Chapter 91

[Hey, ant.]

“Yes.”

[Hmm, it’s astonishing. How could a mere human learn the language of dragons?]

[Eh? You can speak the language of dragons!]

Bell clapped her hands happily.

Is it really that surprising that I can talk to dragons?

My special trait.

Something not even the system records—my personal characteristic.

It wasn’t just about learning a language for communication; this ability gave me the chance to converse with dragons.

There’s also a bit of anticipation.

In most games, dragon languages carry some magical essence.

Could I wield such power too?

I’m curious what other things might come up later.

[Do you know what kind of gem you were holding?]

“Thought Gem.”

“Hooh.”

Curiosity laces the dragon’s voice.

The brief description from the encyclopedia and UI about the Thought Gem didn’t reveal much.

[Jinda-mani (振多摩尼). A gem that listens. It opens possibilities through the will of its bearer.]

Tricky information. What exactly does Jinda-mani mean?

From my experiments, it seems to grant wishes based on intention.

[Do you know what you can do with it?]

“Not exactly.”

“Hmph. So, you didn’t understand its value. This is a gem that grants wishes in a limited way. No, it’s not just a gem—it’s a Jade Pendant. A dragon-shaped Jade Pendant.”

Jade Pendant.

Hearing that made it clear why Bell was so desperate to find it.

Ironically, a dragon-like being wanting this pendant felt contradictory but fit within both Eastern and Western lore.

“Nice gem.”

“Hehe. Is that all you have to say?”

“Well… should I be amazed?”

[Then, shouldn’t you return the gem to its rightful owner?]

“I planned to give it away if needed—to Bell, not you.”

“Hoo.”

A deep gaze filled the dragon’s eyes, evaluating me.

[Sincerely?]

“Yes.”

[Do you have no desires? Since this gem grants wishes…]

“I do have concerns, but they’re solvable by my own efforts.”

Emotions.

Returning home.

Though it may take time, I don’t see it as impossible.

If I believe, then someday it’ll become possible.

I firmly trust in these possibilities and my abilities.

[You seem sincere.]

“Yes.”

Thought Gem.

I’ve already tried using it before, unsure of how to fully utilize it.

During trips to the capital, I spent idle moments testing its functions.

When I wished for enhanced magic skills, it suggested training methods.

I wanted to go home.

Though nothing happened at first, small pieces of advice made me feel reassured.

But there’s no need for me to use it.

With the system already supporting me, holding onto a slightly less effective Jade Pendant seems unnecessary.

Unless…

If it truly shows a way back to my world, things might change.

But for now, Bell clearly needs it more.

[No need to steal!]

Bell’s cheerful voice echoed through the cavern.

To think she struggled speaking human language when she could fluently use dragon speech.

Her image completely changed.

From a stoic silver-haired girl to a lively, energetic one.

Or maybe she possesses both sides and is simply happy about finding the gem.

“That’s right.”

[Hmm. My mistake. Allow me to apologize.]

Did Bell’s presence soften the dragon’s attitude?

Or did obtaining the gem ease its tension?

Apologizing was surprisingly touching.

Previously, this dragon would’ve likely cast spells to kill me.

[Transactions cannot be one-sided. Tell me, what do you desire?]

Reward.

If the dragon leaves, clearing the 50th floor naturally gives me the reward.

That suffices as compensation.

No need to gain anything else.

Accepting something from a somewhat hostile dragon felt uncomfortable anyway.

Who knows what hidden tricks a master of magic might pull?

“It’s fine. Helping this child achieve her goal is enough.”

[Waah.]

Bell looked touched.

Just like that, I played the role of a good-natured person, easing the dragon’s guard.

The dragon’s reptilian eyes narrowed sharply, piercingly staring at me.

[No lies detected. Though faint, sincerity remains.]

“I avoid lying as a principle.”

[Hmph. Rare among ants. Thank you. Thanks to you, I can finally escape this tiresome place…]

The dragon’s long words carried deep regret and relief.

[Child.]

[Yes!]

[Will you hand over the Jade Pendant?]

[Yes!]

Bell handed over the Jade Pendant to the dragon.

Even knowing its significance, I felt no greed—only mild curiosity at the unfolding scene.

[Open the scattered oaths of the earth to reassemble them and let two beings pass through the blurred space beyond.]

Dragon language.

Each word carries intent.

With my rudimentary knowledge of magic, I deciphered parts of the situation.

High-level magic.

Perhaps only possible because the speaker is a dragon.

I witnessed it unfold before my eyes.

[Servant of the broken oath. The last remaining dragon ascends once more.]

Something’s happening.

A bright blue light engulfs the surroundings.

Magic so dense it’s visible.

Breathing it feels like inhaling liquid.

