebin.com/q0icNhPA PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_117|[Web Novel 117] Chapter 117 - ゲーム知識が牙を剥く時 When Game Knowledge Bares its Fangs ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/23/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-117/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_118|[Web Novel 118] Chapter 118 - ＶＳ霊亀、偵察戦 Versus the Spirit Tortoise, Scout Battle ]][[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/24/chapter-118-vs-spirit-turtle-recon-battle/#more-573 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_119|[Web Novel 119] Chapter 119 - 戦後への対策 Measures to End a Battle ]][[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/24/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-119/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_120|[Web Novel 120] Chapter 120 - 時間稼ぎ - Stalling for Time ]] [[http://pastebin.com/bijd18Ub PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_121|[Web Novel 121] Chapter 121 - 勇者の碑文 - The Inscription of the Heroes ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/25/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-121/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_122|[Web Novel 122] Chapter 122 - 探索 Exploration ]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/chapter-122-exploration/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_123|[Web Novel 123] Chapter 123 - 青の砂時計 - Blue Hourglass ]][[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/chapter-213-blue-hourglass/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_124|[Web Novel 124] Chapter 124 - 霊亀の心臓 - Heart of the Spirit Tortoise ]] [[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/2014/10/28/chapter-124-heart-of-the-spirit-turtle/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_125|[Web Novel 125] Chapter 125 - 可能性 - Possibilities ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/28/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-125/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_126|[Web Novel 126] Chapter 126 - ＶＳ霊亀　最終決戦 - Versus the Spirit Tortoise, The Final Fight]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-126/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_127|[Web Novel 127] Chapter 127 - 過保護 - Overprotective ]][[http://anontranslator.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/tate-no-yuusha-ch-127/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_128|[Web Novel 128] Chapter 128 - 勇者の処遇 - A Hero's Treatment ]][[http://pastebin.com/PR1Uu28w/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_129|[Web Novel 129] Chapter 129 - 地位 - Social Standing ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-129/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_130|[Web Novel 130] Chapter 130 - Ｌｖリセット - Level Reset ]] [[http://pastebin.com/Ykdk9zd2 PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_131|[Web Novel 131] Chapter 131 - 出会った場所 - The Place We Met ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-131/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_132|[Web Novel 132] Chapter 132 - 知人達 - Acquaintances ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-132/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_133|[Web Novel 133] Chapter 133 - Ｅフロート - E Float]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-133/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_134|[Web Novel 134] Chapter 134 - バルーンシールド Balloon Shield ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/11/02/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-134/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_135|[Web Novel 135] Chapter 135 - 餌付け - Artificial Feeding ]] [[http://thedefend.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/chapter-135-artificial-feeding/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_136|[Web Novel 136] Chapter 136 - 夜食 - Nighttime Meal ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-136/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_137|[Web Novel 137] Chapter 137 - 海の男女 - People of the Sea ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-137/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_138|[Web Novel 138] Chapter 138 - 同性のみ可 - Same Sex Only ]] [[http://hatoken.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/chapter-138-same-sex-only/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_139|[Web Novel 139] Chapter 139 - 盾の看板 - Shield Billboard ]] [[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/the-rise-of-the-shield-hero-chapter-139/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_140|[Web Novel 140] Chapter 140 - 脱走と発見 - Desertion and Discovery ]] [[http://pastebin.com/kA2Aj85z/ PREVIEW]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_141|[Web Novel 141] Chapter 141 - 槍の勇者捕獲作戦 - The Plan to Capture Spear Hero ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_142|[Web Novel 142] Chapter 142 - ゲームが終わった日 - The Day the Game Ended ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_143|[Web Novel 143] Chapter 143 - 魔物問題 - Demon Problem ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_144|[Web Novel 144] Chapter 144 - 決断 - Determination ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_145|[Web Novel 145] Chapter 145 - 報告 - Report ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_146|[Web Novel 146] Chapter 146 - 獣人 - Beastman ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_147|[Web Novel 147] Chapter 147 - 旗、再び - Flag, Again ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_148|[Web Novel 148] Chapter 148 - 失敗作 - Failed Creation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_149|[Web Novel 149] Chapter 149 - 錬金術師 - Alchemist ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_150|[Web Novel 150] Chapter 150 - 優遇も差別 Discrimination Even in Hospitality ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_151|[Web Novel 151] Chapter 151 - キャンピングプラント - Camping Plant ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_152|[Web Novel 152] Chapter 152 - 御用 - Arrest ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_153|[Web Novel 153] Chapter 153 - 本当はわかっている事 - Truthfully Understanding ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_154|[Web Novel 154] Chapter 154 - 自主性 - Independence ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_155|[Web Novel 155] Chapter 155 - ゼルトブル - Zeltbur]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_156|[Web Novel 156] Chapter 156 - 正夢 - Dreams Come True ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_157|[Web Novel 157] Chapter 157 - 買い付け - Purchase ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_158|[Web Novel 158] Chapter 158 - 神木の薬 - Medicine of the Sacred Tree]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_159|[Web Novel 159] Chapter 159 - パーフェクト＝ハイド＝ジャスティス - Perfect Hidden Justice ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_160|[Web Novel 160] Chapter 160 - 村へ帰る - Return to the Village ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_161|[Web Novel 161] Chapter 161 - 王女来訪 - Visiting the Princess ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_162|[Web Novel 162] Chapter 162 - フィロリアルとドラゴン - Filorial and Dragon ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_163|[Web Novel 163] Chapter 163 - ヴィッチ - Witch ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_164|[Web Novel 164] Chapter 164 - 投げやり - Negligence ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_165|[Web Novel 165] Chapter 165 - 新たな目覚め - A New Awakening ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_166|[Web Novel 166] Chapter 166 - 孵化 - Hatching ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_167|[Web Novel 167] Chapter 167 - 変幻無双流 - Peerless Transformation ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_168|[Web Novel 168] Chapter 168 - アルプス - Alps]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_169|[Web Novel 169] Chapter 169 - 武器屋の弟子 - Weapon Shop Owner and Apprentice ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_170|[Web Novel 170] Chapter 170 - クズとハクコ - Trash and Hakuko ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_171|[Web Novel 171] Chapter 171 - ポータルシールド - Portable Shield ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_172|[Web Novel 172] Chapter 172 - 修行 - Training]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_173|[Web Novel 173] Chapter 173 - 盾を守る盾 A Shield to Protect Shields ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_174|[Web Novel 174] Chapter 174 - メルティのお仕事 Melty's Job ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_175|[Web Novel 175] Chapter 175 - ピンポンダッシュ - Bells and Away]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_176|[Web Novel 176] Chapter 176 - ヘタレ - Loser ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_177|[Web Novel 177] Chapter 177 - Ｌｖドレイン　- Level Drain ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_178|[Web Novel 178] Chapter 178 - 戦力把握 - Grasping Forces]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_179|[Web Novel 179] Chapter 179 - 煩悩の塊 - Lump of Desire]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_180|[Web Novel 180] Chapter 180 - 幸運 - Good Fortune]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_181|[Web Novel 181] Chapter 181 - 合唱魔法 - Chorus Magic ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_182|[Web Novel 182] Chapter 182 - ラースドラゴン - Wrath Dragon ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_183|[Web Novel 183] Chapter 183 - 変 - Odd]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_184|[Web Novel 184] Chapter 184 - 浄化 - Purification]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_185|[Web Novel 185] Chapter 185 - ニックネーム - Nickname ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_186|[Web Novel 186] Chapter 186 - 竜の怒り - Dragon's Anger]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_187|[Web Novel 187] Chapter 187 - 解除 - Release]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_188|[Web Novel 188] Chapter 188 - 敬礼 - Salute]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_189|[Web Novel 189] Chapter 189 - 秘密基地 - Secret Base]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_190|[Web Novel 190] Chapter 190 - 正式依頼 - Formal Request]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_191|[Web Novel 191] Chapter 191 - 大器晩成 - Late Bloomer]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_192|[Web Novel 192] Chapter 192 - 仮面の男 - Masked Man]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_193|[Web Novel 193] Chapter 193 - 七つの大罪 - Seven Sins]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_194|[Web Novel 194] Chapter 194 - ドラゴンサンクチュアリ- Dragon Sanctuary ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_195|[Web Novel 195] Chapter 195 - 強欲 - Greed]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_196|[Web Novel 196] Chapter 196 - 現実ＶＳ理想 - Reality VS Ideal]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_197|[Web Novel 197] Chapter 197 - 閃光 - Flash]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_198|[Web Novel 198] Chapter 198 - 目的 - Purpose]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_199|[Web Novel 199] Chapter 199 - 盾の勇者の朝 _ Morning of Shield Hero]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_200|[Web Novel 200] Chapter 200 - 反省 - Evaluation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_201|[Web Novel 201] Chapter 201 - クズとアトラ - Trash and Atla]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_202|[Web Novel 202] Chapter 202 - 恩赦 - Amnesty]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_203|[Web Novel 203] Chapter 203 - 魔力の流れ - Flow of Magic Power]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_204|[Web Novel 204] Chapter 204 - 龍脈法 - Dragon Leylines]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_205|[Web Novel 205] Chapter 205 - 恋の季節 - Season of Love]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_206|[Web Novel 206] Chapter 206 - フィトリアの依頼 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_207|[Web Novel 207] Chapter 207 - レース - Race]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_208|[Web Novel 208] Chapter 208 - ショートカット - Shortcut]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_209|[Web Novel 209] Chapter 209 - 色欲 - Lust]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_210|[Web Novel 210] Chapter 210 - 嫉妬 - Envy]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_211|[Web Novel 211] Chapter 211 - 仲間割れ - Internal Discord]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_212|[Web Novel 212] Chapter 212 - 愛の狩人 - Love Hunter]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_213|[Web Novel 213] Chapter 213 - 仮眠 - Nap]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_214|[Web Novel 214] Chapter 214 - 革命派 - Revolutionaries]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_215|[Web Novel 215] Chapter 215 - 蛮族の鎧＋２ - Barbarian Armor+2]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_216|[Web Novel 216] Chapter 216 - 複合所有権 - Complex Ownership]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_217|[Web Novel 217] Chapter 217 - 盾の勇者の攻略講座 - Shield Hero's Cheat Course]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_218|[Web Novel 218] Chapter 218 - ふんどし忠犬 - Fundoshi Wearing Loyal Dog]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_219|[Web Novel 219] Chapter 219 - 無双活性 - Peerless Activity]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_220|[Web Novel 220] Chapter 220 - 男の娘 - Trap]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_221|[Web Novel 221] Chapter 221 - 解放時間 - Release Time]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_222|[Web Novel 222] Chapter 222 - ゲーム知識 - Game Knowledge]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_223|[Web Novel 223] Chapter 223 - 献身願望 - Desire of Devotion]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_224|[Web Novel 224] Chapter 224 - 婚約者 - Fiance]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_225|[Web Novel 225] Chapter 225 - 行き違い - Disagreement]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_226|[Web Novel 226] Chapter 226 - 異変 - Abnormality]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_227|[Web Novel 227] Chapter 227 - 毒 - Poison]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_228|[Web Novel 228] Chapter 228 - 洗脳 - Brainwash]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_229|[Web Novel 229] Chapter 229 - 複数犯 - Multiple Offender]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_230|[Web Novel 230] Chapter 230 - 感染性 - Infectious]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_231|[Web Novel 231] Chapter 231 - 誤算 - Miscalculation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_232|[Web Novel 232] Chapter 232 - 努力 - Effort]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_233|[Web Novel 233] Chapter 233 - 正義の短剣 - Justice Dagger]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_234|[Web Novel 234] Chapter 234 - 集団心理 - Mass Psychology]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_235|[Web Novel 235] Chapter 235 - 残党 - Remnant]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_236|[Web Novel 236] Chapter 236 - 盾の魔王 - Demon Lord of Shield]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_237|[Web Novel 237] Chapter 237 - 霊亀甲 Reiki Armor]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_238|[Web Novel 238] Chapter 238 - 深追い - Following Deep]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_239|[Web Novel 239] Chapter 239 - 機会 - Opportunity]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_240|[Web Novel 240] Chapter 240 - 研究資料 - Research Material]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_241|[Web Novel 241] Chapter 241 - 正義の弓 - Justice Bow]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_242|[Web Novel 242] Chapter 242 - 正義の否定 - Denial of Justice]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_243|[Web Novel 243] Chapter 243 - 決闘条件 - Duel Condition]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_244|[Web Novel 244] Chapter 244 - 正義ＶＳ正義 - Justice VS Justice]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_245|[Web Novel 245] Chapter 245 - 覚醒 - Awakening]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_246|[Web Novel 246] Chapter 246 - 革命 - Revolution]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_247|[Web Novel 247] Chapter 247 - 城下町爆走事件 - Riot Incident at Castle Town]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_248|[Web Novel 248] Chapter 248 - 旗揚げ - Drafting Army]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_249|[Web Novel 249] Chapter 249 - 完勝 - Complete Victory]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_250|[Web Novel 250] Chapter 250 - 昇進 - Promotion]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_251|[Web Novel 251] Chapter 251 - 勇者の血族 - Bloodline of Heroes]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_252|[Web Novel 252] Chapter 252 - 命乞い - Begging for live]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_253|[Web Novel 253] Chapter 253 - イエスマン - Yes Man]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_254|[Web Novel 254] Chapter 254 - Vol.1 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_255|[Web Novel 255] Chapter 255 - スタート地点 - Start Point]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_256|[Web Novel 256] Chapter 256 - 優越感 - Superiority Complex]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_257|[Web Novel 257] Chapter 257 - リベレイション - Liberation ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_258|[Web Novel 258] Chapter 258 - 盾の両面を見よ - Look at Both side of shield]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_259|[Web Novel 259] Chapter 259 - 義賊 - Righteous Thief]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_260|[Web Novel 260] Chapter 260 - 悪化 - Deteriorate]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_261|[Web Novel 261] Chapter 261 - 異能力者 - ESPER]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_262|[Web Novel 262] Chapter 262 - 研究所訪問 - Laboratory Visit]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_263|[Web Novel 263] Chapter 263 - 抜き打ちチェック - Surprise Inspection]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_264|[Web Novel 264] Chapter 264 - ファミリア - Familia ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_265|[Web Novel 265] Chapter 265 - 深夜の攻防 - Midnight Battle]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_266|[Web Novel 266] Chapter 266 - 虎男 - Tiger Man]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_267|[Web Novel 267] Chapter 267 - 一時休戦 - Temporary Truce]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_268|[Web Novel 268] Chapter 268 - 酒 - Liquor]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_269|[Web Novel 269] Chapter 269 - 真相は闇の中 - Truth in the Darkness]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_270|[Web Novel 270] Chapter 270 - 豚王 - Pig King]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_271|[Web Novel 271] Chapter 271 - キング - King ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_272|[Web Novel 272] Chapter 272 - 第二回勇者会議【上】 The 2nd Heroes Conference(First Part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_273|[Web Novel 273] Chapter 273 - 第二回勇者会議【中】 The 2nd Heroes Conference(Middle Part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_274|[Web Novel 274] Chapter 274 - 第二回勇者会議【下】 The 2nd Heroes Conference(Final Part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_275|[Web Novel 275] Chapter 275 - 復興祭 - Reconstruction Festival]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_276|[Web Novel 276] Chapter 276 - 競羽 - Wing Competition]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_277|[Web Novel 277] Chapter 277 - 新・七つの大罪 - The New Seven Sins]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_278|[Web Novel 278] Chapter 278 - 遺伝子改造 _ Gene Remodeling]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_279|[Web Novel 279] Chapter 279 - 空中要塞 - Floating Fortress]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_280|[Web Novel 280] Chapter 280 - 人体実験 - Human Body Experiment]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_281|[Web Novel 281] Chapter 281 - 生命倫理 - Life Ethics]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_282|[Web Novel 282] Chapter 282 - バイオカスタム - Bio Custom]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_283|[Web Novel 283] Chapter 283 - 一長一短 - One Long, One Short]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_284|[Web Novel 284] Chapter 284 - 第二塔の攻防 - Battle of Second Tower]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_285|[Web Novel 285] Chapter 285 - 第二世代 - Second Generation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_286|[Web Novel 286] Chapter 286 - 戦況反転 - Battle Situation Reversed]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_287|[Web Novel 287] Chapter 287 - 研究結果 - Research Result]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_288|[Web Novel 288] Chapter 288 - 損害賠償 - Compensation of Damage]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_289|[Web Novel 289] Chapter 289 - 期間限定 - Limited-Time Offer]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_290|[Web Novel 290] Chapter 290 - クレープの木 - Crepe Tree]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_291|[Web Novel 291] Chapter 291 - 竜信仰 - Dragon Faith]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_292|[Web Novel 292] Chapter 292 - 新型馬車 - A New Type of Carriage]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_293|[Web Novel 293] Chapter 293 - ラフのラフ種 - Raph of Raph Race]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_294|[Web Novel 294] Chapter 294 - 集・壁・玉 - Gather, Wall, Ball]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_295|[Web Novel 295] Chapter 295 - 兄妹喧嘩 - Sibling Fight]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_296|[Web Novel 296] Chapter 296 - 虎々激突 - Tigers Clash]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_297|[Web Novel 297] Chapter 297 - 鳳凰の地 - The Land of Houou]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_298|[Web Novel 298] Chapter 298 - 勇者の日記 - Hero Diary]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_299|[Web Novel 299] Chapter 299 - 最後の七星武器 - The Last Seven-Star Weapons]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_300|[Web Novel 300] Chapter 300 - 七星武器 - Seven-Star Weapon]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_301|[Web Novel 301] Chapter 301 - 鳳凰戦前夜 - Eve of Houou War]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_302|[Web Novel 302] Chapter 302 - VS鳳凰 VS Houou]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_303|[Web Novel 303] Chapter 303 - 許されざる閃光 - Unforgivable Flash]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_304|[Web Novel 304] Chapter 304 - 大き過ぎる代償 - A Price Too Great]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_305|[Web Novel 305] Chapter 305 - 盾になった少女 - The Girl Who Became a Shield]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_306|[Web Novel 306] Chapter 306 - ＶＳ鳳凰　終結 - VS Houou Finale]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_307|[Web Novel 307] Chapter 307 - 葬儀 - Funeral]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_308|[Web Novel 308] Chapter 308 - 麒麟 - Kirin]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_309|[Web Novel 309] Chapter 309 - 迷走 - Off-Course]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_310|[Web Novel 310] Chapter 310 - 銃器 - Firearms]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_311|[Web Novel 311] Chapter 311 - 天才 - Genius]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_312|[Web Novel 312] Chapter 312 - 奪われた力 - Stolen Power]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_313|[Web Novel 313] Chapter 313 - 撤退 - Retreat]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_314|[Web Novel 314] Chapter 314 - 遺言 - Last Will]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_315|[Web Novel 315] Chapter 315 - 精霊 - Spirit]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_316|[Web Novel 316] Chapter 316 - 本当の敵 - The Real Enemy]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_317|[Web Novel 317] Chapter 317 - 杖の勇者 - The Wand Hero]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_318|[Web Novel 318] Chapter 318 - 作戦会議 - Strategy Meeting]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_319|[Web Novel 319] Chapter 319 - グラマーＶＳロリ - Glamour VS Loli]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_320|[Web Novel 320] Chapter 320 - ラフちゃん - Raph-chan]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_321|[Web Novel 321] Chapter 321 - 焼きもち - Jealousy]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_322|[Web Novel 322] Chapter 322 - 第八世代 - 8th Generation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_323|[Web Novel 323] Chapter 323 - チェンジ・ラフ - Change-Raph]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_324|[Web Novel 324] Chapter 324 - 英知の賢王 - The Wise King]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_325|[Web Novel 325] Chapter 325 - 挑発 - Provocation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_326|[Web Novel 326] Chapter 326 - Ⅹ ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_327|[Web Novel 327] Chapter 327 - よそ見 - Look Away]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_328|[Web Novel 328] Chapter 328 - フェンリルフォース - Fenrir Force]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_329|[Web Novel 329] Chapter 329 - グレイプニルロープ - Gleiphnir Rope]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_330|[Web Novel 330] Chapter 330 - 一般人 - A Common Man]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_331|[Web Novel 331] Chapter 331 - 最強の七星勇者 - The Strongest of Seven Star Heroes]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_332|[Web Novel 332] Chapter 332 - 狐七化け、狸八化け - A Fox Will Fool You Seven Times, but a Racoon Eight Times]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_333|[Web Novel 333] Chapter 333 - 盾の勇者が命ずる - By the Order of Shield Hero]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_334|[Web Novel 334] Chapter 334 - 三分の二 - Two-Thirds]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_335|[Web Novel 335] Chapter 335 - 共闘 - United Front]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_336|[Web Novel 336] Chapter 336 - 八番目 - The 8th]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_337|[Web Novel 337] Chapter 337 - 世界融合 - World Fusion]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_338|[Web Novel 338] Chapter 338 - 僭称する者 - The One Who Hid His Title]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_339|[Web Novel 339] Chapter 339 - 強化方法【上】 - Enhancement Method(First Part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_340|[Web Novel 340] Chapter 340 - 強化方法【中】 - Enhancement Method(Middle Part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_341|[Web Novel 341] Chapter 341 - 強化方法【下】 - Enhancement Method(Final Part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_342|[Web Novel 342] Chapter 342 - 異世界交流 - Other-World Exchange ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_343|[Web Novel 343] Chapter 343 - 処刑 - Execution]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_344|[Web Novel 344] Chapter 344 - ソウルイーター - Soul Eater]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_345|[Web Novel 345] Chapter 345 - 自責の念 - Remorse]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_346|[Web Novel 346] Chapter 346 - 限界突破 - Limit Break]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_347|[Web Novel 347] Chapter 347 - 即位 - Coronation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_348|[Web Novel 348] Chapter 348 - 恋愛相談 - Love Consultation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_349|[Web Novel 349] Chapter 349 - 人生の墓場 - The Graveyard of Life]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_350|[Web Novel 350] Chapter 350 - 理想論 - Idealism]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_351|[Web Novel 351] Chapter 351 - フィロリアルの聖域 - Filorial Sanctuary]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_352|[Web Novel 352] Chapter 352 - 出る杭を打つ - Clearing Stock]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_353|[Web Novel 353] Chapter 353 - チート - Cheat ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_354|[Web Novel 354] Chapter 354 - 真紅に染まる空 - Crimson-Stained Sky]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_355|[Web Novel 355] Chapter 355 - 女神降臨 - Goddess Descent]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_356|[Web Novel 356] Chapter 356 - Ｌｖ上げ - Level Up]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_357|[Web Novel 357] Chapter 357 - 望まぬ帰還 - Undesired Return]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_358|[Web Novel 358] Chapter 358 - 帰宅 - Homecoming]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_359|[Web Novel 359] Chapter 359 - 歯痒さ - Frustration]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_360|[Web Novel 360] Chapter 360 - 選択 - Choice]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_361|[Web Novel 361] Chapter 361 - 敵の敵は - An Enemy of the Enemy is... ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_362|[Web Novel 362] Chapter 362 - 不老不死 - Immortality]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_363|[Web Novel 363] Chapter 363 - 全てを守る力 - The Power to Protect Everything]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_364|[Web Novel 364] Chapter 364 - 二年間 - Two Years]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_365|[Web Novel 365] Chapter 365 - ディフェンスリンク - Defense Link ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_366|[Web Novel 366] Chapter 366 - 疑心暗鬼 - Paranoia Makes a Monster Out of Anything]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_367|[Web Novel 367] Chapter 367 - 三号狙い - Aim at the Third One]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_368|[Web Novel 368] Chapter 368 - 脆い所 - Soft-Spot]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_369|[Web Novel 369] Chapter 369 - 決戦前夜 - Eve of Battle]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_370|[Web Novel 370] Chapter 370 - 蛮族の鎧EX - Barbarian Armor EX]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_371|[Web Novel 371] Chapter 371 - 代行者 - Representative]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_372|[Web Novel 372] Chapter 372 - 末路 - End]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_373|[Web Novel 373] Chapter 373 - 一対の力 - Power of Pair]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_374|[Web Novel 374] Chapter 374 - 信頼 - Trust]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_375|[Web Novel 375] Chapter 375 - 宴 - Feast]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_376|[Web Novel 376] Chapter 376 - 異世界と現代 - Other-World and Our Own World]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_377|[Web Novel 377] Chapter 377 - ロックバレー勇者伝説 - Rock Valley's Legend of Heroes]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_378|[Web Novel 378] Chapter 378 - 盾の勇者の成り上がり - The Rising Of Shield Hero]]

=='''SIDE STORIES'''==
===The Christmas of Shield Hero (PREVIEW)===
/*spoiler tales - read at your own interest*/
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_379|[Web Novel 379] Chapter 379 - 番外編　盾の勇者のクリスマス【１】 - Side Story - The Christmas of Shield Hero[I]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_380|[Web Novel 380] Chapter 380 - 番外編　盾の勇者のクリスマス【２】 - Side Story - The Christmas of Shield Hero[II]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_381|[Web Novel 381] Chapter 381 - 番外編　盾の勇者のクリスマス【３】 - Side Story - The Christmas of Shield Hero[III]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_382|[Web Novel 382] Chapter 382 - 番外編　盾の勇者のクリスマス【４】 - Side Story - The Christmas of Shield Hero[IV]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_383|[Web Novel 383] Chapter 383 - 番外編　盾の勇者のクリスマス【５】 - Side Story - The Christmas of Shield Hero[V]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_384|[Web Novel 384] Chapter 384 - 番外編　盾の勇者のクリスマス【６】 - Side Story - The Christmas of Shield Hero[VI]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_385|[Web Novel 385] Chapter 385 - 番外編　盾の勇者のクリスマス【終】 - Side Story - The Christmas of Shield Hero[END]]]

===The Valentine of Shield Hero===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_386|[Web Novel 386] Chapter 386 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【１】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[I]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_387|[Web Novel 387] Chapter 387 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【２】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[II]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_388|[Web Novel 388] Chapter 388 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【３】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[III]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_389|[Web Novel 389] Chapter 389 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【４】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[IV]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_390|[Web Novel 390] Chapter 390 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【５】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[V]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_391|[Web Novel 391] Chapter 391 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【６】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[VI]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_392|[Web Novel 392] Chapter 392 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【７】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[VII]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_393|[Web Novel 393] Chapter 393 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【８】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[VIII]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_394|[Web Novel 394] Chapter 394 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【９】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[IX]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_395|[Web Novel 395] Chapter 395 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【１０】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[X]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_396|[Web Novel 396] Chapter 396 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【１１】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[XI]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_397|[Web Novel 397] Chapter 397 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【１２】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[XII]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_398|[Web Novel 398] Chapter 398 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【１３】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[XIII]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_399|[Web Novel 399] Chapter 399 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【１４】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[XIV]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_400|[Web Novel 400] Chapter 400 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【１５】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[XV]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_401|[Web Novel 401] Chapter 401 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【１６】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[XVI]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_402|[Web Novel 402] Chapter 402 - 番外編　盾の勇者のバレンタイン【終】 - Side Story - The Valentine of Shield Hero[END]]]
===The White Day of Shield Hero===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_403|[Web Novel 403] Chapter 403 - 番外編　盾の勇者のホワイトデー【１】 - Side Story - The White Day of Shield Hero[I]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_404|[Web Novel 404] Chapter 404 - 番外編　盾の勇者のホワイトデー【２】 - Side Story - The White Day of Shield Hero[II]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_405|[Web Novel 405] Chapter 405 - 番外編　盾の勇者のホワイトデー【３】 - Side Story - The White Day of Shield Hero[III]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_406|[Web Novel 406] Chapter 406 - 番外編　盾の勇者のホワイトデー【４】 - Side Story - The White Day of Shield Hero[IV]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_407|[Web Novel 407] Chapter 407 - 番外編　盾の勇者のホワイトデー【５】 - Side Story - The White Day of Shield Hero[V]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_408|[Web Novel 408] Chapter 408 - 番外編　盾の勇者のホワイトデー【６】 - Side Story - The White Day of Shield Hero[VI]]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_409|[Web Novel 409] Chapter 409 - 番外編　盾の勇者のホワイトデー【終】 - Side Story - The White Day of Shield Hero[END]]]

