Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3

Novel Illustrations

These are novel illustrations that were included in volume 3.

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Prologue

Lautreamont Knight Country, people called it the country of Dragon Breeders.

To the north was the Zepharos Empire, while to the south was the Chevron Kingdom.

Sandwiched between the two major powers, a small country with a population of no more than five million, had a special academy.

Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

Educating and guiding teenage boys and girls who formed a contract with dragons -- an academy for Dragon Breeders.

Part 1

“So, can you come to work tomorrow? Our restaurant is having a headache with the lack of manpower!”

Anya with a smile replied to the manager:

“Alright! I’ll be in your care!”

This place is the Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy’s campus- student’s restaurant La Tene’s office.

Recently, Anya has visited the academy town-Ansarivan’s employment agencies. When she found out that La Tene is a strategic place to gather information, she had made up her mind that the job is hers.

To infiltrate the Dragon Riding Academy and investigate the student named Ash Blake- This is her secret objective.

The manager who is responsible for the interview was an extremely kind lady, and is always smiling. There is not even a hint that she is suspecting Anya.

-Ah. The Knight country’s citizens are too naive.

Anya is putting on a smile that she had practiced numerous times in front of the mirror. At the same time, she is trying to figure out her next move.

Recently, Anya’s performance had been low.

She thinks that meeting Ash Blake is the cause of it.

If he is an enemy, she could have solved the situation with her usual cold blooded method……. But Anya was saved by him twice, which gave her shame.

The first time was their first meeting in the depths of the forest, Ash had save Anya from the landslide. As fate would have it, the person who Ash is trying to save is actually is a person who will attempt an attack without needing any explanation, or assassinate him......

The second time happened during the incident at St. Valeria's church. Anya unluckily got caught in the mess an ended up as hostage. In the end the person who rescued her again was Ash.

Or perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, Anya who is a bystander in the incident, accidentally found out the name of his and 'may be future enemy'- Ash Blake.

By the way, the Avdocha who is arrested and sent to prison by the authorities is but a ‘counterfeit who pretended to be Avdocha’.

Anya agreed with this statement, but yet she still suspects something.

The female terrorist who occupied the church sure looks childish, and is a total different person from the portrait in the wanted poster. Also, her body is very petite. It is very hard to believe that she is Avdocha in a short time. However, though she looks young as if she can be bullied, the aura that this female terrorist emitted is nothing but genuine......

On the other hand, about Ash Blake who has been an active negotiator at that time, the authorities had mentioned nothing about him. The information appears to have been controlled.

Authorities must have been taking this action based on their hidden intention to prevent Ash Blake's name from being publicized.

Indeed, Ash Blake is suspicious in many aspects.

-No matter what kind of secrets he is hiding...... I will not allow anyone to interfere with Milgauss-sama. I swear I will investigate this thoroughly, and grab him by his weak point!

Luckily, Milgauss is still in his country and had not yet return. The strategy to ambush in the school grounds is Anya’s own idea alone.

"...... Anya? Anything?"

"Nyaa!?"

After she found that the manager is staring at her face, Anya came out with a weird sound.

"No, sorry. I'm fine......"

It is embarrassing to daze off, to make it worst, in the middle of an interview. Anya like she wanted to sweep away the awkward atmosphere asks a question:

"That, again...... Tenchou, you just said that the shop is lacking man power, can I know the reason why?"

"Anya, you look like an outsider who is new to here, no wonder you don’t know. Actually, the Selective Training Camp is about to start."

"Selective Training Camp ......?"

"That is a traditional event that will be held at the Allonnes lakeside every year for training. Only fifty student who achieved good results are eligible to participate."

"Does this have anything to do with the shops lack of manpower ......?"

"We must send several staff members there to be in charge of their meals which are also part of the tradition. Having said that, we also cannot simply just closed this shop."

In another words, during the Selective Training Camp, La Tene faces trouble because you have to continue your business as usual, on the other hand someone has to be send to the campsite.

"Really, to make it worst, there are three people who resigned at the same time at this hectic period, it is unfortunate. And it happens that the reasons for their resignation are to get married...... Damn, are they kidding me!"

Bang! - The manager suddenly hit the table top heavily with her fist.

"You all should have already known that this period is the busiest time of the store! Before leaving, you even told me something like ‘Tenchou, you should look for your Mr. Right soon'......? Ain’t that Princess Veronica is also single? My life is the same, we live for our job!"

Even though she initially thought she was a gentle and pure person, it seems that she had accumulated a lot of pressure inside her heart. Anya is speechless.

"Oops, I'm sorry, I had shown my embarrassing side. Hehe......"

After expressing herself, the manager finally came back to her sense, and tried to use an unnatural laugh to calm down the atmosphere.

"Anya."

"W-What's the matter?"

"Anya, you still don’t have a boyfriend, right? Ah, but there is always a person you admire, right? As a manager, I must ask you clearly regarding this. After all..... Getting carried away by love and abandoned your work without any reasons...... I have seen many cases like this."

The manager had spoke a quite far-fetched reason, then, she suddenly leaned forward.

"Admire...... someone?"

At this moment, in Anya’s mind emerges a lonely image of the delightful Milgauss. – She had initially thought so, but, she didn’t expect the one she is thinking about is Ash Blake heroically in his Ark.

"What! Why would I think about that guy's face......!"

Anya kept on desperately banging her head with her fist, to remove Ash’s image from her mind.

"...... Anya?"

Suddenly back to her sense, only then she found out that the manager is watching her with a surprised expression.

"S-Sorry! I'm fine!"

Her cheeks become so hot that Anya wanted to immediately escape from this place, but she can’t afford to do it..

The manager just said herself.

-Only fifty students with good results can participate in the selective training camp.

That being the case, that Ash Blake should be able to participate in it. No, it should be he will definitely participate. Anyhow, he is the hero who saved Ansarivan.

"That, Tenchou!"

Anya held her fist in both hands and suddenly stood up.

"Please be sure to send me to the training camp as a catering staff!"

The manager, who was originally stunned, then shows a smiling face.

"Ara, is it true? Because the work is very hard and many girls rejected it!"

"No problem, please trust me!"

Anya firmly declares to the manager. But the manager remains silence.

She just stared at Anya.

"That...... Tenchou? Anything wrong?"

"Y~an! How can you be so cute, Anya!"

The manager suddenly leaps toward Anya. So suddenly, that even Anya who is with extraordinary skills cannot manage to respond in time.

Although her breasts are big and soft, which bring peace to the mind for a short moment, but......

“Muuu…”

Anya whose whole face is buried deep in them, suddenly is suffocating.

"Yes! I have something I hope you will accept it."

The manager suddenly release Anya and move to the locker by the wall.

"...... What?"

Anya greedily breath and at the same time look at the back of the manager. The manager is humming while rummaging the locker.

After a long while, the manager came back smiling.

"This is your uniform, I think it should fit you."

Any looked puzzled when she was force to accept the uniform. After spreading it out, it was the commonly known maid attire. The pure white apron are full of frills.

"Excuse me ...... this is?"

"It is the waitress uniforms. Ain’t it cute?"

"P-Please wait a moment!"

Anya looked panicked. Regardless of how she thinks, this attire is way off her style.

"I applied for a infield job such as washing, handling the cargo......"

"To let you work infield is not fair for you. Who ask you to be this cute! Anya must take the outfield job!"

“B-But…”

"To be prudent, do you want to try wearing it?"

"That...... if I may, I want a relatively simple uniform......"

Anya lowered down her head, shyly stated her demands.

"How can you be so closed minded? I give up."

The next moment, the manager’s eyes shined.

"If that being the case, I’ll help you to do it right!"

"Noooooo! Ah...... Ayannn! Where are you touching-"

Part 2

Year 1265 of the A.S.B Calendar, the month of Gemini.

There are two more weeks before the annual traditional event of the Ansarivan’s Dragon Riding Academy-

La Tene~A.S.B 1365.6~" is closed.

Chapter 1 - The Month of Gemini's Selective Training Camp

Part 1

An eye was staring at Eco in the dark. Its blood red pupils were blazing like a burning torch. One, two, three...... The number of eyes were increasing.

"Don’t...... Don’t look at me!"

Eco ran wildly as if to escape the ominous sight. She was wandering in the dark without any direction. But regardless of how far Eco ran, she couldn't escape those eyes. Those blood red eyes, like moons hanging up high in the sky, were staring down at Eco.

"H-Help......"

Eco, who usually didn't communicate any signs of weakness, shouted out loud for help - because her overriding fear had long exceeded her self-esteem limit.

"Ash… Please help me!"

Even when she had shouted a name, that she rarely mentioned, there was no response.

"Urk......!"

Eco suddenly fell to the ground hitting her face hard. The cause seemed to be something wrapped around her right ankle. That has to be the culprit that tripped her.

"W-What is this......?"

Eco wanted to stand up quickly but now… Even her left ankle was caught.

"No...... Don’t!"

Even when Eco was clinging to the ground, struggling to avoid being pulled away, her efforts were in vain. Her fingers just couldn't cling to the dark slippery surface which eerily felt like the skin of a soft animal. In only a few moments Eco’s hands had also been entangled and she lost their freedom. In the next second she was easily raised up in mid-air. This frightening feeling… Eco had experienced it before.

"Is this a... Necromancia?"

Soon, an object with nine eyes appeared in front of Eco. Its eyes became the only light source which dimly lit up its surroundings. The initial black shadow had finally revealed its true-self. It was a shocking space covered with a dense mass of creepy purple worms. But those creepy objects were no ordinary earthworms. Each of the worm was, in reality, a tentacle thicker than Eco’s arm. Those countless tentacles were facing Eco.

“Eek……”

Eco kept on struggling. If this continued her body will be sacrificed for those tentacles. However, the more she struggled, the more firmly the tentacles gripped her hands and legs. Not only that… The rest of the tentacles had launched a series of attacks targeted at tearing Eco’s clothes.

"Stop…!"

Those frightening tentacles were squirming on Eco’s naked skin. Such as over her chest, on the tummy, and along the inner thighs... Eco was frightened enough to have goosebumps.

"S-Stop. How dare you look down on me!"

Even though she shouted with all her might… The tentacles attack only became more intensified.

"I've had enough... This is.... Too cruel...."

In the end Eco, who was now covered only in ripped and tattered rags, was hanging in mid-air almost naked. She felt like livestock that was led to be slaughtered.

“Boo… Hoo…” Sobbed Eco.

The humiliation Eco received made her furious almost as if her blood is boiling. However. The tentacles were not bothered in the least, by her indignation, and continued to wrap around her body unhindered.

"Why...... Didn't you come and save me?"

Ash's face emerged in Eco’s mind Why did he sit back, while watching his master experience such misery, and yet still refused to rescue her? No, in fact, Eco had long been aware that Ash is her master and that she was the one that was being reared. But, because of her self-esteem, she was unwilling to admit that Ash was really her master. She also, in turn, treated Ash as her pet dog.

Is this karma? If this is the case… Such a fate can only be blamed on myself.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry...!"

Eco was in tears. Unfortunately it was too late. Even if she shouted with all her might… Ash would not show up. Eco was aware of that and she closed her eyes. No matter what kind of punishment God bestowed. She intended to accept it with her heart. The tentacles swarmed over her body gradually and eventually covered her-

Right at that moment... A low sound originated from the ground and was heard from every direction.

"This time… let’s us have our stuff settled for once and for all- ‘Daughter of Avalon' "

Part 2

"Hey...... Wake up. Hurry up......"

Ash’s shoulders were vigorously shaken which caused him to wake up from his sleep.

"Hmm...... Eco?"

While rubbing his sleepy eyes Ash looked around. The room was dark and the sun's rays that managed to pass through the curtains silts were still very weak. It seemed to be some time before the morning bell rang. Ash was rather surprised for such a rare thing to happen. Eco had actually woken up early and, then of course, woken up Ash. It was a rare sight for Eco, who was a sleepy head, by nature. More surprisingly he felt nothing of her usual aggressiveness.

"What’s wrong with you?"

Suddenly sweeping away his sleepiness, Ash jumped up from his bed to examine Eco's peculiar behavior.

"That..." Eco showed some uneasiness in her expression.

For Eco, who was always acting haughty, it was hard to think that she could make such an expression. Even her pair of stubs, that signified a young dragon, looked pale. In addition, he was also very surprised that Eco had already put on her clothing this morning. Because in the past, Eco always woke up naked - Without any exception. Ash was surprised to find that there was a hint of soap fragrance emanating from Eco’s body. It seems that she had taken her bath while Ash was sleeping.

"What’s the matter?"

"On the bed... That..."

Eco flushed while she looked at the bed.

"What’s wrong with the bed?"

Ash crawled out from the futon on the floor, and moved towards the bed. Eco, with her embarrassed expression, looks downward and blushed. Judging by the looks on her face, Ash finally understood why. He remembered his conversation in the past with Eco.

-"Anyway... I have not seen you secrete a Bright Dragon Crystal."

-“How can I casually expose those shameful things in front of others!"

-“Bright Dragon Crystals are formed when excess magic crystallizes(?) Even when seen… I think it is no big deal….!!! "

-“Although I do not deny that I inevitably will run into the kind of really intolerable situation. At least carelessly become incontinence..."

"Ahh… Now I understand. Eco. You have finally undergone incontinence. Is it not?"

After Ash cast her a snappish smile Eco’s shoulders are shaking.

"I- I. It is not my intention to do so... There are always times when things happen without our consciousness!"

"It is alright and don’t you worry about it. Anyway, for us humans, it's no big deal."

"Really?"

"Of course. I even wanted to carry it as a good luck charm!"

"Wha-What did you say?"

"Hey. What are you fussing about? In fact. There are also many students who carry them along as an amulet!"

"I-I can’t believe it... Also. How do they carry it?"

"You just have to put it in your pocket or inside the bag!"

"H-How is it possible...? Are you kidding me? Those liquid..."

"Liquid? You are the one who is joking. It's always solid!"

"Wha-What did you say?"

Upon hearing that Eco clenched her teeth.

"What do you think I had come out with!!! How could it be solid!!!"

Ash crossed his arms and thought. He had never heard of a liquid Bright Dragon Crystal. Even though he had become more and more curious about what had happened. But, the real priority was to calm down Eco’s anger. Ash took a deep breath to calm down his heart. What he needed right now was to speak with her.

"Listen to me carefully. There exist many differences between human's and dragon's cognition. Perhaps to dragons, it is indeed a very shameful thing, but for us humans that is but a small matter."

“Err…”

Even though Eco was still hiding something, perhaps she was moved by Ash, her temper finally calmed down.

"So please let me have a look."

Ash stretched out his hand towards the bed, but Eco quickly blocked.

"I-I really can’t... It is too shameful!"

Seeing Eco blushing and humbly pleading, Ash’s heart started to race.

"Don’t worry. Eco. You are my pal! Regardless of what substance you had secreted I will never abandon you and will never laugh at you. I will accept you as who you are."

"... Really?"

Eco’s eyes were wet as if she was deeply moved and she finally moved aside.

"Alright... I believe in you."

"Then I’ll make my move."

With mixed feelings Ash flipped over the blanket.

"...?"

However, the moment he saw the sheets, Ash was shocked. There was a huge world map on the middle of the bed sheet. When Ash was still in his village, he had helped take care of his younger sister. This sight made him felt a little nostalgic.

"You... After this long argument… You wet the bed!"

"If not so, what were you originally thinking about!"

Eco flushed while shaking her pair of fists.

"Err. I originally thought it was the... Bright Dragon Crystal."

"Don’t you know how many times more shameful it is to come out with the Bright Dragon Crystal!"

"Is that so- Urgh!"

With Eco iron fist bursting, Ash was knocked against the wall in one hit. If he wanted to fix the gap between humans and dragons… It seemed that he needed to communicate with her more.

Part 3

Early in the morning there were several male students who gathered at the laundry drying area. Beside it was a water storage place where clothes could be washed. Fortunately today's sky was clear which made it a suitable day for doing the laundry. Ash moved towards the water storage and filled the laundry tub with water. He wanted to clean the sheets, that Eco wet, quickly before he ran into any acquaintances. And just when Ash was secretly thinking so...

"Yo. Ash!"

Someone suddenly slapped his back which caused him to choke and cough several times. When he looked back, it turned out to be, his good for nothing friend, Raymond Kirkland who was carrying a basket full of dirty clothes like himself. Ash gave him a questioning look

"Why? Since you looked kinda glum… You must have been quarreling with Eco is it not?"

"Nah..."

Ash tried to hide the sheets quietly but they were still seen by Raymond’s sharp-eyes.

"Woah!... You still wet your bed even at this age!"

Once he spied the world map on the sheets, Raymond laughed. The other students who also heard that, turned towards Ash.

"N-No... It's not me who wet my bed!"

"Since it is not you ... Is it Eco?"

Ash whispered in Raymond’s ear over his shoulder.

"I beg you not to tell anyone. Eco seemed to have received a big blow... She is without her usual high spirits this whole morning."

"Really? There are also times when Eco feels frustrated. That is really unexpected."

"It is because she has a high self-esteem... I think she can’t forgive herself for bed-wetting."

"Don’t you look at her that way. She is only just a two and a half month old young dragon. It is normal for her to wet the bed!"

"What you said also seems logical to me! Her looks made me forget about it."

Ash and Raymond were chatting while washing their clothes. After Ash put in some detergent, he began to scrub the stains on the fabric.

"Speaking of laundry, are you also responsible for cleaning Eco’s clothes and underwear?"

"Who will wash it if I don’t?"

Ash snappily replied. In fact. Ash was responsible for cleaning all of Eco’s clothing.

"Eco’s underwear... If it is possible I could help her wash them."

"Do you think there is someone foolish enough to pass their room keys to a thief in this world?"

Ash remained silent after speaking this sentence and concentrated on washing his clothes. If he continued to go on chatting, he will be too late to catch up with the morning's scheduled assembly. Raymond was also concentrating on washing his clothes, in the beginning. But Raymond was not the type of person who kept quiet for very long. In just the next moment he brought up another topic.

"Do you know what happened to Jessica Valentine? Didn’t she have a crush on you? There is some trouble in the SKFC because of her resignation!"

"Please, don’t even mention that topic ... I had a stomach ache by just thinking about it."

Recently, in Ansarivan, St Valeria’s church had just been occupied. What Raymond had said made him recall that incident. The person who rescued Jessica, who unfortunately became an unwitting hostage to this incident, was none other than Ash. The reason was; Ash's secret, as the legendary hero 'Silver Knight', was made known to Jessica. As a result Jessica, who was the Silver Knight Fan Club’s (SKFC) president, was promoted to become a member of the student council. The reason why she was selected was to prevent the Silver Knight’s secret from being spread among the SKFC's members. All these arrangements had been made by the student council’s president... Rebecca. It was certainly a good thing for Jessica to agree to keep Ash’s secret. However, even if she joined the Student Council, she was still eyeing Ash’s sperm, which gave him a headache just thinking about it.

"But as long as you simply nod you will immediately have a girlfriend… No? I never thought that you would actually overtake me by becoming the first..."

Raymond clenched his teeth and showed signs of not backing down.

"It can’t be... In my opinion… Jessica doesn’t really like me. I always felt that she only wants to bear my child more. It is hard to feel happy being liked by girls this way."

"You sure? When she was the SKFC’s president you may be right. But for now, I think, it is no longer the same."

Raymond’s objection puzzled Ash.

"What do you mean?"

"It means that… She now really loves you! I guess that it is because you saved the beauty as a hero in her dreams would. Even if she really loves you… Can you still not accept it?"

"Err... I have never liked Jessica. Since I don’t like her, and yet if I'm going to date her, I don’t feel doing something like that is right."

"Then, otherwise, who do you really like?"

Raymond revealed an unusually serious expression and stared at Ash. It seems that he seriously wanted to know the answer himself.

"Me? About that... I'm not really sure myself."

Although Ash dully answered, the next moment, the memory of his first kiss crossed his mind. His unexpected kiss with Eco. Her tender lips and her warm tongue... Just by recalling it made his heart race. That was something what Ash couldn't deny. But that was just an accident. At that time Eco had just eaten an Ansal sweet, becoming drunk and confused. She must have had not even remembered her actions.

"Anything wrong? Why are you blushing?"

Raymond curiously asked.

"No. Nothing!"

Ash quickly shook his head and began to seriously wash his clothes.

Part 4

On the way back to the dormitory, after having finished washing the sheets, Raymond unexpectedly asked a question.

"Speaking of the month of Gemini… We have to talk about the Selective Training Camp. The names for those who are able to participate are going to be announced soon, right?"

"Ahh. I heard that it is likely to be announced at today’s assembly."

Raymond was surprised.

"What… Even you don’t know about it? I thought the student council’s members had already received a notice regarding it!"

"The participant list is treated as confidential. Even for regular student council members. It seems that only the president Rebecca, has received the list of names."

"Is it......? Well, anyway, this has nothing to do with us."

Ash could only smile after hearing what Raymond said. The Selective Training Camp – was actually an annual intensive training camp organized by the Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy during the month of Gemini. But only fifty students, who excelled in their results were eligible to participate. Actual Combat, written answers, attitudes and etc... The candidates had to excel in all aspects, in order to be selected. It was considered a very honourable thing to be selected to the Selective Training Camp. Though Ash looked forward to the camp, but...... Even though he was now a member of the student council, he still could not quickly change his image as the ‘Number One Problem Child In The Academy’.

Raymond was right. Ash simply did not expect that either of them had a chance to be favored.

Part 5

The school's students were assembled in the hall for the first period in the morning. The school had also announced the change of seasonal uniforms on the same day as the arrival of the month of Gemini. Raymond, and many others, were delightfully surprised by being able to see the girls in their lighter clothes. But for Ash… It was the beginning of a worrisome, self conscious period. Ash’s left hand was engraved with the dragons' contract - Seikoku. Generally, the size of the Seikoku would not be any larger than the size of a palm. But somehow, Ash's Seikoku was far larger than the normal ones. The large area it covered spanned his whole left arm. Ash had decided, from the bottom of his heart, to hate that shocking pattern and had never liked to show it to others. Actually, in the past, he was often ridiculed because of his unique Seikoku. Ash, who could no longer bear this, had ultimately decided to cover his left arms’s Seikoku with bandages.

The problem was, once it changed to the short-sleeved summer uniform, another problem would be born from it. The bandages originally served the purpose of covering the Seikoku to prevent the others from being disgusted. But, once it was summer, those exposed bandages instead had been attracting attention. That was why the reason Ash hated seasonal changes... was understandable. Before long the Chancellor made his appearance in front of the podium and the hall become silent immediately .

"Surely you must have been looking forward to it for a long time my students. I’ll immediately announce the list of participants eligible for the Selective Training Camp."

Ash personally felt there was a little nervousness in the air which was different from the usual school assemblies. For those who were like Ash that 'will-never-be-selected' naturally they were not particularly tense. However, for those students who harbored a slight hope, their palms were sweating with nervousness. The chancellor, who was always friendly and cheerful, had put on a priest like serious expression.

"For those who are named, please answer loudly and come forward."

The chancellor moved his eyes downward to look at the name list.

"Advance course third grade. Rebecca Randall-san."

“Hai!”

Rebecca coolly left the group of students from the highest grade and moved forward. The red hair looked as if it was blazing more than usual. The chancellor read out the names of those selected one by one. The students from the higher grades consisted of most of the students. There were more than thirty people who were from the third and second grade of the advance course.

"Next is the advance class first year. Silvia Lautreamont fourth Princess."

“Hai!”

After she answered with an exceptionally brave voice, Silvia left the first grade group to stand on the podium in front. Her bright blond hair looked like a bright aura that only gods had.

"Hey! what are you mesmerizing about? Are you in love with her?"

Raymond casually whispered in Ash's ear.

"H-How could I be! She is a Princess!"

Ash quickly refuted. His cheeks were red hot.

"Haha. Of course I was kidding. Anyway. She is a flower on a high ridge."

Raymond who, had just laughed whole heartedly, suddenly became serious.

"That being said… The only boy Princess trusts is you."

“T-That is because we help each other in the student council? "

"Maybe you are the only one who thinks so?"

After Raymond gave an evil laugh their attention turned back to the podium. The chancellor continued naming.

"Advanced class first grade. Maximillian Russell-san.”

“Advanced class first grade. Jessica Valentine-san."

As the treasurer of the student council and at the same time also a friend of Ash, Max was chosen. Although it was a surprise that Jessica was also chosen, but Ash remembered, the comment that Rebecca gave her was "She is able to overcome any difficulty if she her heart desired it."

"- Next is the Basic class."

After a break, the chancellor flipped the name list over. By doing this, it was confirmed that Ash was not selected. Although he hadn't held any expectations at the start, but there was inevitably some regret. By having such feeling, Ash himself thought that was very extraordinary. Because in his past self, he would not even be bothered.

"This year, there is only one student from the basic class selected. Third grade Lucca Sarlinen."

A foreign name came out from the chancellor’s mouth. But the hall was silent. Lucca Sarlinen did not respond for any reason. Soon the students began to chatter amongst themselves. Raymond, who was no exception, started to talk to Ash.

"It's hard to imagine that a serious girl like her is absent......"

"Do you know her?"

Raymond looked at Ash in astonishment.

"You are the weird one for not knowing her! Lucca Sarlinen is a celebrity seconded only by the ‘Scarlet Empress’ and ‘Ice Blue Princess’!"

The former refered to Rebecca and the latter was Silvia. Since she was below these two but it still meant that she was really famous.

"Is it?... Is she such an amazing student?"

"She is a genius for being the youngest ever to be appointed as a Dragner! Isn't that terrific enough?"

"Hold on. The one who held the record for being the youngest isn’t it Rebecca-san...?"

"The one who rewrote Rebecca onee-san’s record is no other than Lucca Sarlinen! Moreover. she is obviously the secretary from the student council! How come you don’t know her?"

Raymond obviously looked surprised.

"You can’t blame me… We never even met."

"You've never met each other... Is it true?"

Although Raymond was not yet satisfied, unfortunately they could no longer continue their private conversation. The chancellor who had received an explanation from the teachers continued to speak:

"Lucca Sarlinen-san is absent because of an illness. Then finally -"

However, because a sudden burst of resentfulness swept the auditorium, the chancellor had failed to finish his words. Ash looked around puzzled. It appeared that some students were protesting against Lucca Sarlinen being selected.

"What is happening? It is just that she took her leave and is absent? What’s there to be angry about?"

Right after Ash asked Raymond, with a bitter face, replied:

"I heard that she was absent, not only from today's school assembly, for about three months. For someone who is absent for so long, to be selected, it is not a wonder for some people to get angry."

"Why has she been absent for three months? Is She injured or sick?"

"...the rumors might be true."

Raymond actually said something with deep meaning… Which made Ash curious.

"What rumors-?"

At this time the chancellor, who was famous for his gentleness, spoke with his rarely used commanding voice:

"Silence! It is true that Lucca-san has been absent for a long time. But she has left good results. Her total results topped the fifth so we selected Lucca-san."

The chancellor's righteous explanation instantly calmed down the waves of protestation.

"So then. I’ll finally announce the 'Specially Recommended' student. The Specially Recommended Student System was only adopted this year. It is evaluated by the student council president and not by the staff. Rebecca-san, you picked this student personally, so please take my place and announce his name."

“Hai.”

Rebecca coolly walked up to the podium.

"As you have just heard, based on the Specially Recommended System, I have selected one student for the Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy's Selective Training Camp to be held at the Allonnes lakeside."

Rebecca suddenly stopped after saying that. A terrible suspenseful silence enveloped the hall. Everyone present was nervous… Quietly waiting for Rebecca to announce the name.

"That student is - Advance class first grade. Ash Blake."

"Bedwetter ~A.S.B. 1365.6~ is closed"

Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Dangerous Command

Part 1

After class, Ash anxiously went to the student council’s office. Even though he was worried about Eco who had stayed in the dorm for the entire day, he insisted that he must speak to Rebecca face to face.

"Excuse me!"

Ash walked into the student council’s office without even knocking on the door. Just as he had expected, Rebecca was in the office, sitting on the couch comfortably, drinking her cup of tea. The sweet aroma of the Ansal tea could be smelled. Apart from Rebecca, there were no other students in the office.

"Hi, Ash. I had expected that you’ll show yourself."

Seeing Ash rush into the room, Rebecca smiled.

"What is that about? Why am I also a participant in the Selective Training Camp with those kinds of results......"

"Don’t you worry, please have a seat first before we start talking."

Ash unwillingly sat down opposite of Rebecca. Upon seeing this, Rebecca suddenly patted the empty space next to her.

"Didn't I tell you before that it is more effective to get to know each other when two people are sitting next to each other? This is the iron rule when you are dating."

"...Understood."

Although his current mood had nothing to do with dating, Ash obediently sat next to Rebecca. A refreshing scent wafted from her. It was the perfume that Rebecca loved to use. After Rebecca put her cup down, she looked at Ash. Her emerald-like eyes were reflecting Ash's face.

"Are you so concerned about yourself being selected?"

"Of course, I don’t know why I was even chosen......"

"The Specially Recommended System was only adopted this year. It was evaluated by the student council president, so I choose you. It is just as simple as this."

But upon saying this, Rebecca showed her tongue. This was the first time Ash saw Rebecca's playful look. That cute posture made his heart beat faster.

"To tell you the truth, the person who suggested the Specially Recommended System was me."

"What!? What is your purpose?"

Seeing Ash was dumbfounded, Rebecca calmly placed her hand on his lap and gently stroked his knee. Not only that, her mouth was getting closer to Ash’s ear. Rebecca exhaled on his earlobe, which made Ash shiver.

"Are you forcing me to tell you personally? Of course, it is to allow you to participate in the training camp!"

"W-Why...?"

"By following the previous selection method, an irregular like you will surely not be selected. But you have a genuine talent. To even have the incredible power of riding other people’s Pal.... and to have a special pal is also a fact. Additionally, you defeated the Necromancia and ‘Avdocha the Convicted’. That is why, I insist in letting you participate in the training camp, The Specially Recommended System is used to accomplish this task. "

"So it is really... for me?"

Ash was staring at Rebecca's beauty. Am I thinking too much? There was also the fact that Rebecca's cheeks were turning red.

"About that... right until now, I never fell in love with any particular boy."

"Huh...?"

"Because no matter how good that boy is, he can never be in the same position as me."

If these words were from the mouth of another girl, it might have sounded arrogant. But since it was Rebecca, it will be an another story. After all, she was a unique Ark-Dragner.

"But whenever I see you... It is a little strange, but I am always looking forward to it. I've never had these feelings. Maybe... I am easily attracted to 'hidden talents'."

Ash was surprised that there were times when Rebecca stuttered. Moreover, she looked like she didn't know how to deal with her feelings.

“W-What you mean... is it?"

Ash's heartbeat was almost at its peak. Rebecca as if leaking her secret, uttered that sentence.

"Can I expect it from you?"

