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Star-Embracing Swordmaster Chapter 78: Choices made by a child (3)

Chapter 78: Choices made by a child (3)

“It⁠ looks young. Do‌ you think he‍ can handle it?”‍​

Valkov‌ asked Rutiger as​ he watched the​ blond boy running⁠‍ behind the knights.⁠

Although⁠‌ his eyes were⁠​⁠ sharp, his slightly‌‍ unbalanced body showed​‌ that the boy’s⁠ vessel was not‍​‌ yet fully complete.‍​

“It‌‍‍ was the best​ appointment I could​⁠ have made.”

“Are‍⁠⁠ you referring to⁠‌ that boy?”

Age‍‌ doesn’t show everything.‌​⁠

Only‌​⁠ experience, skills, and‍ accumulated achievements can‌ be the criteria​​ for determining the⁠ success of a mission.

“That’s‍⁠ right. This is‍‍⁠ the guy who‍​‌ pulled out the‍⁠ death worm that‌‍ was already on‌ the ground.”

“Death​ worm…”

In⁠ that sense, among⁠⁠‌ the knights currently​‍ heading towards Lindworm,⁠ there is no⁠ one as talented⁠ as Vlad.

Rutiger⁠‌ brought the best​ dragon hunter he‌⁠ knew for this​ hunt.

“Then⁠ it would be⁠⁠ an obvious choice.”‌‌​

Valkov⁠ listened to Rutiger’s‍‍‌ words and silently⁠‌ shook his head.⁠‍‌

He‍‍ thought Rutiger was‌‍⁠ the only talent‌ worthy of attention​ in this generation​​⁠ of the Bayezid⁠​ family, but there​⁠‍ was another person‍‌‍ hidden.

“Now​ we can also​ move.”

“Alright.”​‌

Valkov,‍‍​ recalling another unusual‍⁠‌ thing to report‍ to the blacksmith,​‍ took his spear⁠​ and headed towards​ the top of⁠‍‌ the canyon.

“…”‌‍​

Rutiger⁠ turned his head‌ to look back‍‍ before moving to‌​​ his planned position.⁠⁠

Mirshea,‌‍⁠ leader of the‍ Dragon Slayer Knights.​​

His‍ blue eyes watched⁠ the departing Northern​ knights. With calmness‍ and coldness.

Instead‍​ of the sneer​ he had been‍ harboring until now,‌⁠‍ he just watched‌​ the young dragon‍ knight disappearing into​​‌ the snowy mist‌ with serious eyes.‍‍

***‌

Indra​ Scans

***​

The‍​⁠ current state of​​‍ Lindworm could be​ called unbridled.

All‌‍ living beings have‍‍‌ their own behavior‌‍⁠ patterns, and Lindworm‍⁠⁠ is no exception.‌

However,⁠‌⁠ seeing Lindworm recklessly‌⁠​ heading south, leaving⁠‌ its established territory‍ and ignoring its⁠ habit of staying‌​‌ in the cold,‍⁠ seemed to have​‌ some kind of​‍‍ purpose.

“It’s‌ right in front​⁠ of me.”

“Let’s‌ go back.”

Among‍‌​ the group here,‍⁠ the Steel Forge⁠ Knights, who were⁠ the first to‍​ begin subduing Lindworm,​ have been persistently​‌ pursuing Lindworm.

Rutiger‌ was also able⁠‍​ to obtain information‌​ from the captive⁠‍‌ barbarians through Agge‌​​ and determine Lindworm’s⁠ location.

The‌⁠ two knights discovered⁠ Lindworm’s location through​​ their information, and⁠‌ now it was‌‍‌ time to eliminate⁠ the white dragon⁠ from there.

“Everyone,‌‍ get ready!”

The​⁠ knights, who managed‍‌ to catch Lindworm⁠ resting after a sharp turn on‌ their horses, began⁠ to charge towards⁠⁠ the white dragon⁠‍‍ with a loud‍ noise.

Grrrr-​⁠

Lindworm,​​ who had been⁠ deeply asleep for⁠‍ a while, lifted⁠⁠ its head when‌‍ it suddenly heard⁠​​ a sound.

Even​​ the remnants of‍ fallen dragons were​⁠ capable of making‍ some instinctive judgments.‌⁠

Shiny‍ armor.

And‍⁠ a burning wooden⁠‍⁠ stake.

Roar-!⁠‌

Lindworm‍‌ realized that they‌‍ were not the⁠ barbarians it normally⁠‍ preyed upon, but⁠ the bright humans‍‌ who gave it⁠⁠ painful memories, so‍⁠⁠ it quickly got​⁠⁠ up and roared‌​ in anger.

Lindworm,⁠‍ persistent and threatening,​⁠ and remembering the⁠ javelin that finally‍ tore off its⁠​‍ scales, decided to‍ avoid the knights‍ rather than confront‌‍ them.

The‌‌ instinctive judgment that‌‌​ gradually became more‌‍ like intelligence over‍ time led Lindworm⁠​‌ to act in‌ this way.

“Shit.”‍​‍

Vlad⁠‌‍ was a bit‌⁠​ surprised to see​⁠⁠ Lindworm not rushing‍​ in immediately, but‍ instead seeming to‌‍‌ be assessing the⁠‍‍ situation.

Because​ it showed a different side from‌‌ the Death Worm,⁠‌ which bared its​​​ teeth at the⁠​ mere sight of‌‌‍ a human.

Thump-⁠‍‍

The‍‌⁠ sight of Lindworm‍⁠ moving as cleverly‌⁠ as the beats‌ of its heart​⁠ surprised the boy.​

“It’s​​‍ moving!”

