Chapter 212.2

This unbearable, head-splitting roar was accompanied by magic power, which turned into a sticky liquid.

The dragon’s thick mucus clung to Lay and Misa.

Lay tried to shake it off with anti-magic, but the sticky liquid merely stretched and showed no sign of breaking.

“GROOOOAAAAAAR…!” (White dragon)

Once again, the dragon’s mucus wrapped around the two of them like a chain, completely restraining their movements.

“…I was hoping this wouldn’t happen.” (Lay)

Without dropping his smile, Lay glanced at Lycius.

“How is it that the people of Azesion are under attack from dragons, yet their own king owns one?” (Lay)

Lycius answered his question with a gentle smile.

“Under attack? That is where you are wrong, Hero Kanon. All of this is salvation.” the King of Gairadite declared as if he were stating the obvious.

“For dragons are the messengers of the gods. By offering our bodies and souls to the dragon, we humans can reach the gods and receive true salvation.” (Lycius)

“Then shouldn’t you sacrifice yourself to the dragons instead?” (Lay)

Lycius nodded with a calm expression.

“I intend to, of course. However, as king, I have the responsibility of leading the people of Azesion to the gods. Once I have accomplished that, I will happily depart to them myself.” (Lycius)

Misa suddenly realized something.

“…What happened to the royals…?” (Misa)

“I sent them to the gods ahead of me.” (Lycius)

“…Did you… feed them to the dragons?! Your own children?!” (Misa)

“They were competing for the throne. Each of them resented, despised, and fought against their own flesh and blood. What I did was rescue them from their own hell. After all, the king is the parent of his nation. The least I could do was show my parental love to my actual children first.” (Lycius)

Misa had a look of disbelief on her face.

“…What’s your goal?” (Lay)

“To offer the god of Azesion, the Sword of Three Races, and the Hero it chose as sacrifices to the Almighty Radiance Equis!” (Lycius)

Lycius laughed as if he was intoxicated.

“I received an oracle telling me that by sacrificing you, I would reach the gods and be resurrected into this land with eternal life. With the royal authority granted by the gods, I will rule over Azesion as its one true king.” (Lycius)

Lay gave him a stern glare.

“Was it a draconid named Ahid who fed you that lie?” (Lay)

“Everything is in accordance with the will of the Almighty Radiance.” (Lycius)

It seemed that he wasn’t baited by Lay’s provocation.

It was too soon to conclude that this was Ahid’s work.

However, he was still the most likely culprit.

“Now, Hero Kanon. Summon the god of Azesion, the Sword of Three Races. The time has come for you to return the hand of god to the Almighty Radiance Equis.” (Lycius)

“And you think I’ll cooperate with you?” (Lay)

Lycius then drew a magic circle on the index finger of his right hand.

What emerged from it was a Pledge Jewel ring.

But unlike the Selection Pledge Jewel, its stone was a clear crystal.

Which meant that he wasn’t one of the Selected Eight.

But the real question was who gave it to him?

“By the terms of our pledge, I demand that you appear. Keeper of Emotion Enes Ne Mes, show me your salvation.” (Lycius)

His Pledge Jewel lit up. Three magic circles stacked up on each other, but the jewel was lacking in magic power compared to a Selection Pledge Jewel. There was probably a limit to the number of gods he could summon.

Light gathered before Lycius’ eyes while emitting a shrill sound.

It took a humanoid shape, and instantly materialized.

What he summoned was a knight in a suit of armor made of mist.

He had no arms, legs or face. It was only a moving full-body armor made of mist.

Enes Ne Mes the Keeper of Emotion is the great god who rules over emotions and controls hearts. Hero Kanon, I will now impose a test on you.” (Lycius)

When Lycius channeled magic power into his Pledge Jewel, Enes Ne Mes slowly approached Misa.

The latter, whose entire body was restrained by the dragon’s mucus, was unable to move.

Enes Ne Mes extended his right arm and grabbed Misa’s head.

“Ahh…! Ugh…! Ah…!” (Misa)

Little by little, the foggy arms of the Keeper of emotion entered her head.

“Enes Ne Mes is the keeper that dwells within emotions. Soon, her heart will be under this god’s control. Now, Hero Kanon, draw your Sword of Three Races to save her. Otherwise, her heart will disappear from this world.” (Lycius)

Lay glared at Lycius, who was still smiling gently.

The former gathered magic power into his right hand.

And then…

『…I’m… still fine… Let’s observe the situation for a bit longer… He might be hiding a way to steal the Sword of Three Races the moment it’s summoned…』(Misa)

He received a <Thought Communication Leaks> from Misa.

『Besides, I think this man is only a puppet. We need to find out who he’s in contact with in the Underground World…』(Misa)

As if in response to her, the magic power in Lay’s hand receded.

“Who gave you this Pledge Jewel?” (Lay)

“Hero Kanon. Why won’t you draw your Sword of Three Races? If you oppose the will of the gods, your fiancée’s heart will become theirs.” (Lycius)

When Lisius sent magic power to the Pledge Jewel, Enes Ne Mes’s right arm entered Misa’s head up to the wrist.

Her face twisted in pain.

“Now, Hero chosen by the gods and the Sword of Three Races. You have fought for the sake of the Almighty Radiance Equis. This time will be no different.” (Lycius)

“Sorry to disappoint you, but she won’t give in. If you think you can make her, go ahead and try.” (Lay)

“If I think I can, you say? Do you doubt the power of the gods? Well then, chosen Hero, prepare to witness their power and repent.” (Lycius)

At Lycius’ words, Enes Ne Mes’s entire right arm penetrated Misa’s head.

“Now, obey the gods, Misa Reglia.” (Lycius)

Lycius held up his Pledge Jewel ring and snapped his fingers.

Perhaps this was done per his order, but the white dragon’s mucus around Misa disappeared.

“Strangle the Hero Kanon to death with your own hands.” (Lycius)

He must’ve thought that if he did this, Lay would be forced to draw his Sword of Three Races.

Misa stiffly turned her face towards Lay.

Then she slowly walked in his direction.

But halfway through, she stopped in her tracks.

Even though the Keeper of Emotion had invaded her head, she turned her head back to Lycius, as if in defiance.

“I… refuse…” (Misa)

“…What…?” (Lycius)

Lycius looked shocked.

“I refuse. There is no way I could ever do such a thing…” (Misa)

“…What an ungodly woman. Not only do you refuse to obey the gods, but you even rebel against them…” (Lycius)

He once again filled his Pledge Jewel with magic power, and this time, it was Enes Ne Mes’s left arm that forcefully invaded Misa’s head.

“O Keeper of Emotion, my deity! Demonstrate your power, the divine miracle that represents your might, to these foolish people!” (Lycius)

“Try whatever you want, but I think you’re just wasting your time.” Lay declared, making Lycius turn around.

“Not even the gods can take her heart away.” he said with a grin.

“Because I’ve already stolen it myself.” (Lay)

Lycius’ eyes widened in rage.