Despite feeling flattered, Ash still had the urge to hug Rebecca tightly. This was the first time Ash had this kind of feelings for Rebecca. Their shoulders leaned closely together. No, it was done intentionally by Rebecca. Since the summer uniform was made from thin material, Ash was able to clearly feel Rebecca's body heat. Maybe summer uniforms also has its advantages... This was the first time Ash thought so.

"Rebecca-san......!"

Just when Ash was quietly murmuring like he was dreaming-

-Bang!

The door was suddenly opened with a loud sound. Meanwhile, two girls who had lost their balance plunged into the office. With a closer look, the two were Silvia and Jessica. Ash quickly stood up from the couch.

"What are you doing!?"

"I-It is not me! It was Jessica who suddenly pushed me...”

Silvia quickly climbed up while rubbing her waist. A while back, she showed her royal dignity which made him admire her a little. But after she had shown her useless side, he felt a little regret.

"Rebecca! I am not gonna let you off easily today!" said Jessica rushing up from the ground.

"There are so many people for you to seduce and you choose my Ash-sama!"

Rebecca replied with a nonchalant look:

"Jessica, you are mistaken. Ash at this stage does not belong to anyone! Logically speaking, I am not seducing him."

"You're lying! The scene just now..."

"Although, I won’t deny that I might like him in the near future..."

After hearing that, Jessica's expression instantly stiffened. It seemed that she never thought that Rebecca would declare war on her in this case. Not only Jessica, even Silvia was also speechlessly staring at Rebecca.

"I actually would like to ask what you two were doing suspiciously behind the door. Since you are in the student council, why not walk in proudly?"

Rebecca retorted with sharp words, which resulted in Silvia and Jessica explaining with a "Uuh!".

"I-I accidentally saw Ash-sama in the corridor and I came to take a look and I found out that Princess was standing at the doorway..."

Jessica quietly stared at Silvia.

"I-I initially wanted to ask president about issues of the selective training camp, but I saw president and Ash... Err... The atmosphere was a little embarrassing, so I was embarrassed to come in...

After listening to the two explanations, Rebecca sighed.

"The two of you are a proud members of the student council, at the same time, both of you are participants of the Selective training camp. I hope that you two have some self-respect, and remind yourselves to keep an honest attitude."

"Understood..."

Silvia humbly accepted the advice, but Jessica refuted.

"Hmph! Rebecca are you in any position to make those irresponsible remarks? I wonder who was the girl who embraced Ash-sama on the student council’s office's sofa? If Her Royal Highness and I had not broke in, God knows at what stage you will be progressing!"

"Ara, such attitude. I'm happy to talk about the trouble you made in your childhood right here? Anyhow you are my childhood playmate. Well, there were many things that could become the topic."

Despite the smile made by the smooth lips, Rebecca's eyes did not show any smiling sign. Like an eagle forcing its prey into its beak, they were bursting out with dazzling light.

"Eek...!"

Her previous arrogance disappeared. Jessica who turned pale was sweating profusely.

"I-It was my b-bad."

"Hmm, it is good to admit you are wrong honestly."

When Rebecca was answering while smiling- someone frantically rushed in through the opened door.

"President! Something is very wrong...!"

It was Max, who was in charge of the accounts. Perhaps he was running at full speed along the way because he was out of breath. He didn't even notice that his spectacle was not in the right place. How urgent was the situation for the calm Max to become this way? Ash was also feeling very tense since the city had been full of disaster recently, .

"What happened, Max? To be panicked to this extent is not your style."

The student council president was sure to be very experienced, Rebecca was still calm even after seeing Max's expression. She was calmly waiting for Max to reply.

"W-We received a report... there is smoke emerging from the Merk House of the women's dormitory-!"

"Is it a small fire?"

"The details are unclear. But, the smoke is suspected to be emerging from Lucca Sarlinen's room......"

Upon hearing Lucca Sarlinen’s name, Rebecca face became pale.

"I'll leave for Merk house... In my name Rebecca Randall I order! Respond to my summon, Cú Chulainn-"

The next moment, Maestro Cú Chulainn who responded to Rebecca’s summoning spell appeared in front of the window.

Part 2

Rebecca stood on Cú Chulainn's neck heroically, but Ash, Silvia and Jessica were struggling to cling on to its fur. Because Max was almost out of breath, he was left behind in the Student Council’s office. The other reason was that it would not be appropriate to leave the office empty when an emergency situation had occurred. In the end, there was no need for such a large group of people to march forth to the scene. As long as Rebecca was dealing with it personally, she was sure to come up with the most appropriate solution.

However, after Rebecca and Ash jumped on Cú Chulainn, a strange thing happened. Silvia and Jessica also stepped on the window and jumped. After giving a wry smile, Rebecca immediately changed back to her serious looks.

"Take us to the Merk house!"

After receiving Rebecca’s orders, Cú Chulainn gave an earth shattering roar and spread its wings. Ash and the rest just felt a floating sensation and a strong pressure. The Merk house, which took twenty minutes to walk to, was right in front of them in the blink of an eye. The Merk house was designed as the accommodation for the basic class female students. Unsurprisingly, the outside of the dormitory was packed with girls. They should be the ones who escaped after finding out about the smoke. The girls screamed after they saw Rebecca jump down from Cú Chulainn. The Student council president Rebecca Randall had always been regarded as an idol by the low-grade students.

"We are from the student council! Is the warden here?"

After Rebecca stated her name loudly, an old lady walked towards her.

"Is Lucca still in her room?"

Rebecca quickly asked and the warden nodded.

"That’s right. The other students called her several times, but she didn’t respond...."

According to the warden, the conclusion were as follows-

Not long before, the students living on the same floor as Lucca discovered smoke coming out from her room. If such an event occurred in the advance class dormitory, the advance class students would have had a way to calmly handle it. However, the lower class students who were still mentally immature, were shocked by the unexpected events. Their fear spread like an epidemic and it finally become a commotion. The warden said that she had gotten a headache just by trying to get the panicking girls to safety. Logically speaking, she should have the spare key to open Lucca's room, but she was busy with some other stuff. The warden who finished speaking handed over the silver keys to Rebecca.

"This is the spare key to Lucca-san's room.”

"I understand. Please stay here and take care of the students."

After receiving the key, she started to run. Ash and the others followed behind Rebecca. On the way there, Ash asked Rebecca.

"Rebecca-san... I would like to ask what kind of problem the girl named Lucca Sarlinen is facing."

Perhaps this was not an important enough question for them to talk about while running. But even the calm Rebecca had mobilized Cú Chulainn to rush to the Merk house after she heard Lucca's name. It meant that the situation right now was not some small matter.

"She is now being severely tortured because she as a Dragner lost her ability to ride her Pal... Although she gave excuses like being unwell; in fact, the problem is much more serious. Since she was unable to ride her Pal, she secluded herself in her dormitory. Recently, there were many students who began to show concern about Lucca's problem."

"I see...."

It was not rare for a breeder to be unable to ride his Pal. For example, illnesses, injuries, etc and many other strange things could be the reason. At the school assembly, "That rumor" that Raymond said could be this.

“Don’t tell me that because she couldn’t ride, and thus…”

An ominous possibility brushed through Ash's mind.

"That's not impossible... no one can guarantee anything, that’s why I’m so anxious."

After finishing this sentence, Rebecca kept silent. The group rushed into the dorm, walked down the hallway and climbed the stairs. Soon, Rebecca stopped in front of a door. It was located at the end of the corridor on the third floor. The name list beside the door showed only the name Lucca Sarlinen. The basic class dormitory was generally a three person bedroom, but it appeared that she was living alone. Leaving the question aside, the main focus was on the source of the smoke. In fact, some visible white smoke could be seen floating out from the cracks around the door. Compared to the big commotion, the amount of smoke could only be regarded as insignificant.

"Lucca! Answer me!"

Rebecca knocked on the door, but there still wasn't any response from inside.

"I’m going to open the door!"

Rebecca put the key in the keyhole. With some 'rattling' sound of metal, the door unlocked. Once the door was opened, the white smoke poured into the corridor. Rebecca entered the room followed by Ash. Most of the smoke drifted into the corridor after the door was opened.

Ash looked around the room. The room was cramped with all kinds of dried plants, which did not look like a girl's room. To force a description, this was more like a pharmacist’s workroom. To Ash's surprise, in addition to the furniture that the dormitory provided, the room also had some working tables. They must have been Lucca's private property.

In the center of the room, there was a low round table, which was of a design that wasn't normally seen in the Knight Country and the Kingdom. In addition, the surprising number of flower pots made the others curious. Flower pots were lined from the wall side to the window side of the room. Each flower pot contained plants that Ash had never seen before. The reason why she could have this amazingly large number of personal belongings in a room was that she was using a room for three alone. Although there was a double bed and a single bed by the wall, they were used to place her stuff.

"Lucca!"

Just when Rebecca shouted the room’s owner’s name...

Ash was shocked by what he saw. A girl suspected to be Lucca was lying in the middle of the room. The problem was, Lucca's body was lying in a container that looked like a coffin. The base of the container was covered with a layer of soft flowers. Her hands were also folded over her chest.

The only words that could be used to describe Lucca were- it was her corpse.

"It can’t be...?"

Silvia and Jessica rushed past Ash who was muttering towards the side of the coffin.

After witnessing Lucca's appearance, Silvia and Jessica froze. At that point...

"Fyuaa..."

Followed by a cute yawn, the body slowly sat up. Even though it had a sleepy look, Ash was almost scared out of his skin. She was like a Fairy from the fairy tales. Her whitish gold straight hair was shoulder length. Beneath the neatly trimmed fringes were a pair of mysterious big amethyst-like watery shining eyes. Her skin was like white porcelain, to which normal whiteness couldn't be compared with. On the surface, she looked like an exquisite doll. Her petite height was no different from Eco. But she gave a feeling of a dreamy easily breakable object, which was different from the lively Eco. The most important feature, were those protruding ears that could be seen sticking out from her beautiful hair. Even the tip of her ear was pointy. Ash had long ago heard about the existence of this race, but until today, it was the first time he actually saw one.

"...Anything?"

Facing a group of stunned people, Lucca lazily looked at the faces around while speaking with a clear voice.

Part 3

Lucca put out the flames in the incense burner one by one and the smoke in the room slowly dissipated. The smoke seemed to be produced by burning a special bright dragon crystal so it was harmless. The students outside had returned to their rooms after the situation had settled down.

"To put it bluntly, the smoke was produced by the incense burner."

Lucca answered Rebecca questions. With her back facing the crowd, she covered the final incense burner’s lid. While looking at Lucca's small ass, Ash became surprised. The shape of her hips could be seen through the one-piece pajamas. But right now, the focus was not on the traces of her underwear.

“-Is she...?”

Just when Ash was troubled about where he was looking, Lucca turned around and faced the rest.

"I'm sorry to give you all a shock."

Lucca was sitting on her heels and respectfully apologize by bowing down. Her every move made people worry. Describing this in another way, she was the kind of person who would provoke the urge of others to protect her unconditionally.

"You don't need to apologize. It is enough as long as you're safe. But please do not light so much incense in the future, otherwise the others students could think that it was a fire."

Lucca nodded humbly while Rebecca was reminding her.

"....Rebecca's words have always been right. I will try to pay more attention next time.”

"Come on, must you make the scene to look so deserted! Besides, what is that coffin about?"

"Coffin...? You are wrong. This is an Eckbald styled bed. It can be used directly in funerals; its features are very good."

"Sure enough, that’s a coffin! I can no longer bear with you, do you think as long as you give others a dreamy feel, you will be forgiven regardless of what you do? Without mentioning the rest, while facing your senpai, don’t you think that your tone of speaking is a little rude!"

"That’s enough! Lucca had always been timid and she is not like you. Don’t be too hard on her."

Jessica was angered after being scolded by Rebecca.

"Wha… I am as timid as most people are!"

Although Ash thought that she was speaking that way to make herself feel better, but it was better for him not to comment on anything.

"Excuse me, Jessica. Please be a little quiet."

Even Silvia also tried to correct Jessica this time.

"Back to the topic, president, could you ask her to re-introduce herself? After all, apart from you, all of us here have just met her for the first time."

Rebecca nodded while smiling at Silvia’s proposal.

"Hmm, what a good idea. Lucca please introduce yourself."

Even when Rebecca asked her to self-introduce, Lucca remained silent. Her head kept on facing downwards with a timid appearance. In the end-

“I’ll make some tea.”

She suddenly stood up and hid in the kitchen. Seeing Lucca had left, Rebecca smiled.

"She is still the same and has always been shy. I will introduce her in her place. As you had known, she is called Lucca Sarlinen. She had such an uncommon name because she is an Eckbald."

-Eckbald

Commonly known as the ‘forest Yōsei '. Since ancient times they had lived in the forest, a race with beautiful looks. By looking at Lucca's appearance, you would be able to know that the ‘forest Yōsei ' description fit very well. Their pointed ears were exactly the same as the Yōsei from the fairy tales. Apart from their beautiful looks, they were also famous for their herbology. The efficiency of the herbs made by the Eckbald was acknowledged by people around the world and the market price for them was always high. However, the most important feature of an Eckbald was neither their beautiful appearance, nor their profound knowledge of herbs.

-But as a heroic race of Dragners.

That was the reason why the Eckbalds were called Eckbald. Why was there the need to use the past tense? Because today, the heroic legend of the Eckbalds had become the legends of yesterday. Written in the history textbooks, because of the declining of the Dragons, the number of people who became a breeder had also declined. At that moment, Rebecca suddenly lowered down her voice and whispered.

"Currently, Lucca is the only Eckbald in this academy. That is why all the Eckbalds in the Eckbald autonomous regions have high hopes for Lucca. But, I have to say that some of those people’s thinking are behind time..."

"Behind time?" Silvia looked confused.

"Nn... they harbor a strong admiration over the Dragner. Since the Dragners were ordered to be involved in the Xenoglavia War, their thinking had been behind time. There are now many parents praying for their children to not become a Dragner. Especially the more affluent their family is and it is getting more and more serious. After all, most parents do not want their child to be ordered into the battlefield. "

"This issue really is no trivial matter! I really want to interrogate those people, for those who lost their admiration for the Dragners, can they call themselves the people of the Knight country!"

"Uuh... Princess? The focus is now on Lucca!"

Being reminded by Ash, Silvia blushed.

"S-Sorry, I’m a little too excited."

Silvia immediately controlled her temper.

"In short, even when bearing such a heavy burden, she was eventually just a fourteen year old girl. I hope she can get rid of the shackles of her family and happily enjoy her campus life, so please be sure to get along with Lucca."

When Rebecca summed up this conclusion-

"... Sorry, it is just some simple tea."

Lucca was back with a tray. On the tray, there were cups which were equal to the number of people. There was also hot white smoke coming from the cups. Since it was summer, they would like to drink some cold drinks instead of tea, but they couldn't complain about what she had specially made for them. Lucca placed the hot teas on the low round table.

Ash was slightly not used to it. Because he experienced drinking tea while sitting on the ground. However, since Eco's birth, Ash had been sleeping on the ground, so he could still accept the idea of drinking tea on the ground. Rebecca on the other hand was very relaxed. However, Silvia and Jessica couldn't seem to accept the habit of sitting on the ground, They sat on the bed while holding their hot tea. Although the beds were also filled with debris, they still managed to squeeze out a space for two girls.

Ash also took a cup of hot tea. Judging from the rugged shape, this cup should have been made personally. It was probably an item from her hometown. The thing that made the others worry was the steaming dark green liquid in the cups. Maybe it was mixed with various herbs; the liquid exuded a strong smell. Ash casually turned around for a glance and found out that Rebecca was already drinking. The way she was drinking could be called heroic.

"That, I would like to ask... What tea is this?"

After being asked by Ash, Lucca held her cup and stayed silent for a moment. For such a simple question, why did she even need to think? Ash became increasingly uneasy.

"This tea was created by me... so it has no name. But I'm sure that it has the effect for enhancing one’s energy after drinking."

"The effect… Of enhancing one’s energy...!"

After listening to Lucca’s description Jessica reacted. She shoved her cup of tea at Ash and looked at him with a pair of pleading eyes.

"I beg you, Ash-sama! Please drink my share! Then please give me your sperm!"

"How could you say such shameless words....! Don’t you have some shame? Any sense of shame!

Silvia who was red in the face commented on Jessica.

"Ara, why does Princess want to even bother with me?"

"It is because you're too shameless! As a lady of the Knight Country, can’t you show some modesty!"

"Is it really just because of this...?"

"O-Otherwise is there any other reason?"

While the two kept on quarreling, Ash on the other side had made up his mind to finish it as if he was drinking poison.

Glup...

Ash felt like he was drinking mud and just barely managed to keep himself from spitting it out.

Silvia and Jessica also tried to follow. But they both looked a lot healthier before they started drinking. Only Rebecca alone was unaffected...

"Anyway, Lucca. How are you now?"

"It seems that I still can’t." answered Lucca dejectedly.

"That... I heard that you seemed to have lost the ability to ride your Pal. Do you have any clue for the reason it happened?"

Ash asked with a calm tone and Lucca murmured.

"...I do not know, but I have not forgotten the riding method."

"Otherwise, what else could it be?"

"It is... Gawain is rejecting me."

After a simple explanation, Lucca remained silent. Perhaps she lacked emotions, her face was as expressionless as a doll. So Rebecca answered the questions in Lucca's place.

"Gawain had been rejecting Lucca for three months. Until now, we are yet to find a solution to this problem."

"Since the reason is still unknown, it is no wonder that nothing can be done. So we can only wait and see how will it progress, no?"

Jessica looked disappointed.

"No, the problem mustn’t continue to drag on."

Rebecca suddenly became serious.

"The point is, the Astral that links Lucca and Gawain had been cut off. If we continue to wait, then Gawain’s life would be in danger."

This sudden development made Ash speechless.

Part 4

After leaving the Merk house and breaking up from the group of student council members, Ash went to the city alone. He intended to buy crepes for Eco as an apology for coming home late because it was Eco’s favorite food. The works in St Durham Square had been successfully completed and the crowds there were back like the old times. Ash soon found a street vendor selling crepes, and asked the vendor to wrap up the vanilla flavored crepes in a wrapping paper.

Written on notice given out by the vendor was the message about a new chocolate banana flavored crepe that was going to be launched. I must tell Eco about this when I return- Ash while thinking so, walked back to his home.

Part 5

Back on the school grounds, after passing by the dragon homes, Ash again began to think about Lucca’s problem.

-Astral.

It was a must substance for the creatures on this planet to sustain their life. It was said that, Astral was the main reason for the declining of the Dragons.

Even the great Dragons couldn't supply Astral to their bodies themselves. Thanks to the connection between the humans who were rich in Astral since birth, the dragons were able to survive.

According to Rebecca, Gawain's body was getting weaker by the day. It was now eating food with high content of Astral to survive... The problem was that the content of Astral in the food was very little. If the dragons could survive through this method, then they would not need to bow down to the humans.

Is there anything that I can be of help...? Ash was thinking deeply. Lucca was now being tested as a breeder and as a Dragner. The reason she was shutting herself in was mainly because of the pressure.

...In the end, Ash had returned to the boys’ dormitory, the Apollo home before he could come up with a method.

Part 6

It was evening. Eco had passed her day alone in the room of the Apollo home. Except, Cosette who was worried about her and had visited her for a few times, she hadn't spoken to anyone. Fortunately, the summer sun was very strong and the cushions and sheets that Eco wet were completely dried. Eco, who usually let Ash do the housework alone, had brought in the clothes on her own. This was also her first attempt to make her bed. Although the results can only be considered so-so, but she still had completed it. Eco lay down on the bed lazily. The air was full of the smell of the sun.

"............"

The embarrassment of wetting her bed this morning had left a scar in her heart. For the highly noble dragon to wet her bed, this was unforgivable. After all, how could she do something so embarrassing?

"That dream... What is it about?"

Yes, the culprit was the ominous nightmare. The nine fiercely frightening eyes. The sticky tentacles that was all over. Just by recalling them in her mind, Eco's body was trembling with fear. She crawled out from the bed and quickly locked the door and windows. Even when it was a hot day, she still took out the fur blankets for the closet. Next, Eco was back to the bed and covered her whole body with the blanket.

Her limbs were madly trembling. I’m scared. I’m really scared. Why would I be frightened to this extend?

By the way... Before I woke up, the thing seems to say something.

It seems to be a very important, but...

"...I really can’t remember anything."

Eco rolled over while being wrapped in the blanket. After rolling left and right for a while, she became angry.

"Damn him...! Why is he not back yet?"

Eco started to complain about Ash. Logically speaking, the school had finished but Ash has still not yet returned. He should have been taken away by the student council as a slave.

-Why doesn’t he even think that I had been waiting for him to come home for a long time!

Right at this moment, Eco suddenly came to her senses.

"No, no! I-I didn’t... Who will wait for that type of person!"

Her cheeks were red hot. Eco told herself that she had misunderstood; her cheeks were hot because of the blanket that she had been covering herself with. It was not because of Ash’s absence she had become lonely. She had just become a little timid because of that nightmare. Having said that, Eco inevitably still thought that, if Ash had rushed home immediately, she wouldn't need to be afraid... Moreover, they were linked together by the Astral. They were partners who signed the sacred contract. Logically speaking, it was their right to accompany each other. In other words, Ash is the one who should be condemned!

Just when Eco came to that conclusion... someone with a 'Kon Kon' knocked at the door.

"......!"

Eco literally, jumped up on the spot.

Part 7

Ash was confused because there was no reply after he knocked the door.

"Where had that Eco run to...?"

Just as Ash reluctantly reached into his pocket to pull out his keys, the door suddenly sprang open.

"It hurts!"

Because his forehead was hit by the door, he was now in pain. Then Eco, like a cannon ball, rushed to him from the room.

"Uwaa!"

Ash fell to the ground after the impact. His Crepes also fell to the ground. Because of the lightning speed Eco also fell into Ash's arms. The feel of her soft skin was passed through the thin summer clothing.

"A-Are you alright?"

Ash asked in surprise, but Eco refused to answer even a word. She just buried her face in his chest. Whenever she exhaled on his chest, Ash became nervous. For Eco to show such attitude, Ash began to worry about her.

"D-Don’t tell me you are drunk? Didn’t I tell you a few times already to not touch the Ansal grass?"

After talking to her in a stern tone, Eco finally replied.

"....Right, I'm drunk. What complaint do you have about it?"

It was rare for Eco to talk in such ambiguous tone.

"Eco...?"

Even while she verbally declared herself to be "drunk", Eco was obviously awake. If she was really drunk, the things that she would do would not be limited to this extent. Fortunately, there were no other students in the corridor right now. So Ash could temporarily condone Eco’s behavior. Eco’s forehead was next to Ash's chest and her body was trembling without control. She was almost like a child. What could she possibly be frightened by? Though Ash still could not understand why she was so frightened, he still put his hand on her head to comfort her.

"Rest assured, I am here."

The two of them hugged each other for quite some time. After a long while, Eco finally stopped trembling.

Part 8

After a while, Eco released Ash and flew back into the room.

"Uuu ~ ~!"

She seemed to be troubled. Perhaps embarrassed by her own actions just now, Ash felt that her every movement was very entertaining. The most surprising thing was that she actually took the initiative to make the bed. Even that deserved a praise, but still the work done couldn't be something called good. But still, Ash was glad from the bottom of his heart. Because of that push, Eco could now automatically do the house chores.

“That’s right; I had bought some snacks for you." smiled Ash cheekily while placing a bag of Crepes on Eco’s hands.

"This is the vanilla flavored crepes. It is your favorite, right?"

Once said, Eco’s stomach growled loudly. Perhaps it was rude to describe the sound was earth-shattering, but the way it sounded could only be made by a dragon. Eco suddenly blushed.

"M-My favorite flavor is Ansal!"

Then she snappily said as if to cover up the embarrassment. Looking at Eco who was finally back to her usual reactions, Ash finally calmed down. Eco, as if she had risen to heaven, tore out the wrapping papers. Although the shapes had changed because they were dropped on the floor just now, but Eco didn't even mind one bit and just gave it a bite.

"How does it taste?"

Eco didn’t answer. She could be seen with her mouth stuffed with crepes and stay motionless.

"....Anything?"

Without warning, there were tears dripping from her eyes which made Ash panic.

"Hey hey, does it really taste so bad to the point you need to cry?"

"That’s not it..."

Eco shook her head and silently ate the crepes.

Part 9

Eco who ate three crepes alone sat on the bed and quietly explained the whole story.

"This morning ... I had a dream."

"What dream?"

"A horrible nightmare... It seems that I was attacked by a Necromancia. It stretched it’s tentacles towards m-me... The reason that I wet the bed... I am afraid it is because of this."

Eco shivered and grabbed her shoulders with both hands. It must be terrifying in her dream. Ash wanted to try helping Eco to overcome her fear. After a deep thought, he finally stretched out his trembling hand and move towards her shoulders from behind. He then gently held those glass-like shoulders. Not only did Eco not refuse, but she was also relieved and leaned her body on Ash’s. This is the first time Ash saw her to be so cute and docile. Under such warmth, his heart was racing.

"The Necromancia had been beaten by us! You need not fear it!"

"No, it wasn't Necromancia." said Eco feebly shaking her head.

"It true that the monster looked like Necromancia... but it is not the same. That monster... is not something that can be defeated easily, not to mention it has nine eyes."

Nine eyes. Just imagining it will give people the creeps.

"How should I describe it... it was gigantic and its look was unknown... it is absolutely the incarnation of evil. And.... the most incredible thing is that though I shouldn't have recognized that monster... I feel that we have encountered each other several times before."

"How could that be? If you came in contact with such a dangerous monster, I would have found out. After all, we live under the same roof."

"I guess you're right."

"It was just a dream. I advise you not to think too much about it."

"But..."

Eco looked unusually depressed. At this time, what should I do? While clutching Eco’s shoulder, Ash was secretly thinking.

...... The memories of his hometown suddenly surfaced.

Ash has a sister. When she was a child, she often came crying to Ash complaining about her nightmare. Whenever she had a nightmare, his sister would sneak into his room. Ash could still remember his sister hugging his personal pillow while crying. Once Ash agreed to let his sister squeeze into his bed, she murmured while half crying and half laughing, "I’m no longer scared”..

“-I know what to do!”

Ash had made up his decision and was ready to perform tonight's operation.

Part 10

Once it was time for lights-out, the students in the dormitory put out the Bright Dragon Crystal lights. Ash was no exception. If he was to be caught with the lights on, he will be lambasted by the warden. Eco as usual was lying on the bed naked. He will sleep on the same bed with Eco tonight- this was Ash’s plan. However once it is time, all he could think about was Eco’s naked body. To build up the courage to sneak into a naked girl’s bed, it was near impossible. However, today’s Eco couldn't be compared with her past. The Eco now was a poor frightened girl who had a nightmare.

As long as he considered her as his sister, there would be no longer any problem. Even when she was naked the room was still dark. If he didn't focus his thought on this, then this problem would be immediately solved. After Ash ensured himself, he crawled out from the futon from the floor. With a pillow under his arm, he walked towards the side of the bed.

"Please excuse me!"

After a slight notice, Ash got into the empty space next to Eco. The thin summer blanket felt somewhat nice and warm because of Eco’s body temperature. The only thing is, make sure not to touch Eco’s naked body

"W-What are you doing? What are you up to!"

Once she discovered Ash climbed on the bed, with a look of horror, Eco rushed to keep their distance.

"Do not worry. I’ll stay with you for tonight."

"What?"

Ash was confused. He did not expect such a response from Eco. He thought that she would be grateful. His confidence that he previously built up was collapsing.

"Err, I just want to accompany you while sleeping so you’ll no longer wet the bed-"

"....What did you say?"

Eco slowly sat up. Although the room was too dark to see Eco’s naked body...... but her curves could still be seen. But now was not the time to feel nervous. It was now an alarming situation. And Ash’s instinct was now ringing.

"Do you really think...? I might commit the same embarrassment?"

Eco's voice trembled. She was apparently very furious about it. When Ash found out that he had spoken the wrong thing, it was already too late to take it back.

"Err-err... In short please calm down first. I didn't meant anything bad for saying those things-"

Unfortunately, Ash failed to finish his sentence.

"Don’t get carried away!”

With a ‘Donk!’, he was hit by a violent kick.

‘Gwak!’

Ash as if being hit by a hammer was knocked back for quite a distance. Fortunately, he fell on his futon and at least he was avoided from feeling the pain for being hit directly on the floor.

"Hmph!"

After Eco snappily grunted, she lay back on her bed. It seemed that Ash made a huge mistake. But having said that, since she had the spirit to cause such a fuss, perhaps she had gotten rid of the nightmare. At least, Eco who sent Ash flying with a kick was back to her formal self.

Part 11

The next day after school...

President Rebecca, Silvia of Discipline, Max of Accounting and as the replacement for the secretary, Ash and Jessica of General Affairs as well as the mascot Eco were gathered in the Student Council’s office.

Secretary Lucca and the vice president who was like a genius from the outer world were also absent today. Perhaps last night's incident had a positive effect; Eco was back to her old self. She wore a summer uniform borrowed from Cosette and attended the meeting as if she had something to do with it. Eco’s duty was just simply playing the role of a mascot which had no need to attend meetings, but she was back to her old-self who didn't let anyone to leave her by the side. Of course Eco’s well-behaved attitude yesterday was full of charm, but the lively Eco still suited her best. Ash believed so.

"Today's topic is on the student council secretary, Lucca Sarlinen."

Rebecca looked around at the faces with her sharp eyes.

"Sooner or later she would become the soul to lead the school. But right now she should not be troubled by this obstacle. I personally strongly hope to solve the problem as soon as possible and take her to participate in the training camp."

The first person to respond to this was Jessica.

"I can understand that you are worried about her, but what can we do to help? I think that it is better to let Angela-sensei handle this problem..."

Anyhow, Angela was a person who acted as the highest research authority on dragons. She should have the ability to teach in the highest institution and was extremely talented. Ash also agreed with Jessica’s views.

"Unfortunately, I had discussed with Angela-sensei about it. Basically, the person who is responsible for finding out that the astral between Lucca and Gawain had been cut off was none other that Angela-sensei."

"Based on Angela-sensei's judgment, what is the cause of it?"

Once Ash asked, Rebecca shrugged her shoulders.

"It seems that she also can do nothing about it."

"How could...!"

For those who did research on the dragons, there is almost not one who is in the same league as Angela. When the well versed Angela couldn't do anything, what help would the student council be?

"The situation is indeed desperate, but we cannot just stand aside idly. If it goes on like this, sooner or later it would be a certain death for Gawain who will run out of Astral."

Those heavy words made Ash shudder again.

"All of you are elite students; do you have any good suggestion?"

Jessica was the first to raise her hands.

