Page 161

Inside the canyon.

We were slowly descending toward the bottom of the canyon, floating in midair.

"This canyon is strange."

Xenia, who was flying beside me, spoke in a tense voice.

We were currently borrowing Xenia’s magic to descend into the canyon.

As she said, this place was truly bizarre.

A natural labyrinth.

It felt as if our sense of direction was being distorted.

‘The power of the Earth Dragon is what disrupts our sense of direction.’

As an ancient dragon, the Earth Dragon’s mere presence exerted an influence on its surroundings.

The Earth Dragon's Canyon had been called that for a long time.

Naturally, the dragon’s power was deeply embedded in the canyon.

That was also why Duke of Whitewood had failed to locate the Mystics.

No one would have expected them to set up their base in the Earth Dragon’s Canyon.

That was precisely why I had relied on Acrede to find the Mystics’s location.

The Flame Butterfly Chronicle was a dot RPG game.

While the academy was well-detailed, the canyon’s depiction was rather vague.

No matter how skilled a pixel artist might be, there was no way to fully represent the scale of this massive canyon in dot graphics.

So while it was known that the Mystics was in the Earth Dragon’s Canyon, its exact location remained a mystery.

But with Acrede, it was a different story.

Since her other half, Narea, was within the Mystics, their souls were constantly resonating.

‘A high-performance navigation system.’

Acrede, who was riding on Centriole’s back, was trying her best to maintain composure.

It seemed she had a fear of heights.

Isabel, on the other hand, was another matter.

Having grown highly accustomed to aerial battles, she descended effortlessly using the Wings of the Goddess.

By now, she had full control over her output.

It must have been the result of rigorous training.

When our eyes met, Isabel gave me a bright smile.

She was really beautiful, no doubt about it.

Lately, her smiles had become noticeably brighter.

Thankfully, she seemed to have completely moved past her painful past.

"...The Earth Dragon."

Meanwhile, Xenia showed interest in the ancient dragon.

As expected of Zerion’s reincarnation—she was naturally drawn to dragons.

"I heard that someone at Zerion Academy is capable of using dragon magic."

That someone was standing right in front of her.

But Xenia was unaware of that.

"That person must be incredible. Only the transcendental sages of the past were known to have wielded dragon magic. I’d love to meet them and have a conversation."

She displayed an eagerness to discuss magic seriously.

"Pfft… Y-yeah, incredible indeed."

Isabel, overhearing the conversation, struggled to suppress her laughter.

Well, as long as she was laughing, that was fine.

"Are you planning to learn dragon magic?"

"No. I need to research Celestial Magic first."

Xenia was a perfectionist.

She wouldn’t consider anything else until she had completely mastered Celestial Magic.

That was just the kind of person she was.

"I believe you are more than capable, Lady Xenia."

Hearing my praise, Xenia gave a small, wry smile.

"Is that because I’m Zerion’s reincarnation?"

"Yes, that’s part of it. But that’s not all."

No matter how much talent one had from a past life, it was still up to them to put in the effort.

"Besides, the ones who wield dragon magic aren’t necessarily prodigies."

I was only naturally gifted in one thing—stamina.

And even that paled in comparison to Aisha, who was a true endurance monster.

The only reason I could use dragon magic was because of my prior knowledge and a series of fortunate encounters.

I had obtained it through sheer determination, using every method available.

Even so, I still needed to grow stronger to navigate the scenario ahead.

"…You know, that’s practically slandering a lot of people."

Isabel whispered beside me, but I chose to ignore her.

The ones who lost to me?

Not my concern.

"Lady Xenia, you are truly dedicated to magic."

It was true that Zerion’s knowledge played a significant role in deciphering Celestial Magic.

But mastering it was entirely Xenia’s own effort.

She was interpreting Celestial Magic—something no one else had been able to do—through her own capabilities alone.

That wasn’t something one could achieve overnight.

She must have endured countless hardships.

It’s wrong to belittle the efforts of the talented.

"That’s why I say you can surely master dragon magic as well, Lady Xenia."

"…"

Xenia fell silent for a moment.

Then, as if embarrassed by the praise, she cleared her throat.

"Mr. Ryu, I think you overestimate me."

