Book Eater

Chapter 266: The Die is Cast (4)

A certain disturbance was occurring in the easternmost point of the northern continent, in the port city of Ribenda in Meltor. In fact, though it was a port city, the northern sea currents were so rough that it was difficult for ships to make it to them. It was common for boats and large passenger ships to go down in stormy weather off the coast, so this port was usually empty.

However, today was an exception, as a special guest had arrived. Everyone wanted to see the sea serpent of legend, despite the tight security. The residents were in awe. Dragons were entirely unlike the petty monsters of land.

“Back off! This is the army!”

“Anyone who approaches any further will be arrested!”

Beyond the guard’s perimeter, Theo sighed in relief as he finally set foot on his homeland for the first time in ages.

“This is why I wanted a discreet entrance.”

Sea dragons might be half the size of other dragons, but they were far from discreet. Aquilo’s sinuous form had created twenty meter tall waves as she carried Theo to shore. But unlike tsunamis, she let them dissipate harmlessly before they could crash into the port. However, the spectacle was inevitable.

However, instead of apologizing, Aquilo hugged Theo’s left arm and giggled. “What’s wrong? No one got injured or killed. Besides, you arrived on time, so shouldn’t you be proud?”

“Hah.”

Unlike before, Theo didn’t move his arm. He just sighed in resignation. Aquilo’s white skin felt smoother than usual. What had happened to produce this newfound comfort between the two?

“Anyway, thank you for your favor, boy. This brought our contract to a deeper level.”

“Hey!”

As she whispered sweetly into his ear, Aquilo’s hand slipped up Theo’s body, caressing his well-tempered chest and abdomen. It wasn’t sexual at all, but whenever she touched him, Theo couldn’t help but be reminded of the past few days and couldn’t help gritting his teeth. Perhaps this newfound impulse came from Aquilo’s blood, which had now grown more dense in his body.

He barely overcame the temptation.

In all fairness, Theo had left ‘anything’ on the table because he knew the nature of the sea dragon. He never worried that Aquilo would try to make an unfair demand, and that she would ask for something equivalent to crossing the sea.

So, when he first heard her request, he had doubted his ears.

-Then I want to take your ‘essence’, how about it?

Theo had no experience with the opposite sex, but every man knew what essence was. A fierce conflict raged in his mind when he heard her request. She was a wicked dragon, but she was beautiful and had developed the skill of melting males for over a thousand years.

He thought of Ellenoa’s confession and a few other things. However, her next words marked the beginning of Theo’s suffering.

- Hrmm, does that mean it is fine as long as I don’t go all the way?

- What? No, wait a minute!

- There is no reason to refuse. There are many ways...

Theo realized that remembering it was causing a counterproductive effect, so he shook his head. He hadn’t crossed the last line, but he had climbed the stairs of an adult in many ways. Therefore, he wasn’t upset at Aquilo clinging to him like this.

Her slender white fingers and moist lips...

“Ugh.” Theo shook away the memories and pulled his arm away from Aquilo. “It’s done now. Don’t stick so close to me.”

“Kek, there is no need to be ashamed―” Aquilo was still relaxed despite Theo’s rejection. She had the face of a sated lioness and didn’t hide her satisfaction at all. He couldn’t beat her when it came to this.

Theo was convinced and placed his left hand on his body instead of dealing with Aquilo further. Then...

[+20 Aquilo’s Blood Mark (Imprint)

An imprint using the blood of the sea dragon, Aquilo. Additionally, Aquilo has received permission from the owner of this imprint and has strengthened the contract. The imprint has reached Stage 2, allowing the owner to receive part of the dragon’s power. If the relationship with the partner of the blood mark becomes hostile, it will naturally be destroyed.

* The rating of this imprint is Treasure.

* The user’s water affinity will significantly increase.

* The user will be given the Sea Dragon’s Blessing.

* It is possible to summon the sea dragon, Aquilo.

* It is possible to use Dragon Words five times a day.

* User's physical abilities and magic power will greatly increase. Addition of magic power to the blood mark will allow dragon scales to appear. The lowest level of Dragon Fear can be used.]

The information window of the blood mark, which had doubled in strength, appeared before Theo’s eyes. The number of times he could use Dragon Words had increased from three to five, and the procedure required to summon Aquilo had been reduced.

However, those changes were minor compared to the added abilities. His physical abilities and magic power had been amplified, and been given dragon scales and even Dragon Fear. Theo had received an overwhelming power that was similar to Veronica’s mixed blood.

Kkuok.?Theo clenched his fists and shook his head.

Both my strength and endurance have increased significantly. I haven’t used the dragon scales yet, but this alone is a tremendous achievement.

He had the raw strength to twist iron with his hands, and his magic power was almost at the 8th Circle. While the total amount of magic power wasn’t a good qualifier of strength, Theo could proudly proclaim that he was twice as powerful as other 7th Circle magicians.

If he fought Marquis Fergana now, wouldn’t he be able to win easily?

Aquilo smirked. “Well, it looks like you are satisfied in your own way.”

Theo glanced at her. “I won’t thank you.”

“Of course. It was part of the deal. But still...” A white arm trailed down his neck as she leaned in and whispered, “Didn’t it feel good?”

Theo didn’t deny it and the notorious dragon snickered. He looked at her and suddenly realized, “Are you leaving?’

