[Alkelios' point of view]

I didn't hesitate to be the first one to attack. My speed was practiced against Kataryna, so I was quite confident that I would land a hit before he did. However, he dodged.

“That was close.” he said mockingly.

I slashed again, but he avoided it and counterattacked.

The blow was aimed at my right shoulder, and it would have hurt quite a lot if struck, so I avoided it. The blade's tip missed by a centimeter. He pulled it back and then rushed forward with the intention of slamming into me with his shoulder. I used [Side-Step] and avoided the blow this time as well.

We had switched places on the training ground now.

“It seems I may have underestimated you by a little.” Draejan said in a mocking tone of voice.

“Appearances can be deceiving.” I said and used [Dash].

Right when he entered my strike range, I used [Side-Step] again and [Ten Strikes Attack] from his left.

The consecutive hits were faster than my previous attacks because they were part of a skill that utilized the brute force of my stats. As a result, Draejan grimaced and jumped back, but I knew a few blows managed to land on him, yet he remained unscratched.

“Interesting...” he mumbled and then started to chant.

His palm was aimed at me, so I jumped back and quickly cast [Firewall].

It was pure luck, but he had cast [Fireball], and as a result, my barrier was highly effective.

“Tch!” he clicked his tongue and side-stepped to go past my magic.

I used [Dash] towards him while at the same time, I activated [Air Barrier] and prepared an [Air Scythe]. The dragon was surprised by my sudden attack and tried to counterattack, but my barrier blocked his strike, granting me the perfect opportunity to launch my spell at him. Unable to block it, he was tossed back a few meters, but he was able to land on his feet.

“You managed to hit me... I'm surprised.” he said.

“That's not the first blow, you know.” I smirked.

“Up until now, not many were able to land a Spell attack on me. Even so, against this armor, something of this degree is useless.” he laughed.

“What?” I furrowed my brow in confusion.

When I looked over to the audience, at Kataryna and Seryanna, they expressed worry on their faces, but I didn't understand why it was so. Unfortunately, it never cross my mind that their worry was aimed at the overwhelmingly difference in gear between me and this dragon.

Being submerged in my own anger, I even forgot to think logically and realize that maybe battles in this world were also a little bit gear dependent as well. In case of two equal opponents in terms of stats and levels, battle experience and their gear was what made the difference. After all, in most games, it was quite often that you saw lower level characters challenging a higher level enemy. In Dragon Hunt, the game I used to play on Earth, I often participated in such battles because my gear allowed me to do so. Even that dungeon I was challenging when the God-like message popped up in my head, I could only do so because my gear was one of the best the game could offer.

In my mind, that knowledge and experience belonged to a game, and I was fighting in real life. Thus, they didn't count, they were amounted to 0. The laws from there didn't apply here, but I forgot and also denied the fact that there might be similarities between the two. My mind simply ignored the fact that even Earth's armies were gear dependent in a battle when their skills, tactics, and experience was the same. Yet, instead of them, I was thinking of two martial arts fighters who always used the same armor or weapons in order to challenge each other on a ring.

Those battles and rules were designed to value experience and skill over the quality of item, but the reality I was in, the duel rules in which I currently fought dictated that what mattered most was winning and surviving.

Right now, Draejan was wearing a General Draconian Armor. I didn't know if it was General as in the rank or as in a category, but unlike me, he was wearing something. His weapon too was sharper and better. On the other hand, I was wearing what could only be described as an average adventurer armor and weapon. More so, it wasn't even something someone of my combat power would wear.

Once again, it was the situation where a Level 1 was challenging a Boss character. The difference in gear and experience were visible, but because I was in the heat of the battle and completely distracted by what happened today with Seryanna, I failed to realize this.

If I did, maybe I would have postponed the duel or declined it completely. Or at the very least, I would have changed my battle style...

Unfortunately, it didn't happen like this.