"In times like this, we should ask ‘Silver Knight’-sama to make his appearance! No matter how difficult the situation is, ‘Silver Knight’-sama can use his wisdom, courage and magic to solve them! Right, Ash-sama! "

"The ‘Silver Knight’ that you are talking about is the one in the novel, right? To confuse him with me would be a little too..."

"Waa... Even the humble Ash-sama looks handsome!"

Jessica was not bothered by the presence of others and hugged Ash’s head tightly. Because Ash was sitting on the chair, his face sunk into Jessica’s breast.

"...Uwaa!"

In contrast to her slender waist, Jessica's breast were rather large. The breasts changed their shape softly and had covered Ash’s cheek.

"Wait a minute! This guy is my meat slave! If you dare to continue to stick to him, I’ll have you crushed!"

Upon seeing this, Eco immediately suddenly stood up. Incidentally, the ‘meat slave’ here had absolutely no indecent meaning. It meant to supply its master with food when its master was hungry.

"T-To have such unsightly behavior in the sacred student council office... As a knight, you should have known that there must be a distance between men and women! This is the Lautreamont family’s rules!"

Even Silvia was also feeling angry and stood up straight.

"Enough!."

Fortunately, Rebecca intervened to prevent anything bad from happening.

Silvia and Jessica returned to their seats. Perhaps Eco instinctively sensed some danger coming from Rebecca, she obediently sat down and didn't even dare to say a thing.

"Jessica, can’t you calm down a little?"

Rebecca warned by calling her name, but Jessica just snappily answered.

"Hmph... You only know how to complain about others, what about yourself? You only know how to seek opinions from others and didn't even give your own views...... you are not acting like Rebecca Randall. Or is it that even the ‘Scarlet Empress’ is also unable to do anything?"

"My idea? It is not that I don’t have any, but it is risky."

"Risky... what do you mean?"

Jessica was surprised. Somehow, Rebecca gave a stabbing like look to Ash. Her emerald eyes were intently staring straight at him which almost stopped his heartbeat.

"Ash, you are said to be able to ride all dragons. Even the Necromancia is no exception, right?'

"Rebecca... san?"

Ash gulped, waiting for Rebecca to give out her order.

"Go and ride Gawain."

"What did you say!"

"When you were riding the Necromancia, you sensed its will, right?"

"Uh... just faintly."

The memories resurfaced. In fact, Ash had heard the dead grey dragon speak. Even though it had happened at the beginning of last month, Ash still felt like it had happened for a long time.

"So, I hope you can use the same technique on Gawain. Gawain might be willing to open his heart to you."

Ash remembered about Lucca. Even when yesterday was a weekday, she hid herself in her room in broad daylight, wearing pajamas. Perhaps she was poor in expressing her emotions; she didn't look as if she was greatly depressed. However, she should have received a huge blow. Maybe, this has a thing or two that was related to the Eckbald.

-I want to save her. thought Ash sincerely.

Is it because I am her senior in the same school? Is it because that we are fellow breeder? A Student council's member’s responsibility?

Those reasons could not be denied. However, even if those factors were to be cast aside, Ash just couldn't sit back and watch a helpless girl to continue languish. Ash decided to obey his feelings deep inside.

"I understand. I am willing to gamble for it."

"Thank you for your cooperation. Then, the task is scheduled to be performed after school tomorrow-"

Part 12

The next day, the ringing of the noon bell also signified that the school had ended for the rest of the day. Because there was a staff meeting in the afternoon, they only had classes for the morning session.

“Kuu… Kuu…”

Eco, who sneaked into the classroom today, occupied the seat next to Ash. Like usual, she was lying on the table fast asleep. Even when the bell had rung, she still didn’t have signs of waking up.

"I... really don’t know how to deal with her."

Since she wanted to sleep that much, there really was no need to come to the classroom... Ash secretly complained. Leaving the issue aside, Eco’s sleeping face was like an angel. Every time he saw her sleeping face, his heart became soft and forgave her usual bad behavior. Even Ash himself felt strange. Looking at her soft face, Ash suddenly had the thought of poking her.

"-To be peeking at a girl’s sleeping face, you really have a low taste."

For someone to suddenly speak from behind, Ash almost jumped.

"Princess?"

Many students who had begun to pack up and go home, gave a surprised look at Silvia. For her to start a conversation with someone in the classroom was like the sun rising from the west. Silvia was not bothered by the rest and continued to just stare at Ash. Her ice blue coloured eyes were as if they are gently swaying.

"Do you really intend to ride... Gawain?"

"Why ask me this question now?"

"B-Because..."

Silvia looked aside, suddenly revealing an anxious look. Silvia who was usually noble and acted highly, somehow looked very cute as she suddenly blushed.

"Well, that... I-I just..."

"Just?"

"N-Nothing! Just don’t try too hard! In the end, this is Lucca and Gawain’s problem. If you intervene and result in a heavy injury... I will never forgive you! "

Silvia finished her confusing talk, she suddenly turned around and walk off. Her gorgeous shiny blonde hair swayed gently with the wind. Leaving a faint fragrance, Silvia marched out of the classroom.

"She... What is she angry about?"

Ash watched Silvia’s back blankly.

Part 13

The top floor in the center tower in the campus. While facing the student council members who gathered in the student council office, Rebecca announced loudly:

"So, I’ll announce your work today, I’ll first go to the Seventh Dragon House and explain it to the staffs, Max is responsible to look for Angela-sensei, because basically we must have a teacher to be present while doing the job. Ash, Eco, Silvia, Jessica are to meet with Lucca. Are there any other questions?"

Jessica was the first to raise her hand and comment.

"To fetch Lucca over, a person is enough."

"Do not underestimate her. Just to just drag her out of her room, should cause enough trouble for you. She is an absolute indoor type, it is just that this incident had intensified her symptoms."

After listening to Rebecca's answer, Jessica sighed.

"Haa.. I understand. We will take responsibility to bring her out. Princess also doesn't have any problems with this, right?... Princess?"

Silvia seemed like she had just come out of her trance and raised her head to reply:

"Ah, ahh.... Understood."

Since she had spoken those confusing words in the classroom, Silvia looked lost. This made Ash worry endlessly

"So I’ll be waiting for everyone to report in the Seventh Dragon House. Members report. Kaisan!"

Part 14

"Lucca-san... Lucca-san! Are you in there! Please answer me!"

Jessica was shouting while knocking. But there was no response.

"Don’t know what had happened to her?"

Jessica stiffened her face, while looking at Ash and the rest. It seemed that she was not certain on what she was going to do next. Eco who lost patience, impatiently lifted her feet.

"For a paper thin door like this, why don’t we just-"

Eco intended to use her abnormal dragon strength to break the door.

"Hold on!"

Ash quickly stopped Eco.

"Do you know who is going to pay for it after you break them! Please do not do anything necessary!"

"Hey! How dare you try to order me when it is obviously me who is taking care of you? Meat slave!"

"Who is your meat slave!"

"What are you arguing about...?"

Silvia who arrived a little later was dumbfounded when Ash and Eco were quarreling. Silvia was holding a silver key.

"I guessed that might be the case, so I borrowed a spare key from the warden."

"Just as expected of our princess."

Jessica took the key and inserted it into the key hole.

"Lucca-san I am going to open the door!"

The door opened with a ‘Click’ and Jessica marched into the room. Sure enough, Lucca was fast asleep in her coffin. Although the room was filled with the smell of incense like yesterday, she seemed to have followed Rebecca's instruction to control the amount of smoke.

"I don’t really get her... to be sleeping in broad daylight."

After Jessica complained, she pulled back the half-opened curtains. The noon sunlight had filled the room.

"Uuu... Nnn... Stop... I’m going to melt..."

Lucca muttered and then rolled over. The hem of her one-piece pajamas lifted up and her snow-white lower body was exposed.

"......!"

Lucca was without her panties. Ash saw her small and rounded hips. On her ass was her Seikoku - the contract with the dragons.

"Hey! I forbid you from staring!"

Silvia grabbed Ash's head and twisted it regardless.

"Ash-sama you mustn't peek! If you like hips this much, then it is fine for you to look at mine!"

On the other hand, Jessica was lecturing something that was off topic to him while helping Lucca with her pajamas.

"Uuu..."

At that time, Lucca finally woke up and like an electric doll slowly sat up. Then, with her dreamy eyes, she looked around with a shocked expression..

"....Who are you?"

"We just met yesterday!" commented Ash. She really was a perverse girl.

Logically speaking, anyone will get a shock when some stranger walks into their room. But, she was completely unmoved. Is this a behavior of an Eckbald or Lucca's own- It feels like the latter, or else the Eckbald would have perished long ago.

"Ah, I remember. You are Johnny?"

"Who is Johnny! That name has nothing to do with me. I am Ash, Ash!"

"S-Sorry."

Lucca disappointedly lowered her shoulders.

"Hey! This is outrageous. How dare you bully a girl from a lower grade! Buzz off!"

Silvia who looked flustered stepped forward. She with her golden thread-like hair and highly tone ordered her without any explanation.

"Lucca Sarlinen we need cooperation from you and Gawain. We will immediately head to the Seventh Dragon House, please get ready."

Lucca looked straight into Silvia's face as if she was going to pierce a hole in her face. After a long while, Lucca murmured:

"Who are you?"

“Wha…!”

After hearing that, Silvia turned pale. She probably didn't expect someone from this school to not recognize Silvia Lautreamont the fourth princess from the Knights royal family. She moved around unsteadily as if she had suffered a serious blow , while muttering facing the wall.

"T-There is a student who does not recognize me... Is my presence such unimportant... Am I not fit to be a royal... I'm ashamed to face Onee-sama who came here to motivate me..."

"That, Princess are you okay?"

Jessica rushed to Silvia’s side. While letting Jessica to comfort Silvia, the hope was now on Ash and Eco. Regardless of anything, they must drag her out from her bed to the Seventh Dragon House. At this time, Lucca seemed to have a strong interest in Eco. She suddenly clung to her waist tightly.

“Huh…!”

Eco who was attacked lost her footing and was dragged into the coffin shaped bed by Lucca.

"Wait... What are you doing!"

Eco naturally became furious, but Lucca was not bothered by it. She held Eco who fell on the bed and drag her closer. Then, she stared at her head closely. It seems that she had taken interest in Eco’s pair of horns.

"This is not decoration... It grew out from the head?"

"What if it is! This is my proof of being a Dragon!"

"Cute."

"Huh?"

"Very cute."

"I-Is it......?"

Eco was probably shy and thus gave up on resisting. Lucca as if taking care of a baby, gently stroked Eco’s horn. Halfway through that, Lucca suddenly came out with a ridiculous request.

"Can you give me your horns?"

Eco became transfixed in fear, but then it was followed by her expression of ferocity.

"What? Want me to give the my horns to you... you're dreaming!"

"Can’t you pull them down?"

"Pull them down! What do you think a dragon horn is!"

"Otherwise, can I taste it?"

"What? Taste?... Hyaa!"

Eco gave an eccentric voice and then remained motionless. Ash was also dumbfounded by what he just saw. Lucca hugged Eco from behind, then bit the horn on the head. The way she was tasting Eco’s horn was like a small animal nibbling its owner.

"Ah... don’t bite my horn...!"

Surprisingly, Eco didn’t even resist, but she showed an exhausted expression and let her do whatever she wanted. The seductive expression on her face made Ash’s heart race. Apart from her face, even her limbs were dyed a vague hint of pink.

"W-What are you doing to a honourable and noble dragon... what are you doing... W-Watch out or else I will trample you... Ahh, huff...!"

Her cheeks were red, judging from her panting. Perhaps she was trying her best to resist.

S-Stop...... P-Please spare me...... Awu! Eco’s body shuddered and lifted her chin, desperately trying to escape.

"S-Stop...... P-Please spare me...... Awu!"

Eco’s body shuddered and lifted her chin. Desperately trying to escape, she inadvertently bent her knees which lifted her skirt. The white cloth could be seen.

"-!"

Ash was dumbfounded but he quickly looked away. Although her position made imagination run wild, Eco who was under Lucca's control didn't realize that her panties were exposed. Two girls were entangled in the coffin-like bed. That alone will enough to cause a nose bleed. Anyway, who would have thought by biting her horn, she would become weak... Ash concealed his surprise after finding out another Eco’s weakness.

"...It really has the taste of a dragon."

Soon, Lucca who was finally satisfied released Eco.

Eco seizing that chance, immediately jumped out of the coffin and hid behind Ash. She just stuck a face out and stared fiercely at Lucca. Looking like she was almost out of breath, it was as if she was a beast that lost her fight.

"Well... I'll continue with my sleep."

Lucca was totally not bothered by Eco’s sight. She comfortably lay herself flat in the coffin.

"You still want to sleep!"

Ash came back to his sense and grabbed Lucca's shoulder. Although he was shocked by how thin her shoulders are, now was not the time to retreat.

"Rebecca-san is waiting at the Seventh Dragon House. I beg you, can you please immediately get ready? It is for you and Gawain."

"... What are you going to do to my Pal?"

Lucca's eyes soon become serious. Ash nodded to her firmly and tried to calm her down.

"Rest assured, we will not do anything bad to Gawain."

But rather I am a little worried that I’ll be thrown up far away by Gawain... Ash silently added in his heart.

Lucca stared at Ash’s face for a good while. Then, she finally got up from the coffin.

"...Alright, I'll get ready right now."

"Thank you."

Ash who was relieved tried to express his gratitude to her- However, Lucca without a warning put her hand on the button on her one-piece pajamas. Regardless of Ash’s presence, she unbuttoned them one by one. From her collarbone to her chest area... Her ceramic-like skin was exposed bit by bit.

"Wait a minute!"

Ash rushed to seize Lucca by her shoulders. Lucca stopped what she was doing and looked at Ash face confusedly.

"What?"

It is wrong for her to look at me in the eyes... Ash secretly groaned. Her delicate and charming appearance, nearly had Ash entranced. Her facial features were like a doll, her amethyst-like eyes, pointed ears, and a delicate body that looked like it might disappear with just a touch and a vanilla-like fragrance... It was like everything about her had a mysterious charm, as if something that did not belong to this world. Ash forced himself to look away, and spoke to her in a tone for disciplining children:

"I-I’ll look aside, please hurry up and change, okay?"

Even though Lucca still looked confused, at least she understood his sincerity and gently nodded.

Ash was relieved and turned his back against Lucca. He caught a glimpse of Silvia still being taken care by Jessica from the corner of his eyes. At the same time, she was constantly reciting something like a curse.

"F-For someone to actually not know the princess... which means... My royal family's dignity must be further strengthened..."

In addition, Eco was furious behind Ash.

"How dare she bite my precious dragon horn... T-T-This is a great insult...!"

Part 15

"...I'm ready."

After hearing Lucca’s voice, Ash took a deep breath.

From the time Ash heard the sound of the clothes rubbing against each other from his back, he unconsciously held his breath. That was how tense the situation was just now.. Moreover, Lucca who had stayed in her room for a long time didn't know what season was right now. She started to wear her winter uniforms initially. Therefore some additional time was spent to put on her summer uniform. Ash intently looked at Lucca who was now in her uniform. The beauty of a yōsei together with the familiar uniform, with this combination, Lucca looked like the world's most delicate and charming girl.

"Hey... Where are you staring at?"

Eco who was finally back to her old self, angrily stared at Ash.

"Y-You mustn’t misunderstand! I absolutely didn’t look at her with a perverted thought!"

"...Is that so?"

Ash who couldn't stand Eco’s condemnation, walked towards the door.

"Well, let's go. Rebecca-san and the rest are still waiting for us."

After hearing Ash's urging, Silvia also finally looked upwards.

Then, Lucca said something.

"...You had stepped on it."

Lucca's sight was set on Ash’s foot. Ash confusedly looked down toward his foot-

"Uwa!"

In the end, he nearly jumped on the spot. His right foot had indeed stepped on something. No matter how you looked at it, it appeared to be a girl’s pair of panties. A white pair of panties with pale-green stripes. Opposite to the panicking Ash, Lucca gracefully stepped forward and picked it up. Then, she spread it out in front of Ash. Without hesitating, she lifted up a leg and put it in.

"-!"

The moment Lucca lifted her knee, the things under her skirt were almost seen. Ash was sweating in shock. The school uniform skirt was originally designed to be short. The next second, there was a murderous intend behind Ash.

"It appears... Slaves that do not know how to behave have to be given punishment."

Eco’s body was trembling.

"An enemy of all women must receive the sanctions of the hammer of death!"

Silvia swept away her previous depression and a raging fire ignited behind her.

"Please stop, that was unintentional!"

Ash’s justification was in vain, Eco and Silvia were kicking with their might as well as giving him the iron fist.

"I’m going to crush you!"

“This is the family rule of the Lautreamont family!”

Part 16

"It's really strange; the experiment had obviously not yet begun... how come you were badly bruised?"

Rebecca, who was waiting at the Seventh Dragon House, was stunned after seeing his condition which was like rags and asked him. Behind Rebecca was Angela who was wearing a white robe and Max.

"Nothing important, err... Ah haha."

Ash could only use giggle. But Eco and Silvia were furious. Seeing their faces, Rebecca smiled.

"There is no need to act violent just because of being jealous... why don’t you two try to learn how to be more lady-like? If your personalities are so crude, then you must beware that Ash will be dragged into bed by Jessica?"

Upon hearing Rebecca, Silvia reacted and her face became red hot.

"Dragged into bed- How could the student council president say such dirty words!"

"Haha. I just thought you now looked a little more like a royal... After seeing your useless appearance, Princess Veronica may soon come looking for you."

Silvia became pale and shut her mouth. It was said that a horrible Ogre will capture disobedient kids - this type of story has long been rumored in Ash's hometown. But for Silvia, the Ogre was Veronica. Angela finally spoke with a serious tone as if she was representing everyone:

"Rebecca-san has explained the whole incident to me . This challenge is considered to be foolhardy... Are you ready for it Ash-san?"

Ash felt a chill for being looked through the spectacles. However, if he got scared just because of this, then he will be unable to proceed with today’s main objective. Because what Ash was going to challenge was nothing but a great Maestro.

"I’ll be alright."

"If it is so, then remember to put on your dragsuit! You still remember the rules for the dragon riding academy right?"

Angela with a rare teacher-like attitude reminded him. But Ash had no intention of wasting valuable time on changing clothes.

"Never mind it. I just want to try to have a conversation as a human with Gawain."

Part 17

The Seventh Dragon House was purpose-built for the use of the Maestro. At the same time, it was a sacred place in the campus. Even the building looked more luxurious than the other dragons houses. Judging by its appearance alone, it gave a feeling of a villa owned by a noble. Currently there were five Maestros at the Seventh Dragon House. By rummaging the Ansarivan Academy's history, it was rare for the Seventh Dragon House to be this grand. It also indirectly proved just how unusual was the existence of a Maestro. Rebecca's Pal Cú Chulainn was the one who shone the most. It was as if it was only right to do so because it was sitting in the middle of the Seventh Dragon House.

Facing the huge sacred body, one couldn't help but became amazed. In contrast with that huge body, even large ceilings designed for an adult dragon felt low. Apart from Cú Chulainn and Gawain, there were Silvia’s Lancelot and Max's Arianrhod. For Ash, these two Maestros could be considered as familiar faces. Incidentally, the vice president's Pal was not present.

"Gawain is here."

Led by Angela, Ash and the rest came to the innermost section of the dragon house. Gawain was lying on the ground looking weak. Although its physical size was of a young dragon, its fur was silvery white which proved it to be a Maestro. The dragon horn which looked like a stag was also quite unique and made it looked mighty. But perhaps it was weak, there was no majestic feeling. Ash was worried about Gawain by just looking at it.

"Angela-sensei is there any hope... For a cure?"

"Right now, it's not sick. I think the cause of this is the link between it and Lucca-san had been broken off. As long as there is a supplement of Astral its spirit will be restored."

Ash was slightly reassured after hearing Angela’s answer.

"Lets us begin now -"

Ash wanted to rushed to Gawain, however ..

"Hold on, Ash."

Someone grabbed his shoulder from behind. After looking back, it turned out to be Rebecca.

"We’ll let Lucca and Gawain meet first. Come here Lucca, say hello to Gawain."

Under Rebecca's urging, Lucca timidly stepped forward. But after a few steps, she stopped.

Surely, as an owner, she could touch its fur... Even when Ash thought so, but it seems that Lucca had no such intention. Perhaps after hiding herself for three months, there was probably a barrier between her and Gawain. Or, could she have any better reason for not standing close to Gawain......?

"Gawain..."

Upon hearing Lucca calling its name, Gawain coldly turn its head away and treated her like a stranger.

"Sure enough, there is no other way…."

Lucca was dejected and turned her back against Gawain. She could be seen crying and intended to run away.

"Stop! Lucca!"

But Silvia had blocked her path. Unsure whether she was angered by Gawain’s attitude, Silvia pulled a long face.

"Listen clearly; the ideal relationship between humans and dragons is definitely not harmony, but the status itself. Lucca.... Did you spoil Gawain in the past? From its attitude earlier, Gawain did not seem to treat you as its master. "

Lucca lowered her head without a word. After a long while she finally raised her head.

"Perhaps what you are saying is right… But to me… it is an important family member... I don’t think that there is a need for a master-servant relationship...."

Silvia sighed.

"Me too. I love Lancelot as a family. Yet, because of love, we need to be strict sometimes and discipline them. You mustn't forget this."

"I’m... going back."

After leaving this sentence, Lucca rushed out of the dragon house. Ash clearly saw the moment when she ran away, her eyes were shedding tears.

"I'll give it a try."

As if to sweep away the awkward atmosphere, this time, Ash had officially confronted Gawain. Ignoring the gradually approaching Ash, Gawain remained motionless. Is it because it doesn't acknowledge Ash? Or does it not have the strength to bother with Ash...? Being anticipated and gazed by the crowds, Ash carefully prepared.

Gawain didn't seem to be on alert. This time should be an easy win.... Ash who was confidence made a leap. Gawain was not equipped with a saddle. Like riding on a bare horse, Ash went up Gawain back. Because there were no reins, he could only cling to its neck to maintain his center of gravity.

"Alright, I will start...!"

At this moment, Gawain gave a fierce roar and was fiercely resisting. Being shook vigorously, making Ash's body sent flying out.

"Urggh...!"

After being spun in mid-air, Ash abruptly fell to the ground. Even when he managed to make a roll to reduce the impact, it was strong enough to make him feel suffocated. In between his back and his waist, the pain slowly spread. Gawain who threw out Ash was lying down obediently.

"Ash!"

Rebecca and the other arrived while looking miserable.

"I-I'm fine..."

Ash force himself to sit up. Although his pain had not yet disappeared, at least there was nothing abnormal with his bones. The grounds at the dragon house were soft, which was fortunate for him.

"Ahh, Ash-sama...! My Ash-sama is...!"

"It is alright, it is alright. Please move aside."

Angela pushed the panicking Jessica to one side. With both hands she held Ash’s cheeks and ask questions.

"Did you knock your head?"

"No... My head is all right."

"Don’t look down on me, I have a doctor's license. If you feel any pain or even uncomfortable, try to be honest and tell me!"

"Really... so sensei have a doctor's license?"

"Only that it is a veterinarian’s."

Ash revealed a bitter smile. Angela probably took a veterinarian license because she wanted to study about the dragons. After everyone knew that Ash was alright, the group of people become relieved.

"Sorry Ash, it was because of my ridiculous proposal..."

Rebecca revealed a rare dignified expression and apologized to Ash which made Ash felt uneasy.

"W-What are you talking about! Challenging Gawain is entirely my own idea; Rebecca-san has not done wrong."

"In short, the experiment will end here. I cannot let you to continue to face the dangers."

"No, don’t rush to conclusions! I have my trump card too."

"Trump card?"

"That’s right. When I was dealing with the Necromancia I had failed again and again. Later I succeed with the use of the Ark."

Rebecca crossed her arms with a serious look.

"Hmm... I see. But Ash, as a student council president, I cannot allow you to continue to take the risks. As a teacher, Angela-san also should not permit it right?"

Being watched by Rebecca, Angela replied with a flirtatious smile:

"Me? I don’t have any comment in this. I never get tired of seeing Eco creating the Ark!"

Angela's reply was nothing like what a teacher will say. But she was initially not a teacher but a researcher. Just because she wanted the opportunity to encounter with Eco, she became a teacher. So it was futile to have Angela acting like one.

"From sensei's personality, I’m not surprised for you to say such things.... have you decided yet, Ash?"

"Of course, I have decided to try again."

After Ash promised, Eco exploded in anger.

"Wait a minute! Who allowed you to decide anything without my permission! Again, for me to create an Ark for such a small... are you still sane!"

Ash lightly put his hand on the furious Eco’s head.

"Hey, don’t answer so quickly. What about if I treat you to vanilla crepes?"

"Hmph! I would not be bribed by those kinds of things!"

"Otherwise I’ll add in a strawberry flavored."

"W-What are you joking about! What are you taking an extraordinary dragon for!"

Although Eco didn't promise, but Ash could tell that she was slightly moved through her eyes.

"Yeah, a new flavored crepe is going to be on sale! I remember that... It was chocolate banana flavored?"

"Chocolate banana...?"

Gulp. Ash clearly heard Eco swallowing her saliva. The blow undoubtedly triggered Eco’s curiosity and appetite.

"...I have to tell you clearly, this is an exception!"

After struggling for a moment in her heart, Eco closed her eyes on the spot, and started reciting her spells.

“Almete, Gorjal… Peto, Espaldar, Brafoneras, Faldaje… Escarcelas, Bufetas, Hombreras… Brazales, Codales… Antebrazos…”

Rebecca smiled after seeing Eco started reciting.

"Hehe. You are getting better in controlling!"

“T-This can’t be considered as controlling!”

Ash felt embarrassed and his cheeks were red hot.

Part 18

“Manoplas… Quijotes, Guardas…Grebas, Escarpes…”

Eco's incantation was about to enter its final stage. This was the fourth time she had created the Ark and the way she chanted felt a lot smoother. Perhaps the experience that she had accumulated made her to be more skillful in her technique.

“-Espolón!”

After Eco finished her spell, a divine light filled their entire field of vision followed by a thunderous bang. Ash's body could be seen surrounded by gentle lights. The ‘Seikoku’ on his left hand strangely became painful. After the dazzling light faded, Ash was in a silver Ark. This set of Ark was the same as the first Ark that Eco created when he fought the Necromancia. Although it was an imitation rebuilt from the design that were passed down by the Dragons, it still consumed Eco’s own magic to create the Ark.

"Ahh... the genuine ‘Silver Knight’!"

Jessica was deeply moved like a believer who had witnessed miracles from God.

"The hopes are on you, Ash."

Ash nodded to Rebecca who cheers for him. By turning his back toward the crowd, he again was facing Gawain. Just when Ash moved closer, Gawain gave a warning growl. It slowly climbed up from the ground to stand on all fours and fiercely stared Ash. It obviously was on guard against Ash who was equipped with the Ark.

"Don’t be angry, I just want to have a talk with you alone."

Ash leaped and since the Ark was constructed with a huge amount of magic, it had a variety of additional effects. That was why he could float in mid-air for some time. Ash’s jump had passed the normal height of a normal human and was gliding towards Gawain. Right at the moment, he believed that he could succeed for sure -

"Huh...!"

But Ash had landed on the ground. His sabotons had sunk into the soft land. The area he was standing was the place where Gawain was resting previously.

"Disappea...r?"

Ash was stunned. He obviously thought that he had successfully landed on Gawain's back, but the big thing had disappeared in a blink of an eye as if it had teleported .

"Above you, Ash!"

Rebecca's warning instantly brought him back to his sense. He quickly looked up and saw Gawain. Gawain was clinging to the ceiling on all fours with his head facing the ground. It is exactly like a bat. At that moment, Gawain growled with a roar full of fighting spirit that shook the air around and emitted a breath.

"-!"

Ash immediately crossed his arms into a defensive posture, but he was in the trajectory for the attack. Ash felt a strong pressure of wind and heat and was knocked back. Ash only stopped floating when he abruptly collided with the stone wall.

“Ah…Ark…!”

Ash was suffocating because his Ark couldn't withstand this impact. Suddenly, he had a thought that he had broken into pieces. At the same time he knelled down, the Ark turned into particles of light and vanished...

"H-How is this possible...!"

Just like sand, the Ark slipped passed his fingers. It was but only a mere hit, but the damage was already more than what the Ark could withstand. Ash had long ago heard in class about how destructive the Dragon’s Breath was… Only when he had personally experienced it, it was far more horrifying than what you could imagine. Of course, it was clear that Gawain had shown some mercy. If it really had the killing intent, let alone a mere dragon house, even the whole school would be turned into ashes.

If I’m not equipped with the Ark... Ash shivered just by think about what will be going to happen next.

"Damn!"

The frustrated Ash stare ruthlessly at Gawain. Just like when the winner was decided, Gawain landed on the ground lightly and lied down. But it seemed to detect the hostility from Ash and looked at him coldly.

“Grrrrrrrrrr…..”

And it did not forget to threaten with its growl. Ash wall full of cold sweat and leaned against the stone .

"That arrogant attitude reminds me of somebody...."

Hearing the angry curse, Eco who arrived together with Rebecca and the rest immediately reacted.

"What did you say just now?"

With her crimson eyes staring at Ash, even Gawain had to admit its loss to those frightening eyes.

In the end, because Ash terribly lost even when he was equipped with the Ark, the crowd dissolved. As for what to do to make Gawain accept Lucca- Rebecca declared with a serious tone "A separate meeting will be held to discuss about it on another day."

Part 19

The student restaurant ‘La Tene’ was located in the campus. It was a bungalow built with red bricks for its outer wall. The chimney was its iconic feature. It was open only at weekdays, starting at half past eleven in the morning until eight o’clock in the evening. Whether it was about the dining table or chairs, all of them used the Chevron design, which gave off a feeling of elegance.

"Welcome to ‘La Tene’!"

It was evening. Anya who became a restaurant waitress was busily working. Currently ‘La Tene’ was just like the manager had said, lacking manpower. That was why Anya was busy until she had nearly no time to take a breath. Even so, Anya did not forget her mission - collect intelligence. But she also had used her waitress identity to collect useful intelligence from the conversation with the students. Perhaps she should thank the manager for recommending her to be a waitress. If she had given the infield job that she had originally chosen, there might have been no opportunity to come into contact with the students. As the students here were all breeders, Anya had a little wariness in the beginning. But once she had actually come into contact with them, she found out that they were just ordinary teenagers.

-The peoples of the Knight’s country are really unbearably vulgar.

Especially the boys. They seem to be very curious about Anya who had a foreigner’s look and actively took the initiative to talk with her. Among them, there were obviously guys who didn't have a pure motive. Anya skillfully uncovered intelligence from those guys. Ash was a famous person. None of those who talked to Anya didn't know about him. Some praised him as a wonder student who could easily ride a Pal belonging to others. He was also criticized for being a problem student who caused trouble all day long.

