Chapter 189: Time Dragon
< Chapter 189: Time Dragon (2) >
A frail dragon, as if it could stop breathing at any moment.
It seems that Chronos, the Time Dragon, has finally focused solely on me, staring intently at me.
I hope you understand that I cant give you a grand welcome. My body simply wont move.
I understand.
His cracked skin, like a withering old tree, showed just how dire his condition was.
So thats why he didnt want to show himself to Ini.
I would probably feel the same.
One would want their last appearance to be remembered in the best light.
Young one. Can you come down for a moment?
Ah, yes.
The Time Dragons resting place wasnt cold, so there was no need to keep holding Ai.
Ill stay still, so you two can talk.
As if understanding,
Ai took about five steps back and firmly shut her mouth.
Thank you.
With a slight smile, Ai expressed No need for thanks.
Adams representative.
I turned my gaze back to the Time Dragon.
Yes.
In a weak voice, as if on the brink of death, he spoke carefully.
Theres so much I want to discuss with you but
As Chronos skin cracked further, turning to dust, scattering into the sky.
It seems the heavens arent granting me enough time.
Saying this, he chuckles weakly. The state of the Time Dragon seems worse than I thought.
Maybe inviting me to this space and using more of his power earlier has shortened his lifespan.
Such a thought made me feel bitter.
Representative. Can you place your hand on my head?
Yes.
I didnt question why.
There was no need to.
Sigh
I gently placed my hand on his head. The touch was like a brittle, dried-up old tree.
Yet unlike a tree, it held a strange warmth.
Which made it all the more sorrowful.
So it was. I see.
Feeling my touch, the Time Dragon closed his eyes.
There was a look of gratitude, of sadness, of joy.
What is he seeing now? What vision prompts such an expression?
Though curious, I didnt ask. I just silently felt the texture of his skin.
If living beings have age rings, perhaps this skin is the Time Dragons age ring.
A testament to a hard-lived life.
A crystallization of struggles.
Thats what I felt from the Time Dragons body.
It was sad, yet touching.
A sensation that brought peace.
Theres definitely a way for you to return to the future.
About 5 minutes passed.
The Time Dragon, now with open eyes, cut straight to the point.
Really?
Yes. Ive completed the analysis of the phenomena occurring in your body.
Oh.
In those 5 minutes, he seemed to have grasped my situation and intentions perfectly.
Were short on time, so Ill get straight to the solution.
With every word he speaks, parts of his body crumble away.
Yes. Please proceed.
You can use my eye and the Dragon Heart.
Dragon Heart.
Its the central source of magic where the dragons power is concentrated, the heart of a dragon.
Just as a human cannot live without a heart, naturally, a dragon cannot survive without its Dragon Heart.
Do not hesitate. Even if you leave me as I am, I will soon die. If this frail body of mine can be of any help to you, I am willing to offer everything.
There was a warm glow in the Time Dragons eyes.
Id like to give you everything else too but my teeth are decayed, and my scales are corroded, so even if I wanted to, I couldnt. Hehe.
Isnt death not the issue
When a dragons lifespan ends, it disperses as mana and becomes one with the world.
Naturally, the Dragon Heart becomes part of the world during this process.
So, how do you obtain a Dragon Heart?
Theres no need to ask.
Youd have to forcibly extract it.
Meaning, it needs to be murdered.
If I forcibly extract your heart you wont return as mana, but remain as a corpse on this land.
Thats what will happen.
Not being able to revert to mana and rotting away signifies the worst death for a dragon.
In the history of dragons you will be recorded as a disgraced dragon.
I am aware.
Without any honor.
Becoming mere trash.
Such is the fate for a dragon.
Ini will be the one to record your disgrace.
I know that too.
When a dragon is murdered by someone, the event is conveyed to other dragons. Its said that the massive power in a dragons body transforms into a special kind of magic upon death. This transformed magic reaches out so extensively that all dragons can sense it. In other words, the fact of being murdered becomes widely known.
Are you truly alright with this?
Of course.
The Time Dragon gave a benevolent smile.
If my sacrifice can save this world, whats a little disgrace?
Understood.
I replied, biting my lip.
Do I have the right to mercilessly end the life of a dragon that lived for nearly ten thousand years? I thought so, but I had no choice.
If the only way to return to the modern age is this I have no other option.
From the start, the option to refuse did not exist.
I inquired about the Time Dragons true intentions simply because I wanted to alleviate some of the weight from my heart. Such a cowardly and selfish act.
Dont worry too much. Its my own will to entrust my life to you.
