Chapter 8 - Avalon's Imperial Princess
In armoury of the Zepharos mothership Beowolfââunder Dr. Hoffmanâs command the battle is in full swing.
Eco was naked and floating amid the magic guided deviceââ Inside âYggdrasillâsâ capsule. There are also several groups of technicians working around her. This was out of Anyaâs area of understanding. She could only stand by the wall and watch silently.
But, she understood well the pain that Eco was feeling.
The cold voice was followed by its echo when it was reflected on the metal body.
âThe cartridge has been filled. Prepare for launching.â
âThe countdown starts now. Ten, nine, eight⊠Three, two, one-.â
âLaunching compressed magic!â
A red beam shot out followed by a loud gun shooting sound. Anya felt that even the ship was vibrating.
Then, there were air bubbles coming from Ecoâs mouth. If not because of the liquid she was in, her scream would definitely be heard.
Anya couldnât bear to see Eco suffering and looked away.
Ecoâs body had already taken at least ten shots of the compressed magic.
Eco regained her consciousness after the start of the experiment. At the beginning, she was struggling in the water, but âYggdrasillâsâ capsule was not at all affected.
After repeatedly receiving of dozens of compressed magic bolts, she lost her strength.
Right now, she is just like the living dead. Her blank eyes were now lifeless and it was terrible. It was pure torture. Even so, the group of researchers led by Dr. Hoffman were not at all shaken and continued silently.
âThere is no significant change on the appearance of α. There are no abnormalities on her respiratory system. No magic fluctuation can be seen.â Without realizing, the group of researchers started to refer Eco as α.
Eco is a human, a young dragon and also a living beingââBut this group of human had taken everything from her. To them, Eco was just experimental material α. Who knows if they want to remove their feeling of guilt by calling her with symbols⊠Anya secretly thought so.
At this moment, Dr. Hoffmanâs voice is heard by Anya.
âStill no changes⊠It seems like we donât have any more choices. Activate all the Millennium.â
Anya turned pale when she heard that.
This means that they had decided to utilize full power on âYggdrasilâ.
â*Sob*⊠It was all⊠My fault. *Sob*âŠâ
In the maidâs bedroom on the ground floor of the palace.
Prim was lying on the bed with her pillow wet with tears.
Only Ash and Silvia beside her bed. Cosette was standing by the door outside the room.
Prim cried while she told them about the whole incident.
Prim arrived at the ancient palace when she was chasing Eco, who was emotionally distressed and running away.
She had met a few suspicious people there.
Seeing the enemy suddenly attack, Eco appeared and became the bait to let Prim escape.
When Prim regained conscious, Eco was no longer there.
After hearing, Ash felt something suspicious.
âWhy did you go to the ancient palace?â
âThatâs because⊠It was my entire fault! It was my bad to say such things!â
âPrimâ Silvia said patiently. âPlease stay calm. Compared to you... Ash is the one suffering the most.â
After being advised so by Silvia, Prim rubbed off her tears which started clearing up.
âYou are right. SorryâŠâ
âPrim-san, please tell me everything before Eco was kidnapped!â
âI had no ill intention, it was just that⊠Ash-sama is a human and Eco is a dragon⊠So I thought that Eco would feel lonely after Ash-sama married with a human girl. The moment I told her that, Eco rushed out of the room.â
Who would have thought of this, Ash was speechless.
âIdiot! You⊠Why do you have to tell her this!â
âIf I am Eco⊠I will definitely feel hurt if someone told that to me! Even when Eco is a dragon, her thoughts are still those of a very young girlâs. She should know very well that her situation is special. Why was she born as a human? Why was she not born as a dragon⊠If I am Eco, I might even never feel secure.â
Ash looked on in surprise at Silvia who was able to keen Eco's thoughts.
âRecently, she had gotten used to the school life. She was also being loved by everyone as the student councilâs mascot. Even so, to Eco, the only person she could trust in⊠Is no other than Ash.â
âAnd I⊠Have said something terribleâŠâ
âStrictly speaking, Eco is still a young dragon who is not even a year old. Canât you be a little more indirect in yourâââ
âForget it, Princess. Right now, we could never solve the problem even after lecturing Prim-san. Whatâs more, if they had this planned, no matter what Prim-san said, Eco would still have been kidnapped.â
ââŠYou are right. But how are we going to rescue Eco?â Silvia nodded.
She was in agreement with Ash.
âPrim-san⊠Could you describe those people who attacked?â
Ash was praying while asking. His only clue is Prim being the witness.
âErr⊠They pretended to be the palace servants. But, they didnât look like citizens of the Knight Country. For their skin colour, it looked like they are the TantalosâŠ. Also, the person who attacked me is a short girl.â
âA Tantalos girlâŠ!â Ash was feeling DĂ©jĂ vu.
It was like he had found the last piece of puzzle in his memory.
âIt was the girl who followed Milgauss!â
Ashâs fists were shaking. The world he was seeing was dyed in red. Even though he only had a feeling that Milgauss was the culprit, still, after making sure, he was still in rage.
âSince we know who the criminal is-â
Silvia immediately stopped Ash who intended to rush out from the room.
âHold on, Ash! Where do you think you are going to?â
âThe ballroom, of course! I want to settle thing with Milgauss!â
âKeep your calm! Do you think that Milgauss will admit it even after you find and confront him?â
Silvia was right, no matter how emotional he became, Eco still wouldnât be able to return safely.â
Just as if she was trying to have Ash cooled down, Silvia made a suggestion in a calm voice:
âDonât you think that this is a good time to save Eco when Milgauss is busy with the masquerade?â
âMilgauss couldnât even be bothered by an activity with long history such as this continental congress and will do anything just to capture Eco. Even when I donât know what his intentions are, but capturing Eco alive is their priority. I am sure that their lackeys wonât do anything to harm Eco when the mastermind is absent.â
After listening to Silviaâs analysis, Ash gave a breath of relieve.
âThe problem remains is, where is Ecoâs location. Since Ashâs âSeikokuâ is not reacting, it means that Eco was being hidden in an enclosed place. For example something that could be a barrier to cut off magic⊠Anyway, it must be done with the proper equipment. It just canât be a rally point that they have just constructed.â
âAn enclosed place with proper equipment? Thatâs it, Milgauss has Klaus backing him upâŠâ
Last evening, an airship flew past the evening skyâŠ
The black ship that was waving the Empireâs flag proudlyâŠ
Ash and Silvia exchanged glances and shouted at the same time:
ââW-Will⊠I die just like thisâŠ
The liquid in the capsule kept on rotating and Ecoâs body was being swept along by it.
Every time her shoulders or waist touches the glass, her body will move slowly in the opposite direction.
It seems like the liquid was made of special materials. Luckily, it doesnât affect her breathing. But after suffering a few shots from the magic device, her body turned numb.
This feeling is like an empty mind floating in mid air.
ââIf I could just⊠Continue sleeping⊠Then I wonât feel any painâŠ
Just when Eco thought so... A power, that surpassed all the previous ones, was released upon her.
Even though she thought that she shouted in pain, in truth they were just air bubbles coming out from her mouth.
A bright light flashes and the water churns rapidly. Just like being swallowed by a tsunami, her body kept on rotating and kept on hitting the glass around her.
ââWh⊠Why do I have to suffer this kind of pain.
It had passed the limit of her brain to just think of what they are going to do to her. She could only feel that her body had been injected with a vast amount of magic.
The pain she felt is just like her body being ripped open.
It felt like her organs were being messed up by someone.
-Urgh⊠It hurtsâŠ. It hurtsâŠ. I beg you all, please stop.
It is pointless no matter how she shouted in her mind, the magic was still being forced into the body. Ecoâs body was jerking nonstop and she was struggling.
You might as well do me a favor by killing meââEco gave up.
At the next moment- The Necromanciaâs slimy tentacles began attacking her from all directions.
Eco couldnât understand. Where did those tentacles appear from in this enclosed environment?
The tentacles, which were wriggling like snakes, slowly snatched her freedom.
Her arms, waist, legs⊠were entangled by those tentacles. -Stop! This must be an illusion! It is this device that was making me hallucinateâŠ!
Eco tried to stay conscious and opened her eyes widely.
At that moment, the tentacles disappeared.
The feelings of being entangled by those tentacles also disappeared.