There was also information that he recently received a strong support from Rebecca, the student council president. But, about Ash saving the city by controlling the Necromancia and defeating 'Avdocha the Convict’, none of these students knew about them.

Sure enough, the intelligence is controlled- Anya intuitively though so.

It was probably interfered by the Academy’s Council or the student council. Veronica should also have a thing or two to do with this. On the other hand, there was also useful information. It was said that Ash’s Pal, a young dragon Eco was not a normal dragon, but a delicate and charming girl. This was really unbelievable. For a dragon to be born in a human form, it was unheard of. However, since Ash himself was not a breeder who could be described with normal logic, she didn't feel that it was really unbelievable. No, it should be said that.... who knows if that young dragon called Eco is the key making Ash unique.

If she had the choice, Anya wanted to come into contact with Ash and Eco. Now, Anya as student restaurant waitress had fully blended into the environment. Even when she made contact, Ash would not be wary about her. The point was Ash had never entered ‘La Tene’. Evidently he did not seem to have the habit to dine in ‘La Tene’.

Part 20

After she asked the manager while pretending to have a chat, the manager said that among the regulars customers of ‘La Tene’ students from the middle class family had accounted for more than half of its customers. Students from the upper class family usually go downtown to dine. As for those from the lower class family, they choose the dormitory restaurant where the food was the cheapest. Ash didn't look like a person who came from the upper class, so he should be from the latter one.

-Ding..

At that time, the entrance bell rang. After she saw the face of the guest when she turned back, Anya suddenly gasped.

"It is that guy...!"

The person in the doorway was none other than Ash Blake. There was a beautiful girl in uniform standing beside him. At first glance they looked a bit like lovers - but the girl had a very fresh and refined beauty. Also there were circular stubs on her head. That was a unique horn of a young dragon.

The girl should be the Eco.... Anya secretly made her own speculation.

Part 21

On the way to ‘La Tene’, Eco’s stomach had given out a thundering noise for three times and had frightened the students that passed by.

"That... What is bad about eating in the dormitory restaurant? Not only is it cheaper, but we also can eat until we are full..."

"I'm sorry! But I’m tired of eating the dormitory’s food! Don’t you know that just having a balanced nutrient in the meals is not enough!"

"Haa... it was said that dragons were foodies and it really is true."

Ash moaned and groaned when he recalled the contents of the basic class. Opposite to the description of the barbarian dragons from the foreign folk tales, dragons were artistic creatures and cooking was also taken as a part of art. Soon, Ash and Eco had arrived at ‘La Tene’. After Eco energetically opened the door, they smelled an appetizing smell immediately.

"Wow! What nice smell...! When the school had such a nice restaurant, why do you not bring me here earlier?"

“You want me to go bankrupt! Today is an exception!"

While those two quarreling by the door, a waitress appeared. She was wearing ‘La Tene’s’ signature maid attire.

"W-Welcome to ‘La Tene’!"

The waitress seemed to be newly employed and looked extremely tense. She had a foreign air about her - her tan skin, deep facial contour and her dark hair that was tied up at the back of her head.

"...Nn?"

Ash frowned and carefully stare at the girl's face. As if he had seen her before...?

"T-That..."

Just when the girl was a little reluctant and was muttering-

"Urrrggh!"

There was sudden harp pain in Ash toes which made him jump on the spot. It seemed that it was Eco who had ruthlessly stepped on his foot.

"What are you doing!"

Eco was in a furious temper.

"Who asked you to be charmed by some female! Hey, the female over there! Why don’t you hurry up a little to help us look for a place!"

"O-Okay!"

Ash sympathized the waitress who was given orders by the arrogant Eco.

Part 22

In contrary to Eco who was attentively studying the menu, Ash had long ago decided.

"That... I want a plate of ‘pasta with Allonne's oyster and mushroom'."

"‘Pasta with Allonne's oyster and mushroom’ is that right? Are there any other needs?"

"No, this is enough."

"Will you be full with this?"

As a boy, he really has a small appetite... Anya poked her nose into his business.

"Huh?"

Ash looked at Anya with a puzzled expression. It seemed that, he was surprised for Anya to be this cordial when speaking to him.

"S-Sorry for being nosy..."

After Anya apologized for a number of times, Ash smiled back.

"I don’t really have much of an appetite today. I just had a duel with a dragon and I suffered a crushing defeat..."

"Duel with s dragon? What’s that about?"

When Anya curiously asked, Ash's face clearly stated the words I’m done for. He kept his mouth shut and refused to speak anymore. It seems that it was likely a confidential project of the student council.

"N-Nothing... this is very popular game recently. I’m just playing that game."

"Haha... I also think so."

Even when Anya responded with a polite smile, she secretly thought that this man really did not know how to tell a lie.

"I had decided for good!"

After Eco shouted, she stared at Anya. The pair of charming crimson eyes was reflecting Anya's face.

"...What would you like to order?"

"Two hundred and fifty grams of Chevron beef, lamb chops with herb, fried Allonne's oyster, a half boiled omelet, corn soup... give me all this first for the time being."

"Huh?"

Anya suspected that she heard it wrong and stared at Eco’s petite body.

"What is your reaction about! That’s why I always say that humans are folly and ignorant being!"

"S-Sorry..."

At this moment, Ash spoke on Anya’s behalf:

"Hey, Eco! Please do not bully the waitress! Besides... can you finish so many things?"

Seeing Ash showing his owner like side, Anya started to admire him a little. However, not only Eco failed to calm down, but she also had gotten furious.

"You...! Today I had only eaten three meals! A dragon must eat five times a day! Don’t tell me you have forgotten!"

"Huh... you've only eaten three meals today?"

"I will crush you! It is because of you wasting time on saving that dragon that cannot be saved!"

"S-Sorry..."

Seeing that Ash was going to be trampled anytime, Anya secretly sighed.

"Lucca & Maestro Gawain ~A.S.B. 1365.6~" is closed.

Chapter 3 - The Lakeside Vacation

Part 1

Danebury was one of the few commercial cities in Ansarivan. In this heavily fortified town, many trade guilds from different countries could be seen. All the businessmen were doing their best to sell their goods. Just don't get fooled by this peaceful town, this town adopted to many changes. Danebury was also a place famous for its nickname ‘Pot of different races’. No one even bothered with Anya, who was from the Tantalos tribe, when she was walking on the streets. There were many stalls by the road side trying to sell their goods ranging from fruits to flowers to spices.

“This street is as busy as ever.” Anya murmured in a low voice and continued to move towards her destination.

From the street she turned into an alley. Then she continued to walk forward. She kept going and soon there was not a soul around her. Anya arrived at a building made from bricks––which was also the gathering point. Anya entered through the main door and walked up the stairs. At the end of the corridor, on the third floor, there was a door with a "Rosetta’s Business Firm” sign hanging on it. That was the gathering point operated by the Zepharos Empire for spying activities purposes in the Knight Country.

“It's me. Anya. I've returned.”

“You may enter.”

Even though the voice from behind the door was that of a young guy it felt more like a fully matured man.

“Sorry for intruding.”

Anya put on a calm act upon entering to hide her happiness. In the room, which was used as the office, Milgauss was leisurely sitting on a chair. There were no one else in that room. The fact that they were alone made Anya nervous. Milgauss, who glanced at Anya, was again wearing his silver mask. His hair, silver with a few strands of dark red, definitely caught the attention of others even in this so called ‘Pot of different races’.

“It had been a while. Anya.”

“Yes. Milgauss-sama.”

A few days before… Milgauss had returned to the Empire because he had to give a report about the Necromancia experiment to the higher ups. Milgauss's superior, Klaus, was Count of the Wadanhuoer borders whom Anya had not seen before. Though the title "Count of a borderland" always gave the impression of an old man - Klaus was a noble in his twenties.

“I had received your report. You have managed to infiltrate the academy. Right?”

“Yes. I’m currently investigating the boy who defeated the Necromancia. This is the report.”

Anya walked towards the table and carefully took out the documents kept in her bag.

Because she hadn't spent much time working at ‘La Tene’ the intelligence that she had gathered was very, very little. But Milgauss still read it carefully, which made her happy. After a few moments… Milgauss looked up from the document.

“Thanks for your hard work. Please continue with the job.”

“Understood. I’ll investigate Ash Blake and young dragon Eco next. Three days from now they will take part in the Selective Training Camp. "I’ll be going there as a staff member in charge of food service.”

“The Selective Training Camp...? So that season has already arrived.”

Anya was surprised… Since the way Milgauss spoke was as if he was remembering something from his past.

“This year… Will it be again held at Allonnes Lakeside?”

“That's what I heard.”

While Anya was confused and thought… "why did he ask about that?" Milgauss continued to question her.

“Do you know about Willingham Mausoleum?”

“If I remember correctly… I think it is a mausoleum located not far away from Allonnes Lakeside. I’m not sure about the details.”

“That is a special mausoleum. Only dragons that died young are enshrined there.” Milgauss explained.

“But why only young dragons?”

Anya asked while feeling a cold chill at her back.

“We will have to refer back to the history before the beginning of Saint’s calendar. During that time, the dragons faced a crisis where their young were dying and they had to solve the problems related to the extinction of their species. As a result; They created the wise dragon’s magic Albion… On the other hand… Willingham Mausoleum was built around that time. After that, it became a tradition to bury young dragons there.”

Today was in year 1365 in the A.S.B calendar. What Milgauss had said was a story from an ancient time.

“You are really very knowledgeable!”

“This is just general knowledge.”

Anya was embarrassed. She was afraid that Milgauss would look down on her because she hadn't studied much. Milgauss didn't notice the change in her expression and continued to speak:

“And speaking about young dragons… We are lacking experimental data on them.”

“Are you suggesting that…”

Anya, who realized Milgauss plan, was trembling in fear.

“That’s right. The Empire is awaiting for the day we can put the Necromancia into use. That is why we need more complete information.”

Milgauss intended to use the ashes of the young dragons for experimentation. To summon a Necromancia… The bones and ashes of a dragon were a must. In reality. Anya hated the Necromancia. She couldn't accept the existence of those things. Moreover, they were going to use the ashes of a young dragon. Her hair were already standing on the end by just thinking about that. But. Milgauss had already decided and she resolved to support him to the end.

Anya killed off her own feelings in preparations for the next battle.

Part 2

After Anya left the room… Milgauss again took up the report. The report was full of information about the young dragon Eco that Anya had collected. Even though the data was incomplete… Milgauss still managed to find a hidden clue in a short time.

“So you are born… Descendant of Avalon…”

“Kuhu…" The sound of laughter came out from deep in his throat. The kind of laugh he'll never show in front of Anya. A negative feeling of love and hatred was spreading in his heart.

“Anyway. Is her name ‘Eco’?... I don't know whether this was on purpose or by fate… That's quite an ironic name her master had given her. But-“

Milgauss placed the report back on the table and looked outside of the window.

“It is still far better than to be killed by your own master. Don’t you think so too… Julius?”

Part 3

In the end. The first day for the selective training camp had arrived before Lucca's and Gawain’s problem had been settled. By the time the sun rose… The selected fifty-one riders left the school while being seen off by the remaining students. When students riding different types of dragons appeared in the main streets of the city, the residents gave loud cheers. To see off the top students was a must-held activity every year during this season. Even the sun that was high up in the sky was wishing them good luck with its bright rays.

After leaving the town walls, the students followed the instruction of their instructors and were separated into three groups. (!) It was because the upcoming paths would be chosen according to the type of dragon. The Maestros and Stradas would take the sky path, Asias would take the land path and Hydras, the waterway.

On the other hand, the staff from ‘La Tene's’, who were in charge of food service, had previously departed. Cosette was also among them as she had volunteered to become staff. So it was a rare sight that she was traveling separately from Silvia.

Followed by the Stradas' group, which began their journey by spreading their wings, the Asias’ group headed out, making their way down the streets with dust trailing behind them. The Hydras’ group were still playing in the water. Each group was led by a professor who was also an instructor for practical skills. Only the Student Council members and their Pals were not concerned by the groupings. They still remained standing in front of the town walls.

Part 4

“Right… Now is the time for us to decide who is going to give Ash, Eco and Lucca a ride.”

Rebecca, who was already wearing the official dragsuit for the student council president, announced to Ash, Eco and Lucca were unable to reach the training camp on their own.

“Of course Ash-sama is going to follow me-”

Jessica who now had rosy coloured cheeks volunteered herself. But after a few seconds her Pal Rhiannon, seemingly on its own, suddenly moved.

“Wait… Rhiannon what’s wrong with you?”

Rhiannon didn't listen to its master’s orders and was running towards the river twenty meters away. Even though a Hydra could move on land they showed their true ability only in the water. It probably felt jumpy after being on land for a too long a time.

“S-Stop! Are you trying to disobey your master’s order?”

Too bad for her, as Rhiannon wasn't listening to its master’s summons. Not only that but Jessica, who was chasing Rhiannon, was picked up by her belt in it's mouth, using it to carry her. Moving its huge python-like body it arrived at the river in the blink of an eye. It quickly entered the water and started swimming off. Jessica, who was now hanging by her belt in mid-air, turned to look at Ash and said:

“My dear Ash-sama… I’ll be waiting for you at Allonnes Lakeside––”

Rhiannon was swimming freely. Because it swam quickly they disappeared down the far end before Jessica was able to finish with her sentence.

“Is that Jessica’s Pal…? Its behavior is exactly like a duplicate of its master.”

Ash said while smiling.

“In the end they were just doing a comedy act.”

Rebecca was stunned when she saw her pitiful childhood friend depart.

“Lets us not be bothered by that, President . If we do not quickly depart, the rest of the students will start to wonder. Logically speaking… We should be the ones who are going to check up on their attendance.”

Rebecca agreed with what Max had said.

“Understood. So… Lucca. Do you have anyone that you want to ride with.”

Even though Lucca had already changed into her dragsuit she had not spoken since she departed from the school. Even at this moment she was looking down and depressed. Her Yōsei-like beauty seemed to come with a feeling that it might disappear anytime like a bubble popping. Gawain, as the supposed culprit for making Lucca feel depressed, did not even seem to be bothered. It was lying down on the ground with a worrisome expression. Ash initially thought that Gawain, who had its Astral cut off, wouldn't be able to take part in the Selective Training Camp. However, it was said that, since ancient times, the Allonnes Lakeside had been a recuperative resting spot for the dragons.

So… The reason that Gawain is willing to take part in this Training Camp is to prolong its lifespan... Ash personally thought.

“Lucca, if you remain silent, how am I to know what you were thinking?” Rebecca said while looking at her face.

Responding to Rebecca… Lucca reluctantly replied:

“I knew it… Since I was unable to ride on Gawain… There is no point for me to take part in the Selective Training Camp from the start.”

“You’re absolutely correct about it.”

Ash gasped after he heard what Rebecca had said. As far as he knew, this is the first time Rebecca was mean to Lucca.

“Anyway, if you continue on the way you are, the training camp will end meaninglessly for you.”

“If that's the case… Why do you still insist that I go with you?”

“The point is not whether it is meaningful or not.”

“Huh???”

“In reality, no matter if it is your birth, you being an Eckbald, becoming a breeder or becoming a dragner… There was never a meaning behind them in the first place. Those were just labels tacked-on by humans later on.”

Lucca slowly lifted her head and looked at Rebecca's stare.

“Your point is… It is all down to me?”

“Great, you have known this for quite a long time, right?”

Rebecca finally smiled and gently patted Lucca's head, even though Lucca still had a worrisome look on her, as at least she had made up her mind. She then pulled Rebecca's sleeve.

“I want to follow Rebecca.”

“Alright. I’ll be responsible for giving Lucca a ride to the Allonnes Lakeside. Next will be the problem concerning Ash and Eco.”

Part 5

Silvia’s heart skipped a beat when she heard what Rebecca had said. She was troubled by her own feelings. Why do I feel excited? Does that mean that I hope to ride on the same dragon with Ash…?

-Ash Blake.

He was an incredible guy. He hadn't spoken much to Silvia in the three years of his basic class years. That was because Silvia didn't have any intention to befriend anyone. The only thing that she did was to keep on reminding herself; 'to become a great dragner' and that she herself must study hard. She didn't even try to approach anyone and didn't even think that it was necessary. But… Ash had invaded Silvia’s enclosed life several times. During the dragon riding festival’s competition, the Necromancia's attack and now they are comrades in the student council. Also. There was the church’s terrorist incident… When that incident happened, even though it was a farce planned by Veronica, Ash was still in the center of the spotlight and had an eye catching excellent performance there.

“…”

Silvia’s cheeks unavoidably turned red when she tried to recall those events. When the hostages were freed Ash approached Silvia. During that time, because Silvia had released all the stress that had built-up before she was freed, she didn't even have the strength to stand up straight. Luckily… Ash supported her by her arm and also piggybacked her back to the academy. Somehow. Ash's back made Silvia felt nostalgic. Nine years ago––Silvia encountered a guy from the ‘Orphan Ceremony’.

Not only had he saved Silvia but he also gave Silvia the opportunity to become Lancelot’s master. Strictly speaking… It was the guy who refused the chance to become Lancelot’s master and handed over the responsibility to Silvia. To Silvia… She was heavily in debt to that guy. But, after the ‘Orphan Ceremony’ ended, Silvia had lost contact with that guy. Because that guy gave away his opportunity to become Lancelot’s master… He also lost the chance to become a breeder and went back to his village empty handed. The Princess of the Knight’s Royal Family and the village boy.

Logically speaking… They never had the chance to meet each other again for the rest of their lives. Still… Somehow… Ash’s back had a similar smell as with that guy. But of course this could just be Silvia’s mistake. Anyway. That incident happened nine years ago. It was probably Silvia who projected the image of that guy onto Ash. Furthermore, that guy wouldn't even be in Ansarivan. Before parting, the last words that the guy told Silvia were:

-You must work hard in my place in order to become a great Dragner.

Because, he no longer had the chance to become a Dragner, that guy entrusted his wish onto Silvia. In another words; That guy can never be Ash.

“Are you alright… Princess?” Ash’s words of concern swept away all of Silvia's present thoughts.

Somehow Ash had been peeping at Silvia’s face. Ash, who was now in his dragsuit, looked totally different from his usual self. Not only did he look full of spirit but he also didn't seem to fit the title ‘Number One Problem Child in the academy’ anymore.

“N-Nothing! I’m alright!”

Silvia kept on shaking her hand to emphasize that she was alright. Ash was confused at first but then started to ask Silvia seriously.

“So… Do you allow Lancelot to give anyone a ride?”

“Err…”

Silvia was caught off guard for a little moment… What kind of conclusion did he make that made him use the word ‘So’? It seems that when she let her thoughts wonder… They had already made the decision. From the way he said it… It had been decided that he is going to ride with Silvia. She felt an amazing feeling from the depth of her heart.

-H-How is this possible…! It is just a ride but why… Why would I have such a feeling? A-Am I-I h-happy about it? Does riding together with Ash make me happy!? I’ll never admit this…! I will never ever admit this…!

Looking at how anxious Silvia looked Ash continued to ask:

“Princess. Are you not feeling well?”

“I-I’m fine alright!”

Silvia cleared her throat with a cough. She decided to calm down her emotions first.

“B-But because the Lautreamont family’s rules states that; ‘boys and girls must not ride together after seven’. Even though our relationship is quite intimate- No, no, our relationship cannot be considered intimate… But, for us to ride together to Allonnes Lakeside… I-It is actually a little bit difficult for me.”

“What were you mumbling about? Do you hate it for us to ride together that much?”

Ash was staring at Silvia looking surprised.

“I-It is not that I hate it….”

"So you are basically saying that you will allow it. Of course, since Lancelot is good at accelerating, so holding on tight to Princess is a must for safety reasons.”

“What…!”

Silvia almost had her head explode with the thought of Ash holding on to her waist.

“Hey! Ash. Are you trying to ride with me with those kinds of indecent thoughts?”

“Huh? What are you talking about? If you don't hold on tight during the ride… It is the same as toying with your own life.”

Silvia’s lifted her angry and trembling fist in front of her chest and declared to Ash:

“Why don't I… let you vanish from this world right now!!!”

“Huh??”

Ash was knocked back over after an iron punch at the chin. He made a beautiful curve in midair and landed with a thump. Though, because of his dragsuit, he didn't felt much pain. Rebecca, Max and Eco were completely stunned as they watched Ash stand up shakily.

“Why did you punch me…!? The person who is going to ride with Princess is Eco though?”

“What!”

With a ‘crack’… The time had frozen. In this moment, Silvia realized that she had misunderstood.

To put it bluntly… The person who was going to ride with Silvia was Eco. As for Ash––He had already asked Max to let Arianrhod to give him a ride––this should be the logical conclusion made. It would naturally be more comfortable for people of the same gender to ride together. Silvia’s body was heating up by due to her embarrassment. She wished for a cave to hide into.

“Baka! Why didn't you mention it earlier!”

Part 6

The dragon leading the flight was Cú Chulainn and was followed by Arianrhod. Lucca was with Rebecca while Ash was with Max. Gawain was the next to leave. It was probably because it did not receive any Astral, there wasn't a single hint of haki from it. Even though Allonnes Lakeside was a healing rest spot, it still looked like the living dead, bringing it along felt like a torture for it.

“Alright. It’s our turn now!”

Silvia turned back and look at Eco.

“I’ll sit on the dragon first and you shall sit behind me. You must never loosen your grip from my waist. It's dangerous.”

“Understood.”

Eco obediently nodded in reply. With a simple leap Silvia landed at the front of Lancelot's back. After she held the leather reins she felt refreshed.

“Come on… Eco!”

Her left hand left her grips on the reins and stretch towards Eco. At this moment… A very strange thing happened. Lancelot, as if to make it easy for Eco to get into the saddle, automatically kneeled down. Not only that… It also lowered its head respectfully in front of Eco.

“Lancelot…?”

Silvia was confused. Lancelot’s behavior right now was as a servant serving its master. Even though Silvia was its master she had never received a treatment as classy as this. The incident happening now was shocking enough. After Silvia pulled Eco up onto Lancelot she asked:

“…It seems that Lancelot respects you a lot. Do you know why?”

After Eco sat behind Silvia she answered with a confused tone:

“For heaven’s sake… I don’t know anything. But as far as I can see, since it respects me, I’ll generously praise it as a smart dragon."

Eco showed a proud expression.

“Grrrunn…”

After receiving Eco’s praise Lancelot made a cute voice.

“H-Hey! You are not allowed to make that sound to anyone except me! You are Silvia Lautreamont's… My Pal! Quickly make a brave voice!”

Silvia scolded it sternly and gave it a light kick in its tummy. Lancelot was in a shock and quickly spread its wings and took off.

Part 7

In a blink of an eye, the groups of Maestros were a hundred meters above the ground.

“Uuh… This scenery is one that you’ll never get bored of.” said Silvia happily.

At the center of the endless plains… Ansarivan was like a beautiful model. The streets for the dragon riding festival’s competition and Fianna Forest could be seen all together.

The Strada’s group, lead by the instructors, was some distance away and looked like a pea. Although, with the true ability of a Maestro, they could pass them in a moment Rebecca still purposely maintained a low speed. The reason was probably she didn't want the rest of the students to find out about Lucca and Gawain. Even though it was going to spread, sooner or later, the fact that Lucca couldn't ride her pal still remained a secret.

“Listen carefully! You must never loosen your grip!”

Silvia reminded Eco while looking at the front. Everybody was wearing their hardy dragsuit but only Eco was in her uniform. Maybe she took this activity as a field trip. But… Eco suddenly felt down.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Silvia was worried about Eco’s condition. But what she received was an even confusing answer.

“Why are yours this big?”

Silvia didn't understand what she meant.

“Big..? What were you talking about?”

Eco suddenly emitted a killing intent that immediately frightened Silvia.

“I’m talking about your breasts! Why are yours and Rebecca's this big?”

“Th-This is too sudden! So you are also worrying about this stuff?”

Silvia was stunned. Even though Eco always stated things like ‘honourable and extraordinary dragons’ she still faced human-liked troubles.

“That’s because of Ash… Sometimes… He will either stare at yours or Rebecca's breasts. I’m really unhappy about it. Even though I still don’t know the reasons yet…”

“What did you say!?”

Silvia was almost infected by Eco’s anger but she managed to control herself. They were now in the middle of a flight and had unconsciously reached a two hundred meters in height. She mustn't loose her cool here.

“Even when that fellow likes to look at breasts… He won’t even be bothered by mine. Why is this happening?! I can’t accept this!”

“T-That’s because…” Silvia was suffering from a severe lack of vocabulary to use.

Anyway… She knew next to nothing about a guy’s way of thinking and was unable to answer Eco.

-Back to the topic… Ash looked at my breasts?”

Silvia’s cheeks became hot. Although she was angry at his behavior, on the other hand, she doesn't really hate it. She was also surprised and confused that she felt contradicted. No, not only she didn't have the feeling of repulsion, in fact…

-Stop! What am I thinking about!

Even as Silvia was struggling within herself… Eco suddenly demanded something unspeakably outrageous.

“W-What are you thinking about! How could I ever agree with that!”

“Even when you reject it verbally… Your defences are full of holes!”

Eco squeezed her hand under the both sides of Silvia’s armpits and Silvia’s muscles suddenly had a shock. Eco was right; Silvia, who was now in control of the reins, now has zero protection as far as she could see.

“S-Stop- Ahh…”

Eco was toying with Silvia’s breasts through her dragsuit with her tiny hands. She was as innocent as a child who was playing with a newly received toy.

“It’s soft! It’s really soft! There must have been magic placed on these that can charm the male animal!”

“It’s soft! It’s really soft! There must have been magic placed on these that can charm the male animal!”

“Y-You are just thinking too much! Wait... Aah...!”

Eco was playing with Silvia’s breast just like making pasta without holding herself back. This had made her lose her strength and also loosen her hold on the reins.

“Have you had enough of this already! You better be careful of your mischief... or else I’ll push you down!!!”

Lancelot kept on moving upwards and had now reached three hundred meters in altitude. Eco’s face turned pale after she peeked downwards.

“Alright... alright...”

Eco, who was scared by the height, reluctantly let go of Silvia’s breasts.

Part 8

Allonnes Lake had the largest surface area of any lake in the Knight Country. It was also the place where ayu and funa were produced. On the other hand… The forest surrounding the lake was known as Norg Forrest. The wild plants growing there contained high amounts of Astral. It was also well known as a recuperative resting spot for dragons.

There were many villas scattered around the lakeside that could be seen from the air. The most striking of them, owned by the dragon riding academy, was none other than the facility for the training camp. Even though it looked like an old building from the outside it was still a huge dragon house. The functional dragon house here had enough rooms for about sixty dragons. It looked magnificent just by its sheer size. Also, at the same time, a little distance away from the lakeside there were some large rocky hills. One of which was the location of the ancient mausoleum.

All scholars specialized in dragons knew that that was the Willingham Mausoleum.

Part 9

The first to arrive at the lakeside were the Strada and Maestro groups. The one way journey took about three hours through dragon flight. The riders casually entered the training campsite and waited comfortably for the other groups to arrive. The supporting staff, that arrived earlier at the training campsite including Angela, academy lecturers and food service personnel, welcomed Ash and the rest with cheers and smiles. Cosette was wearing a royal standard maid attire while serving drinks to the students. The next to arrive was the hydra group who were slower than those who used the sky path by two hours. Jessica who escaped from Rhiannon’s clenches kept on hugging Ash after she had entered the restaurant. The last to arrive were the Asia’s group. They slowly arrived around four hours later than those who used the sky path.

Rebecca who acted as the master of ceremony stood up and glanced at the students.

“I’m student council president Rebecca Randall and I’m happy that no accidents have happened and everyone had arrived here safely.”

Logically speaking… This speech should be given by a lecturer but they were off sitting at a corner drinking their tea. They clearly understood that they don't have the influence Rebecca possessed so they just let it be.

“Listen carefully. This Selective Training Camp is not a place to just gather the entire group of good students to do activities together. After graduation… Everyone will start working in their own field. As long as you have the experience in taking part in this camp you will be seen and respected differently everywhere. For example; Every member of the famous Holy-Dragners of Lautreamont had left the Selective Training Camp with good performance results.

However, if there were any students who wanted to join the Dragners, you still mustn't feel complacent just because you had been chosen to join this selective training camp. I hope that every person here joined with the spirit to win.”

All the students gave their full attention to Rebecca's talk. Ash who had never thought about his future suddenly felt that the atmosphere around him had become tense and felt himself missing out.

-Everyone’s so hardworking….

Ash was different from those who worked hard to join the Selective Training Camp. He only managed to be here, right now, thanks to Rebecca's personal opinion. To put it bluntly… Ash still didn't feel the same excitement as the others for the training camp.

“So, for all the students, please rest sufficiently for today because tomorrow’s special training will need it.”

Rebecca, all serious up until there, suddenly showed a mischievous smile.

“That being said… But, for some relaxation, we will still provide you all with some time off to enjoy the lake.”

After a short silence. The restaurant was drowned under the sound of cheers.

Part 10

Under the bright sun… The students gathered at the lakeside were full of spirit. Because they had departed from the academy early… There was ample time for them to have fun before the sun set. Although Ash didn't bring his swim wear with him, he never regretted that. It was because he never had any intention to have fun in the water. If he changed into his swimming wear the ‘Seikoku’ on his left hand will be exposed and going into the water with the bandages on didn't look natural at all. Ash changed into his casual wear, which included his t-shirt, shorts and sandals, and was sitting leisurely by the lakeside.

There wasn't anybody from the student council that came into his view. Max, as usual, was currently suffering from his crazy neat freak illness and was off cleaning the room. From Ash's viewpoint… It was a wonder if he could finish it before evening. Lucca, who was a natural shut-in, had hid herself inside her own room. Gawain was not in the dragon house but was sleeping somewhere in Norg Forrest surrounding the lake to recover some astral. As for Rebecca, Silvia, Jessica, and Eco… They should be still changing in the changing room. Cosette did prepare a swimming suit for Eco, and Ash was thankful for her to be this understanding.

“Ash-samaaaaaa.”

At this moment. A huge hydra appeared with a like sized big splash. It seemed that it was Rhiannon. From its neck to its head is in a curve shape which made it looked more like a snake than a dragon. Needless to say, the person on its head was Jessica. She was wearing a cute orange coloured bikini. It was not surprising that Jessica would bring her pal along with her. Whenever the academy’s students were playing around with water the Hydras were the most active in it. One by one the riders of the Hydras appeared on the lake and sounds of cheers could be heard.

“J-Jessica..?”

Ash became nervous while standing in front of Jessica, he just didn't know where to look at. Even when Jessica’s attitude had always been daring… She still has a nice body. In front of her cleavage, upper arms, hips and soft tender skin… Ash gulped.

“Ara? Ash-sama you didn't bring your swimming wear with you?”

“Err… I’m not in the mood for swimming…”

“How could you do that! It is our honeymoon!”

