Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - The Battle at Willingham Mausoleum

Part 1

Sometime during midnight… Ash slowly sat up.

“It hurtssss…”

Because, of the pain in his joints, he couldn't seem to get a good nights' sleep. It was because he played in the water earlier during the day. Silvia and Eco were riding on Lancelot while Jessica was riding on Rhiannon. Without any warning… A normal fun time on the water had turned into a two sided battle field of ‘Fighting for Ash’. If they really wanted to play something, Ash had hoped that it would be a more peaceful game. But the swimsuits worn by both Eco and Silvia was deeply engraved in Ash’s mind. Eco was wearing a white swimsuit which brought out her cute self. Even though her body was still far from perfect… There were still guys who were sure to fall for her innocent look. Although her true ruthless attitude would be exposed as soon as she opened her mou…

On the other hand… Silvia was wearing a sexy bikini. Ash was going to have a nose bleed just by thinking about it. For sure, it wouldn't have been Silvia who chose a bikini exposing so much of her skin, but Cosette, the culprit who must have forced it on her. Ash quickly removed all these troubles from his mind and left his bed. The bedroom in the training camp was a twin sharing bedroom. Max was sleeping soundly at the bed beside. Eco was not in the room because the neat freak Max said that ‘sharing a room with a girl is illogical’ so Eco was now taken care by the other girls.

Logically speaking, since it was Cosette, there should not be a reason for him to worry… But Ash had been together with Eco for a long time. If Eco is not beside him he feels uneasy… As if a part of his heart is missing.

“Can’t… I really can’t sleep.”

Ash sighed and slowly stood up. Then he left the room and wanted to ask for a cup of water in the kitchen.

Ash was walking at fast pace along the corridor of the second floor. The old building felt like a haunted house. The kitchen was located on the first floor so he was headed towards the stairs.

The moonlight shines through the windows. Tonight is a full moon with a silver light.

“…Huh?”

Ash stopped beside a window.

He felt a shadow passed by.

“That is…”

Every single corner of the garden can be seen through the corridor’s windows. A girl can be seen walking under the moonlight. She was wearing a one-piece pajama. Ash recognized her.

“Is it… Lucca?”

Under the moonlight the golden white hair emits a mysterious light. Even her white ceramic-like skin was as if shining. Her pointy ears can be seen indistinctly poking out from her hair.

Lucca walked past the garden with her unsteady steps and through the old back door. Beyond the back door is deep and endless piece of forest. - Norg Forest.

In a blink of an eye… Lucca disappears into the forest.

“Hey… What is she thinking?”

Ash rushed down the stairs to the garden through the door specially used by the instructors. He rushed at a fast speed to the back door then following the stone slabs to the edge of the forest and stops. After he was mentally prepared… He walked to the forest.

But, just as he step into the Norg Forest, he immediately took a steps back.

“…Are you kidding me?”

Ash originally thought that he was used moving in the forest, but that is only limited to day time. This is the first time he was going to enter the forest at night! Even the wet ground had a different smell. The nocturnal animals and night bugs creeps the hell out of him. The lush branches of the trees had the sky covered which blocked whatever moonlight there was from piercing through. Also. There were noises that he suspected to be the sounds of an owl.

Could it be that Lucca is just an imagination? Ash secretly hoped that it would be true.

“Wait a minute…”

The Eckbalds were also known as the ‘Forest Yōsei’. Actually. The self ruled territory of the Eckbalds, within the Knight Country was a wide forest called ‘Eckbald forest’. Maybe, to Lucca, every forest is like the garden back at her home. After Ash mustered his courage, he moved forward while trying to feel his way along with his hands. The rough tree bark made him feel at ease, but every time he touched something slimy, he immediately retracted his hand. If there was a small animal that passed by his feet, he immediately jumped.

“This is bad for my heart…”

Ash complained while walking and unconsciously thought about Gawain. All the other dragons were together in the dragon house of the training camp and only Gawain alone was resting in Norg Forest. It was because Norg Forest was a well known resting spot for dragons.

“I see. She went to look for Gawain…”

Realizing the truth, Ash continued to walk deeper into the forest. After a while… His field of vision widened. In front of him was an empty space with the moonlight shining directly from the sky. There was a pond in the empty space and the water was reflecting the silvery moonlight. Gawain cuddled onto itself while lying beside the pond. Its shining white fur was reflecting the moonlight. Lucca was standing some distance away from Gawain. For a breeder, that amount of distance was weird. Ash found out that Lucca's shoulders were shaking.

“Please, Gawain, I… Can’t live without you.”

Lucca was calling after Gawain in a pitiful tone while Ash hid behind a tree and listened.

“The only Eckbald left in Ansarivan… Is only me. The people in our home town have placed high hopes on me.”

Gawain didn't answer. It was still with its same old self.

“Why must you reject me? I had always treated you as family. When you became a maestro I was very happy. But why…?”

Suddenly. Some unexpected things happened.

“Grrrrrr…”

Gawain actually lifted its neck to scare Lucca. Lucca was afraid to move forward and fell to the ground on the spot. Then she silently cried. The sounds of the owls and the wings of the insects suddenly stopped… Most probably caused by Gawain’s growl. In the silent night the only sound that could be heard, was Lucca's crying.

-Crack! Ash stepped on a dried branch. Damn!- The sound was tremendously clear in the middle of the night. He regretted it as soon he understood what had happened.

“…?”

Lucca, wiping of her tears turned back and looked at Ash’s direction. It seemed that there was no longer any point for him to be hiding. After Ash made up his mind… He walked out towards Lucca.

“You are… From the student council?”

It seems that she didn't remember Ash’s name. But since she also didn't even remember Silvia’s name… This was expected.

Ash stated his name while smiling. “I’m Ash.”

“…Why are you here?”

“Sorry. I accidentally saw you running into the woods…”

After Ash explained. He looked at Gawain.

Gawain had frightened Lucca just now. That was a total rejection. Lucca treated Gawain as her family which was undoubtedly the right thing to do… But Ash still didn't understand why Gawain was not bothered by it. The image of Lucca sobbing remains in Ash's mind… In a few moments, it had turned into determination. Ash stood in front of Gawain as if he wanted to protect Lucca.

“Say, Lucca. The previous experiment… Can I continue right now?”

Lucca gasped.

“This… Has nothing to do with you.”

“No. Of course it has something to do with me.”

Ash took a step closer to Gawain.

“This fellow had made you cry. This alone should be reason enough for me to interfere.”

Part 2

Anya was looking, at Ash's sudden challenge with Gawain, from afar.

“That guy… What is he trying to do?”

Anya followed her plan, which was, working at the training campsite at Allonnes Lakeside presenting herself as a waitress at the student restaurant ‘La Tene’. The work to prepare the food was more troublesome than she thought. It was already midnight before her job was done. On her way back to her room for a rest from the kitchen, she accidentally spied on Ash. She became interested in Ash who had sneaked out into the Norg Forest. After all… The reason, why she worked hard to infiltrate ‘La Tene’, was to investigate Ash Blake. She thought that she had a better chance to come into contact with Ash in the restricted area of the training camp compared to the large area of the school grounds. For Ash to run out into the middle of the forest was out of Anya’s expectation. He even challenged Gawain.

As for the matters concerning Gawain… Anya also heard something regarding it. It was said that it was resting in Norg forest because it wasn't feeling well. Anya couldn't figure out any reason to bring a sick maestro here. The rest of the staff in charge of the foods also didn't receive any information regarding it. - There was probably no reason for the basic staff to know about it. Ash was protecting a girl at his back. To her surprise… She was an Eckbald. Her name should be Lucca Saarinen… thought Anya secretly. She had memorized all the names of the student who attended the training camp before hand.

From their conversations that she could not hear clearly, it seemed that Lucca's and Gawain’s relationship right now was bad. So Ash wanted to help her to solve this problem- This should be the whole picture for the incident. Ash was probably thinking about riding on Gawain just like how he defeated the Necromanica.

“What is this about… Trying to play the hero in front of a cute girl.”

Anya wondered why she suddenly got mad.

Part 3

The sharp claws tore through the moonlight mercilessly. Ash immediately jumped aside from the strong front paw. He would die in a horrible way if he faced it directly.

“Stop…!”

Lucca shouted at the top of her voice but Gawain had no intention of stopping.

After its front paw missed… Gawain’s weakness was exposed. Ash used that opportunity to step on a tree branch to climb up a nearby tree. After he reached a suitably thick branch he followed it out and looked downward. Gawain’s entire back was in his view.

“Uoooooo!”

Ash decided to jump down from the branch. Gawain was not in his riding gear but this was just what Ash wanted. He had decided, that when riding on a dragon, the riding gear would only be in his way. Actually… Ash had heard before, in class, that ‘All the great riders hated the riding gear’.

“You are now under my control!”

Ash successfully landed on Gawain’s back. Like how a horse riding tribe mounted a horse without a saddle… Ash was now riding on Gawain’s naked back . His hands were holding tightly onto its neck. He swore not to let go of it even when Gawain tried to shake him off with its dragon strength.

“Grrrr…”

The thrash that Ash experienced nearly made him faint. He still kept telling himself never to let go. Ash, with all his might, tried to tame Gawain and tried to persuade it to accept Lucca again. But suddenly… Gawain gave an earth shattering roar.

“What’s happening…?”

Ash felt fear. But, unless Ash let loose his grip, Gawain had no chance of winning. As long as Ash remained on its back… Gawain can’t use its breath attack, magic, teeth or claws. If it was so, then what was the uneasiness he was felling. Even when Ash had a complete advantage of mounting it on the back, he felt an uneasiness deep inside as if–he–was the one whose back was exposed to a shinigami.

At that moment there was a wave of magic that felt like it exploded out from Gawain’s body.

“Uwaaa…!”

Ash was thrown into the air by an invincible wall. His sight was spinning. The bright moonlight came into his view for a moment. Ash, who was still spinning in midair, had nowhere to escape. Gawain, like a whip, swatted its tail at Ash.

“*Cough*…!”

It was a direct hit on Ash. An unimaginable strong impact swept from his chest passing on to his abdomen and sent him flying, parallel with the ground, until he hit a tree and only then did he slowly fall to the ground.

“*Coug*…*Cough*…!”

Ash coughed and then even coughed out blood. He probably had internal injuries. He was making some weird noises from his throat… Which was probably caused by a broken bone that punctured his lungs. To make it worse… the blood from his head flowed in to his left eye blinding half of his view. His body totally ignored his orders. Ash felt a cold chill. He didn't know how serious his injuries were. The thing that frightened him the most was… He couldn't even feel a single pain after such serious injuries. As if this body was not his.

Will my life end like this…? Ash almost lost hope.

Eco's face suddenly emerged in his mind.

An angry face. An angry face. An angry face… No matter what. It is always an angry face. Even so… I hope that she would smile to me more often. A pure cheerful smile.

-Stop! What am I thinking about? Isn't this… No different from dying. How could Eco smile at me…

With his back on the tree… Ash mustered all his remaining strength and glared at Gawain.

“Grrrr….”

Gawain was threatening Ash. Ash had just realized there was a thin layer of magic on its body. That's was the reason he was sent flying, it was a thin layer of magic.

“Reflecting type… Defense magic!”

This was a high level magic that could only be activated by a maestro. The effect of this magic was not to neutralize an attack but to reflect it. Even though Ash was only clinging on to Gawain… But it probably interpreted Ash's presence as an ‘attack’. Could this have anything to do with his ability ‘to ride on any dragon’?

“Just what kind of rascal is it…”

Under those conditions Gawain could even use its defence magic to eliminate Ash. If it was any other dragon Ash's 'riding on their back' talent would have them tamed. He already reached his limit. Just before he lost consciousness… He felt that he heard Lucca calling after him.

Part 4

“This can't be true…”

Anya watched the whole breath taking event. An empty handed human versus a dragon… That was clearly a stupid move but Anya still thought there was hope deep inside her heart. Since Ash was the famous ‘Silver Knight’. But the result was clear in a blink of an eye.

“Just what kind of rascal is it…”

Ash who was hit by the dragon’s tail pitifully, remained motionless even though he still remained conscious after he landed. Maybe he was dead. Under the moonlight, he could only be described as pitiful. Not only his head was bleeding nonstop, he even threw out blood. The seriousness of his internal injuries is even hard to determine. Then, Lucca, made a sad voice.

“Nooooo!”

Lucca, who was pale in the face, rushed over to Ash. But she quickly panicked as Ash's injuries were pretty much lethal. She didn't know what to do. At this moment… Anya was thinking about two things.

-If she left him as he is, he will die sooner or later. Serves him right for showing off and ruining Milgauss-sams's plan. This is his divine punishment.

-But I still owe him. If I don’t save him… Won’t I lose my honour as a Tantalos? The fellow had saved me once without thinking about the consequences…

“Damn!”

She was lost for just a moment. Ash's life could not be guaranteed if it was left in the hand of the unreliable girl. If she was unlucky there would be questions about why a staff member in charge of food service, was in the Norg Forest. Well, that would be a problem in the future but she just needed to make an excuse to cover up. Anya rushed out from the trees and pushed Lucca aside. She discovered that Lucca, who was suffering from trauma herself, was trying to carry Ash’s upper body. Didn't she know that simply moving the body of an injured person would put their life in danger?

“What are you doing?! I’ll take care of the emergency treatment. Go and look for help!”

“Y-Yes.”

Even though Lucca was still troubled… She still knew the seriousness of the current situation and there was not a single moment to be wasted. She turned around and ran as if she was trying to blend into the darkness of the forest.

Part 5

“…”

When he regained consciousness… He was in a strange place.

The floors had alternating black and white tiles laid out like a checkerboard. There were many semi-completed objects hanging randomly on the walls. Human bodies, beasts, armours, buildings and many more. On the ceiling was a grand palace-like Chandelier which was a bright-dragon-crystal light. There was an antique bed in the middle of the room and Ash was resting there.

