Ch.29Sun Tail

The White Dragon Heart Technique responded sensitively to surrounding energies. It could sense an opponent’s aura and even predict the flow of mana through their breathing.

Ever since obtaining the White Dragon Sword, every sparring moment had become a source of inspiration. I was growing stronger quickly. But it wasn’t enough. If only I had more time, I could have joined missions directly.

But that was just a meaningless supposition. Seo-rin calmed her troubled mind.

Two days had passed since the competition ended. Guild members who were injured during the matches had entered recovery, while teams were formed with those who could move immediately and dispatched on missions.

As a junior member, Seo-rin hadn’t received any assignments yet. The same went for her peers, Theo and Flora.

The trio wandered around the training grounds, letting time pass.

That afternoon, during lunch, someone came looking for them. It was Karnok.

“Having lunch, I see? Ah, stay seated. Don’t get up.”

He naturally sat down at their table and began speaking.

“A new mission has come down for you all.”

“A new mission…?”

Seo-rin shifted in her seat. Just two days ago, a punitive team had been dispatched to hunt down her sworn enemy. Perhaps they had requested backup. Seo-rin harbored a faint hope.

“Three days from now, you’ll be coming with me to Sun Tail.”

“Sun Tail…? That country with the desert?”

“Due to diplomatic matters, our country is sending an envoy. That delegation includes me and you three. Well, I’ll be going ahead now, so make your preparations.”

Having said what he needed to, Karnok left. Seo-rin, who had been quiet, tilted her head and asked.

“Flora, where is Sun Tail? Is it a place with reincarnators too?”

“Ah… Sun Tail is the name of a small country at the southern edge. Of course, there would be reincarnators there too…”

Flora began explaining about Sun Tail.

Sun Tail was a vast desert region, named for how the setting sun created a sunset that looked like the tail of the sun.

Though small in size, the country was extremely wealthy due to the enormous amount of magic stones excavated there.

That was Flora’s explanation.

“You should bring thick clothes. The sun there damages your skin.”

“Damages the skin…”

Seo-rin took Flora’s warning to heart. Her sister’s body was precious. She couldn’t neglect skin care for her sister who would someday awaken.

Seo-rin touched her cheek.

The appointed time approached quickly. Seo-rin’s group donned their Blue Wing uniforms, joined Karnok, and headed toward the Imperial Palace.

In front of the palace, other knight orders had gathered. Flags representing the Wind, Claw, Heart, Mane, Shadow, and Blue Wing orders fluttered atop large carriages.

These were the people they had met during the competition. Seo-rin exchanged glances with members of the other orders as they passed by.

She had heard that many people had been visiting the Blue Wing headquarters after the competition, especially male members from other orders. Seo-rin brushed her hair aside as she turned her gaze away.

‘They’re dreaming futile dreams…’

Seo-rin ignored all the stares that followed her.

The knights didn’t board the carriages. They were both members of the delegation and the forces protecting it.

After the delegation members boarded the carriages, Seo-rin’s group mounted large horses. Following a simple procedure, the carriages departed.

The knights followed alongside them.

***

The beating sun grew hotter. The heat rising from below felt like it was roasting their flesh. Following Flora’s advice, Seo-rin had to wear a hood over her uniform.

After traveling far beyond the direct territories of the Karma Empire, the delegation finally reached the border of Sun Tail.

The heat was unfamiliar to Seo-rin. Having lived her entire life in snowy lands, her natural bloodline was useless here. While strong against cold, she was no different from others when it came to heat.

“Huff…”

“Seo-rin, are you okay? Want some water?”

“I’m fine.”

Seo-rin shook her head. She had already emptied her water bottle and couldn’t take from her comrades’. Sensitive to survival, Seo-rin immediately understood what was most precious in this scorching desert.

‘I need to bring plenty of water…’

As Seo-rin showed weakness to the heat, knights from other orders subtly approached to offer her water, trying to gain her favor.

Seo-rin coldly rejected all offers. She didn’t need their water anyway. Thanks to the thorough Flora, who had packed plenty of extra drinking water.

“Just tell me if you need more. I’ll give it to you, Seo-rin.”

“Thank you…”

The desert was an extremely capricious region. Days were hot, and evenings turned cold. The evening hours were somewhat better. When strong winds blew at night, Seo-rin became more energetic.

The desert of Sun Tail wasn’t dangerous just for its weather. Occasionally, desert beasts and monsters would attack the delegation’s procession.