“Why would a decent activity become a honeymoon! And I’m not even married to you!”

“Haa… Your indifferent attitude is so charming. Come, hold my hand, and together we will challenge the sea! Our sea adventure is going to start!”

“I think that you have been mistaken! This is a lake and not a sea!”

“That won’t be a problem! Rhiannon! Go and fetch me Ash-sama!”

After roaring once Rhiannon clumsily lifted Ash up by his collar.

“Hu… Uwaaaaa!”

Ash, hanging in midair, was forcefully brought to the middle of the lake.

Part 11

Inside the girl’s changing room, of the training camp, Silvia was stunned. It was because of Cosette acted naturally when she handed her swimming wear? The design was just too much of an exaggeration. Although the colour blue was Silvia’s favorite it was also a two piece bikini...

But hold on, there was way too little fabric on this swim wear!

“…. Cosette… Are you sure you want me to actually wear this swimsuit? You know… I’m- Silvia Lautreamont the proud fourth princess of the Knight’s family!”

“Of course. Princess.”

Cosette just revealed a big smile, it seemed like she wasn't going to prepare any another swimming wear for her. No, it should be said that, she only prepared this one for her. On the other hand… Eco had changed into a cute one piece swimsuit outfit.

"So, I see, this is a swimsuit. It's my first time wearing one!”.

Eco was excitedly examining at herself wearing her swimsuit. It had white colour as a base with cute ribbons as accessories. If there was such a swimsuit, why did you not prepare the same one for me… Silvia offered a seriously complaining glare towards Cosette.

"So, I see, this is a swimsuit. It's my first time wearing one!”.

“I think that this swimming wear suits you well, what do you think about it Eco?”

“You really have some good perception at appreciating beautiful things that can satisfy a dragon! You are really good!”

“It’s my pleasure.” Cosette bowed gracefully.

Rebecca, who was right in front of Silvia, had already changed into a deep red coloured bikini and had also put on a mischievous smile.

“Anything wrong? Have you not finished changing yet Silvia?”

“R-Right…”

Silvia was normally confident in her body but compared to how Rebecca presented herself she felt depressed. For Silvia, who was still 'growing', Rebecca's body could only be described with the word 'perfect'. The dark red coloured bikini suited her so well it made Silvia clench her teeth. In front of a girl who had such a nice body, any boy would have fallen for her. Ash also must have been…

-Stop, stop! Why would Ash appear at such a time. Silvia immediately shook her head. Rebecca then said to her with another mischievous smile:

“Be quick. Silvia! I’ll be leaving first!”

Eco too followed right behind Rebecca. The only ones left in the changing room were Silvia and Cosette.

“Alright. Please be quick princess. I beg your forgiveness… If you are still worrying about anything, please pardon my rudeness by forcing you to change.”

“I think that… You are not even afraid of anything. No? Aren't you even enjoying this…?”

“Ara? So I have been found out. Ufufufu.”

After that dangerous laugh, Cosette took a step forward. She had the eyes of a hunter who had locked on its prey.

Part 12

At the lakeside Rebecca was sitting on a beach chair with her sunglasses. She looked classy with a wine glass in one hand while leisurely enjoying her environment.

“T-To be able to watch the president in her swimming wear… We are just too lucky.” The guys immediately revealed their perverted behavior.

Even though all of them were top students… They were still guys in their teens.

Silvia gave an insulting look at the perverted guys and stiffly walked to the lakeside. She embarrassingly turned back and asked Cosette about her opinion. “Hey… Cosette, do I really… Doesn't it look weird?”

"It suits you well!" The breeze from the lake made Silvia feel cold and also made it hard to calm her emotions down.

“It suits you well!”

“D-Does it?”

The breeze form the lake made Silvia feel cold and also made it hard to calm her emotions down. Furthermore. There was the feeling of her swimsuit, if she was careless, getting stuck in between her butt which made her nervous. Of course this is also the first time where she was wearing such a daring outfit in front of a crowd. Cosette suddenly whispered to her.

“Rest assure… Ash-sama will be happy with this.”

“W-W-Why must you mention Ash!”

Silvia angrily glared but, at that moment, there began a ruckus among the guys.

“Princess had arrived!”

“What a sexy bikini!”

“I… I can now die happy…!”

Silvia became nervous. She felt that her body was trampled on by their sights.

“Hey, Cosette! Give me something to cover my body… Whether it's a towel or a shirt!”

“If you don’t mind my apron… I could lend it to you.”

“How could a princess of a country wear such a thing!”

“I personally think that the combination of an apron and bikini will not only amaze the others but be interesting too.”

“What are you joking about!”

Silvia wanted to immediately return to the training camp changing room. Anyway. It is unnecessary for her to accompany these excited students. She should had stayed in her room quietly like Lucca and Max. At this moment, a desperate scream could be heard all over the lake.

“Uwaaaa! I beg you… please stop!”

Silvia immediately knew that it was Ash’s voice. She didn't know the reason why she could recognize Ash’s voice right away like that.

“Ohohoho! Rhiannon’s ability is not limited to only this. Ash-sama!”

The Hydra Rhiannon was surfing on the lake at high speed and the ones riding on its back are none other than Jessica and Ash.

“…!”

Just when Silvia was still confused about her own feelings-

“Grrrroooooo…!”

Lancelot, followed by a roar, landed by the lakeside. The sudden air blast had lifted some dust.

The most unbelievable thing was that Eco was the person riding it. Under the condition where Silvia was not present, Lancelot willingly and unexpectedly, let Eco ride on its back.

“H- How is this possible!” Silvia shouted.

Silvia couldn't believe her own eyes. Eco, holding the reins in her swimsuit, was smiling. After she spotted Silvia she said:

“I’ll be borrowing your Pal for a while!”

Silvia immediately rushed forward.

“Hold on. Eco! How come… You are riding on Lancelot!?”

“I had enough of that girl called Jessica! Damn. Even when Ash is my meat slave!”

Eco clenched her teeth when looking at Jessica, playing happily at the middle of the lake.

“To go up against Jessica, I must have a hydra. But the only breeder who has a hydra in the student council is Jessica. Then… I thought of something. A Maestro can move freely in sea, land or air!”

“Even though what you were saying is right… I’m still surprised that Lancelot is willing to give you a ride. Hey Lancelot! What's the big idea!"

After being scolded by Silvia, Lancelot reacted with lowering down its head. This was the first time Silvia saw Lancelot behaving like this. It was normally a ferocious, classy Maestro who matched up well with Silvia…

“So. What are you going to do?”

Silvia was still stunned by both Lancelot's and Eco’s behavior.

“I want to let Jessica taste some bitterness. Are you with me? Or are you not?”

Eco’s scarlet eyes were looking at Silvia from high up.

Silvia didn't expect Eco to invite her. It was probably the three hours they spent together on the journey that made their relationship closer. Or else, she is… Treating me as a rival. Wait! A rival in what sense?

Seeing Silvia still couldn't make up her mind… Eco impatiently provoked:

“Hey! If you still can’t make your mind… I’ll be leaving you!”

These words gave her a little push. Silvia had given up thinking about those troublesome questions. The sun was shining brightly in the sky. The beautiful Allonnes lake was right in front of her and the students who had changed into their colourful swimming wear. In the corner of her eyes… Ash could be seen playing with Jessica on the back of the hydra. In this case… there was only one thing to do.

“C-Count me in!”

Silvia, with much effort, managed to say those words and she jumped onto Lancelot. She received the reins from Eco and immediately ordered Lancelot to take flight. Seeing that Silvia decided to join in the waterborne fun… A loud cheer went up around the beach.

"Playing with Water ~A.S.B. ~1365.6~" is closed.

Chapter 4 - The Battle at Willingham Mausoleum

Part 1

Sometime during midnight… Ash slowly sat up.

“It hurtssss…”

Because, of the pain in his joints, he couldn't seem to get a good nights' sleep. It was because he played in the water earlier during the day. Silvia and Eco were riding on Lancelot while Jessica was riding on Rhiannon. Without any warning… A normal fun time on the water had turned into a two sided battle field of ‘Fighting for Ash’. If they really wanted to play something, Ash had hoped that it would be a more peaceful game. But the swimsuits worn by both Eco and Silvia was deeply engraved in Ash’s mind. Eco was wearing a white swimsuit which brought out her cute self. Even though her body was still far from perfect… There were still guys who were sure to fall for her innocent look. Although her true ruthless attitude would be exposed as soon as she opened her mou…

On the other hand… Silvia was wearing a sexy bikini. Ash was going to have a nose bleed just by thinking about it. For sure, it wouldn't have been Silvia who chose a bikini exposing so much of her skin, but Cosette, the culprit who must have forced it on her. Ash quickly removed all these troubles from his mind and left his bed. The bedroom in the training camp was a twin sharing bedroom. Max was sleeping soundly at the bed beside. Eco was not in the room because the neat freak Max said that ‘sharing a room with a girl is illogical’ so Eco was now taken care by the other girls.

Logically speaking, since it was Cosette, there should not be a reason for him to worry… But Ash had been together with Eco for a long time. If Eco is not beside him he feels uneasy… As if a part of his heart is missing.

“Can’t… I really can’t sleep.”

Ash sighed and slowly stood up. Then he left the room and wanted to ask for a cup of water in the kitchen.

Ash was walking at fast pace along the corridor of the second floor. The old building felt like a haunted house. The kitchen was located on the first floor so he was headed towards the stairs.

The moonlight shines through the windows. Tonight is a full moon with a silver light.

“…Huh?”

Ash stopped beside a window.

He felt a shadow passed by.

“That is…”

Every single corner of the garden can be seen through the corridor’s windows. A girl can be seen walking under the moonlight. She was wearing a one-piece pajama. Ash recognized her.

“Is it… Lucca?”

Under the moonlight the golden white hair emits a mysterious light. Even her white ceramic-like skin was as if shining. Her pointy ears can be seen indistinctly poking out from her hair.

Lucca walked past the garden with her unsteady steps and through the old back door. Beyond the back door is deep and endless piece of forest. - Norg Forest.

In a blink of an eye… Lucca disappears into the forest.

“Hey… What is she thinking?”

Ash rushed down the stairs to the garden through the door specially used by the instructors. He rushed at a fast speed to the back door then following the stone slabs to the edge of the forest and stops. After he was mentally prepared… He walked to the forest.

But, just as he step into the Norg Forest, he immediately took a steps back.

“…Are you kidding me?”

Ash originally thought that he was used moving in the forest, but that is only limited to day time. This is the first time he was going to enter the forest at night! Even the wet ground had a different smell. The nocturnal animals and night bugs creeps the hell out of him. The lush branches of the trees had the sky covered which blocked whatever moonlight there was from piercing through. Also. There were noises that he suspected to be the sounds of an owl.

Could it be that Lucca is just an imagination? Ash secretly hoped that it would be true.

“Wait a minute…”

The Eckbalds were also known as the ‘Forest Yōsei’. Actually. The self ruled territory of the Eckbalds, within the Knight Country was a wide forest called ‘Eckbald forest’. Maybe, to Lucca, every forest is like the garden back at her home. After Ash mustered his courage, he moved forward while trying to feel his way along with his hands. The rough tree bark made him feel at ease, but every time he touched something slimy, he immediately retracted his hand. If there was a small animal that passed by his feet, he immediately jumped.

“This is bad for my heart…”

Ash complained while walking and unconsciously thought about Gawain. All the other dragons were together in the dragon house of the training camp and only Gawain alone was resting in Norg Forest. It was because Norg Forest was a well known resting spot for dragons.

“I see. She went to look for Gawain…”

Realizing the truth, Ash continued to walk deeper into the forest. After a while… His field of vision widened. In front of him was an empty space with the moonlight shining directly from the sky. There was a pond in the empty space and the water was reflecting the silvery moonlight. Gawain cuddled onto itself while lying beside the pond. Its shining white fur was reflecting the moonlight. Lucca was standing some distance away from Gawain. For a breeder, that amount of distance was weird. Ash found out that Lucca's shoulders were shaking.

“Please, Gawain, I… Can’t live without you.”

Lucca was calling after Gawain in a pitiful tone while Ash hid behind a tree and listened.

“The only Eckbald left in Ansarivan… Is only me. The people in our home town have placed high hopes on me.”

Gawain didn't answer. It was still with its same old self.

“Why must you reject me? I had always treated you as family. When you became a maestro I was very happy. But why…?”

Suddenly. Some unexpected things happened.

“Grrrrrr…”

Gawain actually lifted its neck to scare Lucca. Lucca was afraid to move forward and fell to the ground on the spot. Then she silently cried. The sounds of the owls and the wings of the insects suddenly stopped… Most probably caused by Gawain’s growl. In the silent night the only sound that could be heard, was Lucca's crying.

-Crack! Ash stepped on a dried branch. Damn!- The sound was tremendously clear in the middle of the night. He regretted it as soon he understood what had happened.

“…?”

Lucca, wiping of her tears turned back and looked at Ash’s direction. It seemed that there was no longer any point for him to be hiding. After Ash made up his mind… He walked out towards Lucca.

“You are… From the student council?”

It seems that she didn't remember Ash’s name. But since she also didn't even remember Silvia’s name… This was expected.

Ash stated his name while smiling. “I’m Ash.”

“…Why are you here?”

“Sorry. I accidentally saw you running into the woods…”

After Ash explained. He looked at Gawain.

Gawain had frightened Lucca just now. That was a total rejection. Lucca treated Gawain as her family which was undoubtedly the right thing to do… But Ash still didn't understand why Gawain was not bothered by it. The image of Lucca sobbing remains in Ash's mind… In a few moments, it had turned into determination. Ash stood in front of Gawain as if he wanted to protect Lucca.

“Say, Lucca. The previous experiment… Can I continue right now?”

Lucca gasped.

“This… Has nothing to do with you.”

“No. Of course it has something to do with me.”

Ash took a step closer to Gawain.

“This fellow had made you cry. This alone should be reason enough for me to interfere.”

Part 2

Anya was looking, at Ash's sudden challenge with Gawain, from afar.

“That guy… What is he trying to do?”

Anya followed her plan, which was, working at the training campsite at Allonnes Lakeside presenting herself as a waitress at the student restaurant ‘La Tene’. The work to prepare the food was more troublesome than she thought. It was already midnight before her job was done. On her way back to her room for a rest from the kitchen, she accidentally spied on Ash. She became interested in Ash who had sneaked out into the Norg Forest. After all… The reason, why she worked hard to infiltrate ‘La Tene’, was to investigate Ash Blake. She thought that she had a better chance to come into contact with Ash in the restricted area of the training camp compared to the large area of the school grounds. For Ash to run out into the middle of the forest was out of Anya’s expectation. He even challenged Gawain.

As for the matters concerning Gawain… Anya also heard something regarding it. It was said that it was resting in Norg forest because it wasn't feeling well. Anya couldn't figure out any reason to bring a sick maestro here. The rest of the staff in charge of the foods also didn't receive any information regarding it. - There was probably no reason for the basic staff to know about it. Ash was protecting a girl at his back. To her surprise… She was an Eckbald. Her name should be Lucca Saarinen… thought Anya secretly. She had memorized all the names of the student who attended the training camp before hand.

From their conversations that she could not hear clearly, it seemed that Lucca's and Gawain’s relationship right now was bad. So Ash wanted to help her to solve this problem- This should be the whole picture for the incident. Ash was probably thinking about riding on Gawain just like how he defeated the Necromanica.

“What is this about… Trying to play the hero in front of a cute girl.”

Anya wondered why she suddenly got mad.

Part 3

The sharp claws tore through the moonlight mercilessly. Ash immediately jumped aside from the strong front paw. He would die in a horrible way if he faced it directly.

“Stop…!”

Lucca shouted at the top of her voice but Gawain had no intention of stopping.

After its front paw missed… Gawain’s weakness was exposed. Ash used that opportunity to step on a tree branch to climb up a nearby tree. After he reached a suitably thick branch he followed it out and looked downward. Gawain’s entire back was in his view.

“Uoooooo!”

Ash decided to jump down from the branch. Gawain was not in his riding gear but this was just what Ash wanted. He had decided, that when riding on a dragon, the riding gear would only be in his way. Actually… Ash had heard before, in class, that ‘All the great riders hated the riding gear’.

“You are now under my control!”

Ash successfully landed on Gawain’s back. Like how a horse riding tribe mounted a horse without a saddle… Ash was now riding on Gawain’s naked back . His hands were holding tightly onto its neck. He swore not to let go of it even when Gawain tried to shake him off with its dragon strength.

“Grrrr…”

The thrash that Ash experienced nearly made him faint. He still kept telling himself never to let go. Ash, with all his might, tried to tame Gawain and tried to persuade it to accept Lucca again. But suddenly… Gawain gave an earth shattering roar.

“What’s happening…?”

Ash felt fear. But, unless Ash let loose his grip, Gawain had no chance of winning. As long as Ash remained on its back… Gawain can’t use its breath attack, magic, teeth or claws. If it was so, then what was the uneasiness he was felling. Even when Ash had a complete advantage of mounting it on the back, he felt an uneasiness deep inside as if–he–was the one whose back was exposed to a shinigami.

At that moment there was a wave of magic that felt like it exploded out from Gawain’s body.

“Uwaaa…!”

Ash was thrown into the air by an invincible wall. His sight was spinning. The bright moonlight came into his view for a moment. Ash, who was still spinning in midair, had nowhere to escape. Gawain, like a whip, swatted its tail at Ash.

“*Cough*…!”

It was a direct hit on Ash. An unimaginable strong impact swept from his chest passing on to his abdomen and sent him flying, parallel with the ground, until he hit a tree and only then did he slowly fall to the ground.

“*Coug*…*Cough*…!”

Ash coughed and then even coughed out blood. He probably had internal injuries. He was making some weird noises from his throat… Which was probably caused by a broken bone that punctured his lungs. To make it worse… the blood from his head flowed in to his left eye blinding half of his view. His body totally ignored his orders. Ash felt a cold chill. He didn't know how serious his injuries were. The thing that frightened him the most was… He couldn't even feel a single pain after such serious injuries. As if this body was not his.

Will my life end like this…? Ash almost lost hope.

Eco's face suddenly emerged in his mind.

An angry face. An angry face. An angry face… No matter what. It is always an angry face. Even so… I hope that she would smile to me more often. A pure cheerful smile.

-Stop! What am I thinking about? Isn't this… No different from dying. How could Eco smile at me…

With his back on the tree… Ash mustered all his remaining strength and glared at Gawain.

“Grrrr….”

Gawain was threatening Ash. Ash had just realized there was a thin layer of magic on its body. That's was the reason he was sent flying, it was a thin layer of magic.

“Reflecting type… Defense magic!”

This was a high level magic that could only be activated by a maestro. The effect of this magic was not to neutralize an attack but to reflect it. Even though Ash was only clinging on to Gawain… But it probably interpreted Ash's presence as an ‘attack’. Could this have anything to do with his ability ‘to ride on any dragon’?

“Just what kind of rascal is it…”

Under those conditions Gawain could even use its defence magic to eliminate Ash. If it was any other dragon Ash's 'riding on their back' talent would have them tamed. He already reached his limit. Just before he lost consciousness… He felt that he heard Lucca calling after him.

Part 4

“This can't be true…”

Anya watched the whole breath taking event. An empty handed human versus a dragon… That was clearly a stupid move but Anya still thought there was hope deep inside her heart. Since Ash was the famous ‘Silver Knight’. But the result was clear in a blink of an eye.

“Just what kind of rascal is it…”

Ash who was hit by the dragon’s tail pitifully, remained motionless even though he still remained conscious after he landed. Maybe he was dead. Under the moonlight, he could only be described as pitiful. Not only his head was bleeding nonstop, he even threw out blood. The seriousness of his internal injuries is even hard to determine. Then, Lucca, made a sad voice.

“Nooooo!”

Lucca, who was pale in the face, rushed over to Ash. But she quickly panicked as Ash's injuries were pretty much lethal. She didn't know what to do. At this moment… Anya was thinking about two things.

-If she left him as he is, he will die sooner or later. Serves him right for showing off and ruining Milgauss-sams's plan. This is his divine punishment.

-But I still owe him. If I don’t save him… Won’t I lose my honour as a Tantalos? The fellow had saved me once without thinking about the consequences…

“Damn!”

She was lost for just a moment. Ash's life could not be guaranteed if it was left in the hand of the unreliable girl. If she was unlucky there would be questions about why a staff member in charge of food service, was in the Norg Forest. Well, that would be a problem in the future but she just needed to make an excuse to cover up. Anya rushed out from the trees and pushed Lucca aside. She discovered that Lucca, who was suffering from trauma herself, was trying to carry Ash’s upper body. Didn't she know that simply moving the body of an injured person would put their life in danger?

“What are you doing?! I’ll take care of the emergency treatment. Go and look for help!”

“Y-Yes.”

Even though Lucca was still troubled… She still knew the seriousness of the current situation and there was not a single moment to be wasted. She turned around and ran as if she was trying to blend into the darkness of the forest.

Part 5

“…”

When he regained consciousness… He was in a strange place.

The floors had alternating black and white tiles laid out like a checkerboard. There were many semi-completed objects hanging randomly on the walls. Human bodies, beasts, armours, buildings and many more. On the ceiling was a grand palace-like Chandelier which was a bright-dragon-crystal light. There was an antique bed in the middle of the room and Ash was resting there.

“I remember that…”

I lost to Gawain and was seriously injured. Even though he still remembered the incident… There were only just fragments of memories. Even though he was seriously injured he still didn't feel any pain or even a wound on his body. His uniform which was originally covered in blood had become clean. This was weird.

“Are you awake?”

“Uwaa!”

After someone breathed in his ear Ash immediately sat up in fear. A girl was sitting beside the bed, right next to him without him even knowing.

“It has been some time since we saw each other face to face!”

The girl was beautiful. Her dress clearly highlighted her curves. Even though she had two horns on her head they were still not very noticeable. Her hair was like Eco’s shiny pink coloured hair.

“Are you… Navi?”

Ash had met her about a week before Eco was born. No… ‘Met’ was not the right word to describe this situation… Because he saw Navi in his dreams. The Navi in his dreams had explored his body all over. Just by thinking about it Ash blushed.

“Tee Hee…”

After Navi gave a devilish smile she leaned forward. Ash could smell something nice, but when he found out that he was on a bed, he started to feel uneasy.

“Wait!”

Ash averted his eyes from Navi's huge breast and shouted.

“Navi, if you are here, then… I should be dreaming. Right? No. There is no other explanation. Because I don’t even have a scratch on me right now though I was seriously injured !”

“You are not dreaming.”

“I-If I’m not dreaming… Then I’m in ‘that world’?"

Navi laughed because she probably thought that Ash panicking looked funny.

“This is just the Dragon Workshop! The place where dragons made/make their creations. I’m the one responsible for summoning you here.”

“Even though I still don’t really understand the current situation… At least I’m alive… No?”

“As long as your true body is safe.”

“What do you mean?”

“The you now, here, is nothing but a spirit.”

“Is that true…”

Ash turned down his head to observe his own body.

“That’s right. Your spirit has now left your body. If your body in the material world stops functioning, then you have nowhere to go.”

“Y-You must be kidding! Let me return to my original state immediately!”

“Worry not. There is a reason for me to personally bring you here. This child has something that it wants to tell you.”

Just like agreeing with Navi-

“Kyuu.”

A small animal popped out from over her shoulder. After taking a closer look, even though it had the size of a rat, it's still a dragon.

“That dragon is?”

“This is Gawain. Although it's a maestro it has not yet matured mentally so it looks is like this while here.”

“T-This little guy is really Gawain…?”

Ash kept on examination the small animal in front of him. After being told by Navi… This dragon did indeed have some similarities with Gawain.

“Fufu… If we were to fight right now… Isn't it a sure win for me?”

“Kyun!”

Gawain gave out a frightened voice and hid behind Navi.

“…Tsk. Pretending to be the nice guy. So. What do you want to tell me? Before that, let me say, I was nearly killed by you.”

After Ash asked… Gawain made a soft sound while coming out to stand on Navi's shoulder. It seems that it was trying to ask Navi to become the translator. After Gawain finished speaking, Navi looked at Ash.

“Gawain said that its master is Lucca and Lucca alone. The reason why it rejected you was because it doesn't want anyone apart from Lucca to ride on its back. Even when you were the ‘The Boy Who Can Ride Any Dragon’.”

“What are you talking about! You were obviously rejecting Lucca this whole time…”

“Kyuun!”

After Gawain made another angry sound it then explained its reason for rejecting Lucca to Navi.

“…I see.." said Navi and continued.

"Gawain was worried about Lucca and thus rejected her. According to Gawain… Lucca had fallen from its back about three months ago.”

“Huh…? I have never heard of this.”

Ash felt that he being was hit on the head. Three months ago was the time when Gawain started to reject Lucca.

“The Eckbald, as a dragon affiliated race, regard themselves highly and believe that falling from a dragon is a disgrace. That’s why Lucca never told anyone about this.”

Although Ash didn't really know how Lucca was feeling if it's an Eckbald culture… Then he could only accept it.

“Then… Under what circumstances did she fall?”

“Have you ever heard of the Dragon Riding Dance that is passed down by the Eckbald leaders?”

“No. This is my first time hearing about it.”

“Just like what the words say… It is dancing on a dragon while riding. Although Lucca kept silent about this... She was destined to become the leader. So she must start practicing young. Not to mention, if the Dragon Riding Dance was a success, there will be an activation of various types of magic!”

“So you are saying that, in the middle of practicing the Dragon Riding Dance, she fell?"

“That’s right. Since she fell from Gawain she was traumatized. She stood far away from Gawain. Although she was lucky that she only had light injuries… She now lives under the shadow of those memories…”

“Traumatized? I can’t even see that happening.”

“I think that even she herself doesn't know how much fear is hidden in her heart right now.”

Ash unintentionally said something important.

“Then… Lucca stayed quite far away from Gawain in the Norg forest. She didn't even try to pet it. Even at the seventh dragon house in the academy she also maintained her distance.”

So the unnatural distance was caused by Lucca's trauma…!

“If she tried to ride a dragon, with those mixed feelings, she will one day face serious injuries. If a Dragner was afraid of his pal… His future will be at best terrible and at worst he will die. It's because Gawain is worried about Lucca… So it remained stern in not letting Lucca ride on it.”

“I see. So, Gawain, I can see that you are kind! But why was your Astral cut off?”

“After the magic of Wise Dragon Albion was activated the dragons were under special restrictions. One of them was; The more you go against a master’s orders the less astral you will receive. If this situation keeps on… Gawain will die soon. Even with the Norg Forest supplying some Astral… It is still hard to say whether it can survive for more than five more days.”

“-!”

Ash held his breath.

Only a mere five days. Ash had never thought that the situation was this critical.

“Gawain… Would you rather sacrifice your life to protect Lucca?”

Ash spoke to Gawain seriously but it was with its haughty look. Ash who replied with a wry smile suddenly felt something was off.

“…Huh?”

Ash quickly looked at his own body. His skin became transparent and he felt an irresistible force pulling his body. The truth was… Ash's legs were slowly lifting from the ground. If this continued… Then he would be floating in a few moments.

“Hey, hey… what is…?"

“It seems that you are leaving.”

Navi calmly told the good news.

“Huh!”

Without knowing whether she was enjoying Ash’s changes in expressions, Navi smiled.

“Even though I said that you were leaving… It's different from what you are thinking. Your body is healing and thus summoning your spirit back. This is the law of nature.”

Ash was relieved after hearing Navi's explanation.

“So… I’m safe?"

“That’s it.”

Navi stood up from beside the bed and walk towards Ash. There were some redness on her face. Were those illusions?

“I’ll be waiting for your growth –– ‘Knight of Avalon’.”

“Avalon? What does it mean?”

Navi gave a simple tap on his face as an answer. Although he was still at his spiritual state, he could still clearly feel the softness of a girl’s palm.

“Fufu. You must learn to ride on me as soon as possible!”

“But my pal is Eco…”

“Eco and I are two surfaces on a coin. If you ride on her, it also means, you are riding on me.”

“What does that mean-?”

Ash was no longer able to resist the strong force and was swallowed by the darkness.

Ash was not allowed to ask any further questions. It was because Navi was kissing him passionately.

“Mguk...!”

Navi's watery lips had warped up Ash’s lower lips. Before he could react… His upper lip was also sucked in by Navi. Both of their salivas flowed together. Just when their mouths were wet, Navi forces her tongue into Ash’s mouth.

“....Nn!”

Their slippery tongues were curled together.

...Until he was separated from Navi... Ash's thoughts was in a mess. After this intense experience… Ash only knew that there existed such a kiss. Navi was with her, rarely seen, blushing looks and crimson red watery iris.

“I hope that you can have such a kiss with Eco one day in the future.”

“Wh- What are you talking about!”

“Fufu. Let’s us meet on another day.”

At the same time, as Navi was speaking with her watery lips, Ash was no longer able to resist the strong force and was swallowed by the darkness.

Part 6

“I’m at…?”

Ash had also woken up in a strange room this time. The only thing was… This place didn't have the supernatural feel of the Dragon Workshop. The smell of the antiseptic, white curtains and medicine on the shelves. From the semi-drawn back curtains Allonnes lakeside could be seen with thick white mist. This should be the infirmary for the training camp. Ash suddenly felt that he was touching something weird.

“... What’s this?”

Ash curiously moved his right hand that was under the blanket. It felt slippery and soft and there is a hint of heat from it. It obviously felt like a living thing.

“Eeeehhhhhh!”

Ash was shocked and jumped on the spot. Although his body hurt… This was not the time to worry about that. The moment he flipped over the blanket… He saw something unbelievable. Even after he immediately covered it back up with the blanket… But the image he saw had been deeply carved into his mind.

“Why… Is Lucca here?”

Ash was sweating a huge amount of sweat. That’s right, the thing, under the blanket was no other than Lucca. And… She was naked. Because she slept in such a way, like a baby cuddling up, that’s why at least her important parts were hidden… But the stimulation to his heart was still intense. At the same time… Ash also found out that his clothes were removed totally, although there were bandages on his chest, there wasn't a single piece of clothing left. It was probably that the clothes will interfere with his treatment. So the reason why he was naked could still be explained. But… Why would Lucca sleep on the same bed as him naked?

Ash looked all over the infirmary again. From the looks of the sky it should be morning right now. Not a sound could be heard from the lakeside. Surrounding the bed were silver flasks that looked like lamp stands.

“This is…?”

There were water coloured crystals on top of each of the flasks. Ash found out that they are those expensive Bright Dragon Crystals with healing effect. It was said that the training given in the training camp was strict and thus the amount of injured students were high. These should be the medical supplies prepared by the academy.

“I see… Thanks to the healing magic. I can continue to live on.” nodded Ash after it dawned on him.

Suddenly his chest started hurting.

“It hurts!"