“I remember that…”

I lost to Gawain and was seriously injured. Even though he still remembered the incident… There were only just fragments of memories. Even though he was seriously injured he still didn't feel any pain or even a wound on his body. His uniform which was originally covered in blood had become clean. This was weird.

“Are you awake?”

“Uwaa!”

After someone breathed in his ear Ash immediately sat up in fear. A girl was sitting beside the bed, right next to him without him even knowing.

“It has been some time since we saw each other face to face!”

The girl was beautiful. Her dress clearly highlighted her curves. Even though she had two horns on her head they were still not very noticeable. Her hair was like Eco’s shiny pink coloured hair.

“Are you… Navi?”

Ash had met her about a week before Eco was born. No… ‘Met’ was not the right word to describe this situation… Because he saw Navi in his dreams. The Navi in his dreams had explored his body all over. Just by thinking about it Ash blushed.

“Tee Hee…”

After Navi gave a devilish smile she leaned forward. Ash could smell something nice, but when he found out that he was on a bed, he started to feel uneasy.

“Wait!”

Ash averted his eyes from Navi's huge breast and shouted.

“Navi, if you are here, then… I should be dreaming. Right? No. There is no other explanation. Because I don’t even have a scratch on me right now though I was seriously injured !”

“You are not dreaming.”

“I-If I’m not dreaming… Then I’m in ‘that world’?"

Navi laughed because she probably thought that Ash panicking looked funny.

“This is just the Dragon Workshop! The place where dragons made/make their creations. I’m the one responsible for summoning you here.”

“Even though I still don’t really understand the current situation… At least I’m alive… No?”

“As long as your true body is safe.”

“What do you mean?”

“The you now, here, is nothing but a spirit.”

“Is that true…”

Ash turned down his head to observe his own body.

“That’s right. Your spirit has now left your body. If your body in the material world stops functioning, then you have nowhere to go.”

“Y-You must be kidding! Let me return to my original state immediately!”

“Worry not. There is a reason for me to personally bring you here. This child has something that it wants to tell you.”

Just like agreeing with Navi-

“Kyuu.”

A small animal popped out from over her shoulder. After taking a closer look, even though it had the size of a rat, it's still a dragon.

“That dragon is?”

“This is Gawain. Although it's a maestro it has not yet matured mentally so it looks is like this while here.”

“T-This little guy is really Gawain…?”

Ash kept on examination the small animal in front of him. After being told by Navi… This dragon did indeed have some similarities with Gawain.

“Fufu… If we were to fight right now… Isn't it a sure win for me?”

“Kyun!”

Gawain gave out a frightened voice and hid behind Navi.

“…Tsk. Pretending to be the nice guy. So. What do you want to tell me? Before that, let me say, I was nearly killed by you.”

After Ash asked… Gawain made a soft sound while coming out to stand on Navi's shoulder. It seems that it was trying to ask Navi to become the translator. After Gawain finished speaking, Navi looked at Ash.

“Gawain said that its master is Lucca and Lucca alone. The reason why it rejected you was because it doesn't want anyone apart from Lucca to ride on its back. Even when you were the ‘The Boy Who Can Ride Any Dragon’.”

“What are you talking about! You were obviously rejecting Lucca this whole time…”

“Kyuun!”

After Gawain made another angry sound it then explained its reason for rejecting Lucca to Navi.

“…I see.." said Navi and continued.

"Gawain was worried about Lucca and thus rejected her. According to Gawain… Lucca had fallen from its back about three months ago.”

“Huh…? I have never heard of this.”

Ash felt that he being was hit on the head. Three months ago was the time when Gawain started to reject Lucca.

“The Eckbald, as a dragon affiliated race, regard themselves highly and believe that falling from a dragon is a disgrace. That’s why Lucca never told anyone about this.”

Although Ash didn't really know how Lucca was feeling if it's an Eckbald culture… Then he could only accept it.

“Then… Under what circumstances did she fall?”

“Have you ever heard of the Dragon Riding Dance that is passed down by the Eckbald leaders?”

“No. This is my first time hearing about it.”

“Just like what the words say… It is dancing on a dragon while riding. Although Lucca kept silent about this... She was destined to become the leader. So she must start practicing young. Not to mention, if the Dragon Riding Dance was a success, there will be an activation of various types of magic!”

“So you are saying that, in the middle of practicing the Dragon Riding Dance, she fell?"

“That’s right. Since she fell from Gawain she was traumatized. She stood far away from Gawain. Although she was lucky that she only had light injuries… She now lives under the shadow of those memories…”

“Traumatized? I can’t even see that happening.”

“I think that even she herself doesn't know how much fear is hidden in her heart right now.”

Ash unintentionally said something important.

“Then… Lucca stayed quite far away from Gawain in the Norg forest. She didn't even try to pet it. Even at the seventh dragon house in the academy she also maintained her distance.”

So the unnatural distance was caused by Lucca's trauma…!

“If she tried to ride a dragon, with those mixed feelings, she will one day face serious injuries. If a Dragner was afraid of his pal… His future will be at best terrible and at worst he will die. It's because Gawain is worried about Lucca… So it remained stern in not letting Lucca ride on it.”

“I see. So, Gawain, I can see that you are kind! But why was your Astral cut off?”

“After the magic of Wise Dragon Albion was activated the dragons were under special restrictions. One of them was; The more you go against a master’s orders the less astral you will receive. If this situation keeps on… Gawain will die soon. Even with the Norg Forest supplying some Astral… It is still hard to say whether it can survive for more than five more days.”

“-!”

Ash held his breath.

Only a mere five days. Ash had never thought that the situation was this critical.

“Gawain… Would you rather sacrifice your life to protect Lucca?”

Ash spoke to Gawain seriously but it was with its haughty look. Ash who replied with a wry smile suddenly felt something was off.

“…Huh?”

Ash quickly looked at his own body. His skin became transparent and he felt an irresistible force pulling his body. The truth was… Ash's legs were slowly lifting from the ground. If this continued… Then he would be floating in a few moments.

“Hey, hey… what is…?"

“It seems that you are leaving.”

Navi calmly told the good news.

“Huh!”

Without knowing whether she was enjoying Ash’s changes in expressions, Navi smiled.

“Even though I said that you were leaving… It's different from what you are thinking. Your body is healing and thus summoning your spirit back. This is the law of nature.”

Ash was relieved after hearing Navi's explanation.

“So… I’m safe?"

“That’s it.”

Navi stood up from beside the bed and walk towards Ash. There were some redness on her face. Were those illusions?

“I’ll be waiting for your growth –– ‘Knight of Avalon’.”

“Avalon? What does it mean?”

Navi gave a simple tap on his face as an answer. Although he was still at his spiritual state, he could still clearly feel the softness of a girl’s palm.

“Fufu. You must learn to ride on me as soon as possible!”

“But my pal is Eco…”

“Eco and I are two surfaces on a coin. If you ride on her, it also means, you are riding on me.”

“What does that mean-?”

Ash was no longer able to resist the strong force and was swallowed by the darkness.

Ash was not allowed to ask any further questions. It was because Navi was kissing him passionately.

“Mguk...!”

Navi's watery lips had warped up Ash’s lower lips. Before he could react… His upper lip was also sucked in by Navi. Both of their salivas flowed together. Just when their mouths were wet, Navi forces her tongue into Ash’s mouth.

“....Nn!”

Their slippery tongues were curled together.

...Until he was separated from Navi... Ash's thoughts was in a mess. After this intense experience… Ash only knew that there existed such a kiss. Navi was with her, rarely seen, blushing looks and crimson red watery iris.

“I hope that you can have such a kiss with Eco one day in the future.”

“Wh- What are you talking about!”

“Fufu. Let’s us meet on another day.”

At the same time, as Navi was speaking with her watery lips, Ash was no longer able to resist the strong force and was swallowed by the darkness.

Part 6

“I’m at…?”

Ash had also woken up in a strange room this time. The only thing was… This place didn't have the supernatural feel of the Dragon Workshop. The smell of the antiseptic, white curtains and medicine on the shelves. From the semi-drawn back curtains Allonnes lakeside could be seen with thick white mist. This should be the infirmary for the training camp. Ash suddenly felt that he was touching something weird.

“... What’s this?”

Ash curiously moved his right hand that was under the blanket. It felt slippery and soft and there is a hint of heat from it. It obviously felt like a living thing.

“Eeeehhhhhh!”

Ash was shocked and jumped on the spot. Although his body hurt… This was not the time to worry about that. The moment he flipped over the blanket… He saw something unbelievable. Even after he immediately covered it back up with the blanket… But the image he saw had been deeply carved into his mind.

“Why… Is Lucca here?”

Ash was sweating a huge amount of sweat. That’s right, the thing, under the blanket was no other than Lucca. And… She was naked. Because she slept in such a way, like a baby cuddling up, that’s why at least her important parts were hidden… But the stimulation to his heart was still intense. At the same time… Ash also found out that his clothes were removed totally, although there were bandages on his chest, there wasn't a single piece of clothing left. It was probably that the clothes will interfere with his treatment. So the reason why he was naked could still be explained. But… Why would Lucca sleep on the same bed as him naked?

Ash looked all over the infirmary again. From the looks of the sky it should be morning right now. Not a sound could be heard from the lakeside. Surrounding the bed were silver flasks that looked like lamp stands.

“This is…?”

There were water coloured crystals on top of each of the flasks. Ash found out that they are those expensive Bright Dragon Crystals with healing effect. It was said that the training given in the training camp was strict and thus the amount of injured students were high. These should be the medical supplies prepared by the academy.

“I see… Thanks to the healing magic. I can continue to live on.” nodded Ash after it dawned on him.

Suddenly his chest started hurting.

“It hurts!"

Even when they have used healing magic, it seemed that he won’t be able to fully recover in a short time. Ash unintentionally placed his hand on his head and found out that he also had bandages on his head too. From his injuries, it was apparent, he would be treated as a patient for some time. Just when Ash sighed, Lucca unwittingly made a small noise.

“Nn...”

Her pointy ears twitched cutely.

“Fuuwa!”

After a few moments Lucca, with a very sleepy face, slowly sat up. She generously showed her flat chest to Ash and dazed at him with her sleepy eyes… Until the moment when her vision was focused. She suddenly grabbed and hugged him.

“Luckily… You were all right…!”

“Uwaaa!” Ash was thrown into a panic after being hugged by a lovely Yōsei girl.

To make it worse… They were on a bed… Naked.

“It huuuurts!”

The moment Lucca hugged him tightly his entire chest hurts. Now was not the time for him to blush in the presence of a naked Yōsei body .

“S-Sorry...”

She let go of Ash gloomily. Ash, averting his eyes away from the white tender naked body, simply came out with the question...

“I-It’s alright, because I’m already healed, b-but could you please put on some clothes? Back to the topic… Why were you sleeping on the same bed with me?”

“…”

Lucca reached to pick up her one-piece pajama from the floor, while Ash made use of this time to cover his own naked body with the blanket. Lucca, who had gotten up to put on her pajama, sat down on a chair beside the bed and only then did she answer Ash's question.

“It was because your body’s temperature was dropping… So I’m trying to warm you up.

“I-Is that so. Thank you very much.”

After thanking her kindly… Ash remembered the incident that happened in the Dragon Workshop.

“That’s right…! It may be hard to believe, but… I was at the Dragon Workshop!”

“Dragon Workshop?”

Lucca was surprised.

“That’s it. The workshop where the dragons fabricate their creations. I had a conversation there with Gawain.”

“Huh…?”

Ash tried to explain to Lucca who was stunned.

Part 7

After Ash told her the truth, Lucca was in tears.

“Why… Gawain… Because of me… Just because to protect me… It would rather sacrifice its life...”

When he saw Lucca's shaking shoulders, as she was crying, Ash discovered something. He had thought of her as a girl without emotions. But that was not the truth. She was just someone who can’t express their emotions well. Her crying for Gawain was the only proof needed. Thinking back carefully. It was the same during that time. In the forest during the full moon… Lucca also cried. Ash decision to challenge Gawain was also because of his sympathy for her-

“That’s right. Gawain didn't allow you to ride on its back because it was worried about you. If the rider was to be afraid of its pal… Then his life will be threatened…”

“It’s… All because of me…”

“Summon your courage!” shouted Ash, although he knew this was a little cruel to her.

Because Navi had already notified him in the Dragon Workshop that Gawain’s life has…

“Please calm down and hear me out. Gawain had only a few more days to live… According to the information that I had received from the Dragon Workshop it can only live for a mere five more days.”

Upon hearing that… Lucca was visibly shaken.

“Before that… How many days have I been sleeping?”

After Ash had asked… Lucca answered by mumbling with her face looking more pale than ever.

“Today is… The sixth day.”

“Huh?”

Ash was taken aback. This meant that he had lost consciousness since the first night of the training camp until just now. Although the training camp lasted for seven days, in reality there was nothing wrong about taking the sixth day as the last. Because on the seventh day they would only be returning to Ansarivan- just like that. Also… The main event of the sixth day of the training camp would be cleaning the campsite. The closing ceremony would be held that evening. In another words… The Selective Training Camp was as good as over. But Ash didn't think that he had wasted his time here. The truth wouldn't have been revealed if he had not challenged Gawain. The thing was… They must make sure of Gawain’s safety. If Navi's prediction was correct… Gawain will die any moment.

“Lucca! Look for Gawain immediately!”

“But… I can’t leave you.”

“I’m already alright. Right now, you must only think about Gawain!”

“…Understood.”

Lucca rubbed off her tears and lifted her head. Her gaze was full of determination and it moved his heart. After Ash had nodded to her… Lucca rushed out from the infirmary. Navi had made a ‘five days’ death declaration. But Ash had slept for five days… Just when Ash was worried and held his fist up without being interfered by the pain-

“Ash!”

