Chapter 171

The transformation of the Floating Island.

I sit still and watch the fog flow.

The process of fragmented pieces fitting together like a puzzle is eerie, but it’s an amazing spectacle.

There’s only so much I can contribute with a bit of Time Acceleration.

Without straining my body, I speed up the flow of the fog just a little.

The fog flows as one entity.

Taking the form of a Dragon, it fills itself from within.

I wonder if what I took or left behind will have any impact.

But seeing how this single Dragon holds such an immense amount of fog, it might not even be noticeable.

If needed, I’m more than willing to provide the fog.

Perhaps preparing for a situation like this by extracting just the fog corresponding to the Dragon’s Blood was worthwhile.

It was the part I judged to be the least crucial.

That single fog most receptive to my acceleration. Within the void, a Dragon reveals its complete form.

Dead eyes.

A motionless body.

Yet, a beating heart.

Dynamic Life Force filling it from within.

Though it resembles a Corpse, my Senses clearly indicate that the Gold Dragon is alive.

[… ]

Golden pupils now open, staring at me.

The vertically slit black irises produce a faint chill.

[Even in a foggy state… consciousness wasn’t entirely absent.]

The Dragon’s Statement comes out muddled and blurred.

It sounds slow, slightly stammering, as though its head hurts, but it’s still understandable.

Could this be Yul’s influence?

Thinking of a cheerful child who slurs their words brings a smile to my face despite myself—though this Dragon isn’t really a child…

The awkwardness reminds me of a cute horn-waving kid hugging me.

[First, let me express my gratitude… truly, thank you.]

The heartfelt expression of gratitude from the Dragon.

Although I didn’t intend to save the Dragon, things turned out this way.

I have quite a few questions.

After a brief silence, an ordinary question escapes my lips.

“Will all Dragons return with time?”

[It’s difficult without guidance. Once my body is whole again, I’ll take on that role… if the fog doesn’t fade away, eventually all Dragons will find their place.]

“Good fortune.”

[Ah yes… we could have wandered in the fog forever. This is indeed fortunate.]

The golden Dragon’s laughter as it speaks.

Its rumbling voice feels oddly endearing.

“How did this happen?”

[Desire… avoidance. The foolishness of our ancestors fleeing from fear brought about this result. Ignorance comes at a terrible price…]

“Fled?”

[Yes. Though embarrassing, when the world faced danger, we turned away and fled. Back then, we thought it was the path to preserve our race…]

The words of the King in the Mirror World finally come to mind.

They spoke of building a paradise, yet it led to catastrophic results.

Regardless, it’s irrelevant now.

Even if they suffered in the fog for a long time, they’ve regained their original forms.

Suddenly, I recall the silver child I once befriended.

The Dragon who thanked me and ascended to the Floating Island.

‘Bell.’ Is she safe?

“I know a friend named Bell.”

[Bell?]

“She should have arrived here recently. I heard she used a Jade Pendant to come here.”

[Ah… I vaguely remember. A small light that entered during the eternal wandering.]

“Is she alive?”

[Of course… She exists as fog, but she is undoubtedly alive.]

“Can you revive her?”

[Of course. Since I intended to revive all Dragons anyway, selecting her won’t be difficult.]

At my request, the fog quietly gathers.

It takes shape, revealing a silver Dragon dozing off faintly.

[Can you help guide it?]

“Time Acceleration?”

[Exactly. Your ability.]

Following the Golden Dragon’s words, I accelerate the flow of time within the fog.

Soon, the fog clears, revealing a small silver Dragon lying on the Floor.

Though I’d only ever seen her in human form, the essence remains the same.

[Ah…?]

Bell emits a faint, groggy sound.

The silver Dragon collapses onto the floor, whimpering pitifully—but also adorably.

“It’s been a while, Bell.”

[… ]

The silver Dragon stares at me.

The same yellow eyes she had as a human are twinkling.

Then, round, transparent tears begin streaming down.

[Waaaah!]

[Well, well. Looks like we’ve got a teary little Dragon.]

With the hearty laughter of the Golden Dragon, the silver Dragon wobbles toward me.

Despite her usually emotionless demeanor and occasional smiles, this emotional embrace feels rather unfamiliar.

Especially in her smaller Dragon form—it’s quite unexpected.

[Thank you! I’ve received your help once again.]

Dragon language.

Compared to her human form, her emotions feel richer.

Unlike her former stammering, Bell freely expresses her feelings while sobbing.

“Asking how you’ve been would be a bit… hard, huh?”

[Still, I’m okay.]

The small silver Dragon.

Slightly larger than a dog, contrasting greatly with the massive Golden Dragon occupying half the space.

Being young, perhaps, she seems less majestic and more adorable.

[Again, I’ve received great help. Thank you so much!!]

Her cheerful tone through her sobs.

As I stroke the silver Dragon sprawled before me, she closes her eyes contentedly.