However, not long after that, she lost focus and the tentacles appeared again and had her waist was surrounded.
In a blink of an eye, she was lifted by those tentacles.
Her arms, waist, legs⊠were entangled by those tentacles. -Stop! This must be an illusion! It is this device that was making me hallucinateâŠ!
An abnormally thick tentacle was approaching Ecoâs face.
Eco kept her teeth closed with her might. If she was to be careless, the tentacle will surely wriggle into her mouth. Eco had Goosebumps just by think about it.
Eco initially wanted to ask for Ashâs help. She hoped that he could save him from this hell.
However, from the point she woke up in this device, she couldnât even summon Ash.
Her Astral Flow with Ash had also been cut off.
The loss of her communication had put her in fear.
Eco was shocked that the loss of her connection with Ash would put her in such great fear.
ââI am really an idiot. I only knew what is precious to me after I had lost it.
This experience had made her wanted to treasure Ash much more.
Thatâs right, without Ash, I canât do anything⊠I am really a good for nothing.
At that instant, there was something moving in her body.
âSomething is wrong! The magic indicator is showing an abnormal value!â
âWe found an unknown magic source! Its power is increasing!â
âWe have lost control of âYggdrasillâ! It ignored the emergency stop signal!â
The continuous bad news had made Dr. Hoffman turn pale.
The laboratory was as if in a fire and a tense atmosphere was spreading.
All the technicians now carried a panicked look while they were busy dealing with the buttons and controls under their hands.
Anya who was looking from aside wondered.
Basically, there presently seemed nothing abnormal with Eco, who was in the capsule.
Even though she was shot by the high power compressed magic and had struggled like she was having a nightmare, yet nothing dramatic had happened.
But the indicator was still indicating an abnormal value. Also, they were losing control of âYggdrasillâ.
The situation had suddenly become tense.
Even the emergency trigger had been triggered and the bell was ringing loudly.
At that instant, Anya heard something from the ground.
âWhat is that⊠Sound?â
As if to prove that it was not an illusion, âYggdrasill'sâ magic indicator exploded.
Something groaned and then many of the surrounding devices started to explode with red flames. More of the technicians were now abandoning their posts, running away in fear.
âDonât panic! Keep calm!â
Dr. Hoffman shouted but not even a single soul was listening.
Because in everyoneâs sights was Eco.
Although she was still caged in the capsule. Ecoâs body was now glowing with a dim light.
Even Anya was captivated by the sight in front.
âDr. Hoffman! Letâs escape!â A young researcher advised Dr. Hoffman.
The rest of the researchers were agreeing with him and anxiously looked at Dr. Hoffman.
Anya left the wall and walk towards Dr. Hoffmanâs back.
âDr. Hoffman, I also think that it would be wise if we escape now.â
âNo!â Dr. Hoffman yelled.
Anya was stunned by Dr. Hoffmanâs aura. She had thought of him as a kind old man and was forced to act cruel as a researcher. Who would know that he would have such a stubborn side.
âWhat are you thinking! Even an outsider like me knows that this is dangerous! Isnât there Millennium attached to that device too?â
What Anya was actually worried about is the existence of the Millenniums. Just in case the Millenniums explode⊠Anya was thinking. Let alone Beowolf, it is not even surprising if entire capital city of Fontain disappeared from the maps forever.
However, Dr. Hoffman shook his head slowly.
ââŠI wonât. That will not happen. The energy in the Millenniums has run dry.â
âAll the magic energy⊠Was fully absorbed by experimental material α.â
Anya looked at Eco dumbstruck.
The intensity of Ecoâs light was getting stronger, past the level where one couldnât look at her directly. Those âDongâ sounds had become clearer.
Even though there were no dangers of the Millennium exploding, it doesnât mean that they were free from danger. Eco right now is seen as the bomb.
Later, there was the loud sound of something breaking.
Different from the normal explosions, that explosion sounds like it was originated from something being applied pressure on.
âα⊠α is escaping!â
The capsule containing Eco was now in ruins and the liquid was flowing out like waterfall.
Eco can be seen floating with her eyes closed- in a short moment, she disappeared. Whatâs left is only stardust like magic particles floating in the air.
âShe⊠DisappearedâŠ?â
Anya dumbstruck, murmured alone.
âHey⊠Somethings wrong with Beowolf!?â
When Maestro Lancelot reached the landing space at a height of twenty meters, Silvia shouted:
Ash who was riding on Lancelot behind Silvia widened his eyes.
The sacred airship Esperanza, airship Crown Solas and air ship Silvanus were lined up together.
On the other hand, the huge airship Beowolf was parked quite some distance away from the trio.
The suspicious thing was the black smoke emerging from Beowolf.
If Eco is inside⊠Ash was too scared to think about it.
At this moment, Ash felt a burning sensation from his left hand.
Although he nearly screamed in pain, he managed to tolerate with it.
It felt like suddenly putting his hand into a furnace.
âIs everything alright, Ash!?â
Silvia was worried about him and turned around and asked, but Ash couldnât even reply because of the pain.
The âSeikokuâ engraved on his left arm was slowly moaning.
A while later, there was a glaring light coming out from his left arm and his sleeve up to his shoulders was burned off. Even the bandage was burned into pieces.
In a blink of an eye, Ashâs âSeikokuâ on his left arm was exposed.
The âSeikokuâ on his hand was glowing with a different light intensity from time to time.
It will be alright if it was just glowing but the heat and the pain sensations had no intention of stopping.
It felt that his left arm is going to explode anytime.
âHey⊠What is actually happening?â
Silvia was in shock while holding the reins which was probably caused by the fright she experience from seeing Ashâs âSeikokuâsâ reaction.
âI donât know⊠But I am now sure that I am again connected to Eco!â
Just like responding to Ashâs left arm, there was an object glowing in the sky.
Silvia who noticed the abnormality was pointing at the sky. Ash too had noticed.
There was something glowing on the sky above the landing area.
The mysterious light was floating in the sky as if it was decorating it.
On the other hand, the full moon didnât look as charming as before.
By taking a closer look, it was an egg with beautiful flow lines.
There was a big emblem that was carved on the pearl like egg. At a first glance, it looked like a royal emblem.
To be more specific, that emblem looked like Ashâs âSeikokuâ.
There was a frighteningly deep beating sound from the egg.
The confusing part is, it moved with the same rhythm as the glow on Ashâs âSeikokuâ.
Ash immediately understood.
âI couldnât be more wrong⊠Eco is in that egg!â
âHow is that possible? What are you talking aboutâŠ?â
âPrincess, I beg you. Please take me there!â
ââŠAlright. I believe in you. Fly Lancelot! Fly higher!â
But Lancelot ignored her orders. It stayed at the twenty meters height and looked at the egg with its head up.
âHei⊠Lancelot? Anything wrong? Fly immediately!â
Even though Silvia shouted strictly, Lancelot still ignored her orders. On the other hand, it did an emergency landing at a corner of the landing space.
âWhat are you doing? Are you disobeying my orders, Lancelot!â
ââŠIt is useless, Princess. It seems that Lancelot has its own reason.â
Silvia looked at Ash with an imposing manner.
âDo you know what Lancelot was thinking?â
ââŠI am not sure. It was probably affected by the âSeikokuâ. I donât know why, but I could somehow understand what Lancelot was thinking.â
After Ash and Silvia were forced to alight from Lancelot unwillingly, Lancelot again spread its wings and shoot up into the sky.
Looking at Lancelotâs direction, Ash found out something important.
âPrincess! There are more and more⊠Maestros gathering together!â
Groups of Maestros were gathering from all directions. It had become an amazing night view created by the light from the Maestroâs magic.
One by one the Maestros appeared and gathered at the corner of the sky.
For Maestros, whose total numbers were already small to begin with, to gather together, it was unheard of even in the old timesââ
âWhat is actually happeningâŠ?â
Lancelot left its master and flew off on its own.
Although this had given Silvia a great blow, the view of the night sky still gave her a deep impression.
Silvia could clearly hear the âPssshhâ sounds of the beating of the wings.
When she had personally realized the dream like view, all her attention had been captured by it.
That egg even had wings growing out of it and feathers with silver lights were falling off. It was like snows that beautify the night sky.
Then- there was a crack from the egg shell.
