Ch.74Even if it’s allowed

# 1.

The Strange Dragon, Dalan.

Born as the eldest son of the esteemed House Esteban that everyone looked up to, he was an eccentric who walked away from it all for the sake of freedom.

Before abandoning the Esteban name, he was mocked as a descendant of worms rather than dragons, but as soon as he cast aside his name, he seemed to realize something and proudly rose to become one of the world’s top ten powers—a true monster.

Thus, even House Esteban, which had disowned him, came to acknowledge Dalan and, following family tradition, bestowed upon him the title of dragon (龍), making him the Strange Dragon (怪龍).

Because of this, people wondered:

What exactly did Dalan desire so much that he would forsake such wealth and honor?

Despite countless inquiries, Dalan never gave a clear answer, merely laughing them off.

Because for him, simply wandering,

seeing different parts of the world,

setting foot in unknown realms—

These were more important and precious to him than anything else.

However, one day during his wanderings, Dalan finally found the answer to that question.

After discarding so many things,

Letting go of everything without a trace of regret,

The reason he had roamed the world with the lightest possible steps was—

“Dalan, what did you truly love?”

Rose Red.

It was all to meet you.

Though four years have passed since I lost you, I still haven’t forgotten the promise we made that day.

That’s why Dalan was on the move.

[During the assassination of the final target, I was ambushed by <Light> and <Eclipse>. I managed to shake off <Light>, but Ruby Red clashed with Eclipse’s Elder—the Blooming Flower Calamity. Currently about 4 minutes into communications blackout.]

For the sake of the child you cherished deeply.

For the sake of the one who brings back memories of you.

So please don’t worry,

【Main Scenario – <The Unsaved Ones – Dalan & Rose Red> begins.】

【”Dalan. What did you truly love?”】

May you find the peaceful sleep you so desired.

# 2.

Something had gone wrong.

Lactea realized this right after the Fourth Elder of Eclipse—the Blooming Flower Calamity—appeared.

“Something’s coming. Focus, Blood Demon.”

Just after warning Ruby about the red killing intent blooming from the black flower bud—

【Skill – <Blooming Flower> activates.】

“Oh my, I’m sorry. I’m late.”

A black flower that emerged from Lactea’s shadow swallowed Ruby whole.

The moment those golden eyes touched the shadow flower, Lactea immediately realized:

‘If I force my way through, Ruby will die too.’

So Lactea quickly concluded that killing the Blooming Flower Calamity was the solution.

After all, no matter how powerful a spell might be, it typically breaks when its caster dies.

Of course, Ruby might die before then, but right now, Lactea was carrying out the Commander’s orders.

‘The mission takes priority.’

Personally, Lactea would prefer to kill both and complete the mission first, but since this child was useful to the Commander…

However, if—

‘If the spell continues even after killing the caster…’

Then Lactea would have to give up.

Either way, that choice was Lactea’s own way of showing consideration for Ruby.

So when the red longsword was drawn to devour the Blooming Flower Calamity—

CLANG!!

Grayish-white threads that had somehow taken control of the surroundings deflected her sword strike.

“…! Damn, this monster…!!”

Only then noticing Lactea’s attack, the Blooming Flower Calamity fled with Ruby in tow.

“I won’t let you escape.”

“Neither will we.”

CLANG!

“…Light?”

“I’m honored you recognize me, Black Wolf.”

Lactea had immediately tried to pursue Ruby but failed due to members of Light who had suddenly surrounded the area.

What else could be done?

With the situation having gone so awry, there was no choice but to report.

“During the assassination of the final target, I was ambushed by <Light> and <Eclipse>. I managed to shake off <Light>, but Ruby Red clashed with Eclipse’s Elder—the Blooming Flower Calamity. Currently about 4 minutes into communications blackout.”

Lactea used aura to ensure her voice would only be heard through the communication stone, then scanned the surroundings to assess the situation.

‘A warrior in front, shield and mage on the flanks, and… a supporter controlling the surroundings in the rear.’

Alone, Lactea might have found a way out, but with Ruby captured—

‘She fainted as soon as Eclipse caught her.’

If Ruby died without breaking the restriction, the Commander would be in danger too.

‘I need to retrieve her… or at least destroy her contract with the Commander before killing her.’

Lactea immediately began to move.

Heading toward where the pitch-black mana left by the Blooming Flower Calamity could be sensed.

Just that slight preparatory movement was enough for Asha to discern Lactea’s intentions, quickly moving her hand to throw her holy sword like a javelin.

CRACK!

The holy sword embedded itself in Lactea’s path, blocking her route.

‘The opponent is the Black Wolf. Not an enemy to be taken lightly. We must go all out from the start.’

Asha clenched her fist and channeled aura through the holy sword as a medium.

【<Asha Mirabel (SSS+)>’s Skill 1 – <Heroic Crusade+> activates.】

Just as sacred light burst forth, about to engulf not only Asha but Lactea as well—

As if Asha didn’t matter at all, Lactea continued pursuing only the Blooming Flower Calamity, swinging her red longsword while muttering softly:

“【Disintegration.】”

The part of the mental world that was about to close, specifically the section trying to block Lactea, failed to coalesce and scattered.