“Block‍⁠ the sides!”

The​⁠ Steel Forge Knights,‌ who had already​⁠⁠ faced Lindworm once,​ gritted their teeth‍ and quickly approached‌​ both sides of‍ Lindworm, aiming their​ magical torches at​ it.

They‌‍ knew better.

If⁠‌‍ Lindworm is let‍⁠ loose here, where‍ will this cruel⁠ creature go?

Bayezid‍⁠ didn’t know, but‌ Baranov did, so‌ the Iron Ball‍ Knights had no​ choice but to‍​‍ grit their teeth⁠‌‍ even more.

“Now!”‌‍

The‌​​ aura of the‌⁠⁠ knights extended from⁠‌ their closed left‌ eye, and the​​ flame of the⁠‌‌ torch that absorbed‌ strength began to‍‍ grow threateningly.

“…!”⁠‍​

Lindworm‍ breathed coldly as⁠‍ it looked at​⁠ the knights threatening‌‌ it again, but​⁠ neither the timing‌ nor the situation​‍ suited it to‌​‍ let them go.⁠‌⁠

Kuaa-!⁠⁠

Instead⁠⁠ of letting out‍‌ a cold breath,⁠‍ Lindworm decided to​ quickly act to⁠​ get out of⁠⁠ the situation.

If​‍​ you accelerate enough,⁠ you can easily‌ knock down the‌⁠ knights here.

As‍‍ it had already‍⁠​ done this once‍‌ before, Lindworm began​ to run towards⁠ the snowy white‌ field without hesitation.‌

“Don’t​‍‍ let it escape!”‍

The⁠ knights, who were​​​ very aware of⁠‍ this fact, also‍ desperately tried to‌‍⁠ block Lindworm’s path​‌ and not give‍ the white dragon‍ space to escape.⁠⁠​

The​ fight between the‌‌‌ knights and the⁠ dragon trying to‍​‌ occupy space has‍ begun.

Neigh!​​

“Ugh!”⁠‍

A knight couldn’t avoid‌ the sharp teeth‍ and fell off⁠ his horse.

Along‍⁠⁠ with the pitiful‌⁠‍ cries of the‌ horses, red blood‍‍ sprayed everywhere and​​ splattered the knights’‌‍ armors.

“Vlad!​‍ Come back!”

Rutiger‌ and Vlad’s knights,‌ who had already⁠ worked together through⁠‌ Death Worm, quickly‍​ filled the spaces​ left by the‍‍ Steel Forge knights‌ and began to​ block Lindworm.

Kyaang-!⁠‍​ Kang!

“Crazy!​ He doesn’t even‌‌⁠ hurt it!”

“Don’t⁠ overdo it!”

Among‌ them, there were‍⁠ knights who saw‍‍‍ an opportunity and‍ attacked Lindworm directly,‍‌‌ but the dragon’s‍​ scales easily protected‍‌ it from the‍‌ knights.

Kyaa-!​‍⁠

Although⁠​ not as good‍​‌ as the Death​⁠ Worm, Lindworm was​⁠⁠ also a being​ with scales incomparable‍‌ to those of⁠‌ common monsters.

To⁠ overcome it, knights⁠ with a strong‍ and deep worldview‌⁠‍ were needed.

“It’s​ breath!”

Lindworm​‍ finally created an​‌ opportunity.

The‌ knights who saw​‍‌ the neck swollen‌​​ in an unusual⁠​ way quickly moved​ apart to avoid‍​⁠ the dragon’s breath.‌⁠​

“Kaaa!”⁠​⁠

One​ of Rutiger’s knights​ was directly hit⁠⁠‍ by the Breath​ and slowly began‍​‍ to stop in‌‌‌ his tracks.

Although‌⁠ Dorothea’s footprint shone,⁠ the dragon’s strong‍ breath would no⁠‍‌ longer allow her⁠‍‌ to participate.

“You’re‌‌ stronger than last‍ time! You have​ to dodge more!”‍

“Why⁠⁠​ all of a sudden!”

The‍‍‍ Steel Forge Knights‌⁠‍ were surprised to‌⁠⁠ see Lindworm’s breath,‍ which had become​‍‍ even more powerful‌‍‍ than they had‌ expected.

As⁠‌ time goes on,​ it becomes smarter⁠ and stronger.

The‌‌ dragon’s blood, which‍⁠ had been dormant‍ until now, was⁠‍ stimulated by something​ and gradually increased​ its violent potential.‍⁠

[You​‌‌ must step forward!‌‍‍ There are no‍‍​ more knights who​‍⁠ can withstand it!]⁠‍​

“Tsk!”‍

And⁠⁠​ here, like Lindworm,​‌‍ there was another‌‍ being whose blood‍⁠ boiled over time.‍‍‍

“Vlad!”‍

“There!​‌‍ Give me a torch!”

Although⁠​ they had prepared⁠ as best they⁠‌ could, Lindworm’s breath,‌ which was much‍​​ stronger than expected,​⁠ was hindering the‍‌ advance of the​ horses.

“It’s‌ here!”

A black horse that‌ began to run‍⁠ between the knights⁠ who were slowly‍​ moving away from‌⁠‌ Lindworm with their‌⁠‌ frozen legs.

It‌‌‌ was a faster​ move than planned‌‌⁠ and contrary to‌ expectations, but in‌‌​ reality, there are‌ times when judgment‌ like the present‌​ one is necessary.⁠⁠‍

[We​ must move towards‍‌‌ the entrance of‍‍ the canyon. If‌ we veer left⁠ or right, we⁠‌ will exit the‍​‌ gorge’s position and​ lose the opportunity.]⁠

“This‍ is madness!”