The winged egg split into two-
âUoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!â
A roar as if it was a horn announcing the end to the world could be heard all over.
Silvia who couldnât look straight into the glaring light closed her eyes. When she reopened her eyes, the winged egg was no longer there. It was replaced by something that was not of this world.
To describe this thing with a word will be either â GOD or DEVIL.
However what Silvia said was insulting.
âWhat a scary monsterâŠ!â
âStop! You are not allowed to say that!â
Ash shouted and brought Silvia back o her sense.
âThat must be...Eco. I can feel it... I can feel it!â
Although Silvia was annoyed by her gaffe, she still couldnât believe that it was Eco.
Later, Eco landed slowly while being surrounded by numerous Maestros.
Although the pink fur and the red eyes is similar to Eco, but her horns looked sharp and fierce and doesnât at all look like Ecoâs round stubs.
Also, there was a third horn in between the two horns. It was like a unicornâs horn and stood up straight.
Her wings, which were spread out widely, were different from a normal Maestroâs. It made one think of an angelâs wings.
Followed by a loud bang, Eco landed.
Eco lifted up her gigantic hind leg up high- And The large airship that had been the pride of the Empire was squashed in a few seconds.
With the conning tower being right at the middle, Beowolf had been squashed into a V shape and it immediately exploded.
Yet, Eco was not at all affected.
Eco probably lost interest in Beowolf and tried to wriggle her long neck. She slowly lowered her center of gravity.
The target of her scarlet eyes was the window of the tall Fontaine Palace.
ââAn unidentified flying object appeared above the capital and all the Maestros in the country disobeyed their mastersâ orders and gathered together.
Veronica, who received the emergency report, brought Glenn, the captain of her escorts, along with her to the ballroom at the highest floor of the palace.
Anyway, there were important guests in the ballroom that gathered from all over the continent. No matter what happened, she must protect their safety in the name of the pride of the Knightâs country.
At the same time, she must bring back her father Oswald with her. He had most probably changed his appearance and was drinking while mingling in the crowd.
While running on the long corridor, Veronica questioned Glenn:
âDid you too lose contact with your pal?â
âIt totally ignored my summons and ignored my request to present me my Ark. From the looks of the current situation, where all the Maestros are gathering in the capitalâs sky, it probably has something to do with the unidentified flying object.â
âThen, our pride, the Holy Dragners of Lautreamont can be considered no more. If the Empire attacked us at this moment, without the protection of the Maestros, this country will fall in just a single night.â
For the inability to defend... âI donât have an excuse to offer.â [1]
Glenn lowered his head somberly.
When Veronica and Glenn arrived at the ballroom the palace music, along with the party atmosphere of the nobles, had disappeared.
Most of the guests were by the glass window and were looking downwards in shock. From there they can view the landing tarmac for the airships.
Veronica was also looking downwards through the glass window.
âIt is dangerous to stand beside the window, Princess!â
Glenn warned her but Veronica ignored him.
There was a change in the landing area.
A living object glowing with a silver light suddenly landed there.
It was immediately followed by a loud roar that will make one feel like covering the ears.
It was stated in the previous report that âan unidentified flying object that looked like a huge eggâ, but it seemed that the huge egg had hatched when Veronica was on her way.
The unbelievable thing is, that huge monster had easily split the Empireâs huge airship Beowolf into two with just one stomp.
Right at this moment, there was a man from the crowd was making a fuss.
âOoh, what is happening! How can a dragon of the Knightâs⊠Destroy the Empire's most advance airship which is our countryâs pride! I donât think that this is some simple matter!â
The man's words caused an uproar in the ballroom.
Until a moment ago, everyone had just found out that this monster is a dragon.
Talking about a dragon, everyone will think about Lautreamont Knight Country.
âIs that person⊠Klaus Viderhausen! He is obviously trying to cause a stir!â
Veronica angrily scolded and glared at the Empireâs young noble.
However, there was a man who stupidly tried to argue with Klaus.
âNonsense! That monster had nothing to do with our country!â
Although the man was wearing a lion shaped mask, judging from his plum body, Veronica immediately knew who he is.
He is her father, Oswald.
âKlaus-dono! This is the truth! That monster has nothing to do with us! Please believe in me!â
âHu⊠What you said was not at all convincing. Anyway, everyone here is a witness.â
Klaus was not even bothered by Oswald.
It was because what Klaus said is true. A huge dragon that suddenly appeared and with no warning had destroyed the Empireâs airship right in front of everyone here.
Nothing could be worst than this.
Chevron Kingdom and Zepharos Empire, who had never see each other eye to eye, were originally going to discuss about furthering peace between them in tomorrowâs continental congress âElysiumâ.
To Chevron Kingdom and its ally Lautreamont Knight Country this should be a historical event.
âStop⊠Let alone the Emperor, not even one royal from the Empire attends. It is a total joke. The Empire has never wanted peaceâââ
Just as Veronica finished her sentence, there were people screaming from everywhere.
All the guests who were wearing their mask, everyone, including the musicians and the waiters, were trying to escape.
Apart from Oswald, who was now crying, Klaus, who had just previously put the blame on the Knight Country, was also fleeing.
Veronica who immediately turned around was also sweating tremendously.
There was a pair of scarlet eyes looking into one of the many palace windows.
She spent a few seconds to figure out that the dragon had stretched its neck and was looking into Fontaine Palace.
âGlenn, if I try to slash the pair of eyes with my huge sword⊠Do you think I have any chance of winning?â
âPlease forgive my rudeness⊠Even if Princess... You are no match for it.â
Glenn told the truth directly.
"Why must you be this honest?"
Veronica was sulking while she confronted the dragon eyes.
It looked like a babyâs pairs of eyes. Although it looked naĂŻve, if this monster just rubbed its nose on the palace walls... Fontaine Palace will turn into dust in seconds. Furthermore, it will be a hill full of bricks and corpsesâŠVeronica could still manage a smile.
Even though she was thinking of such scenario.
âKuku⊠So this is of feeling of my life being controlled by others. I praise you, my child!â
Seeing that Veronica had no intention of escaping, Captain Glenn advised her in panic:
âPrincess, please retreat!â
âI mustnât. Some of the guests are still here.â
Veronica looked around the empty ballroom.
There was a man with a mask standing at the middle of the dance floor.
The man was wearing a elegant suit. However his hair colour was like a cloth stained with blood.
He is obviously the guy in the reportsââ Milgauss.
Veronica looked at him in admiration.
âHmm⊠You indeed look a little like Julius. Remove your mask!â
To her surprise, he actually did it. He could be seen silently removing his mask and threw it to a side as if he doesnât need it anymore.
Veronicaâs eyes widened.
The handsome face beneath the mask was undoubtedly Julius of ten years later who had now become a seinen.[2]
He no longer had the rebellious feel with him in his teenage years and was replaced by a feeling of a weapon that had been well polished.
âSo you are JuliusâŠ!â
As if to sweep away her worries, Julius walked to the side of the window. At the same time, the dragonâs face disappeared as if it had lost interest with the empty ballroom.
Julius was standing by the window looking at the huge dragon.
âKukuku⊠I have been waiting for this moment for a long time!â
That sinful voice and the devil like smile made Veronica feel uneasy.
Glenn took a step forward as if trying to ask on behalf of Veronica.
He unsheathed his sword that was on his waist.
âYou canât be Julius, no? My friend would never show such a malicious smile."
âOh, Glenn McGuire! I remembered you are one of the guys that appeared in Juliusâs memories. It should be suitable to use âit has been a long timeâ in this situation, donât you think so?â
âYou still donât get it? This body is indeed Juliusâs. However, I am not Julius... Although I can peek into Juliusâs memories anytime."
âWhat is happeningâŠ?â
Veronica was curious but it was not bothered by the man.
âKneel! Quick! Look carefully! You are witnessing a historical moment!â
The man was acting like a holy man in the religious painting. He spread his arms widely and declared his name.
âI am Mordred! The descendant of the Nehalenniaâs dark dragonsâ kingâs family.â
Vreonica couldnât believe what she had just heard.
The Maestro that Julius sacrificed his life to kill is named Mordred. It is also Juliusâs Pal.
Is it possible that Mordred has taken over Juliusâs body?
In regards of Nehalenniaâs dark dragonsâ kingâs familyââ Veronica had only recently heard about this name.