The owner of the voice who rushed into the room seemed to be Eco. Her shiny hair swayed as she rushed up to the bed side. It was likely that Ash was thinking too much when he thought Eco looked tired. Just maybe, she hadn't slept well and her red swollen eyes alone were enough to give him a heartache. It was possibly because she cried a lot after the incident. Ash thought that his heart was going to break.

-I will not be able to escape from a punch or two from her… feared Ash.

Ash was prepared to be hit, but surprisingly Eco was only cuddling in front of the blanket.

“Baka, baka, baka! I thought that… Thought that you were going to die! What were you doing? You are owned by me! Don't you know that…!”

Eco hid her face in the blanket and started sobbing.

“Sorry. Eco.”

Ash was petting Eco’s head while bearing with the pain. Thinking back carefully… The morning alarm must not have rung yet. But Eco, who was usually a sleep-in, had rushed here early in the morning.

Although she refuses to admit it. She is evidently still my pal… Ash was happy down to the depths of his heart. But the peaceful moment only lasted for a while.

“It is good to hear that you had regained consciousness.”

The student council members, led by Rebecca, rushed into the infirmary as a crowd.

“You moron!”

Silvia unhappily scolded.

“Thanks to you for being an idiot I fully enjoyed a twin-sharing bedroom by myself.”

Max was insulting him while adjusting his spectacles on his nose.

“…”

Only Jessica remained troubled and moved her suprisingly sensitive nose around Ash’s blanket. Logically speaking… She should be the first person to hug Ash…

“…What are you doing?”

Upon asking that… Jessica sharply glared at him.

“What is this about…! Why is the blanket full of Lucca-san's smell! Could it be that Ash-sama… Likes those types of young girls?”

“No… It's not like that!”

Ash became nervous, since it was true that Lucca was sleeping with him, which made it all that much harder to give an explanation.

“What did you say!”

Eco was the first to react after hearing Jessica’s words. It was as if she had transformed into another person. She sniffed the blanket with a cold expression and her eyes widened.

“It's true! This smell of herbal medicine… Is from that Eckbald!”

“C-Calm down. I beg you to calm down first Eco.”

Ash was under great pressure. Although he desperately wanted to escape through the window he was still stark naked. Once he climbed out from the window his naked body will be exposed. This was a situation where he couldn't do what he wanted.

“Hold on… Are you insane? Even I, as your master, was not allowed to enter and had to give up on visiting you. But you…”

“I-Is that so?” Ash had wondered about that.

Judging from what she had said… Lucca seemed to have entered the infirmary without permission.

“Ash. You rascal… There are so many to choose from and yet you choose a young junior and lured her into your bed…? Yet why aren't you concerned about the condition of your own health and how we worried about you…”

Silvia’s body was trembling.

“That’s not it… I didn't lure anyone into my bed! Don’t go on spouting nonsense!”

Too bad for him, but, Silvia didn't have any intention of listening.

“An enemy of women must face the judgment of the hammer of death!”

Aahh, it seems, that inevitably, I’m going to face some pain… Ash felt like crying.

“Ho-Hold on! I’m still a patient… No?”

But Silvia had long ago clenched her fist tightly and was not at all bothered by Ash’s begging. Eco too also angrily lifted her right foot.

“This is Lautreamont's family's rules!”

“I’m gonna trample you!”

Part 8

“Huu… In the end, there isn't a single useful result that was obtained.”

On her right hand was a bright dragon crystal powered torch and on her left’s was a map of the Willingham Mausoleum. Angela sighed in disappointment. Angela alone had gone through the journey of the exploration of the Willingham Mausoleum. Although basically she came here as a campsite instructor… Her original motive was still the Willingham Mausoleum. If not because of this… She would have never agreed to go to the Selective Training Camp full of sweat and smells. This was the sixth day she was investigating the Willingham Mausoleum. Since, the first day she arrived at Allonnes Lakeside, she immediately came here.

“Although the historical value is hard to predict… This is really a letdown.”

Willingham Mausoleum was a grave that was built from a natural cave. The atmosphere was peaceful inside the Willingham Mausoleum which was due to its two thousand years of history. Angela found quite a number of dragon fossils. She had originally thought that since this was a mausoleum, all the bodies would be buried nicely. But, there seemed to be exception.

“…Huh?”

Just when Angela was marching towards the exit. -She suddenly stood still.

In front of her was a strange fork road. Angela, who was always calm, had just turned pale.

“Could it be…”

Angela had inspected the map for one more time. This was a totally different place compared to the intended route. It seemed that she was lost because of her carelessness. Her deduction skills had dropped probably because of her lack of sleep.

No matter what, if I don’t find a way out… I’m sure to meet the same fate as these dragons. Angela feared.

“Since I had been in love with the dragons for a long time… It's not a bad idea to be buried with them... Like hell I would!”

Angela, while commenting to herself, was thinking about her troubles. Basically, all the instructors and students knew she was at Willingham Mausoleum. If she returned late… They will send someone to search for her.

“I’m really… How could I be this unlucky!”

After putting down her luggage Angela rested with her back facing the rocks. She thought that this was not a time for her to be running around in panic.

-Click.

In a few moments… She heard voices that could never be found in nature.

“…?"

At the same time, while making a ‘Ssssssss’ sound, the wall behind Angela moved.

“T-This is?"

Angela immediately turned her head around. The place where there should have been rocks originally, now had a rectangular hole. She immediately shone her bright dragon crystal powered torch. The hole was suspected to be a secret passage where the end couldn't even be seen.

“Could it be that… This mechanism was designed by the dragons?"

Although the details weren't clear… What she was sure of was that she accidentally set off the trigger. But under the eyes of a commoner this passage would just seem like a normal natural cave… After wiping of the dust off her spectacles Angela shouted in joy.

“Who would know that such mechanisms exist. This is the century’s biggest discovery!”

Angela had forgotten that she was in a fix and lifted her bright dragon crystal powered torch while stepping into the secret passage.

Part 9

“This is just too good to be true…!”

At the end of the secret passage Angela gave another cheer. There was a space here that had nothing to do with the mausoleum at all. It was the size of a classroom at the academy. In this dug out space, bookshelves, tables, sofas and other furniture could be seen. There were carpets of different designs on the floor that gave it an elegant atmosphere. After the torch was shone on the ceiling, Angela was stunned.

“That’s…”

On the ceiling was an extravagant chandelier. But it still seemed logical since it had bright-dragon-crystal in it. If any grave robbers had found it, they would be sure to move it away immediately. Angela looked upwards and sang a chant. What she was singing was a basic level oracle and the light immediately lit up. A light far stronger than the torch had lit the room and thus Angela was able to explore every single corner.

“This carpet, without a doubt, it is a dragon’s creation. This design was once very popular among the dragons of about a thousand years ago. The rest of the furniture also has the dragons’ style…”

The dragons, who were at the same time artisans, have special taste for beauty. It was totally different from humans’ design.

“What is the reason for the dragons to build this room…?”

Angela suddenly looked at the table. There was a book that was an inch thick lying on the antique table. The book itself emitted a serious feeling that made it seem like it was the owner of this room.

“Is it… To pass this book to the humans…?’

Angela approached the table and took the book. The over luxurious looks gave a deep impression and the weight is extremely heavy, just like an encyclopedia.

“Could…. This be the ‘Old Testament of the Stella Biblia’…?”

Angela’s spectacles nearly slide off her nose. The Chevron Kingdom and the Knight Country worshiped Rosa Maria and made it as the country’s religion. The bible that recorded the teaching was usually called the Stella Biblia It recorded the life of Saint Rosa Maria and her pal Eco. The believers learned the religion’s teaching through the study of Rosa Maria and Eco’s way of life. The reason why Ash named his pal ‘Eco’ was because of he was influenced by this Stella Biblia.

By the way, although it was said that the ‘Stella Biblia’ had two versions which were the ‘Old Testament’ and ‘New Testament”, only the ‘New Testament’ was recognized by the headquarters for the Rosa Maria religion's - Holy Espada Agency. Just not too long ago even the Old Testament was banned… Angela happily flipped over the pages and read out a few sentences.

“…After the wise dragon Inbroke, two major bloodlines were formed. They are the Avalon’s holy dragons’ emperor’s family and the Nehalennia's dark dragons’ king’s family. An endless war started from these two families-.”

Angela was confused.

“T-This… did this happen during the ancient kingdom…? But it feels like a legend after reading…”

As if it was to help Angela to get rid of her trouble, a sound of another person was heard in the room.

“No, that is exactly the truth.”

“-!”

Angela immediately hid the Old Testament of the Stella Biblia in between her arms and coldly glared at the intruder.

“A grave robber? No… You don’t look like that kind of person.”

“In the ancient times… When the Zono Ton Enlightenment had started in this Ark Strada Continent… The two families who inherited the wise dragon Inbroke's bloodline had started the bloody war."

A tall and skinny guy said this story. The only thing that could be clearly seen was his silver mask. His expression was hard to be judged because his eyes were covered. There were a few strands of red hairs mixing in with the rest of his silvery hair and he emitted an evil aura. Although his attire was of a mercenary, he gave out an extraordinary feel that made his clothes stand out. A girl with oat coloured skin was silently standing behind him. Her face looked handsome and cute but her eyes expressed strong determination. This small sized girl was wearing her tribal gear. The metal glove in her left hand attracted attention and there was a high possibility that there were weapons in it.

“Both of you are…!”

Angela remembered. The two suspicious people that Ash met in the forest about two months ago. Angela had also gone through the reports that the student council sorted. According to it… The girl called the guy ‘Milgauss-sama’.

“Why would both of you come to these ruins?”

Angela acted calm and asked them coolly. On her right hand was a bright-dragon-crystal made ring. The red crystal signified a fire element. Her only winning chance would be the element of surprise… But Milgauss, as if he already knew what she was thinking, said:

“You wanted to use the red-flame dragon’s-breath as an attack. No?”

Angela gasped after her intention of using the oracle had been found out.

“I’ll advise you for not doing that. Those puny flames, that can only kill dragonflies, can hurt me? To dragons, those flames were nothing. Am I wrong Ann?”

“You wanted to use the red flame dragon’s breath as an attack. No?”

“What…!”

Angela’s eyes widen. If that guy addressed her as ‘Professor Cornwell’ she wouldn't even be surprised. Since she was one of the top researchers for the dragons it would be normal if people of the Zepharos Empire recognized her. But Milgauss addressed her as ‘Ann’.

“Y-You… Could you be…!”

In the mean time, she felt something was off. Until the moment her feeling turned into reality, the ‘Old Testament of the Stella Biblia’ had fallen on to the ground. Angela was no stranger to Milgauss's elegant voice. Logically speaking… This is their first meeting but Angela recognized that voice. Once she realized the truth, in her eyes, Milgauss's standing posture and his hidden smile overlapped with ‘the person’ she recognized.

-I knew this guy! But he… Shouldn't even be living…

Angela’s lips trembled while looking at Milgauss's face. How could this be… Angela couldn't help but keep on thinking about the face underneath the mask.

Part 10

It was twelve years before. The young genius girl - Angela Cornwell who was thirteen at that time, had graduated from the University of Fontaine City and wanted to move overseas for further studies. The location was the highest academy institution in Chevron Kingdom, University of Feachador. The education fees were fully covered by the Knight’s royal family. It was in the university’s research lab that Angela met the ‘Ouji-sama’ That time should be around mid-summer, in the month of Leo. That day was the University of Feachador's anniversary and the whole place was crowded.

But only Angela alone was in the research lab still doing research about dragons. The lecturers and the students had gone out to enjoy the celebration. But someone appeared in front Angela who was in the middle of her research. That person was Julius - Julius Lautreamont made use of the Ansarivan's Dragon Riding Academy’s summer break opportunity to visit the Chevron Kingdom. Apart from vacation he also took the job of a diplomat.

“Haha. I thought I saw an angel! Are you the daughter of a lecturer or a sister of a student?”

“I-I, myself, am a student!”

According to Julius… He ran into the university to escape from some troublesome fans. In the end… He had gotten lost. He had a handsome look about him and yet, a somewhat, mischievous behavior. Julius was only sixteen during that time and he was already a dragner. Not only he was strong and smart… He was also an attractive boy. The meeting she had with Julius had left a deep impression in her mind. Julius smile had melted, the lonely genius, Angela’s heart.-

Part 11

The feeling that Milgauss gave out was almost the same as Julius’s. Even after he put on the mask and changed his hair style… The manner in which he spoke was still the same as years before.

“H-How… Is this possible…!”

Angela was stunned. Milgauss had given orders to the girl behind him coldly.

“Do it!”

The girl immediately adjusted the weapon in her left hand’s metal glove- It is a leather whip that the mountains tribes love to use.

“Haa!”

The whip bends according to the girls shout.

The whip swept past Angela with a ‘sss’ and she bent her knees to avoid. Her spectacles were hit and fell to the ground.

“Urgh…”

Even though the girl attacked from the front… Angela’s back was in pain. It seems that the whip easily avoided Angela’s field of vision and attacked from the back.

“B-Both of you… What is the reason for you… to come to Willingham Mausoleum-”

At the same time… Angela thought of the only possibility. The culprit guilty of using the Necromancia, to attack Ansarivan, was yet to be found out. But, according to the time when Milgauss appeared at Ansarivan, it was reasonable to suspect him.

-The crucial material of creating the Necromancia were the bones of the dragons.

If Milgauss was the culprit for releasing the Necromancia, then shouldn't the Willingham Mausoleum become very dangerous? Since there were many bones buried underground…!

“I beg you… Immediately... Leave this place-”

Angela with a trembling voice said towards the students who were at the lakeside preparing for the closing ceremony. Needless to say… No one was able to receive her warning- The girl knocked her with a hatchet and she lost consciousness.

