While Sheila was retreating to Soma and others, she looked at what was called an evil dragon.
It was because she had heard the name of its existence before.
For the Elves, it was an abomination existence.
Anyhow, Sheila's brethren were betting their life on that seal mentioned just now.
But, there was one more fact conveyed to Sheila… and that was, the seal was released.
Moreover, it was with her own hands.
"…You lie." (Sheila)
"Hahaha, of course it is not a lie! The thing before you is the proof! Kuku, it was good that you were hooked on being deceived, but it seemed that you never thought that it would be here… It was a rumor brought by a suspicious person, but you thought it wasn't an outrageous talks, was it?" (??)
He was right.
At least Sheila thought it that way when she heard his talks.
Soma also said that there was a possibility that worst scenario might happened, and… what they could do if it was going to happen.
The truth wasn't because of self-conceit or overconfidence, but because he was confident in himself.
As a matter of fact, that was for Sheila alone. More than anything, for Lina and Aina, if Soma was there, he could do something if anything happened.
That if only it wasn't about a dragon.
Dragon.
It was the strongest illusion-type species, it was the symbol of fear.
Categorically, it was closer to a natural disaster.
There was nothing could be done with human body. It was just that they need to pray that the disaster was gone.
Strictly speaking, that didn't mean there was no case where a dragon was repulsed.
It wasn't also impossible if the fighting power was collected throughout the country and if the dragon was still young.
Yes, if it was only repulsion, then it was possible.
However, it wasn't possible to defeat it.
That was why it was called evil dragon. The only way to do it was to seal it.
"Hmmm… I have never heard of existence known as evil dragon, but judging how it may sound, I understand it is a good-for-nothing creature. So, may I ask you this. Are you planning to revive that thing?" (Soma)
"Well, I said that you could ask as much as you want. Of course, I don't mind. It's not a big deal. I just want it to create chaos in this world by merely let it go on rampage." (??)
"I see. Although it is normal to say that, is it really possible?" (Soma)
"What do you mean?" (??)
"When you said that it was sealed, that mean that it was defeated once, right? If it tries to go on rampage, we just need to seal it back, correct?" (Soma)
"It makes sense. But, don't worry about that. The evil dragon was defeated because it was rampaging alone. If there are other evil dragons, there won't be enough hands. According to the documents of that time, the evil dragon was defeated by combining the strength of those who were called heroes. There are some people who have a big title such as Seven Heaven in the world now, but… they are probably weaker the heroes in the past. Even if they are weaker, it is still impossible to seal it." (??)
"Although it was possible to seal it before, but now it is not… hmm. Does that mean the method of sealing at that time hadn't been passed to the present?" (Soma)
"It is regrettable. Strictly speaking, it can' be reproduced. It is because the evil dragon was divided into twelve at that time, and each of them was individually sealed. However, even if it was divided into twelve, people had to give their life for that seal. It was the Elves, moreover, it was their royalties, the High Elves. They lost twelve lives at that time and they haven't been increase to the number of those days until now. I think that it is certain there are six High Elves left now. So, whatever you do, sealing it is not possible." (??)
That was a fact.
Currently, there were six High Elves in the Elven country… No, if people said the Elven country, there were only five.
That was it.
In other words, let alone using all of their lives, only half of the dragon could be sealed.
It was already…
"I see… that's difficult then. Are you saying that the quickest way to deal with this problem is to deal with those who want to release the seal?" (Soma)
"…Well, of course. But you don't have to worry about that. Because the last seal is here." (??)
"Ooh? Have you released the other seals?" (Soma)
"Yes, it is. Anyhow, this is my first time seeing you guys fight. Although I'm showing myself in front of you, I can still take the risk, you know. It is simply to say that the seal here is the strongest seal." (??)
"…" (Sheila)
For a moment, the mind that surfaced as if that hand was there, but it was instantly knocked down.
There was no way for a person who thought a grandiose plan to expose an opening so easily.
"By the way, that was story in the past, but what will you do with the chaos in the world?" (Soma)
"It doesn't really matter. If I have to say, the reason is to cause chaos. It is because our God desires death and destruction." (??)
"…I was thinking about it… as expected, you are the devotee of that heresy…!" (Aina)
"Hmmm… to be honest, I don't like the way you say it, but it is inevitable. I'll just obediently accept that notion for now. As for the definition of the heresy, it will change soon." (??)
"…You are very confident, huh? Let alone the evil dragon goes on rampage, I don't think it can do up to that degree." (Lina)
"That is obvious. This is just a starting point. We have people who share same opinion in various places, and they are taking various measures now. But, one of them seems to have failed. Even if one or two have failed, it won't be a hindrance to our plan." (??)
"Hmm… although I have understood many things, may I ask one last question?" (Soma)
"It's fine if you want to ask more since this is the final moment, but… sure, I don't mind." (??)
"Why do you tell us a lot until this far?" (Soma)
"Heh… Kukuku, well, hasn't it been decided? … Because it will kill everyone here!" (??)