As the battle continued, we resumed ourselves mostly to exchanging sword blows, which were more or less blocked or parried by our skills or barrier spells. I was the one that kept using magic, and it was slowly draining my energy. If I didn't had Kleo as a friend, I might have had a bit of trouble.

Still, exhaustion and gear ware were starting to show on me. My sword, which was of an inferior quality and not handled by the hand of a master, was starting to show signs of damage. My armor wasn't doing to peachy either. Repetitive strikes and blows kept pushing it to its limit.

On the other hand, Draejan showed neither signs of weakness or gear ware. I was the only one at the loosing end, and it didn't feel very good. It was almost as if Luck had run dry on me. Or rather like it wasn't on my side from the very beginning, and it was just barely there; not enough for me to win, but enough to keep me alive.

I have to end this quickly, or else... I thought as fear began to make its way into my heart.

Clenching the hilt of my sword, I prepared to launch another attack while preparing to cast [Lightning Chicken!], through which I would summon Jophiel Thunderash. With her help, I would be more than able to defeat this joke of a knight Draejan.

“You know, while I am a bit surprised of how powerful you seem to be despite your level... There is a great difference between us.” the knight said as he squinted his eyes at me.

He used [Dash], I tried to move away, but instead of aiming his sword at me, he sent a punch. It was faster, and I was unable to avoid it. I took the blow directly to my stomach and was tossed back several meters. All spells I was trying to use in my head were canceled and the flow of Magic Energy was interrupted.

“While you barely have any experience at all when it comes to real combat, I was forged through it from an early age. Just because I am a knight does not mean that I won't ever use my fists.” he smirked.

“Ugh...” I groaned and coughed.

My insides hurt, and my head was spinning.

“That little attack is called [Shockwave] in Martial Arts. It basically sends out a pulse of energy through the opponent's body as soon as the fist connected. Although not very easy to pull off, it can easily cause a dragon to lose his stance for a moment and a human to fall unconscious. I'll congratulate you on staying conscious, human.” he smirked.

Damn you... I thought while holding my stomach and trying to get up.

He used another [Dash] towards me and struck me with his right knee in the face. I barely avoided a broken nose, but I was sent back another two meters. The whole world was spinning around me, and it didn't feel like I would be able to stand up any further.

Damn it! Don't tell me this it! I cursed in my mind.

Such a simple attack, and yet so effective against me. If I had a better armor or a shield, I wouldn't have even felt it. If I had been prepared, I would have stood a better chance. While thinking so, I couldn't help but realize my own weakness when it came to such battles.

“To be honest, when I first heard that you were brought here by Sir Seryanna as a friend, I was surprised and confused at the same time. I couldn't believe that someone with her past would be able to befriend a... human.” Draejan said and shook his head.

“What are you talking about?” I groaned as I rolled over and tried to push myself up.

“Oh my, don't tell me she never told you? Hm, I see... She didn't tell you about what happened to her in the past, did she?” he asked.

“What?” I was confused and looked up at him with a furrowed brow, then my eyes fell on the dragoness in question.

She was clenching her fists and holding her head down as if she was regretting it.

“Well, we still have a bit more time, so I can tell you. It will be more fun this way.” he laughed.

“What?” I didn't understand what this dragon was talking about.

“Don't you dare Draejan!” shouted Seryanna.

“Why not? I do believe that as someone who claimed to be your lover is entitled to know about your family's past, doesn't he?” he said.

“I don't understand... What past?” I said as I tried to get up, but the dizziness wasn't going away like it did in the movies.

“The one known by all dragons and humans, but a mystery to those like you.” he said and once more pointed out the fact that he knew I was summoned hero.

I could only glare up at him.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“This happened 38 years ago when the last big battle between the humans and dragons took place. In the land now known as Scar Battlefield laid the once prosperous domain of the Draketerus ducal family. Oh yes, at her origin, Sir Seryanna holds the same status as me, a duke's son!” he made a bow.

