Episode 69
Chapter 24: Twisting Two Fates (Part 1)
Among the dragons currently allied with the wizards of Biment, Chilsaekjo had identified a total of six.
Earth Dragon Labus.
Earth Dragon Virtega.
Earth Dragon Untiel.
Yellow Dragon Jib.
Blue Dragon Madurai.
Silver Dragon Quicantel.
Murakan let out a low sigh as he reviewed the list.
“Damn, these guys are still active?”
It was already known from the previous life that the three Earth Dragons, along with the Blue and Yellow Dragons, were aligned with Biment.
But the Silver Dragon Quicantel was quite unexpected.
‘Was there a human who made a contract with the God of Time during this era?’
Only those who had contracts with the God of Time were granted the Silver Dragon’s blessing—like how the Fire Dragon Kadun protected Keliak, the Wind Dragon Buretta guarded Andrei, and the Black Dragon Murakan watched over Jin.
Jin had heard about a wizard who had made a contract with the God of Time, Olta, back when he was twenty-six.
‘At the time, the world was abuzz because Olta’s new contractor had appeared after half a century… If this information is true, then something shady must have happened.’
The reason for suspicion was simple.
As far as Jin remembered, the contractor who appeared after half a century was a pureblood Zipple. A pureblood Zipple wouldn’t need to be active as a wizard in Biment.
Jin was still pondering how to ask about this naturally when Murakan spoke up.
“And Quicantel? So there’s an Olta contractor in Biment? You sure this info’s solid, you little pest?”
“Yes, Lord Murakan. The fact that Olta’s contractor is affiliated with Biment is still unknown to the world.”
“Which family does the wizard Quicantel’s contractor belong to? Olta favored which family again? Laffen? Kainel?”
“Ah, actually, it’s a commoner named Enya. A talented scholarship student at the Biment Magic Academy. Still enrolled, in fact.”
“A commoner? Olta, who’s so obsessed with bloodlines? Must be some serious talent. Well, this is interesting. If you want to know the whereabouts of Az Mil’s guardian dragon, just ask Quicantel.”
Jin focused on the words ‘commoner’ and ‘talented scholarship student.’
‘Enya… I’ve never heard that name before in my past life. If they’re Olta’s contractor, they must have incredible potential. And if they’re still a student, their age should be close to mine, maybe a bit older.’
Among the gods the wizards longed for most—besides the Fire God Shinu and the God of Time Olta—Enya’s obscurity was puzzling.
Why hadn’t Enya become a famous wizard? And why was the contractor Jin remembered the only one to appear after half a century?
There was no need to overthink.
‘The Zipples probably got rid of Enya and made a new contract.’
No proof, no solid evidence, but Jin was certain.
For those guys, burying a commoner scholarship student with no background was as easy as breathing.
How they managed to make a new contract was unknown. Jin even doubted if it was possible—but somehow, with those guys, it seemed plausible.
“Hmm, I’ve heard rumors, but Lord Kashimir, Chilsaekjo’s intelligence network is impressive. I was quite surprised when I heard you’re the head of Chilsaekjo. I didn’t have the chance to say earlier.”
“It’s nothing compared to Runkandel, Your Highness. I want to thank you again for your kindness. Phew, I was too flustered to mention it before, but everything about Your Highness will remain buried with me.”
“We’re in the same boat. Even after saving Yuria, I think Lord Kashimir and I will have many things to do together.”
“Yes, I consider us allies. Even if we can’t find my daughter’s guardian dragon… I will never betray Your Highness. Whatever your cause, I will treat it as my own.”
“I promise the same. I will find her, no matter what.”
Jin extended his hand, and the two shook firmly. Unlike when Kashimir first heard his daughter was in danger, he now looked more composed.
Because to save his daughter, action was necessary.
“I will now deploy the entire Chilsaekjo to search for the guardian dragon.”
“Alright, play with the kid a bit. I’ll be back soon.”
“Murakan.”
“What is it, kid?”
“I want to come along.”
“Suit yourself. Strawberry Pie has a severe fear of heights, so it’s better she stays here. It’s a bit dangerous.”
“Dangerous?”
“Yeah… Quicantel’s personality is a bit… difficult. We have some history.”
“I’ll personally assign someone to take good care of Lady Gilly. I’ll make sure they’re trustworthy so neither Jin nor Murakan have to worry.”
“If possible, assign someone from the Biment nobility.”
When Jin said that, Kashimir’s eyes widened.
Not only was Kashimir the head of Chilsaekjo, but the fact that the external leadership—the ‘Council of Seven’—was composed of Biment nobles was still a secret.
“…Damn, I underestimated Runkandel’s intelligence network. I wasn’t planning to hide this from Lord Jin, but now it’s out.”
“See you when you get back, Lord Kashimir.”
After Kashimir left, only Jin and his group remained at the lodging.
They flew nonstop for two full days, reaching the waters near Biment. Murakan, who had been flying at high altitude, gradually lowered his altitude as they approached the open sea.
It was dawn. Not a single fishing boat floated on the moonlit ocean.
During the journey, Jin had heard many stories from Murakan about the dragons’ relationships with Biment.