==外伝　槍の勇者のやり直し(Side Story - Start Over of The Spear Hero)==
===Loop 1 to 3 - Tutorial Arc===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_410|[Web Novel 410] Chapter 410 - 槍の勇者のやり直し - Start Over of The Spear Hero ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_411|[Web Novel 411] Chapter 411 - クロちゃん - Kuro-chan]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_412|[Web Novel 412] Chapter 412 - レベリング - Leveling]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_413|[Web Novel 413] Chapter 413 - 金稼ぎ - Earning Money]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_414|[Web Novel 414] Chapter 414 - 時間遡行 - Time Regression]]
===Loop 4 - Siltvelt Arc===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_415|[Web Novel 415] Chapter 415 - 落とし穴 - Pitfall]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_416|[Web Novel 416] Chapter 416 - 牢獄 - Prison]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_417|[Web Novel 417] Chapter 417 - 老害 - Old Damage]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_418|[Web Novel 418] Chapter 418 - エイミング - Aiming]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_419|[Web Novel 419] Chapter 419 - 護衛 - Escort]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_420|[Web Novel 420] Chapter 420 - アブソーブ - Absorb]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_421|[Web Novel 421] Chapter 421 - フィロリアル生産者 - Filorial Producer]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_422|[Web Novel 422] Chapter 422 - 亜人の酒場 - Demi-human's Tavern]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_423|[Web Novel 423] Chapter 423 - 樽風呂 - Barrel Bath]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_424|[Web Novel 424] Chapter 424 - 名付け親- Godparent ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_425|[Web Novel 425] Chapter 425 - 幻覚 - Illusion]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_426|[Web Novel 426] Chapter 426 - キャンプ- Camp ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_427|[Web Novel 427] Chapter 427 - 服作り- Making Clothes ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_428|[Web Novel 428] Chapter 428 - 天使 - Angel]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_429|[Web Novel 429] Chapter 429 - 手腕 - Aptitude]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_430|[Web Novel 430] Chapter 430 - 三着の服 - Three Pieces of Clothes]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_431|[Web Novel 431] Chapter 431 - 合流 - Regroup]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_432|[Web Novel 432] Chapter 432 - 覗き - Peeping]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_433|[Web Novel 433] Chapter 433 - 実戦経験 - Battle Experience]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_434|[Web Novel 434] Chapter 434 - 大きなフィロリアル様 - A Huge Filorial-sama]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_435|[Web Novel 435] Chapter 435 - 羽飾り - Feather Ornament]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_436|[Web Novel 436] Chapter 436 - シルトヴェルト - Siltvelt]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_437|[Web Novel 437] Chapter 437 - 運命の相手 - Fated Person]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_438|[Web Novel 438] Chapter 438 - 縁談 - Proposal]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_439|[Web Novel 439] Chapter 439 - 毒 - Poison]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_440|[Web Novel 440] Chapter 440 - ビーストスピア - Beast Spear]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_441|[Web Novel 441] Chapter 441 - 偽者 - Imposter]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_442|[Web Novel 442] Chapter 442 - 裏路地にて - In the Back Alley]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_443|[Web Novel 443] Chapter 443 - 襲撃 - Raid]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_444|[Web Novel 444] Chapter 444 - シルドフリーデン - Sildfriden]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_445|[Web Novel 445] Chapter 445 - 鞭の勇者一行 - Whip Hero Party]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_446|[Web Novel 446] Chapter 446 - フラッシュバック - FLashback]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_447|[Web Novel 447] Chapter 447 - 消し炭 - Burned to Charcoal]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_448|[Web Novel 448] Chapter 448 - 不穏 - Unrest]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_449|[Web Novel 449] Chapter 449 - 残党 - Remnant]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_450|[Web Novel 450] Chapter 450 - 飛竜 - Flying Dragon]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_451|[Web Novel 451] Chapter 451 - 残り香 - Scent]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_452|[Web Novel 452] Chapter 452 - 道化 - Harlequin]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_453|[Web Novel 453] Chapter 453 - 聖戦 - Crusade]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_454|[Web Novel 454] Chapter 454 - 心に刻む - Engrave in Heart]]
===Loop 5 - Melromarc Arc===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_455|[Web Novel 455] Chapter 455 - 安全確保 - Security]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_456|[Web Novel 456] Chapter 456 - 聞き耳 - Listen]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_457|[Web Novel 457] Chapter 457 - 暗殺 - Assassination]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_458|[Web Novel 458] Chapter 458 - ただしイケメンに限る - limited to Handsome]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_459|[Web Novel 459] Chapter 459 - 色 - Color]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_460|[Web Novel 460] Chapter 460 - 証拠 - Evidence]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_461|[Web Novel 461] Chapter 461 - 改竄 - Alter]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_462|[Web Novel 462] Chapter 462 - 戦争回避 - War Avoidance]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_463|[Web Novel 463] Chapter 463 - 行商計画 - Peddlig Plan]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_464|[Web Novel 464] Chapter 464 - 世界を呪わない - To Not Curse the World ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_465|[Web Novel 465] Chapter 465 - 魔物商 - Monster Shop]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_466|[Web Novel 466] Chapter 466 - ブラフ - Bluff]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_467|[Web Novel 467] Chapter 467 - 差異 - Difference]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_468|[Web Novel 468] Chapter 468 - 取り寄せ - In Stock]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_469|[Web Novel 469] Chapter 469 - 勧誘拒否 - Refusing Invitation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_470|[Web Novel 470] Chapter 470 - 商業通行手形 - Commercial Permit]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_471|[Web Novel 471] Chapter 471 - 裁縫 - Sewing]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_472|[Web Novel 472] Chapter 472 - 峠 - Ridge]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_473|[Web Novel 473] Chapter 473 - フィロリアルの変化 - Filorial's Change]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_474|[Web Novel 474] Chapter 474 - 馬車作り - Carriage Making]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_475|[Web Novel 475] Chapter 475 - 怠け豚 - Lazy Pig]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_476|[Web Novel 476] Chapter 476 - 秘密裏 - Secret Passage]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_477|[Web Novel 477] Chapter 477 - 中学時代の友人 - Middle School period's Friend]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_478|[Web Novel 478] Chapter 478 - 餅は餅屋 - Mochi in Mochi Store]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_479|[Web Novel 479] Chapter 479 - パンダ獣人 - Panda Beastman]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_480|[Web Novel 480] Chapter 480 - 獣化 - Beast Transformation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_481|[Web Novel 481] Chapter 481 - スイッチ装備調達 - Switch Equipment Supply]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_482|[Web Novel 482] Chapter 482 - 四本 - Four Blades]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_483|[Web Novel 483] Chapter 483 - 過小評価 - Underestimation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_484|[Web Novel 484] Chapter 484 - 赤豚の動向 -Tendecy of Red Pig]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_485|[Web Novel 485] Chapter 485 - 未来への布石 - Preparation for Future]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_486|[Web Novel 486] Chapter 486 - 避難誘導 - Evacuation Guidance]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_487|[Web Novel 487] Chapter 487 - 通常攻撃 - Conventional Attack]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_488|[Web Novel 488] Chapter 488 - 矛盾の再来 - Contradiction Return]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_489|[Web Novel 489] Chapter 489 - 盾ＶＳ弓＋α - Shield VS Bow+a]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_490|[Web Novel 490] Chapter 490 - バッドステータス - Bad Status]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_491|[Web Novel 491] Chapter 491 - 不公平 - Unfair]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_492|[Web Novel 492] Chapter 492 - 勇者密会 - Assign Hero]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_493|[Web Novel 493] Chapter 493 - 卵くじ - Egg Lottery]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_494|[Web Novel 494] Chapter 494 - 取引 - Transaction]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_495|[Web Novel 495] Chapter 495 - 謝礼 - Reward]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_496|[Web Novel 496] Chapter 496 - 彼は何故笑ったのか？ - Why is he Laughing?]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_497|[Web Novel 497] Chapter 497 - 着飾るパンダ - Dress Up Panda]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_498|[Web Novel 498] Chapter 498 - 種回収 - Seed Recovery]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_499|[Web Novel 499] Chapter 499 - 怠惰の種 - Seed of Laziness]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_500|[Web Novel 500] Chapter 500 - 食料配給 - Food Distribution]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_501|[Web Novel 501] Chapter 501 - 帳簿 - Account Book]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_502|[Web Novel 502] Chapter 502 - 観光地 - Tourist Attraction]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_503|[Web Novel 503] Chapter 503 - 主治医の助手 - Physician Assistant]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_504|[Web Novel 504] Chapter 504 - 保護 - Protection]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_505|[Web Novel 505] Chapter 505 - ドラゴンの娘 - Daughter of Dragon]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_506|[Web Novel 506] Chapter 506 - ドラゴンの眷属 - Dragon's Kin]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_507|[Web Novel 507] Chapter 507 - 尻尾 - Tail]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_508|[Web Novel 508] Chapter 508 - おしおき - Punishment]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_509|[Web Novel 509] Chapter 509 - 偽の盾の勇者 - Fake Shield Hero]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_510|[Web Novel 510] Chapter 510 - 強欲の都市 - City of Greed]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_511|[Web Novel 511] Chapter 511 - ホットクレープ - Hot Crepe]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_512|[Web Novel 512] Chapter 512 - 鞍 - Saddle]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_513|[Web Novel 513] Chapter 513 - 助手の選択 - Assistant's Choice]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_514|[Web Novel 514] Chapter 514 - 他人の所為 - the Other's Fault]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_515|[Web Novel 515] Chapter 515 - 彼を知る - He Knows]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_516|[Web Novel 516] Chapter 516 - 継承 - Inheritance]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_517|[Web Novel 517] Chapter 517 - 最弱の竜帝 - the Weakest Dragon Emperor]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_518|[Web Novel 518] Chapter 518 - 欠片の在り処 - Fragment's Whereabout]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_519|[Web Novel 519] Chapter 519 - 姫 - Princess]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_520|[Web Novel 520] Chapter 520 - 婚約者 - Fiance]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_521|[Web Novel 521] Chapter 521 - 証拠隠滅 - Destruction of Evidence]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_522|[Web Novel 522] Chapter 522 - 善行の結果 - Benevolence Result]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_523|[Web Novel 523] Chapter 523 - 潜伏 - Hiding]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_524|[Web Novel 524] Chapter 524 - フレオンちゃん - Freon-chan]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_525|[Web Novel 525] Chapter 525 - メルロマルクの王子 - Melromarc's Prince]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_526|[Web Novel 526] Chapter 526 - 内乱 - Civil War]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_527|[Web Novel 527] Chapter 527 - 風の如く - Like a Gust of Wind]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_528|[Web Novel 528] Chapter 528 - デジャヴュ - Deja Vu]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_529|[Web Novel 529] Chapter 529 - 煽り - Gust]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_530|[Web Novel 530] Chapter 530 - 監禁 - Confinement]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_531|[Web Novel 531] Chapter 531 - 人質 - Hostage]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_532|[Web Novel 532] Chapter 532 - 基本値 - Base Value]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_533|[Web Novel 533] Chapter 533 - 待ち伏せ - Ambush]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_534|[Web Novel 534] Chapter 534 - 国境戦 - Border War]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_535|[Web Novel 535] Chapter 535 - 休戦 - Truce]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_536|[Web Novel 536] Chapter 536 - 停戦 - Ceasefire]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_537|[Web Novel 537] Chapter 537 - 玉座 - Throne]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_538|[Web Novel 538] Chapter 538 - 幽閉 - Imprisonment]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_539|[Web Novel 539] Chapter 539 - 架け橋 - Bridge]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_540|[Web Novel 540] Chapter 540 - 状況整理 - Sorting Circumstances]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_541|[Web Novel 541] Chapter 541 - 同行者 - Travelling Companion]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_542|[Web Novel 542] Chapter 542 - 岩礁の鳥 - Reef Island]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_543|[Web Novel 543] Chapter 543 - 二本目 - the second time]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_544|[Web Novel 544] Chapter 544 - 高校時代の旅行 - The Trip on High School Period]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_545|[Web Novel 545] Chapter 545 - 槍の勇者とメンバー交換 - Member exchange of Spear Hero]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_546|[Web Novel 546] Chapter 546 - 自慢失敗 - Boast Failure]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_547|[Web Novel 547] Chapter 547 - 多くの義務 - Numerous Responsibility]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_548|[Web Novel 548] Chapter 548 - 剣と助手 - Sword and Assistant]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_549|[Web Novel 549] Chapter 549 - 邪魔 - Hindrance]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_550|[Web Novel 550] Chapter 550 - 得意なゲーム - Game Specialty]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_551|[Web Novel 551] Chapter 551 - 槍の勇者と勇者会議【上】 - Spear Hero's Heroes Meeting(first part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_552|[Web Novel 552] Chapter 552 - 弓の勇者の反撃 - Bow Hero's Counter]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_553|[Web Novel 553] Chapter 553 - 槍の勇者と勇者会議【中】 - Spear Hero's Heroes Meeting(middle part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_554|[Web Novel 554] Chapter 554 - 黒幕疑惑 - Suspicion as Mastermind]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_555|[Web Novel 555] Chapter 555 - 槍の勇者の勇者会議【下】 - Spear Hero's Heroes Meeting(final part)]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_556|[Web Novel 556] Chapter 556 - 楽園 - Paradise]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_557|[Web Novel 557] Chapter 557 - 星見酒 - Stargaze Liquor]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_558|[Web Novel 558] Chapter 558 - 国葬 - National Funeral]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_559|[Web Novel 559] Chapter 559 - 善行の代償 - Benevolence Price]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_560|[Web Novel 560] Chapter 560 - 真逆の方向 - Opposite Direction]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_561|[Web Novel 561] Chapter 561 - 7=8 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_562|[Web Novel 562] Chapter 562 - 霊亀の炎 - Reiki's Flame]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_563|[Web Novel 563] Chapter 563 - 被害報告 - Damage Report]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_564|[Web Novel 564] Chapter 564 - 手の平で転がす - Rolling in Palm]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_565|[Web Novel 565] Chapter 565 - 三度目の罠 - The Third Trap]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_566|[Web Novel 566] Chapter 566 - 水泡に帰す - Return To Foam]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_567|[Web Novel 567] Chapter 567 - 応竜 - Ouryu]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_568|[Web Novel 568] Chapter 568 - 自我の侵食 - Self Erosion]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_569|[Web Novel 569] Chapter 569 - 四霊復活 - Resurrection of four spirits]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_570|[Web Novel 570] Chapter 570 - 四霊討伐作戦 - Four Spirits Subjugation Strategy]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_571|[Web Novel 571] Chapter 571 - 蒸発 - Evaporate]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_572|[Web Novel 572] Chapter 572 - 分岐する世界 - Branching World]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_573|[Web Novel 573] Chapter 573 - 四霊結界 - Four Spirits Barrier]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_574|[Web Novel 574] Chapter 574 - 槍の勇者の選択 - Choice of Spear Hero]]
===Loop 6 - Forbrey Arc===
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_575|[Web Novel 575] Chapter 575 - 結束への布石 - Preparation for Unity]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_576|[Web Novel 576] Chapter 576 - ストーキング - Stalking]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_577|[Web Novel 577] Chapter 577 - 論より証拠 - Evidence than Logic]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_578|[Web Novel 578] Chapter 578 - 未来人 - Man From the Future]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_579|[Web Novel 579] Chapter 579 - 国への不信 - Distrust toward Nation]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_580|[Web Novel 580] Chapter 580 - 隠された武器 - Hidden Weapon]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_581|[Web Novel 581] Chapter 581 - 三度目の言葉 - The Word for Third Times]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_582|[Web Novel 582] Chapter 582 - 守られた信頼 - Protected Trust]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_583|[Web Novel 583] Chapter 583 - 鮮血 - Fresh Blood]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_584|[Web Novel 584] Chapter 584 - 神罰の日-Day of Divine Punishment ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_585|[Web Novel 585] Chapter 585 - ループの無駄遣い ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_586|[Web Novel 586] Chapter 586 - 信仰は残る ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_587|[Web Novel 587] Chapter 587 - 回復＋援護＝？ ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_588|[Web Novel 588] Chapter 588 - 幼女か大人 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_589|[Web Novel 589] Chapter 589 - 正しくて間違っている ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_590|[Web Novel 590] Chapter 590 - 赤黒く濁していった ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_591|[Web Novel 591] Chapter 591 - 一人では強くなれない ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_592|[Web Novel 592] Chapter 592 - ファンタジーの不思議 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_593|[Web Novel 593] Chapter 593 - 中二病みたいな台詞 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_594|[Web Novel 594] Chapter 594 - 乗り物酔い ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_595|[Web Novel 595] Chapter 595 - 焼き肉パーティー ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_596|[Web Novel 596] Chapter 596 - 酔い止め ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_597|[Web Novel 597] Chapter 597 - シルトヴェルトの馬車 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_598|[Web Novel 598] Chapter 598 - 手中に収める ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_599|[Web Novel 599] Chapter 599 - 変身願望 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_600|[Web Novel 600] Chapter 600 - 買出し ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_601|[Web Novel 601] Chapter 601 - 料理効果 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_602|[Web Novel 602] Chapter 602 - 未来への恐怖 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_603|[Web Novel 603] Chapter 603 - 外見年齢 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_604|[Web Novel 604] Chapter 604 - 日程 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_605|[Web Novel 605] Chapter 605 - 熟練の腕 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_606|[Web Novel 606] Chapter 606 - 多芸 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_607|[Web Novel 607] Chapter 607 - 身勝手な召喚 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_608|[Web Novel 608] Chapter 608 - 魔王の研究 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_609|[Web Novel 609] Chapter 609 - 戦闘技術考案 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_610|[Web Novel 610] Chapter 610 - 冒険者ギルド ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_611|[Web Novel 611] Chapter 611 - ギルドの権力 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_612|[Web Novel 612] Chapter 612 - 良い証拠、悪い証拠 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_613|[Web Novel 613] Chapter 613 - 犯人がいない証拠 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_614|[Web Novel 614] Chapter 614 - 別の見え方 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_615|[Web Novel 615] Chapter 615 - 陣形 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_616|[Web Novel 616] Chapter 616 - 羊の腸 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_617|[Web Novel 617] Chapter 617 - 三枚目 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_618|[Web Novel 618] Chapter 618 - 今更 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_619|[Web Novel 619] Chapter 619 - しょっぱいネトゲ ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_620|[Web Novel 620] Chapter 620 - 血も涙も無い ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_621|[Web Novel 621] Chapter 621 - 誠意 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_622|[Web Novel 622] Chapter 622 - 野次 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_623|[Web Novel 623] Chapter 623 - 巣立ち ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_624|[Web Novel 624] Chapter 624 - 養育費 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_625|[Web Novel 625] Chapter 625 - 弱肉強食 ]]
* [[Tate_no_Yuusha:Web_Chapter_626|[Web Novel 626] Chapter 626 - 腐敗した政治 ]]

==Project Staff==
*Supervisor: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-GTO]]
*Project Manager: [[user:Alpaca|Alpaca]]

===Translators===
Active
*[[User:Alpaca|Alpaca]]
*[[User:Ren|Ren]]
*[[User:Aperture:Null|Aperture:Null]]
*[[User:Uguu|Uguu]]
*[http://bakahou.wordpress.com/ Bakahou]
*[http://anontranslator.wordpress.com/ anontranslator]
*[http://yoraikun.wordpress.com/ Yoraikun]
*[http://epithetic.wordpress.com/ Epithetic]
*[[User:ShiroiOkami|ShiroiOkami]]

===Editors===
Active
*[[User:Soraya21|Soraya21]]/[[User:Soaya21|Soaya21]]
*[[User:BDB|BDB]]
*[[User:Laclongquan|Laclongquan]]
*[[User:Reiji|Reiji]]
*[[User:DarkeKyuubi|DarkeKyuubi]]
*[[User:KuroInfinity|KuroInfinity]]
*[http://everydaysocloudy.wordpress.com/ EverydaySoCloudy]

== Original Web Novel ==

Original web published novel can be found here: [http://ncode.syosetu.com/n3009bk/ 盾の勇者の成り上がり]

==Series Overview==
* 盾の勇者の成り上がり 1 - 334 pages (August 22, 2013) ISBN 978-4840152754
* 盾の勇者の成り上がり 2 - 316 pages (October 24, 2013) ISBN 978-4040660496
* 盾の勇者の成り上がり 3 - 313 pages (December 21, 2013) ISBN 978-4040661667
* 盾の勇者の成り上がり 4 - (February 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4040663210
* 盾の勇者の成り上がり 5 - (April 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4040667188
* 盾の勇者の成り上がり 6 - (June 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4040667904
* 盾の勇者の成り上がり 7 - (September 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4040669960

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

User talk:TJYYEO

2014-07-11T03:39:34Z

Frenzy85: /* SnRK vol.2 ch.2 Major Edit */

Err... I would just like to ask whether if you would mind it I translate V1 C3 for SnKR. Since C3 is that longest champer of all, I really think that V1 could be completed earlier if both of us translate together. Best regards.--[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]] ([[User talk:TJYYEO|talk]]) 09:24, 23 October 2013 (CDT) 
:Sure! Feel free to translate :) ... also, is it fine if I run through [once I finish translating] and change the tense to past tense?[[User:Kenji|Kenji]] ([[User talk:Kenji|talk]]) 04:18, 28 October 2013 (CDT)

Hi there, I would like to ask if we could both use past tense for narration since that's the common form used around here. Thank you. [[User:Zakashi|Zakashi]] ([[User talk:Zakashi|talk]]) 09:12, 14 January 2013 (CST)

Hi, I'm going to try to edit things until someone tells me not to for Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi. Please look over the changes and inform me if something is wrong. I would also like to know if there is somewhere else I should post this instead of pressing that edit button-it just seems weird to me compared to all the other pages I have viewed on this site. Thank you very much for your translations. It would be nice to have the first volume also, but I don't know any specifics regarding that. However, I am still going to try and edit. Ask me for email or something to correct any mistakes I have made please.Vonuss 01:12, 2 May 2013 (CDT)

If I edit some chapters, I would feel much better if I can send them to someone for approval. I made a bunch of edits when I was drinking using the liquid courage, but after I was done someone actually started to edit. This makes me really happy. I didn't expect any response-except to be removed, but instead another person made moves for improvement. I was not sure on many of the tenses because of a bunch of counters going on. I don't have a list of things I have done, but I would very much like to ply my hand to better myself, and in the future maybe be an editor that is more knowledgable and confident. I would like email or transfer of ideas because I have come across paragraphs that I do not understand. Communication would be utmost if I could help out. Thank you Vonuss 03:54, 5 May 2013 (CDT)

I would be helping out on editing on Ryuu Kishi, I found quite a lot of errors on Volume 2 first, though if I made something wrong on it, please don't hesitate to inform me. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

You're welcome by the way, don't hesitate to inform me if I'm wrong kay?
[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

Hi! Just wanted to say thanks for the translations, I'll be making a few minor edits, hope that's OK

There are some sentences that uses a lot of present tenses in your translations, would the translations be incorrect if I change it into past tenses? The sentences are all jumbled up if you read it, plus there are also some sentences that doesn't make sense. I'd contact you more when I decide to edit them, I'll just change some minor edits on spellings and some grammars. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 23 May 2013

Oh,there's actually no problem with that, we're actually the same. Don't worry about it, I'd just consult you some time.[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 28 May 2013

-I am not sure why you are looking for V3 prologue, ZZHK already did it. If you want to do any of the empty V1 stuff (because I am always busy IRL), you can.-ArchmageXin

thanks for translating --[[User:Kai Ran|Kai Ran]] ([[User talk:Kai Ran|talk]]) 06:06, 18 August 2013 (CDT)

While I was reading Volume 4 I found Silvia's addressing towards Veronica a little peculiar. She addresses her father and talks about her brother in one way, however in Chapter 5 it changes during the chapter, and it has changed from Volume 2 where it was Onee-sama. (Though this could be a way she changed from the events of Volume 2.) Is there a reason for this change? --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 17 September 2013

Found this sentence in the latest section given out, I thought about how to rewrite the sentence but I wanted to see what you thought about it. “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken about the rooms, I is my fault too for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” -> “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken the rooms, it is my fault also for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 19 September 2013

I'm editor there and you are right , please change it --[[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

Thanks for SnRK translations. I didn't even realize it had a LN version until I saw it here. Again thanks and can't wait to see more. --[[User:fallton13|fallton13]] ([[User talk:fallton13|talk]])''''''

For the sentence that Gulcasa766 was talking about, shouldn't the second sentence be "I had not only mistaken the room, '''but''' it is '''also''' my fault ..."?
My reasons are as follows:
The correlative conjunction should be 'not only...but also' instead of 'not only...also'(I'm quite sure 'not only...also' is grammatically incorrect since it's missing a coordinating conjunction, although most people would understand anyways. Such cases are what we call a comma splice, which is considered a grammatical error in English).
The placement of 'also' should be either after 'to be'. This one I'm not very sure about, but I believe the placement of 'also' after the object is usually more for poetic purposes.--[[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]])

I asked permission to translate your novel translated into Indonesian. I would be very grateful if you allow.[[user:Rarara97|Rarara97]]
== Tenses ==

Hi TJ. Thanks for your translations. I just wish to know what tense ''you'' follow while translating. Finding some shifting in tenses due to (previous) edits. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 13:19, 4 June 2013 (CDT)

Then in what tense you prefer the narrations to be? Present or Past? --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:39, 5 June 2013 (CDT)

I am done with the prologue for volume 4. It is in present tense. Simply rush through it and say if it suits your style of writing(TLing). --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 04:00, 8 June 2013 (CDT)

== Seikoku no Ryuu Kisshi (Dragner) ==

I couldn't help but see that you have put in english the chant Eiko recites when equipping the Ark. Going by the manga version, that chant should originally have been written in spanish. Is it because of translating from chinese or the original japanese used japanese terms? If you want to leave it in spanish, it would be "Almete, gorjal, peto, espaldar, brafonera, faldaje, escarcela, bufeta, hombrera, brazal, codal, antebrazo, manopla, quijote, guarda, greba, escarpe, espolón". An double-checking with your version, there are some parts that don't are the same:
:[http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7MCHiUVooE/UV7dxVLOv6I/AAAAAAAACR4/nZvl_gtS8bk/s400/almete.jpeg Almete] - Helmet (Wrong, the correct is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armet Armet])
:[http://www.castel-bayart.com/125-196-thickbox/gorjal.jpg Gorjal] - Gorget (Correct)
:Peto - Breastplate (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg/200px-KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg Espaldar] - Cuirass (Wrong, it should be backplate, since a cuirass is either a breastplate or the combination of breast and backplates)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGlMkLJ6J2M/Ty2gjvnmP5I/AAAAAAAAAko/PAPByK3hlKU/s400/brafoneras_piernas_pantalones_cota_malla.jpg Brafoneras] - Plackard (Wrong, they are the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chausses chausses])
:Faldaje - Faulds (Correct)
:Escarcelas - Tassets (Correct)
:Bufetas - Pauldron (I couldn't find any information about the bufetas, but they seem to be pieces derived from the bufas, that protected the collarbone area, while the pauldrons protected all the shoulder area, so they should be '''gardbraces''')
:Hombreras - Rerebrace (Wrong, this one is the pauldron)
:Brazales - Upper Arm (Wrong, this one is the rerebrace)
:Codales - Couters (Correct)
:Antebrazos - Vambraces (This one is correct, but what I find weird is the fact that the original said "antebrazo", since the correct term is "avambrazo": "antebrazo" is the body part it protects).
:[http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYo-8lGkVPw/T0KzfQ5NIJI/AAAAAAAAA7c/MDKdgQQiOqQ/s400/gauntlets.jpg Manoplas] - Gauntlets (Correct)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y7q4IkPn6Q/Ty6b1BYZbPI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/K_bjUHdwp9o/s400/quijotes+1.jpg Quijotes] - Cuisses (Correct)
:Guarda - Poleyns (This one is correct as a concept, but is usually called "rodillera", since "codales" were also "guardas")
:[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHjwve2A1GlMsNzvNW4mnkzwxfK9iLUdyyChbnKcnYbRSyNSAU Grebas] - Greaves (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Plate_sabatons.png/220px-Plate_sabatons.png Escarpes] - Sabatons (Correct)
:Espolones - Spurs (Correct, [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhDt_7wEOVU/T0az7snLy_I/AAAAAAAAGAY/WtIqfyV8R-E/s1600/970.jpg but you are wrong when you say they were not part of medieval plate armor]; in that image, they are called "espuelas", but that is only a mark of size difference, since "espolones" are bigger, and were an important part of the armor for rider knights)

Check [http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-swords-and-armor/suit-of-armor.htm this].
--[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]]) 11:41, 28 June 2013 (CDT)

Hi, I saw that you needed some help with some words on the forums, for ドルアーマ in romaji it is ''doruāma'' as for 聖法大学院 it is Seihō Daigakuin which translates to
St. Law graduate school/university/etc.