The Draketerus were once dukes? I wondered surprised.

“In their domain, they controlled three mighty fortresses: Sendra, Callus, and Thorn. Then, 38 years ago, the human army invaded. Led by a Breakthrough Awakened of their own, they conquered all of the Draketerus domain and laid siege to those three fortresses. In three days, they toppled them over.” he smiled.

He paused for a moment and looked into my eyes to make sure that I was paying attention to him. This meant he was reaching an important part in his story.

“At the time of the invasion, Sir Brekkar Draketerus was visiting Drakaria together with his two nieces: Seryanna Draketerus and Thraherkleyoseya Draketerus. One of them was brought here to take her Royal Knight examination. You can pretty much guess that she passed it, right?” he smiled and looked over at Seryanna.

“What happened in the Draketerus Domain?” I asked.

“Well, you may be a human, but even you may have noticed the lack of members in their household, right?” he asked.

I blinked surprised. Now that he mentioned it, I never heard Brekkar talk about his wife or children. Kleo and Seryanna never spoke about their family either.

Was it because of me? I wondered.

“Those three fortresses I mentioned later were led by the entire Draketerus family. Sir Brekkar's wife was in Sendra, which carried her name, while Sir Seryanna's parents were in Thorn.” he said.

“What?” I blinked surprised.

“Not only that, but Sir Seryanna's cousins, uncles, and aunts were all there as well. Among them, there was even Prince Coshun. Although an adopted son of the Royal Family, he was nonetheless a part of the Royal Family and a legitimate Prince. His highness together with every single member of the Draketerus family were BRUTALLY MURDERED by the invading humans. Their bodies were HUNG by the neck on the walls of the fortress as proof of the human... MIGHT.” he said as he put a lot of pressure on some of the key words.

I gulped in horror as I heard this, but no one was denying this and some dragons who heard him now were even showing signs of their hate and disgusts for those who did these acts. Feelings and emotions which were further cast upon me.

“When Sir Brekkar heard this, he requests the King's permission to take his army to the battlefield. His Majesty agreed and Brekkar went forth on the brink of dawn of the following day. His army marched without rest until they reached the battlefield. There, Sir Brekkar himself took up his weapon and retaliated with all of his might. In just one month, he took back his domain, but in doing so, he also scorched it to the ground. Now, among the enemy humans, there was also one who reached a Breakthrough. He battled against Sir Brekkar, but the brave general won in the end at the costs of his own body. Although he returned victorious, he had lost all those he could celebrate it with and even the power to return to the battlefield. He retired to Tomeron, but this heroic battle of his was without a doubt one of revenge.” Draejan said in a tone of voice that glorified the once former General.

I could only sit there and listen in a daze. Everything this dragon was telling me sounded like the absolute truth and not even Seryanna denied it. To think that crazy old dragon had such a past, I could only wonder what he went through inside when I came into his home and then asked to be his friend.

To be the friend of the enemy who took your wife and children from you... who took everything... Why didn't he say anything? I wondered.

“That's why I don't understand why Sir Seryanna decided to spare your life. I can't even begin to comprehend how she could come to hold any sort of feelings for you besides hate and disgust. After all, your species... your kind was what brought ruin to her family, her happiness, and can be considered the main culprit for the Third Princess' loss of power right now.” he said.

“That doesn't mean a thing! I'm not one of those who participated in that battle!” I shouted back at him.

He squinted his eyes at him.

“I don't think you understand... but I'll say it again. Humans were those who mercilessly slaughtered her family, her friends, and everyone she cared about back on the former Draketerus domain. Your species brought ruin to her family, to her life... and your very appearance is a symbol and reminder of that suffering.” he stated these words clearly and put pressure on them.

I found myself at a loss.

My will to fight was shattered, and then... I was struck.

Draejan used [Dash] and didn't punch me but slapped me so hard, I rolled in the air and landed outside of the ring.

