Ch.9090. Dragon King

●

“…Hmm.”

I sighed while operating a PDA-like device.

This is basically like a newspaper. It’s in electronic form rather than paper, in keeping with the Tribal Union’s technological level.

The article stated that the Tribal Union’s Grand Chief Allan Va-Thor would personally come to inspect the Crucible of Struggle.

Judging by how prominently it was featured across all channels, it must be important news.

‘He’s moving quickly.’

On the surface, it just means an important person is visiting the academy, but I always need to remember that Tatiana is the one pulling the strings here.

It wasn’t my intention, but it seems things have become quite tense since Elnore turned everything upside down.

Moving Allan is a kind of “insurance.” After being thoroughly humiliated by Elnore, Tatiana must have decided she needs to kill me for certain and called him in for backup.

Even if Elnore were to seriously try to kill her, Allan could at least buy her some “time.”

“…”

More precisely, that’s what she thinks.

A rampaging Grey Demon’s Vessel would be this game’s final boss. How could someone like Allan possibly stop that?

Of course, from my perspective, I should avoid using Elnore’s power regardless, so it’s a moot point.

It’s not just because I shouldn’t get married—the increase in fusion rate itself is a prerequisite for triggering a new fragment.

The third fragment… among the main scenario events, it has the most far-reaching consequences. There’s a reason it’s placed so deep in the storyline.

Anyway.

< Quest Info >

[ Main Quest ] 〖 Chapter 3 – Apostle of the Inverted Tide 〗

[ 5 days until the ‘Great Duel’ event! ]

[ A boss battle will follow immediately after this event! ]

The good thing for me is that since Tatiana is being cautious, she probably won’t send assassins or summon something from the ocean depths during this period.

Having already tried her best and been frightened by Elnore’s power, she likely won’t seriously try to kill me until she has countermeasures in place.

“…”

And that grace period is an excellent time to improve my specs.

With that thought, I look at Riru, who is performing a traditional Tribal Union ceremony.

On a desolate coastal cliff where only dead grass twists in the wind, she’s burning necklaces in a fire.

“Open the path, O sky.”

With closed eyes, Riru murmured this as she quietly placed another necklace into the fire.

“So the warrior may return home.”

These were items carefully preserved in Riru’s nearly collapsed house that I had seen before.

They serve as identification for Tribal Union warriors.

Befitting a place with an unobstructed view of the sky within the dome-shaped Crucible of Struggle, the smoke rose in billows and dispersed into the air.

“…”

Riru quietly pushed up her eyes and watched the dispersing smoke.

She stared at it silently for a long time. In a way, she looked like she was holding back tears.

Thinking about the setting…

These must belong to clan members who died in place of Riru and Kasa on the night Allan Va-Thor challenged the previous Grand Chief Kasa to a “Great Duel” to take over leadership.

The reason she was so determined to return to the Tribal Union was to properly honor these warriors who couldn’t be properly buried.

There was a widespread belief that warriors who didn’t receive proper funeral rites in their clan’s allocated tribal lands couldn’t return to the “warriors’ homeland” in the sky.

“…”

And while the smoke was spreading…

I was staring intently at the bottom of the coastal cliff.

[What are you doing?]

“I’m memorizing, obviously.”

[Memorizing? What?]

“The way in.”

[…Way? What way? There’s nothing but ocean down there?]

“There’s more than meets the eye.”

I can sense Calivan’s confusion. From the outside, it just looks like waves crashing against the shore. What I’m watching is just the endless flow of currents.

But there really is something there.

I didn’t demand this from Tatiana first for nothing.

The method to increase my durability stat, and the crucial hint to crack open the chapter boss’s skull—it’s all here.

Inside those furiously crashing waves.

I deliberately came here to observe this. There are things that can only be seen from this vantage point.

“…Thank you.”

After a while, Riru, who had been sitting and watching the bonfire until all the necklaces turned to ash, suddenly spoke.

“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have had the chance to resolve this… grudge so quickly.”

“…”

That’s true.

Considering the original storyline, Riru coming to this place would have been impossible without receiving Luca’s necklace.

If I hadn’t intervened, this probably wouldn’t have happened.

It’s good that I’ve helped lift a burden from her heart.

“What do you plan to do now?”

At my question, Riru fell silent again.

After thinking for a long time in silence, she finally spoke with a resolute voice.

“…I need revenge.”

“Against whom?”

“Against everyone involved in my clan’s deaths.”

Riru continued with an icy voice.

“I’ll kill them all with my own hands. It’s my rightful duty to honor those who died unjustly.”

I don’t disagree with that.

