Imperial XI-3

The soldiers, having heard the plan, were stunned—whether in shock or disbelief, they couldn't even speak.

"May I ask something?"

One of the adventurers raised a hand.

"Sure, go ahead. Ask anything you like."

"Then I won't hold back. How do you draw something so large? And how does the dragon, um, the magic circle—how do you move it?"

"That... is something we'll decide now."

The atmosphere in the room seemed to drop by one level. At the same time, a murmur spread through the space.

It wasn't that they hadn't been thinking about it.

The existence of the dragon was too unpredictable, making it impossible to settle on a strategy.

"Such uncertainty is unacceptable. I have a family of my own. How could I possibly go into battle against a monster said to be the strongest without a clear plan?"

One adventurer firmly countered.

A perfectly reasonable point.

Of course, we won't just jump into battle without making any decisions.

"Of course, we won't fight like that. First, I want to learn everyone's abilities. At the same time, we must also learn about our opponent. After that, we'll seek out those who know more about the dragon, as well as others who are preparing just like us."

"Others who were preparing?"

"The Japanese government, the keepers of the castle."

The hall fell silent once more.

A few days after the meeting, the magical four-wheeled convoy was heading toward Nihon.

Nihon had a long history of researching ways to deal with dragons.

By combining their research findings with all previously known information, they would conduct joint search and extermination operations.

They had already been in contact.

As the streets of Nihon came into view from afar, various memories began to resurface.

I've heard the keep and the sword spirit are doing well, but since we haven't met lately, I'm a bit concerned about how they're faring.

The tires catch on a bump in the road, causing a strong jolt.

Yet, it feels as if nothing's wrong, and the vehicle continues forward with powerful momentum.

Whether due to improvements or the latest model, the magical four-wheeler covered the distance from the Empire to the Kingdom in just a few days, its output nothing short of incredible.

When we finally reach the castle gate surrounding Japan, it swings open as if eagerly awaiting us.

Fortunately, it seems there's been no major damage. Has the dragon not arrived here yet?

I immediately head toward the keep and the place where the Sword Mirage resides.

I had assumed they lived in the castle at the heart of the nation, but instead, I'm led to a single-story house slightly apart from the fortress.

"Long time no see. Demon King. Still modest, I see?"

The keep looked just as usual, but there was still one noticeable change in its arms.

It was a newborn.

Who its parent was—such mundane questions didn't need asking.

Next to the keep stood Tōgen, holding hands with a slightly older child.

"Still unchanged. You seem lively on your end."

"Hmph, someone's been acting reckless without a shred of sense."

His gaze flicked over with a cold stare.

Tougen accepted it as if it were perfectly natural. It seemed more children were on the way.

"Enough with the idle talk—let's get to the real matter."

Though there was an objection from the keep, calling such talk nonsense, he continued without hesitation.

"Right away, then. Depending on the outcome of the battle, the final sealing of the dragon will take place within the kingdom. Any objections?"

"None at all. Do as you please."

Why is the final sealing site being determined? It stems from the magic array used for dispersing magical essence, which is central to the dragon's defeat.

Where does the dispersed magical essence go?

If it returns to the dragon, the effort would be pointless.

Therefore, we must concentrate the dispersed magical essence and transform it into stone.

Naturally, the resulting magical stones will be usable.

This has already been confirmed through prior experiments.

It's essentially the same as artificially creating a dungeon.

It could become a battlefield. Yet, at the same time, it allows for the acquisition of vast resources.

Balancing the scales, Nihon withdrew, while the kingdom raised its hand.

Even in such circumstances, Nihon still sent troops.

Why was that?

Taro knew, but he wanted to hear it again.

"It's simple. A dragon isn't someone who can be overcome by mere human whims."

One shouldn't push those already cornered any further—eventually, they'll turn fangs against you. That's the natural order."

The lord of the keep fixed his gaze on Clara.

"Besides, I didn't retreat without reason. I've maintained contact with the kingdom."

Lewis, and likely the kingdom's core, seems to have made a deal. There's no need for us to interfere further.

If both sides have reached an understanding, then that's sufficient.

"Then, how exactly are we going to carry this all the way to the seal?"

"The challenge is deciding who will step forward and stand before the dragon."

"I've already thought about that. Fundamentally, no one will stand directly in front of it."

"No one?..."

"I can use magic. In particular, I'm skilled with magic involving light crystals... Hmm, maybe it'd be faster to show you."

I pulled out the light crystal and activated the spell.

The scenery beside me begins to warp. Gradually, a shadow takes on the shape of a human.

Its height and build are an exact match to me.

"Hmph, a decoy, then."

"Indeed. I don't know just how sharp the dragon's perception is, but it should be enough to draw attention. Even dragons are living beings—they won't be able to look away from such a massive presence right before them."

"Hmm, I can't give my full approval since I don't fully comprehend every aspect of that dragon... But I suspect it must possess senses beyond sight....Can you mimic magical essence as well?"

"Magical essence? Ah, I see... Understood. I'll give it a try."

They delved further into refining the specific plan.

"That's right—Lord Demon. This time, I'll be joining the battle as well."

Suddenly remembering, Tōgen spoke up.

"Are you sure about this? He's just a child, barely born."

"You're in the same situation. You have a child too. Besides, battles are happening in my country as well. You can't just hide in the back. Above all, that dragon. As Japan's leader, I can't turn away from it."

"If you're okay with that, then fine."

I couldn't help but glance toward the keep.

"See? It's fine, isn't it?"

"We've already gone over this many times. It's settled now."

Blushing slightly, she looks away—but immediately turns back, her expression serious.

"Listen, both of you—neither of you can die yet. You're needed for the world to come. Seek complete victory."

Her spine straightened naturally, and she clenched her fist tightly.