Published at 21st of June 2023 6:57 pm

Volume 12, Chapter 4 – King of the Sky, Part 1

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

There once was a black dragon that ruled the skies.

With a single roar, mountains disappeared; with a single footstep, a city vanished; with the spread of its wings, clouds vanished.

An overwhelming presence, an absolute ruler, one only had to face it to know what death was.

People feared the black dragon.

Fear drives people. Those who took up arms set out to slay the black dragon.

The black dragon heard their expectations and responded with ruthlessness.

It devoured the attacking soldiers, destroyed towns, and even went so far as to destroy the country.

After repeating this several times, the people stopped opposing the dragon and began to worship it.

The black dragon became the “King of the Sky” and wielded his overwhelming destructive power to wreak havoc.

As time passed, the “King of the Sky” became known as the “Black Dragon King,” and no one could touch him anymore. The “Black Dragon King” had had enough, and he built a nest in the basement of the country he had destroyed and rarely came outside.

Then one day, a boy stepped into the nest of the “Black Dragon King.”

It was the moment when the times began to move again, and the boy started on the path of the “King.”

“…..This is the nest of the Black Dragon King.”

Surprisingly beautiful, thought the boy, Hiro Ooguro.

Hiro’s knees were tense. His soft face, which looked as if it could not kill an insect, was pale with fear. He had come to the castle of the “Black Dragon King,” the lone and most fearsome of all. It was natural to be afraid, but having come this far, there was no turning back.

“I will get it.”

After longing to be strong, to have the ideal power, to have the great power to protect the people he cares about, he came to the conclusion that he had to acquire the power of the Black Dragon, the most feared of all dragons.

After carefully navigating a large hollow passageway, Hiro eventually arrived at a vast space.

Even if he looked up above his head, he could not see anything beyond it, as it was shrouded in darkness. Only as far as the torchlight could reach was it bright, and where the light could not reach was an abyss where it seemed that once you entered, you would never come out again.

In the short time it took him to be surprised, he felt a chill crawl up his back, and sensing the presence of something, he turned his torch toward it.

A large rock was right in front of him.

“What, it’s unusual… a human stepped in?”

A woman’s voice was heard, unbecoming of the place. It was a voice that was strangely haunting, a unique sound that one could not forget even if one wished to. When he turned his torch in the direction of the voice to see who it was, he saw a man sitting there, looking down at Hiro. Startled out of his wits, Hiro backed away, but he looked unconcerned and raised his hand as if to greet a friend.

“Yo―Hmm? You don’t look like someone who’s lost.”

He uttered in a feminine voice—the same voice as before but with a strangely haunting tone.

A woman’s voice in a man’s form―Hiro was confused, but to begin with, there was no way that a normal human being could be in a place like this. Local people, people who lived in this world, would never go near such a place. If this was the case, it was only natural that his true identity would be known, and Hiro was certain that he was the “Black Dragon King.”

“Is that face, by any chance, surprised by this appearance? I guess so! I knew you’d be surprised, didn’t I? Right? You said something about the “Spirit King” being in bad taste, but you’ve succeeded big time, haven’t you!”

He rolled around on the rock with his stomach in his hands and laughed merrily.

Hiro did not understand what was so funny, but more than that, the person in front of him was so far removed from the “Black Dragon King” he had imagined. Hiro wondered if he had mistaken him for someone else.

“Are you sure you’re the Black Dragon King?”

“Oh, yes, but what the hell did the brat want here?”

“I’m here―to kill you.”

Hiro scolded his shaking knees, and his voice was squeezed out. Then the laughter stopped, and he got up from where he had been lying. He sighed with a hand on his neck, looking annoyed.

“Ah? Unfortunately, killing the ‘king’――”

“I know that. I’ve known that from the beginning.”

The “Black Dragon King” jumped down from the rock, landed on the ground, and brought his face close to Hiro, who said very forcefully.

“I see…”

His mood changed dramatically. The air was compressed and made a screeching sound.