Although​⁠ Vlad felt dizzy⁠ at the suggestion⁠⁠​ of using his⁠​‍ own body as‍​‌ bait to the​‌‍ entrance of the⁠‌ gorge, he knew‍​ they had no⁠‍ other choice.

Vlad​‌‌ was surprised to‌​ hear the voice⁠ telling him that‍ he should use​⁠ himself as bait​‌ and go to‌​​ the gorge’s interview,‌‌ but he also⁠ knew they had⁠ no other choice.⁠‌‌

‘Will‍ it work?’

In⁠⁠ one hand, he‍ held the magical​​ torch he had‌‌ received from the‌⁠ Steel Knight.

And⁠ Vlad, holding George’s‌ dagger in the​‍⁠ other hand, quickly⁠‌ cut his palm‍ with it.

“Argh!”​‍​

I heard that Mirshea‍⁠ imprinted the taste‌ of human blood⁠​​ on Lindworm by⁠ sacrificing barbarians.

And‌ if this plan⁠⁠ fails, they will‍‍ use Agge’s tribe​‌ as bait to‌⁠ catch the dragon‌‍ as they please‍​‍ and roam the‌‌ north.

‘Fuck‍‍ you!’

I want to do​⁠​ my best as‌‌⁠ much as you‌‍ trust me.

Although⁠ my existence is⁠‍⁠ very weak.

Thinking‍ of Rutiger, who​ nodded towards him,​​ Vlad raised his‍⁠ blood-soaked hand.

The‌‌ red-stained hand of‍​ the boy rose​‌ to the sky.‌‌

“I’m⁠ here!”

The‍‍‍ red blood began⁠⁠ to flow from​ the boy’s desperate⁠​​ gestures on the‌⁠‌ trembling horse.

“Here’s‌ the blood you‌‌⁠ want!”

Drops⁠⁠‌ of blood falling‍ from the boy’s‌ fingertips.

Lindworm‌ watched with wide​ eyes as the‌‍ blood dripped and‍‍ left a red​‍‍ trail in the​⁠ white snow.

There​‌ was a thirst​‍ there that could​‍​ not be satisfied‍​​ with just human​⁠⁠ blood.

It⁠‌ was what it⁠​⁠ had been searching​⁠ for all this‍ time.

Kaaaaa—!⁠

The‌‍⁠ white dragon let‌‌​ out a fierce⁠‍⁠ roar that had‌‍ never been seen‌​ before and began⁠ to accelerate rapidly‍​ towards the black​​‍ horse.

As​ if it had⁠⁠​ gone mad.

As‍‍‌ if all it​‌‍ had to do‍⁠ was kill that⁠⁠ boy.

“It’s‍ so effective!”

[Shouldn’t‌‍​ you have done⁠⁠ that?]

Vlad⁠‍ quickly grabbed Noir’s​ reins as he​ saw Lindworm, who‌⁠​ had become fiercer‍ than before, even⁠⁠‌ though he had​⁠⁠ only cut his‍‌‍ palm.

“Run!”⁠​

The​​ knights, already exhausted​⁠⁠ and frozen, lagged⁠‍‌ behind.

“…!”⁠‍

Noir,‌⁠ realizing that he‍ was now the‍ only one left,​‍​ quickly began to‌‍ absorb the boy’s‍​​ world.

The​ boy’s world is⁠‍‌ a world whose‍⁠​ colors have not‌ yet been created.‍

But‍ that alone would‍‌ be enough to‌ make a star​ float in the‍ dark night sky.​

Neighing-‍

A horn of pure‍⁠‍ white began to‌‌ form on Noir’s⁠⁠‍ forehead as he⁠ ran at a speed that even‌‍⁠ he found dizzying.​‌‌

With⁠‍​ that, Noir took‌ a deep breath,‍ feeling an unfamiliar⁠‍ sense of release.⁠‍

This‌ was it.

Noir‍‍‌ had come to‍‍ know the boy‌‌​ for this moment.‌

To​‍⁠ become a little​ faster and a little more perfect.⁠‌

Now,‌ there are only⁠ two worlds racing​​​ over the field‌​ of white snow.‍

The‌‌ fastest dragon and​​ the fastest horse.‍​‌

And‌⁠ there is only⁠‌⁠ one being who‌​ can fully fill⁠ these two worlds.⁠​

“Let’s​ go!”

There⁠‍‌ was only one⁠​⁠ boy, his blond‍ hair waving in‍​ the snowstorm.

The​ roars of the‌‌​ fallen dragon and‌‌⁠ the forgotten horn⁠​ began to resonate‍​ throughout the pure‍ white snowfield.

***⁠

Indra‌⁠ Scans

***‍

“Here‌⁠ it comes!”

Valkov,‌⁠⁠ silently closing his‍ left eye with​ spears stuck in‌‍ the ground next‌⁠‌ to him, heard‍‌​ the report from‍‌‌ his assistant.

“How‌‍ much longer?”

“It’s‌ right in front‍‍ of us, in‌‍ 5 minutes… no.”‍⁠‍

The⁠ knight’s voice trembled‍‌‍ as he reported,‍‌​ looking more nervous⁠‍ than usual.

“3​ minutes, no, 1 minute!”

“What?”​‍​

Upon‍‌ hearing the almost‌ screaming report from‌‍ the assistant, Valkov‌​ quickly drew a spear and injected‌​ it with aura.‍⁠‍

What⁠‍‍ he saw with‌‍‍ his right eye⁠⁠ open was truly⁠ something that would​⁠‍ embarrass the assistant.​

“It’s‌‌‍ right in front‍⁠‌ of you!”

