Published at 18th of July 2022 10:18 am

Volume 10, Chapter 7 – The Calamity of Albion, Part 1-5

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 1

“Ungh.”

With a still hazy consciousness, Eco slowly lifted her upper body.

“Oh, that’s amazing, Eco-chan. You didn’t oversleep this morning.”

Cosette walked up to the bedside with a smile across her face.

“What time is it right now…?”

“It’ll soon be eight-thirty.”

“Really…”

Eco sleepily looked around at the room. Not only was it Silvia’s personal bedroom, it also happened to be the Lautreamont Knight Country’s embassy. Aside from a bed that was in the room, it didn’t show too many other signs of life. Desks and bookshelves occupied most of the space in the room, giving it a quiet atmosphere.

Silvia had once left the Escavaron when Ash was determined to establish his own independent country — but she eventually returned as an ambassador. Although her role as ambassador was probably just an excuse for her to stay by Ash’s side, Silvia was a responsible person after all, and she seemed to want to take her job as ambassador seriously.

Eco had moved into Silvia’s room ever since Ash left the Escavaron to train. Living by herself in the room that she normally shared with Ash, Eco found it overly spacious and increasingly lonely. Since she didn’t want to live by herself, both Silvia and Cosette welcomed her. However, Silvia was nowhere to be seen this morning. She had probably gone off to do her morning training as usual. It was certainly very much like Silvia to do so. Even without Lancelot, she never lacked self-discipline and continued to train herself.

“It’s tonight, isn’t it?”

Cosette muttered as she stood in front of a calendar which hung on the wall. Those words instantly dispersed the drowsiness that clouded Eco’s mind. It had just become the tenth day since Ash and Lucca began their training. Today was the optimal day to borrow the power of the full moon to maximise the effects of the Dragon Riding Dance, but—

“…!”

Eco jumped out of bed as if she had suddenly thought of a problem. She dashed over to the window, stood up on her tiptoes, and then looked up at the sky through the round window.

“Mmm, the weather is great today!”

Eco loudly avowed.

“It seems that tonight will be the best full moon for a Dragon Riding Dance.”

Cosette also replied cheerfully. It was at that moment that…Eco’s vision suddenly faded to black.

“What’s happening!?”

Eco felt as though she had been thrown into the night sky. Her sense of space in every direction had become blurred and uncertain. After a while, a ladylike yet hazy silhouette appeared. She possessed green eyes and green hair. The two horns on her head appeared to indicate that she was an adult dragon.

“Who are you…?”

Although it was their first meeting, Eco strangely felt a sense of nostalgia. The lady stared at Eco with a lonesome gaze. After a while, the lady squeezed a faint and weak voice from her mouth.

[—Farewell, Eco.]

Part 2

“Are you alright, Eco-chan?”

Eco awakened to Cosette grasping her by the shoulders and shaking her. The lacquer black space disappeared, and she had returned to Silvia’s room. Eco lay down on the bed as she accepted Cosette’s care.

“What’s wrong with me…?”

Eco propped up her upper body and looked down intently at her own body. She couldn’t find any abnormalities.

“I was shocked when you suddenly fainted. Even your pupils dilated, and it seemed as if…your soul had been transported somewhere else. By the way, it’s already two o’clock in the afternoon.”

“I slept for that long? I finally managed to wake up early, but in the end…”

Eco was momentarily stunned. She thought that she had been unconscious for five minutes at most — she didn’t expect that several hours had passed in the real world. Eco recalled the vision that she had seen. On that topic, Cosette’s analogy was quite correct. Eco had indeed fallen into a state where her soul was summoned to another location.

“…I saw a rather strange woman.”

“A woman?”

“Well, although she was a woman, she had horns on her head…that’s why I think she was a dragon.”

“—She is the Mother Dragon.”

A sharp voice suddenly came from behind, and Eco spun around to see — a materialised Navi leisurely sat in a chair.

“That woman…is the Mother Dragon?”

“Her body is like mine in that she uses magic to construct its form — however, she is most certainly the Mother Dragon.”