“Are you sure this is okay? If what you say is true… most of Biment’s dragons probably hold more resentment than goodwill toward you.”
According to Murakan, most of Biment’s dragons had been beaten by him at some point—because they flew near Murakan’s mountain territory without permission during his prime.
[Anyone who enters my domain gets hit first, that’s how it was back then.]
“Real charming.”
But unlike the other five, Murakan’s relationship with Quicantel was complicated—more like a love-hate relationship. They had been ‘dating’ for about five hundred years.
[In human terms, that’s about five years.]
“You and Quicantel? Why did you break up?”
[Just… personality differences. Once I start releasing my energy, either Quicantel or one of the others will come rushing out. It’s starting now.]
The energy release began, but Jin couldn’t sense anything.
The special energy dragons possess is like dolphin sonar—beyond human perception.
But when Jin looked down at the sea, waves rippled continuously from where Murakan hovered.
‘Amazing. This energy really reaches inside the Biment barrier?’
It must have been tens of kilometers away. The fact that such energy could transmit presence over that distance was astonishing.
[Only someone like me can do this. Not all dragons can, kid.]
“Sure, sure.”
After about an hour of waiting, just as Murakan said, two Earth Dragons appeared in the distance, flying toward them.
[Labus and Untiel. Yeah, those two got hit by me the most. Put on your helmet.]
Jin activated Multa’s rune, covering his face.
They were flying so fast that they looked like dots at first, then suddenly their massive dragon forms loomed right in front of him.
It wasn’t just speed—it felt more like they were panicked.
[Murakan!]
As they approached, Murakan’s voice rang out with authority.
[Earth Dragons Labus and Untiel. I have awakened briefly from a long slumber because I have work to do… You will assist me.]
The two dragons, who had seemed so frantic, exchanged glances, cleared their throats, and slowed their wingbeats.
[Friend of Solderet, ruler of the high mountains. I don’t know your business, but now is not the time. You should leave.]
[Leave quickly! I, Untiel, do not want trouble in Biment’s waters. I’m glad to see you, but I won’t risk the contractor’s safety.]
Listening to the sudden change in tone between Murakan and the dragons, Jin almost burst out laughing.
This was the most ridiculous display of saving face he’d ever seen.
‘But what do you mean “leave”?’
Murakan shook his head.
[Under the sky, there is nowhere for Murakan to hide. Why do you tell me to leave? Are you afraid of me? I said I have work to do.]
Murakan kept up his dignified tone.
The dragons were the first to give up on their pride.
[Ugh! Damn it, stop! Stop! This isn’t the time. Get out of here, Quicantel’s going crazy trying to kill you!]
[If a fight breaks out here, all our contractors’ countries will be turned upside down! You didn’t come here knowing Quicantel was around, did you?]
[What nonsense is this, old friends? Do you think the Silver Dragon of Time would harm me?]
[Oh, come on! Please, brother. I’m begging you. Can’t you just leave?]
[You don’t know the others have woken up yet, do you? If you don’t leave now, I’ll spread the word…]
[You’ve forgotten fear, pathetic Earth Dragons. Do you want to relive the nightmare from a thousand years ago?]
Whoosh—!
Murakan revealed his spiritual energy, and darkness fell all around. The dragons, clearly intimidated, couldn’t even meet his gaze.
Jin found the situation fascinating and realized just how formidable Murakan was in his prime.
Still, if the other dragons were this insistent on avoiding conflict, maybe it was best to back off for now.
Just as Jin was about to suggest retreat—
“Ughhh!”
“I don’t care!”
The two dragons suddenly split, flying off in opposite directions. Moments later…
Ssssshhhhh—!
Something massive was hurtling straight toward them from afar, cutting through the air with a deafening roar.
It was Quicantel’s breath.
“Uh. Hey.”
[Hold on tight, kid.]
Murakan suddenly accelerated, weaving through the sky to dodge the blast. Glancing back, the breath was so fast it distorted the very space around it.
Power on par with an ultimate technique of an 8-star mage.
Ssssh, ssssh!
The dragon unleashed a rapid barrage of breath attacks. Murakan twisted and turned through the night sky like an acrobat, while Jin clung tightly to her scales, tracking the direction of each strike.
‘It’s closing the distance while firing breath after breath!?’
The silver dragon, Quicantel—the guardian of the Horizon of Time—revealed itself in all its radiant glory, shining brighter than the night sky.
Crack!
In an instant, Quicantel lunged close, opening its massive jaws to clamp down on the back of Murakan’s neck. Luckily, it only grazed her scales, but as they tangled in a fierce struggle, Murakan quickly began to lose ground.
Unlike Murakan, who had lost strength after her defeat by Temar, this dragon was still in its prime.
[I will put you down. How dare you show your shameless face here! You should have stayed asleep forever.]
[That’s a rather rude greeting.]
Murakan slipped free from Quicantel’s grasp and retorted.
“What the hell? We actually have to fight that monstrous dragon?”
[That’s why I said it’s dangerous, kid. If it gets close, just stab it with Bradamante—no matter where. Got it?]