The âOld Testament of the Stella Bibliaâ that Dr. Angela Cornwell found in Willingham Mausoleum.
Basically, Veronica had read through the copy of the book.
She recalled a part of the book.
ââŠAfter the wise dragon Inbroke, two major bloodlines were formed. They are the Avalonâs holy dragons emperor family and the Nehalenniaâs dark dragons king family. An endless war started between these two families. After the members of the two families reincarnated, they will encounter each other, hate each other and kill each other.â
The person in front had introduced himself as the descendant of the Nehalenniaâs dark dragonsâ kingâs family.
Then, who is the person who should be representing the descendant of the Avalonâs holy dragonsâ emperorâs family-?
At this moment, Veronica stopped thinking because of Glennâs shout.
âSo I see⊠You are the root of evil! I knew that Julius didnât turn crazy! He will always be loyal to his beliefs and tried to have you removed even when he had to commit a crime in the Knight Country!... Return Julius to us!â
Followed by a shout, Glenn reduced their distance and there was a silver flash.
However, Mordred easily parried Glennâs slash.
Mordred had stopped the high speed slash with only his index and middle finger.
Glenn could be seen standing still while holding his sword. No, thatâs not the case, Veronica understands well.
It was not that Glenn was not moving, it was because that he was unable to move.
Mordred had overpowered Glenn with just two fingers.
âHmph⊠I will let you experience the punishment for being disobedient to a god." Mordred gave a cold smile
Immediately after, there was a flash.
Glenn was knocked up into the air while unable to even resist. He knocked into the wall hard and became unconscious.
Veronica didnât even have the time to care about Glenn and stared at Mordred.
ââŠI donât understand. As far as I know, you should have a good relationship with Julius. Didnât you even present him with an ark?â
âHmph, the one who has a good relationship with Julius is another me. That me who acknowledged Julius as its master and associated with him quite well."
âAnother me? What are you talking about?â
âLet me generously explain it to you as your last gift before you die. There were two personalities in Mordred. If it was to be a human, it would be called a split personality.â
âWhat happened to the other personality?â
âIt has disappeared together with the body. Ironically, although it was itself, Julius had originally planned to kill me. For my part, to prevent myself from dying, I sacrificed my body and changed into this spiritual form and inhabited Juliusâs body.â
Upon saying that, Mordred looked out of the window.
Right beside the palace, the dragon was standing on its hind legs and was looking around curiously. It seemed to be troubled because it couldnât understand what was happening.
Mordred declared to that dragon:
âDescendant of the Avalonâs holy dragonsâ emperorâs family, I will take that body of yours!â
âNow I understand, so this is what you plannedâŠ!â
At this stage. Veronica finally found out what Mordred is aiming for.
Mordred had once lost her body in the past when it was killed by Julius.
However, if it could take over the body of the descendant of the Avalonâs holy dragonsâ emperorâs family, it can once again be born as the strongest dragonâŠ!
âThat will never happen, Mordred!â
Veronica unsheathed the huge sword on her waist.
Even though she knew that he was not an opponent that she could win in a direct confrontation, she still couldnât bear to watch idly from the side.
I will kill Mordred together with Juliusâs body before she can manage to take over Avalonâs body-Â Veronica rushed forward while thinking.
Even when it's her brotherâs body that we are dealing with... She had no intention of showing any mercy.
But, before Veronica could land a hit on Mordred, suddenly, there was darkness emerging from his body and spread all over the ballroom.
âUrgh⊠What is this dark mist⊠My consciousâŠ!â
The moment she was surrounded by the darkness, Veronica felt a strong feeling of vomiting and fainting.
After struggling for some time in the darknessââwithout knowing what was happeningââ The darkness had finally disappeared.
âAre you alright, Veronica?â
There was a guy who held out his hand to Veronica who was struggling to stand up.
To her surprise; Mordred, who should be busy with taking over Avalonâs descendent's body, is attempting to help her up.
There was killing intent in Veronicaâs eyes.
To her surprise; Mordred, who should be busy with taking over Avalonâs descendent's body, is attempting to help her up.
However, there was no longer evilness on his face.
âYou⊠Could you be Julius?â
âAhh, that is me. You are still the same old you for not calling me âAnii-ueâ.â
It seemed that, because Mordred was gone, Julius was able to take back his body.
âOf course⊠You F.O.O.Lâ
Upon hearing that Julius smiled, but he immediately returned back to his serious expression.
âSorry, but now is not the time for us siblings to be arguing. Mordred's spirit has already inhibited Ecoâs body. We have the obligation to defeat Mordred and protect this city.â
At that instant, Veronica felt a pain from her head as if she had just been struck.
âHold on! Did you just say Eco? That huge dragon⊠is actually Eco?â
âI will explain the details to you later. Can you stand up?â
âHmph⊠Whom do you think you are talking to!â
Using the huge sword as a walking stick, Veronica put all her effort into standing up. But, it was probably the side effect of inhaling in the darkness, in the end, she fell down again.
The person who reached Veronica first was Glenn. Although he was badly injured, he had regained consciousness.
Glenn held on to Veronica and glared at Julius.
âJulius⊠I have numerous things that I want to tell you, but please allow me to tell you this first.â
âI can guess what you want to say but be my guest.â
While facing the calm Julius, Glenn, with mixed feelings, shouted to Julius:
Seeing that the Empireâs airship was easily crushed, the sacredship Esperanza and magicship Crown Solas flew off immediately.
Only the magicship Silvanus remained at its location overlooking the whole incident.
Although Silvanus had yet to attack Eco, Ash was still worried since it's captain is Veronica.
Even so, seeing that Silvanus still hasnât made its decision, Veronica was probably not aboard the ship. They were most probably waiting for Veronicaâs orders.
On the other hand, if Veronica had boarded the ship, there is a high chance that she will issue an attack on Eco. To protect the capital, Veronica will make this decision without any hesitation. Anyway, Silvanus' fire power is not something that can be ignored.
âI⊠I will protect Eco!â
Ash made up his mind and rushed forward.
âHold on, Ash. Do you want to be crushed!â
Silvia blocked Ash with her arms spread.
âPlease move aside, Princess! Who will protect Eco if I donât!â
âPlease keep your calm! Even so, what can you do!? How are you going to ride Eco who has just turned into... that? Whatâs more, what are you going to do to ride on Eco?â
Silvia was right. During the time when the Necromancia attacked Ansarivan, he received help from Silvia and Lancelot.
But luck was not on his side. Lancelot who he could place his hope on had not yet returned after it gathered with the rest of the Maestros. The group of Maestros were still circling above in the sky while waiting for something to happen.
To his relief, after Eco crushed Beowolf, she had not made any frightening actions. Although Ash was sweating tremendously during the time she looked into Fontaine Palace through the window, he was lucky that she turned away immediately.
Right now, Eco was only looking around and sniffing the buildings around her as if to figure out what was happening. In regards to what had happened to her body, she probably hasnât figured it out yet.
âIn conclusion, we must keep her as far from the town as possible. In the case that she enters into the townâŠ"
Upon listening to Silviaâs assumption, Ash was shaking in fear.
Fontaine City has a population of around a million.
In another words, a million lives were now in Ecoâs hands.
The severity of the current situation no longer only involved Ash and Eco.
âGuoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooâŠ!â
At that moment, Eco was roaring in pain and started to struggle. There was a change in her appearance that was originally surrounded by a silver light.
Just like a white cloth that came in contact with ink, a black colour was slowly taking over the white.
ââŠEco? Whatâs happening!â
Ash could only look on as Eco transformed, without being able to do anything.
The change in her skin was only the start.
Her angle like feathers had transformed into a crow like wings.
The previous middle horn of the three horns had disappeared and her pair of horns had turned into spiral shape.
Also, her four limbs were growing at a fast speed. It will be better to describe her as a giant like body rather than a huge beast. That huge body gave a evil feeling.
Last of all, there were nine eyes on its face where each was glowing with red light.
Ash remembered something.
Eco once had a nightmare.
In her dream, was Eco attacked by the nine eyed dragon�
At that moment Eco, who had turned into that black dragon, gave out a real dragon breath.
The flame emitted pierced the sky and scattered the dark clouds.
If this flame were aimed at Fontaine Palace or the town⊠Ash felt Goosebumps just by thinking of it.