Simultaneously with those words, his fingers made a noise with snap.
At that moment, the eyes of the dragon, which had only squirmed until now, was glaring.
It was merely in slumber, but now, it finally woke up… just being glared by the eyes, the heart felt being hold tight, and all of their bodies failed to say anything.
"Uhh… what is this… my body…!?" (Aina)
"I can't move…!?" (Lina)
"Of course, you are like that because you look at the eyes of the evil dragon. Do you get it now? The stories I told you so far are the truth. However I can't say that everything goes as planned. To be honest, I didn't expect that you guys would come here. It was planned that after gathering information little by little about groups who would attempt to break through here including you guys. Well, it was a pleasant miscalculation. Because of that, it was necessary to speed up the plan a little, but since it is our wish, I have no complaint. Oh, yeah, that's right, let me give you a reward for that." (??)
"…Reward? …Don't need it." (Sheila)
While saying that, Sheila was desperately trying to move her body, but she still couldn't move.
Feeling an overwhelming death… but there was no reason to accept an inevitable death.
If things remained as it was, the lives taken from the brethren in the past would be meaningless.
She was the one who made it meaningless.
Furthermore, even with this alone, it was still enough to do something since it was a single part of the whole thing.
If such a thing regain its true power and cause rampage, how much destruction it would cause?
The possibility of Doris getting involved in this would be high… and even that forest might not escaped from the dragon.
Sheila absolutely couldn't forgive that.
"…" (Sheila)
"Well, don't say that, just accept it. Everyone is contributing in this, after all. Ooh, I've been the one talking until now, but you see… you guys have worked hard in particular, so you should choose which one of you who will get the reward. Let's leave that person as a special reward." (??)
"What kind of reward is that…!" (Aina)
"Hmm? If I leave things as it is, everyone will surely die. If one is overlooked, wouldn't that be a reward?" (??)
"Damn you!" (Lina)
As Sheila didn't listen to those nonsense, she merely focus on her body.
Not a single fingertip move, but she didn't give up.
She just kept focusing on moving her body.
Even if she could move her body, she hadn't come up with anything to cope with the dragon.
Perhaps, the result wouldn't change.
There was no difference since they would die in vain.
It was merely a self-satisfaction.
She only wanted to pretend that she was struggling as if she couldn't obediently accept that she had lost.
But still …even if she tried so hard…
"Hmm… it is my principle to accept what I can accept, but as expected, I don't need that. Unfortunately, this will end here." (Soma)
"Aah, that's too bad, but there's no need to be sad. Thanks to you, our plan has been able to proceed forward. With that result, I swear that I will spread the tales without fail. By the way, is it really alright not to decide who is going to be spared? Other than us, it is not possible to control the evil dragon. If you don't quickly decide, the worst thing is no one will remain alive, you know?" (??)
"What a useless worry. …It's because we don't need it." (Soma)
At that moment, Sheila caught the movement of Soma's arm at the edge of sight.
The sword was gleaming…
"– Dividing Cut." (Soma)
That was the blow that defeated the angel a while ago.
It was Sheila's skill, but… the result… made her stared with a sorrowful thought.
She thought that it was as expected because of the things that he could do in that situation. He deserved a praise, but… after all, it was meaningless.
Because the opponent was a dragon.
It was true that Soma knocked down the previous enemy.
But, the same thing couldn't be applied to a dragon.
"Kuh, hahaha…! What is that? Perhaps, did you think that you could do something to this dragon with such a thing? Although it is only a part of a whole, it was still an evil dragon that once trembled this world with fear!? There is nothing can be done!" (??)
Those words were unpleasant, but it was also the truth.
There was no way, it was the reality.
She also would certainly try to resist.
However, she also understood that it was meaningless.
Soma probably aware of that. Although it was his way of doing things, it was impossible for Soma as long as he understood the reality. At least, he could run away…
"Hmm, I thought that guy was a bit promising, but was my eyes too cloudy? Doing the foolish thing like that… or perhaps, you have been crazy with fear? Dear me, it seems you are able to use reasonably, so if you obey me, I don't mind if you want to be my comrade… eh?" (??)
"…Eh?" (Sheila)
But, when he thought so far, he suddenly noticed that something that he wasn't sure was happening in front of him.
It was a matter of course.
The thing that was called a part of the evil dragon had a single line running in the center.
It was just like being cut off.
"…Ha?" (??)
That words leaked out from the man with black robe as if he was overcome with surprise. Then, its body began to shift.
It was based on that line which went from top to bottom… eventually it began to be divided to the left and right.
It looked strangely slow in the eyes of Sheila… *Thud*
The dragon fell to the ground while causing a small tremor.
Moreover, it didn't end with that.
The body, that had been sliced into two, slowly unraveled as if it melted in the air… and when they realized it, the dragon had disappeared without a trace.
Sheila knew that phenomenon.
It also happened to something that was called angel earlier, and… that was the death of illusion-type species.