“She’s the Mother Dragon…”

Eco whispered to herself as she touched < Avalon’s Bracelet > on her wrist. Eco had visited Albion Forest during the summer break. Although the purpose of that trip was to answer the summons of the Mother Dragon — Ash was the only one who ended up seeing the Mother Dragon. Although the Mother Dragon gave the bracelet to Eco through Ash, Eco still regretted not being able to meet the Mother Dragon in person. She hadn’t expected that she would meet the Mother Dragon in this manner…and Eco couldn’t help but feel confused due to the sudden nature of the situation. Having said that, even though it was a rare occasion for them to see each other, the Mother Dragon only said “Farewell, Eco.”

“…What the heck? The first word that a mother says to her daughter is ‘farewell’? What is she trying to do?”

Eco stared at the bracelet with a complicated expression. However, Navi said something to Eco that seemed completely out of the blue.

“It seems the Mother Dragon is conscious of the fact that her death is approaching—”

Part 3

An emergency meeting was held on the ship at half past two in the afternoon. Although she normally never attended such meetings, Navi made an exception today. In addition, even chief Lars and head priestess Frederica attended.

“According to Navi’s report, the Mother Dragon…is close to death.”

Mirabel was the first to speak. An uproar instantly engulfed the meeting room.

“Quiet. Navi, do you have any more information that you can add?”

When asked by Mirabel, Navi seemed to hesitate before coming up with a reply.

“I’m not entirely sure about the details either. But…I thought it would still be quite some time until Mother’s life reached its end. It’s hard to imagine that she’d be so weak that she would die during this period…”

“Do you mean to say that someone hurt the Mother Dragon—?”

Silvia questioned with a sharp glint in her eyes.

“Although I wouldn’t dare to make such an assertion, I do have a bad premonition about it. Something abnormal must have happened in Albion Forest…”

Given the pained expression on Navi’s face, it was clear that the situation was no small matter. With a solemn expression, Lars said,

“It appears that this is an urgent situation. We should verify the status of the Mother Dragon as a matter of urgency.”

“The issue is that we should welcome Ash and Lucca’s return tonight. If the Escavaron is dispatched now—”

Mirabel couldn’t seem to decide on a course of action.

“No, there is no need to mobilise the Escavaron.”

Having remained silent until now, Frederica finally voiced her opinion.

“Why do you say that?”

Mirabel tilted her head as she asked.

“The < Three Forests > have been connected since ancient times, and one can pass freely between them. The only ones who can open that < Gate > are Ecbald clergy.”

Frederica asserted with pride as a member of the clergy.

“In that case, it makes things much simpler. Could you please open the < Gate > now? As for those who will go into Albion Forest, is there anyone who would like to volunteer—”

Mirabel looked around at everyone as she asked.

“I’ll go. Although I miss Ash…I feel that I should go to Albion Forest as a representative of the dragon race.”

“Aneue! Please allow me to go as a representative of the Knight Country! I also have a bad feeling about this.”

Silvia stood proudly as she expressed her strong determination.

“Since Princess-sama intends to go, I am duty-bound to follow her.”

Standing by the doorway, Cosette volunteered herself with a gentle tone.

“Then, as Ansarivan’s Student Council President, I shall also accompany them.”

Lastly, Rebecca valorously made her decision. With that, the party that would head to Albion Forest was decided.

Part 4

Eco and the others all rode atop Rebecca’s Maestro Cú Chulainn towards the so-called < Gate > that head priestess Frederica had described — they went along a path through the forest that continued all the way up north. Chief Lars also rode his Maestro Rosberg in accompaniment so that he could send them off, with Frederica riding with him.

“That is the Ecbald Forest’s < Gate >.”

After a while, Lars pointed at a place that seemed like a plaza as he said so. The dense branches and foliage that normally provided cover produced a beautiful round opening there. In the centre of the plaza, ancient boulders were arranged in a ring, giving the place a solemn atmosphere. The members of the clergy had already arrived in advance and waited for the arrival of Eco and the others by the boulders. There were around thirty of them in all. It was a marvel to see Ecbald people dressed in religious outfits surrounding the circular formation of boulders. It even brought on a sense of nervousness.

“Head priestess, everything has been prepared.”

One of the priests reported to Frederica.

“Thank you.”

After expressing her gratitude, Frederica climbed down from Rosberg’s back.

“Hmm, so this is a so-called Stone Circle. It’s my first time seeing the real thing with my own eyes.”

Silvia voiced her admiration as she overlooked the stone formation.

“I can feel a mysterious power. Is that also a legacy of the elves?”

Eco asked in wonder.

“That is correct, Eco. For generations, the Ecbald tribe has protected this Stone Circle and The Shrine of Jylhä.”