The pressure was too much for Hiro to bear, and he dropped to one knee on the ground, and a great deal of sweat gushed from his entire body. Droplets of sweat streamed from his forehead and fell from his chin to the ground. Nothing had been done to him yet. And yet, just the mere intimidation made him momentarily lose consciousness.

“Hah….. this is… Black Dragon King…”

He read various references and went everywhere, east, west, south, north, and south, to ask about him, no matter how trivial the matter may be. And the one thing they all said was.

“Endless despair.”

Once you meet him, you know you are going to die.

A certain long-eared race said that it was the Black Raven.

Black Raven was the name of a god that appears in fairy mythology, also known as the “Black God,” and was said in the southwestern part of the central continent to be the god who presided over death and destruction and led the world to its end.

The origin of this god was the “Black Dragon King” ――the man standing before Hiro.

“Did you come here because you thought this is what I would look like from the beginning…?”

Hiro was under such intense pressure that he could not answer anything. But the “Black Dragon King,” who seemed to take his silence as agreement, sighed in exasperation and revealed his annoyance by scratching the back of his head carelessly.

“I don’t know who put the idea in your head… but it’s not the kind of power a brat would want. I’d normally kill you for coming into my house, but now that you’ve entertained me, get the hell home.”

He said, but Hiro did not move from the spot.

He must have meant it when he told him to go home. The strange sense of oppression that had been there just a few moments before was gone.

However, he could not run away after coming this far, so he stood up with his hands on his knees.

The “Black Dragon King” saw the determination in his black eyes and clicked his tongue ruefully.

“Damn it, you won’t move unless you die, huh?”

A moment later, his figure disappears from in front of him, and in a single blink of an eye, his fist was right in front of Hiro’s eyes.

His vision darkens.

Where was up or down, even that became vague, and when he realized, he fell to the ground.

“Eh… Ah―Guh.”

His cheeks felt hot, and a sharp pain shot through his abdomen.

Hiro was so nauseous that he rolled around, scattering his vomit and diarrhea unceremoniously on the ground. That did not make the pain go away. It’s no wonder, a large amount of blood was pouring out of Hiro’s side, leaving a gaping hole the size of a fist.

“A small fry like you can’t kill me. I’ll only admit that you’re prepared for it, but… just go ahead and writhe on the ground and die.”

The “Black Dragon King” said in a bored tone and sat on his knees with his elbows on his knees and his chin on his hands, staring with icy eyes at the sight of Hiro suffering.

It was nothing less than child’s play. To him, Hiro is nothing more easily killed than an insect.

“I can’t do this anymore… I have to change.”

Crawling on the ground in pain, Hiro approached the “Black Dragon King.”

Tears stream down his face at the ridiculousness of it all; Hiro smiles a sad smile.

“Knowledge alone… is no longer enough to go on. Without power, I will not be able to protect anyone in the future. I will have to be a liability for the rest of my life.”

The “Black Dragon King” was clutching his leg and staring at him with a fierce expression.

The “Black Dragon King’s” beautiful unibrow rose as if sensing his unusual obsession.

“…Hey, hey, hey, what did you do to your own body?”

The “Black Dragon King” noticed for the first time that an incredible amount of “curse” was flowing from Hiro’s blood. His face was quickly stained with anger, and he grabbed Hiro by the chest and lifted him up to his feet.

“That ‘curse’ wasn’t obtained solely by your own strength, was it?”

The “Black Dragon King ” said while tightening his grip on the collar so tightly that Hiro could hardly breathe.

“Hey, are you listening to me? He’s a distortion of character―a miracle of life. How could you keep your sanity, or rather, be so crazy that you ended up in this situation?”

With his feet in the air and unable to breathe, Hiro grabbed his arm as he struggled to breathe.

The power was unbelievable for an ordinary person. The “Black Dragon King”‘s expression turned confident as the wound on Hiro’s side was already closed.

“It is a power unworthy of a “human” to possess. What do you want, you damn brat?”

“I-I want power, just power. I just want the power to protect the people I want to protect.”