Hello, TJ. I have a question regarding Eco's ancestral heritage. Is she known as the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family' or is it 'bloodline of .... Emperor' ? The question is because 'bloodline of family' will go to even the branch families. For eg, princess' dragon is considered to be a relative of Eco, so even he is the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family'. If it is only the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor' then it will be the direct descendant of the Dragon Emperor. Thanks. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 00:45, 1 May 2014 (CDT)

== Editor: Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi ==
I was wondering if I could help with this project by becoming an editor. I have been reading the series and noticed many grammatical errors and awkward sentences. I'm a native English speaker and quite proficient with the written language. Please let me know if I can lend a hand and I will gladly spend my free time reading and editing! -- [[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]] ([[User talk:JesseAlexander|talk]]) 23:45, 7 September 2013 (CDT)

I would be happy to upload the illustrations too - but I dont know how (the uploading method )so I'll be grateful if you can teach me [[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

I am seeking permission to do some mild editing of your translation for SnRK. [[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]]) 04:07, 25 April 2014 (CDT)

Hi. I'm here to ask for permission to edit stuff. I've recently started reading this novel, and I've spotted several awkward phrasings and grammatical errors just in Vol. 1 alone. I'll be sure to explain all edits that I make properly. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 3:44, 23 June 2014 (UTC+10)

== Use of ellipsis ==

Is it a Japanese thing to use 6 dots for an ellipsis? In English it's 3 dots, and I'm not sure whether or not this should be changed. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 17:11, 28 June 2014 (CDT)

== SnRK vol.2 ch.2 Major Edit ==

In vol.2 ch.2 Cu Chulainn is described as having silver fur. Isn't he supposed to be red?

Ok, my bad... I couldn't find any reference to the appearance of Cu Chulainn apart from that passage, so I was unsure. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 22:39, 10 July 2014 (CDT)

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 2

2014-07-09T06:08:44Z

Frenzy85: Some more minor edits. Changed all multi-dots to an ellipsis.

==Chapter 2 - Ironblood Valkyrie==
===Part 1===
The following morning, Ash was having his ecology class.

Eco, as usual, was also attending class in her uniform. But since the lecture was too abstruse…

"Huff… Puff…"

She was fast asleep on the table.

"…In other words; Stradas' element is wind, Asias' element is wind/earth and Hydras' element is water."

The one standing on the lectern, lecturing all the students, was Professor Angela. She had an unusual concern for Eco as a researcher, so Ash did not wish to let her gain opportunities to approach Eco…

"Well, then what is a Maestro’s element?"

Angela questioned with a stern tone as her eyes fell on the class register.

"This question… Let's have Princess Silvia answer it."

Even after she had been called out by Angela, Silvia just gazed blankly outside the window.

"Princess? What’s the problem?"

Angela continued to question her, but Silvia remained silent.

"Geez… Jessica Valentine. Please answer."

"Yes!"

Jessica, who was just named, stood up from her seat energetically.

"A Maestro’s element is light."

Jessica proudly replied, but Angela sneered back.

"Right… is what I would like to say, but unfortunately you were only half-right. A Maestro’s element is light, but it's not just that. Maestros also completely inherit the element that it was born with. In other words… A Maestro who was once a Strada has both light and wind elements…”

"Hey, Ash. Is something wrong with the Princess?"

Raymond, who was not paying attention to Angela’s explanation, asked Ash.

Ash sighed.

"She… she has been out of it since she heard that the Ironblood Valkyrie was coming to Ansarivan. It looks like she has received a great and devastating blow…"

Raymond seemed confused.

"‘Ironblood Valkyrie’ is the princess’s elder blood sister, right? What possible impact could she receive from that message?"

"About that… I’m not sure…"

"Do the two of you need my explanations?"

Suddenly someone interrupted their conversation. Ash was shocked.

“Cosette? Why are you here?"

Cosette, sitting obediently in an empty seat, was also wearing the standard uniform for maids who were serving the royals. It was hard not to notice her.

"Hehehe. Since Her Royal Highness The Princess is dispirited, I must guard her quietly from the shadows. I have also received the permission of Angela-sensei."

"You call this 'quietly from the shadows'? Anyways, I'm concerned about the reason she is suffering."

"Are you concerned for her as her classmate or as a man?"

Ash suddenly felt his cheeks turn hot.

"Y-You… What are you talking about!? The princess and I has fought alongside as comrades and we are both members of the Student Council. It's normal that I’m concerned about her."

"Are you sure? Then let's leave it at that. Hehe."

Cosette, after a mischievous smile, jumped back into the topic.

"Her Royal Highness Veronica is a well-known warrior. She has a militant-like attitude, which is also the reason that the princess was forced to do a lot of training when she was young."

“The training… was it tough?"

"In fact… I’m not exaggerating when I say she was living in hell every day. The princess had not only been pushed into lakes, she was also sent into ruins to do explorations, climbed the city walls and was brought to well-known haunted forests to learn to survive in the wild… "

Ash was dumbfounded.

"I think that is plain bullying…"

"Incidentally, I played the role of the ghost in the forest."

"Come on! How come you are also one of the culprits!?"

"''Perhaps Silvia's timid side is because of Veronica (and Cosette)…''", Ash thought.

"Because of the shadow of her childhood, Her Royal Highness Veronica has become a symbol of terror in the eyes of the princess…”

"I see…"

Her violent attitude aside, it seems that Veronica had a lot of personality problems. Ash, as one of the Student Council members, must greet this 'difficult' princess.

Just from imagining it, Ash had a headache.

Raymond muttered with a grin:

"The title ‘Ironblood’ is not just for show. However, Ash… I also like women who are strong."

"Don’t you worry. I won’t ever care what kind of girl you like…"

"…Strada, Asia and Hydra… What conditions do they require in order to become a Maestro?"

Even though Ash was troubled… Angela’s lesson, of course, would not be interrupted.

"Ash. Please answer this question."

"What? Me?"

Called rather abruptly, Ash appeared to have felt embarrassed.

Angela's sight was as sharp as a scalpel. Just being stared at by her made you feel like you were lying on the operation table waiting to be butchered.

On the other hand, that dangerous glare, at the same time, seemed to fall on the sleeping Eco.

Ash's spine shuddered. From his seat, he silently stood.

“Uh-h… I don’t know."

"Correct."

"I'm sorry… What? Correct?"

Angela revealed a playful smile.

"That’s right. About the reasons the dragons transform into a Maestro, there are different opinions among scholars; the truth has yet to be found out."

Angela closed the textbook and looked around the students.

"Old records show that all dragons will eventually become a Maestro naturally. However, since recovering from the verge of extinction, the conversion rate of regular dragons to Maestros has dropped significantly. Though, logically, each dragon should qualify to become a Maestro."

The students immediately turned into quite a storm.

It was also the first time that Ash heard about this.

"That is why the existence of breeders has been called into question. Why is it that now, in modern times, dragons that die before they become a Maestro have become the majority…? Perhaps the key factor to becoming a Maestro is in the hands of a breeder."

The school bell, that announced the class's dismissal, sounded at that time.

Silvia, with Cosette's assistance, shakily left the classroom. Meanwhile, Ash had this uneasy feeling.

"The Princess is alright, right…?"

There were six more days before Princess Veronica’s visit…

Even though Silvia still couldn’t calm down, the day of Princess Veronica’s visit was nearing.

Why did Veronica choose this time to visit Ansarivan?

"Officially, this visit is being made 'to inspect the City of Ansarivan, which was under attack'. But according to rumours, Veronica is coming as a representative of the Royal Knight’s Hawks."<ref>骑士王室鹰派 lit. "Hawks Division of the Royal Knights".</ref>

The inspection was probably a cover. The true reason was to investigate the condition of the city and the strength of the Necromancia – this was Rebecca’s view on the matter.

In fact, Veronica had been involved in the strife between races all across the continent and she even had the experience of stopping a war.

It was said that she was only twelve years old during her first expedition.

Even though she was not selected to become a breeder; Veronica, who needed to overcome her congenital condition which put her at a disadvantage, was extremely powerful and also braver than anyone on the battlefield.

She led the way and charged forward, chopping down the enemy mercilessly one by one.

There was a rumour that whenever Veronica swung her sword, three heads were sent flying through the air at the same time.

Wise and strong.

Victorious and has never been at a disadvantage.

There is no swordsman whose skills were on par with her.

Veronica became famous after she killed a basilisk with just her sword alone. Even poet laureates turned her achievement into poetry. Basilisks were big violent lizards. Some see them as a close relative of the Asia.

The famous Veronica was given the nickname ‘Ironblood Valkyrie’ by the people.

According to Rebecca, once people heard that Veronica was coming to Ansarivan, they suddenly frowned.

Veronica, in order to extinguish the flames of war on the continent, heroically fought in the war in her teens. However she had also indirectly become the cause of problems.

Veronica unconsciously made a lot of enemies.

The remnants of the rebels still wanted to take Veronica’s life. It was not surprising that she could be assassinated at any given time.

Just right after the attack of the Necromancia, another difficult task was received. Anyone could tell that the chief of Ansarivan was in trouble.

===Part 2===
The midday bell rang loudly.

Led by the mayor and the principal, the important figures of the City Council, the Academy Council and also members of the Student Council… A welcoming group of more than 20 people were lining up at the entrance of the school’s first block waiting for the arrival of Veronica.

"For Princess Veronica to visit the city personally… How long has passed since her previous visit?"

Dr Angela Cornwell, who changed her usual white lab coat for her rarely seen formal dress, also joined the welcoming party.

Angela, who unexpectedly became a lecturer recently, was in fact a national treasure that was given much authority to do research.

Although all the representatives of Ansarivan were gathered together; for the occasion of welcoming a princess, such numbers were regarded to be on a very small scale. Usually, even the mobilisation of all the members of the public to hold a grand welcoming ceremony would not be unexpected.

However, Veronica was well-known for her preference to keep things simple. They even received prior notice to dispense with all complicated ceremonies, so even the school was operating as usual.

The Student Council was represented by Rebecca, Max, Ash, as well as Eco. Not only that, but the figures of Maestro Cú Chulainn and Maestro Arianrhod could also be seen.

Cú Chulainn was Rebecca's Pal and was also truly the Academy’s strongest Maestro.

His silver fur was really dazzling and his unbelievable growth made him unable to put on any mounting gear on his mammoth like body. It made anyone who saw him stare, dumbfounded.

Arianrhod is Max's Pal, and although already a noble Maestro, his age is still that of a child. Different from the imposing Cú Chulainn, he is filled with an atmosphere that makes people want to pamper him.

"Hey, Eco, are you really… Are you, too, going to welcome Princess Veronica?"

"What? Do you have something against it?"

Eco joined the welcome party as the mascot of the student council and is wearing the same black dress that she wore during the ceremony before. It seems she has taken quite a liking to it.

That aside, it was the problem with Silvia that made people a lot more worried.

"The Princess, is she really not coming?"

After hearing Ash’s question, Rebecca shrugged her shoulders and sighed.

"Look, if she was scared to that extent, we can't possibly force her to participate in this. Right? She seems to have some considerable trauma regarding Veronica."

"It's really hard to believe that she turned out to be so afraid of her own sister…"

"Who's afraid of what?"

The person who interrupted Ash was precisely Silvia herself.

"Princess…!"

City Council and the School Council immediately bowed respectfully upon the appearance of Silvia.

The Silvia with her status as Princess generously replied "Thanks for your hard work" and approached them.

"Are you all right now?"

Immediately after Ash spoke to her, Silvia exposed a smile brimming with confidence.

Not only did she look pumped up, but her hair was also glossier than ever. Despite wearing her uniform she looked a lot more dashing than her usual self.

"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm Silvia Lautreamont! Even though I had displayed an unbecoming side of mine before, but now I’m alright."

"Is that so?… Then I’m relieved."

Although it was surprising that she looked a bit too well… For now, it was enough to be reassuring.

While Ash was thinking that to himself… Rebecca was lecturing her in a stern tone.

"How can you be so insouciant? Silvia, as a Dragner, how can you meet your sister without Lancelot?"

Lancelot is also a Maestro, Silvia's Pal. Because of the Necromancia's attacks from a few days ago Ash has become quite familiar with the dragon.

"Sorry that there was no prior notice… Anee-ue, she doesn't really like Lancelot."

Silvia’s answer made Rebecca frown.

"Is this related to Veronica not having been chosen as a Breeder?"

"Well… It should be something like that."

After throwing a glance at Silvia, who gave such strangely ambiguous answer, for some reason Rebecca revealed a merciful smile.

"If that is so, let's leave it like that."

"…?"

Ash couldn't understand what Rebecca was thinking.

At that moment, all the adults began muttering amongst themselves…

“I can see it!”

"Oooh! That is Princess Veronica's…!"

"They were even able to make such a vehicle!"

"It seems similar to an Empire-made<ref>For those who don’t know Empire is Zepharos Empire and Kingdom is Chevron Kingdom.</ref> airship …!"

Ash, too, couldn't help but curiously look up into the blue skies.

A foreign body that could not be natural appeared near the edge of the cobalt blue sky.

As the minutes ticked past it grew, from the black dot of that foreign body, as its outlines were gradually revealed.

That flying body was escorted by seven Dragners.

"… It couldn't be!"

To Ash’s dismay he couldn't help shouting out loud.

By comparing it to the dragons flying alongside one could immediately get a feel of the actual size of the gigantic ship. In contrast to the huge flying object even the dragons, that served as the guard, looked just like beans in comparison.

Rebecca, while standing beside Ash, looking sternly said:

"That is Princess Veronica’s personal plane–– The magicship ‘Silvanus’."

===Part 3===
—Silvanus.

This was done by Princess Veronique as she had gathered many exiled scientists of the Zepharos Empire who successfully developed the beta version of the ship.

Silvanus, now looking like it's going to occupy the entire open space, slowly landed in front of the school’s block. Like a bird that lands on a lake, the landing is very stable.

The magicship design is widely based on a streamlined shape, which often makes people think that it's a Maestro with outspread wings.

The red lines together with the white colour armour produced a stunning appearance.

And attached at many locations on the body of the magicship are the cannons’ trapdoors.

Ash stared at the magnificent magicship dumbly.

He had heard so much about Silvanus but this is the first time he witnessed it with his own eyes.

"This thing is just too big… How can it fly?"

Seeing that Ash was transfixed in his place, Silvia explained:

"This magicship uses Bright-Dragon-Crystal as fuel. Anee-ue, even though she didn’t become a breeder, used the combination of Dragon’s magic and Mechanical Engineering technology from the Empire to construct the Silvanus."

"So, literally, it was the Oracle’s power that allows it to fly…!"

"That is the way it is. But the only thing that can be used as fuel is a special type of Bright-Dragon-Crystal called Millennium, so there is no method of mass production."

“Millennium?"

"The dragon fossils in the ground, after a thousand years, may produce crystals with massive power.

"I don’t even know about this…"

"It's just that, Silvanus, compared to an Empire made aviation ship, not only does it has a smaller size, but also its defence has some problems. The places where the armour is weak can only be reinforced with a Dragner. You have already seen them right?'

Silvia was right. Because just now, the seven Dragner serving as escort precisely landed each of their dragons on the ground.

Out of the seven Dragner, only the leading one is with an Ark. He is likely the escort’s captain.

"Veronica is going to alight the ship so please do not whisper." Rebecca, with a low voice, scolded them.

Ash and Silvia had no choice but to keep their mouths shut.

As the crowd watched Silvanus's door slowly opened accompanied by the operating noise of it's gears, and the boarding ladder lowered automatically.

Under the gaze of everyone––

The Ironblood Valkyrie, escorted only by the sound of her footsteps, which sounded just like iron being hit with a hammer, landed on the ground.

Ash gasped, his eyes fixed on Veronica’s figure.

''Even though called a princess, she looked more like a Valkyrie…'' Ash thought.

It is not surprising that she is Silvia’s sister, the two of them looked identical.

Their dazzling blond hair and white skin is their common feature.

However, the aura of command, emitted by the tall slender figure, outshone Silvia's.

The important thing is her eyes.

Like an eagle who fixed on its prey from up high.

Her eyes are as sharp as blade. Just by being stared at by her, feels like the heart had been thoroughly pierced through.

Flipping over her red cloak, Veronica with a loud voice said:

"Thanks to everyone who is here to welcome me. Sorry for the trouble!"

Her voice is powerful, and not unlike like a highly resilient whip.

When the cloak is flipped up the armour adorning Veronica’s limbs is instantly exposed.

Obviously they are crafted with steel, heavy and dazzling. Only then Ash realised that the unusual sounds of footsteps are the sounds of her sabatons<ref>Foot guards or iron boots, generally not found on most armour.</ref>.

She wore a broad sword which required both hands to wield. Presumably that sword is the weapon that drew the blood of numerous rebels and the basilisk.

Veronica, leding the seven escorts, began marching this way.

A group led by the mayor panicked and wanted to kneel down and salute, but Veronica with a disgusted look on her face waved them off.

"Please forget about those unnecessary and over-elaborate formalities. More importantly… Where is Silvia?"

With the speed of a hawk’s eye she quickly scanned the faces of the crowd.

“We haven’t meet for a long time. Anee-ue. "

Silvia answered Veronica’s call by stepping forward.

"We haven’t met each other in four years, two months and twelve days, my dear sister."

"From the day I left the palace, and came to Ansarivan for my school enrollment… We haven’t met each other since."

The way Silvia speaks with such fluency is calmer than what he expect.

Ash quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

However-

The next instant, Ironblood Valkyrie revealed her true nature which matches with her nickname.

"I'm really disappointed, Silvia!"

Veronica raised her right hand.

Just when he thought that Silvia was going to be slapped, the next second Ash witnessed an incredible scenario.

Silvia easily avoided Veronica’s palm, and easily jumped five meters off. She even did a summersault in mid-air, and gorgeously landed on the ground.

No matter what… That doesn’t look like a skill of a normal human.

"Are you mad, Anee-ue?"

Silvia smiled haughtily.

For Ash at least, that is the first time seeing Silvia laugh that way.

"How dare you make fun of me… It seems like you had borrowed some guts from heaven, faker!"

After a moment of silence… Ash cried out in dismay.

"Fake!?"

"Whew… I already knew of such thing." Rebecca, standing beside Ash, muttered softly.

It seems that Rebecca, since long ago, had known the truth.

"Tee hee. This action is worthy of Veronica Her Royal Highness."

Originally he thought that Silvia is making some tearing sound but she then ripped off her mask, together with her blond-hair wig, from her face.

And the true face behind the mask is––

"Cosette?"

Ash is dumbfounded.

The 20 people from the welcome party led by the mayor are also speechless by this unexpected change of events.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p087.jpg|thumb|"I regret that a woman like you is not able to come under my command. How about it Cosette? It is still never too late. Come and follow me!"]]

"Sure enough, there's no hiding from the eyes of Veronica Her Royal Highness."

Cosette, facing the Ironblood Valkyrie face to face, not only didn’t she act timid she even exposed a happy smile.

"That is obvious because I didn’t feel any fear from within you! The Silvia who is not afraid of me is not Silvia!"

"Hehe… I will use that as a future reference."

Her insolent answer makes Veronica frown.

"I regret that a woman like you is not able to come under my command. How about it Cosette? It is still never too late. Come and follow me!"

Cosette with a resolute attitude answer.

"The person I serve–– is only Princess Silvia-sama."

"That kind of timid blond girl? What are her good points?

"Everything about her are her good points. "

Cosette answered without a hint of confusion, and at the same time giving everyone beside her the shock of their life.

"Tsk… All this nonsense will stop here. You better quickly tell me… Where is Silvia?"

"Princess…"

While Cosette stiffened her face, trying to wriggle out––

"I… I'm here!"

Silvia in her uniform appeared behind the welcome party.

This time should be the real Silvia. The best evidence, is that she was making the others dismay with her trembling legs.

"Will Her Royal Highness Princess be alright…?"

Ash muttered nervously.

"Rest assured, at least her life is safe."

Rebecca said those terrifying words with an alarmingly calm expression.

"You… You are dismissed. Cosette."

"I will. Princess."

After receiving Silvia’s command, Cosette leaves with a serious expression on her face.

===Part 4===
Under the gaze of the welcome party and guard escort, the first Princess and the fourth Princess officially meet.

"Anything not alright, my dear sister? Look at your knees, shaking like that?"

"I-I am not… trembling. Silvia Lautreamont herself wholeheartedly… Welcomes Anee-ue’s arrival."

"Tsk. Seems to me, that apart from your breast and your butt, you haven't grown at all."

''Clink''… With the sound of her sabatons, Veronica steps forward.

"I’ll say again. Silvia, you disappoint me!"

''- WHACK!''

A hard and dry sound echoed in all four corners.

Veronica's iron-fisted swing toward Silvia which ended as a slap in the face.

"Sob …!"

Silvia cannot help but stagger, but she eventually stood firm, however the place that was slapped became swollen.

Veronica coldly stared at Silvia and with a plain tone she said:

"… I had already heard the report of the attacks. Rebecca Randall courageously protected the city and also the mysterious person who cleverly drove out the Necromancia are worthy to be praise."

Ash was surprised.

Because the one who drove out the Necromancia was no other than Ash himself!

"But what do you do? Even though there is someone who witnessed Lancelot flying in the sky, but… you are helplessly circling aimlessly in the sky, right?"

Silvia is speechless and just kept on trembling.

Ash annoyingly clenched his fists.

The information seems like it wasn't properly conveyed to Veronica. Perhaps the focus was placed on the fact that Ash drove off the Necromancia, instead of details about the middle part of the fight which had obviously been omitted.

The problem is the unrecognized fact, that Silvia and Ash actually fought side by side.

Without the assistance of Silvia, Ash could not have single-handedly defeated the Necromancia.

Ash is anxious, but Veronica naturally does not know about this, and thus she declare:

"Accept the punishment, Silvia."

Of those who are watching… there are none who are not looking pale.

Veronica pulled out a the broad-sword hanging around her waist.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p002-003.jpg|thumb|''there is a silver flash. The sound of the wind whizzing. Without knowing how much blood it drew in the past the broad sword, shining with a glaring light, rushed towards Silvia.'']]

Before there is any chance to respond there was a silver flash in front of everyones’ eyes. Even though it seemed like a gigantic two-handed sword Veronica easily wielded it with one hand.

The sound of the wind whizzing.

Without knowing how much blood it drew in the past… the broad sword, shining with a glaring light, rushed towards Silvia.

"-!"

The sword glazed Silvia's chest pitifully.

"Princess!"

Ash was scared and he screamed.

“Silvia-sama! "

"Veronica-sama has lost her mind!"

"How could such absurd thing occur!"

"Doctor, quickly call for a doctor!"

The members welcome party one after another starts to moan.

From the beginning of the incident; the only ones who weren't yelling at all and kept their cool were Rebecca, Cosette, and Angela.

Silvia, who was glazed on her chest hobbled, and in the end fell to the ground on her butt.

Unbelievably, there was no blood.

And then her uniform suddenly fragmented further, turning into pieces of of cloth, together with her underclothes which fell off gently–– As if the clothing suddenly remembered the fact that they had just been Slashed.

"Huh …?"

Silvia froze a moment looking downward feeling puzzled.

It turned out that Veronica’s slash only cut off the clothes that wrapped around Silvia’s upper body.

Her shoulder is as white as snow, her busty breast, and the contract imprinted on her chest–– 'Seikoku'––all of them were exposed in broad daylight.

"Kyaa…!"

Silvia red in the face scream at the top of her voice, with both her hands, covered her chest.

"Princess!"

Ash could stand it no longer and rushed forward. He quickly took off his jacket and draped it over Silvia's body.

"…?"

The moment he witnesses Silvia’s <Seikoku> Ash suddenly sensed something strange, although confused, but now is not the time to be concerned about such problems.

Veronica looked coldly at Ash’s action then she put back her broad-sword back in its sheath.

"Anything wrong Silvia? If you encountered the same situation on the battlefield… Will you only scream to hide your embarrassment?"

Silvia could not talk back as there were tears filling her eyes.

"Look, this is your nature. Even when you wore the aura of a Dragner, you are just a good for nothing blonde. It is better for you to pursue the so-called woman's happiness!"

"… What do you mean by this?"

Veronica’s behaviour of scolding Silvia, made Ash furious.

The anger that he is holding back for a long time suddenly exploded.

Even though he is facing the first Princess, he cannot just sit by and watch any longer.

"Hey–Hey… Ash?"

Ash's menacing walk forward made Max quickly whisper from behind to stop him, however Ash naturally turn a deaf ear.

Logically speaking the one who should be the first to stop Ash should be Rebecca but without knowing what she is thinking or maybe she is just waiting for a nice show… She didn’t comment on anything.

Ash sternly talk to Veronica.

"I do not know how great the first princess is… However, since you were not there when the incident took place, what is this nonsense that you are now talking about just now based on!"

The moment he blurted it out a sharp sword was pointed at Ash’s neck.

“Uhh…!”

Ash was caught by surprise. The one who pointed the sword at him is the Dragner who he suspected was the captain of the escort.

The man has a beautiful face, and there is nothing wrong in calling him good-looking. Just that his pair of eyes hidden under his Ark has a cold glare, hard to feel a single trace of emotion. Ash felt like he was being stared down by a ghost.

"Glenn! Whatever happens next? The opposite party is just an ordinary student.”

"Sorry. Your Royal Highness Princess."

Ordered by Veronica, the Ark-Dragner called Glenn obediently stepped aside.

The moment Ash is free from the sword he broke out into a cold sweat.

Lucky that the sword pointing at him is just a normal sword. If at that time what he had pulled out was the Ark-Dragner's personal Ark-weapon, maybe even with just magic fluctuations alone, it might have been enough to remove his head.

"Long time no see Princess Veronica-sama."

Waiting until now, Rebecca finally made her move. She stood in front of Ash and respectfully gave a bow.

"Oh. Aren’t you Rebecca? Why are you still staying in this school fooling around? I would like to advise you to hurry up and quit school to join our Dragners…"<ref> Full name should be Dragners of Lautreamont since my raws just write half the name I will let it be.</ref>.

Rebecca with her elegant response resolve Veronica’s pressure.

"I had for many a time declined the invitation to join the Dragners, and now I just want to enjoy my identity as a student."

"Hmm. You obviously haven’t been able to learn anything new from this school for some time… I really don't understand you. Having said that, is this guy also from the student council?"

Veronica's suddenly stare at him made Ash’s hair stand.

“Yes, that's right."

"It seems that you have recruited a subordinate who's full of energy."

"… May I tell you something?"

Veronica's generously nodded regarding Rebecca request, indicating that she didn't seem particularly displeased.

Leaning towards Veronica’s ear, Rebecca softly whispered something.

Veronica’s eyes suddenly shined brightly.

The gaze from her eyes, even Cú Chulainn, Arianrhod and also Eco and the other Dragons can also feel the fear.

There are such rumors in the society––

It is said that the reason that Veronica was not chosen as a breeder during the 'Orphan Ceremony', is that the Mother Of Dragon's thought that the eyes of the seven year old Veronica were much too frightening––

"Hmm… Seems like I don’t even need to waste any effort. It saves me from the trouble of finding him. Glenn, arrest that guy for me!"

"Yes, Princess."

With Veronica’s order Glenn immediately took action.

"Wh-What are you doing!"

But in a blink of an eye, Ash was caught by Glenn and he was place under his armpit.

"Hey…. Let me down!"

While feeling the cold temperature from the Ark at the same time, Ash is swinging his limbs and struggling.

But the more Ash struggled… Glenn’s hands, holding his body, became tigher and tighter. That kind of strength surprised everyone and maybe it is the Ark which enhanced his arm’s strength .

"I have a mountain of problems, and I want to question you."

Veronica calmly left the welcoming party as they stood there, mostly frightened. She lifted her cloak and walked towards the school building.

===Part 5===
Veronica does not appear to be visiting Ansarivan for the first time, as if she is familiar with the environment, she heads directly to and opens the door of the guest room.

––In the beginning, there there are only the three of them in the room. Veronica, Glenn, and Ash.

"You all go and 'wash' the school premises."

After being given orders by their captain Glenn the other six escorts salute and split up.

The 'Wash' is not as simple as the literal meaning, but it is to find and to remove suspicious persons and or items which act as a cypher. Even Ash understood this.

This is Ash's first time in the guest room.

Anyhow, since Ansarivan is a special Academy for dragon breeders, naturally there are always a lot of domestic and foreign nobles who come to visit. For the guest room; only the word 'gorgeous' can be used to describe its design.

Even the furniture, such as sofas, tables, carpets, and bookshelves, are all imported from the Chevron Kingdom.

Unfortunately, Ash cannot enjoy such a classy atmosphere.

"Glenn, put that kid on the chair."

"Yes, Princess." Glenn, without any expression, answered.

Ash was dragged to chair nearby and he let him sit on it.

"By the way, tie him up."

"Yes, Princess."

"The ass who keeps on 'Yes, Princess-ing!' St- Stop right now-"

Although Ash made his best effort to resist his opponent, being the Captain of the escort and all, he is, without a doubt no match for him.