"I admire people who work hard. Those who put in the effort deserve to be recognized."

I hoped that my constant praise would help ease her perfectionism, even if just a little.

"Is that so?"

A hint of confidence emerged in Xenia’s expression.

She straightened her small frame and squared her narrow shoulders.

Though she still looked youthful due to her slow growth, her eyes told a different story.

They were the eyes of someone forging her own path as an adult.

At that moment, Isabel suddenly tapped me on the back.

She even gave me a sharp glare.

She didn’t seem to know why she hit me, either.

I had no idea what was going on.

Meanwhile, Xenia quickly changed the topic.

"A-Anyway, you seem to know the one who uses dragon magic quite well."

More than just knowing them—I was that person.

But I couldn’t reveal that, so I just smiled.

"Yes, I know them fairly well. If you attend the academy, you’ll get to meet them someday."

"I’ll look forward to that."

Xenia’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Unfortunately, the truth would be revealed sooner than she expected.

Once we engaged Vulcan in battle, I wouldn’t be able to hold back.

Just then, a gust of wind blew, causing Xenia to drift slightly away.

She quickly adjusted her flight spell with even greater precision.

"I should introduce her to Sharin later."

Muttering to myself as Xenia moved away, I suddenly felt Isabel move closer.

"…As her fiancé?"

Would it be seen that way?

Come to think of it, Sharin still didn’t know I was Vikamon.

I had ended up putting off revealing my identity.

‘I should probably tell her soon.’

Since I had already revealed myself to those I trusted, it was time to inform Sharin as well.

"Introduce me too."

Isabel suddenly made a ridiculous request.

"You already know Xenia."

"But it’s different when you introduce me."

Did she want to get closer to Xenia?

When I agreed, her face lit up with joy.

By then, we had finally reached the bottom of the canyon.

Looking up, I could see sheer cliffs towering overhead.

Climbing them barehanded would be impossible.

The roar of a powerful river echoed around us.

The waters here eventually flowed into the sea.

Naturally, the river carried a massive volume of water.

"Musika."

"We’re almost there."

Musika was tracking the soul resonance beside Acrede.

It seemed we were finally approaching the Mystics’s base.

"Boy."

At that moment, Duke of Whitewood called out to me.

"What do you think are the chances of the Earth Dragon stirring today?"

A sudden mention of the Earth Dragon.

The moment I heard it, my eyes widened.

"Don’t tell me…"

"Yes. This might be a trap they’ve laid."

BOOM!

Suddenly, the entire canyon trembled as if struck by an earthquake.

Everyone’s expressions hardened at once.

Only one being could shake the Earth Dragon’s Canyon like this.

The canyon’s ruler—the Earth Dragon itself.

RUMBLE!

The tremors grew stronger.

Far off in the distance, dragon-like creatures screeched in terror and soared into the sky.

It was only natural.

At the far end of the canyon—

A mountain was rising.

So massive it partially blocked out the sun.

A disaster beyond human control.

That was what an ancient dragon was.

Those lunatics.

I never expected them to wake the Earth Dragon.

‘The story is diverging drastically from the original scenario.’

No matter how secretive they were, they had never moved an Earth Dragon before.

So why did they go so far this time?

“Duke of Whitewood.”

The Mystics fear Duke of Whitewood.

To stop her, they abandoned all restraint.

They played their worst card—awakening an Earth Dragon, a creature capable of obliterating even their own stronghold.

A headache set in.

We brought a powerful card, so they responded with one just as powerful.

Was it a mistake to bring Duke of Whitewood?

No.

If she hadn’t been here, we wouldn’t have been able to push them this far.

From the start, this scenario had changed too much from before.

Even without Duke of Whitewood, the Mystics likely would have unleashed the Earth Dragon.

They hadn’t fully established themselves yet.

And being cornered like this, they lashed out—awakening the Earth Dragon in a panic.

As a result, Act 5 progressed much faster than expected, bringing unintended consequences.

Damn this wretched world. Nothing ever goes smoothly.

"Duke of Whitewood, Your Grace!"

One of her attendants urgently warned her of the danger.

But no matter what, fighting an Earth Dragon wasn’t an option.