“….You’re not satisfied with Majin?”

“It’s not enough. Still not enough.”

Hiro’s eyes were bloodshot as he clenched his teeth and endured the agony. The “Black Dragon King” could never understand what drove the boy to this point.

But one thing he did know was that Hiro was “despairing” of this world.

“What do you want with your power, you damn brat?”

“I…”

――I want to kill the ‘king.’

“I see…”

The Black Dragon King’s hand loosened. The collar slipped from his hand, and Hiro hit the ground from behind with a mighty thud. Oxygen gushed out of his lungs with such force that he had difficulty breathing for a moment, but after enduring it, he immediately looked up. He noticed that the “Black Dragon King” in front of him had disappeared.

“I’ll admit your persistence, you brat. So, come and kill me whenever you want.”

Coughing, Hiro searched for the owner of the voice and soon found him. He was sitting on a rock when he first spotted him. The next time he pointed his finger at Hiro, he smiled innocently and said,

“Next time, bring me some booze.”

That was his first encounter with the man.

He was feared and respected by the people, one of the “kings” who boasted an overwhelming strength that no one could ever come close to – but in fact, he was the cheerful and openhearted “Black Dragon King.”

“…I think I’m finally going to fulfill my promise to him.”

When Hiro opened his eyelids, his vision was filled with a thick fog that seemed to fill the horizon.

It was in the center of the Great Grantz Empire, two cells (six kilometers) away from Fort Caputo.

An army of about 60,000 men was encamped there. It was the “Raven Army” led by Hiro, the “Northern Army” led by the Second Prince Selene, and the allied forces of the surrounding central nobles.

In contrast, the detailed numbers of the “monster” army were not known, but according to the report of the messenger, it was currently around 160,000. However, it seemed that not all of them had gathered yet, and “monsters” who had been moving south one after another from the north are joining the Faceless King every day. The final number was said to be in excess of 200,000. Perhaps convinced of their victory, the “monsters” were shouting and threatening from behind the thick fog. However, nothing could be seen through such a thick fog. Perhaps it was a good thing that there was no fear or trepidation on the part of his army.

“Finally, “Black Princess Camellia,” I can unite all of them.”

Tapping his black robe on his chest, Hiro looked up at the sky with deep emotion.

“It’s taken a long time to get here…..”

Every day was like walking a tightrope.

He has lived his life by his own handiwork. More than once, he led people into traps.

He has killed many people with his own hands. There was no part of his body that was not stained with blood.

He had been hated and cursed, and many times he had thought of running away, his nerves frayed.

Still, he could not abandon it.

He told himself that now that he had met her, he had to keep fighting.

“Come on, let’s end the old era. Let this battle be a salute to a new era.”

As Hiro spread his arms, a horn blasted from the surrounding area.

In response, the soldiers began to stamp their feet to get into the spirit of the battle. A rumbling sound shook the ground. Unspeakable cries were launched from everywhere. This was a declaration of intention to renounce being human. It was a kind of ritual that awakens the beast within oneself in order to seize victory. This was how they gained momentum.

“Is it enough?”

As Hiro nodded in satisfaction, Ghada approached from behind.

“According to the report of the spy, the “monster” army is about 160,000 strong, while ours is 60,000 strong. Moreover, we have information that the “monsters” are still moving to the south. If this goes on for a long time, we will be at a disadvantage.”

Ghada reported with a sense of impatience, but Hiro only nodded with a calm expression on his face.

“The difference is enough to reverse the situation. First, let’s cut down 160,000, or half of them.”

Hiro pulled out a black sword from his waist.

The blackness is darker than the darkness.

Combined with Hiro’s black robe, a jet-black mass was born in the morning.

“I have become a human beast, grinding my fangs.”

Hiro pointed his tip at the Faceless King on the other side of the fog.

The battlefield was now quiet, a stark contrast to the previous day’s scene.

It was strange but also natural. Everyone was watching Hiro’s every move. At his signal, he had to go to the place of death. He must not miss a word. Fear was not on the soldiers’ faces, and they were all waiting for his word.