With some rope and binding tools, Ash is easily tied onto the chair, and he even lost his own ability to stand up.

"What do you want!?"

The cold white sword is at the back of Ash’s neck

"Little devil, the one you’re speaking to is Princess Veronica Lautreamont, Her Royal Highness, you should not make any rude remarks."

Veronica scolded Glenn:

"Don’t make things any more difficult for him, according to Rebecca, he seems to be the one who drove away the Necromancia, the hero who saved Ansarivan, we must thank him properly with courtesy."

"Is this what you call courtesy?!"

Ash was so agitated that he almost fell to the ground with the chair. Being tied up indiscriminately, and they even dare to talk about courtesy.

Unfortunately, Ash’s complaints were completely ignored.

"But, Veronica-sama, this student is way too much savage and rude."

"Glenn, in this world, only achievement and result mean anything, why do we care about that rude point?"

"The problem is––"

"Do you have any opinions regarding what I just said?"

Veronica's eyes suddenly release a murderous intent. Even an amazing man like the captain kept his silence.

"I beg your forgiveness. A small slip of my tongue."

At the moment Glenn is apologizing––

The door was suddenly hit, and it flew open followed by some noisy sound.

"Hold on! You. What are you doing to my slave?!"

Unexpectedly, Eco actually rushed in. Perhaps she ran all her way here because her cheeks are bright red.

"… Eco?"

"Huu? Hey brat don’t tell me you are this child’s slave?"

When he heard Veronica emphasis on the word "slave" Ash shook his head and rejected it.

"I-I am not her slave!"

"Hmm. It seems things are not as simple as it seems …"

"About the relationship between the two of them… I will explain it to you later."

The person who appeared from behind Eco is Angela.

Beside Angela is Rebecca with a bitter smile.

"You still cause a lot of trouble. Ash. "

So-

The meeting with Veronica is going to start with the absence of the mayor, the council and the principal.

===Part 6===
Even though she is in the guest room, Veronica refuses to take off her armour. This makes Ash remember about the Valkyrie in fairy tales.

"That armour… isn’t it heavy?"

Ash casually asked but Veronica threw him a cold glare.

"A silly question. Armour is beauty! Apart from bathing and sleeping, I always remind myself to wear my armour as much as possible."

"Really…"

While ignoring Ash, who is stunned, Veronica looked around the crowd.

"We will sit right there."

Following Veronica’s proposal everyone move towards the sofa. Angela, Rebecca, and Eco following in sequence until they are sitting opposite to Veronica.

"Uh … What about me?"

Seeing that the sofa seems fluffy, which should be very comfortable to sit on, but Ash was the only one to be tied to the chair.

Ash felt baffled because why must he be tied up like a prisoner.

"Oops. I had already forgotten your presence. Glenn, go carry him over.

"Yes, Princess."

Glenn lifted Ash up altogether with the chair, and moved them both next to the sofa. Then he silently moved to the door and stood up straight.

"Well… I think you should have known that my purpose for coming to Ansarivan is not just for condolences."

"Is the purpose of your trip really to investigate the Necromancia’s incident?"

Angela's eyes were bursting out with a light of intellectual interest through their lens's.

"Ermm. I must be at the place of the incident to find out the truth that cannot be written in the report. Now please do not waste any more time. Can I trouble one of you to describe the attacks that occurred?"

"Then I will say it."

Rebecca who was actually involved in the fight began to talk about the situation of that time.

===Part 7===
After listening to Rebecca's explanation, Veronica sighed.

"Well… Does it mean that at present we still don't know the identity of the culprit? Only that, if what is recorded in the report regarding Eco’s Dragweiss is true, the Necromancia is magic engineering. To put it bluntly, it should be the product of magic and engineering. Engineering has always been the Zepharos Empire's pride, maybe the mastermind is in the Empire’s army… Rebecca what’s your opinion?"

"I also think that the Empire is the greatest suspect, but… I do not know whether it should be counted as fortunately or unfortunately, but the Empire’s territory doesn’t include the dragons’ habitat."

"Then what is the problem?"

"The problem is that this attack is originated from a 'dragon'. Unless we find some definite evidence, even if we investigate the Empire on diplomatic reasons, I'm afraid it will be futile. The other side will certainly point out, to forstall any accusations, that ‘problems of dealing with dragons are the Knights of Lautreamont’s business'."

"Hmm. What Rebecca says's is not unreasonable…. It seems like the search for evidence must go on, but, then again-"

Veronica without warning stared at Ash.

"So the hero who successfully resolved the severe crisis… Is this kid?"

"…"

Since he was tied to a chair it made him impossible to hide.

Ash took a grip on himself, put on some courage, and stared back into Veronica’s eyes.

"Hmm. Very manly."

Veronica grins while admiring him.

"Thank you for your praise."

"Well. I want to hear it from you. The most confusing spot on the report is how you defeated the monster.

"Th- That is…"

Ash doesn’t know where he is going to start from, but Eco suddenly shouted:

"If you want to ask that question… How can you forget about me!?"

"Hmm… Then I will listen to you. Little bean<ref>"Little bean" is more commonly used as a nickname of little boys who are small size, but also use for girls who are consider cute, energetic, and boyish.</ref>."

"My name is Eco, Eco!"

"For a shorty like you, little bean is enough for you, if you are not satisfied I don’t mind calling you daphnia<ref>Small, planktonic crustaceans, I have no idea where the author got this idea from.</ref>!"

"Y-You really have a foul mouth! How dare you call a noble Dragon a daphnia!"

Eco was jumping around angrily, which completely spoiled the nice dress she had put on.

"Please forgive me for interrupting, Princess Veronica. She is Ash Blake’s Pal and at the same time she is also the reason that the Necromancia was able to be repelled––Young Dragon Eco."

To help Eco to get rid of her embarrassment, Angela respectfully explains.

"Oh. This shorty?… I see, when you look closely, there are horns on her head."

Veronica eyes suddenly shine.

"Then you must quickly transform and show it to me."

"Huh? What am I going to transform?"

Eco impetuously looking at Veronica.

“Do you even need to ask, of course the Ark. I heard that it is because you presented the Ark to this kid… Only then he was able to defeat the Necromancia."

"What!… P-P-Presented?"

Eco jumped up on the spot.

Her whole face including her ears are flushed.

"Ple-Please stop joking! That was just an emergency makeshift. W-Why must I present the Ark to this guy!"

"Your reaction is really interesting. Why would you strongly deny him to this extent?"

Veronica, like seemingly from the depth of her heart, was curiously and wildly interested. She intended to scrutinize Eco.

Angela with a bitter smile explained:

“For dragons, to present the Ark is a proof of loyalty to their master, the meaning is no different when compared to marriage. Having said that, Eco has not yet recognized Ash as her master. Besides that personality of hers is…"

"That said… She just called her owner 'slave'. It's really disappointing to hear that the great hero who saved the city, who made me think him as a great man… But in the end, you who are called Ash, couldn’t even tame your own Pal?"

"Err …"

When he was looked down upon, Ash felt bitterness in his heart. When he was seen as a worthless thing by the beauty of the century, naturally he experienced an extraordinary degree of suffering.

"Forget about that, I hereby re-ordered to you instantly show the Ark you wore when defeating the Necromancia. And also, not letting the others help you, show me how you get loose from being tied."

After hearing that, Ash understands why Veronica wanted him to be tied up.

All of that is for this moment.

Perhaps she thinks, that when Ash is in the ark, it would be child play for him to let break himself free from those ropes!

Veronica even gives her orders as Princess.

The situation does not easily allow either Eco or Ash to refuse.

"Are you able to do it, Eco?"

Ash nervously asked, but Eco with confidence said:

"Why, sure I can! That Ark that has already been completed. I can re-summon it for you anytime!"

===Part 8===
Eco stood still in the centre of the room and like a nun she closes her eyes while beginning to chant incantations.

"Almete, Gorjal, Peto, Espaldar…"

Even this is Ash’s first time witnessing the process of Eco constructing the Ark.

"Brafoneras, Faldaje, Escarcelas …"

Veronica, who before has always looked calm, was witnessing the whole process with a nervous expression.

Rebecca, with a keen look, is also observing Eco.

Even Glenn, who is normally emotionless, unconsciously glanced at Eco.

“Bufetas, Hombreras, Brazales, Codales, Antebrazos, Manoplas… "

As for Angela, she quickly took out a pen and paper and records the detail of the situation.

"Quijotes, Guardas, Grebas, Escarpes…"

The only thing is, although it is a very solemn ceremony, since Ash was the only one to be tied to a chair, he has no feeling of nervousness.

“-Espolón!"<ref>The chant is made of parts of a suit of armour in spanish. They are, in order "armet" (a head protection similar to a helmet, but more comfortable), "gorget" (neck protector), "breastplate" (for the breast), "backplate" (for the back), "chausses" (sock or tights made from chain mail), "faulds" (something like a metal skirt to protect what must be protected), "tassets" (little plaques that hang from the faulds to better protect the leg area), "gardbaces" (for the collarbone), "pauldron" (for the shoulder), "rerebrace" (for the upper arm), "couters" (for the shoulders), "forearms" (this is a body part; i suppose she meant "vambraces"), "gauntlets" (for the hands), "cuisses" (for the upper leg), "guards" (to cover the mobile parts, I suppose she meant "poleyns" for the knees), "greaves" (for the lower leg), "sabatons" (for the feet) and "spurs" (a short spike or spiked wheel that attaches to the heel of a rider's boot or knight's sabaton and is used to urge a {{Furigana|horse|dragon|margin=13}} forwar; the word selected names the single spike kind that, on occasions, can double as a stabbing weapon). </ref>.

After Eco shouted the last word, a shining white light enveloped in the room, a thunder-like rumble can be heard.

At the same time Ash can feel his own body coated by powerful magic.

––Similar to that time…!

Ash remembers the fight with the Necromancia.

The <Seikoku> on his left arm glows and is painful.

When the pain reach its maximum point… Ash’s body wrapped itself in a silver Ark.

It was a completely weightless, magically constructed Ark.

Perhaps they cannot withstand the magic released by the Ark, the binding tools, ropes and chair all exploded.

"Oh … there is a proverb in the east that said 'The Buddha has to be covered with golden cloth, and man must be covered with cloth”<ref>This proverb means that everybody must present themselves in what is suitable for them.</ref>, and the Ark really suits you. Glenn, what are your opinions? In your eyes does that look like an Ark?"

Glenn respectfully answered the Veronica’s question:

"Yes, I can’t be wrong. I sensed the unique magic that only an Ark possesses, and its element should be light. It's just that…"

"It's just that?"

"It is not exaggerating to say that it is an armour which doesn’t completely have the feel of its creator."

As worthy of the captain of the escort, Glenn’s opinion directly hit the point.

"You cannot blame me for this!"

Eco declare to Glenn.

It is undeniable that Eco is still a young dragon and does not have the power to create a true Ark on her own.

On the other hand she was able to take the individual armour body parts, which were particularly suitable to Ash's body, from the massive blueprint stored in the Dragweiss, and then reassemble them. Thus, this present Ark was created.

"But… I don’t understand, even if this is not a complete Ark, what good does it do?"

Angela answered Veronica’s simple question.

"To tell the truth… He has a special talent. Although I have not yet identified the reason… He has a nickname of ‘The Boy Who Can Ride Any Dragon’ in this school. Far as I know, he is the only person who can ride the others people's pal and his own. "

"I see. So the rare talent and the incomplete Ark enabled him to successfully defeat the Necromancia?"

Upon seeing Veronica’s happy facial expression Ash becomes angry.

"The facts are not like what you say! If not because of Princess-sama leading Lancelot to assist me, it would never have been possible for me to jump on to the Necromancia! But you… How you treat Princess!"

However Veronica, even after listening to Ash’s claims, remained unmoved.

"In other words… Silvia only played the role of a 'driver'."

Veronica’s comments towards Silvia are still bitter as ever.

Just at this time the Ark turned into light particles and vanished.

Upon seeing this, Veronica curls her lip to expose a harsh sneer.

"There is a time limit? Because of that it cannot be called a weapon, but it looks like it can be a tool used for an entertainment sideshow."

The Veronica’s tone angered Ash.

"This is not a sideshow! Although it is just temporary assembled. It is still an Ark that Eco created!"

“Are you Dumb? Weapons that only last a few minutes, if it is not a sideshow, what is it?"

"Err …"

"Also… Your relationship with Silvia is quite close. Are you a couple?"

At the very start to be asked such blatant questions made Ash blush. What’s more, hearing the word "couple" coming from Veronica’s mouth is also unexpected.

"I-I. How are we a couple!"

"Hmm. A weird reaction, which makes people unsatisfied… I am really very dissatisfied!"

Veronica got up from the couch and stood before Ash.

"Well, I have decided! Ash, or whatever, I command you to temporarily serve as my servant! Glenn. Catch this kid for me!"

"Yes, Princess."

"What? Your nonsense… Are you even–– Ouch, owow!"

Glenn didn’t give Ash any chance to raise any objections and carried him under his armpit.

"Glenn, prepare to head back to the Silvanus.”

Veronica fliped back her cloak and left the room. Glenn, regardless of the resisting Ash, left following Veronica.

"Ironblood Valkyrie ~A.B.S.1365.5~" is closed.

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

User talk:TJYYEO

2014-07-09T06:03:56Z

Frenzy85: /* SnRK vol.2 ch.2 Major Edit */ new section

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 1

2014-07-09T04:53:35Z

Frenzy85: Lots of minor edits. Mostly switching to past tense for the narratives, and fixing punctuation errors.

==Chapter 1 - Silver Knight==
=== Part 1 ===

Have you heard of it before?

Recently… A hero succeeded in preventing the monster called Necromancia from destroying the city of Ansarivan. According to witnesses, the hero seemed to be dressed in a silver-coloured Ark<ref>聖騎甲（アーク） Āku, lit. "Holy Rider Armour") - An unique set of armour Ark-Dragners receive from their Maestro.</ref>.

If not for the hero… The city probably would have already been in ruins. The worst possible situation is maybe the whole district… Err no. It would have not been surprising if the whole Ansarivan city were razed to the ground.

However, so far no one there knows the hero’s true identity.

As he was dressed in an Ark, so he must have been an Ark-Dragner.

His purpose was not to show off his skills and he did not ask for anything as a reward.

Ahh!!! He is such an honorable and noble person! The Knight of all Knights can’t be anyone apart from him!

So let's call him 'Silver Knight'.

From here on… We gradually announce the establishment of the SKFC (Silver Knight Fan Club)!

Anyone interested in becoming a member will be welcomed!

SKFC President Jessica Valentine (Advanced Course first year).

===Part 2===

"... So this is your first errand?"

Ash felt Eco looking at him from behind, so he turned around and nodded in response.

"Yeah, since I’m in charge of General Affairs."

There is a big bulletin board facing the staff room on the ground floor corridor of the campus. The surface of the board was completely disorganized and there were also some unauthorized posters. Ash felt dizzy by looking at it.

Right after the official ceremony had ended Ash immediately received an order from Rebecca.

During the school’s free time… The girls’ dormitory seemed to have established an organization named SKFC. There was a rumor that the posters, used for recruiting members, were plastered everywhere on campus.

Any absurd acts like this which were not recognized by the Student Council could not be left alone.

Ash's first errand as the Student Council’s General Affairs chief was to remove all the unauthorized posters.

The afternoon courses were going to start in thirty minutes. To make time, for a precious lunch break, Ash angrily tore off the posters.

"You're hopeless! Who does the Student Council think they are! First of all… I’m your rightful owner. No? So who allowed you to take orders from outsiders other than me?!"

"I think you've switched our standpoints around. I'm your owner... Anyway. Why are you here?!"

Only by now, did the dense Ash ask in amazement.

There will be classes that must be attended after the ceremony so they separated when leaving the boys' dormitory. Eco was just talking in her usual tone so Ash, without any hesitation, started chatting with her.

"Where is Cosette? Didn't I remind you, that during my lesson time, you have to look for her?"

"You-u...... You still haven't figured it out yet? You really are dense to the extreme!"

Eco puffed her cheeks and turned around in front of Ash.

Her skirt flipped up in midair and revealed a pinkish white thigh.

Looking at Eco’s delicate and charming appearance Ash’s heart skip a beat. Then, he finally noticed the difference.

Eco was not wearing her usual casual wear, but a school uniform.

"Just a moment! Why are you wearing our school uniform?"

"Cosette knew I wanted to look around the school… So she lent it to me."

"Oh, what a nice person Cosette is… WAIT! This school is for dragon breeders! Why are you, a dragon, here?!"

"I'm just very interested and wanted to know what things you are doing in this school. Cosette told me that I won’t need to worry about being found out while I am wearing this dress."

Cosette's devilish smile vividly emerged in Ash’s mind.

"Then… When is the lesson going to begin?”

"You also intend to attend class!?"

"Hmph. I just want to attend class! And you are not allowed to give opinions!"

"Thunk<ref>Sound of stomping.</ref>!" She stomped with a menacing manner and she straightened her chest.

"...... Alas."

It seemed that Eco had already made up her mind and nothing made her think twice.

Miserably, Ash could only continue to tear up those 'eyesore' posters.

===Part 3===

When the bell rang, Ash and Eco were still in the corridor on the ground floor.

“Damn! Now we need to rush to class!”

Ash ran while dragging Eco behind him.

"You shouldn't be hasty in front of a noble Dragon!"

This afternoon there was a scheduled lesson on Oracle<ref>竜媒魔法（オラクル） Orakuru, no translation for it. Literally means "Magic Dragon Medium".</ref>. This course was a compulsory subject specified by the Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Dragons regularly secreted a type of crystal, with magic, called Bright Dragon Crystals<ref>竜輝華晶 Ryūki-kashō </ref>.

Through the Bright Dragon Crystal the Oracle could be activated. Nowadays it was widely used in daily life by humans who did not have magic as a source of light and heat.

"Anyway... I have not seen you secrete a Bright Dragon Crystal."

There were many breeders who brought their pal’s Bright Dragon Crystal with them.

That was not only proof of their good relationship with their pal, but also acted as a talisman. When they ran into a dangerous situation… It could be used as a medium to activate their oracle.

Unexpectedly. Ash inadvertently made Eco blush.

"Tsk!... You better be careful or I will crush you! How can I casually expose those shameful things in front of others!"

Ash couldn't help but be surprised for a moment.

"Shameful? How shameful can it be?"

"Th-Those downright low things... How can I even be speaking of it!"

"Low? Bright Dragon Crystals are formed when excess magic is being crystallized. Even when seen… I think it is no big deal…!!! "

"You haven’t seen other dragons secrete their Bright Dragon Crystal before, right?"

"Who says so!? I ''have'' seen!"

Ash calmly replied.

"What!"

Eco looked like she felt a heavy blow, just like a thunderstrike.

"How could there be such shameless dragons!"

"Anyhow. This is a Dragon Riding Academy. Those incidents are quite common."

Eco stood still in disbelief.

"What you said... Is it really the truth?"

"Mmm. It's the truth. For some dragons, as long as you ask them, they would generously secrete it for you. Or else, after the practical skill lessons, you can see that it is all over the field."

"Su-Such a thing could even be happening! The blame should be put on the stupid and ignorant humans who tame dragons. Now the moral standards of a dragon have dropped this low. This situation is really serious... We dragons have undergone degradation."

"You might have had overestimated this problem! Is it really that serious?”

"The secretion of it, from a human request, or to secrete it anywhere... It's pretty outrageous! Although I don't deny that I inevitably will run into this kind of really intolerable situation… At least carelessly become incontinent<ref>To those who don’t know it means unable to restrain natural discharge of urine or feces.</ref>..."

"Incontinent? Why do you use that word to describe it? In the end, Bright Dragon Crystals are actually... "

Ash felt a chill in his heart.

Because Eco accidentally let it slip from her mouth… Ash would have been happier had he not heard the facts that he didn't need to.

-- ''Can I calmly face Bright Dragon Crystals in the future......?''

Ash stared blankly at Eco.

Perhaps she had misunderstood. Eco angrily shouted:

"I… I will not be incontinent!"

===Part 4===

Both of them hastily rushed to the second magic lecture room only to find out that Angela-sensei had not yet arrived.

Students in the classroom were chit-chatting excitingly.

Ash had suddenly lost all his strength, but this was a lucky outcome for him.

Dr. Angela Cornwell, who had the authority to research all dragons, had shown a strong interest in the young dragon Eco.

Recently Angela had made Ash and Eco suffer quite a lot.

If they were carelessly late for class... She might take the opportunity to cause them trouble and sternly order them to go directly to the dissection room.

Ash looked around intending to look for his friends.

At that moment, his eyes had fallen upon Silvia.

Silvia was sitting alone beside the wall.

She was unable to make friends due to her royal family background and otherwise difficult personality.

Although she had received the warm applause from all the students at the morning ceremony, which was a rare sight, but to be able to blend into the life of other students… Things like that did not happen overnight.

Ash felt his relationship with Silvia had become closer in the last month because of various unpredictable events.

-- ''I should try to sit beside her...''

Just as Ash tried to do this brave act.

"Hei!”

Suddenly someone pulled his sleeve. He was surprised and his thoughts returned to reality.

"Eco... Is there anything?"

"That's my line! What are you doing staring blankly?"

"No- Nothing... I wasn't in a daze.”

Ash quickly removed his gaze from Silvia.

Eco immediately showed an unhappy expression.

It's probably because she had seen his attention drawn towards Silvia just now. However. What reason was there for her to be upset?

Just when Ash was fully confused, his good-for-nothing friend Raymond Kirkland raised his hand.

"Yo, Ash, this way!"

Raymond had occupied the seat, in the last row beside the window, which was the best place to avoid the teacher’s sight.

"Angela-sensei hasn't arrived yet."

"This period was changed to homeroom<ref>Typically referred to as "Study Hall" or "Independent Study Time".</ref>! Looks like the staff meeting for this afternoon has been extended... Well, that's not important."

For Raymond, whenever he saw beautiful girls such as Eco, he instantly had a shortness of breath.

"Eco is here too! You were really cute at this morning’s ceremony. ……Urgh."

Having already suffered a straight punch from Eco, Raymond's face looked like he was going to heave.

Ash quickly stopped her from behind.

"Hey… Hey… What are you doing? Hitting people randomly!"

"... I just don't know why? I just get mad when I see him."

In the end… Ash had to separate both of them by sitting between Raymond and Eco.

"Hey. Ash...... What’s the situation right now?"

Even after enduring an iron fist, Raymond immediately sprang back to life and questioned Ash.

"Can't you see this with your own eyes? Of course she came here by force."

"She also looks nice in a uniform.... Are you really sure you don't want to have an exchange with my Brigid?"

Seeing Raymond’s perverted expression Ash could only shake his head and sigh.

"Do you want to be squashed to death by Brigid? Say, how come I didn't see Max?"

Ash only then noticed that Maximillian Russell, who was supposed to sit beside Raymond, was gone.

"Ohh. Max should be busy tearing down the posters, right?"

"Ehh-Eh?”

Max was in charge of the accounts and a proud member of the Student Council. But, to be removing illegal posters, it was fair to say that that was not a part of his job.

"You also know his personality. right?"

"Ha ha... It's hard not to imagine it."

Ash finally figured it out.

Max was very serious about hygiene. For example; When he saw someone appear even slightly messy he would very much like to clean them up. He had a personality where ‘his eyes cannot tolerate even a dust particle’ which caused others headaches. So, naturally, he had to interfere with the business of those illegal posters.

"Also, Raymond, there is something I've wanted to ask you."

"Anything?"

Ash, staring at Raymond's confused face, threw him a question that he had mulled since that morning:

"The ‘Silver Knight’. What is it, actually?"

"What? Are you kidding me?"

Raymond, suddenly raising his voice, shocked Ash.

The students around them glanced at them curiously.

Raymond, after an unnatural cough to clear his throat, whispered into Ash’s ear.

"You-u... The poster had stated clearly, didn’t it? The ‘Silver Knight’ is the hero who protected this town and prevented it from being destroyed by Necromancia’s attack. To summarize it……"

Raymond lowered his tone and said the decisive words:

"It's you!"

"Eeh…… Me!? It's me? Why?"

Ash stared dumbstruck at Raymond who had a displeased look on his face.

"Because you're the one who actually beat the Necromancia!"

"The problem is… Am I suitable a to have stylish name such as the ‘Silver Knight’? Anyway… Who is the one responsible for creating this title?!"

"This name is adapted from a novel. A shoujo novel called ''The Sky Dragon Knight Chronicles'', the protagonist is also known as the ‘Silver Knight’. Really popular among the girls."

"Oh......"

"From the eyewitnesses' testimony, at St. Durham<ref>(聖ダーラム) Named after "Durham" which is a city in northeast England.</ref> Square, the Dragner who rode Necromancia had an Ark. His coolness seems to be identical to the ‘Silver Knight’ in the story."

"That time the armour Eco manifested was indeed silver in colour..."

"No need to worry, fortunately, the academy has suppressed this information, only a few people know that the knight was you."

Raymond strangely felt a bit jaunty.

"If the secret is exposed... I don't know what will happen."

Raymond nonchalantly replied to Ash's question.

"Perhaps you'll run into your first and at the same time your last romantic encounter. I heard that during the school holidays the SKFC members exceeded a hundred people!"

"Is it true?!"

Of which Ash could not help but shout out loud...

"What Raymond said may not be a joke!"

The owner of that voice behind Ash was Max.

Max, with his nervous appearance, was the same as always. Compared to Ash and others, who appeared to look slightly untidy even when wearing their uniforms, he always tidied himself up just like a newly-enrolled student.

Underneath Max’s armpit was a stack of posters. Judging from the thickness… There were at least one hundred.

"I can't stand this any longer. These people really know how to create trouble."

Max sighed deeply as he somehow suddenly stood between Ash and Raymond.

"However, since the SKFC has been locked on to by Rebecca, they better be careful. Things like this will soon come to an end. Right? Moreover. This type of activity is impossible to maintain after a while."

After Ash had optimistically expressed his opinion… Max immediately stared sharply at him through his glasses.

"Wh-Why are you looking at me?"

"It appears that you still don't know the situation you're in. Listen, currently, it has been confirmed that there is a large chance that the ability of being a Breeder will be passed on to the next generation. The ‘Silver Knight’ is powerful enough to defeat that Necromancia. Moreover, he is also equipped with an Ark, which also proved that he is an Ark-Dragner."

"…... So?"

Max, just like Raymond, lowered his tone.

"Just in case someone knew that you are the ‘Silver Knight’…... the SKFC will do everything in their might to win your sperm."

"Since when did I become breeding stock<ref>(種馬) ''Taneuma''. Direct translation is breeding horse but it means a breeding medium or tool.</ref>?" 

"Stay cool. The SKFC members are originally Breeders. If they bear the child of the Silver Knight, there will be a great chance that the child will become an Ark-Dragner like his father. Though because of Xenoglavia’s<ref>(ゼノグラヴィア戦争) ''Zenoguravia-sensō''. I cannot find any reference for this name do tell me if anyone knew.</ref>War, the young people who intend to become a Dragner are decreasing...... but when it comes to an Ark-Dragner it's at a whole new level."

It sounded like a joke, for others who listened in, but Max spoke with a serious expression.

"If that being the case, I'll help you no matter what the reason is. I can't stand the Ash who has luck with the girls!"

"Raymond. It seems that we need to have a talk."

"No. I agree with what Raymond is saying."

"Not you too… Max!"

"Otherwise, you don't mind the SKFC knowing your secret?"

Ash was left speechless.

"Well. I...... Of course I don’t want them to know. Becoming popular with girls, with those impure motives, is nothing to be happy about."

"Hmm. I'm not really satisfied."

Eco suddenly snappily grumbled.

"To be honest… The reason you defeated Necromancia is only because of the Ark I created? But the one in the spotlight is only the knight…… That's why I always say humans are stupid and ignorant beings!"

"What Eco said is absolutely right."

Just when they were busy chit chatting with Max……

"Sorry for my interruption my fellow students!"

The classroom door suddenly opened with a "Bang!" A group of girls, dressed in the academy's uniforms, started to fill the classroom.

Their sudden entrance left the students speechless. Everyone’s attention was focused on the suspicious group.

There were a total of about twenty people.

The suspected leader of the group of girls stepped up to the lectern and her eyes swept over the classroom.

Ash couldn’t help but stare at her.

The girl’s posture had a temperament of nobility in it.

Her orange-yellow elegant curly hair rested in front of her chest. Her slender eyes emitted rays of sparks as if an emerging raging fire.

"I'm the President of the SKFC, Jessica Valentine!"

Having just announced her name… Jessica surveyed at the students around her with an elegant aura.

