The next day.
Let’s just test some things, is what Reina and Merlin said before they left for the ocean.
I could just brute force it this time, but that would mean only I could ever go to the underwater temple. And their pride as members of the seven great mages wouldn’t allow it.
The bottlenecks seem to be the amount of magic energy and the strength of the tube, but I’m sure they’ll solve it if given enough time.
Snow and the others are catching something that looks like rhinoceros beetles that Tiltue found in the forest, and left full of energy this morning. That means I’m home alone.
I could go out and see someone, and just as I’m leaving, Edinburgh walks out of her house.
“Father, I was just about to call you.”
“What is it?”
“Graham is challenging his father and the others so his union with his fiancee is accepted. Do you want to come?”
She’s talking about Sakuya, but she’s calling her that?
Lately, Graham has been getting some fighting experience with people like the great spirits and Sakuya, and learning how to fight from Edinburgh, but…
“Do you think Graham can win?”
“I can’t imagine the power of ancient dragons when they get serious. But I do think he is a little stronger than before.”
Then I’m sure he has a chance.
I have to go watch the brave battle of the one that treats me like I’m his big brother.
◇ ◇ ◇
The battle is already underway when we reach the dwelling of the ancient dragons.
“They’re fighting in their dragon forms.”
“Apparently. I knew about it, but what tremendous power…”
They clash in mid air and keep the other away with their breath, continuing a series of intense attacks.
I detect presences I recognize, and when I turn to a rocky mountain, I see young ancient dragons and demon gods, cheering Graham.
“That’s not all you got! Don’t back away! Go ahead!”
Gyes is louder than the rest.
They still fight a lot, but unlike before, they accept each other.
Gyes recognizes Graham’s strength more than anyone, which is why he entrusted the treasure that is his sister to him.
She’s next to him, looking straight ahead and with her hands in prayer.
“Let’s watch from a little further away.”
“Yes.”
There are a few rocky mountains, so I figure we can cheer him on from somewhere else, but then I see the ones who were supposedly out catching bugs
I guess they learned Graham was fighting and that took precedence.
“Go! Blow him away Graham!”
“Wow!”
“Ooh!”
They’re too focused watching them clash in the air, and haven’t noticed we’re here.
Tiltue is the only one heated up, Luna and Snow are full on spectators.
“Ah, daddy!”
“Mu? Oh, darling came to watch Graham.”
“Yes. He was there to cheer Reina too, so..”
Then I look to the side. I see Edinburgh, who was in the same position not too long ago and lost.
Should I talk about it so casually?”
“I know you care, but I don’t.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. In fact, it’s because the thing with Reina made me think about some things that I decided to train Graham.”
She says, and I look at Graham fighting in the sky.
He’s covered in wounds, and appears to be on the back foot.
But his intensity isn’t any weaker, and he’s still trying to bite the one that’s stronger.
“He’s being pushed back. But… His willpower is overwhelming.”
“I don’t know much about fighting…”
But it does feel like despite being pushed back, he has momentum.
It reminds me of the fight between Reina and Edinburgh.
“When the one that lacks strength wins, it’s down to indomitable willpower.”
As she says, Graham takes a direct hit from a destructive beam, and keeps charging forward even as he’s scorched black.
He bites the neck, and his father yells with pain.
He tries to shake him off, but Graham moves faster and charges towards the ground while still biting him.
Both fall on the hard exposed rock surface, and the earth shakes with a loud sound.
I hold Snow, and she stares at the ground with the dust in the air…
“Cool.”
“Yes.”
She says casually despite that huge rumbling.
I think this girl might be something really amazing one day, even for a great spirit.
As I think that, the dust is taken by the wind…
“Uoooooooooh!!”
Graham’s victorious roar echoes all around, and the ancient dragons and demon gods cheering him on all rush towards him.
“Mumumu… That guy really did it.”
Gyes hits the wound-covered Graham, the other ancient dragons hit him, and a fight breaks out.
But it looks fun, and it seems Tiltue wants to join them.
She’s fidgeting, but not going. It’s just like her…
I smile awkwardly, and give her a push.
“Go on, Tiltue.”
“Mu… Hm! I need to show that guy getting carried away who’s the strongest ancient dragon!”
“Graham is tired, so don’t overdo it.”
I wave as Tiltue goes, and Snow taps me.
“Can Snow go?”
“Eh? Hum… If you go you’re going to freeze everyone, so maybe not today.”
“Okay.”
I don’t think normal ice magic would work on the ancient dragons, but Snow is different. Even Tiltue still gets cold sometimes.
“Well then… My job here is done.”
“Good job. How was it?”
“It was fun training someone after so long. And training someone stronger than me was a fresh experience.”
Says Edinburgh as she turns around, not going over there to talk to them.
Normally I’d get involved and join their banquet, but…
“Not today.”
The demon gods were their enemies, but they’re so happy for Graham.
Surely even the adults feel something as they watch that.
“I hope they become closer.”
“It’s nicer when everyone gets along.”
“Right?”
I think Luna and Snow are right, as I leave the ancient dragons’ village.
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Thanks for the chapter.