Published at 18th of July 2022 1:29 am

Volume 2, Chapter 4 - Avdocha the Convicted, Part 6-11

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 6

---Moving backwards slightly in time---

Nearly a hundred worshipers were taken hostage along with Silvia. Of course, due to unexpected events, they were trembling endlessly while still trying to grasp the situation that they were in. The terrorist’s mastermind was 'Avdocha the Convicted’. There were nine soldiers surrounding them.

The nine soldiers give off the feeling that they were from the mountains and were large, muscular men. They were dressed in their folk costumes; With an eagle looking mask on their face they were equipped with the mountain people's usual whip and shamshir[5] dagger among others. The nine men seemed to be loyal to Avdocha. In contrast to their savage like looks, they accepted orders just like any regular army soldiers. Avdocha's objective was to defeat Veronica and she probably wanted to take advantage of the 100 hostages to achieve her goal.

"is there nothing that we can do?"

As the Knight’s Royal Princess… What can I do? Just as Silvia was thinking this, her first thought is the intention to expose her identity as the princess.

"As long as I identify myself, we could ask them to release the hostages......"

It was not an exaggeration to have this idea, because she could use her own value as the princess.

If she can use a person's freedom in exchange for the safety of the public… Isn't this a very good bargain?

"I will never allow you to do this!"

Surprisingly, Jessica actually tried to stop Silvia. When she heard Silvia talking to herself, with a low voice, she advised her to give up on the idea.

"Once they know that you are Princess Veronica’s sister there’s no one who can guarantee your safety."

"The problem is... If I am the only person who will be sacrificed and these people can be saved––"

"Do not look down on others! I never had the intention to sell you out for my freedom! For I'm Jessica Valentine!"

At this time, Avdocha, who was originally busy giving orders to the men, suddenly turned around and look back at Silvia and Jessica.

"Well, well, well.... There is someone who has the leisure to whisper around even when they are in danger. You really have guts to be doing that."

She took the reins of the basilisk and moved closer to the two. The basilisk with its heavy steps gives off a pressuring feeling; Silvia was almost scared out of her wits. However. Jessica was the opposite. She stood up from the spot.

"I am Jessica Valentine!"

"So?"

"Don’t look at me like that. I'm a well-known noble! Out of respect for me… Can you promise that you would never harm the other hostages?"

The heroic act gave Silvia a hard hit. In such a situation… She actually had the courage to claim herself as a noble...!

Avdocha sitting on the basilisk’s back, her eyes narrowed into a crack.

“Noble? I've never heard of the Valentine house... Anyway. We appreciate your foolhardiness; I’ll now give you an important task! Arrest her!"

Two of Avdocha's men came forward without a word and held Jessica from both sides. Without any explanation they dragged her to Avdocha. Like a comforting thought Silvia imagined that there is nothing that needs to be worried about. However what unfolded in front of all hostages was a tragic scene.

First, Jessica's clothes were torn and stripped off. Then, Avdocha personally took a lipstick and wrote on her belly 'The Head of Valkyrie!’

Jessica from the start to the finish didn't moan once and not even a drop of tears flowed out from her eyes. She just gritted her teeth and bore all this, but it was not difficult to tell what she was experiencing. Finally, Jessica was taken to the altar and tied to the cross.

"Jessica... I've misunderstood you. In fact. You are a lot nobler than a true noble."

-Compared to me. I-I’m...... Actually weak and incompetent.

She could use her identity as a Dragner and fight back...... It was not that Silvia didn't have this idea; the problem was, as long there were hostages, there was no way to summon Lancelot while in the church. This space in the church was too small for Lancelot to use its skills.

"Damn... Why am I... this useless?!"

Apart from sitting down together timidly with the other hostages, in addition to unable to do anything, Silvia deeply hated herself.

Part 7

"'Avdocha the Convict'? How can this be possible ...!" Anya murmured.

Anya, who was disguised as a flower girl, was mixed amidst about a hundred hostages inside the church.

In order to prevent her men, who deeply hated Veronica, from taking any actions Anya also infiltrated Ansarivan. She only went to the St Valeria’s Church to gather information but was unfortunately drawn into Avdocha's terrorist act. 'Avdocha the Convict' was a legend in the mountains. Since she was lost in a military operation there were no more rumors about her anymore. So many thought that she had died...