“What​⁠ the hell…”

There‍ was a snowstorm‍ approaching forcefully over⁠⁠ the field of‍ white snow.

It‍‌ was a straight-line‌‌‍ snowstorm, so fast​‍​ that it even‌ cut through the‍ northern winds.

At‌ the front of⁠‌ the snowstorm was‍‍ a black horse​‍‌ shining as it‍‍ was struck by‌​​ the bouncing snow.⁠‍‌

And‍ behind it, was‌‌ Lindworm, whose blue‍ eyes had suddenly‍​ turned into red​⁠ eyes that seemed‌‌‍ to be dripping​ blood everywhere.

They‌ were running toward‌ the canyon.

“Send‌​​ a signal to‌‌‌ the Bayezid knights!”‍

The​​‌ plan they had⁠ made had failed,⁠⁠ and now all​‍⁠ Valkov could see⁠‍‍ was the torch‌​ held by the⁠ boy, swaying weakly.​‌

“They​ say he’s the‍ best Dragon Slayer…”‍‌

Valkov‌ let out an​​⁠ exclamation resembling a lament, sharply shrugged⁠‌​ his shoulders back,​‍​ and raised his‍ spear.

“That’s‍​ really true!”

It’s‌⁠⁠ okay for plans‍ to go wrong.⁠

As‌​‌ long as the‌​ results are good,⁠‌​ everything is fine.‌​

Valkov⁠​‍ wielded his spear​​‍ with force, feeling​ at the same⁠ time regret for‍⁠‍ daring to doubt​⁠ the boy’s courage.​​​

Sssss-⁠⁠⁠

The‍ spear shot by⁠ Valkov flew towards⁠​ Lindworm’s forehead while‌​ it was busy‍​ chasing after the‍​‌ boy.

***‌

Indra​ Scans

***‍⁠

[Here⁠⁠ it comes!]

Vlad,⁠⁠ who couldn’t even‍‌‌ open his eyes‍‍ because of the‍ headwind, quickly lowered‍‍ his head with‌‌ a warning voice.‍‌

Sssss-‌⁠

At‍‌ that moment, there​‌‍ was a sharp⁠‍‌ sound that pierced‍⁠⁠ Vlad’s ears.

That‍⁠⁠ murderous sound was‌ enough to make⁠​‍ even Lindworm, who‌⁠ was following him,‌‍‌ turn his head‌‌ for a moment.⁠

Roarrrr!​⁠

Roarrrr-!​‍

He‍‌⁠ couldn’t reach it.⁠

However,‌‌ it was an‌‍⁠ attack strong enough⁠‌‌ to turn the⁠‍​ dragon’s head with‌‍ its momentum alone.​‍

‘Done!’⁠‍

Although⁠⁠​ it was a failed attack, Vlad⁠ held tightly to‌‍‍ the torch he‌⁠ was holding.

Although‍‌ the handling process‍ was a disaster,​⁠ from now on‍‍ everything was going‍ according to plan.​‌⁠

Valkov’s​​ intention is to⁠‍ lure the dragon‍ into the narrow​‍ canyon.

They‍ were cutting off‍⁠ the retreat route‍ with javelins to⁠‍ prevent Lindworm from⁠‌ going back.

“Where⁠ are you looking!”‌​

Boldly,‍‍ Vlad threw the⁠‌ torch he was‌⁠​ holding, drawing Lindworm’s​⁠ attention once again.⁠

Everything‌ is here now.​⁠

If‍‌⁠ I can drag‌‌‌ this guy to​‌‍ the canyon in⁠ front of me,⁠‌‍ Rutiger’s fiery world⁠‌ will be able⁠ to reach its‌⁠ end.

Since‌‍‌ it is Rutiger’s⁠ sword that even⁠ split the outer​‌‌ skin of the‍‌ Death Worm, it‍⁠⁠ can certainly split​‍ Lindworm’s scales…

Roarrrr!​

“…Yes!”‍

Vlad,‌⁠​ who was happy⁠ that his plan‌⁠‌ was almost coming‍ true, lowered his‍​‍ head as his⁠ heart suddenly sank.‍​⁠

[Vlad!‍‌‍ What’s wrong with⁠ you!]

“Stop…”​​

Despite‍ the urgency in⁠ the voice, Vlad‌ couldn’t easily lift‍‍ his head.

Noir,⁠‌⁠ who was concerned⁠⁠‍ about the boy’s⁠ safety, and Lindworm,​‌​ who followed him,‌‌‍ were slowing down⁠ and shaking their‍‌⁠ heads as if‍‌ they felt pain.​‍

The‍ knights waiting for‌‍⁠ an opportunity in⁠ front of the⁠‍⁠ canyon entrance began‌‌ to look puzzled‌⁠‌ seeing Vlad and⁠ Lindworm panting without​⁠ any particular reason.‌‌

‘What​ the hell is‍​ this!’

My​‌ vision was turning‍ dark, and anxiety‌‌‌ and fear surged‌ as if my⁠⁠ heart stopped.

Vlad​ had to grit⁠‍‌ his teeth in​‍ response to his‌​‌ instincts’ strong warning.‌​​

Don’t⁠‍‍ run anymore.

Don’t​‌​ advance anymore.

“Oh‍ God… damn it.”​‍

Trying⁠‍ to ignore the‍​ warning coming from‍​⁠ his heart, Vlad⁠ forced himself to​ turn his neck‍​​ and looked at⁠‌ the energy source.​‍​

There​​ was a point‌ my pounding heart‌​ pointed to.