"Those, who have seen our posters, I think you already know of our aim, right? That's right; We're looking for ‘Silver Knight’-sama. That day during the Necromancia’s attack, being during the school’s off days, we deduced that there should be a lot of students who happened to be wandering by St. Durham Square, the combat scene. Now this classroom may have one or two witnesses……"

"Don’t you think you're asking too much?"

Silvia interrupted Jessica’s speech with a courageous and serious voice.

"Oh my, I wondered who it might be, and it turned out to be Oujo-sama<ref>(王女) ''Ōjo'', "Princess".</ref>."

Jessica's response made Silvia’s face turn black.

"I'm not speaking to you as the Princess, but as the Student Council’s disciplinary affairs member who is now giving you a warning! Do you not realise that you are destroying the school's discipline?!!!"

"Ha! Since you're not talking to me as a Princess then I won’t be branded as disrespectful when I argue with you, right?

Jessica's decision that she did not intend to make any concessions surprised others.

"Do you think your behavior is acceptable?"

"The school’s discipline compared to my ‘desire’ is simply nothing!"

"Well, if that's the case, might you speak out your ambition? I'm all ears."

Jessica immediately raised her head and announced as though she had already prepared for this:

"I want to give birth to ‘Silver Knight’-sama’s children!"

An awkward silence suddenly enveloped the entire classroom.

Obviously everyone was feeling disgusted with her direct declaration.

Even Silvia was stunned speechless.

A low profile student who was one of the followers finally broke the silence.

"President! Your speech violated club regulation article one hundred and twenty-seven!"

"Hmm…... As expected of Vice-President Lynette-san. Good job noticing. Please allow me to withdraw my previous declaration."

"Withdrawal of declaration has been confirmed!"

After he had listened to Jessica and Lynette, who spoke annoyingly rhythmically, Ash muttered:

"Th-That rumor......"

Raymond tried to pacify his concern for Ash:

"Carelessly resisting is suicidal… Ash. I heard that the Valentine Family is a traditional noble family."

Facing Raymond’s smile. Eco started to speak out loud:

"Oh. I really can’t stand those people any longer. The true face behind 'Silver Knight' is……"

"W-Wa-Wait! Eco!"

Ash quickly covered her mouth from behind.

"Mmm -!"

Eco struggled with all her limbs. In the eyes of others it looked like Ash was, hugging her from behind, not wanting to let go. Her body's tenderness and lovely feel made Ash blush, but, still, he must not let go.

Was it rare that the school was helping me to control the information? If my identity were revealed, in a place like this, all their hard work would go to waste.

"Back to the topic, Princess Silvia, it is true that we are making a list of people who were present at the incident."

"So……?"

"Princess. Your name is also on top of our list. Maybe you already know the true identity of ‘Silver Knight’-sama. Am I right?"

"Y-You. What are you talking about?!"

It seemed that the straightforward character of Silvia was not good at lying.

Silvia was obviously shaken when Jessica hit the bull’s eye.

It was a lie if she said she didn’t know, because at that time the one riding with her on Lancelot was actually the ‘Silver Knight’.

"Hey…... Ash? It seems the situation has gotten worse."

Ash had already stood up and was coming to Silvia’s rescue when Raymond warned him.

"Miss. I’m sorry, but currently, its still school hours."

The crowd’s attention immediately turned to Ash.

Silvia also looked at Ash with a surprised expression. Perhaps this was an illusion but it seemed that she had breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hey. I remember that you are the Student Council’s……"

Ash mercilessly interrupted Jessica.

"Can you please leave the classroom immediately? Don't interrupt us in our lesson time."

The classroom fell silent.

Ash's determination caused the entire student body to gasp.

Unexpectedly. Jessica didn’t back down.

On the contrary… She was also smiling.

Compared with an undisguised expression that kind of smile was even scarier.

"Your name is Ash, right? A guy with no obvious achievements but still allowed to join the Student Council…... Hey, Vice-President Lynette? His name is on the list of people who were at St. Durham Square, isn’t it?"

Lynette, as though she had memorised the whole list, answered immediately without any hesitation:

"......Ash Blake, advanced course first year. Someone actually confirmed that he showed up near St. Durham Square!"

After hearing Lynette’s report, Ash broke out in a cold sweat.

"Speaking of this, people call you 'The Boy who can Ride any Dragon'. Could it be….... that you had possibly managed to ride the Necromancia?”

"……!"

A sudden hit at the bull’s eye left Ash speechless.

"It's just that ‘Silver Knight’-sama is a noble Ark-Dragner, and you…... Are nothing but simply a Breeder who is a nobody. People like you simply cannot be compared to ‘Silver Knight’-sama! Oh Hohoho!"

Fortunately Jessica just laughed at that thought. She would never have expected she was at the cusp of the truth.

"Not to mention your Pal ...... hee hee, it's funny just by thinking at it. She turned out to be a child. Even this morning's ceremony had a really fantastic finish."

"Wh-What did you say……!"

Upon hearing this Eco naturally became angry and tried to stand up to refute but……

"You!!! Don’t interrupt."

Ash immediately reached out and stopped her.

"Who do you think you are......"

Although she felt reluctant. Eco shut her mouth.

All the SKFC members were trembling under the pressure of Ash’s aura.

Although Ash was now a member of the Student Council… In the past he was none other than the infamous 'Number One Problem Child’.

And it was not a name given for nothing.

Jessica was also no different; She was the only one who was showing no sign of fear.

"Ash, stay calm! She's a noble!"

Raymond gave a out loud warning but Ash could not bothered by it.

"What is a noble to me when I even challenged a Princess!!!!!!"

"Ahh... You're right. I had totally forgotten all about it..."

Raymond looked into the distance with a crestfallen expression.

"How dare you insult my Pal...? What is the meaning of this? If you want to apologise… It's better that you do it right now!"

"Hah<ref>An insulting sound.</ref>! You are but a commoner and you dare to order ''me'' around!"

Ash and Jessica.

Each refused to back down and stared intently at each other.

Just when the tension reached its climax……

The classroom door was suddenly slammed open.

"So…... I see that you have been wandering around here. Jessica."

All the people in the classroom were attracted to the overwhelming presence everybody remained silent.

The one and only exception was Jessica.

"Rebecca! Y-Y…… You stay out of my way!"

Jessica unexpectedly kept her composure even when the opponent was Rebecca.

"He-Hey, that girl called Jessica... She really has some nerve? She actually dared to address Rebecca by her first name."

Raymond, opposite of the speechless Ash, calmly pulled out his notepad and made a quick flip.

"According to my information network…... Both of them seem to be childhood friends who grew up in the same hometown."

"You're still the same. Never missing out on any girl's information."

"Hmm…... You're wrong, Ash. It's limited to 'cute girls' only, okay?"

Raymond laughed proudly at his own work while Rebecca and Jessica's argument still continued.

"I would like to throw the question back to you, Rebecca, why are you here at 'this place'?"

"I came here to find the members of the Student Council…... It seems that you still continue with the same stupidity, Jessica."

"You've come at just the right time! Everyone listen carefully!!! We have confirmation the Student Council is controlling information about the St. Durham Square attacks! The Student Council went to all that trouble to cover up what? Does it imply that the Student Council has known ‘Silver Knight’-sama’s identity from the very beginning?"

"Even if it is the truth I am not obligated to tell you at all. I suggest you remember your duty as a student?"

"I have no intention of disturbing the class. I just simply urge everyone here to help us collect ‘Silver Knight’-sama’s information!"

"You're still the same. full of nonsensical reasoning......"

"I, the representative of the SKFC, request the Student Council to reveal that information to the public!"

After Jessica’s tenacious declaration. Rebecca gave a frightening expression.

"......In the beginning I didn’t want to cause you trouble, because you are my childhood friend, but it seems that I need to deal with this another way."

Under the gaze of her fierce-looking eyes Jessica felt that she was going to surrender and back off.

In the eyes of Ash, it seemed that, Rebecca’s back was full of red glowing aura.

"Wha-What…... the Student Council President even tried to use force to solve problems……"

Jessica could not help but shrink and take a few steps backwards.

"Too bad. To think that I even bothered to treat you nicely."

Rebecca, with a graceful smile, whispered into the ears of Jessica.

"Yikes!"

Jessica immediately started sweating, her back unnaturally bent.

Jessica headed down and rushed out of the classroom. The Vice-President, Lynette, and the other SKFC members quickly followed.

"Right. Silvia of Disciplinary Affairs, Accounts<ref>The original can mean treasurer and accounts but still I think CFO is better :).</ref> Max, and Ash of General Affairs. The three people mentioned please report to the Student Council’s office immediately. An emergency meeting is to be held. That is all."

Rebecca left after she had informed the others.

"An emergency meeting... Is something wrong?"

Ash asked, but Max was equally confused.

"The President came personally to inform you, but she also chose to do it during lesson time...... certainly it is no simple matter."

Seated, between Ash and Max, Raymond gave a rare worrisome look and murmured and grumbled.

"I’m so lonely. I didn't expect that even Ash would join the Student Council…... Damn. Why am I the only one left out?"

"Raymond ......"

"Fortunately, I still have Eco! Hey Eco, why don’t the two of us go have a cup of tea……? Urgh!"

With her superhuman strength, her iron fist knocked Raymond away.

"You shut up! Obviously I'm a member of the Student Council…... The woman dared to not mention my name and choose to ignore a noble Dragon? I will not forgive her!"

After Ash glanced at Raymond, who was stuck on the wall, he spoke a few words to calm Eco down:

"You are their 'mascot'. So you don't have to attend any meetings."

"Nothing to do with me?! Since you all wounded the pride of a Dragon… I will attend no matter what!" Eco cried.

===Part 5===

The Student Council office was located at the top of the school premises in the central tower.

Ash, Silvia, Max, and Eco were all walking towards the Student Council office.

Max who walked at a quick pace lead the way while the trio of Silvia, Ash and Eco walked together.

The formation was purely coincidental, but sandwiched in between Eco and Silvia, Ash didn't need any more reason to feel nervous.

"Why are we not there yet......?" Ash even had such thoughts.

Since it was still class time there were no other students in the corridor.

But since the staff meeting had yet to end, every classroom had changed into homeroom.

Even though the students of Ansarivan were possesed of high self-imposed standards , homeroom was still inevitably noisy, even the corridors were full of the sounds of laughter.

"By the way… There are two members we haven’t met yet."

While climbing stairs. Ash asked while facing Max’s back.

"Ahh…… The vice president and the secretary? I think both of them will not be attending this meeting."

After hearing Max’s answer, Silvia responded to it.

"I cannot turn a deaf ear in this case. Do both of them have any consciousness of being in the student council? Any jobs related to the social welfare of people need to be completed with full effort…… These are the family rules of the Lautreamont family!!!! Who do the vice president and the secretary think they are? "

"Plea- Please allow your humble servant to explain to thee...... Ahem! "<ref>This whole sentence is spoken in polite form.</ref>

Max, who wasn't used to being with Silvia, spoke in the polite form so that’s why he couldn't help but give an unnatural cough.

Max found out that conversation using the polite form didn't seem natural even though he was addressing the princess, after all both of them were members of the student council, and they were students of the same grade.

"The vice president is famous as one who only knows how to fool around, but that person's ability as a Dragner is obvious to all. That’s why the president will turn a blind eye. It's understandable."

Sure enough. Silvia was dissatisfied.

"How come there is such lax and insolent person! Since that person has an ability that the president acknowledges, but why is the vice president fooling around?"

"OK, OK, in this case since the president has acquiesced to it, complaining to Max will be useless."

Ash gently calmed Silvia down, but on the other hand he also agreed with her point of view.

"What kind of person is the secretary?"

Right after Ash asked Max answer with a mumbling tone.

"The secretary…... In short, is no ordinary pushover. Anyway, you'll meet sooner or later."

Speaking of which. They had arrived at the Student Council’s office. The topic regarding the vice president and the secretary came to a stop.

===Part 6===

"So let us begin our meeting."

Rebecca with her opening remark started the emergency meeting.

Ash was initially nervous, fearing that Rebecca would be unhappy with Eco who came without being invited, but in the end Rebecca didn't do or complain about anything.

Looking around, as Max had said, the vice president and the secretary seats were empty. So the secretary’s work was handed over to Max.

Although Ash was curious, about the vice president and secretary, in the end it was clearly not the right time to ask such questions.

The staff meeting had been extended and all classes were changed into homeroom, in this situation, it was not hard to figure out that something important had happened.

It seemed that it was really related to the attacks of the Necromancia?

Although he wasn't willing to make any assumptions...... but this still did not rule out the occurrence of more serious incidents.

"I believe everyone had also heard about the rumor……"

The members present held their breath to listen to Rebecca's announcement.

"Recently, with the girl’s dormitory as their base, the organization named SKFC is highly active in the shadows."

"I beg your pardon?"

An unexpected answer caused Ash to almost fall off his chair. At first he wondered what emergency or urgent event it was but he didn't think for one moment that it would be the SKFC……

While observing the other people's reactions Silvia and Eco looked on blankly. Max alone seemed to have become accustomed to it while Rebecca continued with her speech.

"What is the problem?"

Under Rebecca's glare Ash hurriedly corrected his sitting posture.

"Uh…... Because you said it was an emergency meeting… I thought it would be a more intractable problem."

"Take it easy, we are not at the main topic yet. SKFC is just a side problem to be discussed."

"I see…..."

Ash nodded to indicate his understanding. At this time Silvia suddenly raised her hand.

"What is the problem. Silvia?"

"I have something that I don’t understand. When president sent Jessica Valentine running off…..."

"Oh. I'd like to hear too."

Ash echoed Silvia’s question.

Rebecca took only a few words to send off that arrogant Jessica which made everyone curious what she whispered into Jessica’s ears.

"Oh, that thing."

Rebecca shrugged with a wry smile.

"As you know… She and I are childhood playmates. No, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if I say we are family. Since childhood she sees me as her rival…... In short, she hates to admit defeat."

"Just like family......? I have heard of the Valentines being a traditional noble family."

After Ash stated the information acquired from Raymond Rebecca could not help but burst out laughing.

"Oh... This is really an interesting rumor. Their family has been serving the family of Randall as house maids for generations. Just like the house of Shirley who serves the royal family of the Paladin<ref>Paladin. The king of Lautreamont knight country and also the highest class of all Dragner. Still, the interesting thing is that, the current king is not even a breeder.</ref>." Rebecca, with her eyes staring into a distance, murmured.

"That girl...... A maid?"

Jessica's glamorous figure and the word maid could not completely be combined. Ash was shocked.

"So. I threatened her…… 'If you continue to stir up trouble… Do not blame me if I announce the Valentine family’s background to the public.'"

From the look in her eyes it was like she was lecturing her useless little sister.

"But why did she lie that the Valentine family is of nobility?"

Silvia seemed completely unable to understand Jessica’s thinking.

"Jessica from time to time likes to daydream, she had a particular strong sense for nobility, and now she even seriously believes her family is from a royal linage...... you just need to take it as a disease that can be commonly seen in the adolescence years."<ref>Referring to [http://animanga.wikia.com/wiki/Chuunibyou 中二病/ちゅうにびょう/Chuunibyou]</ref>

"So that is how it is......"

With the misunderstanding cleared up Ash felt relieved.

At the same time after learning that the Valentine’s were maids, Ash subconsciously began to imagine Jessica wearing a maid costume.

That insufferably arrogant girl with a feel of nobility… When putting on maid attire to serve her master, somehow it doesn't feel bad…… Ash cannot help but fantasizing Jessica’s graceful appearance.

"Hey…... What are you thinking?"

When he returned back to consciousness… He felt a painful sting on side of his cheek.

Eco, somewhat forcefully, had slapped Ash’s face.

"No, nothing, I am not thinking of anything…..."

Ash face is full of embarrassment.

"Are you're thinking of some improper image?"

"Urgh. I'm also thinking the same thing."

Even Silvia, also supporting Eco's viewpoint, questioned Ash.

"I think there is an eighty percent chance that he most likely imagined Jessica wearing a maid attire."

After Rebecca's cheeky outspokenness of her own view… Ash suddenly turned pale.

"Ho-How do you know?"

"Oh. I managed to guess it? I am just speaking from my woman's intuition…"

Rebecca seems happily laughing.

Ash feels a murderous intend behind and quickly turns around to look back.

"Have you forgotten that I am rearing you……? And yet you still dare to have fantasies of those females...... You cannot be forgiven! Don’t you think you lack self-consciousness?"

Eco’s fist is shaking.

"How dare you have any perverted thoughts of the other students attending school…... How shameless! All enemies of women must taste the iron hammer of death!"

Silvia was flushed with anger.

"Wa-Wait! It is just that I was distracted for a moment! Besides. Why do you need to be angry with me because of these things?"

"I'm gonna trample you!"

"The inviolable family rules!"

Eco's kick and Silvia's punch hit Ash at the same time.

"……”

After Ash stumbled back to his seat, the meeting continued to proceed as usual, like nothing had happened.

"President…... I would like to ask. "

Silvia asked.

"What is the problem. Silvia?"

"Just now you say that Jessica has taken you as her rival...... Is her ability that amazing? Jessica Valentine this is the first time I heard her name…..."

Silvia has a good reason to doubt.

Rebecca is not just only an Ark Dragner but also the president of the school’s student council.

She is undoubtedly the strongest Dragner in the whole Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy. Even the Professors or the practical skill instructors can only admit defeat when it comes to Rebecca.

To take Rebecca as her rival. No matter how you think of it, it is not normal.

"Jessica ...... in fact, is very motivated for her own self improvement, but she is always futile or she is very persistent in doing things that are meaningless. I cannot deny that she is one of those ‘who are able to overcome all kinds of hardships if you just put in effort' ...... "

To be able to be praised by Rebecca, regardless of her written performance<ref>Could probably mean test results.</ref>, maybe she is someone who really has some skill.

"In conclusion. The SKFC, that Jessica leads, wants to expose the true identity of the 'Silver Knight'. If their objective was only this we can leave them be. But what they desire is not just this, when given the opportunity, they would like to obtain the sperm of the ‘Silver Knight’."

"Spe-Spe……!"

Silvia suddenly blushed. Her movement become very unnatural. Seeing her being so shy, Ash also cannot help but feel embarrassed.

"What is it that they want? Is it delicious?"

Unlike Silvia… Eco is only confused.

"Nothing. You need not know such a thing." Ash said.

"Even you know, as your owner, is it not logical that I don't know!"

"What sort of reasoning is that?!!!!"

"Hmph, even if you do not want to tell me, I still have the dragweiss!"

Eco, like entering a trance, suddenly closes her eyes.

For dragons, that have a longer history than humans, can search for information dating back centuries.

"Wha ... What!"

After just a few seconds… Eco’s whole face is blushing as if she was on flame.

At the same time she turned very angry.

"Are you kidding!? Ther-There are actually such a large number of female animals trying to access…... this guy’s…... Spe-Spe......? That’s why I said… Humans are stupid and ignorant fools!"

Eco seems to be ashamed and embarrassed to enunciate that word. It is rare that Eco is blushing exactly like Silvia.

"Hmph…... it seems that the word 'obscene' needed to be added at the back of 'stupid and ignorant'.
"This human sounds really nasty!"

"Stupid, ignorant and obscene humans!"

"You do not need to repeat! It is hard to pronounce!"

"Then you should kneel down and apologise. I will remove the word 'obscene'. I’ll let you represent all mankind. This opportunity is not easy to get you know!?"

[[Image: Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p064.jpg |thumb|Stupid, ignorant and obscene humans!]]
"I will not represent this!"

Ash angrily complained, but Rebecca coughed loudly with "Ahem".

Suddenly back to reality, cold sweats emerge from Ash.

Disregarding the meeting, Ash and Eco, both of them are arguing.

"So-sorry ...... Hey you come and sit down."

"Hmph. Don’t you order me......!"

Eco wanted to sternly reject, but halfway she closed her mouth. While staring at Rebecca's face… Her expression was like she had seen a wild bear in the forest.

Followed by Eco, Ash's sight drifted towards Rebecca. Facing her. Ash felt the same chill in his spine.

"Are you satisfied?"

Even while Rebecca was smiling… Her eyes definitely are not smiling in the slightest.

"I- I understand ......"

Eco is reluctant to sit down on her seat. Perhaps her animal instinct makes her detect Rebecca unfathomable terror.

"Back to the main point, about SKFC, in all cases, we will be focusing and paying more attention to prevent them from finding out the identity of the ‘Silver Knight’."

Under Rebecca’s glare everyone nodded.

"But fortunately they thought ‘Silver Knight’ is an Ark Dragner, which Eco needs to be thanked for in making the Ark. So SKFC should be less likely to target Ash, who has not become a Dragner. Even I, until now, failed to fully understand how Eco managed that."

"Hmmm. Manage? It is good that you understand how great that is!"

As her previous fear disappeared… Eco started to act arrogant again.

"In short… Jessica is not the kind of person who would easily give up, so you should be careful in this case. Anyway, the secret of the Valentine family, please do not expose it. After all that’s been her secret since her enrolment in this academy. It would be harsh on her if it were to be exposed…… Now on to the main topic."

Rebecca placed her elbows on the table with her fingers overlapping, then she gently lift up her beautiful chin.

Ash noticed that Rebecca was worrying about something.

How tough was the problem that Rebecca was facing?

"The thing is… I received a message… The first princess of Lautreamont, Veronica Lautreamont, will be coming to Ansarivan to visit for a week."

After they heard this news, everyone knew the seriousness of this situation. They all suddenly turned solemn and silent, but right at the next second……

"Noooooo……!"

Silvia was moaning abnormally.

"What's wrong, Silvia?"

Rebecca was concerned about Silvia, but she did not answer.

"An-Anee-ue sh-she’s...... A tyrant...... "

The change in Silvia startled the others.

"Is she really coming to Ansarivan?"

Silvia was trembling and turned pale as if the end of the world was coming. She huddled up and hid under the table. She was shaking with her hands protecting her head.

Silvia, who was usually always energetic, actually had a timid side–– Even when Ash had already known this fact, it was still hard to imagine that Silvia would act like this.

"Are you alright, princess?"

As he was looking under the table, Ash remembered First Princess Veronica Lautreamont's moniker…

She was called the ‘Ironblood Valkyrie’.

"The Legend of Silver Knight ~A.S.B.1365.5~" closed.

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:58:28Z

Frenzy85: colon before a description

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one person, one room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing by the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his that destroyed the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Speaking of the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have a larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something."

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell: Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:56:21Z

Frenzy85: The sentence is not a question.

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one person, one room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing by the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his that destroyed the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Speaking of the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have a larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something."

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:54:47Z

Frenzy85: Since Raymond was speaking generally, the indefinite article "a/an" is the appropriate article to use.

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one person, one room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing by the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his that destroyed the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Speaking of the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have a larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:53:05Z

Frenzy85: "Speaking of" is a synonym to "with regard to" or "on that note"; "talking about" is not an acceptable replacement.

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one person, one room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing by the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his that destroyed the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Speaking of the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:49:28Z

Frenzy85: The sentence structure implied that people not daring to get close to him caused others' impression of Raymond to be destroyed; that is not the case and using a relative pronoun reduces this ambiguity somewhat.

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one person, one room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing by the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his that destroyed the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:41:43Z

Frenzy85: removed unnecessary comma

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one person, one room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing by the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:40:34Z

Frenzy85: Removes ambiguity, namely the fact that the sentence could've meant that you could only see the whole field if you were standing on the window itself.

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one person, one room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing by the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:37:44Z

Frenzy85: hyphen is unneeded for this

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one person, one room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

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==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:36:39Z

Frenzy85: added definite articles before all "Apollo House"s

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between the Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in the Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into the Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:34:34Z

Frenzy85: definite article used before a noun that is known (mentioned in the sentence before it)

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in the Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:32:40Z

Frenzy85: second part was a sentence fragment; colon used before explanation

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House: the dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:30:23Z

Frenzy85: definite article used before a noun that is assumed to be unique.

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at the Apollo House.

The dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:20:31Z

Frenzy85: The second part is a sentence fragment. Colon used before an explanation. Added a conjunction in between the last two clauses (search comma splice)

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl: the girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, and spent every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at Apollo House.

The dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:14:38Z

Frenzy85: narrative: changed to past tense

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It had been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl.

The girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, spending every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at Apollo House.

The dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:13:41Z

Frenzy85: redundant to mention the object of the sentence twice; numbness on the skin while a related action is being performed on the skin is implied

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms…… the numbness from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across his skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It has been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl.

The girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, spending every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at Apollo House.

The dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

User talk:TJYYEO

2014-06-28T22:12:16Z

Frenzy85: /* Use of ellipsis */

Err... I would just like to ask whether if you would mind it I translate V1 C3 for SnKR. Since C3 is that longest champer of all, I really think that V1 could be completed earlier if both of us translate together. Best regards.--[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]] ([[User talk:TJYYEO|talk]]) 09:24, 23 October 2013 (CDT) 
:Sure! Feel free to translate :) ... also, is it fine if I run through [once I finish translating] and change the tense to past tense?[[User:Kenji|Kenji]] ([[User talk:Kenji|talk]]) 04:18, 28 October 2013 (CDT)

Hi there, I would like to ask if we could both use past tense for narration since that's the common form used around here. Thank you. [[User:Zakashi|Zakashi]] ([[User talk:Zakashi|talk]]) 09:12, 14 January 2013 (CST)

Hi, I'm going to try to edit things until someone tells me not to for Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi. Please look over the changes and inform me if something is wrong. I would also like to know if there is somewhere else I should post this instead of pressing that edit button-it just seems weird to me compared to all the other pages I have viewed on this site. Thank you very much for your translations. It would be nice to have the first volume also, but I don't know any specifics regarding that. However, I am still going to try and edit. Ask me for email or something to correct any mistakes I have made please.Vonuss 01:12, 2 May 2013 (CDT)

If I edit some chapters, I would feel much better if I can send them to someone for approval. I made a bunch of edits when I was drinking using the liquid courage, but after I was done someone actually started to edit. This makes me really happy. I didn't expect any response-except to be removed, but instead another person made moves for improvement. I was not sure on many of the tenses because of a bunch of counters going on. I don't have a list of things I have done, but I would very much like to ply my hand to better myself, and in the future maybe be an editor that is more knowledgable and confident. I would like email or transfer of ideas because I have come across paragraphs that I do not understand. Communication would be utmost if I could help out. Thank you Vonuss 03:54, 5 May 2013 (CDT)

I would be helping out on editing on Ryuu Kishi, I found quite a lot of errors on Volume 2 first, though if I made something wrong on it, please don't hesitate to inform me. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

You're welcome by the way, don't hesitate to inform me if I'm wrong kay?
[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

Hi! Just wanted to say thanks for the translations, I'll be making a few minor edits, hope that's OK

There are some sentences that uses a lot of present tenses in your translations, would the translations be incorrect if I change it into past tenses? The sentences are all jumbled up if you read it, plus there are also some sentences that doesn't make sense. I'd contact you more when I decide to edit them, I'll just change some minor edits on spellings and some grammars. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 23 May 2013

Oh,there's actually no problem with that, we're actually the same. Don't worry about it, I'd just consult you some time.[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 28 May 2013

-I am not sure why you are looking for V3 prologue, ZZHK already did it. If you want to do any of the empty V1 stuff (because I am always busy IRL), you can.-ArchmageXin

thanks for translating --[[User:Kai Ran|Kai Ran]] ([[User talk:Kai Ran|talk]]) 06:06, 18 August 2013 (CDT)

While I was reading Volume 4 I found Silvia's addressing towards Veronica a little peculiar. She addresses her father and talks about her brother in one way, however in Chapter 5 it changes during the chapter, and it has changed from Volume 2 where it was Onee-sama. (Though this could be a way she changed from the events of Volume 2.) Is there a reason for this change? --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 17 September 2013

Found this sentence in the latest section given out, I thought about how to rewrite the sentence but I wanted to see what you thought about it. “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken about the rooms, I is my fault too for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” -> “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken the rooms, it is my fault also for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 19 September 2013

I'm editor there and you are right , please change it --[[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

Thanks for SnRK translations. I didn't even realize it had a LN version until I saw it here. Again thanks and can't wait to see more. --[[User:fallton13|fallton13]] ([[User talk:fallton13|talk]])''''''

For the sentence that Gulcasa766 was talking about, shouldn't the second sentence be "I had not only mistaken the room, '''but''' it is '''also''' my fault ..."?
My reasons are as follows:
The correlative conjunction should be 'not only...but also' instead of 'not only...also'(I'm quite sure 'not only...also' is grammatically incorrect since it's missing a coordinating conjunction, although most people would understand anyways. Such cases are what we call a comma splice, which is considered a grammatical error in English).
The placement of 'also' should be either after 'to be'. This one I'm not very sure about, but I believe the placement of 'also' after the object is usually more for poetic purposes.--[[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]])
== Tenses ==

Hi TJ. Thanks for your translations. I just wish to know what tense ''you'' follow while translating. Finding some shifting in tenses due to (previous) edits. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 13:19, 4 June 2013 (CDT)

Then in what tense you prefer the narrations to be? Present or Past? --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:39, 5 June 2013 (CDT)

I am done with the prologue for volume 4. It is in present tense. Simply rush through it and say if it suits your style of writing(TLing). --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 04:00, 8 June 2013 (CDT)

== Seikoku no Ryuu Kisshi (Dragner) ==

I couldn't help but see that you have put in english the chant Eiko recites when equipping the Ark. Going by the manga version, that chant should originally have been written in spanish. Is it because of translating from chinese or the original japanese used japanese terms? If you want to leave it in spanish, it would be "Almete, gorjal, peto, espaldar, brafonera, faldaje, escarcela, bufeta, hombrera, brazal, codal, antebrazo, manopla, quijote, guarda, greba, escarpe, espolón". An double-checking with your version, there are some parts that don't are the same:
:[http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7MCHiUVooE/UV7dxVLOv6I/AAAAAAAACR4/nZvl_gtS8bk/s400/almete.jpeg Almete] - Helmet (Wrong, the correct is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armet Armet])
:[http://www.castel-bayart.com/125-196-thickbox/gorjal.jpg Gorjal] - Gorget (Correct)
:Peto - Breastplate (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg/200px-KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg Espaldar] - Cuirass (Wrong, it should be backplate, since a cuirass is either a breastplate or the combination of breast and backplates)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGlMkLJ6J2M/Ty2gjvnmP5I/AAAAAAAAAko/PAPByK3hlKU/s400/brafoneras_piernas_pantalones_cota_malla.jpg Brafoneras] - Plackard (Wrong, they are the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chausses chausses])
:Faldaje - Faulds (Correct)
:Escarcelas - Tassets (Correct)
:Bufetas - Pauldron (I couldn't find any information about the bufetas, but they seem to be pieces derived from the bufas, that protected the collarbone area, while the pauldrons protected all the shoulder area, so they should be '''gardbraces''')
:Hombreras - Rerebrace (Wrong, this one is the pauldron)
:Brazales - Upper Arm (Wrong, this one is the rerebrace)
:Codales - Couters (Correct)
:Antebrazos - Vambraces (This one is correct, but what I find weird is the fact that the original said "antebrazo", since the correct term is "avambrazo": "antebrazo" is the body part it protects).
:[http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYo-8lGkVPw/T0KzfQ5NIJI/AAAAAAAAA7c/MDKdgQQiOqQ/s400/gauntlets.jpg Manoplas] - Gauntlets (Correct)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y7q4IkPn6Q/Ty6b1BYZbPI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/K_bjUHdwp9o/s400/quijotes+1.jpg Quijotes] - Cuisses (Correct)
:Guarda - Poleyns (This one is correct as a concept, but is usually called "rodillera", since "codales" were also "guardas")
:[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHjwve2A1GlMsNzvNW4mnkzwxfK9iLUdyyChbnKcnYbRSyNSAU Grebas] - Greaves (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Plate_sabatons.png/220px-Plate_sabatons.png Escarpes] - Sabatons (Correct)
:Espolones - Spurs (Correct, [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhDt_7wEOVU/T0az7snLy_I/AAAAAAAAGAY/WtIqfyV8R-E/s1600/970.jpg but you are wrong when you say they were not part of medieval plate armor]; in that image, they are called "espuelas", but that is only a mark of size difference, since "espolones" are bigger, and were an important part of the armor for rider knights)

Check [http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-swords-and-armor/suit-of-armor.htm this].
--[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]]) 11:41, 28 June 2013 (CDT)

Hi, I saw that you needed some help with some words on the forums, for ドルアーマ in romaji it is ''doruāma'' as for 聖法大学院 it is Seihō Daigakuin which translates to
St. Law graduate school/university/etc.