Anya since her childhood had already heard her name and looked up to her. Avdocha had left her village with numerous heroic legends. Of course, this was the first time Anya saw her. She had only seen her portrait in the wanted poster in the past at best. The beauty on the wanted poster was a perfect match with the title 'Avdocha the Convicted'. The record breaking reward amount, one million Eccles, was also a stunner. Anyway, the person herself was not the same.

-I actually didn't expect that she had such a petite body... Logically speaking… Her actual age should be around the twenties. Anya thought to herself.

That aggressive basilisk who was tamed and obeyed her, was the best evidence that she was likely Avdocha. Because in Avdocha's heroic legend, the basilisk didn't just play a small role. However, from Anya’s point of view, there were too many things that didn’t fit.

- Such a terrorist act... is nothing but foolhardy.

In this world… There were plenty of rebels who recklessly sacrificed their own lives. The Tantalos tribe, since a long time ago, seemed to be popular with suicide attackers. However, judging from the rumors spread on many parts of the mountains, at the very least Avdocha was not that kind of reckless person. She not only led successful fights one after another, in the end she always survived–– Because of this, Avdocha had become a legend. Even after the ‘killed in action’ message was well known, people still think that "maybe she is still alive somewhere in the world". That was the part that made Avdocha so scary and also added some style to her legend. Against such legendary exploits, it was impossible for her to do such a foolhardy act as this......

Anya felt that instead of thinking about these problems she should worry about her own safety.

––Yes... In fact, what's she going to do next?

Since Avdocha had already set the time limit, they will die if they just sit still. Not to forget each time the bell rang… One of the hostages will be killed... How about if she revealed that she is also from the Tantalos tribe–– Even she did think that… Anya quickly waved off this idea. She is a veteran.

Such people will not take Anya in as her companion just because of the same skin colour. To act rashly will probably end up with a harsh lesson like that of Jessica Valentine. Although under Milgauss' help, the mountainous people's dispute was finally able to calm down, but there were a lot of Tantalos family who gave up their home and choose to come out from the mountains. That trend resulted in many people, who were not mountain emigrants, that had the same tanned skin colour as Anya's increasing.

Moreover. There were rumors:

Princess Veronica established a force consisting of foreigners. She also intended to use a different army system for them than from the Knight's army. They were also for other uses. Also, there seemed to be many mountain people who were included in the group.

––I shouldn't act rashly or else I’ll be suspected as a soldier from the foreign force......

Even though Anya was disguised as a flower girl… But that woman was still Avdocha. Perhaps she may recognize that Anya had once undertaken military training at a glance.

––If that's so… Then the smart move is to temporarily blend in with the hostages and see what’s going to happen next.

After concluding all that, Anya was hugging her knees with her hands and her head was buried in between them. This way she did not need to face Avdocha directly. If she can just avoid doing any unsightly behaviour, no matter how many times the bell sounded, Anya will never be so unlucky and be killed? After all, the number of hostages are as many as 100 people......

But God is never gonna let her get off so easily.[6] Beside Anya there was a mother shaking while holding her baby. Maybe the baby sensed her mother’s anxiety, the look on it's face was as if it's going into burst into tears anytime.

- Please be good...!

Anya immediately pulls her cheeks and began to coax the baby.

"Chaa...♪"

It was probably that her act was funny but fortunately the baby also gave a happy grin.

She silently felt relieved within her heart, but at the same time she started to hate herself.

- What am I actually doing...?

Part 8

Rebecca suddenly speaks to Veronica.

"Are you going to send someone to negotiate?"

Veronica seems like she is interested in this proposal, and looks to Rebecca. Even when the person she was speaking to is Veronica, Rebecca was still without fear, and gracefully stated her views:

"We must not use the main cannon of the Silvanus until the very end. I think we should make this our trump card and only use it when we are left with no other choice."

"Alright, we’ll follow to according what you had said."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"The question is who will become the negotiator?"

Rebecca responded with a confident smile to Veronica.

"Public order of Ansarivan, since ancient times, has been maintained by the Student Council, so I think we should send someone from the council. If it's just a regular student I think they'll let their guard down."