Part 12

After making sure that Angela had fainted… Anya turned around and looked at Milgauss.

“About this woman… How are we gonna deal with her? She is still a good scholar; it is a pity for us to kill her…”

Milgauss replied coldly.

“I don’t need anyone like her. Just end her lif- Guuk!”

The next moment, Milgauss looked strange. He was suddenly breathing heavily in pain and struggling while kneeling down on the floor.

“Guu… This damn person! Such determination… Must he interfere with me-!”

Milgauss was muttering something weird.

“M-Milgauss-sama!”

Anya was nervous when she ran to Milgauss. This was the first time she saw Milgauss suffer to this extend. She had never heard before that Milgauss had any ailment disease…

“…Fear not. I’m absolutely alright.”

Milgauss suddenly stood up which made the pain before look like a show. The feeling though was like after a demon being excoriated.

“Err… Milgauss-sama? Are you really alright? Anything wrong with your-“

“I’m very fine. The main point is-“

Milgauss was looking at the floor. Angela was still unconscious. Milgauss also addressed her as ‘Ann’. The sound of it made it seem like he was calling a close friend or a lover…

"Let’s not bother about this woman. This is a Mausoleum for the dragons. The dead body of a human will only dirty this place."

“…Understood.” replied Anya.

Even when she was still troubled by it, Milgauss had turned around facing another side.

“Milgauss-sama…?’

Anya was confused. She didn't understand what was happening around Milgauss. Just before he turned strange, Milgauss wanted to kill Angela… But why did he change his mind? Milgauss continued to give orders to Anya who was still letting her thoughts wonder.

“I’ll activate the Necromancia in a few moments. Be prepared to head back to Ansarivan.”

“Understood.”

Although she was still worried, about Milgauss's physical condition, Anya still answered immediately. The time for the battle was about to begin.

Part 13

In the evening… Ash had nothing to do. Under the assistance of the healing magic his injuries were now much better. Although his body still hurt he was now able to walk on his own. Also… He was now able to wear a patients’ gown. Anyway. It was embarrassing to remain naked. Having said that. It was the truth that he was still badly injured. Not only his head but his entire body was wrapped up into a mummy. Apart from going to the washroom he was forbidden from going anywhere let alone outside. Ash was staring at the scenery outside the window for quite some time.

“Is the closing ceremony starting…?” He wondered.

At the lakeside, as dusk was ending, the preparations for the campfire were still going on. In about an hour, those logs that were stacked up high, will be burned. Rebecca, Silvia, Jessica, Cosette, Max… These friends, who had visited him a few times in the morning, were hardly seen just before and during the sunset. This was also because they were busy preparing for the ceremony. On the other hand… Lucca should be meeting with Gawain deep in the Norg Forest. Three hours ago, she purposely came back and told Ash that Gawain was still living. After knowing that Gawain was still breathing Ash breathed a sigh of relieve.

The next thing to do was for Lucca to overcome her fear towards Gawain so the Astral, that connected both of them, may continue to flow.

“Zzz… Zzz…”

Eco was sleeping peacefully with her head on the bed. It was probable that she didn't get enough sleep while Ash was in a comma.

“I’m entering. Ash!”

At this moment Rebecca's voice and a knock on the door sounded at the same time. Before Ash could reply she had already walked into the room. Rebecca, who was in her swim wear, wore only a thin shirt covering her top which made her look quite sexy. Rebecca's swim wear was red in colour and since her shirt was unbuttoned, her deep cleavage, thin white waist and the bikini lines were totally visible.

“Rebecca-san…!”

Ash didn't know where to look at.

“Do you feel better now?”

After looking at Eco with her gentle eyes, she looked at Ash with a serious expression.

“I’m fine. I can even go to the toilet on my own!”

“Good. Back to the main point… I’m worried about something.”

“What’s it?”

“Angela-sensei hasn't yet returned from the ruins even after I had advised her that she must attend the closing ceremony...”

Ash was stunned. He had heard about Angela going to Willingham Mausoleum on the first evening of the training camp. In another words… Angela didn't know that Ash was badly injured.

“According to her standard behavior… Angela must be too immersed in her explorations. No?”

Ash gave an arbitrary smile but Rebecca was still troubled by it.

“It is alright if it is just like that… I’m worried that she had accidentally met with a grave robber.”

-Bang! Just as Rebecca was talking.

The door suddenly opened and Lucca entered from outside. Because she was running there was a lot of sweat which was probably the cause for her summer uniform to be wet. It was rare to see her panicking when she always did things so deliberately.

Eco seemed to have been woken by the all the commotion. “Nyuu.“ She made a sleepy sound and she slowly sat up rubbing her eyes while looking around.

“What happened?” asked Ash, more than concerned.

Lucca answered slowly since she was breathing heavily:

“That… kid… Gawain…!”

Part 14

Lucca told the whole story slowly.

-Gawain is dead?

Ash was thinking about the worst outcome but the truth was not like what he had expected. Gawain seemed to hide itself when Lucca was not around. Lucca had been together with Gawain for the entire morning. As long as she overcame her fear of falling from Gawain’s back, Gawain would once again accept her. Thus their Astral will once again be connected and Gawain won’t die. Lucca was facing Gawain with only this thought- But not only did Gawain not accept Lucca it had also hidden itself. Rebecca gently hugged Lucca who was crying.

“Gawain will never discard you. It probably felt that it was finally going to die and didn't want you to suffer anymore by seeing its dying expression. So…”

After hearing Rebecca's assumption, Ash also agreed with it, but Lucca continued...

“We will look for Gawain immediately! Didn't we already find out the reason why the astral couldn't connect? With a little more effort… We will be able to save Gawain! But it had already given up… How can we let this happen!”

Rebecca, still willing to help, nodded in agreement.

“That’s right… I also think so. We need not follow exactly what Gawain wants. The problem is… Where is it hiding right now…”

“T-That…”

Lucca provided information to Rebecca who was thinking deeply. She had rubbed off her tears and set herself with a determined look.

“I think… It must have gone into Willing Mausoleum. That is a grave specially for young dragons… Gawain is still at its juvenile age.”

Rebecca nodded.

“Hmm.. That’s possible. Have you ever before heard the story of ‘The dragon of Willingham’?”

“I had heard of it before. My mom always told me this story when I was younger.”

Part 15

-It was a disaster that happened to a young dragon. When Nuada was young… it still managed to become a maestro. But it could not bear to see its young master suffering in her illness so it cut off its Astral. In the end… Nuada had become very weak. But Nuada swore never to let its master see its dying moment so it left quietly. Later, although the girl recovered, Nuada had died in Willingham Mausoleum alone after some time. When Ash heard this story from his mother when he was still a child, he cried.

Rebecca declared as if wanting to change the atmosphere in the room:

“I’ll never let Gawain meet the same fate as Nuada. So… The closing ceremony will be temporally canceled. I’ll ask all the students to look for Gawain. It will be even better if we could find Angela-sensei at the same time.”

“No! please hold on.”

Ash was against this proposal.

“Let the students enjoy the closing ceremony. I had been unconscious for these few days, so I don’t know what kind of training they had been through, but everyone must have placed their best effort into it. The point for organizing the closing ceremony… Ain't it to congratulate those students who completed the training camp?”

“You are right, but, what were you planning? Could it be…”

Ash smiled.

“That’s right. I’ll be responsible for the search. Rest assure, thanks to the healing magic, I’m almost fully recovered.”

That was actually a lie. Every time Ash moved he felt pain in both his organs and joints. Even so… He still wouldn't give up. Upon hearing this Eco, who was silent the whole time, became angry.

“Are you kidding! Or you must be an idiot! It is clear that your body is still weak… And yet you want to look for that weak dragon!”

Ash places his hand on Eco’s head to calm her down. Even though she was angry, it was still because that she cared and worried about Ash.

“Please, forgive me, Eco. I couldn't just kept on watching silently. That fella is not a weak dragon.”

“B-But…”

“If you worry about me Eco, then why won't you come with me?”

Eco immediately blushed like a wildfire.

“W-What… M-Me… I never worried about you!”

Ash was not bothered by Eco, who kept on denying herself while shaking her hands, and bowed down in front of Rebecca.

“I beg you… Rebecca.”

“Tsk… I don’t think I can say no. Or else, the closing ceremony will go on as usual but all the student council’s members will help in the search."

“No, that won’t work out, if Rebecca-san is absent everyone will be suspicious about it. For such a ceremony… I hope that every student will enjoy it to the fullest.”

“But-”

Just when Rebecca wanted to explain… The infirmary room’s door opened with a loud bang.

“If that’s the case… I’ll take over that job of yours. As a dragner; We must help those who are in trouble. - This is the Lautreamont's family’s rules!” declared Silvia.

Part 16

The search party that had been decided upon consisted of four members - Ash, Silvia, Eco and Lucca. Max and Jessica had agreed to go with them but were stopped by Rebecca. Because if too many of the student council members were absent, suspicion will still arise among the students. Lancelot was now giving four people a ride with Silvia in front holding the reins.

-Behind princess…

Ash, who was right behind Silvia, was in fear. Riding on the dragon while wearing the dragsuit designed for the palace and having her hair tied up nicely… Silvia’s charms as a dragner and a princess emerged. Although Ash had previously rode on Lancelot with Silvia, during the Necromancia's attack, he was totally immersed in the battle that time. He hadn't noticed Silvia’s appeal as the opposite sex.

“What are you doing? If you don’t hold on tightly… You’ll fall.”

After being scolded by Silvia ash made up his mind and stretched out his arms. When his arms finally surrounded Silvia’s waist… He was surprised that her abdomen was so thin and fragile. The third person was Eco. She held on to Ash’s waist gently which probably was because she was worrying about Ash’s injuries.

“You must also hold on tightly.”

When Ash turned his head around, Eco blushed.

“If I use my true strength… Then your body will be squashed!”

Ash gave a wry smile. Eco cared about Ash’s condition, in her own way, which made his happiness run deep down to the bottom of his heart. The last person to ride the dragon was Lucca. She was not sitting on the saddle but the end of the tail.

“Hey, Lucca. Are you alright… Sitting like that?”

Silvia asked in surprised.

“It’s alright.”

Lucca answered lightly. It seemed that she didn't like the riding gear. Lancelot, who was now carrying four people, gracefully flew up and towards the sky.

Part 17

Walking from the training camp’s location by the lake to the Willingham Mausoleum would take about an hour. But, using Lancelot, they had arrived in an instant. Ash thought about Gawain while riding on Lancelot’s back...

-Tsk… Damn that Gawain… Playing hide and seek when it knew it was dying? What is it trying to act cool for… I’ll never allow it to follow Nuada's footsteps…!

Not much later. A stretch of high grounds appeared.

“That should be the entrance to Willingham Mausoleum.” said Silvia while controlling the reins.

Just as Silvia had said… There was an entrance like building in the middle of the hills. The area surrounding the structure was well shrouded by a thin layer of silky mist. There was an altar-like entrance adorned with shining bright-dragon-crystal powered lights that illuminated the surrounding area.

Did Angela walk into that type of place alone…? Ash felt a cold chill just by thinking about it. It didn't matter how you looked at it; This place was just not suitable for a lady to enter alone. It was reasonable for Rebecca to become worried. They also must not ignore the possibility she was attacked by some grave robbers… Just like sweeping away Ash’s thoughts. Silvia shouted:

“Alright, get ready for landing!”

Lancelot gave a brave roar and started the high speed landing maneuver.

Part 18

Milgauss was standing at the top of the hill looking at the world below. Before his eyes was the entrance to Willingham Mausoleum. Looking at the landscape further out; There was the Norg Forest and Allonnes Lakeside. Not to mention the buildings for the training camp. The campfire along the Allonnes Lakeside had been lit at and the closing ceremony had officially begun. On the ground was a coffin-like box. Milgauss opened the lid and took out a gigantic black sword.

This same gigantic sword was the tool used to summon the Necromancia. This was the great result of the Empires’ proud mechanical engineering and the development of the dragons. - The remnant of the Magic Techniques. After Milgauss had returned to his country… He had improvised this device. This gigantic sword, that once looked like a piece of art work, had now become more dangerous and mechanized. The bright dragon crystals on the hilt had increased tremendously. There were a total of nine big crystals and more than twenty smaller ones. If it was to be on sale it could surely fetch a large amount of money. But in Milgauss eyes… The expensive crystals were but tools. Milgauss easily lifted the gigantic sword and stabbed it deep into the ground. This was to send it's magic into the inner part of the mausoleum.

The dragon jaw shaped sword made a deep heavy sound and sunk into the rocks.

“This looks like a tombstone.”

Just when Milgauss was mumbling… A white shape swept passed his eyes. A flying object, that he thought to be a dragon, was getting nearer at a rapid pace. As it flew over he spied the shadow which looked exactly like Lancelot's. Milgauss widened his eyes, that were under the mask, and looked at the evening sky.

“Hmph… The princess. On patrol?”

Milgauss immediately hid behind the rocks. Even though he thought that the sky was dark enough to hide him from the eyes of the rider he must never underestimate the eyes of a dragon. Luckily, Lancelot had quickly begun its landing. It seemed that they were heading for the mausoleum’s entrance. In a few moments he lost sight of Lancelot.

“Let’s begin.” murmured Milgauss exiting from the cover of the rocks.

Grabbing the hilt of the gigantic sword he started to sing out the spell.

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Show yourself by the crystals of the Magic Techniques. The spirits of the young dragons now be revived.”

In a moments time… The bright-dragon-crystals on the hilt began to shine brightly.

Part 19

“A-Angela-sensei… Came to this cave?”

Silvia, who just alighted from Lancelot, was shocked after she examined at Willingham Mausoleum’s entrance. She didn't expect the mausoleum to be this scary. It was fine while the sun was still bright but the now darkening sky made it seem a lot scarier. The mist surrounding the entrance made it look like the doors to hell. Although there were bright-dragon-crystal powered lights around the entrance… They still didn't ease her fear.