Hello, TJ. I have a question regarding Eco's ancestral heritage. Is she known as the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family' or is it 'bloodline of .... Emperor' ? The question is because 'bloodline of family' will go to even the branch families. For eg, princess' dragon is considered to be a relative of Eco, so even he is the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family'. If it is only the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor' then it will be the direct descendant of the Dragon Emperor. Thanks. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 00:45, 1 May 2014 (CDT)

== Editor: Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi ==
I was wondering if I could help with this project by becoming an editor. I have been reading the series and noticed many grammatical errors and awkward sentences. I'm a native English speaker and quite proficient with the written language. Please let me know if I can lend a hand and I will gladly spend my free time reading and editing! -- [[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]] ([[User talk:JesseAlexander|talk]]) 23:45, 7 September 2013 (CDT)

I would be happy to upload the illustrations too - but I dont know how (the uploading method )so I'll be grateful if you can teach me [[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

I am seeking permission to do some mild editing of your translation for SnRK. [[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]]) 04:07, 25 April 2014 (CDT)

Hi. I'm here to ask for permission to edit stuff. I've recently started reading this novel, and I've spotted several awkward phrasings and grammatical errors just in Vol. 1 alone. I'll be sure to explain all edits that I make properly. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 3:44, 23 June 2014 (UTC+10)

== Use of ellipsis ==

Is it a Japanese thing to use 6 dots for an ellipsis? In English it's 3 dots, and I'm not sure whether or not this should be changed. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 17:11, 28 June 2014 (CDT)

User talk:TJYYEO

2014-06-28T22:11:41Z

Frenzy85: /* Use of ellipsis */ new section

Err... I would just like to ask whether if you would mind it I translate V1 C3 for SnKR. Since C3 is that longest champer of all, I really think that V1 could be completed earlier if both of us translate together. Best regards.--[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]] ([[User talk:TJYYEO|talk]]) 09:24, 23 October 2013 (CDT) 
:Sure! Feel free to translate :) ... also, is it fine if I run through [once I finish translating] and change the tense to past tense?[[User:Kenji|Kenji]] ([[User talk:Kenji|talk]]) 04:18, 28 October 2013 (CDT)

Hi there, I would like to ask if we could both use past tense for narration since that's the common form used around here. Thank you. [[User:Zakashi|Zakashi]] ([[User talk:Zakashi|talk]]) 09:12, 14 January 2013 (CST)

Hi, I'm going to try to edit things until someone tells me not to for Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi. Please look over the changes and inform me if something is wrong. I would also like to know if there is somewhere else I should post this instead of pressing that edit button-it just seems weird to me compared to all the other pages I have viewed on this site. Thank you very much for your translations. It would be nice to have the first volume also, but I don't know any specifics regarding that. However, I am still going to try and edit. Ask me for email or something to correct any mistakes I have made please.Vonuss 01:12, 2 May 2013 (CDT)

If I edit some chapters, I would feel much better if I can send them to someone for approval. I made a bunch of edits when I was drinking using the liquid courage, but after I was done someone actually started to edit. This makes me really happy. I didn't expect any response-except to be removed, but instead another person made moves for improvement. I was not sure on many of the tenses because of a bunch of counters going on. I don't have a list of things I have done, but I would very much like to ply my hand to better myself, and in the future maybe be an editor that is more knowledgable and confident. I would like email or transfer of ideas because I have come across paragraphs that I do not understand. Communication would be utmost if I could help out. Thank you Vonuss 03:54, 5 May 2013 (CDT)

I would be helping out on editing on Ryuu Kishi, I found quite a lot of errors on Volume 2 first, though if I made something wrong on it, please don't hesitate to inform me. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

You're welcome by the way, don't hesitate to inform me if I'm wrong kay?
[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

Hi! Just wanted to say thanks for the translations, I'll be making a few minor edits, hope that's OK

There are some sentences that uses a lot of present tenses in your translations, would the translations be incorrect if I change it into past tenses? The sentences are all jumbled up if you read it, plus there are also some sentences that doesn't make sense. I'd contact you more when I decide to edit them, I'll just change some minor edits on spellings and some grammars. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 23 May 2013

Oh,there's actually no problem with that, we're actually the same. Don't worry about it, I'd just consult you some time.[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 28 May 2013

-I am not sure why you are looking for V3 prologue, ZZHK already did it. If you want to do any of the empty V1 stuff (because I am always busy IRL), you can.-ArchmageXin

thanks for translating --[[User:Kai Ran|Kai Ran]] ([[User talk:Kai Ran|talk]]) 06:06, 18 August 2013 (CDT)

While I was reading Volume 4 I found Silvia's addressing towards Veronica a little peculiar. She addresses her father and talks about her brother in one way, however in Chapter 5 it changes during the chapter, and it has changed from Volume 2 where it was Onee-sama. (Though this could be a way she changed from the events of Volume 2.) Is there a reason for this change? --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 17 September 2013

Found this sentence in the latest section given out, I thought about how to rewrite the sentence but I wanted to see what you thought about it. “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken about the rooms, I is my fault too for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” -> “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken the rooms, it is my fault also for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 19 September 2013

I'm editor there and you are right , please change it --[[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

Thanks for SnRK translations. I didn't even realize it had a LN version until I saw it here. Again thanks and can't wait to see more. --[[User:fallton13|fallton13]] ([[User talk:fallton13|talk]])''''''

For the sentence that Gulcasa766 was talking about, shouldn't the second sentence be "I had not only mistaken the room, '''but''' it is '''also''' my fault ..."?
My reasons are as follows:
The correlative conjunction should be 'not only...but also' instead of 'not only...also'(I'm quite sure 'not only...also' is grammatically incorrect since it's missing a coordinating conjunction, although most people would understand anyways. Such cases are what we call a comma splice, which is considered a grammatical error in English).
The placement of 'also' should be either after 'to be'. This one I'm not very sure about, but I believe the placement of 'also' after the object is usually more for poetic purposes.--[[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]])
== Tenses ==

Hi TJ. Thanks for your translations. I just wish to know what tense ''you'' follow while translating. Finding some shifting in tenses due to (previous) edits. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 13:19, 4 June 2013 (CDT)

Then in what tense you prefer the narrations to be? Present or Past? --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:39, 5 June 2013 (CDT)

I am done with the prologue for volume 4. It is in present tense. Simply rush through it and say if it suits your style of writing(TLing). --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 04:00, 8 June 2013 (CDT)

== Seikoku no Ryuu Kisshi (Dragner) ==

I couldn't help but see that you have put in english the chant Eiko recites when equipping the Ark. Going by the manga version, that chant should originally have been written in spanish. Is it because of translating from chinese or the original japanese used japanese terms? If you want to leave it in spanish, it would be "Almete, gorjal, peto, espaldar, brafonera, faldaje, escarcela, bufeta, hombrera, brazal, codal, antebrazo, manopla, quijote, guarda, greba, escarpe, espolón". An double-checking with your version, there are some parts that don't are the same:
:[http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7MCHiUVooE/UV7dxVLOv6I/AAAAAAAACR4/nZvl_gtS8bk/s400/almete.jpeg Almete] - Helmet (Wrong, the correct is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armet Armet])
:[http://www.castel-bayart.com/125-196-thickbox/gorjal.jpg Gorjal] - Gorget (Correct)
:Peto - Breastplate (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg/200px-KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg Espaldar] - Cuirass (Wrong, it should be backplate, since a cuirass is either a breastplate or the combination of breast and backplates)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGlMkLJ6J2M/Ty2gjvnmP5I/AAAAAAAAAko/PAPByK3hlKU/s400/brafoneras_piernas_pantalones_cota_malla.jpg Brafoneras] - Plackard (Wrong, they are the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chausses chausses])
:Faldaje - Faulds (Correct)
:Escarcelas - Tassets (Correct)
:Bufetas - Pauldron (I couldn't find any information about the bufetas, but they seem to be pieces derived from the bufas, that protected the collarbone area, while the pauldrons protected all the shoulder area, so they should be '''gardbraces''')
:Hombreras - Rerebrace (Wrong, this one is the pauldron)
:Brazales - Upper Arm (Wrong, this one is the rerebrace)
:Codales - Couters (Correct)
:Antebrazos - Vambraces (This one is correct, but what I find weird is the fact that the original said "antebrazo", since the correct term is "avambrazo": "antebrazo" is the body part it protects).
:[http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYo-8lGkVPw/T0KzfQ5NIJI/AAAAAAAAA7c/MDKdgQQiOqQ/s400/gauntlets.jpg Manoplas] - Gauntlets (Correct)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y7q4IkPn6Q/Ty6b1BYZbPI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/K_bjUHdwp9o/s400/quijotes+1.jpg Quijotes] - Cuisses (Correct)
:Guarda - Poleyns (This one is correct as a concept, but is usually called "rodillera", since "codales" were also "guardas")
:[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHjwve2A1GlMsNzvNW4mnkzwxfK9iLUdyyChbnKcnYbRSyNSAU Grebas] - Greaves (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Plate_sabatons.png/220px-Plate_sabatons.png Escarpes] - Sabatons (Correct)
:Espolones - Spurs (Correct, [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhDt_7wEOVU/T0az7snLy_I/AAAAAAAAGAY/WtIqfyV8R-E/s1600/970.jpg but you are wrong when you say they were not part of medieval plate armor]; in that image, they are called "espuelas", but that is only a mark of size difference, since "espolones" are bigger, and were an important part of the armor for rider knights)

Check [http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-swords-and-armor/suit-of-armor.htm this].
--[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]]) 11:41, 28 June 2013 (CDT)

Hi, I saw that you needed some help with some words on the forums, for ドルアーマ in romaji it is ''doruāma'' as for 聖法大学院 it is Seihō Daigakuin which translates to
St. Law graduate school/university/etc.

Hello, TJ. I have a question regarding Eco's ancestral heritage. Is she known as the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family' or is it 'bloodline of .... Emperor' ? The question is because 'bloodline of family' will go to even the branch families. For eg, princess' dragon is considered to be a relative of Eco, so even he is the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family'. If it is only the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor' then it will be the direct descendant of the Dragon Emperor. Thanks. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 00:45, 1 May 2014 (CDT)

== Editor: Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi ==
I was wondering if I could help with this project by becoming an editor. I have been reading the series and noticed many grammatical errors and awkward sentences. I'm a native English speaker and quite proficient with the written language. Please let me know if I can lend a hand and I will gladly spend my free time reading and editing! -- [[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]] ([[User talk:JesseAlexander|talk]]) 23:45, 7 September 2013 (CDT)

I would be happy to upload the illustrations too - but I dont know how (the uploading method )so I'll be grateful if you can teach me [[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

I am seeking permission to do some mild editing of your translation for SnRK. [[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]]) 04:07, 25 April 2014 (CDT)

Hi. I'm here to ask for permission to edit stuff. I've recently started reading this novel, and I've spotted several awkward phrasings and grammatical errors just in Vol. 1 alone. I'll be sure to explain all edits that I make properly. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 3:44, 23 June 2014 (UTC+10)

== Use of ellipsis ==

Is it a Japanese thing to use 6 dots for an ellipsis? In English, it's 3 dots, and I'm not sure whether or not this should be changed. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 17:11, 28 June 2014 (CDT)

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:10:18Z

Frenzy85: waist-long -> waist-length; waist-length is the proper adjective to use, and waist-long is not a word at all

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-length pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms……the numbness of the skin from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across the skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It has been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl.

The girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, spending every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at Apollo House.

The dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:07:37Z

Frenzy85: narrative changed to past tense

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhung the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-long pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms……the numbness of the skin from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across the skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It has been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl.

The girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, spending every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at Apollo House.

The dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
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| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1

2014-06-28T22:07:00Z

Frenzy85: either is used instead of too for statements in negative form

== Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl ==
=== Part 1 ===

Ash's body shuddered. He clearly felt the presence of someone sneaking into his room and crawling onto the bed.

—''You aren't letting me off tonight, either''......?

In the pitch black darkness, the girl's hair and skin had a piercingly cold radiance.

The full moon outside the window overhang the horizon.

Ash remembered clearly that he had closed the curtains before sleeping.

"Fufu...... it's a beautiful night, don't you think so?"

The girl looked at Ash disdainfully with the eyes of a conqueror. Her lips showed a bewitching smile.

"Uuu!"

Ash, who was lying on the bed, suddenly could not move.

The girl had sat on Ash's abdomen with her legs spread out. Instead of oppression, Ash could feel warmth coming from the part of his abdomen that was in contact with the lower half of the girl's body.

A faint aroma permeated the room.

What a bewitchingly beautiful girl.

She had waist-long pink hair with a silver shine, snow-white skin and ruby-coloured eyes.

She was only wearing the bare minimum of clothes and was almost naked.

The two big bulges on her chest in front of Ash's face shook slightly.

On each side of her head grew a horn that was no different from a dragon's.

"Who are you? Why are you always...... uuuuu!"

Ash's question was forcefully interrupted. The upper half of the girl's body slowly approached and hugged Ash tightly.

Her white and smooth skin came into contact with Ash's body with nothing in between.

Her luscious lips whispered into Ash's ear.

"I will also dote on you well tonight."

After letting out a hot breath of air, the girl nibbled Ash's earlobe. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaa—* The sound was similar to that of biting the ear's bone.

“N-no...... Don't do that......!"

Ash's body trembled non-stop as if struck by lightning.

The girl greedily devoured Ash's body. Neck, chest, waist, arms……the numbness of the skin from her tender tongue and sparkling teeth sliding across the skin almost made Ash lose his mind.

As usual, the girl shifted her body as she pleases in that position tonight. It was like a dance.

It has been seven days since the appearance of the mysterious girl.

The girl who appeared at Ash's bedside every night, spending every moment teasing him playfully.

Who on earth is she?

And what motive does she have?

Why are there two horns growing on her head?

The girl never answered questions.

She always danced on Ash's body and left taking light steps slowly.

The girl's teasing was in full force. Ash would always end up lying on the bed exhausted after the ordeal. Currently sitting by the window, the girl was lifting her slender and beautiful legs with a composed expression.

According to his experience from the past six days, the girl was now going to disappear before Ash's eyes.

—''After all, this is only a dream''......

When he opens his eyes, he would be seeing the usual morning.

At least, it has been so for the past six days.

"My name is Navi."

Ash was shocked from suddenly hearing a name that he did not recognise.

This was the first time hearing the girl say her own name.

Ash gathered the last bit of his strength and barely managed to lift up the upper part of his body.

"Navi...... Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"To entrust myself, who is about to be born soon, to you…… consider it a form of ritual."

"I don't get what you mean."

"See you, until next time when we meet in real life!"

Navi's figure became countless silver particles and disappeared in the bright moonlight.

=== Part 2 ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Dong*

At dawn, Ash was abruptly woken up by the sound of a large cannon being fired.

A few seconds later, he then realised that the huge sound was actually from the releasing of fireworks using Oracles.

Ash was at Apollo House.

The dormitory where male students of the Advanced Course<ref>There seems to be another name for the courses such as Yunios for Basic Course as seen in the manga, since my raws used the terms "Basic Course" and "Advanced Course", I shall leave it be</ref> lived at.

A few months earlier, after completing three years of basic courses, Ash had successfully become a first-year student of the Advanced Course and earned the qualification to live in Apollo House.

The biggest difference between Apollo House and other dormitories was the one-person, one-room system. Compared to the past whereby three people had to squeeze into one small room, life in Apollo House was like heaven.

"Uuu......it's cold!"

Ash's shoulders shivered the moment he got out of bed.

The dawn of early spring still carried a deep chill. Bearing with the impulse to rush back into bed, Ash pulled open the curtains.

Ash's room was on the third floor. One could see the whole field by standing at the window.

There were many students in the field at dawn carrying out preparation work for the "celebration". There were also a lot of riders on their dragons.

Teams of Stradas<ref>Literally air/winged dragon (second interpretation was from my translation from Chinese), the only dragons other than Maestros that can fly</ref> swept across the horizon, in preparation for the celebration that was about to start.

The giant lizards running back and forth on the field were the brilliant Asias.<ref>Literally land/earth dragon, it's pronounced as "Aahsia" instead of the way we pronounce the name of that particular continent</ref>

"It is about to start."

The field of such a size was shrouded in a mysterious and unusual atmosphere. Ash started to get nervous.

"Yo, Ash! Time to get up!"

At that moment, Ash heard his friend's voice accompanied by the sound of door knocking.

"Raymond? Give me a moment!"

Ash frantically took out the bandage from the first-aid box.

He wrapped the bandage around his left hand to cover up the «Seikoku»<ref>"星刻", literally star-marked/carved</ref> on his arm.

The pattern on his arm was the proof of a Breeder.

At the age of seven, Ash took part in the «Orphan Ceremony» held in Albion Forest and had a dragon larva put in his body.

Unfortunately, Ash's memories of that time were foggy with a lot of parts missing.

Since he obtained the «Seikoku», by logic he should have seen Mother Dragon within the deep parts of the forest. However, Ash did not even have the slightest impression of having any memories of that scene.

''I really messed up'', Ash thought in self-mockery.

Compared to other students, the «Seikoku» pattern on Ash's arm was especially large.

Similar to a tattoo of a unique design, it extended from his elbow to his wrist like a jet-black snake.

"......Sorry to keep you waiting."

Finished with wrapping up, Ash opened the door to his room.

His good friend, Raymond Kirkland, was standing at the door with a hearty smile.

"The bandage again? Why don't you try something new?"

"Hmph, a normal person like you won't understand my feelings at all."

Ash was displeased. Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

"Sorry, it's my fault...... Hnn? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

"No. Actually,......I had weird dreams for the past week."

"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?"

"A beautiful girl crawled into my bed, then......she did a lot of things......"

It was really embarrassing to speak about this sort of things. Ash blushed while recounting what happened.

Raymond could not resist laughing.

"Are you ''that'' desperate for a girl? That is too exaggerated!"

"Are ''you'' any better? We are in the same situation!"

"Nonono, I am different from you. It's not that I'm not popular with the ladies; it's just that I have not yet found someone suited for me."

Raymond took out a small mirror and started admiring himself.

Almost all the students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy knew that Raymond had severe narcissism. To be fair, everyone acknowledged that Raymond was a handsome young man. However, people did not dare to get close to him due to that personality of his, destroying the great impression he gave due to his looks. It was like ruining your own image the moment you speak.<ref>This is a more literal translation of the expression used</ref>

"......What are you visiting me for so early in the morning?"

Ash said unhappily. Raymond walked into the room as if that did not concern him.

"Did you forget? The competition that we were looking forward to for so long starts today. Talking about the competition, you must not forget about flirting with girls!"

"What has flirting got to do with the competition? You should also get out there and enter the competition!"

The righteous Ash raised his volume, but Raymond had an evil smile.

"If I didn't remember wrongly, you should be the first Advanced Course student since the founding of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy to still have the larva in his body?"

"Uuu......"

Even if he did not wish for it to be so, Ash could not deny that fact. That's right, Ash's dragon companion was still sleeping in his body without any single sign of waking up.

There was not a single change since that year when he was chosen to be a Breeder at the age of seven.

To the students of Ansarivan, to rouse the dragons in their bodies from slumber was the most basic mission.

Other students had obtained their pals in the first year of basic lessons. All except Ash.

—Pal.

This was a very sacred word, representing "the dragon nurtured by the Breeder himself". A larva still sleeping within the Breeder's body cannot be addressed as a pal.

"Ash, to participate in today's competition, you seem to need something?"

"Yeah, I need a dragon."

"That's right. So, do you want to borrow my pal?"

Raymond's pal was called Brigid.

Borrowing Brigid was, of course, one of the options Ash was considering. Actually, Ash already knew that Raymond was planning to skip the competition this time.

However, just accepting Raymond's suggestion like that really hurt Ash's dignity so Ash decided to refuse tactfully.

"I can also borrow Arianrhod<ref>A goddess from Celtic mythology, "arian" meaning silver and "rhod" meaning wheel, many names used in the series are related to Arthurian legends or myths of the same culture</ref> from Max. He's a member of the Student Council and thus cannot take part in the competition."

Student Council members made up the executive committee of the competition and were unable to participate. Max also clearly stated his intention of not participating in the competition.

"You're too naive, Ash. Do you think that Max will lend you his pal?"

"What is it about me?"

"Uohh!"

Raymond jumped in surprise. Turning around, Max was there leaning on the side of the door in perfectly good condition.

"Good morning, Max."

Ignoring Ash's greeting, Max silently adjusted the position of his glasses with his hand.

Maximillian Russell. Ash's classmate, honour student bestowed the title of Dragner by the Paladin, and also the Student Council's treasurer.

"You two being so noisy early in the morning, what happened?"

"Ash was crying and begging me to lend him Brigid to participate in the competition."

"Who's crying and begging you?! Max, can you lend me your Arianrhod? It's just for today."

Yes, for a particular reason, Ash had to participate in today's competition no matter what.

"You want to borrow my pal? In your next life."<ref>Chinese expression meaning that it is impossible to do or achieve it.</ref>

"There's no need to be so ruthless, right?"

"Let's not discuss this matter right now......"

Max sized up Ash with his sharp eyes.

"You should see for yourself the state this room is in! Didn't I remind you again and again that you must keep your own room clean?"

The overbearing Max walked into the room with big strides and immediately started cleaning. Ever since moving into Apollo House, there has never been a day when Ash's room was clean and neat.

"This scene sure brings back memories."

Gazing at Max working hard at cleaning, Raymond could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile.

—Ash, Raymond, Max.

When they were still Basic Course students, they had gone through sentimental times together at Merk<ref>Couldn't really find a name with a mythological reference, so I chose one that had Scottish links, do tell me if you found the right name that sounds the same</ref> House. At that time, having a room to yourself was still a faraway dream and the three of them had to squeeze into a small room. Ash and Raymond had a hard time dealing with Max, who was a neat freak almost to the point of it being an illness.

"......I have always wondered."

Done with cleaning, Max turned around and looked at Ash.

"Why can you ride other people's pals?"

"Well......how should I say this......"

"By logic, dragons only allow their own masters to ride them. There have been many Breeders in the past who have tried riding other people's dragons but they all failed."

"That is indeed true, but I have obtained consent from the teacher, so it should be all right?"

"Why are you still so indecisive when doing things, just like in the past? Sigh, if you really intend to participate in the competition, just borrow Brigid. I'll inform the Student Council president."

Ending with that authoritative tone, Max left without turning back.

"I wonder who's the one that hasn't changed at all."

Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile once again.

Ash suddenly drew close to Raymond.

"You will lend me Brigid, right?"

Raymond nodded his head, his eyes having a peculiar glow.

"Of course, you must make that princess change her impression of you!"

Hearing that, Ash's expression instantly became serious.

"I have that intention, too."

=== Part 3 ===

The grand fireworks were dazzling.

There was a tense atmosphere in the academy, accompanied by excitement in the air.

The "race" Raymond spoke of was one of the names it was commonly known by. The official name was "Aries Dragon Riding Festival". An annual grand event held in the month of Aries (fourth month).<ref>The names of months in the story are taken from the names of the horoscopes in order.</ref>

It was also a springtime activity held by Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Ash, having changed to a Dragsuit,<ref>Term for the clothes worn when riding a dragon</ref> arrived at the academy's sports field.

It was a cloudless sunny day, weather suitable for a race.

Many students on dragons had already gathered on the sports field.

By a rough estimate, there should be around fifty plus people.

Ash was riding on Brigid, which he borrowed from Raymond, using the reins in his hands to guide Brigid towards the middle of the field.

"You're in a good mood today, Brigid."

Brigid replied Ash's greeting with a low cry like a spoiled child.

Brigid was an Asia fancied by Ash. Having four greatly developed legs and no wings, Brigid did not look like a dragon but more like the large types of lizards.

Cheers suddenly arose from the students on the field.

"A good morning to all students."

The radiant Student Council president appeared at the centre of the temporarily constructed stage.

The Student Council president did not have a loud voice, but her words were full of confidence and had a penetrating power.

Fiery red hair, elongated eyes, her beautiful body emitted the cold radiance of a marble statue and terrifying killing intent. Even the petals dancing in the wind paled in comparison.

Rebecca Randall.

The «Scarlet Empress».

Her red hair, bold personality and unparalleled strength were her attractive points as the school idol of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Even the academy's combat skills instructors could not beat Rebecca on her Maestro Cú Chulainn.<ref>An Irish mythological hero. Do google it if you are interested.</ref> When talking about the strongest student of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, 99 percent of the students would immediately think of Rebecca.

"The weather is great today— sorry, I don't want to talk about such nonsense."

The students on the field lowered their heads snickering. "The weather is great today" was the principal's pet phrase, but the festival was an event held by the Student Council, thus the principal did not have to go on stage to deliver a speech.