It was created by stars based on human thoughts, and when the time of death arrived, that body would return to the stars.
In other words…
A dragon that couldn't die… a dragon that couldn't be killed… was dead.
"No way… no way…" (??) (TLN: Actually, this is repeated ten times.)
As the man with black robe overcome with surprised, he turned towards those who heard his voice, and he was screaming.
It seemed like he was crushed by the dragon's body, but apparently, it didn't seem so.
He didn't understand the meaning of this.
"Dragon… it is a dragon, you know…!? Although it is a part of it, it is a dragon, an evil dragon, but it was slaughtered…!? There is no way such a thing is possible." (??)
"Hmm… I'm not sure why you say that it is not possible, but it is not really strange. Even if it is a dragon, it is an illusion-type species. It is an existence that been given a life. Then, if it receives an attack that make it unable to maintain its existence, it will disappear. Isn't that an obvious reason which requires no discussion?" (Soma)
That talks showed that Soma understood the logic.
And it was true, indeed.
But, there was only one problem.
Such an attack was impossible for a person.
"Kuh… that's impossible… Nah, it's fine. Yes, there is nothing wrong with that logic. The only thing that matters is the result. Speaking of the result, only one out of twelve is reduced. It is certainly a hard blow, but it would be easy if I know the threat that much. Well, I probably have to change my plan a bit…" (??)
"Hmm… that seems difficult, but you know what, I also don't have to worry about it. Unfortunately, I don't have the mind of compassion to overlook you bastard as I listen to the talk earlier." (Soma)
"Humpph, that's obvious. Sorry but it is not necessary to expose my body in this place–…!?" (??)
At that moment, blood came out from his mouth.
No, that wasn't all of it.
A line ran on his torso, and it gradually began to split his upper and lower body.
While he was dumbstruck, the upper body part fell to the floor.
"Aah, sorry. I had forgotten to say one more thing… Actually, you were slaughtered long ago. It appears that your body have finally noticed it." (Soma)
"It-it can't be… what I am showing you guys is my false image, you know? Even though I have distorted the space, to slice me there… ughh!?" (??)
"Well, I've seen you in that way. No matter where your body is, there is no reason not to be able to cut it." (Soma)
"…Hah… Ku, kukuku… I see. Am I really the fool here? …But, my job is almost finished. Besides, this is… the only job needed to be done. Later… I entrust this… to the comrades…" (??)
As he said so, he stopped moving, and… eventually, his appearance disappeared.
Looking on his way of talking, it looked like his shadow was in this place, and the shadow couldn't be maintained since he died.
It wasn't strange that the preservation wore off by the time he noticed that he was sliced, but it seemed that he kept preserving it till the last moment because of obstinacy or something.
At any rate, Sheila gently breathed out because something had happened.
"How should as I say this… I guess I can't end this with such words, but… as usual, no other words come out." (Aina)
"As expected of Nii-sama!" (Lina)
Indeed, what Soma had done just now was impossible in many ways, but whether the surprises exceeded the allowable limit or Sheila was already used to it… but the feeling floated at the end was nothing but 'as expected'.
Well, she could think of other things if she calmed down a bit more, but… she couldn't afford to do that now.
"…By the way, what are we going to do?" (Sheila)
"Hmm… although we were deceived, it was quick to defeat him after getting various information. It was a kind of feeling… but it seems that this situation give birth to an unforeseen affair." (Soma)
"…Well, we still can't leave as it is. I don't think any of us can do anything… other than Soma." (Aina)
"On the contrary, there is a possibility Nii-sama can somehow managed this, but it is up to us to help him to that point." (Lina)
"I expected that it would be a dragon opponent, but even though I can't say that it can be easily done… that guy was careless since he didn't make it quick. …But still, something will happen." (Soma)
Although Soma said it very casually, it might look so strange after seeing the sight just now.
Anyhow…
"By the way, where should we go now?" (Aina)
"Since he didn't say a definite place… how about we gather information first?" (Lina)
"…Yes, it is better to do that. …But, maybe it's already too late." (Sheila)
"You're right… considering the time it takes to move and we also can't leisurely make a move." (Lina)
"Hmm… well, there is no need to think about the destination." (Soma)
"Eh, do you have any clues, Nii-sama?" (Lina)
"Hmmm. Perhaps, that guy was planning to cause something right after this. If it so, there is a high possibility that he wanted to do it somewhere near here." (Soma)
"…Yes, you're right. …But, there is no way to know about it anymore." (Sheila)
"…No, we don't need to know that. According to that guy, the space is quite near. So, it should have been connected to the place where he was." (Soma)
"…Wait a second. Why are you saying such things while holding that sword? I have a feeling something really bad is going to happen…" (Aina)
"It's just your imagination. Anyhow, let's go everyone." (Soma)
"I told you, wait a sec–…" (Aina)
Just before Aina managed to stop him, Soma's swinging blade slashed the space before him.
And then…
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