Deep‌ in the canyon,​‍​ a man stands‌⁠ in front of⁠⁠ crying barbarians.

The⁠‍‌ man’s blue eyes​​‍ smile fiercely as‌ he looks at​‌ the boy.

A force only a dragon could feel‌ weighed on the‍ boy and the​⁠ white dragon.

A sword.

“Charge​ now!”

A white dragon and⁠ a blond boy‍‍ stopped just in​‍⁠ front of the​ canyon.

Both⁠ were still, their​​‍ shoulders trembling as​⁠ if they had​‌ seen something terrifying.​

The‍⁠​ only difference was⁠ that the boy⁠ gritted his teeth⁠​​ and tried to​ lift his head,⁠ and Lindworm slowly​‍ backed away.

The​ paths of the​ two beings diverged⁠‌ at the crossroads‌ of resistance and‍⁠ submission.

“From⁠​⁠ here on Knights,⁠⁠ charge!”

The​⁠​ Bayezid knights rush‌⁠ out at Rutiger’s​ urgent cry.

Since⁠ the prey wasn’t⁠‌‌ caught in the‌ trap, now was​ the only chance‌‌ to clash swords.‍​​

“How‌​‍ strange!”

Even‌ the experienced Ramund​​‍ couldn’t help but‍‌​ curse as he​‌⁠ watched Lindworm stop‍‍ just before success.‌‍⁠

“It’s‍‍ them.”

There‌ was no evidence,⁠⁠‌ but he could‌​ intuitively feel it.‌⁠‌

Rutiger‌ looked at the⁠ man behind him,‌‌‍ his eyes full‍‍ of anger.

Mirshea⁠‌ looked at the‍‌ boy with crossed​‍ arms and tranquil‌‍‌ eyes.

There‍⁠​ was a truly​‍ satisfied smile on‍​⁠ his face as‌​ he stood at‍‌​ a distance.

Roar-!⁠‍

Lindworm,‌ the fastest dragon.‌⁠‍

The⁠ dragon, which had⁠⁠ wrapped its tail‌​​ to avoid a world larger than​ itself, quickly turned‍​ its head and​ was about to​​ run towards the‌⁠‍ field of pure⁠‍‌ white snow.

To​‍‌ the place where​ he ruled, beyond‍⁠ the reach of‌⁠ the vast world.‍​

“Mr.⁠‍​ Valkov!”

At‌⁠​ that moment, Rutiger’s‌ shout echoed throughout​⁠ the canyon.

Valkov’s‌ world is a world that sees​⁠ very far.

His‌‌ world, which he‌‍ had refined to‌ send sharp objects⁠‌​ farther, began to‌⁠⁠ reflect in the‍‌‌ spear.

“Where‍‌​ are you going‍ to escape?”

A purple flash emanated‍ from the fingertips‍​ of the heretical​​​ knight who chose‌ a spear instead‌‌ of a sword,⁠⁠ a throwing weapon​ among spears.

So​ fast that an‍‌⁠ ordinary knight wouldn’t‍ even be able​ to react.

Roar-!⁠‌‌

But⁠⁠‍ the timing wasn’t⁠​‍ right.

Lindworm⁠ was terrified of‍ the vast world​‍​ before him and​⁠ was on high​ alert for all‍​‍ kinds of threats⁠ looming in his​ way.

Sssss-!​‍⁠

That’s‍‍ why I saw⁠ it before he​‌ shot it and‌ was able to​ dodge it before‍​ it hit me.‍‍

Using⁠‌⁠ the fastest legs⁠ among the remains‌‍ of the fallen​​​ dragon.

“Damn​‌⁠ it!”

While‌​ Valkov quickly pulled‌⁠ the spear from‍​⁠ the ground and‍ prepared for the‌​ second strike, Rutiger’s‌ and Bayezid’s knights⁠⁠‌ approached the white​‌​ dragon.

“Buy⁠‌ time!”

It‌⁠ was Rutiger who​⁠ even took down⁠​ the Death Worm,⁠ famous for its‌‍ tough shell, with‌ a single sword.‍​​

However,‍‍‍ it took time⁠ to expose the​​ world’s deepest world.‌‍

Just⁠​ like the boy⁠​ bought time for​‌ the death worm‌⁠​ that day.

“Wait!”‌‌

“We​ have to block‍‌ the way!”

While‌⁠ the knights used‍‍ their whole bodies‍ to buy time,‌‌ Rutiger quickly closed⁠‌ his left eye‌‌‍ and waved his‍ sword with his‍‌ fingers.

The‌​ familiar vibrations made​ him fall into⁠​ a deeper world.‍⁠‌

A violet flash falling⁠ from above.

Bright‌ humans running towards‍ you from below.‍​‌

Until‌⁠ now, Lindwurm had‍⁠⁠ lived unaware that⁠ he was a noble dragon, but⁠ now that he⁠‌ knew, he felt​‌‌ unbearable anger at⁠‍ seeing the humans‌⁠ daring to attack​‌ him.

Kiee-!‌‌‌

Lindworm​ took a deep​ breath and roared​‌​ louder than when‌ he pounced on⁠⁠ the boy.

The⁠⁠‌ back of the​​ white dragon’s neck​‍‌ swelled as if‍⁠​ it were about​‍ to burst, as‌⁠⁠ it was filled​ with anger with‌ all its might,‌‌ ignoring even its‌‌⁠ defense.

“Damn​​‌ it!”