Of course, this wasn’t a major problem. When the knights swung their swords, red blood sprayed through the air. The Karma Empire’s delegation quickly traveled down a path painted red with blood.

About two weeks after entering the desert, the delegation finally arrived at Sun Tail.

Though covered in dust from rolling through the desert for a long time, the soldiers of Sun Tail had no trouble recognizing the imperial emblems. The carriage with the Karma Empire’s flag raised high entered Sun Tail.

As they passed through the grand gate, a splendid city unfolded before them. Awnings stretched between buildings created brilliant lighting effects as they interacted with the sunlight.

What caught Seo-rin’s eye were the half-naked women. Women wearing fluttering veils were dressed in clothes that looked no different from underwear.

This wasn’t typical attire. Not many women were as scantily clad as they were. It was a costume for a special profession…

Seo-rin turned her head away.

The Karma Empire’s delegation was immediately guided to Sun Tail’s royal palace. Upon entering the palace, the imperial party was divided into two groups.

The nobles handling diplomatic affairs headed straight to the reception room, while the knights, including Seo-rin’s group, were provided with a separate annex for rest.

The annex provided for guests was an extremely large mansion. The courtyard had a vast swimming pool, and twenty servants were assigned to carry out any orders.

Seo-rin approached Karnok. He was drinking a cool beverage wearing a thin shirt and shorts. He was already enjoying everything Sun Tail had to offer.

“Vice-Captain… what are we supposed to do?”

“Huh? Nothing much… We just wait until the nobles finish their business. Occasionally, Sun Tail’s knights will visit, and you should socialize with them appropriately.”

At Karnok’s answer, Seo-rin’s gaze swept across the room. Except for the junior knights, the other members seemed accustomed to such duties, either swimming or napping in the cool shade.

Only Seo-rin’s trio and junior members from other orders hadn’t adapted yet.

Seo-rin returned to her peers.

“It seems we’ve been deceived.”

“Deceived…?”

“When they mentioned diplomatic issues with a neighboring country, I thought they were trying to establish cooperation regarding reincarnator matters… But it seems that’s not the case…”

Flora awkwardly smiled at Seo-rin’s response.

“Why don’t you rest for a bit, Seo-rin?”

“Hah…”

She couldn’t rest. Seo-rin turned away. Even now, the enemy who had massacred her tribe was alive and breathing.

Seo-rin found that fact unbearable.

As Seo-rin began to move, Theo and Flora naturally followed behind her. The place they arrived at was a training ground slightly removed from where the knights were resting.

This place felt more comfortable. Seo-rin drew her snow-white Dragon Sword.

Shing—

“You’re going to train here too…?”

Seo-rin silently swung her sword, ignoring Flora’s question.

***

Night fell. As the sun disappeared and the moon rose, lowering the temperature, Seo-rin regained her vigor.

A faint smile appeared on her previously exhausted face, and her movements became more powerful.

At that moment, a group of three men and two women appeared beyond the wall. Their bronze skin, black hair, and golden eyes were characteristic of Sun Tail residents.

At the appearance of these strangers, the trio naturally assumed defensive positions, drawing their weapons.

“Ah, they’re here.”

“Are those the ones?”

“I think so…”

The group that had come over the wall raised their hands to show they had no intention of attacking. Though they had no weapons in their hands at the moment, short swords were attached to their waists.

“You’re the Blue Wing knights, right?”

The person who appeared to be the leader of the suspicious group stepped forward and spoke. Seo-rin assessed the situation before sheathing her sword and nodding.

“That’s right. Who are you?”

“I’m Jiyur. Tail Jiyur. And these are my siblings.”

“Tail…? Tail Jiyur?”

Flora was the one who reacted to Jiyur’s words. As Seo-rin tilted her head in confusion, Flora whispered in a small voice.

“Tail is the surname of this country’s royal family… Jiyur is the name of the first prince.”

Tail Jiyur. The first prince of Sun Tail had come to this place to satisfy his curiosity. Jiyur said:

“Could you spare me a moment?”

Seo-rin’s gaze swept over Jiyur’s face. A refreshing smile spread across his bronze face. For some reason, she didn’t like it.

“No.”

Jiyur’s face crumpled. At the same time, Seo-rin’s lips curved upward.

“I’m joking. I can spare a moment.”

At Seo-rin’s follow-up words, a small chuckle escaped from Jiyur’s lips.