Even if the Time Dragon knew of my cowardice, he still said that. Regardless of my thoughts, he probably wanted to relieve some of my burden.
His kindness made me grateful, yet also guilty.
Id like to have a longer conversation with you, but
While he was laughing weakly,
The Time Dragons skin turned to dust again.
Unfortunately, I really dont have much time left.
Yes.
The Time Dragons eyelids fluttered. It looked like he could fall asleep at any moment.
And if he falls asleep, he might never open his eyes again.
Before its too late take my heart.
Yes.
Ai brought her hand close to her body with a tightly closed mouth.
Collect my Dragon Heart and right eye together, and leave them untouched for about a month. Then, they will become the item you desire.
Yes, I understand.
You can use the remaining left eye as you wish. Due to aging, it wont work at 100%, but it will be useful.
Ill do that.
Lastly
With those words, Chronos, the Time Dragon, closed his eyes.
Take care of this world and Ini.
Yes. Leave it to me.
The next moment, my fingers were piercing through the Time Dragons body.
* * *
Meanwhile, at the first base of Time Savior, an intense debate was underway.
No matter how I think about it, our odds of winning are too low with just the two of us.
If the Demon Gods assault is true, we should be even more cautious about the retreat of the stars. It could be the enemys strategy to remove the stars from the main battleground.
The Dragon Lord and Heavenly God had completely divergent opinions.
If we miss this opportunity, there might not be another. I believe we should focus all our energy on confronting the Demon God, even if it means taking some risks.
The Dragon Lord proposed focusing all efforts in anticipation of the Demon Gods attack.
On the other hand, if our final defense is breached, everything becomes meaningless. Everything will gradually crumble.
Heavenly God believed that the Demon Gods assault could be a bluff and advocated for preparedness in all scenarios.
Were at an impasse.
Yes. A complete impasse.
The Dragon Lord and Heavenly God were known for their stubbornness. Their stubbornness stemmed from their unwavering beliefs. The Dragon Lord tended to favor a bolder approach, while Heavenly God prioritized stability in all things.
Such differences in opinion had been a recurring theme throughout their 7 years of war, and over time, they had developed a way to resolve such disputes.
Lets ask the others for their opinions.
Yes, lets do that.
The best solution was a democratic vote.
Of course, they wouldnt seek the opinions of all members of the Savior team. That would likely result in a haphazard strategy. They only consulted the opinions of seven key members. But this approach had its own problems.
I agree with Heavenly God.
I concur. We should be more cautious in situations like these.
Including Metatron and Michael, three of the Heavenly Gods senior officers always sided with her.
I believe the Lord is correct.
When water floods in, we need to row.
Three senior officers from the Dragon Lords side always supported her.
So its going to be like this again?
The deciding vote always came down to an officer who didnt belong to either camp.
Ive only been awake for half a month and Im still disoriented.
She had vibrant blue hair.
A friendly face and mysterious eyes and hair reminiscent of water contrasted with her sharp, ice-like armor. However, her face wasnt visible. She wore a helmet made of ice, obscuring her face.
You always delegate these crucial decisions to me, dont you?
She pouted, expressing her displeasure.
Aqua.
The Dragon Lord called out the womans name with a wry smile.
Aqua, the Spirit King of Water and one of the Saviors stars.
Neither dragon nor Angel, she represented the third force with power similar to theirs: the Spirit Race.
Ini, dont you think youre being too much?
Silent.
Ini didnt respond.
The same goes for Heavenly God.
Heavenly God was the same.
She too had no words to say.
Every time theres a disagreement, the final decision always lands on me This is really burdensome, you know?
Aqua pouted as if she was somewhat annoyed. Sensing something, Ini discreetly asked Heavenly God,
Has she not exercised since her revival?
The only reason for Aquas mood must be that.
Yes. She was too busy and was deployed to the field immediately.
I thought so.
Aqua crossed her arms and grumbled.
Seriously, Im already frustrated from not exercising for two weeks And now you two?
Ini and Heavenly God stared blankly at Aqua with a somewhat sour look.
Why is the Spirit of Water so obsessed with exercise?
At Inis words, Aquas gaze sharpened.
Are you belittling the spirits now? Dont you know that the latest theory in Spirit Studies states that moderate exercise significantly boosts spirit power?
Heavenly God teased her subtly.
It seems like the other Spirit Kings dont think that way
Aqua clicked her tongue.
Thats why they cant compare to me! Its the difference in exercise! Our fundamental nature is different!
Is, is that so?
Heavenly God shifted her gaze with a slightly nervous expression.