âSilvia, so you are here!â
At this moment, there was a fierce voice coming from behind.
It was Veronica and Glenn when they turned around.
Glenn was badly injured and looked more like an old rag.
Apart from thatââ There was another man following Veronica.
It was already surprising if a person was allowed to walk side by side with Veronica, yet it was far more surprising when they noticed the manâs hair colour.
âMilgauss! Why are you here!â
Ash felt that he was having more Goosebumps all over his body. At the same time, he felt that Milgauss looked familiar. He remembered that he had seen that face in a portrait.
âAre you⊠Anii-ue?!â
Silvia shouted before Ash.
âYeah. Although it is a little hard to believe, I am Julius. But I donât have the time to give you any explanations right now. Firstly, we need to get rid of Mordredâs spirit from Ecoâs bodyââ Ash...â
When his name was suddenly called by Julius, Ash became nervous.
The person in front of him really felt like Prince Julius Lautreamont.
Julius stepped forward and placed his hand on Ashâs shoulder.
âOnly you, as Eco's master, can save her. Understood?â
âYes. I thought of that myself too.â
âGood answer. I will take the responsibility to bring you to Eco.â
âBut⊠How are you going to do it?â
âDonât worry. We have a way for that.â
After he finished his sentence, Julius was actually pointing at... The Magicship Silvanus was resting at the far end of the landing area.
âAra. I donât remembered inviting you here⊠Dark Dragon King Mordred.â
In the dragon workshop, Navi and Mordred were having a confrontation. She was sitting on her favorite chair with her legs crossed.
âKuku. This is your last time to be able to be this relaxed.â
Mordredâs spirit had still maintained Juliusâs voice. It was probably because it had inhabited Juliusâs body for more than ten years⊠At least Navi thought so.
âI have taken over sixty percent of Ecoâs body. It is only a matter of time before I can fully take control of her body. Avalon is losing.â
âNext, if I can fuse together with you, I can be fully awakened as the Dark Dragon King. Follow me. Even though you are now called Navi⊠But⊠I clearly know that you are not a normal navigator. You are the incarnation of the Dragweiss.â
âAra. Just what I imagined of the Dark Dragon King. You have made quite some investigations on your own.â
âFuse with me quickly. Give me the supreme knowledge. Strictly speaking, Avalon and Nehalennia have the same roots⊠I should also be qualified to fuse with you.â
âI donât disagree with this.â
Upon hearing Naviâs answer, Mordred smiled.
âNo I donât. It is because I donât like Nehalennia.â
ââŠWhat do you say?â
âI'm rooting for Avalon's Imperial Princess and her knight. Especially her knight⊠Ash Blake, he is far manlier than you.â
âHmph⊠what a fox you are. Since it has came to this⊠I will use force-â
Suddenly, there were numerous tentacles coming from under Mordredâs legs. They were like snakes that had found their prey and attacked Navi.
âI am sorry. Could everyone apart from Ash and I leave this ship?â
Upon stepping into Silvanusâs wheelhouse, Julius spoke coldly.
The crewââresponsible for the control of the wheel, communications and the restââturned around and looked Julius in confusion. Then they are all suddenly frightened, as is they see a ghost.
They shouldnât be blamed since the prince, that should have been executed years ago, was standing in front of them and had asked them to do something unreasonable.
âHold on⊠Prince Julius! What do you plan to do?â
Seeing that Ash was requesting an explanation, at the same time Julius answered, he turned around and looked at Veronica who was preparing to sit on the captainâs seat.
âI just donât want the rest of the people to die with us. Veronica, I hoped that you could also help me by giving out the orders.â
âDo you think that I would even listen to that joke?â
âIf the sister is stubborn, the elder brother will have to face some trouble.â
The next instant, with lightning speed, Julius seized Veronica from behind. He was holding a hidden gun. It was a mechanical gun that the military of the Empire used.
Julius even chose to place the tip at Veronicaâs temple.
âThere is not much time. You should try to listen to your brother sometimes, Veronica.â
âAre you kidding! Silvanus is my magicship. Donât even think of always doing what you wanted to, Julius.â
âAs I have said before, I am your brother. Maybe you are a perfect princess in front of our people, but I knew your Achilles heel. If you still disobey me, I will expose it in front of everyone.â
âWhat Achilles heel?â
âI know that you love Silvia. There are Silvia portraits in your room. The clothes that Silva wore, Silviaâs growth record, the poem that you wrote from missing Silvia and also Silviaâs human sized dollâââ
âI- I promise! Keep quite immediately!â
Ash was in a shock. He had never expected Veronica to surrender easily.
âEveryone, leave the ship immediately! This is an order from Veronica Lautreamont! No one is allowed to disobey!â
It was a direct order from Princess Veronica-sama... All the crew members rushed out from the wheelhouse.
When everyone had left the magicship, Julius operated Silvanus while sitting on the pilotâs seat.
With a sudden shake of the magicship, Ash held tightly onto the communication officer's former seat to avoid falling on the floor. Looking out through one of the round cockpit windows, the magicship was rising further and further away from the ground.
It was a totally different experience from sitting on a dragon. When this lump of metal was flying with passengersââ At the same time Ash was amazed, he also started to worry about crashing.
Julius, while he was piloting Silvanus, started telling Ash the whole story.
Although what Julius said was hard to believe, basically, the dragons were separated into the Avalonâs holy dragonsâ emperorâs family and the Nehalenniaâs dark dragonsâ kingâs family. The two families had incarnated since the ancient times and are still fighting each other right unto this day.
Also, Eco is Avalonâs holy dragonsâ emperorâs familyâs descendant.
In another words, Eco is the Imperial Princess of the dragons.
ââŠEven after I had heard of such things, it is still hard for me to believe this. Eco, who has been living with me, is obviously a girl who sleeps late, a glutton and a hot headed girl...â
âI know how you feel. When I found out that my pal is the descendant for the Nehalenniaâs dark dragonsâ kingâs family, I was also astounded. In the beginning, I was also troubled by why was I chosen.â
âBack to the topic, Avalonâs Imperial Princessâs body is really huge. Even though she is still a young dragon, she had this unbelievably huge size⊠It is totally unbelievable.â
After Julius pressed a few buttons on the dashboard, Ecoâs body was shown on the huge screen in front.
Silvanus was three hundred meters above land and was looking at Fontaine city from the sky above.
From the screen, they can see Eco's back that had turned black because of being taken over by Mordred.
With its frightening spiral horns and nine eyes⊠It is exactly the image of the dark dragon king.
Eco, who was originally standing on two legs, was now standing on all four because of the pain caused by Mordredâs take over.
The worrying part is, Eco was not moving at all and yet she doesnât look as if she is sleepingâŠ
âCould it be that Eco is fighting Mordred?â
Julius shook his head in disagreement.
âIt is impossible. Judging from the huge change of her body, I am afraid that⊠Eco doesnât even have the strength to fight back.â
âBut not all hope is lost. In my opinion, Navi is also fighting against Mordred.â
Why would he mention Naviâs name at such a time?
Before that, how would Julius know about Navi?
âNavi is the incarnation of the Dragweiss. If Navi could keep on fighting back, even after Mordred has fully taken over Ecoâs body, he still couldnât be fully awaken.â
âRegardless of the Avalonâs holy dragonsâ emperor or the Nehalenniaâs dark dragonsâ king, both of them must fuse with the Dragweiss to obtain its supreme knowledge, only then can they receive their true power. I believe that Mordred right now is trying his best to make Navi his own.â
âHow come⊠you know so much about him?â
âThat was because I shared the same body with Mordred. Just like what he did to me, to blend into the human society, I could also look into his memories.â
After hearing what Julius had said, Ash was still confused. However, there exists things that could be easily understood without the need for good brains.
âIn another words, this is a great time for a counter attack while Mordred is busy dealing with Navi, right?â
âThatâs right. This is our only chance for victory. If you can ride on Eco, by chasing Mordredâs spirit out, then you can save Eco and the capital together.â
Ash nodded in agreement to what Julius had said.
âI am willing to give it a try. No matter if it is Avalon or Nehalennia⊠I donât think I even know what they mean. I only know that Eco is my pal.â
When Ash turned around and prepared to walk back to the hatch, Julius spoke from behind:
âAlthough I donât know why you were chosen⊠But I am glad that you are Ecoâs knight.â
Ash arrived at the hatch and found that the winds were cold. Such temperatures were unheard of during the summer.