Lactea’s Skill 1: Word Command.

【<Lactea Babylonia (S+)>’s Skill 1 – <Word Command (S+)> activates.】

The ability of a woman who had been a powerful candidate for the next emperor—the power to adjust reality with mere words.

Lactea rapidly uttered one phrase after another toward the members of Light surrounding her:

“【Mana dissipation, Soft ground, Entanglement.】”

The mana around Marin,

The ground beneath Balkan’s feet,

Selena’s detection threads—

All became ineffective for an instant, throwing them into confusion. The cunning Lactea didn’t miss this opportunity, diving through the gap to break through.

WHOOSH!

Thus she escaped Light’s encirclement.

Asha was bewildered.

“…How?”

The Black Wolf before them wasn’t weak, but neither was she stronger than them.

In fact, she seemed weaker.

Judging by total power alone, one might have hastily concluded she was merely a low-ranking member of the Black Wolf.

Regardless, Lactea, having broken through Light’s formation in one breath, warned them:

“Refrain from rash actions.”

A menacing golden killing intent.

It was so eerie and sharp that all members of Light unconsciously assumed defensive stances.

The pressure of one born to rule, not one who ruled because of strength.

Any living being with average intelligence would have no choice but to submit to her.

Of course—

“What’s ‘rash actions’?”

“…?”

“Don’t use difficult words from now on.”

That is, if they possessed average intelligence.

“Whatever the case, it’s clear that you’re the enemy we need to stop!!!”

Having finished speaking, Balkan stomped on the softened ground, hardening it again.

BOOM!

RUMBLE…!!!

Then Balkan’s ultimate skill activated.

【<Balkan Gardner (SS+)>’s Ultimate Skill – <Fortress of Steel (SS+)> activates!】

Aura poured out like a waterfall, taking form and erecting a massive castle.

A fortress with thick steel walls on all sides.

Originally used to defend themselves from external attacks, it now became an arena trapping both themselves and their enemy.

The overwhelming presence of the towering barriers.

【With the activation of <Fortress of Steel (SS+)>, allies’ defense, magic defense, and mental fortitude increase dramatically!】

Thanks to this, the members of Light who had been intimidated by Lactea regained their composure.

Simultaneously, Balkan’s shield struck the upper wall with a resounding THUD.

The shield then resonated, strengthening the connections between the four walls. With Light’s unity restored, Asha picked up her holy sword and declared:

“Checkmate.”

Once inside Balkan’s ultimate skill—the Fortress of Steel—there were only two ways out:

Either Balkan, the caster, willingly released it, or he lost consciousness through fainting, death, or similar means.

Named magical beasts,

Demon nobility,

Even demon army commanders—

Once the Fortress of Steel was activated, none had ever escaped alive.

“Surrender, and I’ll at least spare your life for now.”

At Asha’s grim warning, which had regained its edge, the other team members swallowed hard, but Lactea continued to focus only on her objective, muttering:

“…Annoying.”

It had always been like this.

-What are you doing? I told you to leave it be since it benefits the citizens.

-I apologize, but the nobility takes precedence over the citizens.

Even though she was simply doing her duty, those around her raised all sorts of objections and clung to Lactea’s ankles, holding her back.

So she had tried to be understanding.

She had explained and explained again, trying to convince others to move forward together.

The result—

-…Hah! These bastards…

She was driven to the battlefield and nearly killed.

But after being saved by the Black Wolf, now living as one of them rather than as a princess—

Lactea decided to walk her own path, no longer seeking explanation and coexistence.

Therefore, Lactea—no longer the compassionate First Princess but the Deputy Commander of the Black Wolf—

“There is no way out of here.”

“It’ll open if I kill everyone.”

“How arrogant.”

“Because I can afford to be.”

【Warning.】

【<Lactea Babylonia (S+)>’s Skill 2 – <Death Command (???)> activates.】

She tended to show no mercy in her actions.

# 3.

Skill – Blooming Flower.

A skill that finds trauma inherent in a person and induces it to bloom fully.

When past regrets fully blossom, the target repeats that moment eternally.

A nightmare that never ends.

A calamity where not just the terrible moment repeats, but everything before and after it as well.

That’s why when the Whispering Night’s Calamity asked:

-Isn’t that a good thing?

Questioning whether it wasn’t better than their own nightmare, since not only the nightmare but also happy moments would be recreated.

But the Blooming Flower Calamity declared:

-The repetition of pain alone is not a nightmare.

Rather,

-True despair comes from being given brilliant happiness, only to have it followed by pain.

A pain that can only be understood by those who have experienced it.

And now, once again:

“Are you alright, Ruby? You suddenly spaced out.”

“…? Sister Rose…?”

【Main Scenario – <The Unsaved Ones – Ruby Red & Rose Red> begins.】

【”As always, don’t be afraid and shine brightly, Ruby.”】

The forgotten happiness began anew.