Even when they have used healing magic, it seemed that he won’t be able to fully recover in a short time. Ash unintentionally placed his hand on his head and found out that he also had bandages on his head too. From his injuries, it was apparent, he would be treated as a patient for some time. Just when Ash sighed, Lucca unwittingly made a small noise.

“Nn...”

Her pointy ears twitched cutely.

“Fuuwa!”

After a few moments Lucca, with a very sleepy face, slowly sat up. She generously showed her flat chest to Ash and dazed at him with her sleepy eyes… Until the moment when her vision was focused. She suddenly grabbed and hugged him.

“Luckily… You were all right…!”

“Uwaaa!” Ash was thrown into a panic after being hugged by a lovely Yōsei girl.

To make it worse… They were on a bed… Naked.

“It huuuurts!”

The moment Lucca hugged him tightly his entire chest hurts. Now was not the time for him to blush in the presence of a naked Yōsei body .

“S-Sorry...”

She let go of Ash gloomily. Ash, averting his eyes away from the white tender naked body, simply came out with the question...

“I-It’s alright, because I’m already healed, b-but could you please put on some clothes? Back to the topic… Why were you sleeping on the same bed with me?”

“…”

Lucca reached to pick up her one-piece pajama from the floor, while Ash made use of this time to cover his own naked body with the blanket. Lucca, who had gotten up to put on her pajama, sat down on a chair beside the bed and only then did she answer Ash's question.

“It was because your body’s temperature was dropping… So I’m trying to warm you up.

“I-Is that so. Thank you very much.”

After thanking her kindly… Ash remembered the incident that happened in the Dragon Workshop.

“That’s right…! It may be hard to believe, but… I was at the Dragon Workshop!”

“Dragon Workshop?”

Lucca was surprised.

“That’s it. The workshop where the dragons fabricate their creations. I had a conversation there with Gawain.”

“Huh…?”

Ash tried to explain to Lucca who was stunned.

Part 7

After Ash told her the truth, Lucca was in tears.

“Why… Gawain… Because of me… Just because to protect me… It would rather sacrifice its life...”

When he saw Lucca's shaking shoulders, as she was crying, Ash discovered something. He had thought of her as a girl without emotions. But that was not the truth. She was just someone who can’t express their emotions well. Her crying for Gawain was the only proof needed. Thinking back carefully. It was the same during that time. In the forest during the full moon… Lucca also cried. Ash decision to challenge Gawain was also because of his sympathy for her-

“That’s right. Gawain didn't allow you to ride on its back because it was worried about you. If the rider was to be afraid of its pal… Then his life will be threatened…”

“It’s… All because of me…”

“Summon your courage!” shouted Ash, although he knew this was a little cruel to her.

Because Navi had already notified him in the Dragon Workshop that Gawain’s life has…

“Please calm down and hear me out. Gawain had only a few more days to live… According to the information that I had received from the Dragon Workshop it can only live for a mere five more days.”

Upon hearing that… Lucca was visibly shaken.

“Before that… How many days have I been sleeping?”

After Ash had asked… Lucca answered by mumbling with her face looking more pale than ever.

“Today is… The sixth day.”

“Huh?”

Ash was taken aback. This meant that he had lost consciousness since the first night of the training camp until just now. Although the training camp lasted for seven days, in reality there was nothing wrong about taking the sixth day as the last. Because on the seventh day they would only be returning to Ansarivan- just like that. Also… The main event of the sixth day of the training camp would be cleaning the campsite. The closing ceremony would be held that evening. In another words… The Selective Training Camp was as good as over. But Ash didn't think that he had wasted his time here. The truth wouldn't have been revealed if he had not challenged Gawain. The thing was… They must make sure of Gawain’s safety. If Navi's prediction was correct… Gawain will die any moment.

“Lucca! Look for Gawain immediately!”

“But… I can’t leave you.”

“I’m already alright. Right now, you must only think about Gawain!”

“…Understood.”

Lucca rubbed off her tears and lifted her head. Her gaze was full of determination and it moved his heart. After Ash had nodded to her… Lucca rushed out from the infirmary. Navi had made a ‘five days’ death declaration. But Ash had slept for five days… Just when Ash was worried and held his fist up without being interfered by the pain-

“Ash!”

The owner of the voice who rushed into the room seemed to be Eco. Her shiny hair swayed as she rushed up to the bed side. It was likely that Ash was thinking too much when he thought Eco looked tired. Just maybe, she hadn't slept well and her red swollen eyes alone were enough to give him a heartache. It was possibly because she cried a lot after the incident. Ash thought that his heart was going to break.

-I will not be able to escape from a punch or two from her… feared Ash.

Ash was prepared to be hit, but surprisingly Eco was only cuddling in front of the blanket.

“Baka, baka, baka! I thought that… Thought that you were going to die! What were you doing? You are owned by me! Don't you know that…!”

Eco hid her face in the blanket and started sobbing.

“Sorry. Eco.”

Ash was petting Eco’s head while bearing with the pain. Thinking back carefully… The morning alarm must not have rung yet. But Eco, who was usually a sleep-in, had rushed here early in the morning.

Although she refuses to admit it. She is evidently still my pal… Ash was happy down to the depths of his heart. But the peaceful moment only lasted for a while.

“It is good to hear that you had regained consciousness.”

The student council members, led by Rebecca, rushed into the infirmary as a crowd.

“You moron!”

Silvia unhappily scolded.

“Thanks to you for being an idiot I fully enjoyed a twin-sharing bedroom by myself.”

Max was insulting him while adjusting his spectacles on his nose.

“…”

Only Jessica remained troubled and moved her suprisingly sensitive nose around Ash’s blanket. Logically speaking… She should be the first person to hug Ash…

“…What are you doing?”

Upon asking that… Jessica sharply glared at him.

“What is this about…! Why is the blanket full of Lucca-san's smell! Could it be that Ash-sama… Likes those types of young girls?”

“No… It's not like that!”

Ash became nervous, since it was true that Lucca was sleeping with him, which made it all that much harder to give an explanation.

“What did you say!”

Eco was the first to react after hearing Jessica’s words. It was as if she had transformed into another person. She sniffed the blanket with a cold expression and her eyes widened.

“It's true! This smell of herbal medicine… Is from that Eckbald!”

“C-Calm down. I beg you to calm down first Eco.”

Ash was under great pressure. Although he desperately wanted to escape through the window he was still stark naked. Once he climbed out from the window his naked body will be exposed. This was a situation where he couldn't do what he wanted.

“Hold on… Are you insane? Even I, as your master, was not allowed to enter and had to give up on visiting you. But you…”

“I-Is that so?” Ash had wondered about that.

Judging from what she had said… Lucca seemed to have entered the infirmary without permission.

“Ash. You rascal… There are so many to choose from and yet you choose a young junior and lured her into your bed…? Yet why aren't you concerned about the condition of your own health and how we worried about you…”

Silvia’s body was trembling.

“That’s not it… I didn't lure anyone into my bed! Don’t go on spouting nonsense!”

Too bad for him, but, Silvia didn't have any intention of listening.

“An enemy of women must face the judgment of the hammer of death!”

Aahh, it seems, that inevitably, I’m going to face some pain… Ash felt like crying.

“Ho-Hold on! I’m still a patient… No?”

But Silvia had long ago clenched her fist tightly and was not at all bothered by Ash’s begging. Eco too also angrily lifted her right foot.

“This is Lautreamont's family's rules!”

“I’m gonna trample you!”

Part 8

“Huu… In the end, there isn't a single useful result that was obtained.”

On her right hand was a bright dragon crystal powered torch and on her left’s was a map of the Willingham Mausoleum. Angela sighed in disappointment. Angela alone had gone through the journey of the exploration of the Willingham Mausoleum. Although basically she came here as a campsite instructor… Her original motive was still the Willingham Mausoleum. If not because of this… She would have never agreed to go to the Selective Training Camp full of sweat and smells. This was the sixth day she was investigating the Willingham Mausoleum. Since, the first day she arrived at Allonnes Lakeside, she immediately came here.

“Although the historical value is hard to predict… This is really a letdown.”

Willingham Mausoleum was a grave that was built from a natural cave. The atmosphere was peaceful inside the Willingham Mausoleum which was due to its two thousand years of history. Angela found quite a number of dragon fossils. She had originally thought that since this was a mausoleum, all the bodies would be buried nicely. But, there seemed to be exception.

“…Huh?”

Just when Angela was marching towards the exit. -She suddenly stood still.

In front of her was a strange fork road. Angela, who was always calm, had just turned pale.

“Could it be…”

Angela had inspected the map for one more time. This was a totally different place compared to the intended route. It seemed that she was lost because of her carelessness. Her deduction skills had dropped probably because of her lack of sleep.

No matter what, if I don’t find a way out… I’m sure to meet the same fate as these dragons. Angela feared.

“Since I had been in love with the dragons for a long time… It's not a bad idea to be buried with them... Like hell I would!”

Angela, while commenting to herself, was thinking about her troubles. Basically, all the instructors and students knew she was at Willingham Mausoleum. If she returned late… They will send someone to search for her.

“I’m really… How could I be this unlucky!”

After putting down her luggage Angela rested with her back facing the rocks. She thought that this was not a time for her to be running around in panic.

-Click.

In a few moments… She heard voices that could never be found in nature.

“…?"

At the same time, while making a ‘Ssssssss’ sound, the wall behind Angela moved.

“T-This is?"

Angela immediately turned her head around. The place where there should have been rocks originally, now had a rectangular hole. She immediately shone her bright dragon crystal powered torch. The hole was suspected to be a secret passage where the end couldn't even be seen.

“Could it be that… This mechanism was designed by the dragons?"

Although the details weren't clear… What she was sure of was that she accidentally set off the trigger. But under the eyes of a commoner this passage would just seem like a normal natural cave… After wiping of the dust off her spectacles Angela shouted in joy.

“Who would know that such mechanisms exist. This is the century’s biggest discovery!”

Angela had forgotten that she was in a fix and lifted her bright dragon crystal powered torch while stepping into the secret passage.

Part 9

“This is just too good to be true…!”

At the end of the secret passage Angela gave another cheer. There was a space here that had nothing to do with the mausoleum at all. It was the size of a classroom at the academy. In this dug out space, bookshelves, tables, sofas and other furniture could be seen. There were carpets of different designs on the floor that gave it an elegant atmosphere. After the torch was shone on the ceiling, Angela was stunned.

“That’s…”

On the ceiling was an extravagant chandelier. But it still seemed logical since it had bright-dragon-crystal in it. If any grave robbers had found it, they would be sure to move it away immediately. Angela looked upwards and sang a chant. What she was singing was a basic level oracle and the light immediately lit up. A light far stronger than the torch had lit the room and thus Angela was able to explore every single corner.

“This carpet, without a doubt, it is a dragon’s creation. This design was once very popular among the dragons of about a thousand years ago. The rest of the furniture also has the dragons’ style…”

The dragons, who were at the same time artisans, have special taste for beauty. It was totally different from humans’ design.

“What is the reason for the dragons to build this room…?”

Angela suddenly looked at the table. There was a book that was an inch thick lying on the antique table. The book itself emitted a serious feeling that made it seem like it was the owner of this room.

“Is it… To pass this book to the humans…?’

Angela approached the table and took the book. The over luxurious looks gave a deep impression and the weight is extremely heavy, just like an encyclopedia.

“Could…. This be the ‘Old Testament of the Stella Biblia’…?”

Angela’s spectacles nearly slide off her nose. The Chevron Kingdom and the Knight Country worshiped Rosa Maria and made it as the country’s religion. The bible that recorded the teaching was usually called the Stella Biblia It recorded the life of Saint Rosa Maria and her pal Eco. The believers learned the religion’s teaching through the study of Rosa Maria and Eco’s way of life. The reason why Ash named his pal ‘Eco’ was because of he was influenced by this Stella Biblia.

By the way, although it was said that the ‘Stella Biblia’ had two versions which were the ‘Old Testament’ and ‘New Testament”, only the ‘New Testament’ was recognized by the headquarters for the Rosa Maria religion's - Holy Espada Agency. Just not too long ago even the Old Testament was banned… Angela happily flipped over the pages and read out a few sentences.

“…After the wise dragon Inbroke, two major bloodlines were formed. They are the Avalon’s holy dragons’ emperor’s family and the Nehalennia's dark dragons’ king’s family. An endless war started from these two families-.”

Angela was confused.

“T-This… did this happen during the ancient kingdom…? But it feels like a legend after reading…”

As if it was to help Angela to get rid of her trouble, a sound of another person was heard in the room.

“No, that is exactly the truth.”

“-!”

Angela immediately hid the Old Testament of the Stella Biblia in between her arms and coldly glared at the intruder.

“A grave robber? No… You don’t look like that kind of person.”

“In the ancient times… When the Zono Ton Enlightenment had started in this Ark Strada Continent… The two families who inherited the wise dragon Inbroke's bloodline had started the bloody war."

A tall and skinny guy said this story. The only thing that could be clearly seen was his silver mask. His expression was hard to be judged because his eyes were covered. There were a few strands of red hairs mixing in with the rest of his silvery hair and he emitted an evil aura. Although his attire was of a mercenary, he gave out an extraordinary feel that made his clothes stand out. A girl with oat coloured skin was silently standing behind him. Her face looked handsome and cute but her eyes expressed strong determination. This small sized girl was wearing her tribal gear. The metal glove in her left hand attracted attention and there was a high possibility that there were weapons in it.

“Both of you are…!”

Angela remembered. The two suspicious people that Ash met in the forest about two months ago. Angela had also gone through the reports that the student council sorted. According to it… The girl called the guy ‘Milgauss-sama’.

“Why would both of you come to these ruins?”

Angela acted calm and asked them coolly. On her right hand was a bright-dragon-crystal made ring. The red crystal signified a fire element. Her only winning chance would be the element of surprise… But Milgauss, as if he already knew what she was thinking, said:

“You wanted to use the red-flame dragon’s-breath as an attack. No?”

Angela gasped after her intention of using the oracle had been found out.

“I’ll advise you for not doing that. Those puny flames, that can only kill dragonflies, can hurt me? To dragons, those flames were nothing. Am I wrong Ann?”

“You wanted to use the red flame dragon’s breath as an attack. No?”

“What…!”

Angela’s eyes widen. If that guy addressed her as ‘Professor Cornwell’ she wouldn't even be surprised. Since she was one of the top researchers for the dragons it would be normal if people of the Zepharos Empire recognized her. But Milgauss addressed her as ‘Ann’.

“Y-You… Could you be…!”

In the mean time, she felt something was off. Until the moment her feeling turned into reality, the ‘Old Testament of the Stella Biblia’ had fallen on to the ground. Angela was no stranger to Milgauss's elegant voice. Logically speaking… This is their first meeting but Angela recognized that voice. Once she realized the truth, in her eyes, Milgauss's standing posture and his hidden smile overlapped with ‘the person’ she recognized.

-I knew this guy! But he… Shouldn't even be living…

Angela’s lips trembled while looking at Milgauss's face. How could this be… Angela couldn't help but keep on thinking about the face underneath the mask.

Part 10

It was twelve years before. The young genius girl - Angela Cornwell who was thirteen at that time, had graduated from the University of Fontaine City and wanted to move overseas for further studies. The location was the highest academy institution in Chevron Kingdom, University of Feachador. The education fees were fully covered by the Knight’s royal family. It was in the university’s research lab that Angela met the ‘Ouji-sama’ That time should be around mid-summer, in the month of Leo. That day was the University of Feachador's anniversary and the whole place was crowded.

But only Angela alone was in the research lab still doing research about dragons. The lecturers and the students had gone out to enjoy the celebration. But someone appeared in front Angela who was in the middle of her research. That person was Julius - Julius Lautreamont made use of the Ansarivan's Dragon Riding Academy’s summer break opportunity to visit the Chevron Kingdom. Apart from vacation he also took the job of a diplomat.

“Haha. I thought I saw an angel! Are you the daughter of a lecturer or a sister of a student?”

“I-I, myself, am a student!”

According to Julius… He ran into the university to escape from some troublesome fans. In the end… He had gotten lost. He had a handsome look about him and yet, a somewhat, mischievous behavior. Julius was only sixteen during that time and he was already a dragner. Not only he was strong and smart… He was also an attractive boy. The meeting she had with Julius had left a deep impression in her mind. Julius smile had melted, the lonely genius, Angela’s heart.-

Part 11

The feeling that Milgauss gave out was almost the same as Julius’s. Even after he put on the mask and changed his hair style… The manner in which he spoke was still the same as years before.

“H-How… Is this possible…!”

Angela was stunned. Milgauss had given orders to the girl behind him coldly.

“Do it!”

The girl immediately adjusted the weapon in her left hand’s metal glove- It is a leather whip that the mountains tribes love to use.

“Haa!”

The whip bends according to the girls shout.

The whip swept past Angela with a ‘sss’ and she bent her knees to avoid. Her spectacles were hit and fell to the ground.

“Urgh…”

Even though the girl attacked from the front… Angela’s back was in pain. It seems that the whip easily avoided Angela’s field of vision and attacked from the back.

“B-Both of you… What is the reason for you… to come to Willingham Mausoleum-”

At the same time… Angela thought of the only possibility. The culprit guilty of using the Necromancia, to attack Ansarivan, was yet to be found out. But, according to the time when Milgauss appeared at Ansarivan, it was reasonable to suspect him.

-The crucial material of creating the Necromancia were the bones of the dragons.

If Milgauss was the culprit for releasing the Necromancia, then shouldn't the Willingham Mausoleum become very dangerous? Since there were many bones buried underground…!

“I beg you… Immediately... Leave this place-”

Angela with a trembling voice said towards the students who were at the lakeside preparing for the closing ceremony. Needless to say… No one was able to receive her warning- The girl knocked her with a hatchet and she lost consciousness.

Part 12

After making sure that Angela had fainted… Anya turned around and looked at Milgauss.

“About this woman… How are we gonna deal with her? She is still a good scholar; it is a pity for us to kill her…”

Milgauss replied coldly.

“I don’t need anyone like her. Just end her lif- Guuk!”

The next moment, Milgauss looked strange. He was suddenly breathing heavily in pain and struggling while kneeling down on the floor.

“Guu… This damn person! Such determination… Must he interfere with me-!”

Milgauss was muttering something weird.

“M-Milgauss-sama!”

Anya was nervous when she ran to Milgauss. This was the first time she saw Milgauss suffer to this extend. She had never heard before that Milgauss had any ailment disease…

“…Fear not. I’m absolutely alright.”

Milgauss suddenly stood up which made the pain before look like a show. The feeling though was like after a demon being excoriated.

“Err… Milgauss-sama? Are you really alright? Anything wrong with your-“

“I’m very fine. The main point is-“

Milgauss was looking at the floor. Angela was still unconscious. Milgauss also addressed her as ‘Ann’. The sound of it made it seem like he was calling a close friend or a lover…

"Let’s not bother about this woman. This is a Mausoleum for the dragons. The dead body of a human will only dirty this place."

“…Understood.” replied Anya.

Even when she was still troubled by it, Milgauss had turned around facing another side.

“Milgauss-sama…?’

Anya was confused. She didn't understand what was happening around Milgauss. Just before he turned strange, Milgauss wanted to kill Angela… But why did he change his mind? Milgauss continued to give orders to Anya who was still letting her thoughts wonder.

“I’ll activate the Necromancia in a few moments. Be prepared to head back to Ansarivan.”

“Understood.”

Although she was still worried, about Milgauss's physical condition, Anya still answered immediately. The time for the battle was about to begin.

Part 13

In the evening… Ash had nothing to do. Under the assistance of the healing magic his injuries were now much better. Although his body still hurt he was now able to walk on his own. Also… He was now able to wear a patients’ gown. Anyway. It was embarrassing to remain naked. Having said that. It was the truth that he was still badly injured. Not only his head but his entire body was wrapped up into a mummy. Apart from going to the washroom he was forbidden from going anywhere let alone outside. Ash was staring at the scenery outside the window for quite some time.

“Is the closing ceremony starting…?” He wondered.

At the lakeside, as dusk was ending, the preparations for the campfire were still going on. In about an hour, those logs that were stacked up high, will be burned. Rebecca, Silvia, Jessica, Cosette, Max… These friends, who had visited him a few times in the morning, were hardly seen just before and during the sunset. This was also because they were busy preparing for the ceremony. On the other hand… Lucca should be meeting with Gawain deep in the Norg Forest. Three hours ago, she purposely came back and told Ash that Gawain was still living. After knowing that Gawain was still breathing Ash breathed a sigh of relieve.

The next thing to do was for Lucca to overcome her fear towards Gawain so the Astral, that connected both of them, may continue to flow.

“Zzz… Zzz…”

Eco was sleeping peacefully with her head on the bed. It was probable that she didn't get enough sleep while Ash was in a comma.

“I’m entering. Ash!”

At this moment Rebecca's voice and a knock on the door sounded at the same time. Before Ash could reply she had already walked into the room. Rebecca, who was in her swim wear, wore only a thin shirt covering her top which made her look quite sexy. Rebecca's swim wear was red in colour and since her shirt was unbuttoned, her deep cleavage, thin white waist and the bikini lines were totally visible.

“Rebecca-san…!”

Ash didn't know where to look at.

“Do you feel better now?”

After looking at Eco with her gentle eyes, she looked at Ash with a serious expression.

“I’m fine. I can even go to the toilet on my own!”

“Good. Back to the main point… I’m worried about something.”

“What’s it?”

“Angela-sensei hasn't yet returned from the ruins even after I had advised her that she must attend the closing ceremony...”

Ash was stunned. He had heard about Angela going to Willingham Mausoleum on the first evening of the training camp. In another words… Angela didn't know that Ash was badly injured.

“According to her standard behavior… Angela must be too immersed in her explorations. No?”

Ash gave an arbitrary smile but Rebecca was still troubled by it.

“It is alright if it is just like that… I’m worried that she had accidentally met with a grave robber.”

-Bang! Just as Rebecca was talking.

The door suddenly opened and Lucca entered from outside. Because she was running there was a lot of sweat which was probably the cause for her summer uniform to be wet. It was rare to see her panicking when she always did things so deliberately.

Eco seemed to have been woken by the all the commotion. “Nyuu.“ She made a sleepy sound and she slowly sat up rubbing her eyes while looking around.

“What happened?” asked Ash, more than concerned.

Lucca answered slowly since she was breathing heavily:

“That… kid… Gawain…!”

Part 14

Lucca told the whole story slowly.

-Gawain is dead?

Ash was thinking about the worst outcome but the truth was not like what he had expected. Gawain seemed to hide itself when Lucca was not around. Lucca had been together with Gawain for the entire morning. As long as she overcame her fear of falling from Gawain’s back, Gawain would once again accept her. Thus their Astral will once again be connected and Gawain won’t die. Lucca was facing Gawain with only this thought- But not only did Gawain not accept Lucca it had also hidden itself. Rebecca gently hugged Lucca who was crying.

“Gawain will never discard you. It probably felt that it was finally going to die and didn't want you to suffer anymore by seeing its dying expression. So…”

After hearing Rebecca's assumption, Ash also agreed with it, but Lucca continued...

“We will look for Gawain immediately! Didn't we already find out the reason why the astral couldn't connect? With a little more effort… We will be able to save Gawain! But it had already given up… How can we let this happen!”

Rebecca, still willing to help, nodded in agreement.

“That’s right… I also think so. We need not follow exactly what Gawain wants. The problem is… Where is it hiding right now…”

“T-That…”

Lucca provided information to Rebecca who was thinking deeply. She had rubbed off her tears and set herself with a determined look.

“I think… It must have gone into Willing Mausoleum. That is a grave specially for young dragons… Gawain is still at its juvenile age.”

Rebecca nodded.

“Hmm.. That’s possible. Have you ever before heard the story of ‘The dragon of Willingham’?”

“I had heard of it before. My mom always told me this story when I was younger.”

Part 15

-It was a disaster that happened to a young dragon. When Nuada was young… it still managed to become a maestro. But it could not bear to see its young master suffering in her illness so it cut off its Astral. In the end… Nuada had become very weak. But Nuada swore never to let its master see its dying moment so it left quietly. Later, although the girl recovered, Nuada had died in Willingham Mausoleum alone after some time. When Ash heard this story from his mother when he was still a child, he cried.

Rebecca declared as if wanting to change the atmosphere in the room:

“I’ll never let Gawain meet the same fate as Nuada. So… The closing ceremony will be temporally canceled. I’ll ask all the students to look for Gawain. It will be even better if we could find Angela-sensei at the same time.”

“No! please hold on.”

Ash was against this proposal.

“Let the students enjoy the closing ceremony. I had been unconscious for these few days, so I don’t know what kind of training they had been through, but everyone must have placed their best effort into it. The point for organizing the closing ceremony… Ain't it to congratulate those students who completed the training camp?”

“You are right, but, what were you planning? Could it be…”

Ash smiled.

“That’s right. I’ll be responsible for the search. Rest assure, thanks to the healing magic, I’m almost fully recovered.”

That was actually a lie. Every time Ash moved he felt pain in both his organs and joints. Even so… He still wouldn't give up. Upon hearing this Eco, who was silent the whole time, became angry.

“Are you kidding! Or you must be an idiot! It is clear that your body is still weak… And yet you want to look for that weak dragon!”

Ash places his hand on Eco’s head to calm her down. Even though she was angry, it was still because that she cared and worried about Ash.

“Please, forgive me, Eco. I couldn't just kept on watching silently. That fella is not a weak dragon.”

“B-But…”

“If you worry about me Eco, then why won't you come with me?”

Eco immediately blushed like a wildfire.

“W-What… M-Me… I never worried about you!”

Ash was not bothered by Eco, who kept on denying herself while shaking her hands, and bowed down in front of Rebecca.

“I beg you… Rebecca.”

“Tsk… I don’t think I can say no. Or else, the closing ceremony will go on as usual but all the student council’s members will help in the search."

“No, that won’t work out, if Rebecca-san is absent everyone will be suspicious about it. For such a ceremony… I hope that every student will enjoy it to the fullest.”

“But-”

Just when Rebecca wanted to explain… The infirmary room’s door opened with a loud bang.

“If that’s the case… I’ll take over that job of yours. As a dragner; We must help those who are in trouble. - This is the Lautreamont's family’s rules!” declared Silvia.

Part 16

The search party that had been decided upon consisted of four members - Ash, Silvia, Eco and Lucca. Max and Jessica had agreed to go with them but were stopped by Rebecca. Because if too many of the student council members were absent, suspicion will still arise among the students. Lancelot was now giving four people a ride with Silvia in front holding the reins.

-Behind princess…

Ash, who was right behind Silvia, was in fear. Riding on the dragon while wearing the dragsuit designed for the palace and having her hair tied up nicely… Silvia’s charms as a dragner and a princess emerged. Although Ash had previously rode on Lancelot with Silvia, during the Necromancia's attack, he was totally immersed in the battle that time. He hadn't noticed Silvia’s appeal as the opposite sex.

“What are you doing? If you don’t hold on tightly… You’ll fall.”

After being scolded by Silvia ash made up his mind and stretched out his arms. When his arms finally surrounded Silvia’s waist… He was surprised that her abdomen was so thin and fragile. The third person was Eco. She held on to Ash’s waist gently which probably was because she was worrying about Ash’s injuries.

“You must also hold on tightly.”

When Ash turned his head around, Eco blushed.

“If I use my true strength… Then your body will be squashed!”

Ash gave a wry smile. Eco cared about Ash’s condition, in her own way, which made his happiness run deep down to the bottom of his heart. The last person to ride the dragon was Lucca. She was not sitting on the saddle but the end of the tail.

“Hey, Lucca. Are you alright… Sitting like that?”

Silvia asked in surprised.

“It’s alright.”

Lucca answered lightly. It seemed that she didn't like the riding gear. Lancelot, who was now carrying four people, gracefully flew up and towards the sky.

Part 17

Walking from the training camp’s location by the lake to the Willingham Mausoleum would take about an hour. But, using Lancelot, they had arrived in an instant. Ash thought about Gawain while riding on Lancelot’s back...

-Tsk… Damn that Gawain… Playing hide and seek when it knew it was dying? What is it trying to act cool for… I’ll never allow it to follow Nuada's footsteps…!

Not much later. A stretch of high grounds appeared.

“That should be the entrance to Willingham Mausoleum.” said Silvia while controlling the reins.

Just as Silvia had said… There was an entrance like building in the middle of the hills. The area surrounding the structure was well shrouded by a thin layer of silky mist. There was an altar-like entrance adorned with shining bright-dragon-crystal powered lights that illuminated the surrounding area.

Did Angela walk into that type of place alone…? Ash felt a cold chill just by thinking about it. It didn't matter how you looked at it; This place was just not suitable for a lady to enter alone. It was reasonable for Rebecca to become worried. They also must not ignore the possibility she was attacked by some grave robbers… Just like sweeping away Ash’s thoughts. Silvia shouted:

“Alright, get ready for landing!”

Lancelot gave a brave roar and started the high speed landing maneuver.

Part 18

Milgauss was standing at the top of the hill looking at the world below. Before his eyes was the entrance to Willingham Mausoleum. Looking at the landscape further out; There was the Norg Forest and Allonnes Lakeside. Not to mention the buildings for the training camp. The campfire along the Allonnes Lakeside had been lit at and the closing ceremony had officially begun. On the ground was a coffin-like box. Milgauss opened the lid and took out a gigantic black sword.

This same gigantic sword was the tool used to summon the Necromancia. This was the great result of the Empires’ proud mechanical engineering and the development of the dragons. - The remnant of the Magic Techniques. After Milgauss had returned to his country… He had improvised this device. This gigantic sword, that once looked like a piece of art work, had now become more dangerous and mechanized. The bright dragon crystals on the hilt had increased tremendously. There were a total of nine big crystals and more than twenty smaller ones. If it was to be on sale it could surely fetch a large amount of money. But in Milgauss eyes… The expensive crystals were but tools. Milgauss easily lifted the gigantic sword and stabbed it deep into the ground. This was to send it's magic into the inner part of the mausoleum.

The dragon jaw shaped sword made a deep heavy sound and sunk into the rocks.

“This looks like a tombstone.”

Just when Milgauss was mumbling… A white shape swept passed his eyes. A flying object, that he thought to be a dragon, was getting nearer at a rapid pace. As it flew over he spied the shadow which looked exactly like Lancelot's. Milgauss widened his eyes, that were under the mask, and looked at the evening sky.

“Hmph… The princess. On patrol?”

Milgauss immediately hid behind the rocks. Even though he thought that the sky was dark enough to hide him from the eyes of the rider he must never underestimate the eyes of a dragon. Luckily, Lancelot had quickly begun its landing. It seemed that they were heading for the mausoleum’s entrance. In a few moments he lost sight of Lancelot.

“Let’s begin.” murmured Milgauss exiting from the cover of the rocks.

Grabbing the hilt of the gigantic sword he started to sing out the spell.