An Earth Dragon is a catastrophe.

A being capable of reshaping the very land itself.

Even now, the canyon trembled wildly.

A dragon of supreme dominance that humans could never hope to defy.

If it charged directly at us, no one could stop it.

"Boy, do you think we can find them again if the Mystics disappear now?"

My gaze met Musika's.

She, too, was staring at the rising mountain with a hardened expression.

I couldn’t answer with confidence.

Vulcan wasn’t a fool.

After failing to abduct Xenia, he must have already prepared another plan.

'If they can just shake off Duke of Whitewood this once…'

Then they’d surely escape for good.

That’s why they didn’t hesitate to play the Earth Dragon card.

If the dragon wiped us out, all the better.

And if not, it would still buy them enough time to flee.

"I can't say for certain."

From here on out, even I was in unknown territory.

That’s why this might be our only chance to capture the Mystics.

At that moment, pure white petals began to swirl around Duke of Whitewood.

Mystical petals, born from Whitewood itself.

They scattered through the air, gradually filling the surroundings.

And as they did, the overwhelming aura radiating from Duke of Whitewood grew even stronger.

"In that case, I shall keep the Earth Dragon at bay as long as possible."

Her attendant's face turned deathly pale, but Duke of Whitewood only smiled.

"Your Grace, it's too dangerous!"

"I've lived my entire life in danger. What’s a mere lizard to me?"

She paid no mind to the attendant's protests.

"Sir Paladin."

Her gaze fell upon Centriol.

He immediately made the sign of the cross and bowed his head.

"I will protect even the tip of the Saintess’s hair."

"Good. That’s enough."

The sheer force of her presence sent a shiver down my spine.

"Boy, you are walking the path of a hero."

I still didn’t know exactly what that meant.

I was simply struggling to follow the path Lucas once walked.

"A hero’s path is always filled with hardships. When you face an impassable road, an old warrior shall break it for you."

Her spirit surged through me.

"Tear the Mystics to shreds and bring them back to me."

Duke of Whitewood believed in me.

She truly believed I could crush the Mystics.

My fists clenched tightly.

The Mystics were dangerous.

But they were still incomplete.

They carried on the legacy of the old Mystics, but their strength was more of an illusion.

They were not yet the terrifying force that once made the world tremble.

That’s why Lucas and his party had been able to stop them in Act 5.

'And what about me now?'

Am I weaker than Lucas was back then?

My grip tightened even further.

'No way.'

The efforts I put in were not in vain.

I didn’t struggle to fill Lucas’s absence for nothing.

I devoured every opportunity that came my way to reach this point.

I won’t lose to this scenario’s boss.

"I'll be back."

"Return before I bring down the Earth Dragon."

That was just like Duke of Whitewood.

KWAOOOOOOOOHHH!

At that moment, part of the volcano collapsed, and the Earth Dragon raised its massive head toward the sky.

Its mountain-sized head loomed over us, dozens of golden eyes gleaming as it roared.

The ultra-low-frequency vibrations of its roar threatened to rupture my eardrums.

Despite the distance, my skin tingled from the sheer force.

There was no more time to waste.

When I turned to my comrades, they all nodded in unison.

"This way!"

At Musika’s shout, Xenia amplified our speed with wind magic.

Acrede stifled a scream, but this wasn’t the time to worry about that.

We soared toward the canyon wall.

The cliffside rushed toward us at high speed.

I pulled back my hand.

I had wanted to keep this a secret from Xenia, but there was no time for that now.

Frost gathered in my palm.

The remnants of an ancient dragon cast their shadow over my right eye, completing a reptilian gaze.

As the chilling energy condensed in my hand, Xenia’s eyes widened.

"That’s—"

Before she could finish, my hand shot forward.

The condensed frost carried an incredible cutting force as it struck the wall.

SCREEEEEECH!

My hand sliced deep into the rock, severing something embedded within.

In that instant, the wall before us vanished, revealing a far more spacious chamber.

A place that resembled a temple.

"I’ll explain later!"

I shouted to Xenia and gathered all my strength.

Ahead of us, Mystics standing guard at the temple entrance began shouting.

"Push through!"

The assault on the Mystics' stronghold had begun.