Ash was carrying a parachuteââ This is a decision made by Julius and him beforehand.
When Silvanus had come close to Eco, Ash will jump off from the deck with the help of the parachute.
After landing, it's all up to Ash.
Basically, Ash had gone through the parachute landing practices at the academy.
Ash had never intended to become a soldier and had always thought that the academy was wrong to force them to go through those kinds of practices.
Anyway. The academy is not a military schoolââ But who would've expected that those practices would be useful right now.
Ash was looking down towards the ground from the bow and had located Ecoâs back.
Although her fur had turned black the enormous amount of magic surrounding her were shooting off strong rays of light, he wonât have to worry about missing his target.
He must make use of the time that Navi was fighting against Mordred to land on Ecoâs head.
Julius voice emerged from the magic communication device:
âAsh, you may jump anytime.â
Ash looked downwards for one more time.
For such a huge beast, her only blind spot will be her head.
Ash tried to imagine himself riding on Ecoâs head.
To his surprise, it was not at all scary.
The âSeikokuâ on his left arm was getting warm and was flickering with dim light.
It felt as if his âSeikokuâ was urging him to move quickly.
Suddenly- Eco lifted her neck and shot a dragon breath towards Silvanus.
A bright light pierced through the night sky. Ash surrendered against the shaking deck and fell down. Although Julius had barely avoided a direct hit, by giving the ship an emergency turn, the strong breath had burned one side of the ship into ashes.
There was smoke and fire emerging from the ship itself and it had begun to falter as it lost balance.
âTskâŠ! If you kill me, Eco will die too! If that happens, you also couldnât get your hands on Ecoâs body that you desired that much...! How could someone be this stupid?â
When Ash was groaning, Julius voice could be heard once again through the communication machine:
âAsh, are you alright!â
âSilvanus is going to do an emergency landing! Jump quickly!â
âI also intend to do that!â
Ash clenched his teeth and jumped off from the deck.
The moment his feet left the deck, Mordred gave a second dragons breath.
Looking backwards, he saw that Silvanusâs fuselage suffered a direct hit from the dragon breath.
Ash shuddered. He was lucky that he had jumped off earlier or else he would be turned into dust also.
Although Julius had said there were going to do an emergency âlandingâ, judging from the speed Silvanus was moving downwards, it looked like it was crashing.
Finally, the unbalanced ship disappeared at the other end of the palace walls- Then a fire pillar could be seen followed by a loud explosion.
Ash was sad but there was nothing he could do about it.
Julius had risked his life to fly him into the night sky.
The only thing he can do right now is to complete his mission in return.
Ash's body was moving downwards because of gravity's pull.
His face and ears felt like being crushed by the rushing air pressure.
Ash had got the timing right and pulled the rip cord, the parachute spread open.
An amazing braking force had caused the parachute to slow down.
If another dragon breath was shot off, Ash would certainly be hit but Ash prayed that he will not have such bad luck.
âWait for me, Eco. I will protect you⊠I swear!â
Eco found out that she was in a cage when she woke up. When she was looking at her body, she found out that she was wearing a dress with low standards.
This style is obviously not of Ecoâs preference.
Any dress in Fontaine Palaceâs changing room looked better that this. It is even as heavy as lead and it felt more like a binding item rather than an evening dress.
On the other side of the cage was a wide white space. The walls, the floor and the ceiling were white. Not even a speck of dust that could be found.
âHow dare anyone to cage a dragon like me in this cage⊠What were they even thinking!?â
Eco was definitely confused. Yet she still vaguely remembered that she was awakened as a dragon. She even remembered that she had become huge and was looking at the whole of Fontaine palace.
But her memories stopped there.
âTsk⊠It seems that you are alright since you are so energetic even in such a situation as this.â
Navi was standing outside of the cage. Even though Eco disliked Navi, but in such a situation, Eco was grateful that Navi was here and felt that Navi was like an angel.
The Ecoâs angel was now looking like a rag-doll.
Navi, who was always acting calm and give out a noble like feeling, was now seen with mussed up hair and even her evening dress was in rags. All over her body were the marks of being bound.
âWhat happened? This doesnât look like you at allâŠâ
Eco was taking a closer look at Navi.
âHmm⊠I am only accompanying Mordred in his game. It was just that, his tentacle fetish has given me some trouble!â
âMordred? Who is that?â
âPlease lend me your hand.â
Eco stretched her hand through the gaps between the bars of the cage. After Navi held her hand, a mass amount of knowledge flowed into her brain.
In a blink of an eye, Eco knew everything that had happened. Only now did she realize that she is in her spiritual from.
âTo make it simple⊠That person called Mordred is trying to take over my body, right?â
âThatâs right. Anyway, during the time I was running around, he had done nothing bad. But if it's to destroy this capital, it will be an easy task for him.â
âHmm⊠So I am such a great dragon.â
According to Naviâs information, Eco is Avalonâs Imperial Princess.
âHuhu. Now Ash is going to look at me differently.â
Seeing that Eco was feeling proud, Navi sighed.
âAs long as he can survive. He seems to be doing something foolhardy again.â
Navi held Ecoâs hand again and Eco closed her eyes.
That current situation was sent into Ecoâs brain as projections.
Under the night sky- Ash leaned out from Silvanusâs deck.
The next instant, Mordred gave a dragon breath to the ground.
Silvanus was hit and was now gliding down from the sky, as if it was a paper plane.
On the other hand, Ash jumped into the air and was falling with his head pointing downwards.
âHold on⊠Is he crazy!?â
At that moment, Eco clearly heard Ashâs mumble.
"Wait for me, Eco. I will protect you⊠I swear!â
In a short moment, tears started to flow from her eyes. Even though she was a spirit, her tears still kept on flowing. Even the Dragweiss couldnât give an explanation. A warm feeling was haunting her heart⊠What was that feeling?
âWhyâŠWhy? Why would he⊠try to do so many things for me? Even when I⊠Have caused many, many troubles for him?â
Navi stretched her hand into the cage and patted her head.
âDo you even have to ask? It is because you are his pal.â
Eco rubbed off her tears and lifted her head.
âNavi, please tell me what can I do for him.â
âTeehee. Thatâs more like it.â
Navi smiled and waved her hand lightly. With a flash, the cage disappeared. At the same time, the black dress that limits Ecoâs movement was broken into particles and a pure white evening dress was reveled from beneath.
In a short time, Navi removed Mordredâs seal.
âI must say that⊠You are very good.â
Eco was scoping out her dress. Its design compromised of the elements of elegance and purity. It is as if it was made to be worn by the Avalonâs Imperial Princess.
âNo matter how great I am, I can't help you with the upcoming step. Understood?â
âThen, what should I do?â
After Navi smiled, she cheekily said:
âOf course you are to present him your originally made Ark and the Avalonâs Imperial Princess.â
The next instant, Eco became confused.
âWhat? Are you serious?â
As if it was natural to do so, Navi nodded without any hesitation.
âAll the mimics that you have created, for various emergencies in the past⊠are useless against Mordred.â
âBut, how, am I supposed to do this impossible task!?â
An original Ark could not be completed easily.
It was because Eco had seen her ancestorâs blueprint; she understands how hard it can be. An Ark is not only a strong magic weapon, at the same time, it is also a perfect art masterpiece.
Not to mention that Eco was still a young dragon that was not even a year old without any experience. Naviâs suggestion was like asking a baby to build a palace.
âAnyway, it would not be called difficult if the blueprint could be easily created.â
Eco gave up before she even started but Navi ignored it.
âRest assured, you must believe in your own ability. You are an Imperial Princess who is the blood descendant of Avalon.â
âBut⊠But what we must think about is not only the armour itself, there is also the Ark-weaponâŠâ
âListen carefully, the shape itself doesnât matter. It is the mental power of the creator that decides the strength of the Ark. Even if you donât know the shape, as long as you focus, the shape of the Ark will be formed.â
âYeah. Also, you donât have to worry about the Ark-weapon. Avalon has a treasured sword that's been passed down through the generations. Just use it.â
After a moment of silent, Eco mumbled:
ââŠI had always disliked you since the first time I met you. Regardless of your relaxed attitude or your looks that was similar to mine or your overly large breast⊠I hate them and hate them very much! However⊠It's funny in the way that I felt you're trustable.â
Eco lifted her head and smile.