Lars answered as he gazed off into the distance. Frederica then issued her orders,

“Please ride Cú Chulainn to the centre of the Stone Circle.”

Rebecca followed the instructions, riding Cú Chulainn forward to a side of the Stone Circle before pausing for a moment, and then carefully crossing over. Cú Chulainn barely managed to fit inside the Stone Circle.

“There are a few things to pay attention to here. Firstly, the opening of the < Gate > is limited to once per day. Secondly, the < Gate > can only stay open for a maximum of five hours. If we were purebred elves, it would’ve been possible to control at will like a switch, but as we have mixed human blood, this is the extent of our abilities.”

“I understand, head priestess.”

Rebecca replied confidently to Frederica, who seemed a little apologetic.

“Very well, I shall open the < Gate >—”

Frederica declared with a solemn air about her.

“O < Gate > forged by our mighty ancestors in ancient times long past…”

Frederica began to recite a chant. The other members of the clergy also followed her. Eco’s sixth sense told her — magical energy was slowly taking shape around the Stone Circle. And then, a gust of wind blew around them, and a complicated and intricate magic circle appeared on the ground. Soon, the entire plaza was filled with blue and white luminosity—

“Open the path to Albion Forest here!”

As Frederica yelled that with a firm voice, a pillar of light erupted from the ground. Eco’s vision became a vast expanse of whiteness and she felt as if she was floating in the air.

Part 5

After the beam of light disappeared, Eco’s vision also returned to normal.

“Ugh…”

Eco clung onto Cú Chulainn as she slowly opened her eyes. The place that they stood upon now was also a plaza which had a Stone Circle at its centre. At first glance, the scenery was familiar, but the clergymen led by Frederica were missing. The colour of the sky was also distinctly different from how it looked in the Ecbald Forest. The weather in the Ecbald Autonomous Region was clear and fine, while the weather here was grey and overcast. Moreover, white snow petals drifted down from the sky. Eco couldn’t help but shiver. The atmosphere of the surrounding environment was also completely different from the Ecbald Forest. Looking around, Eco felt a sense of nostalgia well up inside her.

“No doubt, this is definitely Albion Forest…”

As if in response to Eco’s words, Cú Chulainn began to move. It lifted its heavy limbs as it stepped out of the Stone Circle. The complex pattern of the magic circle still continued to emit a pale blue glow. Rebecca, who had been staring intently at the magic circle, pensively folded her arms in front of her chest.

“If my guess is correct, we should be sent back to the Ecbald Forest as long as we step onto that magic circle again.”

“Which means that we have five hours to act before that magic circle disappears. Let’s set off for the Mother Dragon’s location without any further ado!”

Silvia clenched her fist beside Eco.

“That’s the spirit, Princess-sama.”

Cosette smiled as she responded to Silvia.

“There’s just one problem…is it that easy to find the Mother Dragon?”

Eco frowned as memories of her summer vacation flashed through her mind. On that day — Ash was the only one who was able to succeed in meeting the Mother Dragon. Both Eco and Silvia were harassed by illusions from beginning to end. Eco still had an unpleasant impression of her separation from Ash at that time…

[—I’m not sure if it’s fortunate or unfortunate, but that’s not a problem you have to worry about.]

Having returned to the Dragon Workshop, Navi communicated with Eco telepathically.

“—Navi? What do you mean?”

[Even I find it unbelievable, but…the Mother Dragon’s labyrinth barrier has actually been lifted. Cú Chulainn should be able to take you to where the Mother Dragon is right away.]

After explaining so, Navi ended her dialogue.

“Eco? What did Navi say?”

Silvia asked. Rebecca and Cosette also directed their attention to Eco.

After Eco relayed Navi’s information to everyone—

“Ooooohh!”

Cú Chulainn suddenly roared and then began to tread forward with earth-shaking footsteps.

“Then let us follow Navi’s suggestion and entrust Cú Chulainn with the task of leading the way.”

Just as Rebecca made a content smile—

—Pah!

With a sudden flap, Cú Chulainn soared up and above the forest.

“Wha…!”

Eco’s eyes widened. Albion Forest looked completely different. The sight of Albion Forest now was vastly different from the scenery that Eco recalled when she looked down on it from Lancelot’s back during the summer vacation. No, the appearance of the forest itself probably hadn’t changed. Rather, it was due to the Mother Dragon’s magical enchantment being lifted that the forest’s true appearance was revealed. An enormous old tree beyond all imagination that towered into the sky stood in the centre of the forest. The group immediately realised that that was the Mother Dragon’s body.