“I declare this official duel to be over. Sir Draejan wins.” Teolas said as he raised his hand up.

“I lost? No way... but my luck shouldn't have let me... I... No, it's impossible.” I said in shock.

When I looked back, I saw the sad gaze in Seryanna's eyes.

Does this mean... I've lost her for good? I thought and my heart tightened.

“Of course, you lost. Who do you think you are facing? If I lost against a pathetic human like you, I would have been buried in shame.” Draejan said as he took off his helmet and walked out of the ring.

Anger flowed inside me, and clenching my fist, I got up. I rushed at him, wanting to punch him at least once, but Seryanna stepped in front of me with her arms spread out. She was there to stop me, and on her cheeks, I could see... tears.

“Stop it, Alkelios... There's nothing else you can do... You lost... You fell for his trap. This duel wouldn't have been able to dissolve my engagement to him either way because the King himself ordered it.” she said and clenched her fists.

“Indeed. Ah! You don't know. Well, I'll tell you. Her Majesty, the Queen, was poisoned 12 years ago by a human right after she gave birth. The human was an ambassador of peace who was sent here to discuss the possibility of ending this war. The King allowed it and... you can see what happened. Thus, I highly doubt his Majesty would have EVER listened to you in the first place.” he laughed.

I clenched my teeth and looked down. I was mad, furious, but I had lost on all fronts.

“Is this true?” I asked through my gritted teeth.

“Yes...” Seryanna said.

I lost... eh? I thought.

“Goodbye...” I said... broken on the inside.

With rage, anger, and a feeling of complete loss swirling in my chest, I ran away from her. I didn't even want to look into her eyes. I didn't even want to see Draejan's face. I didn't even stop to listen to Seryanna's last call... All I did was run away as fast as I could, to flee from that place where I was taken for a fool, where I was hated and looked down upon for being... human.

So, I ran... I ran as fast as I could, ignoring everyone who called out to me, who tried to stop me, who looked at me in a strange way. All I cared about was finding the exit and leaving this place, this whole experience behind me. I wanted to forget about Seryanna and everyone else. I wanted to be left alone... After all, there was nothing left for me here... nothing.

Just as I reached the gates, two children stood in my way. It was a little girl and a little boy, both with golden slit eyes and shoulder length pale-blond hair. They looked like two porcelain dolls, eerily beautiful.

“W-what?” I asked surprised.

“Please save our mother.” they both told me at the same time.

I clenched my fist and jaw for a moment.

What a joke... I thought.

“I'm sorry, but I'm a loser... I'm not a savior or a hero. I don't know you either, and I have no idea who your mother is. I'm sorry.” I said and then ran away past them.

The guards at the entrance didn't stop me and let me pass, while the two children looked at me as I went. It was weird, but I had the feeling they didn't believe my words.

This palace has nothing to do with me anymore... Nothing... Seryanna and everyone else... I'm nothing to them... I thought as I ran through the busy streets of Drakaria.

[Kataryna's point of view]

“Aren't you glad you got rid of that pest?” Draejan asked Seryanna.

“You won today. You may have won the right to marry me. You may have won the right to claim my body as yours... but my heart still belongs and will always belong to Alkelios.” she said, but... the light in her eyes was gone.

The dragoness left the training ground to return to her room, but she was nothing more than a former shell of her true self. The energy around her had vanished. The endless fire I felt when I fought against her and together with her was now gone... as if it had been washed away by all the tears she shed on the inside.

I let out a sigh and approached Draejan and Teolas.

“I'm going to give you a warning, you brat. IF you dare touch Alkelios again, you will find out why the history of Albeyater never mentions me. Ask the old man about it, he should know.” I spoke calmly, but for the first time in centuries, I released a terrifying wave of killer instinct.

They both gulped as they looked at me.