[Open the path.]

Drrr-

The entire cavern shakes violently, akin to an earthquake.

Bell sits collapsed on the ground, steadying herself with her hands.

Then, a rainbow-colored bridge appears toward the sky.

An endless expanse of luminous brilliance.

Seeing this, the dragon’s expression turns ecstatic.

[Finally. The time has come to break these chains. Climb aboard, child. It’s time to return to our kin in the heavens.]

The dragon transforms again.

Its majestic form—the grand and dignified shape we associate with dragons.

The earthquake subsides.

The straight bridge to the sky.

The dazzling scenery of iridescent rainbows deserves to be captured forever.

[Thank you.]

Bell’s soft voice whispers into my ear.

Smiling brightly, clutching the gem tightly, the girl bows respectfully to me.

“Bell.”

“Yes?”

“Were you a dragon too?”

“Yeah.”

She smiles gently.

So, she was a dragon.

Was the rumor about the dragon race spread intentionally by Bell?

After all, only a dragon could freely enter dragon ruins.

Connecting the dots felt satisfying.

Our brief connection was enjoyable.

Bell climbs onto the dragon, retaining her human form.

[Let’s go!]

“Yes!”

And with that, they vanished into the sky like the wind, crossing the rainbow bridge into the heavens above.

Gradually, the shimmering blue magic fades.

The trembling cavern regains peace.

An empty cavern.

Dungeon Level 50.

Only dust and wind remain.

“Haa.”

I exhale deeply.

Facing the dragon was quite stressful.

Having faced overwhelming defeat twice made meeting it daunting.

Thanks to Bell, I managed to overcome the danger—thankful though belatedly.

“Anyway, I conquered Level 50.”

Despite not defeating the dragon directly,

Conquering Dungeon Level 50 counts.

Ultimately, I remained—the victor.

Isn’t the survivor always considered the winner?

Using a gem I couldn’t properly use to drive off the dragon feels like a profitable trade.

Narrowing corridors.

Clearly leading backward, I walk toward the end of Level 50.

Where the skull gate marked Level 100, a dragon-engraved door stood here.

Gripping the handle, I open the door.

Creeeak.

The hinges groan unpleasantly as I step into the darkness.

A glittering box.

Gold and soft green hues.

Surrounded by transparent glass, subtly luxurious, my hand naturally reaches out.

What reward awaits?

Opening the box with anticipation.

Creeek.

Inside rests a dark bead on red silk.

Pitch black, absorbing all light.

So dark it looks like a hole.

[Skill Creation Pearl]

The name sounds enchanting.

Enough to make me unconsciously gulp.

Skill Creation Pearl.

My lips dry slightly.

Quickly reading the details.

[A pearl capable of creating any desired skill. Destroys after one use. Generates the closest skill type to your thoughts. Cannot recreate existing skills.]

“Wow.”

Worthy reward for defeating the dragon.

An extra skill as compensation.

Swiftly pocketing the box into my bag.

Deciding which skill to create can wait—I exit the dungeon.

Placing a Warp Device in the corner of Level 50, I head home.

A precaution against emergencies—but thankfully unnecessary.

Back home, cool air greets me.

Refreshing contrast to the dungeon’s stuffiness.

My mood lifts instantly.

“Welcome back?”

Evanjalin greets me cheerfully.

Her smile feels incredibly warm.

All tension melts away.

Relaxing in her presence feels honest—even if my heart isn’t entirely so.

“Yeah. Back.”

“Give me your clothes.”

“Yeah.”

Though planning to leave soon,

Spending time with Evanjalin grows appealing.

“Want to go out together later?”

“Huh?”

“A date. The weather’s nice.”

“…Okay.”

Her slightly trembling voice.

Shyly smiling, she agrees.

“I’ll tell Jack.”

“Should we bring Jack along?”

“Why not? Of course. Let’s invite Suri and the spirits too.”

“Okay. I’ll prepare some lunchboxes.”

“Good. Let’s eat lunch that way.”

“Alright.”

An impromptu plan, but it sounds pleasant.

Isn’t autumn picnic season?

“Menu…”

“Want to cook together?”

At the suggestion, Evanjalin’s eyes widen.

After a moment, she softly replies with a shy tone.

“Okay…”

Standing behind her, I gently hold the pan.

She’d already started cooking something.

The greasy scent wafts around.

“Ah.”

“This part’s mine.”

Looking at her slightly flushed cheeks, I take the pan.

The dexterity granted by cooking skills.

Though the feel of the pan pales compared to her comforting fragrance nearby.

“…”

“Done frying?”

“Yes.”

Her almost inaudible voice.

Catching it, I transfer the cooked dish to a plate.

Cooking continued quietly and peacefully.

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