“That’s Albion Forest’s…true appearance?”

Silvia also looked down at the forest below with a blank expression.

“Umm…Mother Dragon-sama must be a plant, right?”

Cosette asked, as if she had realised something in hindsight.

“Yes, that’s right. What’s the matter?”

Silvia replied, as if puzzled by the question.

“Don’t you all think…that she seems to be moving?”

Just as Cosette tilted her head in bewilderment—

—Pew! Pew!

Something suddenly swept past Cú Chulainn’s flank with a whistling whir.

“Guuu!”

Cú Chulainn made an anguished groan. Slight burn marks could be seen on the fur of its sides.

“Is that an anti-air attack?”

Silvia yelled in amazement.

“…I command you in the name of Rebecca Randall. Bestow upon me the Ark that you have created!”

Rebecca’s powerful voice resounded through the grey sky as snowflakes drifted down.

“Uooooooooooooohhhhh!”

Cú Chulainn let loose a roar that was loud enough to rattle everyone’s eardrums. Rebecca’s body became shrouded in a dazzling light, and bright red armour emerged from thin air. Piece by piece, it was assembled over Rebecca’s naked body. At last, she equipped a cloak that fluttered in the wind — thus completing the second form of her Ark.

“Appear…the certain hit magic spear! Gáe Bolg!”

Rebecca had prepared herself for battle in almost no time.

“Go, Cú Chulainn!”

Under Rebecca’s orders, Cú Chulainn began to glide through the air with caution. It flicked its body to the left and the right, dodging the mysterious projectiles while it slowly closed the distance.

“Hah!”

Rebecca suddenly used the magic spear Gáe Bolg to attack. Clang! —A sharp sound rang out, and a ball-like object like the ones used for Dragon Riding sports flew into Eco’s arms.

“Whaa!?”

In astonishment, Eco reflexively hugged the object. It had a warm and hard sensation to it.

“Hey…Rebecca. This is really dangerous!”

Eco raised her fist in protest. Eco was struggling to cope with just holding onto Cú Chulainn so that she wouldn’t be thrown off when they dodged projectiles. So, it was hard to blame Eco for getting angry when an inexplicable object suddenly came flying at her during such a moment.

“Sorry sorry, I didn’t mean it. So, what on earth is that projectile?”

Rebecca made a wry smile as she answered from above Eco.

“Projectile? …Are you talking about this thing?”

Eco stared at the object in her arms. The surface was dark brown and felt quite rough to touch. Silvia and Cosette also looked carefully at it.

“Looking closely, it appears to be a plant seed.”

“Although it looks too big to be a seed, I can’t think of a more apt description than a seed. Moreover, they were fired at us from Mother Dragon-sama’s body…”

“What reason does Mother have for attacking us?”

Eco was puzzled. Perhaps due to its unique reproductive system, the Mother Dragon couldn’t be compared to an ordinary mother. Even so, the Mother Dragon was a motherly existence to Eco. Eco felt sincerely happy when she received < Avalon’s Bracelet >. Why would her mother attack her indiscriminately? While Eco was emotionally hurt, the seed pellets continued to fire relentlessly and passed by Cú Chulainn at high speed.

“Hmm…they might be seeds, but their speed is incredible. Even Cú Chulainn would be seriously injured if it took a head-on shot. Not to mention that if we were hit…it might be a one-hit kill.”

A cold sweat broke on Silvia’s forehead as she began to feel anxious.

“Please rest assured. In order to protect Your Highness’ life, I shall do everything that I must.”

Cosette revealed a smile as if to appease Silvia.

“Hmm. Continuing on like this indefinitely isn’t going to work. You three, make sure you hold on tightly to Cú Chulainn!”

Rebecca steeled her resolve as she shouted resolutely.

“Cú Chulainn! Activate a defensive shield and then charge at Mother at full speed!”

Rebecca’s decision absolutely mortified both Eco and Silvia.

“Uooooooooooooohhhhh!”

Cú Chulainn obeyed Rebecca’s order without hesitation. Cú Chulainn created a Hexagonal Shield in front of itself, and then charged towards the great ancient tree’s roots like a meteor—.

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