Ch.17Black Dragon, Black Wolf – (End)

# 1.

Just before the activation of the Sun Annihilation.

“…Was it my imagination?”

Lactea turned her head with a cold expression after seeing the golden dragon flattened on the ground.

Black Wolf.

The leader would never do such a thing, even as a joke.

‘It’s just needless worry. Don’t think about it.’

Right now, I should only focus on the “garbage cleanup” order from the commander.

Recalling Black Wolf’s face brought her composure back, and Lactea reassessed the situation.

‘First, this side.’

The fifth member of <Black Wolf> and ranked 10th among the top 10, Monster Dragon – Dalan, and the third member, Tal – Hanryang.

“Come on, can’t we just talk?!!”

Dalan, who had approached after disposing of all the trash, kept requesting a conversation, but…

“Impossible. Following orders—sir!!”

Hanryang was thoroughly ignoring him and pressing forward, following Lactea’s instructions.

CRASH!!

As his massive hands struck the roof, reddish-brown bricks flew in all directions.

Fist-sized fragments filled the surroundings, blocking Dalan’s vision and movement.

“It’s over—sir!!”

Hanryang raised both hands to protect his head and lunged toward Dalan.

Crack!

Crack, crack!

The bricks shattered one after another as they hit his massive, solid body, but Hanryang paid no mind and clenched his fist for the next attack.

【Skill – <Strength(A++)> activates!】

Crunch!

A bluish energy flowed from his menacingly clenched fist, extending toward Dalan.

Finally cornered at the edge of the roof, Dalan sighed deeply and spoke.

“I just need a moment, but you’re not going to listen, are you?”

There was no answer.

Even if there had been, he would have been knocked out before hearing it.

Just as Hanryang’s fierce fist was about to strike Dalan’s face directly.

“Sigh, I knew you’d do that, you fool.”

Swoosh.

Dalan disappeared.

Whoosh!

As the thrown punch tore through only an afterimage, causing Hanryang to lose balance and stumble…

“I apologize in advance.”

Suddenly wrapping his entire body around Hanryang’s arm, Dalan applied a joint lock.

CRACK!!

Not breaking in one direction, but fracturing in all directions.

“—?!!”

The startled Hanryang quickly reached out with his other hand to grab Dalan, but all he caught was an old tan-colored cloak.

Having already moved to the opposite arm, Dalan applied the same technique while muttering softly.

“Ask Pedro to treat you.”

CRACK—!!

Both arms were instantly neutralized.

Monster Dragon Dalan.

He was proficient in all types of martial arts and physical techniques, characterized by movements so unpredictable they seemed bizarre.

He favored techniques that crushed opponents by coiling around them without drawing weapons, earning him a nickname that resembled a grotesque dragon.

Hanryang could at least see Dalan’s movements and tried to catch up, but his injuries had slowed his reactions, causing him to fall victim.

“Not necessary—sir!!”

Despite everything, Hanryang still tried to rush forward to follow orders, but was blocked by Lactea who had suddenly approached.

“Stop. You’re still recovering from what the Emperor did to you. You’ll really die at this rate.”

“But—!!”

“Tal. If you’re so eager to die…”

Interrupting Hanryang, Lactea lowered her head and revealed her terrifying golden eyes.

“Release your restriction and die alone.”

The restriction of <Black Wolf>.

A curse-like ability that strengthens the Black Wolf while binding their life to the contracted person.

Hence the tone suggesting that despite wanting to kill right now, he was restraining himself because the commander would be in danger.

“…I apologize—sir.”

“Fine, now stand down.”

“Yes, Vice Commander.”

Only after Hanryang withdrew did peace return to the bakery rooftop.

Or rather,

it seemed to return momentarily.

【Warning.】

【<Lactea Babylonia(S+)> releases the restriction of <Black Wolf>.】

After fully raising her power by releasing the restriction—something only Lactea could do completely among the members—she addressed Dalan.

“Release your restriction, Dalan.”

A terrifying killing intent.

If I didn’t have the <Black Wolf> restriction, my head would have been severed instantly.

‘She wasn’t this sharp-edged before. What could have turned the once merciful First Princess into someone so fierce?’

Dalan swallowed the bitter taste spreading through his mouth and reached into his garment.

“I was going to tell you earlier, but please forgive me for only conveying this now amid all this commotion.”

Clatter.

What Dalan produced was an old dagger engraved with the <Black Wolf> emblem.