Ramund,⁠⁠⁠ who felt the⁠​‌ impending devastating blow,‌​ quickly left the​‌⁠ battlefield and ran‌‌​ towards the boy.‍

[Vlad!⁠⁠ Snap out of‌​ it!]

“Hey​​‌ What are you​‌‌ doing here!”

“…”‍

However,⁠ Vlad only trembled​‍‍ and couldn’t move‍‌ easily despite Ramund’s‍⁠ voice and insistence.​⁠​

Noir,​ who was in‍​‌ contact with the‍⁠‍ boy’s world, also​ got caught in⁠‍ the spell of⁠‌⁠ the blue eyes‍‌ right in front⁠ of him and‌⁠‍ couldn’t follow his​⁠‌ steps easily.

Perhaps‍ others didn’t know‌‌ it, but the​‌‌ boy was trying‍⁠ to keep his‍ head up in⁠ front of the‌‍ huge world trying‍ to devour him.‍

“…I‌​ don’t know what‍​​ it is, but​⁠‍ it feels wrong.”‌​​

Ramund⁠‌ turned to look‍ at the wide-eyed,​ deeply rooted boy.​

If‌⁠ you can’t choose‍⁠ the best, you​ must choose the⁠​⁠ next best thing.​⁠

And‌⁠‌ the good of⁠​ the retired knight⁠‍‌ was the boy‍‌‌ who would take⁠ responsibility for the​‍ future.

“As⁠ you get older,⁠​ the cold wind⁠ damages your joints.”‌

Fuaaawak-​‍

As‌‌⁠ soon as Ramund⁠⁠‍ finished speaking, Lindworm’s⁠‍ breath came like‍ a misty fog.⁠

The​‍ breath of a dragon that would⁠‍‌ be able to‌‍ freeze the soul‍⁠ of an ordinary‍‍ person.

“Damn⁠⁠‍ it!”

The‍‍⁠ old knight with⁠ the boy on‍‌​ his back gritted‌‌ his teeth.

I hope the world‍‍‌ I have spent‌‍‌ my whole life‍‍‌ building is warmer⁠‍ than the dragon’s​‌ breath.

Instead‌⁠ of raising his‍‌ sword, Ramund crossed⁠ his arms, and‌ a bright aura‍ began to appear‍ on his body.​‍

***‍

Indra​ Scans

***​⁠

“…”⁠‍

Vlad​⁠‍ held his breath⁠‍ silently in the​⁠⁠ cold, misty fog.‍​⁠ The approaching cold⁠⁠⁠ sent shivers down‌ his spine, but‍⁠‌ the aura of​‍ Ramund that he​​​ felt behind him‌‍⁠ was warm.

[You⁠‍ have to cut⁠​‌ through it!]

“…Stop.”‌‍​

The‌ cold coming from‌​⁠ all directions was‍‌ stiffening the boy’s​‍​ body, but Vlad‌⁠‌ forced himself to‍⁠ grip the sword‍​‍ with trembling hands.​‌​

The⁠‌ gaze of those​ cold eyes was⁠⁠‍ like a spider’s‌‍‌ web, keeping the​‌ boy in place,​‍‍ but Vlad still‌⁠‍ had to do​⁠ it.

“Damn​ it!”

To‌ compete against the​⁠‌ vast world, your‌ own world must​​⁠ also expand.

Ramund’s⁠⁠‌ warmth began to⁠ form in the⁠⁠‌ world of a boy who wandered,‍ seeking a place‌‌ to expand somehow.‌‌⁠

Another‍‌ ray of color‌‍ reached Vlad’s world,‌ which had not‌​⁠ yet created a color, and that‌‌ light began to‍ flow along the​⁠ sword.

“Hey‌‍ kid.”

“…Go⁠ and look.”

Ramund’s‍⁠‌ voice flowed between‌ his cold and‍‍​ hardened lips.

The‍ old man had‌​ done his job,‍‍​ and now it‍ was the boy’s‍​ turn.

Vlad‌⁠⁠ wielded his sword⁠‌ with all his​ might as he​‌⁠ listened to Ramund’s‌ words flowing behind‍​ him.

The⁠ invisible, cold webs⁠ surrounding the boy⁠ began to break⁠​‍ and fall away.‌

***​‍‌

Indra‍⁠ Scans

***‌​​

“…”‌

Mirshea‌​‍ always maintained a relaxed posture, but‍‌‌ now he looked‍⁠‌ forward with a stern expression.

The​⁠ breath exhaled by‍⁠‌ Lindworm was carried⁠‌ away by the​​​ wind, and the‌ landscape within him‍​⁠ began to gradually‌⁠‌ reveal itself.

A landscape as if⁠‌ time had stopped.‌⁠‌

The‍ ice particles created‍ by the snowstorm‌​ sparkled among the‍​ frozen knights in‍ the cold.

And⁠​ there was a black horse running⁠​​ swiftly through the​⁠ glow.

Mirshea⁠​ uncrossed his arms​ and locked eyes⁠​‍ with the boy​⁠​ passing by him.​​

Blue​ eyes.

Although‌​⁠ the color was‍​⁠ the same, eyes‌‌​ with different lights⁠​ crossed each other.⁠⁠

“That’s‍⁠​ incredible.”

Mirshea‌⁠ erased the cynical‍⁠ smile he always⁠‍ wore and watched​ the boy advance‍ with pure admiration.‌​​

The‌ boy’s eyes were​‌​ slowly leaving Mirshea.​‌‍

Without⁠ the permission of‌ the vast world,​⁠‍ solely by his​​ own will.

