Zion snicker as his hand sneakily takes something out of his left pocket.From the corner of Leon's bird's eyes, he could see a glimpse of what could assume as a bomb.'This guy...'His eyes turn sharp at it. And before the guy could fully that it out, along with the thought,'how dare you--!!'Leon cast him a threatening stare that gives off a brief of intense pressure."-!! Who!!?"Zion instantly feels chills running through his side. He was forced to quickly let go of what he was about to do, and turn around to find the whereabouts of that gaze.Yet, all he could find is only a small bird from earlier which no longer give off that same feeling and still staring at him.'It's that bird again!!- no, is that really just a bird?'His head which supposedly looks empty because of his craziness fell into contemplation.If he was following his own insane like-minded, he could just kill that small bird right away to erase all his uneasiness.Yet, even when he wants to do so, currently, his
Joshua stares in that direction for quite a while. However, it never occurred to his mind that the two be the ones that cause this.'the distance between here and there is quite far. So, there's no way any of the two could do something from there.'His mind quickly comes to that summary and he soon moves his gaze away from there and turns back towards the top of the building. He could see Zion unmoved from his spot.He thought,'I have to kill that bastard fast or... I should catch and interrogate him.'He then looks at his surrounding. Searching for a higher place than before to jump up right towards the building.*********Meanwhile, Zion at the same time, not paying attention to his opponent's condition, his eyes did not shift from looking at the area where the explosion had just occurred.This is because, what happened a moment ago, really surprised him.'No- how can this be!!? I make sure to send the bomb to that guy! 'However, unlike what he wanted, the bomb suddenly moved to a
Zion's body was thrown to the back together with his subordinates from the impact of Joshua's sudden attack.Uuggh*He groans as his body is hit with pain despite being cushioned by the two.Joshua watches him with a nonchalant expression as he landed on the edge of the building."you better stay still if you don't want to die."He says towards Zion that trying to get up along with his comrades. Because of that, Zion's expression becomes more distorted.He thought as he get up properly,'this bastard- I will kill him!!! '"you F*cking lunatic!! do you really think I will listen to you!? I rather-""I know you won't.""What?""It's just my courtesy but... I guess, someone like you don't need such a thing."Joshua then sneers staring at him. This was meant to taunt the man even more. And it seems,"you dare-!!"It works quite greatly. Zion looks really pissed off with his furrowed brow, vein-popping and gritted teeth. He then shouts,"You two!!-kill him!!!"Ordering the two that are onl
Meanwhile, Joshua jumps off the building towards the plaza with a pretty unhappy face. He then walked slowly towards the podium where his friend was. In the distance, Luis and Zedd with worried faces were looking at him.Luis stated something to Zedd next to him before he nodded in agreement. Immediately after that, Luis then ran at full speed toward Joshua.'what's happened?'Joshua wonders about the reason why Luis looks so rush. However, Luis who arrived near him did not immediately give him an answer instead he hit him once. Making him even more confused.Joshua thus asks with a frown,"why? why did you hit me all of a sudden?""hit you all of a sudden? you really don't know your fault!?""no- if you don't explain it to me. how can I understand that, right?""you-!! You don't know how worried I am about you!! You were attacked with a bomb just now. After that, before you had time to be treated, suddenly you went to attack the leader of the terrorist!! how can I not worry!!""that-
"So you are wondering is it me or someone else?""yes.""What makes you think it's me? I mean, the window is open- there's a chance that the wind comes from the outside, right?""I know you will say that...so let me tell you a second proof.""What else now?""Well, when I take our food to warm it, I had a chance to stare at your plate, young master.""and so?""I count the clamshell."'hell- he counts what?'"Each of us was given exactly six clams inside this noodles dish not to mention other seafood. Yet, young master clam... there's missing one shell. I don't see any shell on the table while I collected the plate before either and when I count the other's plate, their shell was still on that exact number. So how could only young master's plate miss one?"Leon was speechless at Kelt's accusation. He even wondered how the h*ll Kelt could count the shells. Moreover, there's a chance that his clams alone are not enough six.'Yet this guy...He's really confident, isn't he?'His mind thou
"no- young master... you can't just shrug it off like that. You always did something like this. Be vague in your answer. Just be honest please.""What- the food going to get cold. So let's eat.""Young master...""you will need to warm it again if it gets cold. So let's finish it."Leon looks out of the window while Kelt stares at him in frustration. Leon continue,"Today is the last day we're here. Tomorrow, we will back to our territory. Let's just think of this event as one of the last memory us here.""What is that suppo-""I will use the warp gate tomorrow. Let's use the duchy's name for once.""but young master, you say that we will remain incognito.""I think... there's no point in this whole thing now that this incident happened. The royalty will probably be dispatching their squad all over the capital and the warp gate would be tight in security, not to mention the other road too. Our identity will be exposed then, so it's better we just straight out announce our presence.""