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Show yourself by the crystals of the Magic Techniques. The spirits of the young dragons now be revived.”

In a moments time… The bright-dragon-crystals on the hilt began to shine brightly.

Part 19

“A-Angela-sensei… Came to this cave?”

Silvia, who just alighted from Lancelot, was shocked after she examined at Willingham Mausoleum’s entrance. She didn't expect the mausoleum to be this scary. It was fine while the sun was still bright but the now darkening sky made it seem a lot scarier. The mist surrounding the entrance made it look like the doors to hell. Although there were bright-dragon-crystal powered lights around the entrance… They still didn't ease her fear.

“Gawain…”

Ash placed his hand on Lucca's head because of her worried looks.

“Rest assured. We will definitely find Gawain.”

“Nnn…” answered Lucca softly.

At the same time… A bolt struck out deep into the evening sky followed by the roaring sound of thunder.

“Kyaa!”

The first person to scream was Silvia. Ash made a sympathetic smile. Although, under Veronica’s training, she had become stronger, she was still a coward. But this mildly amusing situation was immediately interrupted by Eco.

“…Just like that time.”

Eco was looking at the sky with her sharp eyes. Lancelot had also assumed it's alert posture and was growling with a "Grrrrrr…."

In the blink of an eye… Dark clouds had almost entirely filled the sky.

“Are you saying about the time when the Necromancia attacked…?”

Eco nodded while answering seriously.

“That’s right. This bad feeling… I can't be wrong about it!”

At this time the earth started and kept on shaking. Ash nearly fell because of the strong continuous shaking. He already had a hard time to keeping balanced.

“Kyaa!”

But the other girl that fell in his direction had dragged him down together with her.

The girl who fell into his chest was Eco. Silvia, who wouldn't let go of his right arm, and Lucca tightly clung onto his left arm. Even under this type of situation… Ash couldn't enjoy it not one bit.

“Urgh-!”

His whole body was in pain. The rest had forgotten that Ash was a serious patient that had been advised by the doctor to have a sufficient amount of rest.

“S-Sorry! Are you alright?”

“S…orry!”

“It’s all because of me…”

Silvia, Lucca and Eco immediately apologized.

“Don’t worry… I’m alright.”

Ash didn't want the others to worry about him and squeeze out a smile. But, his smile didn't look natural and he prayed that the dark sky can provide some cover for him. After the earthquake stopped… Ash stood up.

“Fhuss…”

A sound as if it was laughing at Ash stubbornness was heard.

“-!”

One by one… A scary sight appeared from the dark corner of the mausoleum. They were not humans. Although they looked like dragons, they didn't have the holy feelings that the dragons emit.

“Necromancia!”

At the same time that Eco warned the others… Something rushed out from the mausoleum.

Something that was bigger than a horse but too small compared to a dragon. Alas, there wasn't only just one, there were a bunch of them. There were around five of them and each of them looked like a young Asia. Their bodies were black and had mad eyes, sharp teeth and a strong rotten smell.

“A young dragon sized… Necromancia?”

Just as Ash was speaking his thoughts… The leader of the Necromancia's attacked. After its mouth opened, shining rays could be seen- Don! And a ball of flames came flying along the ground.

Lancelot made a scary roar and activated its defensive magic’s shield and immediately the breath attack was nullified. But there was no time to thank Lancelot. The group had already extended their many deep red coloured tentacles now and were getting nearer. Silvia became the first victim.

“Kyaa!”

“Princess!”

Although Ash immediately stretched out his hand, he still missed. The slimy and sticky tentacles wrapped around Silvia’s thin body and hoisted her up into the air.

The slimy and sticky tentacles wrapped around Silvia’s thin body and hoisted her up into the air.

“I-Insolent fools! How dare you touch the Royal Knight’s family’s Princess...!”

Too bad they were not someone that could be communicated with language. Although Silvia struggled… The more she struggled the harder the tentacles grip became. In very little time more than half of her dragsuit was torn off and the buttons had come loose.

“S-Stop! Stop this insolent behavior...! Ahh... Stoooop!”

Silvia’s scream could be heard all over.

“Eco. Hand me the Ark quick!”

Eco angrily rejected Ash’s request.

“No way! You are still a patient! The Ark will burden your body-”

“Is this a time to worry about those things! Princess is in danger right now!”

“B-But...”

Compared to Eco, who stood still, Lancelot had started to make his move.

To save its master, it had used the red flaming dragon breath.

-Don!

That was a true breath and wasn't comparable to flames created by an Oracle. The unimaginable destructive force had turned the five Necromancia blocking the entrance into fire balls.

“Grrrroooorrrr!”

The five Necromancias who were on fire roared in agony and changed their target to Ash and the rest. But Lancelot gave a final flaming breath which further turned the Necromancia into ashes. Although they were young dragons, there were no difference from the hardiness of a regular Necromancia. As the tentacles snapped, Silvia was caught by Lancelot as she was falling.

“Huff... Puff... Thank you! Lancelot.”

Ash gave a sigh of relieve when he saw Silvia was safe. But he immediately heard Lucca screaming.

“That...!”

Lucca was standing by the cliff and was looking at the direction to the lakeside. No, it was actually towards Norg Forest.

“Anything?”

“The forest... is polluted...”

Lucca, as an Eckbald, was sensitive to the changes in the forest. Ash looked towards the direction she was looking at and he was dumbstruck.

-Dodododododo....

The forest was shaking and the feeling was like a group of Asia’s running. The wild birds and small animals were shocked and their sound could be heard one after another. Judging from Lucca's sense of ‘Polluted…’ The Asia type Necromancia could be on the move in the forest. It seemed that apart from the main door… There were other places that the Necromancia came out from.

“Ash, quickly, look at the lakeside!”

Silvia was shouting on Lancelot’s back while pointing to the lakeside.

“Could it be that... Those were also Necromancia?”

Ash clenched his trembling fist. The black shapes were moving around the dark lake. Thanks to the campfire at the lakeside he was somehow make out their shadows. Those must be the Hydra type Necromancia. The total amount should be around twenty... No, it seems that, it was around thirty. They were moving towards the campfire by the lakeside.

“They are also at the sky!”

This time it was Eco who was pointing at the sky. A group of Strada type Necromancia, while making some weird type of bird noises, were circling around the sky. They seemed to ignore Ash and the rest and were heading towards the campsite...

“So I see... Their target is to attack the training camp!”

Ash angrily clenched his fists on both hands.

“Damn... Even when the students there were top students, the only ones who had experience in dealing with Necromancia were Max and Rebecca. Are they going to be alright?"

“Ash, now is not the time to worry about the others. We can only trust the president to protect the training camp.”

Silvia’s calm voice dragged Ash back to reality. She focused her sight onto the entrance of the mausoleum.

“That’s...!”

Ash turned speechless.

A second batch of Asia type Necromancia had rushed out and there were six of them this time.

“Grrrr...”

Lancelot with a growl and a breath attack exploded over them turning three of the leading Necromancia into ashes. At this moment, the deep red coloured tentacles rushed forward. However, Lancelot was not intimidated by them. It stood up, with its hind legs supporting its body, and slashed the Necromancia with its hammer like front legs. The sharp claws made a screeching sound and the tentacles were torn up like knives slicing rubber bands. The scene could only be described as 'dead bodies everywhere.' In only a few minutes the second batch of Asia type Necromancia were totally wiped out.

“S-Strong...!”

Lancelot’s heroic fight amazed Ash while Silvia’s dragon controlling skill had also improved significantly. Silvia looked down towards the rest of the gang with a skillful look.

“Ride on Lancelot! Quickly, we are going into the mausoleum.”

Part 20

... Rebecca is just too great. Jessica, who led the group of Hydras, was muttering while looking at Cú Chulainn who was flying above in the night sky.

“All of you here had gone through the five days Selective Training Camp! Your skills have improved significantly! You must have faith in yourself! Your skills are far better than what you had imagined!”

Under Rebecca's command the students had mounted their pals. The Stradas were flying, the Asias were on their way to Norg Forest and the Hydras gathered at Allonnes Lake. Their strategy––An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

“... Rebecca is just too great.”

Jessica, who led the group of Hydras, was muttering while looking at Cú Chulainn who was flying above in the night sky.

Part 21

Rebecca was standing at the high end of Cú Chulainn’s neck. She was already in her Ark. The enormous amount of magic was surrounding her entire body. Max was acting as her second in command riding behind her on Arianrhod. Not long before… The students were happily enjoying the cozy atmosphere around the closing ceremony’s campfire. But the Necromancia attacking from all three routes, had drastically changed the mood. Just like heaven and hell, the students were all in a panic, but thanks to Rebecca the tables had turned. Just a simple talk from Rebecca had given them the courage to fight. Now, not only were the students not in any fear, they even trembled in excitement. A huge amount of Necromancia were approaching. There was only about a hundred meters in between them.

"Appear! The certain hit magic spear! Gáe Bolg!"

Rebecca naturally led the attack.

“Gáe Bolg!”

A bright light appeared after the spell had ended and a long spear appeared. Gáe Bolg's light pierced through the dark sky followed by an explosion. One by one the Strada type Necromancia fell to the ground.

“Attack!”

Rebecca commanded like a general.

“Oooooo!”

Upon receiving the order… All the students attacked at the same time.

Part 22

Dim white lights were emitted from Lancelot’s horn. This was a basic magic for the dragons. Thus, Ash and the rest didn't have to rely on the bright-dragon-crystal torch while traversing the cave. Lancelot was walking forward silently and steadily through the cave. Its usual earth shaking footsteps almost couldn't be felt. This had lessened the amount of burden that Ash’s, medically weak, body had to endure.

“Thank you. Princess.”

Silvia was surprised that Ash spoke behind her ears and her neck suddenly gave a jerk. Because her hair was tied up with a red ribbon her white neck was exposed.

“Why are you acting with such ambiguity! I had done nothing that deserves your thanks!”

“You were worried about me and purposely asked Lancelot to slow down. Right? So…”

“I-I had never thought that far! How can we move quickly in this narrow space!”

Ash gave a wry smile. Silvia was shy about it. For such a great dragon like Lancelot… To move quickly in such a narrow space is but child’s play.

“-Careful!”

Silvia suddenly shouted.

“Ksharrrr!”

Three Strada type Necromancia attacked from the front. They looked more like bats than dragons. Even though they were once noble dragons in their own time, after they became Necromancia, they were no different from any undistinguished animal. Ash tensed. The next second...

“Grooooo….!”

Lancelot gave an angry roar… Along the path, where the brilliant dragon stepped passed, there were only ashes left behind.

“Such excellence.”

Upon hearing Ash’s murmur… Silvia proudly lifted her chest.

“Hmph… During your time spent recovering… I had completed every single course in the Selective Training Camp. The days when I did battle stimulations with the president was every day… I felt like crying when I did that."

What Silvia said felt like a sad tone hidden in it. She seemed to have experienced something terrible. Ash who had only experienced the first day’s lake water bath was regretting. But… the main reason Silvia became strong was mainly because of Princess Veronica’s encouragement. If Veronica hadn't visited Ansarivan last week… Silvia may not have turned over a new leaf.

“Back to the topic. Why haven’t we seen Angela-sensei yet?... I'm hoping she wasn't attacked by the Necromancia.”

Silvia sighed while looking at the mausoleum’s map.

“We also haven’t found Gawain yet… Lucca. Have you felt anything?”

“I can’t… Because the Astral was not connected… My ‘Seikoku’ is not responding."

Since Lucca couldn't feel anything; They could only ransack the entire cave. Although it would be a tiresome job just by only imagining it, it was still an emergency.

“Another thing… Eco. There is something that I must tell you first hand.”

Ash was looking at Eco through his shoulders.

“Anything?”

Eco who was clinging tightly at Ash’s back lifted her head while feeling annoyed.

“The next time I ask you to hand me the Ark… Please do so immediately. Any doubt at that moment could make you regret for your whole life.”

“Wha…!”

Eco immediately exploded. She kept on hitting Ash with her fist.

“I won’t allow you to order me! Be careful or I’ll trample you!”

Although the way she was hitting was more like emotionally pouting… The strength that she put in still made him suffer.

“I-It hurts! S-Stop hitting me!”

“Have you forgotten that you are still a patient! Even though those were temporally made mimic-Arks they still burden your body!”

Although she said it angrily… She was still concerned about Ash. The way she thought made Ash happy but the situation right now was an emergency and maybe the mastermind was still somewhere in this mausoleum.

“If not… Could you create an Ark that won't cause much burden to the body?”

“What did you say?”

“Please, I believe that you are able to make an Ark that is suitable for my current situation.”

“H-How… Could you speak with such confidence!”

“Do you even need to ask? Because you are my excellent pal!”

“…!”

It was possible that she was moved by Ash… Eco was speechless and blushed.

“Alright… B-But, during the time I’m in the dragon workshop, my body…”

Ash immediately knew what she was going to say. Only a spirit can enter the dragon workshop and the true body would be left in this world. When the spirit left the body the empty shell would be defenceless.

“Worry not. I’ll protect your body.”

Ash loosened his grip on Silvia’s waist and carefully switched places with Eco while trying not to fall off from Lancelot.

“Ash…?”

Eco was dumbstruck and turned around to look at Ash. Ash then hugged Eco’s waist tightly.

“Wha-W-Wha…!”

Eco’s shoulders twisted for one moment and her body had become like a log. Her ears hidden in her hairs were red. As if hot air was going to burst out anytime.

“I-If you don’t hold on to me tightly… You better watch out!” Eco said angrily

After that she relaxed and rested her back up against Ash’s chest. He could smell the fragrance of her shampoo. The next moment Eco’s body went limp and was like a puppet whose strings had snapped. She lost her strength and laid her head on Ash’s right shoulder. Ash had felt that her spirit had left her body.

“Our hopes are on you… Eco.”

Ash's murmur was like praying as he held on tightly to Eco’s limp body.

Part 23

“Huh?”

Silvia immediately stopped Lancelot when they arrived at a large cavern. It didn't look like a place that had Necromancia. Lancelot increased the light intensity of its horns to brighten the extra space. Silvia was holding the reins with her right hand and was checking the map with her left.

“According to this map… This should be the centre of the mausoleum.”

“Centre...”

Ash was holding on to Eco who was still unconscious tightly while looking around. Silvia turned back and was secretly looking at Ash’s face.

“...”

Just to make a new Ark for Ash, Eco had went to the dragon workshop. Ash kept on holding to her petite body tightly for some time. Of course the reason Ash did so was to prevent Eco from falling off from Lancelot... But Silvia had been jumpy ever since and couldn't remain completely calm.

-Damn, what am I getting nervous about!

Silvia had reaffirmed herself and was looking around her surrounding carefully. The size of the space was about the size of the academy’s lecture hall. The cavern ceiling was extremely high estimated at about fifteen meters. There were a lot of winged-cross shaped tombstones all around on the floor. All the tombstones were at least five meters in height. The winged cross in the middle was far bigger than the rest. Its height almost touched the stone ceiling. Is there a powerful dragon buried there? Too bad they still hadn't found Angela and Gawain. Logically speaking, this large empty space, located in the middle of the entire mausoleum, should be the place with the highest probability of finding them... After Silvia gave a long sigh Ash said to her:

“Princess. Look up at the ceiling.”

“-Huh?”

Silvia’s eyes widened. There was a volcano like hole in the middle of the ceiling and the night sky could be seen from within. Before they had entered the mausoleum… Eco had described this dark sky as a ‘bad feeling’. On a clear night there would have been moonlight shining through that hole to create a dreamy situation.

“Grrrrr...”

Lancelot suddenly lifted its neck and gave a warning growl. It was staring intensely at the hole above.

“What’s it. Lancelot?”

Just when Silvia asked in surprised-

“We meet again. Shounen.”

A guy’s voice could be heard from above. A tall and thin person stood at the edge of the hole.

“You’re... Milgauss!”

Ash's sudden gasp could even be felt by Silvia. Lancelot maneuvered so that his horn's light illuminated the scene above. A lone guy wearing a mask appeared pale white in colour under the light. Silvia had also read the report book and immediately knew who he was.

“The ruffian who was called Milgauss! Who knew that I would meet you here! I, under the name of Lautreamont's Royal Knight’s family, will punish you in the name of god!”

Even while facing Silvia, who was excited and indignant, Milgauss only replied with a laugh.

“Hmph... Come on… Even Veronica Lautreamont, who was a top warrior, wasn't chosen to be a breeder... And yet a coward like you was chosen.”

“What... Did you say?”

The way Milgauss spoke was as if he knew a lot of her background information, made Silvia felt uneasy.

“Are you alright. Princess?”

Ash asked from behind.

“N-No... Nothing.”

Silvia’s mind was already in a mess even when she said so.

-What is this feeling? That guy called Milgauss... Even though this is the first time I met him, but, he felt familiar. Why would I feel this way?

“Princess? You... Are crying?”

“Huh!?”

Ash’s words woke her up. She had only just found out that her tears already started falling.

“This... Why would I...?”

Even Silvia didn't know why she cried. But, if she even glances at Milgauss, her heart tightened. Milgauss suddenly gave a smile. A smile of a father who cared about his child. A peaceful and caring smile.

“You have grown… Sylvie.”

“Wha-!”

Silvia felt a cold chill. No matter how wide the world was… The only ones who would call her by her pet name were her family members. Not only that… His suddenly gentle voice had caused her to recall forgotten memories.

-Onii-sama! Julius onii-sama!

-Haha, Silvia, you pampered child.

-It’s because... Onii-sama kept on talking to Glenn-dono and had forgotten about me!

Her childhood memories resurfaced in her mind. How is this possible.

-‘Dragon Slayer’.

Brother Julius had committed such a serious offense and had been punished. Silvia was only five during that time. In the Lautreamont Knight Country… Killing a dragon was the utmost offense. Even if it was the prince of the Knight’s royal family… He would still be punished. To make it worse… The dragon that Julius killed was his pal… Maestro Mordred. Julius was already dead. But... Milgauss had the same feel as Julius with every movement he made. At that moment Lancelot had again given a warning growl. As if it was trying to tell Silvia to raise her guard.

“Could it be...!”

Silvia had also felt that something was very wrong. The ground was slightly shaking.

-Something was hidden in the ground!

“Kuku... Up to what extent Lancelot can fight is something worth seeing. Or is it that… The guy over there will come out with some weird tactics?”

“Urgh...”

Ash kept silent. Eco had remained silent and had yet to wake up. Silvia also couldn't predict the amount of time needed for Eco to create a new Ark. Milgauss, as if he saw through Ash’s Achilles heel, gave an expression of ridicule.

“But, judging by Avalon Princess' behavior, I believe that you won’t be able to come up with anything unusual. No?”

“Avalon's Princess? Why would you also know about-” Ash was obviously shaken.

Avalon- This word was suspected to originate from the ancient language. Silvia didn't know what that meant. Anyway… what’s this about a princess?

-No... This isn't the time to worry about those things...

Silvia cleared her mind and focused on the current situation.

“Let me tell you, the dragons buried in this mausoleum were young dragons! Even after they became Necromancia… They are still no match for my Lancelot!”

Silvia declared but Milgauss was not even bothered by it.

“Is it so? I had sent most of them to the training campsite. Those Necromancia that you had beaten were small fries. Also… The dragons buried here were Maestros in their past life.”

As if to answer Milgauss's words… The ground split into two. The enormously loud sound was echoing around the cave while the large tombstone followed it by falling to the ground. A huge object was appearing from beneath.

“Roarrrrr...!”

A roar, as if it had arisen from hell, followed and their fight with Lancelot had started. Strong wings. Thick jaws and sharps horns… Apart from their dark skin… They had the looks of a maestro.

“Kuku... Let me tell you! Its name is Nuada!”

Upon hearing this… Silvia was stunned.

“A tragedy that every citizen of the Knight Country knew. You should had heard about it before, right? It is the dragon who loved its master and chose to commit suicide-”

Part 24

“Have you gotten everything that I had said, Navi?”

Eco was having a conversation in the dragon workshop. Navi, as usual, was wearing an evening dress while sitting on an antique chair.

“The Ark that suits his current condition most…? Hehe. This is interesting.”

The mature version of Eco was as beautiful as usual. Perhaps it was because of this… Eco hated this woman very much. Even after saying that to herself… Right now she must focus on the main situation.

“I don’t have much time. Can you replace my job for the restructuring process?”

“Ara. Why do you even need my help?”

Navi impishly smiled.

“Do I even have a choice! Even though I don’t like it... You are still more knowledgeable than me... And I expect that you could come out with a better result compared to me."

“Your judgment is correct. We are like two faces on a coin. If you are the person who lives in the outer world then I am the person who lives in the inner world. Of course I will help you.”

“So you have agreed to help me?”

“As long as you promise me one thing.”

“Promise? What do you want me to do?”

“You must promise me that, one day, you will present an Ark to Ash Blake. It must not be a mimic but a top rate piece of work that you had created.”

“W-What are you talking about! How could I agree to this!”

“Ara. Have you already given up before you even challenged it?”

“B-Because... To present the Ark to him also means…”

Navi smiled.

“That’s right. You are going to give him your everything.”

“How could I…”

Eco was speechless. Her whole body was hot as if it was burning. To give her everything to Ash, just by thinking about it, Eco was already very embarrassed about it.

“Are you willing to agree to my condition? Or not?”

“Urgh...”

Navi's provocation made her mad but… It takes time to do the review. Since there were more than a thousand Ark blueprints left by her ancestral legacy… To do the review was to search amongst all the various parts, or component blueprints, and identify those that suit Ash the most. She would be fine if it was just that, but… There was this ‘not to burden Ash’s body’ rule this time. This is much more difficult than the ‘ice element’ that Ask asked for during the church terrorist incident. Strictly speaking. Eco didn't even know if there was even an Ark that didn't overly burden the person wearing it. So this problem had nothing to do with time and she could only rely on Navi's knowledge.

“...Alright. I promise.”

After Eco had made her mental preparations… Navi smiled and the place suddenly was filled with soothing bright lights. At the same time, there were many blueprints moving about Navi's field of view. Those were the various Ark designs that the dragons, over the ages, left behind. Navi, with her glossy and watery lips, began to sing out the name of each part of the new Ark-

“Almete, Gorjal, Peto, Espaldar, Brafoneras, Faldaje, Escarcelas, Bufetas, Hombreras, Brazales, Codales, Antebrazos, Manoplas, Quijotes, Guardas, Grebas, Escarpes, Espolón.”

Eco was speechless. A few thousands of those blueprints were spinning around on Navi's head. Those that were determined as unnecessary disappeared immediately and the left over were the important ones.

“W-What a fast searching speed...” murmured a stunned Eco…

At that moment all the blueprints, that were flying around Navi's head, vanished. The lights that filled the dragon workshop had also disappeared. Navi slowly stood up from the chair and walked towards Eco.

“W-What is it...?’

Navi was too beautiful to look at and she unconsciously took a step backwards. Navi playfully smiled and placed her palm on Eco’s head.

“This is...!”

Eco felt a cold chill. An enormous amount of information entered her brain from Navi's palm. But half way through the process… It was interrupted.

“W-Why?”

“...He is facing great danger.”

Navi was looking at the three dimensional screen projected in mid-air with a serious expression.

“Then be quick!” cried Eco.

“It seems that we must act quickly.”

Navi again placed her palm on Eco’s head and resumed the transfer.

Part 25

“Is it really Nuada…!”

Ash shouted but he was immediately back to his calm self. That's right! The problem is not whether it is Nuada or not. The main point is; This Necromancia is a Maestro. Also, the Necromancia revived from the ground was not only Nuada alone. The tombstones around also fell to the ground one by one. A total of nine Asia type Necromancia crawled out from the ground.

“Princess. It is better that we retreat for the time being-”

After giving a glance at the passage behind, Ash calmly made the suggestion. The escape path was not yet blocked by the enemies. To fight in this open space, the enemies will surely attack from all directions. It will be a tough battle even though Lancelot is strong. But if they retreated to the narrow passage, the enemies will be forced to come at them in a line. They may have a chance in winning like this.

“No!” disagreed Silvia stubbornly.

She was so angry that her hands, while holding the reins, were trembling.

“Milgauss… Do you know what you had done! You… You've stained Nuada's spirit, and you should never have done that!”

“P-Princess…?”

Ash was at a loss when he looked at Silvia being angry. Silvia had obviously believed what Milgauss had said. She probably had the experience of crying after hearing Nuada's story in her childhood. At this moment Lucca, who had remained silent the whole time, cried out.

“I also… will never forgive that person!”

It was easy to understand how she felt. Because Gawain had followed in Nuada's footsteps and had disappeared for Lucca's sake. Her emotional reaction was probably founded on this. Ash was worried about the current situation.

“Young dragon Nuada! I swear, in the name of the Lautreamont Royal Knight's Family, I will defeat you! This is the only thing that I can do for you!”

In reply, to Silvia’s sworn oath, Lancelot roared with a high pitch and immediately attacked Nuada. It stood on its hind legs and piled on attacks with its front. Upon seeing this Nuada also stood up and defended with its front legs. The two ferocious dragon began a battle between titans. All of a sudden… Nuada opened its lower jaw and blew out some black gas. It was almost a zero range, point blank, attack…

“Urgh…!”

Ash felt something was wrong and he hugged Eco tightly to protect her. He was angry at his useless self who couldn't do anything. Lancelot also remained strong. Just before Nuada's breath attack exploded it triggered its own defensive magic.

-The sound of explosions kept shaking their ears. The explosions were reflected back to Nuada, who was too close to the defensive magic, and immediately more explosions were heard. Lancelot's defensive magic was extremely sturdy and Ash only felt a slight vibration.

“Great…!”

Right until now… Ash had kept his eyes open. Half of Nuada's head had disappeared and its grey coloured brain could be seen. Even though it appeared to be defeated it was still a Necromancia. The organs that were destroyed were immediately regenerated and soon it was back to its original state. Lancelot’s heroic roar and Nuada's creepy scream shook the air around them. Just when the two resumed fighting, with all their strength, there was a groan coming from Ash’s back.

“Eek… Stop!”

“Lucca?”

Lucca, who was sitting on Lancelot’s tail, was dragged off by another Asia type Necromancia. Its tentacles can be seen clinging to Lucca's body. Lucca who was hanging upside down was struggling both in pain and tears.

“D-Don’t… Touch anyplace weird…!”

Just like tempting ants with sugar a large group of Asia type Necromancia were approaching Lucca. Their tentacles were already tearing off Lucca's dragsuit. The iron gloves and knee guards was forcefully pulled off and fell to the ground. The leather belt was tore into pieces and even her skirt was torn off.

“Damn…!”

The moment Ash shouted, taking advantage of Ash focusing his attention on Lucca, a tentacle attacked. It had already surrounded Eco’s waist and was so strong that Ash quickly lost-out to it in terms of strength.

“Eco…!!”

Just like Lucca, Eco was now hanging in mid-air. Eco had lost consciousness earlier and couldn't even struggle like Lucca. Silvia was having trouble just by controlling Lancelot. She didn't have the time to worry about the danger that Eco and Lucca were facing. Ash clenched his teeth and leaped off Lancelot’s back. Even though he knew this was like committing suicide… He still couldn't control this sudden impulse.

“Let your dirty paws go!…”

Ash picked up a stone and threw at the Asia type Necromancia. But throwing stones at dragon was like throwing stones at the moon. It easily bounced off from the black skin.

“Urgh…”

To make it worse… Ash’s body was in pain. Even though he was not attacked his body was still giving him warnings.

“R-Right now out of all times…!”

After Ash cursed, he kneeled on one side of his knees. He was oozing cold sweat. His head, organs and joints were shrieking in tremendous agony. He felt like rolling up and screaming in pain. But, I mustn't… I mustn't be defeated in a place like this-!

Ash, who's eyes filled with sweat, saw Eco being dragged away right in front of him.

“Ecoooooo!”

Ash screams in desperation.

At that moment… Eco, who was nearly sucked into the Necromancia's body, opened her eyes.

“W-What? What's this situation!”

After she saw Ash was on the ground in a ball like posture, Eco looked around at her surrounding.

“Eco! Give me the Ark!”

“Hmph! Without me… You are useless!”

But she was smiling happily- And she only shouted the only word of that long spell:

“Espolón!”

Part 26

Milgauss, who was standing at the top of the hill watching the fight, had seen it all. The cave was filled with white lights. At that moment, the Holy Ark emerged in the middle of the lights and was on Ash’s body. The new Ark was a striking white coloured armour with red stripes. A red striped white Ark! Ash was now an Ark-Dragner. This armour was stronger than what Milgauss saw at Ansarivan increasing his interest in it. The areas in which it became stronger were in defence and not offense.

“Hmph. Using the old remains and combining them into an emergency armour? Wouldn't expect less from the Avalon’s Princess…”

Anya’s report had stated that Ash suffered serious injuries. This armour should be the best fit for him.

“Back to the topic…”

Milgauss was surprised that Eco completed the spell with only a word. Perhaps she had finished the rest in the dragon workshop. Because Eco wanted to create the Ark at the same time she woke up so she had finished most of the spell before she came back. If that’s not the case… Eco would be eaten by the Necromancia before she can even manage to finish naming all the parts of the Ark. Milgauss wanted to praise this enemy.

“As I thought… Is it fate that we have to continue the fight from the past generations? Kuku… There is nothing bad about it and yet also nothing good about it.”

Milgauss frightfully laughed. He was fully immersed in his laughter… A laughter that came out from the very depths of his throat.

Part 27

The moment he donned the Ark… Ash stood up straight. The unbearable pain had disappeared and it felt like he had grown wings. The thickness of the Ark felt thicker than the first two Arks and it looked more like a ball overall. He felt safe just by wearing it. But now was not the time to enjoy that safe feeling. Ash locked on to the Necromancia in front of him and jumped towards it. He first punched the Necromancia that had captured Eco with his Manoplas. Next… He kicked the monster that captured Lucca with his Escarpes. The massive amount of magic, contained in the red striped white Ark, exploded and the two dragons crumbled into ash and effectively disappeared..

“Ouch-!”

Ash groaned.

Even though the Ark had the effect of absorbing most of the repulsive force. It's still reckless for him to engage in hand to hand combat with Necromancia. The pain in his bones made him struggle. It also seemed that the Ark couldn't totally suppress his pain. But he didn't back down in this situation.

“Kyaaaa!”

The moment the tentacles disappeared… Eco and Lucca fell from mid-air.

Ash immediately slid towards the bottom of the two and managed to secure both of them right before they hit the ground… The entire process spanned less than two seconds.

“Are both of you alright?”

Ash helped them to stand up. Lucca instantly nodded her head in reply but Eco on the other hand was quite verbally angry...

“What the hell is wrong with you! That Ark only strengthens the ‘defence’! It is not for you to use it for punching and kicking!”

“S-Sorry...”

Ash initially was intimidated by Eco and apologized. But without delay he changed his mind:

“Now is not the time to worry about those things. No? Of course I’m trying to save you!”