Navi also returned a smile.
At the same moment, Eco felt that a light had pierced through that darkness that had been blocking her eyes.
She didn't want to look for trouble anymore.
And she definitely doesnât want to give in before taking up the challenge.
While the evening dress was swaying, Eco spoke with confidence:
âJust wait and see. I will definitely complete my original Ark!â
âDamn⊠What kind of joke is this!â
Although Ash had finally landed on Ecoââ Still... the landing spot was her back and not her head. It was exactly beside the joints between the body and the wings.
That same pair of wings were like the wings of a new born bird. They are still wet and unable to fly right away.
Maybe this is my only life saver⊠Ash secretly thought.
Black fur was growing from her uneven skin. It felt like a Necromancia. He must get rid of Mordredâs spirit and return Eco to her original appearance as soon as possible.
To achieve this, he must try to ride her gigantic body. However⊠Ash was looking at Ecoâs head from afar.
Connected to her back, that was as wide as prairie, was a long neck that looked as if it was a stairway climbing up to heaven. And her head, with the spiral horns, was at the other end of that neck.
His current aim was to ride on her head and try to control her using his will as a dragner. However⊠The distance between them was huge. It was like trying to climb the dangerous Xenoglavia Mountains without any climbing tools.
âStop it! âŠThis is not the time to give up.â
Ash threw aside the parachute and moved forward while pushing aside the fur that was taller than himself.
âNow I really looked like a louseâŠâ
In reality, Mordred treated Ash as nothing but a louse. That is why he was not bothered by Ash at all.
âJust wait and see. Your overconfidence will be the cause of your death, MordredâŠâ
Although Ash kept on talking to himself to boost his confidence, but every time he looked towards her head, he felt like falling apart.
Suddenly, there was a change in the night sky.
Those Maestros, who were originally circling in the sky, started to make their move.
Those Maestros could be seen gliding towards Mordred and had him surrounded.
Mordred lifted his neck and gave a threatening growl. However, before he even managed an attack, the Maestros activated their magic all at the same time.
With a flash, chains that were made from magic appeared. Numerous chains now tied down the huge dragonâs neck, front legs, hind legs, tailâŠ
âGuuuooooooooooooooooooooâŠ!â
Mordred was struggling with all his might but the chains wouldnât budge even a little.
It canât be wrong. These Maestros were trying to seal Mordredâs movement. Who knows if they were thinking that the dragon worthy to take to top is not Mordred but Eco.
At that moment, a Maestro landed right in front of Ash. Its pair of horns looking like a deerâs, also looked familiar to Ash. Then a clear voice could be heard coming from behind the dragon.
âLucca!? Why are you here?â
That is. The Maestro that suddenly appeared from above was Gawain, and Lucca was riding on its back. Ash felt nostalgic.
Lucca while feeling worried gave Ash a short explanation.
âErr⊠The Maestros in the dragon house seven were all escaping together. I risked my life to cling onto Gawain⊠In the end, I found out that I was already here.â
âDid Rebecca and Max come together?â
Lucca shook her head. It was probably Ash's mistake that he felt that Luccaâs ears were slightly drooping.
âOnly I noticed that something was going on with the MaestrosâŠâ
As if to interrupt Ashâs and Luccaâs conversation, Gawain roared with its jaws opened.
It was as if trying to tell Ash to ride on it quickly. Ash naturally didnât reject this offer.
Just as Ash sat on Gawainâs back, Gawain flapped its wings.
After piercing through the night sky, Gawainâs altitude was increasing while following along the direction of Mordredâs neck. Luccaâs riding skills were as good as ever and could only be described as perfect.
Ash was clinging tightly to Luccaâs thin waist to avoid from dropping off.
However, Mordred would not stay silent. Although he was being tied down, it was still struggling and roaring loudly.
Suddenly, magic cannons continued to appear in the sky and were firing at Gawain.
Ash was trembling when he saw those cannons.
It was because those cannons looked like the weapon that Ash used during his fight with Milgauss in Willingham Mausoleum. The only difference is, each cannon was around Gawainâs size.
âMagic shield AegisâŠ!â
âNeed not worry⊠It will be alright as long as we are not hit.â
Lucca was not at all shaken.
As if she had fused with Gawain, she was controlling Gawain by moving left and right and dangerously avoided the crossing light rays.
Gawain even used its dragon breath and one by one the magic canons were destroyed.
When Gawain had successfully passed Mordredâs head, all the magic cannons had disappeared.
âAsh, nows the timeâŠ!â
Just when Lucca shouted, Gawain did a somersault.
At the point where the sky was upside down, Ash jumped down.
He drew a big locus in the night sky and successfully lands in between the two horns. Looking from a close distance, the horns looked more like an altar than a horn.
When his feet landed on that spot, he felt satisfied. It was probably his dragnerâs intuition that told him this is the best riding spot.
âListen carefully Eco!â
Ash was shouting with all his might at his âSeikokuâ that was connected to Eco:
âRight now, I am going to ride you! I swear I will be successful in riding you! Whether you are an Imperial Princess or not it has nothing to do with me! So what if you are an imperial princess? You are always bad tempered, try to solve anything with force, a sleepy head, only have crepes in your eyes and feel like wanting to bite greedily whenever you see meat. Are these what an Imperial Princess should do! Even if you really are an Imperial Princess, I will never approve it!... I only know thatââ I am your knight, and you are my pal. Things are just as simple as this!â
The next instant, there was a change in his left arm that was dense with âSeikokuâ.
The âSeikokuâ can be seen emitting rays of light that were able to light up the entire night sky. Then patterns started to crawl just like some living things.
No, the patterns were growing.
âW-What had happenedâŠ?â
Just when Ash was feeling confused, his âSeikokuâ started to spread outwards towards Ash entire body with his left arm as the starting point.
Ash found that his connection with Eco had become stronger.
Although he couldnât communicate with Eco verbally, yet, he was sure that he was connected to EcoâŠ!
But, Ash's thinking only lasted for a short moment.
âGuuuuuuuooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooâŠ!â
Mordred was back on the move. He had broken one of the chains and was standing on two legs.
Lucca groaned. The wind created when Mordred stood up had affected Gawain. Although it was not blown away by the wind, it was obvious that it could not retain its balance. However, Lucca shouted:
âDonât worry about me⊠I am alright! Ash, just focus on saving EcoâŠ!â
Then, Lucca and Gawain finally fall back and disappeared from Ashâs line of sight.
Ash stretched his arm but he could only grab the air.
The Maestros that were scattered in the sky tried to make another chain to tie down Mordredâs upper body.
But before Mordred could be sealed, it forcefully shook its neck.
Ash lost his balance and was thrown up into Fontaine Palace like a cannonball.
-This is a lie⊠It must be�
He was approaching the tower in the middle of Fontaine Palace.
If he was to hit into such stone wallâŠhe will definitely die.
-Is this the end� Is Eco and I⊠Going to end right here?
ăAlmete, Gorjal, PetoâŠă
The voice of the spell was coming from his âSeikokuâ that had spread all over his body.
ăEspaldar, Brafoneras, FaldajeâŠă
It was definitely Ecoâs voice.
ăEscarcelas, Bufetas, Hombreras, BrazalesâŠă
Compare to the previous times, every single word that Eco said was followed by a deep tone.
ăCodales, Antebrazos, ManoplasâŠă
Without any reason, Ash felt courage from within.
ăQuijotes, Guardas, Grebas⊠EscarpesâŠă
Lastly, Eco was left with the last word.
Ash, who was quickly going to crash into Fontaine Palace, was surrounded by holy light.
It felt as if he was surrounded by angelâs wings.
Even though Ash had an illusion of himself ascending to heaven... Ecoâs voice had disrupted these peaceful feeling.
ăâYou absolutely must accept my feelings!âă
As he opened his eyes, Ash was standing at the highest point of Fontaine Palace.
He saw Mordred was standing ferociously with only two legs while still being bound by the chains of the Maestros.
All of the nine eyes were burning deeply with the flames of rage and each looked like a scarlet star. Even though he was trying his best to break free from the existing chains, those Maestros kept on creating new chains.