"Students of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, not only is the Aries Dragon Riding Festival a sports competition, it is also Ansarivan's fine tradition with the results of the race included in the official records. Since you all have decided to participate in the race, then you should aim to stand on the victory podium.<ref>The place medalists in sports competitions stand on when they received their medals.</ref> However, I'm aware that fine tradition and official records are not enough as reasons to motivate you to achieve victory."

The students started snickering again, but the snickering stopped quickly.

"So I decided to award the winner a day-long date ticket as a prize. As for the person you are dating, that will be me, Rebecca Randall."

The moment Rebecca finished speaking, cheers immediately arose from the students.

"Silence!"

Rebecca roared. Instantly, the students were quiet like before.

"Next would be a speech by the representative of the participants. Advanced Course first-year, Princess Silvia Lautreamont."

At Rebecca's signal, a female student's figure appeared at the other side of the stage.

Ash subconsciously clenched his fists.

"The princess is actually the representative of the participants......!"

Silvia's dazzling golden hair was tied up at the back of her head. Wearing a Dragsuit with the royal coat of arms sewn on it, she leapt off her pal— Maestro Lancelot<ref>One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend</ref> and slowly walked up the stage.

The Lautreamont Knights royal family's fourth princess Silvia.

The «Ice Blue Princess».

She was the daughter of the ruler of Lautreamont Knight Country, who holds the title of Paladin.

Ash, whose pal still had not been born after such a long time, had always borrowed the pals of other students during practical examinations.

Otherwise, he would have been retained for the year.

To other students, riding other people's pals was suicide; but to Ash, not only was it not dangerous, it was something natural to him.

No matter how short-tempered the dragon was, it would obediently allow Ash to ride on its back. Whether was it a Strada, Asia or Hydra,<ref>Literally water dragon</ref> he could control it with ease.

Unknowingly, the "Genius Dragon Tamer" Ash's reputation increased, becoming a famous figure of the academy.
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 027.jpg|thumb]]

That accident happened a few days ago.

Ash borrowed Raymond's pal Brigid to participate in dragonback combat training. Being skilled in combat, Ash defeated his classmates one by one in a short time.

It would be a lie to say that he did not feel proud of that.

Concentrated on combat training, Ash did not notice Lancelot walking behind him at that moment.

Not only was physical contact between dragons very dangerous, it was also a situation the academy did its best to avoid.

Everytime before class, the instructor would always patiently remind them.

Fortunately, Brigid's butt only gently bumped into Lancelot's left leg. Both dragon and rider did not suffer any injuries. However, Ash's presumptuous actions infuriated Silvia.

"What do you take combat training for? If you come to the lesson thinking that it is just a game, you will get into trouble sooner or later!"

Other than her special status, Silvia's strict and hardline way of dealing with things was one of the reasons for her being one of the academy's famous people.

Her serious attitude in class and her feat of letting Lancelot grow into a Maestro in only a short time undoubtedly gained her the admiration of many. Her unreasonable demeanour, on the other hand, was widely criticised.

Everyone acknowledged that Silvia was a born beauty but not even one student was willing to be friends with her.

"Urk......sorry, it is my fault."

Ash jumped down from Brigid's back and bowed his head respectfully, apologising.

If this was the usual Silvia, she would have calmed down. Facing an opponent who had admitted his mistakes, Silvia had always been forgiving. It was said to be one of the knight family's precepts.<ref>Basically a set of principles that family members have to abide by. You usually see this in families with prestigious backgrounds</ref>

However, it was not the same this time.

Silvia, still angry, examined Ash from head to toe, not intending to let him off yet.

"You should think with that pea-sized brain of yours! Who exactly is paying the fees for your schooling, uniform, food, accommodation and teaching materials?"

"......Are you talking about the palace?"

"Of course not. Though the one paying is the palace, but the money used comes from the people's taxes. If you continue to have that mindset that this is just a game, then you should just quit school as soon as possible so that you would not continue wasting the hard-earned money of the people!"

"What? Quit school? Are you serious?"

"There is no free lunch in this world. That is one of the Lautreamont family's precepts!"

There was contempt in her ice blue coloured eyes. At that moment, Ash realised why Silvia was called the «Ice Blue Princess». There had been almost no points of intersection between Ash's and Silvia's paths during the phase of Basic Course. This was the first contact between the both of them.

Even if she was a princess, Ash's pride did not permit him to give in.

"The Lautreamont family's precepts are none of my business! I have already apologised. What else do you want me to do?"

"This is not a problem that can be solved by just an apology! You still do not have your own pal, right?"

"Uu......"

A sensitive issue of his having been mentioned, Ash was rendered speechless. It seems Silvia also knew some things about Ash.

"Hmph, like master, like dragon, maybe it died long ago!"

Hearing that, rage burned in Ash's heart.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let it be, Ash. She is the princess, you cannot win against her."

Behind him, Raymond tried to stop him but Ash ignored him.

This was not the first time that he suffered such humiliation. It was no wonder that Ash was the target of humiliation from everyone since he still did not have his pal.

If the insults were directed toward him, Ash could still bear with it.

However, if it was an insult directed towards his pal, he would not let that go easily.

Ash would fight back with all his strength till the other party apologises.

Similar situations having occurred several times, Ash, who should have been the victim, slowly became the problem child in everyone's eyes.

Talking about the most troublesome person in the academy, ninety-nine percent of the students would think of Advanced Course first-year Ash Blake.

"Take back what you said immediately."

Even if she was the princess of the kingdom, she should not humiliate others as she pleases.

So, Ash took a step forward, having no intention to hide his anger.

The lesson was interrupted. Everyone's attention was on Ash's confrontation with the princess.

=== Part 4 ===
Silvia, who had ascended the makeshift stage, observed the students whom had assembled in the sports field. 

Finally, her blue pupils stopped abruptly at one place. 

“………” 

It was evident where Silvia was looking. She was, obviously, staring at Ash. 

That day, Silvia had not withdrawn her words. If the other party had been a boy, at that time Ash would’ve clouted him. However, as expected, even if he wanted to, Ash couldn’t hit a girl. Moreover, she was a princess in the palace circle. 

Instead, he had, reluctantly, proposed an condition. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> If I am victorious in the race in a few days, you will take back the words you said a while ago! 

Silvia, nonchalantly, had commented: “That would be fine” and agreed. 

That was the answer that Ash wanted. 

Silvia, once she stopped staring at Ash, opened her mouth. 

An icy voice shook the atmosphere, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

“You must try your best in any competition. That is my family’s motto <nowiki>------</nowiki> no less” 

Silvia then descended quickly from the stage and, riding smartly on Lancelot, returned to the sports field. 

After a few seconds of silence, only a sparse amount of applause arose from the sports field as everyone was taken aback by Silvia’s haughty attitude. 

“What?” 

“It is obvious that Lancelot is the outstanding one, not his owner.” 

“What is so great about his master?” 

“Wasn't the first paladin originally a knight of the Chevron Kingdom. In other words, only just a fortunate soldier, nothing more. Definitely not royal.” 

“As expected of that brother’s sister”<ref>Chinese phrase that basically refers to the fact that brothers and sisters are the same ... something along the lines of that</ref> 

Ash nonchalantly glanced at a few same grade female students, who were murmuring quietly behind him. 

At first, Ash had taken no notice of their conversation, however: 

“That brother’s sister.” 

That part of sentence caught his attention. 

The ‘brother’ that the female students had said, obviously referred to Prince Julius. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Dragon Slayer Julius. 

Although he was the eldest son of the Knight family, he violated the biggest taboo. 

No one knew why he would slay his dragon, as he was publicly executed for breaching the taboo before he could disclose his motive. 

To bring his name up at this occasion, really wasn’t thoughtful. 

Even if he had shamed the Royal Knight Family, that was ten years ago. There really wasn’t any good in bringing up these old matters. 

“…… She really doesn’t have an easy life.” 

Ash, suddenly, began to sympathize a little for Silvia’s plight. 

=== Part 5 ===
The competition was about to start. 

The row order of the contestants had been sequenced according to the results of the mock competitions that had occurred during training class. 

Usually, the fastest riders were placed at the front. 

However, this year’s dragon riding competition was different. 

The players who were placed at the front, were the worst scoring students of the mock competitions. 

Apparently, it was Rebecca’s suggestion; her reason being that the competition would be more exciting. 

As a result, based on the new rules, Silvia, who had scored top in the mock competitions, had no choice but to be placed in the last row. 

Aside from Silvia, Ash was also in the last row. 

Although the student council had made an exception to the rule to allow him to use another student’s pal to participate in the competition, just to be fair, his starting position had been purposely positioned in the last row. 

Without doubt, this type of order doubled as a safeguard against a sudden surge of contestants once the race had started. 

Nevertheless, despite these new rules, this situation could be said to be favorable to him. <ref>Chinese phrase. Basically the equivalent of "play into the hands of (Ash)" </ref> 

To be allowed to participate in the competition, was already a one in ten thousand chance <ref>In other words, very lucky</ref>. Furthermore, to be placed beside Silvia, was the perfect opportunity to execute their showdown. 

With every minute and second that passed, he gradually became more and more focused <ref>Chinese phrase that literally translates into "retracted his state of mind"</ref>. 

Silvia didn't talk to him. 

Likewise, he felt that there wasn’t a need to converse with her. 

Finally, the preparations before the race were finished. 

The cheers coming from the audience around the sports field’s boarder had reached a climax. 

All around, a unique sense of tension filled the atmosphere. 

Ash clearly felt his own heartbeat gradually quickening. During the mock competitions, he had never felt so nervous. 

“On your marks!” 

Rebecca’s voice emanated from mid-air. 

Clad in a uniform, she was riding on her pal’s back. Essentially, this was breaching the school rules, however, as today was the annual Dragon Riding Festival, no one had raised that issue. 

Arms akimbo, she now stood majestically on top of Cú Chulainn’s head. Her high-spirited heroic bearing immediately attracted everyone’s attention. 

This was her riding position. 

As Cú Chulainn’s body was too big to find a suitable saddle, and also, because she had publicly expressed that she did not want to restrain her beloved pal with a rein and saddle, this evolved into her current unique riding position. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the audience, as she lifted a magic carbine <ref>A carbine is a gun used by horsemen, do Google it!</ref>. 

Only the sound of one’s own heartbeat and the deep breathing of the dragons could be heard. 

“Get set ------” 

The carbine’s muzzle was aimed at the sky. 

Then, when the flash of an Oracle illuminated the horizon, the gun let out an enormous bang. 

Around fifty dragons, at the same time, started to run, leaving behind a cloud of dust. 

The Stradas, whose tails a smoke bomb had been tied to, formed into a column and, at the same time, flapped their wings and flew. While that was happening, the smoke from the smoke bombs formed a seven-coloured rainbow in the sky. 

=== Part 6 ===
Brigid did not betray Ash’s expectations. After his flawless start, he ran flat out, hot on Lancelot’s tail. As they moved around the academy’s sports field, the competitors maintained a distance between each other. 

Then, in the midst of loud cheering, they passed through the school gate that led to the city district. 

“Full speed ahead!” 

At Ash’s urging, Brigid let out a roar. 

Ash intended to, with all his strength, rush through the avenue leading St. Durham Square. 

Maestro Lancelot, possessed an astonishing speed. Within a blink of an eye, he had already overtaken many competitors. 

Brigid tailed closely behind Lancelot’s body, where the effect of air friction was the least, ascending the ranks with him. However, when Lancelot was about to enter a narrow city road, which was connected to St. Durham Square, he suddenly slowed down. 

“……… That’s odd.” 

Ash, who had been following Brigid, raised his head and looked ahead. 

“Them ………!” 

Four competitors, side by side in a row, had obstructed the way ahead. Upon closer inspection, Ash immediately realised that they were the same four female students who had slandered Silvia before the competition. 

Ahead, the narrow city road meandered endlessly, plagued with numerous challenging turns. It seems that until I have exited the city district, I will have to be patient, Ash thought to himself. 

All of a sudden, he grasped their intentions. 

“Those people ………” 

They were probably here to target Silvia. 

Whenever other competitors approached from behind, they would, at once, automatically create a small gap to allow them to pass. 

Bit by bit, Silvia’s ranking was deteriorating. Soon, she, along with Ash, would be last. 

Ash was at a loss. 

Overtaking Silvia wouldn’t be hard. The female students obstructing the way ahead should let him pass. After all, he was a bystander to them, so there wasn’t a need to make things hard for him. 

“You people really have taken things too far!” 

Infuriated, Ash couldn’t help but shout at them. 

“Do you really not care?” 

He exclaimed, in a loud voice, as he spurred Brigid to Lancelot’s side. 

Due to the difference in height between the Maestro and Asia, Ash had to look up at Silvia. 

In contrast, Silvia glanced down at Ash, her face etched with contempt. 

“……… There is nothing that can be done about this, whether it is blocking our way or working together, it doesn’t violate the rules of this race.” 

“Now is the time to act noble! Could it be that you aren’t angry at all?” 

“I don’t want to talk to enemies! Go away, it’s none of your business!” 

“You excessively prideful person, no wonder you can’t make any friends!” 

“Y-You, what did you say!” 

Ignoring Silvia’s protests, Ash spurred Brigid ahead, quickly leaving Lancelot behind and approaching the four female students, whom were blocking the way ahead. 

As expected, as soon as one of the four girls noticed him, she promptly shifted over, creating a gap on her right. 

Ash, without looking at any of them, spurred Brigid straight towards the gap that she had created. 

They probably had thought that he was just going to pass through. 

“Fu ……… you are wrong!” 

With a flick of the reins in his hand, Brigid’s enormous body immediately moved to squash the female students beside him. 

They were now extremely close together, almost reaching the point of breaking the competition’s rules. 

“Hey, what are you trying to do?” 

One of the girls paled <ref>Chinese phrase 花容失色. 花容 - Literally means flower colour / radiance [And it referrers to a beautiful girl] and 失色 - means to lose colour</ref>, due to fright. 

Due to turmoil caused by Ash, the four riders who had been in an orderly row, were now shortening the distance between themselves. Soon they would collide into each other. 

There was only one option to prevent this; to relinquish their positions. However, if they did so, they would destroy their row formation. 

Without doubt, this was the goal Ash had aimed to achieve, and, after achieving the upper hand, he didn’t overlook the chance to gibe at them: 

“I’m very sorry for the trouble I have caused. This dragon was borrowed from someone and it seems to be a little disobedient!” 

The expression of one of the girls, suddenly changed. 

“You are Ash Blake!” 

Whether it was luck or not, Ash’s name seemed to have an profound effect on them. 

“It’s the Number One Problem Child in the academy!” 

“Uhh! Stay away from me!” 

“Kyaaa!” 

The four female students promptly broke formation and, after a brief period of turmoil, they all fell hopelessly at the side of the road. 

Their high-pitched shrieks, along with the roars of the dragons, reverberated endlessly in the narrow city road. 

Silvia, who had been behind, deftly dodged the female students and dragons, and quickly picked up speed. 

“W-Who told you to meddle in other people’s business!” 

In spite of her brusque tone, her cheeks, however, turned slightly red. 

=== Part 7 ===
After leaving the city district, he journeyed north on the main road, arriving at Fianna Forest. 

The forest was also a part of the competition’s course. The skills required were now, were vastly different from the ones needed to navigate through the city roads. 

After just entering the forest, a strange thing happened. 

“……… Brigid?” 

Brigid, who had been tailing Lancelot the whole journey, suddenly slowed down. 

Silvia, obviously, took advantage of this opportunity. In a nick of time, she had disappeared. 

“What’s wrong ………?” 

Brigid, finally, stopped walking. 

He was breathing heavily and his expression was one of great pain. 

Ash, now, had finally realised the mistake he had made. 

“I was too careless.” 

While Ash had been preoccupied with following Silvia, he hadn’t noticed that Brigid had run out of stamina. 

From the start, Brigid had always maintained the same speed as Lancelot, in spite of the difference of stamina between a Maestro and an Asia. Generally, in order to successfully finish the competition, the pace to complete it at, should have been determined from the stamina of the dragon. 

“………Sorry, Brigid.” 

After he had apologised, Brigid let out a soft snort, as if he was ashamed of his physical strength. 

Now, groups of competitors, bit by bit, had caught up. One by one, they raced past Ash’s side. 

The sound of thunderous rumbling shook the earth, as the air filled with dust. 

The sight of a group of Asias running in the forest was spectacular to behold. Ash could sense the ground incessantly rocking. For a very long time, it didn’t subside. 

Ash’s competition, at his point of time, had concluded. 

Between him and Silvia, a winner had been determined. His goal to force Silvia to take back her words, in the end, wasn’t achieved. 

If this was described as unfortunate, it would be a lie. Ash had really wanted to complete the competition. For the entire time, he had made a bee line for the finish line. 

However, oddly enough, Ash’s mood was rather carefree. 

“It turns out that competing with the princess is quite interesting.” 

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t deny this fact. 

Then, at this moment<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

A rustling noise, without warning, came from behind. 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>!” 

Ash instinctively looked back, staring at the forest behind him. 

“………Who is it?” 

For safety reasons, Ansarivan’s security guards would, during the race, patrol the forest. 

In the forest, to sense another person’s presence, wasn’t something to make a big fuss out of. 

However, whoever it was, hadn’t replied. If it was really a security guard, he should have already appeared directly before Ash, who had been eliminated. 

Ash heightened his awareness and cautiously surveyed the surroundings. 

Although he hadn’t discovered any suspicious figures, he felt as though someone was watching him.
He could feel a sense of foreboding growing within himself. 

“Wait for me here.” 

After leaving Brigid there, Ash walked into the depths of the forest. 

=== Part 8 ===
Fianna Forest, bordered on the west by Rubina Lake, was located northwest of the city Ansarivan. It’s one of the largest forests within the borders of Lautreamont Knight Country. 

As Ash ran in the forest, so as to not trip over the tree roots that crawled over the earth like a web of intricate blood vessels, he constantly looked down at his feet. 

Then, once again, he sensed the presence of someone else. 

“Found you!” 

Trusting his own intuition, Ash threw a stone at the bushes in front of him. 

The bushes rocked left and right, making a rustling sound. 

“Your intuition is quite keen. It really is one of your talents” 

Stated a voice that possessed both the vitality of youth and the staid of seniority. 

“You are ………?” 

From the bushes, a tall thin man emerged. In his left hand, he held the very stone that Ash had just thrown. 

Though he was dressed in a traveller’s garb, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, Ash was shocked into silence. 

This was because that man was wearing a silver coloured mask on his face, which covered everything except for his nose and mouth. 

In addition to this, his gleaming sliver hair was streaked through with strands of crimson hair, which brought to mind an image of silver silk slowly shedding blood, as well as the blood used to write cursed scripts. 

In his right hand, he held a black object that emitted light. 

“A mechanical weapon from ……… the Empire<ref>Although the sources don't say so, this 'empire' refers to the Zepharos Empire</ref>?” 

Ash, dumbfounded, stood on the spot, unable to move. 

It’s not like he didn’t know about it. 

On the other side of the steep mountain range, lacking the blessing of dragons, the Empire, nevertheless, had a highly developed civilisation based on machinery. 

The weapon that the masked man held in his hand probably was the product of mechanical engineering. If he remembered correctly, it was a ‘short machine gun’, a gun that combined the portability of a pistol and the rapid fire of a machine gun. Ash didn’t dare to act rashly. He knew that man could easily, at a moment’s notice, riddle him with so many bullet holes that he would look like a honeycomb. 

Perhaps it was because he had perceived Ash’s wariness, the corners of the man’s mouth twitched faintly upwards. 

“Young man, you are very bright.” 

“You are ……… a soldier of the Empire?” 

“Do I look like one?” 

Ash didn’t know what to decide. 

That object in the man’s hand was a weapon manufactured by the Empire. 

However, that man didn’t have an Empire accent. Instead, he had a strong Chevron Kingdom accent. Aside from that, the way he spoke was highly refined. To be more precise, he was speaking so-called ‘King’s Chevrish’. 

Ash realised that he was in a precarious situation. 

If the masked man was from the Empire, why would he be lurking around the outskirts of Ansarivan for? 

Maybe, he was an Empire spy. 

The Chevron Kingdom and the Zepharos Empire, the two great powers of this continent, had been in a Cold War which had, already, lasted five decades. 

Sandwiched between those two countries, was the Lautreamont Knight Country, the Chevron Kingdom’s child country. 

Initially, the Knight Country was part of the Kingdom<ref>Kingdom here refers to the Chevron Kingdom</ref>, therefore, the relationship between these two countries would, naturally, be much closer than any of their allies. 

Currently, should armed personal from the Empire appear within boarders of Knight Country, this country could, and would, interpret this as a military operation of the Empire. 

However, Ash’s strength was finite. He was definitely incapable of opposing the man before his eyes. 

“Young man, how old are you?” 

The masked man’s unexpected question distracted him for a moment. 

“……… Sixteen. Is there something wrong with that?” 

“That’s strange. Why do you still have larva within you?” 

Ash, astounded, subconsciously retreated a few steps. 

“H-How do you know?” 

“The curse on your body allowed me to clearly perceive that.” 

“Curse ………?” 

Ash frowned. He never would never have expected to hear, from the mouth of a person from the Empire, words so unscientific. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to ask what those words truly meant. 

“Get away from Milgauss-sama” 

A tender, yet commanding voice resonated in his ears. 

Reflexively, he looked back and saw a petite figure moving towards him. Then, immediately after pulling an object from its left bracer, the shrill sound of air being sliced sounded by his ear. 

“Argh!” 

Moving his body quickly, Ash awkwardly dodged the surprise attack. A pitch-black serpent passed through the space where his head had been. Actually, upon closer inspection, the pitch-black snake was actually a long whip, the preferred weapon of the Tantalos Tribe. 

Those who master this weapon are said to have an unpredictable attack. Even soldiers armed with swords, guns, or cannons aren’t a match. 

Ash dived onto the ground and began to roll, attempting to distance himself. 

Although his attacker was also wearing a mask, from their exposed eyes, he determined that it was most likely a young teenage girl. 

Her beautiful jet-black hair was fixed at the back of her head and, despite her petite stature, her eyes were filled with murderous intent. 

Ash, improvising on the spot, got up from the ground, grabbed a handful of dirt, threw it at the girl, turned and ran. 

“Argh ………!” 

The girl flinched and, for a brief moment, shielded her eyes. Then she began to pursue Ash. 

Ash, sprinting, plunged into a nearby thicket. 

“Damn ……… why am I so unfortunate!” 

Upon rushing out of the forest, his field of vision immediately widened. 

Above him, a dazzling blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see, forcing him to narrow his eyes. 

Barren rocks, big and small, littered the ground. 

Ash swallowed. This situation wasn’t good. Ahead of him there was a ravine. Its edge was around ten steps away. Ash looked around but couldn’t find a bridge. 

“Obediently accept your fate!” 

The girl appeared from within the forest. 

Ash, with his back to the cliff, confronted her. 

“When did I ever wrong you?” 

“Meeting us. This was your greatest misfortune.” 

The girls tone was flat, lacking any rise or drop in pitch, making her sound emotionless. 

“That’s absurd!” 

“War needs no reason.” 

“Isn’t there an armistice?” 

“Armistice? That nothing more than something we pretend to adhere to. In reality the war between the Empire and the Kingdom hasn’t ended!” 

The girl kicked the ground, and, brandishing the whip in her hand, slowly forced Ash towards the edge of ravine behind him. 

Though Ash scored quite well in the class of fighting techniques, this girl’s movements were too fast. He could only, step by step, retreat backwards. 

In a few more steps, he would fall into the ravine. 

“Hmph ……… I wonder how long you can continue to struggle for!” 

She sounded irritated. In fact, she was most likely an impetuous person. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Now! 

Ash grabbed the end of the whip, which had missed him, and then, with a great pull, broke her balance. 

“Uooo!” 

He grabbed her by her collar and, using her own momentum<ref>Do google Aikido !!!</ref>, hurled her away. Her body traced a parabola in the air. Ash was surprised, as he hadn’t expected her body to be so light. 

“Kawaa!” 

Falling heavily, the girl gave a painful cry and her right hand involuntarily released the whip. 

“Uguu ………” 

Still conscious, tears of misery appeared in her eyes. Aside from that, she was constantly squirming, as if in great pain. She probably wouldn’t be able to stand for a quite a while. 

Steading his breathing, Ash slowly extended his right hand towards the mask on her face. He wanted to see what she looked like. Then, just at this moment. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Bishi! 

A peculiar noise, similar to that of an object fracturing, could be heard. 

“Eh ………?” 

Ash could hardly believe his eyes. 

The outcrop <ref>Exposed bedrock</ref> supporting their weight, unexpectedly, had begun to collapse. 

This was most likely due to a geological fault in the rock. This fight should never have been performed in this kind of location. Then he noticed it, a warning sign labelled “Beware of Collapse”. 

“Ku ………!” 

Ash had no time to ponder. He lifted the girl and threw her forwards. 

She landed safely on a stable piece of outcrop. 

However, in doing so, he didn’t have enough time to escape. Instead, he fell along with the rocky debris into the ravine. 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

The immense drag of the wind almost tore his skin. 

Ash was scared of falling into a bottomless ravine. Then, at this moment, he felt his left wrist heat up. 

“Eh ………?” 

A flash of light burst through his clothing. The «Seikoku», which extended from his elbow to his wrist, suddenly began to emit heat and scarlet light. 

The shrill sound of the wind was silenced. 

In fact, all sound was silenced. 

“Ugh ………!” 

Ash felt an excruciating pain within his chest, as if it was being torn in half, as though something was trying to break out of his body. 

The pain almost caused him to lose consciousness. 

While bearing the pain, he looked down at his chest and found that it was exuding a dazzling radiance. 

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!” 

Ash gave a great scream as his consciousness gradually began to fade. 

However, within his hazy vision, he saw something clearly. 

A girl was floating in mid-air. 

Completely naked. 

With her eyes tightly closed and her arms open, she floated next to him. 

Subconsciously, Ash reached out with both his hands towards her petite body. 

She slid with no resistance into his arms. 

Around them, a blinding light had, unbeknownst to them, enveloped their bodies. 

Not only that, but their descent had slowed down. 

Hugging the girl, Ash slowly floated down, like one would within a child’s fairy tale. 

Before long, they landed on a rock beside a creek. 

The ball of light, which had protected them, instantly turned into countless particles and disappeared without a trace. 

“Am I safe now ………?” 

Ash mumbled to himself, as he looked down at the girl in his arms. 

The breathing of the girl, whose eyes were still closed, sounded rather peaceful. 

“Uwaa!” 

Ash felt a little ardent as he realised that the girl was naked. 

Her dainty figure, along with her slightly bulging chest, and her smooth and delicate white skin was definitely something that was hardly ever seen within this world. In fact, it gave rise to the illusion of an angel descending into the world of mortals. 

Her age was probably around fourteen or fifteen. 

Gently laying her on the ground, Ash swiftly took off the coat of his Dragsuit.[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v1 055.jpg|thumb]] 

Just this coat, he was able to sufficiently cover her petite body. 

“Fuu ………” 

With this done, Ash feeling relieved, sat on the ground. 

Yet again, he looked at the face of the girl. 

“Could she be ……… Navi?” 

Within his mind, an image of the girl who had, since the start of this week, been teasing him within his dreams, surfaced. 

“No, you are similar for sure ……… but still a little different.” 

To draw an analogy, Navi would be a succubus from a Gothic novel, possessing a face that retained the innocence of childhood and also the charm of a mature woman. 

On the other hand, the girl before his eyes was just a girl. Ash couldn’t feel any mature charm from her. 

“……… eh?” 

Ash frowned. Something small, circular and ivory coloured, protruded from top left and right of sides her head. 

“What is this?” 

With his fingertips, Ash gently probed the mysterious protrusions. 

It was soft and a little flexible and seemed to be made of some kind of cartilage. 

The mysterious protrusions had a peculiar feel to it, making him want to touch it again after touching it. However, Ash resisted the urges to touch it again, as it would be impolite. 

Looks like those mysterious protrusions weren’t accessories but part of her body. 

“Could it be ……… horns?” 

The little protrusions on top of her head, indeed, seemed to be identical to the horns of a young dragon. 

Ash couldn’t help but recall the details of the events, that had happen prior to now, in his mind. 

The girl had emerged out of his body and she had two horns growing from top left and right sides of her head. 

As a result, there could only be one conclusion. 

“……… is this young girl my pal?” 

Ash was dumbfounded. 

He had always wished to rouse his pal from sleep, however, why was his pal a girl when everyone else’s were dragons? 

“Uuu ………nnn ………” 

The girl’s long eyelashes quivered a little. 

“Huwaaa ………” 

The girl, in contrast to her beautiful appearance, gave a great yawn. 

