Thanks to my earlier word to Father, the private beach was empty.
Entry-defense tighter than before; no thugs entering.
”…… I want to play here with everyone again.”
When peace returns, that scenery will too.
We haven’t even enjoyed proper student life.
No summer memories — Floné must answer for that.
…… I’ll defeat her.
[Magecraft Funeral] — every mage’s bane.
[Gear Change] — body enhancement.
New [Dragon-Slay Fist · Shin] power.
And the bracelet brimming with their feelings.
“With this, no reason to lose.”
…… Yet still not enough — that’s Floné’s bottomless nature.
Her overwhelming experience gap.
So I must gain more.
Force to face Floné. Today’s purpose.
“Quite lost in thought.”
Flapping huge wings, the jet-black dragon descended, glaring.
”…… Yeah, planning how to defeat Floné. Most important now, right?”
“Hmph. Then I’ll forgive it.”
“Same grand attitude. Not transforming to human form today?”
“If you want a death match, fine?”
”…… Heh, relax your shoulders. Not here to fight, neither of us.”
“Standing firm against me. Always interesting, you.”
The killing intent dissipated.
Air freed; frozen creatures fled.
Demon dragon Gauss attacked Enkalton; the memory of that fight is fresh.
But he too was driven from his nest by Floné, acted under her commands.
Enemy of enemy = ally.
He still bears hostility toward Floné; that’s why he heeded me last time.
“This week, places to hide?”
“Rough environments suffice. Healed wounds.”
“Good. If you died before talking, I’d be troubled.”
“Brat, skip the chatter. Reach the main topic. Idle talk isn’t it.”
He brought his face near, snorted.
He dislikes detours.
Saves me time too.
I had one thing to ask.
“Demon dragon. I’m hostile to Floné Milfonti who drove you out. Remember the light-blue-haired girl from earlier?”
“Ah, the mage with high mana volume. She fired at her limit to stop me.”
“She — Mashiro — is my wife. And Floné targets her. I want to stop Floné and protect her.”
“A firm reason and hostility.”
“Same as you, demon dragon.”
”…… You want me to fight Floné with you?”
“Dragon-humanoid form you and me, the one who beat you — together, we can win. I want power. ……Please fight with me.”
I bowed my head.
If he attacked now, my body would split easily.
Because I’d readied neither [Magecraft Funeral] nor [Gear Change].
Any mana-sensor knows.
To get trust, I show trust.
Who arms when asking favors?
So I treat him respectfully. That’s all.
”…… Raise your face, human.”
A handful of seconds, felt like dozens of minutes.
A voice without the usual pressure.
When I raised my face, his snout was right before me.
”…… My home was attacked by Floné; comrades slain. Watching kin pierced by magic, falling to the earth — burned into my eyes.”
Anger rising again.
“I’ll avenge my kin. Once beaten, but next time I’ll tear her throat! Vowed to friends who departed in despair!”
Fangs bared, anguished cry.
He, like Reina, is Floné’s victim. Human or dragon — no difference.
Equal in being wounded.
”…… Correction first. My name isn’t demon dragon. Gauss.”
“Gauss…… right. Dragons have names…… apologies for earlier.”
“Fine. Same for me.”
Same for me — meaning…… !
I drew a short sword bearing my crest.
“Of the four ducal houses in Rondism — Ouga Veret of House Veret.”
He snorted satisfied.
He’s also fired up.
His rage for the ruined life still burns.
“Ouga. Comrade to slay our common foe. Once more, I’ll be your fang to cleave obstacles.”
”…… Gauss.”
I responded sincerely.
“Then I swear too. With this right arm Gauss recognized, I’ll punish your foe.”
“Heh…… with the fist that defeated me. Most satisfying.”
“Thank you for accepting. ……Indebted.”
“Save thanks until Floné is felled. After fulfillment.”
“That…… heh heh heh! Indeed!”
Can’t shake his hand as a dragon.
I went to touch his chin — but Gauss slipped his head under me and lifted skyward.
“Whoa!?”
I was on his back.
“Letting a human ride is a sign of trust. We can’t shake hands, but this is what you sought, no?”
“Right. Wish you could take human form.”
“That compresses; energy drains fast. Only chosen dragons can.”
“Not invincible.”
“You defeated me, didn’t you?”
True.
If human form were invincible, dragons would have multiplied and humans wiped out.
So that form’s rare among dragons.
“That’s why I chose to ally with you, Ouga — my superior in strength.”
“Hearing that from a demon dragon energizes me.”
“Good. Confidence empowers. Don’t overdo it, but——!?”
Gauss stood suddenly.
I felt his mana simultaneously.
“——Fly, Gauss!”
“GURAAAAAA!!”
He roared, flapped wings.
I gripped his back against air resistance, headed straight.
Why this timing? When did he close? From where?
Thinking spun. No, focus!
He’s here. The target is one.
What our eyes saw:
“Mashiro……!”
In that instant, my call was drowned by thunder.