Hearing Rebecca's rhetoric, Ash felt anxious. Since Silvia was taken as hostage, and the vice president and secretary were nowhere in sight as usual, the candidates left behind were the trio of Rebecca, Max, and Ash.

Of course, everyone knew that Rebecca was the most suitable person for this task, but -

"I recommend Ash Blake as negotiator."

Rebecca made a very surprising recommendation.

"Huh?"

Ash suspected he'd heard it wrongly.

"That... Rebecca-san, you're serious about it?"

Just when Ash was at loss, Eco interrupted Rebecca.

"Are you kidding? Do you want to let this guy go alone into such dangerous place?"

Facing Eco's fury, Rebecca replied her with a playful smile.

"Could it be that you are worried about Ash?"

Eco suddenly blushed.

"T-Th-That… How is that possible? What I’m protesting about is that you don’t have the rights to order my meat slave!"

Once those words were blurted out… The atmosphere in the navigation room immediately froze. Even the officers who were in charge of the steering and the communication secretly peeped at Ash as if he was a suspicious person.

"Wait! Don’t talk any nonsense that’ll make people misunderstand!"

The ‘meat slave’ that Eco means was someone who will present their own flesh to their owners when they are hungry. But, by no means, were those officers imagining that kind of meaning. But the situation right now did not allow Ash to explain himself just because everyone threw him a suspicious glance. Finally, Veronica broke the silence.

"Well... I didn't think that you were actually Eco’s ‘meat slave‘. I admire you have some backbone."

"That’s why I say it is a misunderstanding!"

Veronica looked at Ash who was desperately denying.

"Is there anything to be shy about? Isn't it that ‘meat slaves‘ are those who give their own flesh for their lord when they are aware that their lord is at the risk of starvation?"

"That’s why I say it is a misunderstanding... Huh?!"

Ash was stunned.

"You are really strange. If there is any other meaning… Why don’t you speak it out loud?"

Veronica replied with a serious expression. As if she only knew this meaning. Eco and Veronica's thinking seemed to have something in common.

"Yes, you're right! That’s what Eco’s ‘meat slave‘ means!"

After Ash grasped the opportunity to explain… The atmosphere of the navigation room finally calmed down. Finally, Ash escaped from those sharp glares and he let out a sigh of relief, but the most fundamental problem was not yet solved.

"In short, without my permission, you'll never be going to send him there!"

Eco, who was stubborn, refused to back down. Similarly, like her, Rebecca looked like she wasn't in a hurry either.

"Logically speaking, it's supposed to be my duty as president to go there––“

"Then you just only need to go to solve this problem!"

"The problem is that I cannot go because the terrorists should know that Rebecca Randall is an Ark-Dragner. If I was chosen as a negotiator it's likely that I’ll be ignored."

What Rebecca said was not unreasonable. If Ash was with the terrorists he would not greet Rebecca with open arms either.

"So Ash, do you think that you can do it? There is a time limit, but you still have an equal strength as an Ark-Dragner. Nevertheless. You are also the ‘Silver Knight’."

"Don’t joke around! This burden is really too heavy for me!! No matter what… I’m just an ordinary student!"

"That’s right. It can be presumed that the other party also sees you as an ordinary student. So this is the advantage."

"The problem is..."

"Don’t be afraid. Even if it is dangerous, Eco will defend you. Am I right, Eco?"

"Don’t you just simply speak in place of others!"

"Oh! So you mean to say that you cannot protect Ash? Is the Ark you made so fragile?"

"I, I didn't say that! Don’t you dare look down on my Ark!"

"Then, can you protect Ash?"

"Of course!"

Eco confidently lifted her chest.

Ash could only smile. Rebecca's technique was really amazing. He didn't know whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, but Eco did not even notice that she had fallen into Rebecca's trap.

“Don’t worry, Ash. Even when is Eco protecting you, I will not be bold enough to send you into the enemies’ den alone."

Rebecca, suddenly with a gentle smile, stretched out her hands and gently rests them on Ash’s shoulders.

"Huh?"

The distance between the two was so close that they could sense each other's breath. Even when it was an emergency situation, Ash still could not help but blush. A fragrant aroma could be smelled.

"I will wait for an opportunity to attack the church. It is just that I’ll not be doing the same thing as you. With the Ark, it's child’s play to break into the church through the foundation."

"Foundation?"