The‍⁠ boy’s sword cut​‌ through his presence.⁠‌

“Let’s​‍ go!”

There‍​‌ was a time​‍⁠ for everything.

Vlad,‌ who learned this‌ from Joseph, realized‌⁠⁠ that instead of​​⁠ attacking Mirshea right‌‍‍ now, he should‌ first deal with‍​ the white dragon​‌⁠ behind him.

Only⁠​ then could he‍ deliver a good⁠⁠​ blow to the​ man who tried​‌ to bring him‌⁠‍ down.

Vlad​​ raised his head​​ again under the⁠ shield of the‍‌‍ old knight and‌​ rode the black‌ horse toward the​​‍ white dragon.

“Hold‍⁠ him back…”

Everything​‍‌ in the canyon‌​ was frozen by‌ Lindworm’s icy breath.⁠

The‍‌⁠ same happened to⁠ the knights who​‌‌ had been shouting⁠ and running a moment ago.

Rutiger⁠‌‌ quickly tried to‌‍ use his aura‍​ to thaw his​‌ frozen body, but​​ the white dragon,‌‌ which could move​⁠ even for a fraction of a second, began to​‌‌ kick.

“Oh​ God… damn it.”‍​

Dorothea’s‌​ footprint glowed against⁠⁠ the cold, but​​⁠ the knights still​ needed time to⁠‍‌ move.

Valkov’s⁠​⁠ lance gleamed as‌ he fought alone⁠‌⁠ in the ravine​‍ to block Lindworm,‌ but it wasn’t‍‍ enough.

‘Is​‍​ it a failure?’⁠‌

Rutiger‍ gritted his teeth‌‌ as he felt‍⁠⁠ the energy of‌‌ failure rising from‍ below.

I did my best,‍ but in the​‌‌ end, I couldn’t⁠​‌ reach him.

There​ were cases of‍‍‌ failure by just​ a step difference.⁠‌‍

“Mmm?”⁠

At⁠‌​ that moment, a black figure quickly‍‌ passed through Rutiger’s​⁠‌ field of vision.‍⁠‍

“I’ll​​ try to stop​ him!”

“…Vlad!”​

It​ was a horse‍‌ driven by a blond boy who‌ a moment ago⁠‌ had his head‌⁠ bowed.

The‌​​ young dark-haired man‍ lowered his head‍⁠‌ for a moment,‌‌ but the blond‌​⁠ boy never gave​ up for a moment.

That’s​‍​ why I could‌⁠ move only now​‌⁠ that everyone was⁠⁠⁠ standing still.

[Do‌ your best!]

“Aaaah!”⁠

Vlad⁠⁠⁠ infused the aura‌‌ he had created​‍ into his sword⁠ and struck Lindworm,⁠⁠⁠ who was barely⁠ starting to move,⁠​‌ in the stomach.⁠​

Kaaaaang-!‌‌‌

Kaa!‌‌

Before‌‌ Lindworm’s rough roar‍‍‍ erupted at that⁠⁠ moment, Vlad screamed⁠⁠ in panic.

“It’s‌‌ very difficult!”

The​‌‍ first time Vlad⁠‍ wielded his sword​⁠ against a being‍ called a dragon,‌‍ he twisted his‌‌‍ numb wrist and‌ stuck out his​‍‍ tongue.

How⁠ could Rutiger kill‍‌ a deadly worm‍ with more strength​ than this guy?‍‍

[If‌‍‌ it doesn’t work,‌⁠ you have to‌‌ keep going!]

“…Yes!”⁠​‍

At⁠​⁠ the words of‌⁠ the voice, Vlad‍ closed his left​ eye again and​ the aura began‍‍‌ to flow into‍‌ his sword.

“Give‌‍ me the lance!”‌‌‌

Valkov‍⁠ regained hope upon⁠‍⁠ seeing the presence​ of a boy‍​⁠ who suddenly jumped‍​ out of the‍‍‍ mist.

Ultimately,‌​‌ the success or⁠‍ failure of this‌‍‍ operation depends on‌⁠ timing.

If⁠​ Rutiger and the‍ knights move before‌ Lindworm accelerates, they‍​ will subdue them,‌ and if not,‌‌⁠ they will have​ to hand the⁠‌ opportunity over to​ the Dragon Slayer‌⁠‍ Knights.

“There’s‍‌ not much time⁠‌‌ left for the​⁠ lance!”

Valkov‍ quickly turned his⁠​‍ head at the‌‌ report from the‌‌​ assistant who was‌ handing him the​‌ lance.

“Damn‍ it.”

There⁠‍ were only a few of Valkov’s⁠​ lances left on⁠ the ground.

Time‍​​ wasn’t the only‌ thing lacking.

“But‍ we still have‍‌ to do something!”‌‌‌

The‌‍ boy’s struggles alone‍⁠ cannot stop Lindworm.‌

Although‍ Rutiger is said​⁠​ to be the‌‍ best dragon hunter,‍ he is not​⁠ a dragon hunter‌ who can put​‍​ an end to​​‍ it.

Valkov,​⁠‍ now handed the⁠ few remaining lances,​‍ waved his arm​ as strongly as‌‍ he could towards‍‌ Lindworm.

[Go‌⁠​ right!]

The⁠‍​ voice instructed Vlad,‌‌‌ who couldn’t even‍ pay attention to⁠⁠‍ Valkov’s movements as​ he dealt with‍​⁠ Lindworm right in‍‌‌ front of him.​‍

Distance‌ is needed to​​ accelerate, and eventually‌‌ the boy must⁠‍ occupy a space‌‍ where he can​​​ move forward even​‍ on his own.‌

Kyaang-!‌

“…!”‍‌

A sinister creak began⁠⁠ to be heard‌⁠ from the tip‍​​ of the sword‍ swinging sharply.