While all members had the same type of dagger, this one sparkled with one gold moon ornament and one silver sun ornament, as if asking to be distinguished.

“…”

Lactea picked up the dagger from the ground and silently stared at Dalan.

“Orders from the Moon. We are currently trying to persuade the <Golden Dragon>, so end today’s mission and return to the hideout. And…”

As Dalan trailed off, all of Lactea’s attention focused on his lips.

Gulp.

Even though I’m only hearing words relayed through someone else, why am I so tense?

My heart races,

a smile forms,

my hands tremble.

Barely suppressing her quickening breath, she unconsciously leaned toward Dalan as he added the final words.

“…The Hero will return, so be prepared.”

The moment Dalan finished speaking.

【Skill – <Sun Annihilation(EX)> activates!】

【FLASH!】

A brilliant golden light flew in.

This was the second time.

“Vice Commander!!”

Having already experienced its power, Hanryang hurriedly blocked Lactea’s front, but…

“It’s fine, go get Persona. We’re returning to the hideout now.”

“…?!!”

Instead, he was grabbed by Lactea and thrown toward Luna.

…Clink.

Having already secured the dagger and holding it close, Lactea canceled the restriction release and added:

“Tell the Commander. Exactly three days, including today. I’ll wait quietly until then.”

“…Yes, Vice Commander.”

“Remember, Dalan. Exactly three days.”

The next moment.

SLASH!!!

Everything touched by the flash was bisected, revealing its interior.

The lined-up buildings,

part of the Imperial Palace behind,

even the passing clouds.

The flash flew without being blocked once and disappeared in the distant sky.

Only Dalan remained where the flash had passed, muttering in a small voice:

“Huh, well… I can’t even compare.”

Thud.

Sitting down, Dalan shifted his gaze toward where Lactea had disappeared.

That was the direction from which the attack had come.

Where Lactea had thrown Hanryang to retrieve Luna, where the commander still remained.

To people, it would look like <Black Wolf> subordinates had approached to capture <Golden Dragon>, but in reality, they were all on the same side.

“The commander will handle the rest. This old man needs to lie down and rest a bit.”

It was at noon,

when the central plaza regained its peace.

# 2.

Skill – Sun Annihilation.

At first, I thought it was just something vague similar to a flash grenade.

‘…It’s definitely effective.’

Of course, all my aura is consumed when using it, causing exhaustion to set in, but thanks to the <Ring of Iasos>, I can at least avoid collapsing.

Seeing the two shadows on the rooftop disappear, it seems Dalan played his role well.

Either way, it appears as though I clashed with and drove away <Black Wolf>’s subordinates, giving me more excuses to abandon the <Designated Request>.

“I have something to report to His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Emperor…?”

Oops.

“That’s none of your concern.”

Turning around nonchalantly while gripping my greatsword, I found Luna barely standing, raising her voice in indignation.

“Why, with such power, are you working for the Emperor…?!”

Currently, the Emperor is misunderstood as incompetent due to <Eclipse>.

“We, the people. Don’t you know why we’re suffering like this?!”

Moreover, <Black Wolf> members disliked her even more, so Luna’s sharp reaction wasn’t incomprehensible.

But as mentioned earlier, it’s all just a misunderstanding.

The designated requests given to <Golden Dragon> are all meant to alleviate the suffering of the citizens.

The one issuing them is the Emperor, and while she may be deceived by treacherous officials and appear incompetent, she is a good person trying her best for the empire in her own way.

“Truly, it is you who know nothing.”

With those words, I turned away.

There’s no use explaining to the members now.

The only way is to act, either as Black Wolf or Golden Dragon, and clear up the misunderstanding directly.

But just as I turned completely.

“Golden Dragon.”

I faced a chilling killing intent head-on.

‘Lactea.’

I immediately recognized her and tried to raise my greatsword, but she simply passed by me, whispering in a young voice:

“…I remembered.”

That was it.

When I turned back to check, she had already disappeared without leaving even a footprint.

I remained frozen for a long time, wondering if she might still be nearby, but only relaxed when I saw Dalan sprawling out.

“…It’s over.”

I wanted to lie down on the street like Dalan, but…

“Everyone, look!! Golden Dragon has driven away <Black Wolf>’s subordinates!!”

“Did you see that just now?! He drove away three of them single-handedly!!”

“Even <Black Wolf> tucks its tail before <Golden Dragon>!!”