One of her double eyelids slowly began to open. 

Ash, subconsciously, leaned forwards and looked at her face. 

Her ruby coloured pupils were very fascinating. 

Bleary eyed, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and her facial expression became one of shock. 

“Hugiyaaaaaaaa!” 

“Oooof!” 

Ash, receiving a slap on his cheek, fell backwards and his head became immersed in the creek. 

Fortunately, the stream wasn’t deep, so aside from his sorry figure, he wasn’t hurt. 

“S-Such great strength ………” 

With blood trickling from his nose, Ash struggled to get up. 

“To go so far as to take advantage of a sleeping lady really is too much! Don’t you know who am I?” 

Blushing hard, she suddenly stood up. 

The jacket that Ash had draped over her body, slid off. 

Her dainty naked body was clearly visible. 

However, she made no move to cover herself. 

“P-Please put on your clothes first before you talk!” 

Ash quickly looked away. 

“Clothes? Ridiculous! Clothes are just items humans create to hide their ugliness.” 

“What?” 

“That’s right, a proper dragon doesn’t need clothes!” 

“I don’t care whether you need clothes or not, just put them on!” 

After saying that, Ash turned his back on her. 

“I know that you are a dragon! Well ……… strictly speaking I’m not sure. However, even if you’re a dragon, right now, you are a girl!” 

“So what?” 

“That ……… naked girl standing in front of me ……… is making me lose my calm” 

“Hmph! Such a useless guy. Like I said, humans are really <nowiki>------</nowiki>” 

At this moment, a strong gust of wind blew through the ravine. 

Though it was now spring, it still felt chilly when a gust of wind blew on the body. 

“A ……Ahchoo!” 

Compared to her arrogant attitude just then, her sneeze was extremely cute. 

After her sneeze, an unimaginably huge gust of wind headed towards Ash. 

“Uoo!” 

Immediately, Ash clung onto the rock next to him and, like this, prevented himself from getting blown away. 

“A dragons’ sneeze turns out to be quite formidable ………” 

After calming himself down, with his back towards the girl, Ash proceeded to defend his opinion: 

“You’re right, clothes make people look better. However, apart from that, they also protect against the cold!” 

“Muuu ………” 

The girl pouted, as if she didn’t quite agree with Ash’s point. However, in the end, she accepted his opinion. 

Before long, there was a rustling sound. 

Cautiously turning his head around, Ash saw that she had obediently put on the jacket. 

As her body was very petite, just the jacket was enough to cover her important parts. However, her legs were still exposed. 

Her white tender thighs caused Ash to hold his breath. Wearing just a male jacket, her current appearance, compared when she was naked, caused one to fantasize even more. 

After directing his gaze away from her thighs, Ash sighed a few times. 

“There is something I want to confirm. You should be the dragon that was within me.” 

“Strictly speaking, I was only temporarily borrowing your body.” 

“Weren’t you within my body for too long? I’ve already become a first year Advanced Course student!” 

“What did you say?” 

The girl eyed Ash with an ominous glint in her eyes. 

Her expression, as sharp as a sword, rested on Ash’s chest. 

“N-Nothing ………” 

Ash, a little overwhelmed by the girl’s reaction, could only reply like this. 

“I am not an ordinary dragon. Do not lump me with the others.” 

“Whaa?” 

Clearly displeased, the girl planted both her hands on her hips and looked at Ash. 

“Listen carefully, I do not think that you think that you are my master at all! Who cares about the secret agreement of Albion ………” 

Ash was a little surprised when the girl mentioned that historical term. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>The secret agreement of Albion 

Long ago, confronted with the crisis of extinction, the dragons stipulated a treaty with humans who wanted their magic. 

“……… That being said, you and I share a common destiny. Although you can't see it, we are bound together by an invisible thread.” 

What she was talking about was probably the so-called Astral Flow. 

“After combining with humans, dragons are able to get a supply of the Astral. As a result, dragons obtained the strength to survive, thus overcoming the crisis of extinction.” 

This knowledge was taught during the Basic Course. The Astral was something similar to “qi”<ref>Look it up here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi</ref> and was the source of greatly-needed strength. 

The history of the dragons was far longer than that of humans. With each new generation, the Astral contained within their bodies decreased. 

Due to the lack of the Astral, before becoming fully grown, many young dragons died prematurely. 

If young dragons were unable to mature into adult dragons, sooner or later, dragons would go down the path of extinction. 

Concerned by the current situation, the dragons decided to combine with the humans who possessed the most Astral Flow, thus avoiding extinction. 

“Quite so. However, even so, I don’t believe the dragons owe humans one. Instead, humans should feel honoured.” 

“No, shouldn’t you at least feel a little thankful?” 

Having just finished speaking, Ash’s abdomen received a blow from the girl’s elbow. 

“Gah!” 

“By the way …” 

After glancing at Ash, who was writhing in pain, the girl, thinking about something, suddenly turned away. Her vigour, that she had displayed just then, disappeared and was replaced by bashfulness and embarrassment. 

“M-My name ……” 

“Ehh?” 

Ash, puzzled, frowned. The girl turned a shade of bright red and shouted. 

“My …… name, my name! Give me a name! T-This is a, somewhat, very important thing!” 

“Do you really want me to give you a name?” 

“It can’t be helped! Although I don’t approve of the secret agreement of Albion, I too, can't break the rules! You must give me a name for the contract to be complete!” 

“Is that so? The dragons also have so many difficult rules.” 

“I-I don’t need things like your sympathy!” 

Faced with the girl's extreme attitude, Ash made a bitter smile. 

“If that’s how it’s going to go, relax. I have already thought of your name” 

Ever since he had become a Breeder, he had always remembered this name. 

“Your name is Eco” 

Compared to Lancelot and Cú Chulainn, it was a little out of fashion. However, it was a rather historical name, frequently appearing in historical or religious textbooks. 

<nowiki>------</nowiki>First year of A.S.B. <ref>(After Saint's Birth)</ref> 

For the first time in human history, a young maiden succeeded in rousing a larva from its slumber. 

Her name was Rosa Maria. 

After her death, people referred to her as a saint, as she was the primogenitor of Breeders. 

At that time, her pal’s name was Eco. 

“Eco ……” 

The girl looked distracted and her dangerous expression eased up. 

“Nnn, not bad. Eco …… congratulation for thinking up this name. Fine, for now I’ll spare you!” 

“Phew, luckily you quite like this name.” 

If the name chosen had been deemed unacceptable, perhaps he would have become a victim of violence. Coming to this conclusion, Ash could feel cold sweat starting to form. 

“Oh, by the way, although you had just awoken, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the secret agreement of Albion and Astral Flow.” 

Although Ash didn’t say this with the intention to flatter, she, nevertheless, puffed out her chest in pride. 

“This is the greatest difference between wisdom-filled dragons and the stupid, ignorant humans.” 

“Seriously, humans aren’t that bad, are they?” 

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>Dragweiss” 

“Ehh?” 

Eco suddenly began to stare off into the distance, taking Ash by surprise. 

“In order to survive, the still slumbering larvae will automatically inherit relevant knowledge. As this inherited knowledge is beyond generations, there is no need for others to teach them.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing …… By the way, since you are a dragon, why do you take the appearance of a human?” 

“This ……” 

Eco lowered her head in thought. After a while, she could only helplessly shrug her shoulders. 

“It’s no good, the Dragweiss doesn’t contain records pertaining to this …… No, there should be related records, except they can't be accessed. Forget about it, I don’t know! Don’t ask about it anymore, or I’ll crush you!” 

“That’s no good ……? I still want to live for a few more years!” 

Thinking about Eco’s unordinary strength, Ash shuddered. 

At this moment, Ash suddenly remembered something, he still hadn’t introduced himself! 

Thus, he calmed his wild heartbeat, and extended his right hand towards Eco. Regardless, Eco would always remain his pal. 

To obtain his own pal had been his wish for many years. 

“Muu …… what are you doing?” 

“I’m called Ash, from this day on, I am your master!” 

“What?” 

Eco not only refused to accept Ash’s goodwill, but also widened her eyes and stared at Ash. 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“You seem to have misunderstood something, I think I’d better clear it up. You are not my master.” 

Straightening her runway-like chest, Eco’s eyes began to emit a strange aura. 

“I’m the one who is your master!” 

Once again, a bone-chilling icy wind blew through the ravine. 

=== Part 9 ===
…… A few hours later. 

Sure enough, Silvia didn’t betray people’s expectations, with a manner befitting of the Jedi in ‘Return of the Jedi’, she claimed first place and<nowiki>------</nowiki> 

Security guards within the forest found Brigid, decided that the rider must have encountered a mishap, and immediately formed a rescue team, and began to search for the rider. 

The rider was called Ash Blake, a first year Advanced Course student who rode his friend’s pal to compete, the Number One Problem Child of the academy. 

The student council president, Rebecca, and many other students all joined the rescue team. 

As Fianna Forest covered an extensive plot of land, at first, they believed that the rescue operation wouldn’t succeed; however, before long, they found Ash and Eco. 

Cú Chulainn, with Rebecca riding on its head, without turning back, flew straight towards the ravine bordering the forest, as if attracted by some sort of force. 

Afterwards, Rebecca commented: 

“Today was the first time Cú Chulainn disobeyed my order.” 
 

''“The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty ~A.S.B.1365.4~” is closed.''

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue

2014-06-28T22:05:46Z

Frenzy85: nonessential explanations sandwiched between commas

==Prologue==
Lautreamont Knight Country, people called it the country of Dragon Breeders.

To its north was the Zepharos Empire, while to its south was the Chevron Kingdom.

Sandwiched between the two major powers; a small country, with a population of no more than five million, had a special academy.

Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Educating and guiding teenage boys and girls who formed contracts with dragons -- an academy for Dragon Breeders.

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Illustrations|Illustrations]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

User talk:TJYYEO

2014-06-22T18:30:48Z

Frenzy85:

Err... I would just like to ask whether if you would mind it I translate V1 C3 for SnKR. Since C3 is that longest champer of all, I really think that V1 could be completed earlier if both of us translate together. Best regards.--[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]] ([[User talk:TJYYEO|talk]]) 09:24, 23 October 2013 (CDT) 
:Sure! Feel free to translate :) ... also, is it fine if I run through [once I finish translating] and change the tense to past tense?[[User:Kenji|Kenji]] ([[User talk:Kenji|talk]]) 04:18, 28 October 2013 (CDT)

Hi there, I would like to ask if we could both use past tense for narration since that's the common form used around here. Thank you. [[User:Zakashi|Zakashi]] ([[User talk:Zakashi|talk]]) 09:12, 14 January 2013 (CST)

Hi, I'm going to try to edit things until someone tells me not to for Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi. Please look over the changes and inform me if something is wrong. I would also like to know if there is somewhere else I should post this instead of pressing that edit button-it just seems weird to me compared to all the other pages I have viewed on this site. Thank you very much for your translations. It would be nice to have the first volume also, but I don't know any specifics regarding that. However, I am still going to try and edit. Ask me for email or something to correct any mistakes I have made please.Vonuss 01:12, 2 May 2013 (CDT)

If I edit some chapters, I would feel much better if I can send them to someone for approval. I made a bunch of edits when I was drinking using the liquid courage, but after I was done someone actually started to edit. This makes me really happy. I didn't expect any response-except to be removed, but instead another person made moves for improvement. I was not sure on many of the tenses because of a bunch of counters going on. I don't have a list of things I have done, but I would very much like to ply my hand to better myself, and in the future maybe be an editor that is more knowledgable and confident. I would like email or transfer of ideas because I have come across paragraphs that I do not understand. Communication would be utmost if I could help out. Thank you Vonuss 03:54, 5 May 2013 (CDT)

I would be helping out on editing on Ryuu Kishi, I found quite a lot of errors on Volume 2 first, though if I made something wrong on it, please don't hesitate to inform me. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

You're welcome by the way, don't hesitate to inform me if I'm wrong kay?
[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

Hi! Just wanted to say thanks for the translations, I'll be making a few minor edits, hope that's OK

There are some sentences that uses a lot of present tenses in your translations, would the translations be incorrect if I change it into past tenses? The sentences are all jumbled up if you read it, plus there are also some sentences that doesn't make sense. I'd contact you more when I decide to edit them, I'll just change some minor edits on spellings and some grammars. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 23 May 2013

Oh,there's actually no problem with that, we're actually the same. Don't worry about it, I'd just consult you some time.[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 28 May 2013

-I am not sure why you are looking for V3 prologue, ZZHK already did it. If you want to do any of the empty V1 stuff (because I am always busy IRL), you can.-ArchmageXin

thanks for translating --[[User:Kai Ran|Kai Ran]] ([[User talk:Kai Ran|talk]]) 06:06, 18 August 2013 (CDT)

While I was reading Volume 4 I found Silvia's addressing towards Veronica a little peculiar. She addresses her father and talks about her brother in one way, however in Chapter 5 it changes during the chapter, and it has changed from Volume 2 where it was Onee-sama. (Though this could be a way she changed from the events of Volume 2.) Is there a reason for this change? --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 17 September 2013

Found this sentence in the latest section given out, I thought about how to rewrite the sentence but I wanted to see what you thought about it. “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken about the rooms, I is my fault too for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” -> “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken the rooms, it is my fault also for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 19 September 2013

I'm editor there and you are right , please change it --[[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

Thanks for SnRK translations. I didn't even realize it had a LN version until I saw it here. Again thanks and can't wait to see more. --[[User:fallton13|fallton13]] ([[User talk:fallton13|talk]])''''''

For the sentence that Gulcasa766 was talking about, shouldn't the second sentence be "I had not only mistaken the room, '''but''' it is '''also''' my fault ..."?
My reasons are as follows:
The correlative conjunction should be 'not only...but also' instead of 'not only...also'(I'm quite sure 'not only...also' is grammatically incorrect since it's missing a coordinating conjunction, although most people would understand anyways. Such cases are what we call a comma splice, which is considered a grammatical error in English).
The placement of 'also' should be either after 'to be'. This one I'm not very sure about, but I believe the placement of 'also' after the object is usually more for poetic purposes.--[[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]])
== Tenses ==

Hi TJ. Thanks for your translations. I just wish to know what tense ''you'' follow while translating. Finding some shifting in tenses due to (previous) edits. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 13:19, 4 June 2013 (CDT)

Then in what tense you prefer the narrations to be? Present or Past? --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:39, 5 June 2013 (CDT)

I am done with the prologue for volume 4. It is in present tense. Simply rush through it and say if it suits your style of writing(TLing). --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 04:00, 8 June 2013 (CDT)

== Seikoku no Ryuu Kisshi (Dragner) ==

I couldn't help but see that you have put in english the chant Eiko recites when equipping the Ark. Going by the manga version, that chant should originally have been written in spanish. Is it because of translating from chinese or the original japanese used japanese terms? If you want to leave it in spanish, it would be "Almete, gorjal, peto, espaldar, brafonera, faldaje, escarcela, bufeta, hombrera, brazal, codal, antebrazo, manopla, quijote, guarda, greba, escarpe, espolón". An double-checking with your version, there are some parts that don't are the same:
:[http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7MCHiUVooE/UV7dxVLOv6I/AAAAAAAACR4/nZvl_gtS8bk/s400/almete.jpeg Almete] - Helmet (Wrong, the correct is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armet Armet])
:[http://www.castel-bayart.com/125-196-thickbox/gorjal.jpg Gorjal] - Gorget (Correct)
:Peto - Breastplate (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg/200px-KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg Espaldar] - Cuirass (Wrong, it should be backplate, since a cuirass is either a breastplate or the combination of breast and backplates)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGlMkLJ6J2M/Ty2gjvnmP5I/AAAAAAAAAko/PAPByK3hlKU/s400/brafoneras_piernas_pantalones_cota_malla.jpg Brafoneras] - Plackard (Wrong, they are the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chausses chausses])
:Faldaje - Faulds (Correct)
:Escarcelas - Tassets (Correct)
:Bufetas - Pauldron (I couldn't find any information about the bufetas, but they seem to be pieces derived from the bufas, that protected the collarbone area, while the pauldrons protected all the shoulder area, so they should be '''gardbraces''')
:Hombreras - Rerebrace (Wrong, this one is the pauldron)
:Brazales - Upper Arm (Wrong, this one is the rerebrace)
:Codales - Couters (Correct)
:Antebrazos - Vambraces (This one is correct, but what I find weird is the fact that the original said "antebrazo", since the correct term is "avambrazo": "antebrazo" is the body part it protects).
:[http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYo-8lGkVPw/T0KzfQ5NIJI/AAAAAAAAA7c/MDKdgQQiOqQ/s400/gauntlets.jpg Manoplas] - Gauntlets (Correct)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y7q4IkPn6Q/Ty6b1BYZbPI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/K_bjUHdwp9o/s400/quijotes+1.jpg Quijotes] - Cuisses (Correct)
:Guarda - Poleyns (This one is correct as a concept, but is usually called "rodillera", since "codales" were also "guardas")
:[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHjwve2A1GlMsNzvNW4mnkzwxfK9iLUdyyChbnKcnYbRSyNSAU Grebas] - Greaves (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Plate_sabatons.png/220px-Plate_sabatons.png Escarpes] - Sabatons (Correct)
:Espolones - Spurs (Correct, [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhDt_7wEOVU/T0az7snLy_I/AAAAAAAAGAY/WtIqfyV8R-E/s1600/970.jpg but you are wrong when you say they were not part of medieval plate armor]; in that image, they are called "espuelas", but that is only a mark of size difference, since "espolones" are bigger, and were an important part of the armor for rider knights)

Check [http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-swords-and-armor/suit-of-armor.htm this].
--[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]]) 11:41, 28 June 2013 (CDT)

Hi, I saw that you needed some help with some words on the forums, for ドルアーマ in romaji it is ''doruāma'' as for 聖法大学院 it is Seihō Daigakuin which translates to
St. Law graduate school/university/etc.

Hello, TJ. I have a question regarding Eco's ancestral heritage. Is she known as the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family' or is it 'bloodline of .... Emperor' ? The question is because 'bloodline of family' will go to even the branch families. For eg, princess' dragon is considered to be a relative of Eco, so even he is the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family'. If it is only the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor' then it will be the direct descendant of the Dragon Emperor. Thanks. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 00:45, 1 May 2014 (CDT)

== Editor: Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi ==
I was wondering if I could help with this project by becoming an editor. I have been reading the series and noticed many grammatical errors and awkward sentences. I'm a native English speaker and quite proficient with the written language. Please let me know if I can lend a hand and I will gladly spend my free time reading and editing! -- [[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]] ([[User talk:JesseAlexander|talk]]) 23:45, 7 September 2013 (CDT)

I would be happy to upload the illustrations too - but I dont know how (the uploading method )so I'll be grateful if you can teach me [[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

I am seeking permission to do some mild editing of your translation for SnRK. [[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]]) 04:07, 25 April 2014 (CDT)

Hi. I'm here to ask for permission to edit stuff. I've recently started reading this novel, and I've spotted several awkward phrasings and grammatical errors just in Vol. 1 alone. I'll be sure to explain all edits that I make properly. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 3:44, 23 June 2014 (UTC+10)

User talk:Frenzy85

2014-06-22T17:50:06Z

Frenzy85: Created page with "Talk page!"

Talk page!

User:Frenzy85

2014-06-22T17:49:20Z

Frenzy85: Created page with "... dot dot dot Ellipsis"

... dot dot dot Ellipsis

User talk:TJYYEO

2014-06-22T17:47:50Z

Frenzy85: /* Editor: Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi */

Err... I would just like to ask whether if you would mind it I translate V1 C3 for SnKR. Since C3 is that longest champer of all, I really think that V1 could be completed earlier if both of us translate together. Best regards.--[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]] ([[User talk:TJYYEO|talk]]) 09:24, 23 October 2013 (CDT) 
:Sure! Feel free to translate :) ... also, is it fine if I run through [once I finish translating] and change the tense to past tense?[[User:Kenji|Kenji]] ([[User talk:Kenji|talk]]) 04:18, 28 October 2013 (CDT)

Hi there, I would like to ask if we could both use past tense for narration since that's the common form used around here. Thank you. [[User:Zakashi|Zakashi]] ([[User talk:Zakashi|talk]]) 09:12, 14 January 2013 (CST)

Hi, I'm going to try to edit things until someone tells me not to for Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi. Please look over the changes and inform me if something is wrong. I would also like to know if there is somewhere else I should post this instead of pressing that edit button-it just seems weird to me compared to all the other pages I have viewed on this site. Thank you very much for your translations. It would be nice to have the first volume also, but I don't know any specifics regarding that. However, I am still going to try and edit. Ask me for email or something to correct any mistakes I have made please.Vonuss 01:12, 2 May 2013 (CDT)

If I edit some chapters, I would feel much better if I can send them to someone for approval. I made a bunch of edits when I was drinking using the liquid courage, but after I was done someone actually started to edit. This makes me really happy. I didn't expect any response-except to be removed, but instead another person made moves for improvement. I was not sure on many of the tenses because of a bunch of counters going on. I don't have a list of things I have done, but I would very much like to ply my hand to better myself, and in the future maybe be an editor that is more knowledgable and confident. I would like email or transfer of ideas because I have come across paragraphs that I do not understand. Communication would be utmost if I could help out. Thank you Vonuss 03:54, 5 May 2013 (CDT)

I would be helping out on editing on Ryuu Kishi, I found quite a lot of errors on Volume 2 first, though if I made something wrong on it, please don't hesitate to inform me. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

You're welcome by the way, don't hesitate to inform me if I'm wrong kay?
[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]])

Hi! Just wanted to say thanks for the translations, I'll be making a few minor edits, hope that's OK

There are some sentences that uses a lot of present tenses in your translations, would the translations be incorrect if I change it into past tenses? The sentences are all jumbled up if you read it, plus there are also some sentences that doesn't make sense. I'd contact you more when I decide to edit them, I'll just change some minor edits on spellings and some grammars. [[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 23 May 2013

Oh,there's actually no problem with that, we're actually the same. Don't worry about it, I'd just consult you some time.[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]] ([[User talk:Alviam099|talk]]) 28 May 2013

-I am not sure why you are looking for V3 prologue, ZZHK already did it. If you want to do any of the empty V1 stuff (because I am always busy IRL), you can.-ArchmageXin

thanks for translating --[[User:Kai Ran|Kai Ran]] ([[User talk:Kai Ran|talk]]) 06:06, 18 August 2013 (CDT)

While I was reading Volume 4 I found Silvia's addressing towards Veronica a little peculiar. She addresses her father and talks about her brother in one way, however in Chapter 5 it changes during the chapter, and it has changed from Volume 2 where it was Onee-sama. (Though this could be a way she changed from the events of Volume 2.) Is there a reason for this change? --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 17 September 2013

Found this sentence in the latest section given out, I thought about how to rewrite the sentence but I wanted to see what you thought about it. “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken about the rooms, I is my fault too for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” -> “S~sorry! It is my bad… I had not only mistaken the rooms, it is my fault also for sleeping on Ash-sama’s bed. I’m really sorry!” --[[User:Gulcasa766|Gulcasa766]] 19 September 2013

I'm editor there and you are right , please change it --[[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

Thanks for SnRK translations. I didn't even realize it had a LN version until I saw it here. Again thanks and can't wait to see more. --[[User:fallton13|fallton13]] ([[User talk:fallton13|talk]])
== Tenses ==

Hi TJ. Thanks for your translations. I just wish to know what tense ''you'' follow while translating. Finding some shifting in tenses due to (previous) edits. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 13:19, 4 June 2013 (CDT)

Then in what tense you prefer the narrations to be? Present or Past? --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:39, 5 June 2013 (CDT)

I am done with the prologue for volume 4. It is in present tense. Simply rush through it and say if it suits your style of writing(TLing). --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 04:00, 8 June 2013 (CDT)

== Seikoku no Ryuu Kisshi (Dragner) ==

I couldn't help but see that you have put in english the chant Eiko recites when equipping the Ark. Going by the manga version, that chant should originally have been written in spanish. Is it because of translating from chinese or the original japanese used japanese terms? If you want to leave it in spanish, it would be "Almete, gorjal, peto, espaldar, brafonera, faldaje, escarcela, bufeta, hombrera, brazal, codal, antebrazo, manopla, quijote, guarda, greba, escarpe, espolón". An double-checking with your version, there are some parts that don't are the same:
:[http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7MCHiUVooE/UV7dxVLOv6I/AAAAAAAACR4/nZvl_gtS8bk/s400/almete.jpeg Almete] - Helmet (Wrong, the correct is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armet Armet])
:[http://www.castel-bayart.com/125-196-thickbox/gorjal.jpg Gorjal] - Gorget (Correct)
:Peto - Breastplate (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg/200px-KHM_Wien_S_XI_-_Jousting_armour_by_J%C3%B6rg_and_Lorenz_Helmschmid_back.jpg Espaldar] - Cuirass (Wrong, it should be backplate, since a cuirass is either a breastplate or the combination of breast and backplates)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGlMkLJ6J2M/Ty2gjvnmP5I/AAAAAAAAAko/PAPByK3hlKU/s400/brafoneras_piernas_pantalones_cota_malla.jpg Brafoneras] - Plackard (Wrong, they are the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chausses chausses])
:Faldaje - Faulds (Correct)
:Escarcelas - Tassets (Correct)
:Bufetas - Pauldron (I couldn't find any information about the bufetas, but they seem to be pieces derived from the bufas, that protected the collarbone area, while the pauldrons protected all the shoulder area, so they should be '''gardbraces''')
:Hombreras - Rerebrace (Wrong, this one is the pauldron)
:Brazales - Upper Arm (Wrong, this one is the rerebrace)
:Codales - Couters (Correct)
:Antebrazos - Vambraces (This one is correct, but what I find weird is the fact that the original said "antebrazo", since the correct term is "avambrazo": "antebrazo" is the body part it protects).
:[http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYo-8lGkVPw/T0KzfQ5NIJI/AAAAAAAAA7c/MDKdgQQiOqQ/s400/gauntlets.jpg Manoplas] - Gauntlets (Correct)
:[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y7q4IkPn6Q/Ty6b1BYZbPI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/K_bjUHdwp9o/s400/quijotes+1.jpg Quijotes] - Cuisses (Correct)
:Guarda - Poleyns (This one is correct as a concept, but is usually called "rodillera", since "codales" were also "guardas")
:[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHjwve2A1GlMsNzvNW4mnkzwxfK9iLUdyyChbnKcnYbRSyNSAU Grebas] - Greaves (Correct)
:[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Plate_sabatons.png/220px-Plate_sabatons.png Escarpes] - Sabatons (Correct)
:Espolones - Spurs (Correct, [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhDt_7wEOVU/T0az7snLy_I/AAAAAAAAGAY/WtIqfyV8R-E/s1600/970.jpg but you are wrong when you say they were not part of medieval plate armor]; in that image, they are called "espuelas", but that is only a mark of size difference, since "espolones" are bigger, and were an important part of the armor for rider knights)

Check [http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-swords-and-armor/suit-of-armor.htm this].
--[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]]) 11:41, 28 June 2013 (CDT)

Hi, I saw that you needed some help with some words on the forums, for ドルアーマ in romaji it is ''doruāma'' as for 聖法大学院 it is Seihō Daigakuin which translates to
St. Law graduate school/university/etc.

Hello, TJ. I have a question regarding Eco's ancestral heritage. Is she known as the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family' or is it 'bloodline of .... Emperor' ? The question is because 'bloodline of family' will go to even the branch families. For eg, princess' dragon is considered to be a relative of Eco, so even he is the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor's family'. If it is only the 'surviving bloodline of ... Emperor' then it will be the direct descendant of the Dragon Emperor. Thanks. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 00:45, 1 May 2014 (CDT)

== Editor: Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi ==
I was wondering if I could help with this project by becoming an editor. I have been reading the series and noticed many grammatical errors and awkward sentences. I'm a native English speaker and quite proficient with the written language. Please let me know if I can lend a hand and I will gladly spend my free time reading and editing! -- [[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]] ([[User talk:JesseAlexander|talk]]) 23:45, 7 September 2013 (CDT)

I would be happy to upload the illustrations too - but I dont know how (the uploading method )so I'll be grateful if you can teach me [[User:Yoyoyo5678|Yoyoyo5678]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|talk]])

I am seeking permission to do some mild editing of your translation for SnRK. [[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]]) 04:07, 25 April 2014 (CDT)

Hi. I'm here to ask for permission to edit stuff. I've recently started reading this novel, and I've spotted several awkward phrasings and grammatical errors just in Vol. 1 alone. I'll be sure to explain all edits that I make properly. [[User:Frenzy85|Frenzy85]] ([[User talk:Frenzy85|talk]]) 3:44, 23 June 2014 (UTC+10)