They both look at each of their sides like they were wronged."Why would you hit me?"They both then ask that at the same time. The two that hit them then answered simultaneously with eyes that were like looking at an insect."We were pursuing those terrorist bast*rd. But here you both quarrel like it's a park or something.""don't you feel shameful towards your other subordinates!!"The two that hear such nagging then look down, pouting. While the nagger met each other eyes and conveyed their thoughts through them,'i'm sorry for my vice- leader stupid action.''I'm sorry too for my vice-leader childishness.'They both nod to each other before giving another smack towards their team's vice-leader."Let's focus, should we? our leader is not here after all.""he gives us such a task. So please don't be stupid and ruin everything."At the mention of their respective leader, the two vice-leader finally resign and stop quarrelling. Thus their pursuit continues without much disturbance. N
Everyone was scared to see what would happen after the stone figure shattered. However, none of them closed their eyes. They just clenched their fists to brave themselves. smash* The ringing sound that greeted their ears also passed. After that, various thoughts appeared in their minds. Some imagine that the human body inside the stone crumbles like a brick. Some imagine flesh scalding and blood flowing as a result of it. None of them there imagined anything good from this accident. However, not as they thought. -!! The view in front of them was a human body still intact and falling, unconscious. Joshua caught the body in reflex. Zedd shout, "Check on his pulse!!" Listening to the shout, Joshua checked the pulse of the man he was hugging. thump thump! He could feel this person's pulse beating slowly, but enough to make sure that this man was still alive. "he's still alive." Joshua confirms it to them, making them quickly take a relief breath. Zedd mutters, "That's good."
The pair fell into a brief silence upon hearing Leon's words.Indeed, their visit here wasn't solely for this investigation.As narrated in the novel, at this point, the duo should have been progressing on their journey somewhere in the eastern lands. Upon discovering clues regarding the dragon's presence there, they set out to investigate.Yet, somehow, they find themselves here instead.This unforeseen circumstance likely stems from the butterfly effect of Leon's attendance at the banquet, causing the issue to escalate to a point where they couldn't ignore it.It's not that Leon failed to grasp their perspective; rather,'They ought not to divert their attention this way. They should continue their journey. Otherwise, the narrative would veer off course.'That's why Leon gently reminds them, despite the risk of raising suspicion."...It's true that we had other matters to attend to, but... how did you become aware of that, Your Majesty? I don't recall mentioning it, do you, Josh?""
Joshua and Luis exchanged glances. Having heard the recounted story, they now identified the culprit responsible for everything that had occurred. However, this revelation didn't automatically translate into complete trust in the witch's narrative, even considering her close association with the duchess and duke. They were well aware of the witches' notorious reputation. Furthermore, recognizing that only one side of the story didn't guarantee authenticity, Joshua stated, "We need to delve deeper into our investigation if we want to find the truth."Luis agreed, saying, "I agree. For now, let's return to your majesty and hear his side of the story before drawing any more conclusions." Subsequently, they expressed their gratitude and took their leave.Julia and the witches were once again left alone in the cabin. The place then lapsed into silence for a moment. Contemplating something, Julia finally made up her mind and spoke, "Ellen... could you assist me with something?""Me?"******
Meanwhile, in another cabin."I apologize, Juli. I couldn't arrange a better place for you in advance.""Hey, what are you saying? Don't act like I'm a stranger. We're friends.""Hahaha, right, we're friends. But still, you must be shocked to see me like this.""...I'm more surprised to see you suddenly change like that. Did the curse break?"Julia inquired, a bit curious after witnessing Ellen, the witch, transform her appearance into her past beautiful self right before her eyes."Ah, that... it's thanks to Daniel.""Hmm? Why thanks to him?""Well, I don't know yet, but you know about my weaknesses, right?""Your core, yes, I know. So?""I don't know why, but whenever that guy touches me or my core, my appearance reverts back to the old me. It's quite a miracle, though I still don't know why.""..."Julia fell into contemplation, absorbing her friend's words as her mind worked to pinpoint the truth. She spoke cautiously,"Ellen, who cursed you? My husband won't tell me much. Did you
The dragon known to Leon as Tania had a past when she was called Tania Ermir. This was the name she bore before marrying her late husband, Daniel Arwin. As an egg, she was discovered by the royalty of the Cloud's Kingdom, who took care of her since her mother passed away shortly after laying the egg. Despite their care, Tania had to fend for herself during the crucial moments of her egg's survival. After centuries in her egg form, Tania emerged as a beautiful snake dragon. The Cloud's Kingdom royalty treated her as their own, giving her the name Tania and adopting their family name, Ermir. However, driven by adult dragon instincts, Tania eventually left the kingdom to journey on her own, only to return and find her hometown no longer existing. 'She had a challenging journey,' Leon thought before continuing, "in any case, now you comprehend the ties I have to that forest and the clouds, and you've discovered my identity. Thus, that concludes the first question, doesn't it?" Luis no
