Final Battle③

Water Dragon Iena (First Appearance) Perspective

Flowing with a torrent of water, I advance through the upper levels of the Elro Great Labyrinth in mermaid form.

Exactly how did this come to pass?

Recalling the circumstances that led to this moment brings a headache.

"Let us employ water assault."

The atmosphere in the pre-battle briefing stiffened at Dustin's suggestion.

Even I, who have not interacted with humans for a long time, could sense that tension—meaning the will of everyone present was unified.

Namely, "What is this fool even saying?"

"Ah, well, you see..."

Sensing the atmosphere, Gen stammers, hesitating before speaking.

Gen is vain, yet spineless—but it is commendable that he attempts to take leadership in moments like this.

"Dustin, are you planning to destroy the Elro Great Labyrinth?"

And Gwenn voiced what everyone had been thinking.

The Elro Great Labyrinth is a subterranean maze constructed to connect continent to continent.

Of course, the seas lie between the continents, and passage requires traveling beneath the ocean floor.

Given the scale of the Elro Great Labyrinth, what Dustin meant by a water assault can only refer to boring holes into the seabed and channeling seawater directly through them.

Certainly, certainly!

An effective tactic if the goal is merely to attack the opponent.

If merely attacking is all that matters!

Yet the Elro Great Labyrinth exists in a delicate balance.

The grand labyrinth forged over a lifetime by the first sovereign of sloth.

In other words, an artificial construct.

A large hole was carved into the unnatural terrain, and a vast quantity of water was channeled through it.

How can this supposedly wise representative of humanity not understand the outcome of such a result?

After years of overuse, did your brain finally breed maggots?

"Have you forgotten our objective? We must deliver the one with the Dominant Skill to the innermost depths of the Elro Great Labyrinth. If the Elro Great Labyrinth collapses entirely, that goal becomes impossible."

Gwen crossed his arms and sighed.

Opening a hole in the ceiling of the Elro Great Labyrinth could trigger a chain reaction of collapse. No surprise there.

The structure was built atop a massive cavity beneath the seabed.

If the upper layers collapse, the middle, then the lower, and even the final destination—the deepest layer—could be buried.

"Let it collapse. When it does, we’ll dig it up."

"Dig it up… Easy to say, but not so simple."

"Can you not?"

"…"

Dustin’s unusually firm assertion.

As Gwen faltered, it was true—our ancient dragon power might make it possible.

Without the earth dragon Gakia, the task will be difficult.

"The enemy is that Lady Ariel. Whether facing Lady Ariel directly or digging up something buried—no need to speak of which is easier."

Gwen fell silent without a sound.

He had no counterargument left.

"Lady Ariel is reasonable. She likely believes we would never resort to such extreme measures as a water assault. That is precisely why we must."

He has always been a man unbound by conventional means—but is he not going about this a little too thoroughly?

That is the essence of recklessness.

"The core system of Lady Syriel is not so easily destroyed by mere burial. If we are to act, we must do so with the intent to destroy the Elrow Great Labyrinth."

At this point, I had an unmistakable sense of dread.

Yes, if it is to be done, it falls within my domain.

"Therefore, Water Dragon Iena. Please, assist us."

And so it has come to this.

We push through the wild monsters infesting the upper levels, and the spider-like creatures believed to be Ariel’s followers, swept aside by the current.

Riding the flow, I, my subordinates, the Water Dragon, and the Water Serpent advance.

Vibrations travel through the water.

Something has collapsed somewhere.

Currently, the volume of water entering remains low, but if left unchecked, it will continue to increase.

After all, it is direct import from the sea.

The incoming current undermines the pillars and walls of the Elrow Great Labyrinth, removing their support.

Now then, will the upper levels flood first—or collapse first?

A disagreeable race against time.

Truly, even that scum proves troublesome.

To command a human and their subordinates to “die,” so casually.

Regardless of myself, few among my subordinates survive being buried alive.

Moreover, they understand that this cannot be allowed to continue.

Ariel will inevitably attempt to stop me in some manner.

That scoundrel—though he speaks as if he believes otherwise—could not possibly think the Elro Great Labyrinth would collapse.

I would likely think that Ariel would stop me.

This is utterly unbearable.

My role is to unsettle the opponent and observe their next move.

And reduce enemy forces as much as possible.

Our survival is not factored into the calculations.

A terrible matter.

I have been instructed by my master, Lord Gurye, to obey Dustin. There is nothing I can do about it.

Moreover, we dragons are uncertain entities—whether we can survive in a world without the system at all.

Many creatures, including monsters, cannot survive in the environments they once inhabited without their skills.

Moreover, since Taboo was not granted to us, we are not classified among humans.

If the system functions as a mechanism sustaining humanity and this world, it is unlikely to accommodate those excluded from the human category.

If we are destined to perish at that time, then risking our lives here is acceptable.

Other ancient dragons likely share this sentiment.

...Unless, of course, it is the idle younger sister, the Ice Dragon Nia, who feels differently.

Well then.

It appears we are being greeted.

Unlike the Tarract species we previously overpowered without resistance, these are white spider monsters.

They referred to them as remnants of nightmares.

It seems they have chosen to be my opponent.

But.

Do you think you can stop me with such trivial force? You’ve clearly underestimated me.

Learn the power of the Sea Sovereign—the ruler of the vast ocean.

Water Dragon Iena

A gruff old dragon, casually ill-tempered. Normally resides in the sea, managing to prevent humans from accidentally reaching the collapsed lands beyond. Its true form stretches up to 200 meters, an Eastern-style dragon. Unable to appear in its true form within the Elro Great Labyrinth, it participates in aquatic humanoid form. The chance to reveal its true form is unlikely.