“Gawain…”

Ash placed his hand on Lucca's head because of her worried looks.

“Rest assured. We will definitely find Gawain.”

“Nnn…” answered Lucca softly.

At the same time… A bolt struck out deep into the evening sky followed by the roaring sound of thunder.

“Kyaa!”

The first person to scream was Silvia. Ash made a sympathetic smile. Although, under Veronica’s training, she had become stronger, she was still a coward. But this mildly amusing situation was immediately interrupted by Eco.

“…Just like that time.”

Eco was looking at the sky with her sharp eyes. Lancelot had also assumed it's alert posture and was growling with a "Grrrrrr…."

In the blink of an eye… Dark clouds had almost entirely filled the sky.

“Are you saying about the time when the Necromancia attacked…?”

Eco nodded while answering seriously.

“That’s right. This bad feeling… I can't be wrong about it!”

At this time the earth started and kept on shaking. Ash nearly fell because of the strong continuous shaking. He already had a hard time to keeping balanced.

“Kyaa!”

But the other girl that fell in his direction had dragged him down together with her.

The girl who fell into his chest was Eco. Silvia, who wouldn't let go of his right arm, and Lucca tightly clung onto his left arm. Even under this type of situation… Ash couldn't enjoy it not one bit.

“Urgh-!”

His whole body was in pain. The rest had forgotten that Ash was a serious patient that had been advised by the doctor to have a sufficient amount of rest.

“S-Sorry! Are you alright?”

“S…orry!”

“It’s all because of me…”

Silvia, Lucca and Eco immediately apologized.

“Don’t worry… I’m alright.”

Ash didn't want the others to worry about him and squeeze out a smile. But, his smile didn't look natural and he prayed that the dark sky can provide some cover for him. After the earthquake stopped… Ash stood up.

“Fhuss…”

A sound as if it was laughing at Ash stubbornness was heard.

“-!”

One by one… A scary sight appeared from the dark corner of the mausoleum. They were not humans. Although they looked like dragons, they didn't have the holy feelings that the dragons emit.

“Necromancia!”

At the same time that Eco warned the others… Something rushed out from the mausoleum.

Something that was bigger than a horse but too small compared to a dragon. Alas, there wasn't only just one, there were a bunch of them. There were around five of them and each of them looked like a young Asia. Their bodies were black and had mad eyes, sharp teeth and a strong rotten smell.

“A young dragon sized… Necromancia?”

Just as Ash was speaking his thoughts… The leader of the Necromancia's attacked. After its mouth opened, shining rays could be seen- Don! And a ball of flames came flying along the ground.

Lancelot made a scary roar and activated its defensive magic’s shield and immediately the breath attack was nullified. But there was no time to thank Lancelot. The group had already extended their many deep red coloured tentacles now and were getting nearer. Silvia became the first victim.

“Kyaa!”

“Princess!”

Although Ash immediately stretched out his hand, he still missed. The slimy and sticky tentacles wrapped around Silvia’s thin body and hoisted her up into the air.

The slimy and sticky tentacles wrapped around Silvia’s thin body and hoisted her up into the air.

“I-Insolent fools! How dare you touch the Royal Knight’s family’s Princess...!”

Too bad they were not someone that could be communicated with language. Although Silvia struggled… The more she struggled the harder the tentacles grip became. In very little time more than half of her dragsuit was torn off and the buttons had come loose.

“S-Stop! Stop this insolent behavior...! Ahh... Stoooop!”

Silvia’s scream could be heard all over.

“Eco. Hand me the Ark quick!”

Eco angrily rejected Ash’s request.

“No way! You are still a patient! The Ark will burden your body-”

“Is this a time to worry about those things! Princess is in danger right now!”

“B-But...”

Compared to Eco, who stood still, Lancelot had started to make his move.

To save its master, it had used the red flaming dragon breath.

-Don!

That was a true breath and wasn't comparable to flames created by an Oracle. The unimaginable destructive force had turned the five Necromancia blocking the entrance into fire balls.

“Grrrroooorrrr!”

The five Necromancias who were on fire roared in agony and changed their target to Ash and the rest. But Lancelot gave a final flaming breath which further turned the Necromancia into ashes. Although they were young dragons, there were no difference from the hardiness of a regular Necromancia. As the tentacles snapped, Silvia was caught by Lancelot as she was falling.

“Huff... Puff... Thank you! Lancelot.”

Ash gave a sigh of relieve when he saw Silvia was safe. But he immediately heard Lucca screaming.

“That...!”

Lucca was standing by the cliff and was looking at the direction to the lakeside. No, it was actually towards Norg Forest.

“Anything?”

“The forest... is polluted...”

Lucca, as an Eckbald, was sensitive to the changes in the forest. Ash looked towards the direction she was looking at and he was dumbstruck.

-Dodododododo....

The forest was shaking and the feeling was like a group of Asia’s running. The wild birds and small animals were shocked and their sound could be heard one after another. Judging from Lucca's sense of ‘Polluted…’ The Asia type Necromancia could be on the move in the forest. It seemed that apart from the main door… There were other places that the Necromancia came out from.

“Ash, quickly, look at the lakeside!”

Silvia was shouting on Lancelot’s back while pointing to the lakeside.

“Could it be that... Those were also Necromancia?”

Ash clenched his trembling fist. The black shapes were moving around the dark lake. Thanks to the campfire at the lakeside he was somehow make out their shadows. Those must be the Hydra type Necromancia. The total amount should be around twenty... No, it seems that, it was around thirty. They were moving towards the campfire by the lakeside.

“They are also at the sky!”

This time it was Eco who was pointing at the sky. A group of Strada type Necromancia, while making some weird type of bird noises, were circling around the sky. They seemed to ignore Ash and the rest and were heading towards the campsite...

“So I see... Their target is to attack the training camp!”

Ash angrily clenched his fists on both hands.

“Damn... Even when the students there were top students, the only ones who had experience in dealing with Necromancia were Max and Rebecca. Are they going to be alright?"

“Ash, now is not the time to worry about the others. We can only trust the president to protect the training camp.”

Silvia’s calm voice dragged Ash back to reality. She focused her sight onto the entrance of the mausoleum.

“That’s...!”

Ash turned speechless.

A second batch of Asia type Necromancia had rushed out and there were six of them this time.

“Grrrr...”

Lancelot with a growl and a breath attack exploded over them turning three of the leading Necromancia into ashes. At this moment, the deep red coloured tentacles rushed forward. However, Lancelot was not intimidated by them. It stood up, with its hind legs supporting its body, and slashed the Necromancia with its hammer like front legs. The sharp claws made a screeching sound and the tentacles were torn up like knives slicing rubber bands. The scene could only be described as 'dead bodies everywhere.' In only a few minutes the second batch of Asia type Necromancia were totally wiped out.

“S-Strong...!”

Lancelot’s heroic fight amazed Ash while Silvia’s dragon controlling skill had also improved significantly. Silvia looked down towards the rest of the gang with a skillful look.

“Ride on Lancelot! Quickly, we are going into the mausoleum.”

Part 20

... Rebecca is just too great. Jessica, who led the group of Hydras, was muttering while looking at Cú Chulainn who was flying above in the night sky.

“All of you here had gone through the five days Selective Training Camp! Your skills have improved significantly! You must have faith in yourself! Your skills are far better than what you had imagined!”

Under Rebecca's command the students had mounted their pals. The Stradas were flying, the Asias were on their way to Norg Forest and the Hydras gathered at Allonnes Lake. Their strategy––An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

“... Rebecca is just too great.”

Jessica, who led the group of Hydras, was muttering while looking at Cú Chulainn who was flying above in the night sky.

Part 21

Rebecca was standing at the high end of Cú Chulainn’s neck. She was already in her Ark. The enormous amount of magic was surrounding her entire body. Max was acting as her second in command riding behind her on Arianrhod. Not long before… The students were happily enjoying the cozy atmosphere around the closing ceremony’s campfire. But the Necromancia attacking from all three routes, had drastically changed the mood. Just like heaven and hell, the students were all in a panic, but thanks to Rebecca the tables had turned. Just a simple talk from Rebecca had given them the courage to fight. Now, not only were the students not in any fear, they even trembled in excitement. A huge amount of Necromancia were approaching. There was only about a hundred meters in between them.

"Appear! The certain hit magic spear! Gáe Bolg!"

Rebecca naturally led the attack.

“Gáe Bolg!”

A bright light appeared after the spell had ended and a long spear appeared. Gáe Bolg's light pierced through the dark sky followed by an explosion. One by one the Strada type Necromancia fell to the ground.

“Attack!”

Rebecca commanded like a general.

“Oooooo!”

Upon receiving the order… All the students attacked at the same time.

Part 22

Dim white lights were emitted from Lancelot’s horn. This was a basic magic for the dragons. Thus, Ash and the rest didn't have to rely on the bright-dragon-crystal torch while traversing the cave. Lancelot was walking forward silently and steadily through the cave. Its usual earth shaking footsteps almost couldn't be felt. This had lessened the amount of burden that Ash’s, medically weak, body had to endure.

“Thank you. Princess.”

Silvia was surprised that Ash spoke behind her ears and her neck suddenly gave a jerk. Because her hair was tied up with a red ribbon her white neck was exposed.

“Why are you acting with such ambiguity! I had done nothing that deserves your thanks!”

“You were worried about me and purposely asked Lancelot to slow down. Right? So…”

“I-I had never thought that far! How can we move quickly in this narrow space!”

Ash gave a wry smile. Silvia was shy about it. For such a great dragon like Lancelot… To move quickly in such a narrow space is but child’s play.

“-Careful!”

Silvia suddenly shouted.

“Ksharrrr!”

Three Strada type Necromancia attacked from the front. They looked more like bats than dragons. Even though they were once noble dragons in their own time, after they became Necromancia, they were no different from any undistinguished animal. Ash tensed. The next second...

“Grooooo….!”

Lancelot gave an angry roar… Along the path, where the brilliant dragon stepped passed, there were only ashes left behind.

“Such excellence.”

Upon hearing Ash’s murmur… Silvia proudly lifted her chest.

“Hmph… During your time spent recovering… I had completed every single course in the Selective Training Camp. The days when I did battle stimulations with the president was every day… I felt like crying when I did that."

What Silvia said felt like a sad tone hidden in it. She seemed to have experienced something terrible. Ash who had only experienced the first day’s lake water bath was regretting. But… the main reason Silvia became strong was mainly because of Princess Veronica’s encouragement. If Veronica hadn't visited Ansarivan last week… Silvia may not have turned over a new leaf.

“Back to the topic. Why haven’t we seen Angela-sensei yet?... I'm hoping she wasn't attacked by the Necromancia.”

Silvia sighed while looking at the mausoleum’s map.

“We also haven’t found Gawain yet… Lucca. Have you felt anything?”

“I can’t… Because the Astral was not connected… My ‘Seikoku’ is not responding."

Since Lucca couldn't feel anything; They could only ransack the entire cave. Although it would be a tiresome job just by only imagining it, it was still an emergency.

“Another thing… Eco. There is something that I must tell you first hand.”

Ash was looking at Eco through his shoulders.

“Anything?”

Eco who was clinging tightly at Ash’s back lifted her head while feeling annoyed.

“The next time I ask you to hand me the Ark… Please do so immediately. Any doubt at that moment could make you regret for your whole life.”

“Wha…!”

Eco immediately exploded. She kept on hitting Ash with her fist.

“I won’t allow you to order me! Be careful or I’ll trample you!”

Although the way she was hitting was more like emotionally pouting… The strength that she put in still made him suffer.

“I-It hurts! S-Stop hitting me!”

“Have you forgotten that you are still a patient! Even though those were temporally made mimic-Arks they still burden your body!”

Although she said it angrily… She was still concerned about Ash. The way she thought made Ash happy but the situation right now was an emergency and maybe the mastermind was still somewhere in this mausoleum.

“If not… Could you create an Ark that won't cause much burden to the body?”

“What did you say?”

“Please, I believe that you are able to make an Ark that is suitable for my current situation.”

“H-How… Could you speak with such confidence!”

“Do you even need to ask? Because you are my excellent pal!”

“…!”

It was possible that she was moved by Ash… Eco was speechless and blushed.

“Alright… B-But, during the time I’m in the dragon workshop, my body…”

Ash immediately knew what she was going to say. Only a spirit can enter the dragon workshop and the true body would be left in this world. When the spirit left the body the empty shell would be defenceless.

“Worry not. I’ll protect your body.”

Ash loosened his grip on Silvia’s waist and carefully switched places with Eco while trying not to fall off from Lancelot.

“Ash…?”

Eco was dumbstruck and turned around to look at Ash. Ash then hugged Eco’s waist tightly.

“Wha-W-Wha…!”

Eco’s shoulders twisted for one moment and her body had become like a log. Her ears hidden in her hairs were red. As if hot air was going to burst out anytime.

“I-If you don’t hold on to me tightly… You better watch out!” Eco said angrily

After that she relaxed and rested her back up against Ash’s chest. He could smell the fragrance of her shampoo. The next moment Eco’s body went limp and was like a puppet whose strings had snapped. She lost her strength and laid her head on Ash’s right shoulder. Ash had felt that her spirit had left her body.

“Our hopes are on you… Eco.”

Ash's murmur was like praying as he held on tightly to Eco’s limp body.

Part 23

“Huh?”

Silvia immediately stopped Lancelot when they arrived at a large cavern. It didn't look like a place that had Necromancia. Lancelot increased the light intensity of its horns to brighten the extra space. Silvia was holding the reins with her right hand and was checking the map with her left.

“According to this map… This should be the centre of the mausoleum.”

“Centre...”