Citizens who had gathered were gazing with sparkling eyes of admiration, forcing me to stand firm again.

【Passive. <Sun’s Blessing(Ex)>.】

◆ Effect

: You shine brightly. How cool. If someone who holds <Respect> for you faces this shining light, they will be afflicted with the status ailment <Adoration>. The Sun’s Blessing is the best in the world!

The system window that appeared mockingly was annoying, but I survived thanks to the Golden Dragon’s skill.

Clang!

As <Golden Dragon>, I raised my greatsword with one hand and declared victory.

“A new hero is born!!”

“Long live Golden Dragon!!”

“Long live Monster Dragon!!”

The citizens’ massive cheers echoed from the central plaza all the way to the Imperial Palace.

“What?! What’s happening!! Huh?”

Dalan, who had fallen asleep, was startled awake by the enthusiastic cheers and rose to his feet.

CRASH!!

With that, the <Central Plaza Attack Incident> concluded as he lost his footing and tumbled down.

“Ugh!!”

“Pull yourself together and clean this up, you idiot!!”

“Hey!! Bring the rest of what was cut!!”

“Damn, what is this…!!”

Amid the cleanup by the belated security forces and the unending cheers, I picked up Dalan and turned away, making a resolution.

Three days until return.

“Commander. How do you plan to spend the remaining three days?”

“Playing and eating.”

“…Pardon?”

“I said, playing and eating.”

I’m really going to just rest and do nothing.

But…

“Hehehe, if you don’t mind, let’s have a chat somewhere nice, <Golden Dragon> sir.”

Who the hell is this guy?

‘He looks suspicious… Could it be?’

I hurriedly glanced at the status window that appeared small inside my helmet.

─『Sub-Quest Completed!』─

◆ A New Hero. (Completed!)

: With <Hero> departing on an <Expedition> and anxiety growing, Babylonia Empire needs a new hero.

◆ Completion Conditions. (Completed!)

1. Drive away <Black Wolf>.

2. Don’t reveal that <Black Wolf> is <Golden Dragon>.

3. Survive.

◆ Reward. (Completed!)

: <Eclipse>’s attention.

◆ Failure & Rejection. (Deleting…)

: <Golden Dragon>’s annihilation.

Has <Eclipse> approached as a reward for completing the sub-quest?

“Monster Dragon.”

“Already got him.”

Before I could finish speaking, Dalan moved and grabbed the man’s neck, twisting it.

“Keck, keck!! W-what is this…!!”

Black robe,

Rat-like mustache,

Wickedly curved eyes.

I whispered to the suspicious man who was floating in the air, struggling:

“Were you sent by Eclipse?”

“…!! How do you know that name…!!”

“So it’s true. Dalan.”

“Got it.”

“Keck!!”

When I nodded toward Dalan, the man’s face turned crimson as if about to burst.

‘<Eclipse> is the hidden ultimate villain connected to all bad endings in the work.’

However, they were so well-hidden that even in the <original work>, they couldn’t be found.

‘That’s why <Hero> and <Emperor> couldn’t clear up their misunderstandings, and <Black Wolf> got involved, leading to mutual destruction and a bad ending.’

So to prevent all <Bad Endings>, finding <Eclipse> is the top priority.

I briefly asked Dalan with as much killing intent as possible:

“Monster Dragon, are you any good at torture?”

“Haha! My friend, what kind of question is that! That’s my specialty!”

“Then show me your skills.”

“Alright, let’s see… He has two eyes, doesn’t he?”

A shadow fell over his friendly face as his narrowed eyes opened fiercely.

“Let’s start by crushing one.”

Just as Dalan was about to push his finger into the man’s eye.

“W-wait!!”

The trembling man pulled something out and shouted:

“I-I’m the Emperor’s secret guard!!”

The identification badge he presented showed the Emperor’s affiliation, rank, and official seal.

“Is that all your evidence?”

“You know the <Designated Request> that Her Majesty issued recently…? She sent me to withdraw it! I’m not lying…!”

“Indeed, it’s information I have no choice but to believe. …But let me make one thing clear.”

With a smirk, I stepped back and pointed at Dalan.

“It wasn’t me who assaulted you, but Monster Dragon.”

“?”

“I’m saying I have nothing to do with this violent incident.”

“What? Hey, Golden Dragon!!”

“What.”

Honestly, it’s the truth.