“Yes, I’m gonna wander and watch the war. If I stay here, I think I will somehow get used to it. It might be fun, but it isn’t to my taste.”

Just like how humans watched ants at their feet, this war was just a spectacle to Aquilo. She might be a beautiful woman, but she was also a dragon. Aquilo didn’t try to deny or excuse her nature. She would stay true to her essence until she was killed or reached the end of her life.

Theo gazed at her calmly. Aquilo smiled. “Those eyes... Don’t forget. If you melt easily for me, you will just be an ordinary idiot.”

“Don’t speak nonsense and just go.”

“There’s no need to be ashamed.” Aquilo didn’t look back as she walked into the sea. As she transformed into her dragon form, she turned. “Ah, one more thing before I go.”

“What is it?”

A wicked grin stole across her face. “It isn’t a big deal. But the next time you call me―”

The water drowned her voice, but Theo heard the rest.

“... Damn.” Theo’s face flushed red as he let out a breath. It seemed that he had been thoroughly defeated in this field that wasn’t a fight. Theo gazed at the distant sea until the people from Manavil arrived to meet him.

In many ways, it was a disturbing farewell.

***

Theo headed into an unused VIP room in the mansion of Ribenda’s lord and found familiar faces awaiting him.

“Master!”

Vince Haidel, a Prime of the Red Tower and his teacher, jumped up and greeted him.

News of Theo’s survival had been kept secret, but Vince had been brought into the loop since he was Theo’s teacher. Theo’s safe return was miraculous for Vince, who was well aware of the 2nd Sword’s reputation.

A note of disbelief colored Vince’s voice. “You are surprisingly okay!”

Theo awkwardly smiled and scratched his head. “You’re very excited, Master.”

“I guess if you’re talking like this, you’re fine. I’m glad.”

“I’m also glad that Master is well.”

They embraced firmly, basking in their reunion. Theo hadn’t seen him for a while. After all, Vince was a war magician, and spent most of his time on the battlefield.

However, Theo saw that he wasn’t alone.

Sylvia, who had come to meet him with Vince, waited for her turn with shining eyes.

Theo turned to look at her and felt a sense of discomfort.

... Um? Her atmosphere seems different from before?

Sylvia had grown up as a genius amongst her peers, so she didn’t call anyone a friend aside from Theo. Like a watercolor painting in black and white, Sylvia had always been separate from her surroundings. It wasn’t what she wanted, but she didn’t know how to change it. Therefore, Sylvia always reluctantly stepped back from people.

“It has been a while, Sylvia. Have you been well?”

But her presence had sharpened. Sylvia smiled brightly as she greeted him, “Yes, I’m glad that Theo is healthy.”

She looked exactly the same, but her childish emotions had vanished, leaving her as an adult like her peers. Was this the effect of the so-called three days of bereavement? He could feel the improvement in her magic power in the last three months. Her weaknesses had been wiped out. It seemed Theo wasn’t the only person who had progressed in the last three months.

In the end, the three of them chatted for an hour. Theo went over his experience in the East and other small things. The two people paid close attention to Theo as he spoke. They didn’t want to admit the difficult reality that he had almost been killed and miraculously made his way.

He appreciated their care, but it was time to stop this warm moment. “Master, Sylvia.”

The two magicians looked at each other. Theo laughed. “I’m fine. I also know the situation. I really appreciate your intentions, but I think our kingdom is more important than my trip.”

Vince started, “Theo, I...”

Theo shook his head. “Master, don’t hesitate to speak. What’s happening in Meltor?”

Vince sighed heavily. He wasn’t feeling guilty, but Theo’s words were a daunting reminder of who his disciple had become. He was no longer the young boy from the countryside, but a dignified hero of the kingdom.

Vince closed his eyes for a moment to choose his words, and spoke. “In a nutshell, we’re caught in a deadlock.”

Shortly after the declaration of war, Meltor had attacked three of Andras’ border bastions with three vanguard units. The first being Veronica, who could be called a one-man army; the second being the assassination squad led by White Tower Master Orta; and the last being the war magicians who had deployed to the plains.

Among them, one had been successful, and one had failed. The last had yet to be settled, since they hadn’t committed their forces to a decisive engagement.

“Veronica crushed the fortress without difficulty, but the White Tower Master was ambushed by the 3rd Sword. So everything is quiet as they wait for the result from Karul Plains.”

“I see.”

“Meltor has secretly dispatched envoys to Elvenheim and Austen. We have intelligence about two thousand troops coming from Lairon to Andras. It seems this war is turning into one of unprecedented scale..”

One side had Meltor, Elvenheim, and Austen, while Andras and Lairon stood on the other. The entirety of the West Continent seemed to be involved in this dispute. The prelude to a historic war was rising. Theo felt a thrill as he came to the obvious conclusion.

Andras and Meltor... One of them will surely perish in this war!

Regardless of whether he knew Theo’s feelings, Vince hadn’t finished speaking.

“Kargas is neutral, but they don’t want Andras to win. In any case, they aren’t a big force.”

Theo said slowly, “... Finally, it‘s starting.”

“Yes, it is finally starting,” Vince’s eyes flashed intensely with battle intent as he declared, “The unification war of the Northern Continent!”