Ash was holding on to Eco who was still unconscious tightly while looking around. Silvia turned back and was secretly looking at Ash’s face.

“...”

Just to make a new Ark for Ash, Eco had went to the dragon workshop. Ash kept on holding to her petite body tightly for some time. Of course the reason Ash did so was to prevent Eco from falling off from Lancelot... But Silvia had been jumpy ever since and couldn't remain completely calm.

-Damn, what am I getting nervous about!

Silvia had reaffirmed herself and was looking around her surrounding carefully. The size of the space was about the size of the academy’s lecture hall. The cavern ceiling was extremely high estimated at about fifteen meters. There were a lot of winged-cross shaped tombstones all around on the floor. All the tombstones were at least five meters in height. The winged cross in the middle was far bigger than the rest. Its height almost touched the stone ceiling. Is there a powerful dragon buried there? Too bad they still hadn't found Angela and Gawain. Logically speaking, this large empty space, located in the middle of the entire mausoleum, should be the place with the highest probability of finding them... After Silvia gave a long sigh Ash said to her:

“Princess. Look up at the ceiling.”

“-Huh?”

Silvia’s eyes widened. There was a volcano like hole in the middle of the ceiling and the night sky could be seen from within. Before they had entered the mausoleum… Eco had described this dark sky as a ‘bad feeling’. On a clear night there would have been moonlight shining through that hole to create a dreamy situation.

“Grrrrr...”

Lancelot suddenly lifted its neck and gave a warning growl. It was staring intensely at the hole above.

“What’s it. Lancelot?”

Just when Silvia asked in surprised-

“We meet again. Shounen.”

A guy’s voice could be heard from above. A tall and thin person stood at the edge of the hole.

“You’re... Milgauss!”

Ash's sudden gasp could even be felt by Silvia. Lancelot maneuvered so that his horn's light illuminated the scene above. A lone guy wearing a mask appeared pale white in colour under the light. Silvia had also read the report book and immediately knew who he was.

“The ruffian who was called Milgauss! Who knew that I would meet you here! I, under the name of Lautreamont's Royal Knight’s family, will punish you in the name of god!”

Even while facing Silvia, who was excited and indignant, Milgauss only replied with a laugh.

“Hmph... Come on… Even Veronica Lautreamont, who was a top warrior, wasn't chosen to be a breeder... And yet a coward like you was chosen.”

“What... Did you say?”

The way Milgauss spoke was as if he knew a lot of her background information, made Silvia felt uneasy.

“Are you alright. Princess?”

Ash asked from behind.

“N-No... Nothing.”

Silvia’s mind was already in a mess even when she said so.

-What is this feeling? That guy called Milgauss... Even though this is the first time I met him, but, he felt familiar. Why would I feel this way?

“Princess? You... Are crying?”

“Huh!?”

Ash’s words woke her up. She had only just found out that her tears already started falling.

“This... Why would I...?”

Even Silvia didn't know why she cried. But, if she even glances at Milgauss, her heart tightened. Milgauss suddenly gave a smile. A smile of a father who cared about his child. A peaceful and caring smile.

“You have grown… Sylvie.”

“Wha-!”

Silvia felt a cold chill. No matter how wide the world was… The only ones who would call her by her pet name were her family members. Not only that… His suddenly gentle voice had caused her to recall forgotten memories.

-Onii-sama! Julius onii-sama!

-Haha, Silvia, you pampered child.

-It’s because... Onii-sama kept on talking to Glenn-dono and had forgotten about me!

Her childhood memories resurfaced in her mind. How is this possible.

-‘Dragon Slayer’.

Brother Julius had committed such a serious offense and had been punished. Silvia was only five during that time. In the Lautreamont Knight Country… Killing a dragon was the utmost offense. Even if it was the prince of the Knight’s royal family… He would still be punished. To make it worse… The dragon that Julius killed was his pal… Maestro Mordred. Julius was already dead. But... Milgauss had the same feel as Julius with every movement he made. At that moment Lancelot had again given a warning growl. As if it was trying to tell Silvia to raise her guard.

“Could it be...!”

Silvia had also felt that something was very wrong. The ground was slightly shaking.

-Something was hidden in the ground!

“Kuku... Up to what extent Lancelot can fight is something worth seeing. Or is it that… The guy over there will come out with some weird tactics?”

“Urgh...”

Ash kept silent. Eco had remained silent and had yet to wake up. Silvia also couldn't predict the amount of time needed for Eco to create a new Ark. Milgauss, as if he saw through Ash’s Achilles heel, gave an expression of ridicule.

“But, judging by Avalon Princess' behavior, I believe that you won’t be able to come up with anything unusual. No?”

“Avalon's Princess? Why would you also know about-” Ash was obviously shaken.

Avalon- This word was suspected to originate from the ancient language. Silvia didn't know what that meant. Anyway… what’s this about a princess?

-No... This isn't the time to worry about those things...

Silvia cleared her mind and focused on the current situation.

“Let me tell you, the dragons buried in this mausoleum were young dragons! Even after they became Necromancia… They are still no match for my Lancelot!”

Silvia declared but Milgauss was not even bothered by it.

“Is it so? I had sent most of them to the training campsite. Those Necromancia that you had beaten were small fries. Also… The dragons buried here were Maestros in their past life.”

As if to answer Milgauss's words… The ground split into two. The enormously loud sound was echoing around the cave while the large tombstone followed it by falling to the ground. A huge object was appearing from beneath.

“Roarrrrr...!”

A roar, as if it had arisen from hell, followed and their fight with Lancelot had started. Strong wings. Thick jaws and sharps horns… Apart from their dark skin… They had the looks of a maestro.

“Kuku... Let me tell you! Its name is Nuada!”

Upon hearing this… Silvia was stunned.

“A tragedy that every citizen of the Knight Country knew. You should had heard about it before, right? It is the dragon who loved its master and chose to commit suicide-”

Part 24

“Have you gotten everything that I had said, Navi?”

Eco was having a conversation in the dragon workshop. Navi, as usual, was wearing an evening dress while sitting on an antique chair.

“The Ark that suits his current condition most…? Hehe. This is interesting.”

The mature version of Eco was as beautiful as usual. Perhaps it was because of this… Eco hated this woman very much. Even after saying that to herself… Right now she must focus on the main situation.

“I don’t have much time. Can you replace my job for the restructuring process?”

“Ara. Why do you even need my help?”

Navi impishly smiled.

“Do I even have a choice! Even though I don’t like it... You are still more knowledgeable than me... And I expect that you could come out with a better result compared to me."

“Your judgment is correct. We are like two faces on a coin. If you are the person who lives in the outer world then I am the person who lives in the inner world. Of course I will help you.”

“So you have agreed to help me?”

“As long as you promise me one thing.”

“Promise? What do you want me to do?”

“You must promise me that, one day, you will present an Ark to Ash Blake. It must not be a mimic but a top rate piece of work that you had created.”

“W-What are you talking about! How could I agree to this!”

“Ara. Have you already given up before you even challenged it?”

“B-Because... To present the Ark to him also means…”

Navi smiled.

“That’s right. You are going to give him your everything.”

“How could I…”

Eco was speechless. Her whole body was hot as if it was burning. To give her everything to Ash, just by thinking about it, Eco was already very embarrassed about it.

“Are you willing to agree to my condition? Or not?”

“Urgh...”

Navi's provocation made her mad but… It takes time to do the review. Since there were more than a thousand Ark blueprints left by her ancestral legacy… To do the review was to search amongst all the various parts, or component blueprints, and identify those that suit Ash the most. She would be fine if it was just that, but… There was this ‘not to burden Ash’s body’ rule this time. This is much more difficult than the ‘ice element’ that Ask asked for during the church terrorist incident. Strictly speaking. Eco didn't even know if there was even an Ark that didn't overly burden the person wearing it. So this problem had nothing to do with time and she could only rely on Navi's knowledge.

“...Alright. I promise.”

After Eco had made her mental preparations… Navi smiled and the place suddenly was filled with soothing bright lights. At the same time, there were many blueprints moving about Navi's field of view. Those were the various Ark designs that the dragons, over the ages, left behind. Navi, with her glossy and watery lips, began to sing out the name of each part of the new Ark-

“Almete, Gorjal, Peto, Espaldar, Brafoneras, Faldaje, Escarcelas, Bufetas, Hombreras, Brazales, Codales, Antebrazos, Manoplas, Quijotes, Guardas, Grebas, Escarpes, Espolón.”

Eco was speechless. A few thousands of those blueprints were spinning around on Navi's head. Those that were determined as unnecessary disappeared immediately and the left over were the important ones.

“W-What a fast searching speed...” murmured a stunned Eco…

At that moment all the blueprints, that were flying around Navi's head, vanished. The lights that filled the dragon workshop had also disappeared. Navi slowly stood up from the chair and walked towards Eco.

“W-What is it...?’

Navi was too beautiful to look at and she unconsciously took a step backwards. Navi playfully smiled and placed her palm on Eco’s head.

“This is...!”

Eco felt a cold chill. An enormous amount of information entered her brain from Navi's palm. But half way through the process… It was interrupted.

“W-Why?”

“...He is facing great danger.”

Navi was looking at the three dimensional screen projected in mid-air with a serious expression.

“Then be quick!” cried Eco.

“It seems that we must act quickly.”

Navi again placed her palm on Eco’s head and resumed the transfer.

Part 25

“Is it really Nuada…!”

Ash shouted but he was immediately back to his calm self. That's right! The problem is not whether it is Nuada or not. The main point is; This Necromancia is a Maestro. Also, the Necromancia revived from the ground was not only Nuada alone. The tombstones around also fell to the ground one by one. A total of nine Asia type Necromancia crawled out from the ground.

“Princess. It is better that we retreat for the time being-”

After giving a glance at the passage behind, Ash calmly made the suggestion. The escape path was not yet blocked by the enemies. To fight in this open space, the enemies will surely attack from all directions. It will be a tough battle even though Lancelot is strong. But if they retreated to the narrow passage, the enemies will be forced to come at them in a line. They may have a chance in winning like this.

“No!” disagreed Silvia stubbornly.

She was so angry that her hands, while holding the reins, were trembling.

“Milgauss… Do you know what you had done! You… You've stained Nuada's spirit, and you should never have done that!”

“P-Princess…?”

Ash was at a loss when he looked at Silvia being angry. Silvia had obviously believed what Milgauss had said. She probably had the experience of crying after hearing Nuada's story in her childhood. At this moment Lucca, who had remained silent the whole time, cried out.

“I also… will never forgive that person!”

It was easy to understand how she felt. Because Gawain had followed in Nuada's footsteps and had disappeared for Lucca's sake. Her emotional reaction was probably founded on this. Ash was worried about the current situation.

“Young dragon Nuada! I swear, in the name of the Lautreamont Royal Knight's Family, I will defeat you! This is the only thing that I can do for you!”

In reply, to Silvia’s sworn oath, Lancelot roared with a high pitch and immediately attacked Nuada. It stood on its hind legs and piled on attacks with its front. Upon seeing this Nuada also stood up and defended with its front legs. The two ferocious dragon began a battle between titans. All of a sudden… Nuada opened its lower jaw and blew out some black gas. It was almost a zero range, point blank, attack…

“Urgh…!”

Ash felt something was wrong and he hugged Eco tightly to protect her. He was angry at his useless self who couldn't do anything. Lancelot also remained strong. Just before Nuada's breath attack exploded it triggered its own defensive magic.

-The sound of explosions kept shaking their ears. The explosions were reflected back to Nuada, who was too close to the defensive magic, and immediately more explosions were heard. Lancelot's defensive magic was extremely sturdy and Ash only felt a slight vibration.

“Great…!”

Right until now… Ash had kept his eyes open. Half of Nuada's head had disappeared and its grey coloured brain could be seen. Even though it appeared to be defeated it was still a Necromancia. The organs that were destroyed were immediately regenerated and soon it was back to its original state. Lancelot’s heroic roar and Nuada's creepy scream shook the air around them. Just when the two resumed fighting, with all their strength, there was a groan coming from Ash’s back.

“Eek… Stop!”

“Lucca?”

Lucca, who was sitting on Lancelot’s tail, was dragged off by another Asia type Necromancia. Its tentacles can be seen clinging to Lucca's body. Lucca who was hanging upside down was struggling both in pain and tears.

“D-Don’t… Touch anyplace weird…!”

Just like tempting ants with sugar a large group of Asia type Necromancia were approaching Lucca. Their tentacles were already tearing off Lucca's dragsuit. The iron gloves and knee guards was forcefully pulled off and fell to the ground. The leather belt was tore into pieces and even her skirt was torn off.

“Damn…!”

The moment Ash shouted, taking advantage of Ash focusing his attention on Lucca, a tentacle attacked. It had already surrounded Eco’s waist and was so strong that Ash quickly lost-out to it in terms of strength.

“Eco…!!”

Just like Lucca, Eco was now hanging in mid-air. Eco had lost consciousness earlier and couldn't even struggle like Lucca. Silvia was having trouble just by controlling Lancelot. She didn't have the time to worry about the danger that Eco and Lucca were facing. Ash clenched his teeth and leaped off Lancelot’s back. Even though he knew this was like committing suicide… He still couldn't control this sudden impulse.

“Let your dirty paws go!…”

Ash picked up a stone and threw at the Asia type Necromancia. But throwing stones at dragon was like throwing stones at the moon. It easily bounced off from the black skin.

“Urgh…”

To make it worse… Ash’s body was in pain. Even though he was not attacked his body was still giving him warnings.

“R-Right now out of all times…!”

After Ash cursed, he kneeled on one side of his knees. He was oozing cold sweat. His head, organs and joints were shrieking in tremendous agony. He felt like rolling up and screaming in pain. But, I mustn't… I mustn't be defeated in a place like this-!

Ash, who's eyes filled with sweat, saw Eco being dragged away right in front of him.