Leon's eyes briefly swept across the three figures, offering them a slight bow before returning his attention to Ellen. He felt no compulsion to extend excessive greetings to them. His focus shifted, driven by a more pressing matter."Anyway, how did this happen?" His question aimed to unravel the current situation before him. Ellen had been in this condition for an extended period, making her sudden ability to contact her friends a dubious development.The notion of her meeting his mother seemed implausible, given the duchess's infrequent outings. As for forming acquaintanceship with the boys, especially Joshua, it appeared highly unlikely. Joshua, with his temperament, would unquestionably eliminate her, just as he had done to Tania. After all, the witch was notorious for her atrocities.And what about the duke, Carl? Carl possessed the ability to travel great distances, using methods unknown to Leon. If he intended to return home without utilizing his unique abilities, Leon was con
"Anyway, Gray... I'll be departing from this place tomorrow."CrackThe glass in Gray's hand cracked the moment Leon finished his sentence. Gray swiftly shifted his attention to Leon, his other hand still gripping a jug of water, as he inquired, "I will follow you, right? Your Majesty?""Hmm?" Leon took a bite of the bread he had soaked in mushroom soup."I will be leaving alone, though," he casually stated."What!? Then... then, what about me?""You'll stay here.""But why? Your Majesty... is there something you don't like about me? I'll fix it—""Fix your way of calling me first," Leon muttered sternly, though his demeanor remained casual."Alright... Milord. I will call you that... is that okay?""Hmm, much better. Even so, you won't follow me.""What? Why?"Gray's question made him look like an abandoned puppy, but Leon wasn't moved in the slightest."You still have things to do here for me. So, stay. I will go home alone."In the end, Gray had to give up."...Haa, I will do as yo
Anyway, that's what transpired. However, when it came to the conversation between Daniel and the cloud people, Gray remained unaware. He was preoccupied being given a tour by the Cloud's inhabitants.Upon leaving the location, Daniel handed him a piece of canvas and explained that he had used it to secure their entry to the palace.Confusion clouded Gray's mind about how it happened. Nevertheless, witnessing Daniel's familiarity with the cloud people and hearing them address him as "Milord," Gray had no doubt about the truth of his current master's words.Furthermore,'Even though he said he would just pretend to be the royalty of the Cloud's Kingdom... I'm pretty sure that this man— he was indeed the king of these people!'There was a misunderstanding in Gray's mind that Daniel was, in fact, a royal figure.From that moment onward, the way Gray treated Leon changed. Instead of addressing him as sir or milord, he now referred to him as his majesty, fitting of his lord's status. Althou
Despite Gray's incredulity at what he was witnessing, both he and Leon found themselves on the cloud. People who appeared engrossed in their own activities halted their work and approached the duo, forming a crowd. Leading them was an elderly man who greeted Daniel as if they were familiar. "Milord, we have come as you called. Is there something the matter?" "Hey Anan, sorry to call you suddenly, but... I just wanted to ask you something. Can we talk for a moment?" "Sure. But that man..." "Ah, he's my servant. I'll leave him in the care of others for a moment. Can you guys show him around, perhaps?" "Sure, it's my joy to do so!" "We will do it for you, milord!" "Yeah, young man, please follow us!" While Gray was being led around by the cloud's inhabitants, Leon ventured to a secluded spot with Anan. "By the way, Anan... I don't recall you ever calling me 'milord' before. Why now?" "...That's right. At first, we didn't think we could use that title, as it's reserved for our ma
"Arghhh* RAN!!! Please help us!! De-demon!! A child watches as his village burns down. All around him, the air is filled with screams from the villagers. His hands clench tightly onto the body of his mother, who carries him while running. His father was left behind to protect them both. Although at first, his mother hesitated, for him, she ran. How long has it been? He didn't know. However, the only time his mother stops is when they no longer see the village in their sight. His mother leans down behind a tree, still tightly hugging him and patting him, telling him everything will be fine, that she will protect him. "Mother..." The small child utters those words unconsciously, trying to look up to see his mother's face. Thud* Suddenly, at that moment, his ears hear the sound of something falling near him. His eyes stop turning at his mother; instead, his head instinctively turns to look at what had fallen. 'What is that?' His head questions, looking at an unknown object l