“Despite our inferiority in numbers, our morale is still strong.”

The soldiers could hear him even without raising their voices. Strangely enough, Hiro’s voice was clear.

His voice, driven by the air, plays softly through the space, intoxicating the people.

“There are no weak soldiers in the king’s army, and they are all heroes.”

At the same time, a sense of elation swept over the soldiers.

Everyone who heard the king’s command was of the same mind.

“Give me victory!”

The morale of the soldiers exploded, and it did not matter that they were outnumbered.

The horns blew loudly, and the entire army began to advance, swords clashing against shields.

They continued to push forward through the thick fog. The white wall was still thick, and the “monsters” were still not in sight.

However, only Hiro was thinking of his next move.

“Ghada, let’s send out the cavalry waiting in the rear of the left wing.”

“Understood.”

Ghada raised his hand, and a flag was raised, and drums beat. The rear of the left flank began to move. The cavalry began to ride on the signal. By this time, the front-line troops―the First Army – had stopped advancing and were only shouting to provoke the ‘monster.’

Soon, the cavalry group departing from the left flank disappeared into the fog. Immediately, a violent crash and yell were heard from the other side, and the cavalry returned.

“The number of cavalrymen was quite small. Were they being ambushed?”

Ghada stroked his chin in annoyance.

“We’re going up against an enemy we can’t see in this poor visibility. It can’t be helped if we have to make a lot of sacrifices.

It was a necessary sacrifice. But it was by no means a wasted death.

Because they were attracted by the cavalry, many “monsters” were emerging through the fog.

Hiro looked around at the front line and calmly spun his words with one hand raised.

“Archers, get ready!”

In the rear of the cavalry group, the archers take aim at the “monsters” and stop them from moving. The tips of their arrows were lit with a faint fire. The soldiers’ physical strength was tremendous, as they strained to the limit and endured until the signal was given.

However, Hiro still did not give the signal to fire a volley.

He had to attract more and more “monsters.”

Soldiers in the rear of the cavalry were caught up by the “monsters” and killed. But everyone was just watching. It was an unforgivable act to move without an order from a superior. Even if it was a family member who was to die there, it was absolutely impossible to go to their aid. Because one person’s emotional response might cause a situation that would lead to the defeat of the war, therefore, all they could do was pray and hope that the order would be given soon.

At that moment―the flags went up on both wings of the First Army. The moment he caught it in his vision, Hiro waved his hand down.

“Fire at once!”

A large number of fire arrows rose high into the sky through the fog.

The “monsters” did not seem to notice. They are frantically chasing the cavalry fleeing in front of them.

Soon, countless arrows spread out in a fan shape and rained down on the ground.

At first, small sparks of fire glowed in the depths of the fog.

But one arrow, then two, then three, and then one after another pierced the ground, only to cause pillars of fire to erupt everywhere. Driven by the wind, the flames spread out to the sides and blazed up to a height that almost reached the sky.

“Roughly 20,000.”

A wall of flames appeared on the battlefield, splitting the “monsters” army that had been chasing the cavalry from the rear. The “monsters” were making shrill cries as if they were upset, but there was no room for sympathy.

“We are now equal in numbers, or rather; we have the upper hand. Let’s crush them without reservation.”

Munin and Hugin led the First Army. They began mowing down the “monsters” fleeing from the flames. They were no longer a unified group. Compared to the “monsters,” the physical capabilities of the “humans” were inferior. However, even if their individual strength was inferior, it was easy to defeat them if they worked together.

“…When the flames weaken, reinforcements will come. We will crush them before then. Ghada, give the signal.”

A combined force of 5,000 cavalrymen charged out from the rear on both sides.

The group of “monsters” had been spreading out to the sides as they fled from the flames in the rear and were pushed back by the heavily armed infantry in the front, but the cavalry attacked from the left and right, completing the encirclement and extermination tactics.

“Leave the first army on the front line, and the rest will fall back.”