“Ecoooooo!”

Ash screams in desperation.

At that moment… Eco, who was nearly sucked into the Necromancia's body, opened her eyes.

“W-What? What's this situation!”

After she saw Ash was on the ground in a ball like posture, Eco looked around at her surrounding.

“Eco! Give me the Ark!”

“Hmph! Without me… You are useless!”

But she was smiling happily- And she only shouted the only word of that long spell:

“Espolón!”

Part 26

Milgauss, who was standing at the top of the hill watching the fight, had seen it all. The cave was filled with white lights. At that moment, the Holy Ark emerged in the middle of the lights and was on Ash’s body. The new Ark was a striking white coloured armour with red stripes. A red striped white Ark! Ash was now an Ark-Dragner. This armour was stronger than what Milgauss saw at Ansarivan increasing his interest in it. The areas in which it became stronger were in defence and not offense.

“Hmph. Using the old remains and combining them into an emergency armour? Wouldn't expect less from the Avalon’s Princess…”

Anya’s report had stated that Ash suffered serious injuries. This armour should be the best fit for him.

“Back to the topic…”

Milgauss was surprised that Eco completed the spell with only a word. Perhaps she had finished the rest in the dragon workshop. Because Eco wanted to create the Ark at the same time she woke up so she had finished most of the spell before she came back. If that’s not the case… Eco would be eaten by the Necromancia before she can even manage to finish naming all the parts of the Ark. Milgauss wanted to praise this enemy.

“As I thought… Is it fate that we have to continue the fight from the past generations? Kuku… There is nothing bad about it and yet also nothing good about it.”

Milgauss frightfully laughed. He was fully immersed in his laughter… A laughter that came out from the very depths of his throat.

Part 27

The moment he donned the Ark… Ash stood up straight. The unbearable pain had disappeared and it felt like he had grown wings. The thickness of the Ark felt thicker than the first two Arks and it looked more like a ball overall. He felt safe just by wearing it. But now was not the time to enjoy that safe feeling. Ash locked on to the Necromancia in front of him and jumped towards it. He first punched the Necromancia that had captured Eco with his Manoplas. Next… He kicked the monster that captured Lucca with his Escarpes. The massive amount of magic, contained in the red striped white Ark, exploded and the two dragons crumbled into ash and effectively disappeared..

“Ouch-!”

Ash groaned.

Even though the Ark had the effect of absorbing most of the repulsive force. It's still reckless for him to engage in hand to hand combat with Necromancia. The pain in his bones made him struggle. It also seemed that the Ark couldn't totally suppress his pain. But he didn't back down in this situation.

“Kyaaaa!”

The moment the tentacles disappeared… Eco and Lucca fell from mid-air.

Ash immediately slid towards the bottom of the two and managed to secure both of them right before they hit the ground… The entire process spanned less than two seconds.

“Are both of you alright?”

Ash helped them to stand up. Lucca instantly nodded her head in reply but Eco on the other hand was quite verbally angry...

“What the hell is wrong with you! That Ark only strengthens the ‘defence’! It is not for you to use it for punching and kicking!”

“S-Sorry...”

Ash initially was intimidated by Eco and apologized. But without delay he changed his mind:

“Now is not the time to worry about those things. No? Of course I’m trying to save you!”

But the current situation didn't allow Ash to explain anymore than that.

“…Here it comes.”

Ash was dragged back into reality by Lucca's warning and immediately put up a fighting posture. The fight between Lancelot and Nuada was still in a stalemate. On the other hand… The remaining seven Asia type Necromancia were still trying to attack the trio. The stench of the rotting smell had suddenly became stronger. Eco angrily ordered.

“This Ark was not made so you can fool around with it! Use the Ark Weapon immediately!”

“Understood!”

Ash focused his mind and attention to the Ark. The information regarding the Ark Weapon, that came together with the Ark, was sent into his mind. After receiving that information Ash smiled.

“Appear… The invincible magic shield!”

There was a flash followed together with the spell. The space in front of Ash started to bend and there was a crack. The, as yet unknown, Ark Weapon appeared slowly from the crack.

“Aegis!”

The same time Ash shouted its name… The Aegis shields appeared. It's front looked like a dragon’s head and was made up of five units together. All of the five units were flying around under Ash’s command. When they had surrounded the Asia type Necromancia… The shields then projected colourful lights. These units were not normal shields. They all had the characteristics of a magic cannon. The continuous lights that were attacking the Asia type Necromancia were like spider webs. Not only that… there were some unexpected weird changes on the Necromancia that were directly struck by the lights. In a very short time, they had become stones. Aegis was not releasing the usual degree of attacking type magic.

That was a high level magic that, upon coming into contact with the light, turned living things into stone . Even though it is from one of the dangerous areas of magic, named in the list of banned spells by the Knight Country, now was not the time to act like a good model citizen. In just a few seconds time all seven Necromancias had turned into stones. Ash breathed a sigh relief and withdrew Aegis’s magic.

“Thank you, Eco.”

“N-Nothing… And I’m not even doing this for you.”

Eco turned her face aside but her face was definitely blushing. Ash gave a dry smile but now was still not the time to lower their guard. Anyway... Silvia was piloting Lancelot with all her skill as they fought Nuada one on one. It was a situation where both of their front legs were interlocked somewhat like in a wrestling match. For attacks each of them use magic and tail swipes for advantage.

“Princess! I’ll be there to help you in a short moment!”

Ash who was prepared to help had met a blank wall.

“I don’t need any help! Go and capture Milgauss! Lancelot and I will calm down Nuada's spirit.”

Silvia’s talk made Ash speechless. Silvia was really angry. Even so… she still hasn't lost her cool. She had sworn to defeat Nuada in the name of the Royal Knight’s Family and perhaps she truly thought that this is her mission.

“Roger that! Princess I’ll leave it in your hands!”

After Ash shouted back to Silvia he started running. Right in front of him was Nuada's tombstone. The tip of the slanting winged cross was pointing at the hole of the ceiling. Milgauss was still standing at the side of the hole looking down. Ash jumped towards the sky along the side of the winged cross and stepped on the middle of it, gave himself a hop, landing on the tip of the wing and continued to jump up from there. With the aid of the Ark… Ash accomplished a jump that a normal human couldn't do. His body passed up and through the hole of the ceiling. The misty air of the inner part of the cave had suddenly become replaced by the fresh and cool nighttime air. However… The air was very cold and it didn't seem like summer anymore. At the top of the nearby hills there were many stubs of bare rock. Luckily, although the surroundings were dark, the Ark produced a dim light. Also, since he had been in the dark cave for a long time, his eyes were already used to the darkness.

“Milgauss!”

Ash started a fight with Milgauss. Although Eco was mad about it he still chose to use hand to hand combat which was the easiest. He remembered the time when he met Milgauss for the first time in the forest. Ash didn't even have the ability to fight back during that time. Because, before he managed to land a hit on Milgauss, Ash was ambushed by Milgauss's underling. He was nearly killed by that girl. But the situation right now was different. Ash was protected by Eco’s Ark and he had decided to KO his opponent in one hit.

But-

With only his left hand Milgauss, had blocked Ash’s right punch. He had focused all his strength in that punch too.

“How is this possible…?”

“Hmph. Is the strength of an Ark-Dragner just like this?”

“Urgh…”

He couldn't move his right hand at all. It was similar to being clenched by a pair of pliers.

“This proves that you are just a fake.”

Milgauss's tone was as cold as iron. There was a gigantic sword in his right hand.

“Wha…!”

Ash widened his eyes in disbelief. It was as if the sword was made out of darkness. The large bright-dragon-crystals mounted on the hilt definitely proved it was not an ordinary sword.

“A fake like you has no right to touch me.”

-A flash from the black sword.

There was a sudden black gust. Ash, whose right hand was now handicapped, had nowhere to run to. He could only use the Manoplas on his left hand to protect himself. As if a big hammer was hitting his head, the impact passed through his body in a short moment. The impact was so strong that even the Ark couldn't endure it fully.

“*Cough...*”

“Where is your big talk just now?”

Milgauss let go of Ash’s right hand and then wielded the gigantic sword with both hands. Then then lifted the sword brought it down all in one motion.

“Guak!”

The dark metal blade sunk into his abdomen. In that short moment… Ash felt that his waist was going to be chopped in two. Then the Ark made a ‘click’ sound. Even the Ark was groaning…

“-Aegis!”

Obviously, Milgauss was not an opponent for him to fight with in hand to hand combat. So Ash re-summoned Aegis. The five units split out immediately and attacked Milgauss. As long as a light managed to hit him, he will then turn into a stone.

“Too slow!”

But Milgauss, with extraordinary nimble moves, avoided all the light rays. Then he swung the black sword at a lightning speed. The units were being attacked and destroyed by a tornado-like slash. One after another they disappeared.

“What is he actually made of…!”

After Ash groaned, he was on his knees. The amount of magic collected in the Ark had a limit and Ash felt that the armour was slowly disappearing. After Milgauss dealt with the five units his target had shifted once again to Ash. He gave Ash a kick without any delay. Even with the protection of the Ark, the impact was still transmitted into his abdomen.

“*-Cough!*”

Ash was out of breath and was kicked around like a puppet. He finally landed hard, with his back facing the rocks. Blood started flowing out from his mouth…

“Ku…”

Ash spit out saliva with blood in it and immediately hid behind the rock. The size of the rock was just enough to keep him hidden.

“Hmph. Are you trying to hide to drag out the time?”

Ash remained silent. He was sitting at the back of the rock waiting for a good moment. His body was in a mess and he probably had only one more chance…

-Ssss, ssss…

Milgauss was not buying any of his tricks and marched right towards Ash.

“Anything wrong right there? Can’t you use Aegis?”

Milgauss was probably laughing his ass off right now. Ash answered to himself while thinking of his disgusting face:

“Too bad. I’m out of magic…”

“Luck is not on your side today, shounen.”

Followed by a shout, there was an impact on the rock behind Ash.

Part 28

“Shoo. Shoo…!”

With the aid of the Ark, Ash easily jumped out through the ceiling’s hole but Eco wasn't that lucky. She left Lancelot who was in a brutal fight with Nuada and climbed the huge winged cross.

“W-Wait for me…!”

Looking downwards, she saw Lucca was trying her best to cling onto the winged cross.

“Tsk… Just don’t blame me if you fall.”

Eco stepped on the wing of the winged cross without being bothered by Lucca. If she was not careful––she would definitely fall head down. Her current height was about ten meters. Although, she was frightened by it, she still needed to move forward. Even though she felt guilty, about leaving Lucca, Eco still wanted to rush to Ash’s side as soon as possible. The moment Eco saw the guy called Milgauss, she felt disgusted. She remembered the nightmare that made her wet her bed. She was attacked by a scary dragon in her dream. It had nine eyes, numerous tentacles and was far scarier than a Necromancia…

The unbelievable thing was, the moment she saw Milgauss, the first thing that came into her mind was that dragon. It would have been fine if she was just worrying too much… But just in case Eco’s instinct was right… Then Milgauss was a dangerous being. Eco couldn't guarantee that the Ark has enough power to go against him. Ash’s body condition also worried her. Ash was, even in the beginning, a heavily injured patient. Logically speaking he should rest for a month, but…

But, even after she arrived at the location, apart from making the (mimic) Ark, there was nothing else she could do. It was not surprising that she thought herself to be a burden. Even so… Eco still couldn't calm down her worrisome emotions and chose to climb the winged cross. After some effort Eco finally arrived at the ceiling’s hole. She then took a look up, outside under the cloudy night sky.

“-Huh…?”

Eco had seen it all in that short moment. Milgauss was holding a gigantic sword up high, looking like it had merged together with the night sky, and was going split open a rock. Eco’s instinct told her that Ash was hiding behind the rock. In an direct combat Ash was definitely out of his league. He was now going to be sliced open together with the rock by Milgauss…!

“Ash!”

Eco called out his name in desperation.

Part 29

This blow will definitely crush the rock and Ash into pieces. Milgauss, who thought that he had a sure win, split open the rock in front of him. The rock scattered into tiny fragments and powder. A thick dust spread all over and blocked his sight. After the explosion like power cooled down…

“What…?”

Milgauss remained in the exact posture of his finishing the blow. After most of the dust settled, what was in front of Milgauss was not Ash’s body. A unit in mid-air was pinning on to Milgauss. A light was released from the front of the unit.

“Urgh…!”

Milgauss immediately lifted his left hand to block the light and also slashed the unit with his sword in his right hand. Although Aegis was reduced to light particles, and disappeared, its effect was still ongoing. Milgauss, who felt something was wrong, looked at his own body and saw his left arm starting to turn into stone.

“-Milgauss!”

Ash suddenly came down from the sky. He had used the stone fragments as a screen and used an Aegis unit as a stepping stone to jump… There was no longer an Ark on Ash. He probably used all his magic to summon the two units.

…Wait… He still had his Manoplas on his right hand!

“What an eyesore!”

Milgauss swung the black sword with only his right hand, but he had only manage to destroy the unit that Ash was stepping on.

“Uwooooo!”

Ash, who was experiencing free fall, uses the momentum and swung a punch with the Manoplas. Milgauss immediately put up a defensive posture, with the huge sword above his head, but he still couldn't avoid the powerful impact.

“Urgh…!’

Milgauss was knocked off together with his sword.

Part 30

“Huff, puff… How is this punch?”

At the same time Ash landed, his Manoplas disappeared. He next felt a terrible pain, as though his flesh was being sliced off. But now was not the time for him to show his weak side. Even though Milgauss fell down hard on the ground, he still remains conscious. Ash could only try to bear with his pain.

“Hehe… Weren't you out of magic?”

Milgauss, using the gigantic sword as a walking stick to support himself, slowly stood up. His left arm was hanging freely and lifelessly. It had been converted to stone.