Ash at that time didn't understand what she meant.

"So. This is it!"

However. He then realised Rebecca's intentions.

The first thing was to stall for time by sending Ash into the church acting as a negotiator. Rebecca, on the other hand, was using the tunnels below to gain access to the church. Next they’ll use the oracle to blast through the foundation and surprise Avdocha.

"President! Please let me participate in your plan!"

Max shouted. When the Necromancia attacked the city Max was good for nothing and became a burden. He probably would like to take this opportunity to clear his name. Rebecca immediately rejected.

"Sorry Max. This time you won’t come in handy."

"... What?!"

Max, burnt out like a candle in the wind, stood motionless. Ash understood Rebecca's intentions; he knew she did not mean to ill treat him. Max, who still remained in the stage of a Dragner, can only show his true colours when he was riding his dragon. However this battle must be done in small scale and the large body of the dragon will only be in the way. The Ark-Dragner who can use the oracle specially for the Ark was very suitable for this kind of combat. Rebecca was right, despite the time constraints, Ash had that ability and thanks to Eco’s power Ash can give it a try. Since he has this ability, what should he do to fulfill his responsibility - Ash made up his mind.

"I’ll go. After all… Princess is waiting for us to save her."

"Well then. That's more like it." Rebecca said with a smile of appreciation.

She then turned back to face Veronica.

"Do you think this strategy is practical, Your Highness?"

Veronica on the captain’s seat shaking her other leg, gave a satisfied smile.

"Very well, Rebecca. We will make use of your combat strategy, but I do not want to let talented people like you to go on an adventure alone, I’ll let Glenn go with you."

"Captain Glenn’s combat power is what I sought for." Rebecca agreed immediately.

But Glenn opposed it.

"Veronica-sama, I’m the escort’s captain, is it really appropriate for me not to be beside you -"

"What are you talking about? Glenn?"

Veronica whispers in Glenn’s ear.

She is most probably asking him to personally rescue Silvia who is bound to be married to him- Ash thought.

Like a confirmation, to Ash’s prediction, Glenn for a moment exposed an unpleasant expression. Glenn, ever since he came to Ansarivan, has always maintained expression #1. So such changes must be really rare. Anyway, Glenn after all is a loyal servant to the king.

"...Yes. Princess."

After he respectfully bowed… His normal poker face returned. Ash of course did not agree with that absurd marriage but now is not the time to protest.

"Hey, Eco, can we make a deal?"

"Why?"

Ash stood next to Eco and quietly whispered.

Since the other party possessed Empire made bombs then countermeasures must be prepared in advance.

"...Can you do it Eco?"

Just as Ash expected, after listening to his combat strategy, Eco was puzzled.

"Huh? How do I know whether I can do it or not?"

"No. You can do it." smiled Ash with confidence at Eco.

"...?"

Eco simply did not expect that Ash would smile at this time and she fell into a confused silence.

"Remember the last time we fought the Necromancia? At least this opponent is a human. No matter what, it won’t be as difficult as last time."

"Well... perhaps it is like that this time."

"I’ll be looking forward to your performance. Eco."

Then, Ash placed his hand lightly on Eco’s shoulder.

"I-I know. But I’ve a condition––

“Crepes right? After everything is dealt with… I’ll bring you back to look for the stall."

Eco slightly lift her neck and looked up at Ash.

"...You still remember?"

"Of course I remember. Because you're my Pal."

"W- Why does Ash even have this type of aura around him...!"

Even when Eco angrily turned her face to the side… Her ears were still all red.

Part 9

After alighting from Silvanus Ash passed through the evacuated St Durham Square and moved towards St Valeria’s Church. On the way there, Ash suddenly remembered the tie clip. This was given to him by the communication officer before departing. Inside The tie clip, even though it looked ordinary, a small piece of Bright-Dragon-Crystal was inside and it sent any sound it received back to the Silvanus' navigation room. To put it bluntly. It was an ultra-micro magic communication tool. Only then Ash realise that this type of machinery existed in this world.

Who would think that he would actually take on such a chore? Ash couldn't help but secretly cry. But Rebecca's analysis was very reasonable; He couldn't deny that he was the most suitable person to play this role. After all Ash as a student, was unknown to the public but at the same time he had the same combat ability as an Ark-Dragner.