They were probably innocent, good people. Moreover, they were Riru’s family.

It’s a universal truth that if you plan to kill others, you should dig two graves. The killer must also pay an appropriate price.

‘…Wait a minute.’

I break into a cold sweat as I notice the blue energy gathering around her body. It’s demonic energy.

The problem is how it leaks out whenever she gets even slightly angry.

“Well, I’ll help you with that too.”

Saying this, I grab Riru’s hand firmly.

“Let’s stay strong. I made a promise to Kasa as well.”

“…”

Riru looked at me with round eyes, then at our joined hands.

“W-why are you suddenly grabbing my hand?”

Riru’s face flushed red as she shook off my hand.

I was secretly sighing in relief as I watched the Blue Demon’s energy disperse, but…

This person seems to have little tolerance for physical contact with men.

I’ve been deliberately comforting her like this whenever she seems about to get angry while staying by her side.

“…”

Sometimes I feel pathetic about my situation.

But what can I do?

If I want to survive, I have to endure.

[Attention. Attention. This is a broadcast from central control.]

As I was wallowing in my self-pity, a voice boomed across the area as if through a megaphone.

[A storm is coming. The shamans say it’s the biggest one we’ve had in recent times.]

Indeed.

Looking up at the sky, it’s incredibly gloomy. It seems a major thunderstorm and high waves are on their way.

In any sensible place, they’d tell everyone to stay inside and avoid trouble.

But this is the Crucible of Struggle—a place that throws students into extreme situations at every opportunity.

[Therefore, all students should gather at the plaza near the shore. That is all.]

Just as I expected.

I get up with a wry smile.

This is the announcement heralding the start of Chapter 3’s event.

The beginning of the “Hunter’s Night.”

“…”

The problem is right here.

I look toward Riru.

I didn’t say the key to clearing Chapter 3 was reforming her violent tendencies for nothing.

Considering how the Tribal Union currently treats Riru and her personality…

During this Chapter 3, it’s almost certain that Riru will lose her temper and clash with various people.

In the original story, this was just a complication in the progression, but now we have the Blue Demon that erupts whenever she gets slightly angry, which makes it much worse.

To prevent the demon from going berserk like Elnore, I need to stick close to her and provide care throughout the chapter.

So, my to-do list for the next 5 days:

1. Constantly monitor Riru’s mental state to prevent her from getting too angry.

2. Avoid getting my head split open by Elnore and Yuria.

3. Learn martial arts from Kasa.

…That’s about it.

A list that makes me sigh just looking at it.

‘Will this work out?’

As always.

It was going to be a busy week with no time to breathe.

●

On the storm-lashed shore.

Outside the Crucible of Struggle platform, numerous burly individuals stood exposed to the elements in the harsh weather.

Men and women alike, all with copper-tanned skin and healthy physiques.

“…”

These bodies are insane.

No matter how much I exercise, I could never look like that.

“Assemble!”

Hatan Wu-Zel.

As the dean of the “Hunter’s Hall,” the department responsible for beast hunting, it’s natural for him to appear at events like this.

“Around this time we’d normally be starting a new semester, and I’d have you all introduce yourselves… but this is the Crucible of Struggle. You don’t need that, do you?”

Hatan continued with a fierce grin.

“We’re starting the new semester short and intense. It’s the Hunter’s Night, the first in years, you brats. It’s time for the most honorable warriors to shine!”

His words were met with thunderous cheers and shouts.

While the Tribal Union students reacted as if a long-awaited festival had arrived, the Empire students looked around in confusion.

I mean, we’re in the middle of a storm that could blow away anyone not firmly planted, and these lunatics are excited?

“I’m sure everyone here knows what Hunter’s Night is, but since we have guests from the Empire, I’ll explain briefly.”

Saying this, Hatan threw a metal sphere into the air.

It was a holographic drone. It projected a comprehensive plan of what they would be doing here.

“The Tribal Union has the highest occurrence of beasts among all nations on the continent, so being an excellent warrior means being an excellent hunter. Our entire academy focuses on educating students in beast hunting.”

The hologram changed to show different environments.

A burning volcanic region. A snow-covered tundra. A dense jungle. And the stormy shore where we now stood.

Each was famous for being the harshest, most severe habitat of the most notorious beasts.

“The Crucible of Struggle itself artificially recreates these beast ecosystems within the academy. To provide experiences as close to real combat as possible.”

The explanation continued.

“And Hunter’s Night is when all beasts near this academy become ‘most difficult to hunt.’ They gain special abilities, their combat strength increases, and some even become nearly impossible to kill no matter how many times you try.”