But the current situation didn't allow Ash to explain anymore than that.

“…Here it comes.”

Ash was dragged back into reality by Lucca's warning and immediately put up a fighting posture. The fight between Lancelot and Nuada was still in a stalemate. On the other hand… The remaining seven Asia type Necromancia were still trying to attack the trio. The stench of the rotting smell had suddenly became stronger. Eco angrily ordered.

“This Ark was not made so you can fool around with it! Use the Ark Weapon immediately!”

“Understood!”

Ash focused his mind and attention to the Ark. The information regarding the Ark Weapon, that came together with the Ark, was sent into his mind. After receiving that information Ash smiled.

“Appear… The invincible magic shield!”

There was a flash followed together with the spell. The space in front of Ash started to bend and there was a crack. The, as yet unknown, Ark Weapon appeared slowly from the crack.

“Aegis!”

The same time Ash shouted its name… The Aegis shields appeared. It's front looked like a dragon’s head and was made up of five units together. All of the five units were flying around under Ash’s command. When they had surrounded the Asia type Necromancia… The shields then projected colourful lights. These units were not normal shields. They all had the characteristics of a magic cannon. The continuous lights that were attacking the Asia type Necromancia were like spider webs. Not only that… there were some unexpected weird changes on the Necromancia that were directly struck by the lights. In a very short time, they had become stones. Aegis was not releasing the usual degree of attacking type magic.

That was a high level magic that, upon coming into contact with the light, turned living things into stone . Even though it is from one of the dangerous areas of magic, named in the list of banned spells by the Knight Country, now was not the time to act like a good model citizen. In just a few seconds time all seven Necromancias had turned into stones. Ash breathed a sigh relief and withdrew Aegis’s magic.

“Thank you, Eco.”

“N-Nothing… And I’m not even doing this for you.”

Eco turned her face aside but her face was definitely blushing. Ash gave a dry smile but now was still not the time to lower their guard. Anyway... Silvia was piloting Lancelot with all her skill as they fought Nuada one on one. It was a situation where both of their front legs were interlocked somewhat like in a wrestling match. For attacks each of them use magic and tail swipes for advantage.

“Princess! I’ll be there to help you in a short moment!”

Ash who was prepared to help had met a blank wall.

“I don’t need any help! Go and capture Milgauss! Lancelot and I will calm down Nuada's spirit.”

Silvia’s talk made Ash speechless. Silvia was really angry. Even so… she still hasn't lost her cool. She had sworn to defeat Nuada in the name of the Royal Knight’s Family and perhaps she truly thought that this is her mission.

“Roger that! Princess I’ll leave it in your hands!”

After Ash shouted back to Silvia he started running. Right in front of him was Nuada's tombstone. The tip of the slanting winged cross was pointing at the hole of the ceiling. Milgauss was still standing at the side of the hole looking down. Ash jumped towards the sky along the side of the winged cross and stepped on the middle of it, gave himself a hop, landing on the tip of the wing and continued to jump up from there. With the aid of the Ark… Ash accomplished a jump that a normal human couldn't do. His body passed up and through the hole of the ceiling. The misty air of the inner part of the cave had suddenly become replaced by the fresh and cool nighttime air. However… The air was very cold and it didn't seem like summer anymore. At the top of the nearby hills there were many stubs of bare rock. Luckily, although the surroundings were dark, the Ark produced a dim light. Also, since he had been in the dark cave for a long time, his eyes were already used to the darkness.

“Milgauss!”

Ash started a fight with Milgauss. Although Eco was mad about it he still chose to use hand to hand combat which was the easiest. He remembered the time when he met Milgauss for the first time in the forest. Ash didn't even have the ability to fight back during that time. Because, before he managed to land a hit on Milgauss, Ash was ambushed by Milgauss's underling. He was nearly killed by that girl. But the situation right now was different. Ash was protected by Eco’s Ark and he had decided to KO his opponent in one hit.

But-

With only his left hand Milgauss, had blocked Ash’s right punch. He had focused all his strength in that punch too.

“How is this possible…?”

“Hmph. Is the strength of an Ark-Dragner just like this?”

“Urgh…”

He couldn't move his right hand at all. It was similar to being clenched by a pair of pliers.

“This proves that you are just a fake.”

Milgauss's tone was as cold as iron. There was a gigantic sword in his right hand.

“Wha…!”

Ash widened his eyes in disbelief. It was as if the sword was made out of darkness. The large bright-dragon-crystals mounted on the hilt definitely proved it was not an ordinary sword.

“A fake like you has no right to touch me.”

-A flash from the black sword.

There was a sudden black gust. Ash, whose right hand was now handicapped, had nowhere to run to. He could only use the Manoplas on his left hand to protect himself. As if a big hammer was hitting his head, the impact passed through his body in a short moment. The impact was so strong that even the Ark couldn't endure it fully.

“*Cough...*”

“Where is your big talk just now?”

Milgauss let go of Ash’s right hand and then wielded the gigantic sword with both hands. Then then lifted the sword brought it down all in one motion.

“Guak!”

The dark metal blade sunk into his abdomen. In that short moment… Ash felt that his waist was going to be chopped in two. Then the Ark made a ‘click’ sound. Even the Ark was groaning…

“-Aegis!”

Obviously, Milgauss was not an opponent for him to fight with in hand to hand combat. So Ash re-summoned Aegis. The five units split out immediately and attacked Milgauss. As long as a light managed to hit him, he will then turn into a stone.

“Too slow!”

But Milgauss, with extraordinary nimble moves, avoided all the light rays. Then he swung the black sword at a lightning speed. The units were being attacked and destroyed by a tornado-like slash. One after another they disappeared.

“What is he actually made of…!”

After Ash groaned, he was on his knees. The amount of magic collected in the Ark had a limit and Ash felt that the armour was slowly disappearing. After Milgauss dealt with the five units his target had shifted once again to Ash. He gave Ash a kick without any delay. Even with the protection of the Ark, the impact was still transmitted into his abdomen.

“*-Cough!*”

Ash was out of breath and was kicked around like a puppet. He finally landed hard, with his back facing the rocks. Blood started flowing out from his mouth…

“Ku…”

Ash spit out saliva with blood in it and immediately hid behind the rock. The size of the rock was just enough to keep him hidden.

“Hmph. Are you trying to hide to drag out the time?”

Ash remained silent. He was sitting at the back of the rock waiting for a good moment. His body was in a mess and he probably had only one more chance…

-Ssss, ssss…

Milgauss was not buying any of his tricks and marched right towards Ash.

“Anything wrong right there? Can’t you use Aegis?”

Milgauss was probably laughing his ass off right now. Ash answered to himself while thinking of his disgusting face:

“Too bad. I’m out of magic…”

“Luck is not on your side today, shounen.”

Followed by a shout, there was an impact on the rock behind Ash.

Part 28

“Shoo. Shoo…!”

With the aid of the Ark, Ash easily jumped out through the ceiling’s hole but Eco wasn't that lucky. She left Lancelot who was in a brutal fight with Nuada and climbed the huge winged cross.

“W-Wait for me…!”

Looking downwards, she saw Lucca was trying her best to cling onto the winged cross.

“Tsk… Just don’t blame me if you fall.”

Eco stepped on the wing of the winged cross without being bothered by Lucca. If she was not careful––she would definitely fall head down. Her current height was about ten meters. Although, she was frightened by it, she still needed to move forward. Even though she felt guilty, about leaving Lucca, Eco still wanted to rush to Ash’s side as soon as possible. The moment Eco saw the guy called Milgauss, she felt disgusted. She remembered the nightmare that made her wet her bed. She was attacked by a scary dragon in her dream. It had nine eyes, numerous tentacles and was far scarier than a Necromancia…

The unbelievable thing was, the moment she saw Milgauss, the first thing that came into her mind was that dragon. It would have been fine if she was just worrying too much… But just in case Eco’s instinct was right… Then Milgauss was a dangerous being. Eco couldn't guarantee that the Ark has enough power to go against him. Ash’s body condition also worried her. Ash was, even in the beginning, a heavily injured patient. Logically speaking he should rest for a month, but…

But, even after she arrived at the location, apart from making the (mimic) Ark, there was nothing else she could do. It was not surprising that she thought herself to be a burden. Even so… Eco still couldn't calm down her worrisome emotions and chose to climb the winged cross. After some effort Eco finally arrived at the ceiling’s hole. She then took a look up, outside under the cloudy night sky.

“-Huh…?”

Eco had seen it all in that short moment. Milgauss was holding a gigantic sword up high, looking like it had merged together with the night sky, and was going split open a rock. Eco’s instinct told her that Ash was hiding behind the rock. In an direct combat Ash was definitely out of his league. He was now going to be sliced open together with the rock by Milgauss…!

“Ash!”

Eco called out his name in desperation.

Part 29

This blow will definitely crush the rock and Ash into pieces. Milgauss, who thought that he had a sure win, split open the rock in front of him. The rock scattered into tiny fragments and powder. A thick dust spread all over and blocked his sight. After the explosion like power cooled down…

“What…?”

Milgauss remained in the exact posture of his finishing the blow. After most of the dust settled, what was in front of Milgauss was not Ash’s body. A unit in mid-air was pinning on to Milgauss. A light was released from the front of the unit.

“Urgh…!”

Milgauss immediately lifted his left hand to block the light and also slashed the unit with his sword in his right hand. Although Aegis was reduced to light particles, and disappeared, its effect was still ongoing. Milgauss, who felt something was wrong, looked at his own body and saw his left arm starting to turn into stone.

“-Milgauss!”

Ash suddenly came down from the sky. He had used the stone fragments as a screen and used an Aegis unit as a stepping stone to jump… There was no longer an Ark on Ash. He probably used all his magic to summon the two units.

…Wait… He still had his Manoplas on his right hand!

“What an eyesore!”

Milgauss swung the black sword with only his right hand, but he had only manage to destroy the unit that Ash was stepping on.

“Uwooooo!”

Ash, who was experiencing free fall, uses the momentum and swung a punch with the Manoplas. Milgauss immediately put up a defensive posture, with the huge sword above his head, but he still couldn't avoid the powerful impact.

“Urgh…!’

Milgauss was knocked off together with his sword.

Part 30

“Huff, puff… How is this punch?”

At the same time Ash landed, his Manoplas disappeared. He next felt a terrible pain, as though his flesh was being sliced off. But now was not the time for him to show his weak side. Even though Milgauss fell down hard on the ground, he still remains conscious. Ash could only try to bear with his pain.

“Hehe… Weren't you out of magic?”

Milgauss, using the gigantic sword as a walking stick to support himself, slowly stood up. His left arm was hanging freely and lifelessly. It had been converted to stone.

“I didn't say that I couldn't summon Aegis again. It’s you who had been fooled. You had lost.”

“Hmph. I thought you were an idiot who only had strength. So it seems that you can actually do some scheming? But this can only be called as a trick and its still to much to call it a scheme."

After Milgauss made a haughty smile he seemed to remember something… He then pulled off his left arm and threw it to Ash.

“Wha…!”

Ash was staring at the left arm that landed on the ground.

“…Prosthetic arm?”

“That’s right. This is a creation of the Empire’s proud mechanical engineering.”

Ash was clenching his teeth. Ash was not only just a normal human without the protection of the Ark… He was also a seriously injured patient. On the opposing side, Milgauss had only lost a prosthetic arm. He was in a fix. But- Just when Ash lost hope, there was a heroic voice coming from behind him.

“Listen carefully, Milgauss! I Silvia Lautreamont and Lancelot, have altogether defeated the young dragon Nuada's spirit!”

Ash turned around to have a look and cheered happily.

“Princess! Lancelot!”

Nuada's head was still in Lancelot’s mouth when it landed in between Ash and Milgauss. The only word that could describe its condition was 'terrible'. Its white skin had become dirty and was full of blood. Although injured… Lancelot’s blue eyes still looked as if they were full of spirit. Apart from Silvia, who was riding on its back, Eco and Lucca were also there. Lancelot gave a menacing growl, while lowering down its neck, and placed Nuada's head in front of Milgauss. As if it wanted Milgauss to apologize… After Nuada's severed head stared at Milgauss for a short moment, it turned into ashes. In the blink of an eye they were blown off by the nights breeze. After Silvia witnessed the ashes being carried away by the wind she focused her attention back to Milgauss.

“…Princess?”

Ash knew something was wrong with her. In this situation, winning was already in the grasp of their hand. No matter how strong Milgauss was, he would still face trouble when he was going against Silvia. Logically speaking, Silvia should also know about this but she continued to stand still without any reason.

“Hmph… It seems that I must change my opinion towards the Fourth Princess. I’ll withdraw for today.”

Milgauss placed the gigantic sword on his shoulder and slowly retreated.

“But the training campsite had already become a battle field. Just how many of them could survive? I would love to know…” provoked Milgauss.

After that, he jumped out into the night. Surprisingly… He had jumped off the cliff. Even so, from his previous battle experience with Milgauss, Ash knew that he was not just some average ordinary guy. He should have survived the fall. And he would be back… Just as if she had calculated the time, for Milgauss to withdraw, Silvia spoke:

“Thanks a lot, Lancelot. You may take your rest.”

Lancelot immediately bent its knees and laid down and, after closing its eyes, started to snore gently. Silvia first climbed off its back then helped Eco and Lucca down from Lancelot.

“Is Lancelot alright?”

Ash worriedly looked at the sleeping Lancelot.

“Rest assured, it doesn't have any vital injuries. It's just that… It ran out of magic. We only had the strength left to frighten Milgauss just now."

Ash only now knew why Silvia would let him escape. Because she didn't even have the ability left to order him around. Back to the topic, if it was not because of Silvia’s and Lancelot’s intimidation, Ash would have died under Milgauss sword.

“And also, maybe… That guy…”

Silvia’s troubled looks made Ash curious.

“Princess?”

“N-Nothing. Just pretend that I didn't say anything!”

Silvia, panicky, waved Ash off which in turns worried him further. At this instant, Lucca said. “The training campsite is…”

Eco was also looking at the direction of the campsite dumbstruck.

“How come…!”

By following their sight… Ash also turned speechless. Just like Milgauss declared, the training campsite had become a battlefield. The Necromancia's attack had yet to be stopped. There were numerous sounds of explosions and the lights from the magic were flashing here and there. Although the campsite was safe, the dragon house beside was on fire and there were black smokes all over the night sky.

Is everyone still alright? What about Rebecca? Max? And the rest? The instructors? The staffs for the training campsite? The girls who were in charge of the food service?

“Damn… Even when we wanted to help them…”

Ash felt that he was filled with desperation. Apart from standing on the hills and looking from afar… We couldn't even do a thing-

As if to cheer him up, Lucca pulled Ash’s sleeves.

“I have a favor… To ask from you.”

As if she had made up her mind, Lucca was staring at Ash. Ash was troubled by it because her face was too close to his.

“W-What is it?”

Her Yōsei eyes were clear and shining even under the night sky. Her eyes, full of determination, caused Ash to return her stare.

“Please… Come with me.”

“Why?”

“For Gawain and me… You had wagered your life for us. Just to let us feel the same like old times… If you are together with me… I think I could muster up some courage.”

“Could it be that you know a way to save everyone?”

Lucca extended her hand towards Ash.

“I want to save them… No, I must save them.”

Ash held Lucca's palm as if he was going to be sucked in by the determination in her eyes. Her body temperature was transmitted to Ash through her tiny leaf size like palm.

“Alright. I believe in you.”

After Ash answered with a steady tone Lucca smiled in embarrassment.

Part 31

Under the silent eyes of both Silvia and Eco, Lucca and Ash moved towards the edge of the cliff… Which was also the place where Milgauss jumped off from.

Shoo… Shoo… The sounds of the winds passed through the darkness down below.

“Lucca…? What do you intend to do?”

Ash took a peek at Lucca's face whilst being frightened.

“Jump down… From here.”

“J-Jump down-?”

Lucca didn't answer. She just hurdled herself into Ash’s arms. Behind them there were immediate sounds of disparagement coming from both Silvia and Eco. There wasn't any time to worry about it. Lucca placed her hands around Ash and hugged him as if she was hurting him on purpose. Although his organs were screaming in pain Ash still managed to bear with it. If he groaned in pain at this moment he will disappoint Lucca.

Even so, what was Lucca actually thinking…?

“We are going to jump.”

When her voice reached Ash… He was already in mid-air. Just like what she said, Lucca jumped down from the cliff. And she was falling together with Ash- The feeling of floating in mid-air only lasted for a second… Then both of them, gathering speed, fell in a straight line.

“Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Whilst listening to the sound of the winds buzzing past his ear, Ash was swallowed into the dark abyss. He thought that he heard Eco’s and Silvia’s screams, for a short moment from far above, but the voices were soon lost.

Part 32

They kept on falling. Ash and Lucca were hugging each other when they fell towards the bottom of the cliff. Thinking back carefully… The same thing happened when Eco was born. It seems that he was fated for such things… Suddenly he seemed to hear Lucca's voice, somewhat obscured by the sound of the wind. She seemed to be speaking to herself while huddling to Ash.

“Sorry… Gawain. I’ll never again be afraid of you.”

Aah… So that's it.

Ash finally understood Lucca's determination. Just like Gawain's overprotection of Lucca, which had caused itself cut off its Astral, this time Lucca wagered her own life. After Lucca hugged Ash tighter, she shouted loudly:

“Please accept me once more, Gawain!”

It was hard to believe that such a loud voice would come from such a petite girl. Her voice sounded so strong that it was enough to pierce through the night. There was a glaring light coming from Lucca suddenly. The golden rays started to surround her body.

“Could this be… Astral?”

Ash, who was still falling with Lucca, was stunned. He couldn't believe that he could see Astral with mortal eyes.

“Quick… Suck them in Gawain! Take my Astral… No, absorb me! You are my… Pal!”

The shout that she put her full effort in was echoing in the night. Just before the voice disappeared- There was an explosion around the hills near Willing Mausoleum. Gawain emerged from it while releasing a magic that brightened the night sky. Ash's gaze was attracted to Gawain’s movement. With the Astral flow resumed he had totally recovered. After Gawain gave a roar, that a young dragon couldn't possible make, it carefully caught both Lucca and Ash with its back.

Part 33

“I have… Another request.”

“I’ll do anything, as long as it is in my range of ability.”

Ash replied loudly. Their priority was to save the students and Ash was willing to suffer any kind of pain for it. Lucca worriedly stated her request in a low voice.

“…I’m going to challenge the Dragon Riding Dance. So… I hope you could hold on to me tightly.”

“No problem!”

Ash recalled what Navi had said. That is the Eckbald's traditional dance. Because of Lucca's failure while practicing the dance it had caused her to have problems when facing Gawain. Ash was unable to imagine what kind of a dance it was, but was mentally prepared. Now he could only place his hopes on Lucca's Dragon Riding Dance. Ash hugged Lucca's waist tightly with both of his hands.

“Is this alright?”

“…Tighter.”

“How about this?”

“Tighter.”

“Urgh…What about this?”

Lucca answered by nodding.

Suddenly, there was a clear metallic sound coming from Lucca's leg. Her dragsuit was modified with standard spurs. Gawain received the signal, lifted its head high, roared and then rushed up into the sky.

Part 34

The Ark had disappeared after Rebecca annihilated a group of Strada type Necromancia with her magic spear, Gáe Bolg. Rebecca reluctantly sighed. Cú Chulainn's magic was almost used up and could no longer maintain its flight. It landed beside the lake.

“Should we end it here-”

The training campsite, that acted as a temporary battle headquarters, was still fine, but the dragon house nearby was being swallowed by a great fire. Both parties were still fighting by the lakeside. Just like Cú Chulainn all the dragons had already used up their magic and many of the were fighting using only hand to hand combat in its true and brutal form. Because their opponents were Necromancias they had extraordinary endurance. Every time they receive a fatal blow, they still continued to regenerate and stood back up. This batch of students had been performing well in this fight and they were worthy to become the selected participants of this training camp. But there was no end to the amount of enemies. Everyone was wondering how many dragons had been buried at the mausoleum while reinforcements for the enemy just kept on arriving. Apart from that, Rebecca could no longer summon the power of an Ark-Dragner. This fact alone had lowered the students fighting moral.

“We don’t have any more choices left. Should we just give up on the training campsite… And retreat?”

Rebecca made the bitter decision. Everyone would be devastated to lose such a great traditional facility. The training campsite, at Allonnes Lakeside, is also a place with long history. But she wanted to prioritize the students’ lives. If they give up right now they still have the chance to retreat in one piece. Once the retreating path had been blocked off by the Necromancias… Rebecca felt a cold chill just by thinking about it. Currently: three students were heavily injured, fifteen were slightly injured and seven dragons were also injured. Although they had not yet suffered any fatalities yet… Still, if they continued to hold on… The situation would become irreversible. Rebecca made up her mind. She took a deep breath and was about to order the students to retreat... Just at this moment… A flying object shot passed in the sky.

From the bright silver track left behind by its excessive magic––that must be a Maestro.

“Is it Lancelot?”

No. The tracks left behind by in its dance were obviously not accomplished by any ordinary Maestro. It was as if it took the sky as its own drawing space and spread its wings boldly while flying…

“Could that be… Gawain?”

Part 35

-What type of dragon riding is this? This is the first time in my whole life I saw Dragner control their dragon using this method…!

Under the effect of the strong centrifugal force Ash nearly lost his consciousness. He felt as if he was suffering from anemia. He was already facing trouble just holding on to Lucca. If he had been careless even for one moment… He would most probably be facing a watery grave right now. The Eckbald's Dragon Riding Dance couldn't be reasoned with human knowledge. A sharp corner turn. A strong centrifugal force that could even rattle the brain. The ruffling sounds of the wind rushing beside his ears. Although he also faced groups of Strada type Necromancia along his way Gawain wasn't distracted by them, in the same way a lion was not bothered by ants, it continued to fly on. The Strada type Necromancia couldn't keep up with Gawain’s speed and scattered like being blown off by a storm.

-Is this really a… Dance? If this is also considered a type of dance… How do we classify the flying method in the academy? This is totally at a different level! Obviously… There is too much of a difference…!

-Lucca is undoubtedly a genius!

Ash finally knew the reason why Lucca was still selected for the training camp even after she had been absent for three months. At the same time… He personally experienced the terrifying feeling of falling off in the midst of the Dragon Riding Dance. Just by thinking of it, Ash's entire body stiffened, knowing it was a miracle that Lucca's body remained intact even after she had fallen from Gawain during practice. Also… Lucca was not flying blindly. Ash realized that, onto the night sky, Gawain was tracing a magic pattern, all within a circle, with its tracks. Not long after that, the huge magic diagram had been completed. Thinking back… Navi had mentioned something before.

-Once the Dragon riding dance had been completed, many effects of magic w be activated.

Ash’s eyes widened.

“Isn't this a ‘Seikoku’!”

That’s right! The image that Lucca and Gawain completed together was a ‘Seikoku’. There was the head of a dragon in the middle of a circle and it looked unique. The diameter should be more than a hundred meters. The moment the magic circle was completed Lucca shouted:

“Dragon Riding Dance, the First Dance- ‘The Amrita of purification’!"

The magic circle started glowing, and then brightened into a glaring light.

Part 36

“Dragon Riding Dance, the First Dance- ‘The Amrita of purification’."

All the students who were busy fighting by the lakeside were shocked by the sudden lights. The huge magic circle- ‘Seikoku’ was hanging at a corner of the night sky.

“So you had succeeded… Lucca.”

Rebecca smiled in relief. After being exposed to the strong glaring light the tough Necromancias had returned back to ashes one by one. On the other hand, the students had recovered their energy as if they had been treated with healing magic. Rebecca also felt that her body had become lighter and the gloom in her heart had departed. It's as if her desperation from before was only an illusion. She now felt that she could still continue the battle. Upon seeing all the Necromancia at the lakeside had been defeated, the student cheered in unison. Even the injured patients who were taking refuge back at the training campsite ran out to the lakeside and cheered. Looking at Gawain, who was flying energetically through the night sky, Rebecca chuckled.

“Since the ancient times the Eckbalds, who were dragners, were called ‘Elfn Dancer’. The Lucca right now best fits the descriptions-”

"Elfn Dancer ~A.S.B 1365.6~"is closed.

Epilogue

Part 1

The tragedy had came to an end. Even though the enemies had been attacking aggressively, none of the students were killed which could be said as lucky. Angela, who was lost, was eventually found in the mausoleum in one piece. The room that Angela found was immediately sealed and the palace had sent knights to prevent anyone from entering. They would probably ask the archaeologists to take charge of the investigations in the near future.

Part 2

The students, who were previously scheduled to return to Ansarivan, still remained at Allonnes Lakeside. Most of the students were helping to rebuild the dragon house that burned down. Under Rebecca's supervision the rebuilding project was progressing smoothly. The dragons were also full of renewed spirit as they helped in the rebuilding project. The only downside was that Ash was confined in the infirmary.

“It huuuuuurts…!”

Ash's injuries had of course worsened when he joined Lucca in performing the Dragon Riding Dance. The whole time, when he was riding on Gawain, he repeatedly suffered from strong centrifugal forces. It was expected that his body will experience this degree of pain, because he was seriously injured beforehand. It had already been the third day since Lucca started to take care of him. The way she took care of him could only be described with the word 'overly pampered'. Not only did she boil and prepare the herbs she had collected from Norg Forest, for Ash she also fed him, helped him change and damped off his sweat. She had also stayed with him the entire time… Ash was happy that Lucca was pampering him but, for her to be with him for the whole time, this had also caused him some other troubles...

Part 3

“I will take my rest first, Ash. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to wake me up.”

It was two o’clock on the third day and Lucca had started to feel sleepy. This was the time for her afternoon nap. She wore her one-piece pajama stark naked which made her look a little sexy. It seemed that the afternoon nap was an important routine in the Eckbald's daily life. Ash had gotten used to it after three days.

“Anyway… She addressed me in my own name!”

Lucca had only addressed Gawain and Rebecca in their names in the past. This change made Ash felt embarrassed. Looking at her face, Ash suddenly remembered something important.

“That’s right, I remembered that Lucca…”

The incident when he went to the Merk house had appeared in his mind.

“Could it be that… She is not wearing anything right now?”

Just when Ash let his thoughts wander, the door suddenly opened. Eco was the person who opened the door. Different from the rest of the student council members, Eco had nothing to do and came to visit him once in a while. But it was only in namesake that she was visiting him. In reality, it had always turned into an argument.

“Wait a moment, why would both of you sleep together!”

Today was no exception. Once she saw Lucca sleeping, Eco became mad.

“Could you please calm down? Lucca must have been thinking that she was responsible for my injuries so she takes care of me. What were you thinking about?”

“Even so, you don’t have to sleep together!”

“What!… Aren't you also the same for taking my bed?” Ash grumbled a complaint…

Eco then squinted her eyes. “What did you say?”

“N-Nothing… I said nothing at all.”

But Ash and Eco, who were too noisy, caused Lucca to turn her back over.

“Fuwaa…”

Lucca still looking sleepy sat up.

“You… I’ll never forgive you! Do you know that fella over there is my meat slave!”

Eco jumped onto the bed and showed her teeth to Lucca while trying to catch her. But Lucca was a girl who grew up in the forest. Even though she was still sleepy she was still agile. She easily pushed Eco’s hand to one side and moved to her back.

“What…!”

At the same time Eco shouted in surprised, Lucca showed her own rows of white teeth. Moving swiftly and with a ‘Hmu’, she gently bit Eco’s horn.

“Haa…!”

Eco had lost her strength. This was, next to the herb Ansal, one of her weakness. If not for his friendship with Lucca he would never have learned of this vulnerability.

“Err, am I able to learn… This technique?”

“…This is one of the techniques used to discipline dragons. Even though it was created by the Eckbalds anyone is still able to learn it.”

“Is it. Huhu… Eco.”

Ash was smiling evilly. Seriously speaking, he was kept on this bed for three days and was bored with it.

“Hold on! You… Want too…!”

Eco was in fear.

“S-Stop! I’ll never allow it! If you even dare to try it… I’ll trample you flat!”

“Don’t be afraid. I just want to have a try. Anyway, don’t you also want to know the results? Since you're my pal!”

“Wha… What are you joking about!”

Eco wanted to run off but she couldn't. Because Lucca had carried her over by her waist and passed her to Ash. That action is just like an owner handing his dogs or cats to another person.

“You… You obviously only see me as a dragon!”

“That’s only because you have horns!”

“What did you say… Uhmm!”

Eco’s anger had ended right here. Because Ash, just like Lucca had, bit her round horn.

Part 4

Eco’s whole body trembled the moment Ash bit her horn.

-Kuk.

“Ahh!”

Eco’s whole body trembled the moment Ash nipped her horn. The feeling was different from when Lucca nibbled it. It was in a totally different league by itself. The moment Ash's teeth touched her horn Eco felt her whole body electrified. Her body was jerking nonstop and was unable to even think straight.

“E-Even when it had said that… You mustn't bite my horns…!”

It was hot and her cheeks were hot. Her body was also hot. There was particular feeling rising up from her lower tummy.

Why will my body feel so hot… When it is Ash?

“P-Please… Stop, I beg you… If you keep on with it…!”

Being hugged by Ash while her horn was bitten. Eco could only continue to beg and struggle, her breathing becoming heavy...

"The Knight of ECO III" is closed.

Afterword

To all readers, it’s been a long time — I’m Shiki Mizuchi. Before I realised, we’ve already arrived in the year 2011. I will continue to do my best with writing this year. [Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi] has finally reached its third volume. The content of this volume is about a traditional activity which is held in the Academy City of Ansarivan — the Selective Training Camp. Since the stage is set at the lakeside training camp, please be sure to appreciate the girls’ swimwear. In addition, a new female character is introduced, and she has elvish ears!

Between the second and third volume, a variety of events occurred around the author. The most noteworthy of these occurred in November last year. The opportunity to attend the Media Factory Newcomer Awards Ceremony was a unique memory for me. After all, the writers who I normally admire stood before my very own eyes! I hadn’t attended a grand event like this award ceremony for about four years, so I was really quite touched. Even though I say this, it seems that people will say ‘but you’ve already debuted for a few years!’. Being able to chat with the editors whom I usually do not have the chance to meet was also another bonus. The most interesting gossip I’ve heard is that [Seikoku]’s nickname in the editorial department is [Tentacles]. It’s truly a rather shocking fact!

I am ever indebted to Shoji-san and Shimesaba Kohada-san. Although I always give trouble to you two, please look after me this year. And, to the readers who support me — thank you for sending me your thoughts and opinions via letters and emails, and thank you also for responding to the survey on mobile devices. Reading your letters over and over again gives me a lot of energy. This is a precious treasure to me as the author!

Let us meet again in the next volume. In the next volume, will the moment of Eco’s awakening finally arrive…?

January 2011, Shiki Mizuchi

References and Translation Notes

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