“I didn't say that I couldn't summon Aegis again. It’s you who had been fooled. You had lost.”

“Hmph. I thought you were an idiot who only had strength. So it seems that you can actually do some scheming? But this can only be called as a trick and its still to much to call it a scheme."

After Milgauss made a haughty smile he seemed to remember something… He then pulled off his left arm and threw it to Ash.

“Wha…!”

Ash was staring at the left arm that landed on the ground.

“…Prosthetic arm?”

“That’s right. This is a creation of the Empire’s proud mechanical engineering.”

Ash was clenching his teeth. Ash was not only just a normal human without the protection of the Ark… He was also a seriously injured patient. On the opposing side, Milgauss had only lost a prosthetic arm. He was in a fix. But- Just when Ash lost hope, there was a heroic voice coming from behind him.

“Listen carefully, Milgauss! I Silvia Lautreamont and Lancelot, have altogether defeated the young dragon Nuada's spirit!”

Ash turned around to have a look and cheered happily.

“Princess! Lancelot!”

Nuada's head was still in Lancelot’s mouth when it landed in between Ash and Milgauss. The only word that could describe its condition was 'terrible'. Its white skin had become dirty and was full of blood. Although injured… Lancelot’s blue eyes still looked as if they were full of spirit. Apart from Silvia, who was riding on its back, Eco and Lucca were also there. Lancelot gave a menacing growl, while lowering down its neck, and placed Nuada's head in front of Milgauss. As if it wanted Milgauss to apologize… After Nuada's severed head stared at Milgauss for a short moment, it turned into ashes. In the blink of an eye they were blown off by the nights breeze. After Silvia witnessed the ashes being carried away by the wind she focused her attention back to Milgauss.

“…Princess?”

Ash knew something was wrong with her. In this situation, winning was already in the grasp of their hand. No matter how strong Milgauss was, he would still face trouble when he was going against Silvia. Logically speaking, Silvia should also know about this but she continued to stand still without any reason.

“Hmph… It seems that I must change my opinion towards the Fourth Princess. I’ll withdraw for today.”

Milgauss placed the gigantic sword on his shoulder and slowly retreated.

“But the training campsite had already become a battle field. Just how many of them could survive? I would love to know…” provoked Milgauss.

After that, he jumped out into the night. Surprisingly… He had jumped off the cliff. Even so, from his previous battle experience with Milgauss, Ash knew that he was not just some average ordinary guy. He should have survived the fall. And he would be back… Just as if she had calculated the time, for Milgauss to withdraw, Silvia spoke:

“Thanks a lot, Lancelot. You may take your rest.”

Lancelot immediately bent its knees and laid down and, after closing its eyes, started to snore gently. Silvia first climbed off its back then helped Eco and Lucca down from Lancelot.

“Is Lancelot alright?”

Ash worriedly looked at the sleeping Lancelot.

“Rest assured, it doesn't have any vital injuries. It's just that… It ran out of magic. We only had the strength left to frighten Milgauss just now."

Ash only now knew why Silvia would let him escape. Because she didn't even have the ability left to order him around. Back to the topic, if it was not because of Silvia’s and Lancelot’s intimidation, Ash would have died under Milgauss sword.

“And also, maybe… That guy…”

Silvia’s troubled looks made Ash curious.

“Princess?”

“N-Nothing. Just pretend that I didn't say anything!”

Silvia, panicky, waved Ash off which in turns worried him further. At this instant, Lucca said. “The training campsite is…”

Eco was also looking at the direction of the campsite dumbstruck.

“How come…!”

By following their sight… Ash also turned speechless. Just like Milgauss declared, the training campsite had become a battlefield. The Necromancia's attack had yet to be stopped. There were numerous sounds of explosions and the lights from the magic were flashing here and there. Although the campsite was safe, the dragon house beside was on fire and there were black smokes all over the night sky.

Is everyone still alright? What about Rebecca? Max? And the rest? The instructors? The staffs for the training campsite? The girls who were in charge of the food service?

“Damn… Even when we wanted to help them…”

Ash felt that he was filled with desperation. Apart from standing on the hills and looking from afar… We couldn't even do a thing-

As if to cheer him up, Lucca pulled Ash’s sleeves.

“I have a favor… To ask from you.”

As if she had made up her mind, Lucca was staring at Ash. Ash was troubled by it because her face was too close to his.

“W-What is it?”

Her Yōsei eyes were clear and shining even under the night sky. Her eyes, full of determination, caused Ash to return her stare.

“Please… Come with me.”

“Why?”

“For Gawain and me… You had wagered your life for us. Just to let us feel the same like old times… If you are together with me… I think I could muster up some courage.”

“Could it be that you know a way to save everyone?”

Lucca extended her hand towards Ash.

“I want to save them… No, I must save them.”

Ash held Lucca's palm as if he was going to be sucked in by the determination in her eyes. Her body temperature was transmitted to Ash through her tiny leaf size like palm.

“Alright. I believe in you.”

After Ash answered with a steady tone Lucca smiled in embarrassment.

Part 31

Under the silent eyes of both Silvia and Eco, Lucca and Ash moved towards the edge of the cliff… Which was also the place where Milgauss jumped off from.

Shoo… Shoo… The sounds of the winds passed through the darkness down below.

“Lucca…? What do you intend to do?”

Ash took a peek at Lucca's face whilst being frightened.

“Jump down… From here.”

“J-Jump down-?”

Lucca didn't answer. She just hurdled herself into Ash’s arms. Behind them there were immediate sounds of disparagement coming from both Silvia and Eco. There wasn't any time to worry about it. Lucca placed her hands around Ash and hugged him as if she was hurting him on purpose. Although his organs were screaming in pain Ash still managed to bear with it. If he groaned in pain at this moment he will disappoint Lucca.

Even so, what was Lucca actually thinking…?

“We are going to jump.”

When her voice reached Ash… He was already in mid-air. Just like what she said, Lucca jumped down from the cliff. And she was falling together with Ash- The feeling of floating in mid-air only lasted for a second… Then both of them, gathering speed, fell in a straight line.

“Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Whilst listening to the sound of the winds buzzing past his ear, Ash was swallowed into the dark abyss. He thought that he heard Eco’s and Silvia’s screams, for a short moment from far above, but the voices were soon lost.

Part 32

They kept on falling. Ash and Lucca were hugging each other when they fell towards the bottom of the cliff. Thinking back carefully… The same thing happened when Eco was born. It seems that he was fated for such things… Suddenly he seemed to hear Lucca's voice, somewhat obscured by the sound of the wind. She seemed to be speaking to herself while huddling to Ash.

“Sorry… Gawain. I’ll never again be afraid of you.”

Aah… So that's it.

Ash finally understood Lucca's determination. Just like Gawain's overprotection of Lucca, which had caused itself cut off its Astral, this time Lucca wagered her own life. After Lucca hugged Ash tighter, she shouted loudly:

“Please accept me once more, Gawain!”

It was hard to believe that such a loud voice would come from such a petite girl. Her voice sounded so strong that it was enough to pierce through the night. There was a glaring light coming from Lucca suddenly. The golden rays started to surround her body.

“Could this be… Astral?”

Ash, who was still falling with Lucca, was stunned. He couldn't believe that he could see Astral with mortal eyes.

“Quick… Suck them in Gawain! Take my Astral… No, absorb me! You are my… Pal!”

The shout that she put her full effort in was echoing in the night. Just before the voice disappeared- There was an explosion around the hills near Willing Mausoleum. Gawain emerged from it while releasing a magic that brightened the night sky. Ash's gaze was attracted to Gawain’s movement. With the Astral flow resumed he had totally recovered. After Gawain gave a roar, that a young dragon couldn't possible make, it carefully caught both Lucca and Ash with its back.

Part 33

“I have… Another request.”

“I’ll do anything, as long as it is in my range of ability.”

Ash replied loudly. Their priority was to save the students and Ash was willing to suffer any kind of pain for it. Lucca worriedly stated her request in a low voice.

“…I’m going to challenge the Dragon Riding Dance. So… I hope you could hold on to me tightly.”

“No problem!”

Ash recalled what Navi had said. That is the Eckbald's traditional dance. Because of Lucca's failure while practicing the dance it had caused her to have problems when facing Gawain. Ash was unable to imagine what kind of a dance it was, but was mentally prepared. Now he could only place his hopes on Lucca's Dragon Riding Dance. Ash hugged Lucca's waist tightly with both of his hands.

“Is this alright?”

“…Tighter.”

“How about this?”

“Tighter.”

“Urgh…What about this?”

Lucca answered by nodding.

Suddenly, there was a clear metallic sound coming from Lucca's leg. Her dragsuit was modified with standard spurs. Gawain received the signal, lifted its head high, roared and then rushed up into the sky.

Part 34

The Ark had disappeared after Rebecca annihilated a group of Strada type Necromancia with her magic spear, Gáe Bolg. Rebecca reluctantly sighed. Cú Chulainn's magic was almost used up and could no longer maintain its flight. It landed beside the lake.

“Should we end it here-”

The training campsite, that acted as a temporary battle headquarters, was still fine, but the dragon house nearby was being swallowed by a great fire. Both parties were still fighting by the lakeside. Just like Cú Chulainn all the dragons had already used up their magic and many of the were fighting using only hand to hand combat in its true and brutal form. Because their opponents were Necromancias they had extraordinary endurance. Every time they receive a fatal blow, they still continued to regenerate and stood back up. This batch of students had been performing well in this fight and they were worthy to become the selected participants of this training camp. But there was no end to the amount of enemies. Everyone was wondering how many dragons had been buried at the mausoleum while reinforcements for the enemy just kept on arriving. Apart from that, Rebecca could no longer summon the power of an Ark-Dragner. This fact alone had lowered the students fighting moral.

“We don’t have any more choices left. Should we just give up on the training campsite… And retreat?”

Rebecca made the bitter decision. Everyone would be devastated to lose such a great traditional facility. The training campsite, at Allonnes Lakeside, is also a place with long history. But she wanted to prioritize the students’ lives. If they give up right now they still have the chance to retreat in one piece. Once the retreating path had been blocked off by the Necromancias… Rebecca felt a cold chill just by thinking about it. Currently: three students were heavily injured, fifteen were slightly injured and seven dragons were also injured. Although they had not yet suffered any fatalities yet… Still, if they continued to hold on… The situation would become irreversible. Rebecca made up her mind. She took a deep breath and was about to order the students to retreat... Just at this moment… A flying object shot passed in the sky.

From the bright silver track left behind by its excessive magic––that must be a Maestro.

“Is it Lancelot?”

No. The tracks left behind by in its dance were obviously not accomplished by any ordinary Maestro. It was as if it took the sky as its own drawing space and spread its wings boldly while flying…

“Could that be… Gawain?”

Part 35

-What type of dragon riding is this? This is the first time in my whole life I saw Dragner control their dragon using this method…!

Under the effect of the strong centrifugal force Ash nearly lost his consciousness. He felt as if he was suffering from anemia. He was already facing trouble just holding on to Lucca. If he had been careless even for one moment… He would most probably be facing a watery grave right now. The Eckbald's Dragon Riding Dance couldn't be reasoned with human knowledge. A sharp corner turn. A strong centrifugal force that could even rattle the brain. The ruffling sounds of the wind rushing beside his ears. Although he also faced groups of Strada type Necromancia along his way Gawain wasn't distracted by them, in the same way a lion was not bothered by ants, it continued to fly on. The Strada type Necromancia couldn't keep up with Gawain’s speed and scattered like being blown off by a storm.

-Is this really a… Dance? If this is also considered a type of dance… How do we classify the flying method in the academy? This is totally at a different level! Obviously… There is too much of a difference…!

-Lucca is undoubtedly a genius!

Ash finally knew the reason why Lucca was still selected for the training camp even after she had been absent for three months. At the same time… He personally experienced the terrifying feeling of falling off in the midst of the Dragon Riding Dance. Just by thinking of it, Ash's entire body stiffened, knowing it was a miracle that Lucca's body remained intact even after she had fallen from Gawain during practice. Also… Lucca was not flying blindly. Ash realized that, onto the night sky, Gawain was tracing a magic pattern, all within a circle, with its tracks. Not long after that, the huge magic diagram had been completed. Thinking back… Navi had mentioned something before.

-Once the Dragon riding dance had been completed, many effects of magic w be activated.

Ash’s eyes widened.

“Isn't this a ‘Seikoku’!”

That’s right! The image that Lucca and Gawain completed together was a ‘Seikoku’. There was the head of a dragon in the middle of a circle and it looked unique. The diameter should be more than a hundred meters. The moment the magic circle was completed Lucca shouted:

“Dragon Riding Dance, the First Dance- ‘The Amrita of purification’!"

The magic circle started glowing, and then brightened into a glaring light.

Part 36

“Dragon Riding Dance, the First Dance- ‘The Amrita of purification’."

All the students who were busy fighting by the lakeside were shocked by the sudden lights. The huge magic circle- ‘Seikoku’ was hanging at a corner of the night sky.

“So you had succeeded… Lucca.”

Rebecca smiled in relief. After being exposed to the strong glaring light the tough Necromancias had returned back to ashes one by one. On the other hand, the students had recovered their energy as if they had been treated with healing magic. Rebecca also felt that her body had become lighter and the gloom in her heart had departed. It's as if her desperation from before was only an illusion. She now felt that she could still continue the battle. Upon seeing all the Necromancia at the lakeside had been defeated, the student cheered in unison. Even the injured patients who were taking refuge back at the training campsite ran out to the lakeside and cheered. Looking at Gawain, who was flying energetically through the night sky, Rebecca chuckled.

“Since the ancient times the Eckbalds, who were dragners, were called ‘Elfn Dancer’. The Lucca right now best fits the descriptions-”

"Elfn Dancer ~A.S.B 1365.6~"is closed.

References and Translation Notes

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