The hologram continued changing to show various beasts.

A beast that could turn invisible. A beast whose claws and hide became several times harder than usual. A beast that could regenerate its severed head.

“During this event, which lasts for several days, we bestow the greatest honor the academy can offer to the hunter who shows the most outstanding performance in each environment. It’s one of the most important periods, no exaggeration. Understand?”

The Empire students looked at each other.

It would be harder not to understand.

Simply put, the entire academy becomes dozens of times more dangerous than usual.

“…Then why did you call us outside? Shouldn’t we be in a safe place inside the academy—”

“What are you talking about?”

Hatan grinned.

It was a smile full of ferocity.

“It’s precisely at times like this that we should be more aggressive in killing those creatures.”

“…Isn’t the risk of death much higher? The basic strategy for beast hunting is to target their weakest period to minimize casualties—”

“What are you saying? The greater the danger, the greater the reward.”

“…”

The Empire student who had been arguing earnestly fell silent.

He seemed to finally realize that their mindsets were completely different.

This place has always been like this. It’s a place where only crazy fighters who charge at stronger opponents survive.

It’s no wonder that the rational Empire students are dismissed here.

Even Riru, who was considered a mad dog at Elphante, isn’t considered particularly violent here.

“Well, I’ll provide minimal safety measures. Call me if you think you’re going to die. I’ll save you.”

Hatan looked around with cold eyes.

“Of course, I don’t think there’s much value in keeping those who lack both courage and skill at this academy. Prepare for the lowest scores.”

“W-wait a moment. The grades from the Crucible of Struggle affect our overall academic standing.”

“So?”

“…”

“Just catch something yourselves. What’s the problem?”

As the Empire students’ faces turned pale at his nonchalant response, Hatan continued.

“And the first event of Hunter’s Night is ‘Sea Hunting.’ The greatest honor goes to whoever catches the largest and most powerful beast first!”

He pointed to several boats docked near the shore.

They were equipped with harpoons, nets, and other professional hunting gear.

“The boats are ready. Now go!”

With those words, the Crucible of Struggle students shouted in excitement and began splitting into groups to board the boats.

The Empire students remained still, looking incredulous.

“…Is that it?”

Talion, who was standing next to me, asked in a deflated voice.

“No instructions on how to use the boats, how to find beasts, how to catch them—nothing?”

“Why would they tell you that?”

Riru responded, sounding even more incredulous.

“Hunting is best learned through direct experience. Asking for instruction after failure leads to the best retention.”

“So they say.”

I pat Talion’s shoulder with a smirk as he makes a face that clearly says “what nonsense.”

He’s the only one who can team up with me here now.

Elnore, Elia, and even Yuria and the Saint all claimed to be busy and forced themselves to be absent.

“…”

I don’t know what they’re all so busy with after coming all this way.

In the end, only Riru and Talion are available to go with me now.

“Sea hunting takes at least a full day on a boat. It’s incredibly fun.”

As we walked toward the boat together, Riru spoke with a grin.

Her eyes were sparkling with excitement.

Noticing my gaze, she tilted her head and responded.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing. I just think you really belong in the Tribal Union.”

“Huh?”

“You look happy. You were always so angry in the Empire.”

“…Are you trying to take credit for bringing me here or what?”

Riru grumbled while scratching the back of her head.

Maybe it was my imagination, but her face seemed to redden slightly.

“…? What?”

I turned my head as Talion tapped my arm, and he was blinking rapidly with his fist clenched.

“As expected of you, sir.”

“…”

“I sensed you had your eye on her before, but to immediately add another target to your conquest—”

“…You’re steering the boat.”

I assign him the hardest part as punishment for talking nonsense.

“…You want me to steer the boat alone for a whole day? I can do it, but that’s a bit—”

“I don’t plan to stay out that long either. Let’s just catch one big creature and head back.”

“That sounds good. Let’s catch the biggest one and return. What should we hunt? A kraken? A giant armored shark? Or—”

“We’re not just going out there to hunt, Riru.”

“…What?”

Responding to Riru’s bewildered tone, I answer with a slight smile.

The Apostle of the Inverted Tide in Chapter 3, as I briefly showed before, is connected to an “ancient being” beneath the sea.

As the name suggests, it’s incredibly powerful.

And to clear this without the demon’s help…

I need to contact an “irregular” entity myself. It’s something I need to do throughout this Hunter’s Night period.

There are things that become possible only during this special time when the beasts grow stronger.

“We’re going to meet the king of this sea.”

For now…

We start with the sea—the boss’s home ground.

●