"Forget it. Anyway. Boats eventually straighten when they reach the docks."[7]

After he finished thinking, he thrust his hands into the pockets of his trousers. He then maintained his speed and continued to walk forward. Rebecca and Glenn should now have departed towards the church through the underground tunnels. Just when Ash was 20 meters from the main entrance of the church––

-Shoo!

Beside his ears, a whizzing sharp sound was heard and the stone on the ground was followed by a "pop!" strange sound.

"...?"

Only after a full few seconds does Ash realised that someone was shooting at him!

"Are they the ones who fired the shot...!"

At the second floor church window the are two snipers. They were both armed with weapons that he suspected to be Empire-made sniper rifles.

Is Avdocha working with the Empire’s army? Or, are they using what they recover from their fights with the Empire...?

Let's put the origin of the weapons aside; the shooting just now was clearly a warning. If the sniper had the intention to kill, that shot probably would have killed Ash. After realizing he was one step away from death, Ash had a cold sweat. But he can't retreat at a time like this. Because Silvia was a hostage held inside the church––

"Do not be afraid...Eco is protecting me."

After Ash pumped himself up, he shouted toward the sniper:

"I’m Ash Blake and I’m here on behalf of the Student Council! Please let me in to negotiate with you!"

Even Ash did not think he sounded convincing but the ‘Student Council’ in this academy town held a great position. Since Avdocha was one of the leading activists she should know about this background knowledge.

"......"

They didn't respond. However. One of the snipers disappeared from the window. From a positive perspective Ash hoped that they are afraid of the student council.

"Well... How are they going to make their move?"

Ash, hands in his pocket, patiently waited for the outcome.

After a few minutes a heavy sound is heard–– "Crack..." The door slowly opened.

Part 10

Once he passed through the door, Ash was soon surrounded by three masked soldiers. After checking his items he was led to the altar. Fortunately. the soldiers didn't notice the tie clip and Ash was secretly relieved.

"Oh... So, kid, you're the negotiator?"

In front of the altar Avdocha, riding on the back of the basilisk, looked down at Ash. Although Avdocha called him a kid… Doesn't she think that her appearance looks a lot more childish? But, at this time, Ash shouldn't correct her.

"I am the student council representative for General Affairs. Ash Blake."

While declaring his name, at the same time, Ash quietly observed the entire scene. A half-naked Jessica was still tied to the altar’s wing cross. Because she was not moving Ash thought that she was dead. However. With a closer look there was still a sign of breathing in her chest. It seems that she just lost consciousness. The red text written on her belly was more shocking than seen through the screen. On the other hand… The hostages lined along the side walls were quiet. Ash found Silvia in a corner, thanks to the eye-catching academy uniform, Ash was able to find her.

"...!"

With a stunned look Silvia stared at Ash. Ash nodded slightly for Silvia to be at ease and moved his sight back to Avdocha.

"General affairs? It seems that I’m looked down upon."

"Even if our president personally came to negotiate… would you even let her in? You should already know that our president is an Ark-Dragner?"

Avdocha laughed.

“Hehe... You talk too much. Say… What you want to negotiate about? Our request is only a simple one; It's Veronica’s head. As long as you obediently hand over her head I’ll immediately release all the hostages. If not we will blow up the church. Things are just that simple. Are they not?"

"You really think we will accept such a request? She is the 'Ironblood Valkyrie'. If desperate enough that person would not hesitate to use the main cannon of Silvanus to blow this church, together with all the hostages, into ashes."

Once Ash blurted that out the hostages immediately began to become restless.

"What did you say?"

"Does Veronica-sama intend to do nothing about us...!"

"Disregard for human life!"

Avdocha cold sight shot through the panicked hostages.

"Silence!" With a sound loud enough to shake the earth.

Everyone kept quiet instantly.

"Is the purpose of this trip is to make the hostages panic? I’ve never seen such a foolish negotiator."

"I was just declaring the truth. If you continue to delay… you will all lose your lives in vain!"

"Do you think this threat will be effective?"

"I don't think so. I've heard a lot about what you have done... That’s why I do not understand why would you do such things?"

Avdocha did not directly answer the questions. She just change the subject.

"So be it... I’ll tell you about my past."

"What did you say?"

The unexpectedly development cause Ash to be caught unprepared.