âThis⊠What is this feeling?â
Ash was looking at his own body.
His entire body was emitting heat and was overflowing with magic.
It has to be the Ark that Eco presented to meââ Yet to Ashâs dismay, what he was wearing right now was still his cloths that looked like rags.
There was not even an Ark that could be seen.
Even so, Ash still continued to feel safe as if he was protected by the Ark. Furthermore, the âSeikokuâ that was on his entire body was alive.
ăHey, why are you daydreaming! Quickly use the Ark-weapon!ă
Ecoâs voice was once again could be heard in his mind
âEcoâŠ? What is happening?â
Without any reason, Eco became silent. It felt as if she was embarrassed because of a certain something.
As if to speak on Ecoâs behalf, another voice appeared in his mind.
ăHuhu. That is an original Ark that Eco has created on her own. However, it is still incomplete and even the shape has not been decided on yet.ă
âThis voice⊠Are you Navi!â
ăThe Ark represents proof of the oath of a dragon that swears to hand over their body and feelings to their knight. At the same time, it was a proof that it was connected to the Masterâs heart. Right now, you are recognized as Avalonâs knight.ă
ăI-I only wanted to get back my own body!... It was never meant to be given to you!ă Eco expectantly added.
ăAra? Who is the person who was crying because she was worried about Ash? I wonder.ă
Eco and Navi seemed to have started an argument.
Ash made a difficult smile because only they could still have the mood to quarrel even during such a dangerous situation.
All the negative emotions like insecurity and fear had disappeared.
However- Right after that, Ash had a bad premonition as if a pair of cold hands held on to his spirit. When he raised his head, Mordredâs eyes were filled with sparks and were marking him.
It had obviously begun to take notice of Ash who had only just previously been disregarded as a louse.
âGuuuuuooooooooooooooooooooooâŠ!â
Although Mordred was still bound by those magic chains, after putting in some effort, he still managed to open his jaws
There was a ball of light that could be seen appearing in front of his nose and it was slowly expanding-
Ash felt a large amount of energy from it. It was thanks to the Ark that his senses had sharpened.
Navi warned Ash in his mind.
ăThatâs bad. Even though Mordred has not completely fused with me, he is still very strongâŠ!ă
âRest assured. I will personally deal with it.â
Ash immediately started to search for information regarding his Ark-weapon. Thanks to his experience in equipping those mimics, his was able to complete his search in a short time.
Ash smiled from within his heart.
The Ark-weapon forming in his mind was undoubtedly the strongest sword that had ever existed.
Ash readied his posture and started to chant the spell.
âAn iron that could slash through anythingâŠâ
For every word he said, his âSeikokuâ that was all over his body was emitting heat and reacted strongly to it.
"A holy sword meant for a knight of all knightsâââ
At the same time... Ash felt an overflowing unlimited amount of magic emanating from his palm.
The one and only treasured sword that had been passed down through generations by generations in the Avalonâs holy dragonsâ emperorâs family had now shaped its form in Ashâs palm.
âAppearââ Excalibur!â
It was not only a huge brave and beautiful sword but also an Ark-weapon.
On its silvery white hilt were many scarlet coloured Millenniums and they were shining brightly.
After he wielded the holy sword with both hands tightly, Ash leaped.
At the same time, Mordred was about ready to throw out its dragon breath.
That one ball of light, started to emerge, with such overwhelming power that could destroy the entire capital, to ground level, within the blink of an eye. Followed by some purple electric bolts flashing around Mordredâs head, the ball of light was released at Ashâs direction.
To make matters worse, Ash couldnât avoid it because the entirety of Fontaine Palace and the capitol City were right behind him.
Noââ In reality, I wonât even need to avoid it.
âUooooooooooooooooooooooooo!â
Ash as if he had forgotten about his fear rushed towards the ball of light.
In respons to Ashâs verve, the Millenniums at the hilt of the holy sword increased their radiance giving out a bright light.
The presently shapeless Ark was releasing all its magic.
âKirisakeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!â [3]
Just before being swallowed by that attack, Ash swung the most powerful strike.
At the same time the lump of energy was split into two, Ash was in mid-air. His vision was full of white and he could see nothing at all.
If not because of the protection he received from the Ark, all the cells in his body would have been vaporized to hot plasma. Ash was indeed slashing through such high amount of thermal energy.
In the end, his vision finally widened.
The dragon breath that was sliced into two had its trajectory changed and each had landed at the Fontainia plains on both sides of the capital and had exploded.
Although it was a huge explosion, apart from the strong wind, Fontaine City remained intact.
Ash lifted again Excalibur and pointed it at Mordredâs head.
At that moment, there was a creepy voice coming from Ashâs mind.
âŠHold on! If you harm this body, the daughter of Avalon will also beââ
The nine eyes kept on blinking as if it still had something to say.
âHaa! Now you start to beg from me⊠Know your place, Mordred!â
Ash remained determined and continued to land at the head.
Of course Ash knew that this body originally belonged to Eco.
He never had the intention to simply slash around with this sword.
However, to get rid of Mordredâs spirit, he needs Eco to bear with it for a few more moments.
What Ash intended to do was not to kill Eco but to make her lose her strength.
Where is the best place to land my attack?
There is not enough time to think of such complicated problems.
It is because apart from Ecoâs and his own life, Ash was burdened with the lives of millions of residents of the capital. Ash decided to wager everything he had in the only possibility he could think of.
Ash was landing at full speed.
What are you trying to doâŠ? Do you want to follow the Julius's footsteps and become a âdragon slayerâ? I canât understand this, I just canât understand thisâŠ!
Ash didnât reply and had no intention of doing so.
âWhether you are a god or a devil-â
Ashâs sword and Mordredâs horn clashed with each other.
âAll the dragons will have to listen to my command, not to mentionâââ
After he had pinpointed the crucial point to release Eco, Ash swung Excalibur-
âIf it is my P.A.L !â
Followed by a sound of a metal clashing with rocks, the night sky was swallowed by a white light.
The thing that was chopped off by Ash and was flying in mid-air was the left horn.
âGuuuuoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooâŠ!â
Mordredâs roar was echoing in the night.
ăâHuhu. Mordred must be running away with his tail curled up behind him[5]Â even though a spirit shouldn't have any tails.â ă
Mordredâs spirit was running under the night sky towards the east while he was seen by Navi.
On the eastern side of the country is Chevron Kingdomâs land.
ăâSo in the end he has escaped to Chevron Kingdom⊠I must wait until he rises again before I can have him captured. Right now... I should give praise to Avalonâs Knight." ă
Navi gave herself a cheer and smiled.
Ecoâs spirit was no longer beside her.
Ashâs final blow had chopped off Ecoâs left horn.
Last month during the time Ash was in the infirmary, he had bitten Ecoâs horn. Furthermore, her left horn being chopped off made her recall that feeling.
It was that âhappyâ feeling that dragged Ecoâs spirit out.
Her heart's memories and her body memories.
When both of them were thinking the same thing, Ecoâs spirit managed to take back its own body and the combined effort got rid of Mordredâs spirit.
Not only is this method impractical, its succession rate too is just as low.
However, Ecoâs clearly remembered the feeling that Ash gave her.
ââNavi had seen it all.
The body of the huge dragon had started undergoing changes inside the glaring light.
The skin colour that was originally black had turned back to its original silvery white colour.
As for those nine creepy eyes, they had merged and returned to two clear scarlet eyes.
The body that was bigger than Fontaine Palace was shrinking slowly and, after some time, finally turned back into a young teenage girl with pink hair.
Ash gently hugged the angel like naked body in mid-air.
Although Eco was blushing, she still placed her hand on Ashâs back and hugged her knight.
"Princess of Avalon ~A.S.B.1365.7~" is closed.
References and Translation Notes
Jump upâ éąçźæŹĄçŹŹăæăăŸăă have also the meaning of âIt is a shame I donât have the power toâŠâJump upâ éćčŽ, man with age range between 20- 30.Jump upâ æŹăèŁă. Means to get split and break apart.Jump upâ æŹ. Ii was a word that was usually shouted when someone wanted to cut/slash/chop/kill off something.Jump upâ A proverb. Basically, if an animal is defeated, it will run off with its tail between its legs thus making sure it is not wagging in the air to be bitten off.