No⁠‌ matter how wrapped‍‌ in aura it‍‍ was, a sword‌​​ born in an​⁠ alley could not‌⁠⁠ withstand the dragon’s‌⁠ scales.

“Damn‌ it!”

Vlad’s‌ complexion turned blue​ as he felt‍‍⁠ a crunch that‌‍ was noticeable when‍ holding it.

The‍ sword that the​‌​ boy had looked​‍⁠ at like a star was breaking.⁠⁠

[You‍​ mustn’t stop.]

“But!”‌⁠‌

[You‌‌‌ can’t be with⁠‌ this guy forever!]‍‍

Vlad⁠⁠​ was left speechless‍⁠ by the voice’s⁠ words.

It​ was a sword‌‍‌ that hung high‍ enough for the‍⁠ boy to have⁠⁠ to look up,‌ but the enemies⁠ he had faced​​​ until now were⁠ those who were⁠‌​ difficult to handle‍ with an ordinary‌ iron sword.

It‍​‍ can be said‌‌⁠ that it is​ rather a miracle⁠ that he has‌​ survived until now.⁠‌

[Let​ him do what⁠ he has to⁠⁠ do!]

“…”​‍‌

Beings⁠ who have reached‌ the end of‌ their limits have‍‌ no choice but‍‌⁠ to stop.

Just⁠⁠ like the old⁠​ knight, the ordinary‌‍⁠ and unadorned sword‍‌ must stop now.‍⁠​

“Damn⁠⁠ it!”

Said‌⁠ the blacksmith in‍​ the back alley.‍‌

He​⁠⁠ said he couldn’t​‌​ bear for his‌‌ sword to reach‌​ the boy’s ankle.⁠⁠‍

The​ boy remembered the​ blacksmith looking at⁠‍‌ him with deep​‌‍ eyes as he‍​‌ said those words.‌​‌

Kyaang-!​​‍

“Stop!”⁠‍‍

Kyaa-!⁠‌​

“Stop!”‍‍​

The‍‌ boy was crying⁠⁠‍ as he mercilessly⁠ struck Lindworm’s legs​⁠ as he began‌ to run towards‍‌ the snowy field.‌

Along​⁠ with the boy’s​​‌ cries, the sword‍ was breaking.

“Son​ of a bitch!”​‍‌

Pieces⁠​ of the white​ sword flew along​​⁠ with the swirling‌ snow crystals.

In‍ addition to the‌‌‌ boy’s flowing tears.‍‍⁠

Kwasik-!‍

“Ahhh-!”⁠

While‍‍‌ the white dragon‍ paused for a moment due to⁠⁠‌ the boy’s momentum,​ there was a purple flash shot‍ from above the‍ canyon.

“Done!”​⁠‌

Thanks‍‌⁠ to Vlad’s desperate​​‌ interference, Valkov’s lance​⁠ flew and pierced⁠ Lindworm’s knee.

Valkov,‍⁠‌ who was at‍‍ the top of‍‍​ the ravine, raised⁠⁠​ his hand upon‌‍‌ seeing this.

It⁠ was the last‍‍​ lance left.

“Yes.”‍

The⁠ blood flowing from​‍​ the handle that‍​ had been cut‍ before flowed along⁠‌ the sword.

The‍‌‍ sword that had‌ consumed the boy’s‍⁠ blood raised its⁠ head with all⁠​ its might.

“This‍⁠‍ is the last​ time.”

Looking​‍ at Lindworm’s blue‍​ eyes staring at⁠ him, Vlad raised‍​ his sword for​‌‍ the last time.⁠

“Last.⁠⁠⁠ If it’s the​‍ last time.”

On⁠ a galloping horse,​‌ the boy bid‌⁠‌ a definitive farewell⁠​ to his sword.‍

Thank‌ you for helping‍‍‍ me get to​ this point.

“Let’s‌​ go!”

Vlad​‌‌ caught up to​‌ Lindworm, who was‌ gradually slowing down,‌​‍ and finally looked‍ into the blue‌⁠ eyes he found​ right in front⁠​⁠ of him.

I may not be⁠ able to pierce‌ hard scales, but‌​‍ I can pierce‍​ the gaze in⁠‍‍ your eyes.

That‌ would be enough​‍ for the sword’s⁠‌⁠ final task.

“Goodbye.”⁠

Finally,⁠‌ a sword imbued‌​ with the aura​‌​ of the boy⁠‍ shone on the‌ snowy field.

With⁠‍‌ the boy’s cry,⁠ the stars in‌‌ the back alley‍ fell into his‍‌​ blue eyes.

Kyaa-!⁠‌

In‍ the white snowy​​ field.

With‍ the dragon’s cry,‌ the unadorned sword‍⁠‌ broke.

The‌ sword in the⁠ back alley containing​⁠‌ the potential of​​‌ the boy became​‌‌ a star at‍ the last moment.‌‌

***​​

Indra​‍‌ Scans

***‌‍‌

Although‌ it wasn’t a high night sky,​‍ the sword was‍ shining.

Because⁠⁠⁠ it was in​‍⁠ the hands of​‌ a boy who​‌ wanted to shine.⁠

In​ that case, the⁠​‌ sword in the‍ alley would also‍⁠ be worthy of​​ becoming a star.⁠​​

And‌‍ the surname left‍‍⁠ by that star​‍‍ was Dragon Slayer‌ Sword.

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