"In fact. We have been looking for my sister that has disappeared for quite a long time."

"Sister?"

"Yeah, but, I still do not know whether she is alive or not. It's because of the mountain disputes that caused our separation."

Is she trying to arouse the sympathy of the people? Or that she has some other purposes?

"... What happened after that?"

Ash tried to maintain a sound-calm-look while silently urging her to continue.

"What I want to say is this. Talking about this... I heard that Veronica has three sisters. I would like to let her feel the pain of being separated from her sisters."

Ash feels that he has goosebumps. Damn. This situation is very bad. Ash finally understood why Avdocha deliberately brought up the sister topic. Because she wanted Veronica to also taste the same bitter feeling. Avdocha was not likely to let Silvia off lightly once she was exposed. Unfortunately, there were no signs that Rebecca and Glenn were about to break into the church.

- Are you alright Eco...?

With a desperate feeling Ash focused his attention on his left arm’s ‘Seikoku’. Through this 'Seikoku' Eco and Ash were able to communicate.

- Eco... Can you hear me?

But Eco did not respond.

Part 11

--- Dragon Workshop ---

This is but a space used by dragons to create their works. Even though Eco only had some knowledge about this space there was no doubt that this place was different from the real world. If the real world was defined as the physical world, then this can be compared to the spiritual world. Since they were not bound to the body anymore they can imagine freely. With some effort, flying to the sky is not a problem- Once Ash entered the church, Eco sent her spirit to the Dragon Workshop. Her true body was protected in Silvanus's navigation room so she didn't need to worry about the safety of her body. The floor was paved with checkerboard like white and black square tiles. On the wall, there were many works left behind by her ancestors and were hanging there without any order. Just like a museum of black and white.

"Welcome to the Dragon Workshop."

As usual. The woman called Navi comes forward to meet Eco.

"You again..."

Eco with a bored look stared at Navi. Frankly. Eco was not good at dealing with her. Today Navi was wearing a dark red dress and was sitting on an antique chair. When I grow up, will I become like her? Eco hated to look at her. Even her horns were different from Eco's as both of them are sharp and pointed.

"Isn't this only the second time we've met? How could that slow pace, of the two of us meeting, make you feel tired?"

"Hmph! I don't even want to come to this place!"

Eco impatiently talked back to Navi's teasing.

Sure enough. I have this headache whenever I meet this woman. Eco fretted.

"Do you not have even a little desire to create? As I have told you; Dragons are born craftsman. Do you really not want to help him––Ash Blake––create an original Ark? "

Eco’s cheeks suddenly felt hot.

"D-Don’t joke around, why would I want to help that guy...!"

"Well… I think he is a very great guy! Since 'every dragon would surrender to him' he is also very mysterious. You too… Quickly grow into your 'true form' and let him ride on you...Then you may be addicted to that feeling."

“'True Form'?”

Eco suddenly feel uneasy.

"What do you mean? In other words… My current form... Is just a deception? In the end… Why was I born in the human form?"

A flirtatious smile emerged on Navi’s face.

"Because the human form is also the real you."

"...?"

"But you are eventually a dragon and also Ash Blake’s Pal. I hope that you can soon be 'awakened' ."

"Weird. Somehow every time you talk… I feel a fire emerging in my belly!"

"Hehe... Sorry. I seem to like to tease you. Back to the topic. You are here in order to complete your mission… Are you not?"

"Hmm... Yeah. That guy asked me to prepare a suitable Ark against the Empire-made bomb."

"He intends to use the power of magic against machinery? Well… Here we go."

Although she was very unhappy with Navi's long-winded behaviour… Conditions did not allow her to continue to waste time in useless dialogue. So Eco closed her eyes and summoned the large number of designs left behind by her ancestors. The total number of these designs were well over a thousand. What Eco can do now, was to extract the parts which were suitable for Ash and re-build it into a new Ark suitable to go against the Empire-made bomb. Although it is only an 'extract and re-build' it will still consume a huge amount of magic. It will cause a huge burden on the young dragon Eco.

Even so. For Ash, who was in the enemy’s den, and also for her favorite crepes, Eco could only try… -

Notes:

5. Half-moon shaped dagger.

6. This is a proverb.

7. It means just to 'follow the flow'.

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