With this said, I walked away from them and returned to Kleo, who was currently guarding the Third Princess. Tomorrow, I planned on visiting Seryanna and then Alkelios at the inn. That was the place he had most likely returned to, but before I did so, I shouted something to these other fools.

“Kataryna Greorg, a Breakthrough Awakened, officially declares her TEMPORARY allegiance to the Third Princess and the human Alkelios Yatagai.”

That was the last thing I needed to do. In this game of theirs, these fools would all now know not to touch either of them... at least until I declared otherwise, which would be when this whole mess had come to a more... definite conclusion.

[Teolas Draegu's point of view]

In all of my long life, I never thought I would see that old fossil rise up again or even declare something as frightening as that. To think that SHE made a move was simply... terrifying.

That was why, I decided to heed her warning and also impart it on this foolish youngster who was stirring a sheep herd with a stick.

“Who does that dragoness think she is?” Sir Draejan spoke in a mocking tone of voice.

I walked up to him and looked into his eyes. My piercing gaze made him flinch.

“Were you blind boy? Did you not feel her strength and power?” I questioned him.

“Well, she did appear to be strong, but... I'm certain Knight Master Teolas could easily handle her.” he said with a political smile.

“Don't be a fool. I would need a thousand lives before I could even land a single hit on her!” I declared.

“What?” he looked at me as though I said something outrageous.

“Listen up and listen well. About 500 years ago, on a battlefield far away from here, Albeyater's armies clashed with Zerudan's. From all points of view, we shouldn't have stood a chance against them... However, in the middle of the battle, a single dragoness came forth and although she was of the enemy's side, she began to mercilessly attack her allies. Without care and with a crazed smile on her face, she danced with those swords in her hands.” I closed my eyes as I remembered the scene from when I was a just a young whelp who barely knew how to put on his armor, yet I was one of the youngest commanders who stood by our King's side.

The clash of swords and shouts of fury all faded away as this dragoness danced among her foes and allies alike. All those who stood too close were cut down by her swords. The enemy commanders tried to bring her down, but she cut them down in the blink of an eye. One after another, she cut them down and cleaved her way through the flesh of her allies until she reached their General.

“In that battle, the one we feared the most was their Breakthrough Awakened General, yet that dragon was struck down by Kataryna Greorg. Our side, by the orders of the King, didn't move an inch until this internal dispute of theirs was over. Their army... was almost twice as big as ours, yet from the moment that dragoness stepped on the battlefield until she cut off the General's head, she reduced it to a number below ours.” I gulped.

“That's impossible.” Draejan claimed.

“Boy... DON'T dare to insult me.” I glared at him, and he froze.

“I apologize, Sir Teolas.” he bowed his head.

“Sigh, well it's normal for you think that way. Unless you see her in battle, you won't believe it either... Yet, that's the truth... More so, Kataryna Greorg is the ONLY dragon I heard of so far who was EVER able to defeat a Breakthrough Awakened while she herself was not one yet.” I said and then looked back at the dragoness who left.

“If she is someone so great, why doesn't our history mentions her?” he asked.

“Because after she won, she brought the head of the general to our King's feet and then pointed his sword at him. In exchange for his life and that of all those in his army, she demanded for Albeyater to leave her alone and erase her name from history. IF she ever desired to return as an ally or foe, she wanted it to be of her own accord.” I let out a sigh.

“Someone like that... The King agreed?” he asked.

“Yes.” I nodded. “We did as requested, and she left peacefully.”

“Then...” Draejan looked confused.

“Boy, if that human was able to bring that old fossil out of her cave... He might also be the one who will either bring this dragoness to our side or make her fight against us. I fear that this duel was a foolish one and as such, if she EVER requests it, I will make it VOID.” I declared with a sharp tone of voice.

“You can't be serious, Sir! This was an official duel! More so, my opponent was a human!” he retorted.

“I rather have you lose face than this kingdom several towns and countless lives.” I replied then left him to think it over.