Youre really a weirdo among weirdos. Arent you the first among the Spirit Kings of Water? Being physically active and preferring to use ice spirit techniques, including an ice sword, because cutting with water doesnt feel right.
Ahem.
Dragon Lord smiled wryly and recalled the womans identity.
Aqua, the Spirit King of Water and one of the pillars of Savior.
She was not a dragon nor an Angel, yet she was the representative of the third power, the Spirit Race, holding strength similar to theirs.
Aqua suddenly turned her head.
Considering the potential consequences of voicing her opinion here, it might not be a wise choice. Neither of the two opinions was necessarily wrong.
If you answer, Ill use the rare material I have in the storage to make you an awesome exercise machine.
At that, Aquas eyes lit up.
Really?
Yes. Plus, Ill decorate it with the feather that Heavenly God here dropped last time. You know that the Angels feathers function as a magical circulation organ, right?
A collaboration between Dragon Lord and Heavenly God?
Aquas eyes shone even brighter.
When did you even pick that up?
Heavenly God sighed deeply, touching her forehead.
How about it? Deal? Its a one-of-a-kind first edition. Tempting, right?
Ini looked only at Aqua, not even caring about Heavenly Gods remarks.
Well, if youre going that far I guess I cant refuse
Aquas face lit up in a bright smile, clearly unable to hide her excitement.
Heh, Id like to lend a bit more weight to Inis opinion.
And why is that?
Heavenly God asked, not critically, but genuinely curious. Aqua had an exceptional ability to grasp the essence of situations. What did she see that made her support Inis perspective? Heavenly God was curious.
We have to do something. If we stay like this, our only fate is destruction.
A somber atmosphere descended upon the room following Aquas resolute statement.
Youre right.
Whether its the power of the Demon God or something else, the enemy forces are getting stronger. No matter how many we defeat, new powerful adversaries emerge. Meanwhile, Saviors power is waning. Every depletion of strength is critical. The Savior doesnt have the resources to replenish its forces.
Oh, wait. Nevermind.
Suddenly, Aqua exclaimed.
Come to think of it, it doesnt matter if the war drags on.
Whats with the sudden change?
Ini glared at Aqua.
While I was asleep, you said a remarkable person appeared.
Aquas eyes sparkled like water.
Now that we have our own secret weapon, theres no need to rush, right?
This time, Ini was convinced. She was right.
But originally, if we have such a remarkable person, why do we need to decide amongst ourselves? Shouldnt we hear their opinion as well?
Thats true.
Ini nodded.
I was thinking the same thing.
Heavenly God replied nonchalantly as if it was an obvious statement. Her plan was to gather all opinions and deliver them to Kang Seo-yul.
Shall I bring them now?
They might be busy; wouldnt it be rude?
Heavenly Gods expression was filled with concern.
It should be fine.
Though they might be busy looking for the Time Dragon, bringing them here just to seek their opinion shouldnt be an issue.
Or would it?
Well, Ill go ask and be back. Whether they come here or not will depend on Kang Seo-yuls answer
It was then that Inis pupils dilated. He was staring in shock, mouth agape.
This magical energy.
Ini wasnt the only one startled.
The expressions of these three close associates were also filled with astonishment.
What happened?
Heavenly Gods expression grew severe.
It cant be.
Ini muttered with a trembling voice.
Elder Chronos Was he murdered?
Murmuring that, Ini quickly hurled her body toward a teleportation magic circle.
At that moment, Heavenly Gods pupils dilated.
Wait! Dragon Lord! Wait a second!
She simultaneously restrained Ini.
Why?! Im in a hurry!
She needed to find out what had happened to the Time Dragon. If something had happened to the Time Dragon, Kang Seo-yul would be in danger.
Isnt that person currently in the Land of Extreme Cold?
Why ask what you already know? Im in a hurry! Let me go!
Ini tried to shake off Heavenly Gods hand.
Calm down! This isnt a situation to rush!
Heavenly God desperately tried to hold Ini back.
Ugh! What do you want?
Ini vented her genuine frustration.
In the Frozen Land I sense two demonic energies!
What?
Just as the dragon race can detect the unique magical energy of dragons, the Angel race can detect the unique demon energy of demons. Heavenly God sensed two demonic energies in the Frozen Land.
One is at least mid-tier. And the other one is
A glint passed through Heavenly Gods eyes.
Its Lucifer!
!
After the Demon God, the second strongest demon in the enemy forces.
The second-in-command of the enemy forces.
Lucifer had descended upon the Frozen Land.
< Chapter 189: Time Dragon (2) > End.
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