[If you need our help, don’t hesitate to ask.]

The Golden Dragon says this, and Bell nods obediently with her eyes closed.

Hmm…

Though there’s no immediate need for Dragon assistance now, life is unpredictable.

“Alright.”

[Alright… Then, would you help me with my Task? With other Dragons aiding me, it’ll be manageable from here. It’s a bit overwhelming for me alone in this state.]

The awkward request from the Golden Dragon.

I nod agreeably.

Holding the snoring Silver Dragon in my arms, I add time to the Golden Dragon’s work of gathering fog.

“What calamity drove you to flee to another dimension?”

[Hmm… A Calamity came. Reflecting now, it was quite a foolish choice. We didn’t expect the place we arrived at to harbor an even greater calamity than the one threatening our world.]

“Calamity?”

[The Calamity that appeared in the world. An old tale. Watching this world through Clear Intervals, experiencing it as fog, is something I never wish to repeat.]

“What happened to the calamity?”

[The world somehow managed to contain it. Witnessing an unstoppable calamity being sealed was almost miraculous. We merely watched as fog in the Clear Interval. To regain this chance was unexpected…]

Could the calamity they referred to be the entities bringing about the game’s ending?

For some reason, it feels like they overlap.

[An old friend is returning.]

As the Dragon spoke, the fog gathered, and a massive Black Dragon slowly emerged, filling the vast space.

Lying limp on the floor, the Black Dragon’s size was comparable to the upright Golden Dragon.

[Get up, lazy friend.]

[… Is this a dream?]

[No. You’re finally waking from a long dream.]

[My Consciousness must have fractured…]

[Thanks to that, gathering you was quite challenging. Express gratitude to our benefactor first. Their help was indispensable in reviving you.]

This task took quite some time.

Due to manipulating time extensively, a tingling fatigue spreads through my hands.

Since I committed to helping, I couldn’t back out halfway, so I pushed through.

The Black Dragon’s voice is deeper and darker.

[Thank you… To escape this accursed fog is a blessing…]

The voice, grinding with suppressed anger, resonates ominously.

[The debt will surely be repaid.]

The polite expression from the Dragon feels strange.

Nevertheless, it feels good.

Who wouldn’t enjoy hearing thanks?

[Could you assist with the remaining work? I need to Rest.]

[You’ve grown weak.]

[What can I do about it when you’re so heavy…]

The Golden Dragon bows its head and loses consciousness.

It seems to have fallen into a deep sleep, its lifeforce flowing very slowly.

[Benefactor. Are we the only Dragons who’ve returned from the fog thus far?]

“For now.”

[We have a long road ahead.]

Muttering this, the Black Dragon turns its gaze to Bell resting in my arms.

[Are you acquainted with this Dragon?]

“A fairly close Dragon.”

[Then… Would you take this Dragon with you?]

I take Bell.

Not having considered this beforehand, I slowly lower my head to look at the silver Dragon nestled comfortably in my arms.

Her bright yellow eyes meet mine, radiating anticipation, making me chuckle.

“Would you like to come along?”

[Is that alright?!]

“There’s no reason why not.”

[Hm…]

She says this, but lacking energy, she drifts off to sleep in my arms.

Carrying the unconscious Dragon, I look at the Black Dragon.

[We’ll stay in touch through her.]

“Is there a way?”

[Dragons are connected. Once all Dragons awaken, we’ll formally invite you. Though the Floating Island is damaged, it was once called the Dragons’ Paradise. We’ll restore it fully and welcome you with pride.]

The pride felt from the Dragon.

Their strong resolve reaches me, prompting a slight nod.

Seemingly satisfied, the Black Dragon slowly closes its eyes.

[Forgive the rudeness, Benefactor, but this old Dragon is too weary after all that has transpired…]

With that, the Black Dragon’s consciousness fades.

The normalization of the Floating Island.

Judging it will happen eventually, I leave the sleeping Dragons undisturbed and quietly exit the island.

Above, I see the island free of fog, revealing its pristine form.

The forest devastated by the fog looks quite unsightly.

But it will gradually return to its original state.

With some anticipation for the restored Floating Island, I glance at the sleeping Silver Dragon in my arms.

Since Warp devices don’t work while carrying someone, I either use Earth Travel or fly home.

Not expecting to bring anyone back, the journey home becomes longer.

Maintaining my posture, I fly home.

Unbothered, Bell sleeps soundly.

In Dragon form.

About the size of a medium-sized puppy, it appears more adorable than noble or majestic.

Perhaps because of the initial prickly attitude and the final farewell smile, I think it would be nice to find a new home for this lonely child.

Massaging my sore muscles, I enjoy a bit of Rest outside.

Relaxing in the gentle spring weather, basking in the warm Spring breeze, drowsiness creeps in.

Slipping my eyes shut, I unknowingly fall asleep.

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