Hiro gave precise instructions, and the soldiers began to retreat without question. Meanwhile, as the flames were getting weaker, “monsters” gradually climbed over the walls and began to break into the battlefield.

“I wonder if they are grieving the death of their comrades.”

“I don’t know. I don’t think they have any sense of kinship…”

Ghada said, but the “monsters” were excited to see their friends dead, the lake of blood where the corpses were sinking.

That’s a good target.

The archers quickly fired arrows at them, but that only made the “monsters” angrier. But the fury was causing the “monsters” to lose their coordination, and more damage was being inflicted.

“That’s enough. Let’s gradually withdraw the First Army.”

At Hiro’s signal, the First Army began to retreat from the front line. With the encirclement broken, the “monsters” regained their momentum and began to pursue the retreating First Army. However, the pace of the “monsters” was out of sync with each other, and the distance between them and the rear was growing wider and wider.

The firewall had already been rendered useless, but it was effective enough to create a large gap between the first and second “monsters” armies.

“All right, let’s push back the “monsters” that are charging at us vigorously.”

The First Army, which had been retreating, came to a halt as the “monsters” came at them from behind with great force, and the heavily-armored infantry stood by with their shields thrust into the ground, waiting for the “monsters.” The moment the “monsters” came charging at them with great force, the first army of heavily-armed infantrymen thrust their spears through the gap between the shields, strangling the “monsters” to death.

The First Army, just as it was about to attack, immediately started retreating again.

The “monsters” were becoming even more energetic and angry as they easily backed away from the attack.

“I guess it’s time to run away in style.”

Hiro gave the signal, and the drums were beaten again and again.

The soldiers who heard the signal surprisingly threw down their shields and began to flee, ignoring the formation.

In a manner of speaking, it could be said that they all collapsed.

It was only natural that both the people and the “monsters” would be roused to action after being exposed to such an unattractive sight.

The archers provide covering fire but are unable to stop the “monsters” from moving.

The victory was at hand. The “monsters” were the first to grab a meal, and they were attacking the rear of the first army.

Then―an explosion occurs.

Flames erupted from the ground again.

The “monsters” fell into a state of panic. Then, a large number of arrows were shot into the ground, and the huge bodies of the “monsters” were swallowed up in the sea of flames.

The smell of burnt flesh irritated the back of one’s nose. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Hiro looked out over the battlefield and gave orders to the men.

“Advance the Second Army and kill every single surviving monster. Let the collapsed First Army regroup. Send a messenger immediately.”

After saying this to one of his staff members, Hiro then turned his attention to Ghada.

“If we were dealing with a human, this would not work. This is a move that can only be used against “monsters,” who have low intelligence and are prone to bloodshed.”

The first group of “monsters” would be completely destroyed. The few “monsters” that survived were to be taken out by the second army. It will be easier to destroy the “monsters” than to twist a baby’s hand. With the appearance of a new wall of fire, the only thing that awaits the “monsters,” who have no hope of rescue, is death.

“But I don’t see any of the marked tribe or the flesh-eaters.”

Ghada said, looking doubtfully at the front line.

Hiro, who had been sending out the next instructions to the staff, heard what he said and turned around.

“I think they’re trying to tell us that the real work isn’t here. It’s just a preliminary test.”

It’s the same here. It was only the first round, so they should keep their trump cards close at hand.

Munin and Hugin were sent to the front as a sign to the others, but Ghada and the Second Prince Selene―most of the main force―were kept in the rear. But when it came to Luca, she could not be kept on standby. The reason was that she had gone to the front together with Hugin, who might be in danger in the current operation.

At any rate, we could not afford to lose all of our valuable forces in the first phase of the war.

The battle was still going on. We must assess the war situation.

“It’s going to be a long battle.”

When Ghada sighed tiredly, Hiro shrugged his shoulders and then looked up at the sky.

“That’s because… it’s a battle for the fate of Grantz, you know.”

Hiro returned and turned his attention back to the battlefield.

Recalling the wars of the past, he wondered if there were any measures he could apply.

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