Chapter 77

Rewinding briefly to the time Jae asked to hear the Designated Dungeon Boss’ voice.

[Ah... He-hello...?]

It took a few seconds for him to register what was being said by the woman’s voice that suddenly appeared in his head, but as soon as he did, Jae felt overcome with a wave of confusion.

This...? You are... the Dungeon Boss, right?

[I, uh... Ahem! I am one of the two beings that hold authority within this domain, indeed. I believe you already know well about my--I mean, about Aphyllanthes.]

At first, her(?) voice stammered a bit and was quiet, making her sound timid, but as she continued, Jae noticed a steady rise in confidence and stability. He attributed this to her innate vanity characteristic of Dragons.

So Aphy really is still alive... Hey, since when were there two Dungeon Bosses?

[Of course, she is alive. That bit--ahem, I mean, that stubborn girl would never succumb to another being living on her land. And she wouldn’t dare do something so foolish to cost her life like her pathetic father once did.]

Huh? What’s that supposed to mean? Are you talking about Pride--?

[--Take it as you will. Anyway, since the previous owner of this domain passed, the「Ruler of Pride」Title has been split between us two, along with the authority of this domain you call a ‘Dungeon’.]

Why did it split, though? I thought the Title just went to the strongest one, so how can you both have it? It can’t be that you two...

[It’s precisely what you think. Simply, our strength is equal.]

A being as strong as Aphy. Jae never could’ve imagined there was something else of her calibre. How had he never heard about it until now if that was the case?

[Aphyllanthes is selfish. I have always known about you. From the moment you entered this place around thirty years ago, I was watching. You never knew about me because she didn’t want you to know.]

What...?

[Of course, once she interfered, I wasn’t able to observe anymore, but I was still able to catch up on what happened from the rumours. She adopted a disciple, they said, and on top of that, it was a human. Preposterous, I thought, but nothing changed until more than three years after that.]

The time that I left... Then, what’s the relationship between you two? You seem hostile to each other, but why? Also, what do you want with me?

[What I want... Say, would you like to become my disciple instead of Aphyllanthes’?]

Fuck off. Do you really think I would say yes to that? Don’t ignore my question.

[Hmm, but she abandoned you, didn’t she? Without a word, too. Nevertheless, are you still so attached to her?]

Shut up. I was the one who left the Dungeon anyway, and I don’t regret it. Even if she cut me off, it was for my own good. She has done nothing to be blamed for. Just tell me what your relationship is with Aphy.

[Ah~ That is a shame... Are you really curious? What if I said I would tell you if you leave her and become my disciple?]

If you’ve truly been watching over me for so long, you would already know that those kinds of words are useless. Either tell me now or fuck off and stop wasting time.

[Hm, you’re right. After talking to you directly, I want you more than ever―whether that be as my disciple or next meal, I don’t particularly mind. It would be such a terrible waste, though... How about this, then? You can be both of our disciples.]

What shit are you trying to pull now?

[Now, now, listen closely. Officially, you can stay as Aphyllanthes’ disciple, but from now until you meet her, you will be my disciple. Since she isn’t here right now, isn’t it fine? I shall simply take over her role temporarily.]

Why are you so obsessed over having me as your disciple? Even if it’s only temporary, I don’t care. There's only one person in this world who can call me their disciple, and it’s Aphy. Not you, nor anyone else.

[But--!]

Give up.

It was a clear refusal, and both of them knew nothing could change Jae’s mind. As a result, her silence first seemed like a sign that he succeeded in dissuading her, but what came back was unexpected.

[......It... It’s not fair...]

Huh...?

A trembling, lachrymose voice, layered with sporadic sniffles signalling her tearful condition.

Was she crying now?

Why?

What happened?

―With such questions pestering his consciousness, Jae felt overwhelmed and couldn’t understand the sudden development.

Did I... No, what’s your problem? Why are you crying all of a sudden?

[...You wouldn’t understand... It’s always been this way.]

What are you talking about?

[She... Aphyllanthes has always been the favoured one. It’s always been that I am at fault if a conflict arises, and it is always I that has had to fare as one when versus many, as they have always taken her side over mine...]

That’s...

[It has never been fair between us, right from the very beginning. Is it because Mother, the only one who remained by my side, was killed? That catapulted things even further... Say, Jae. Would you like to hear about it?]

...Uh... Al--alright, then...

[Of course, I was distraught when that happened, and so, fraught with rage, I didn’t hesitate to capture the perpetrator and execute it on the spot. What happened next was, to me, both a revolting, yet an enlightening moment.]

Her previously tearful voice was now indifferent, colder than ice, and it was apparent to Jae, the listener, that her story was one still vivid within her mind, causing a rather visceral feeling of chills to run through him.

[Hearing the news of my mother’s passing, my father first suspected me―to this day, I remain unaware as to why, exactly, that was, but anyway... Outraged at the thought that I was the killer, when he came to inflict ‘judgement’, he simply bore the will to kill me, his daughter.]

Jae was speechless. Were such domestic troubles even possible among seemingly omnipotent creatures like Dragons? In any case, it was clear they weren’t uncommon.

However, what was even more surprising was what followed.

[That incident eventually resulted in the death of my father by my hands, and the corresponding transferral of the「Ruler of Pride」Title.]

......What?

Hearing her words, Jae instantly stopped in his tracks.

Father... Your father was Pride...?

That could only mean one thing.

[――Yes. Aphyllanthes... is my sister.]

----------------------------------------

The one who killed Pride, previously renowned as the strongest being alive.

The true identity of the second designated Dungeon Boss was his daughter, Aphy’s biological sister, who later introduced herself as Astrantia, Ruler of Pride, Serpents, and the Marine.

Her story was pitiful, but that was all. It didn’t suddenly mean that Jae would switch sides.

At the end of the day, it was a choice between either Aphyllanthes or Astrantia―as designated Dungeon Bosses, at least one of them had to die in order to clear the Dungeon.

Naturally, he planned for the survivor of the two to be Aphy.

In any case, after attaining「Dragon Body [Lv.4]」, the group soon arrived at the barrier separating the Middle Layer and the Outer Layer. And, just beyond it...

“Hey, is that...?”

Someone spoke up, to which Jae responded.

“A Dragon. From the looks of it, it’s probably trying to flee the Outer Layer, just like Salamander was.”

Too far away to get a peek at its Soul State, all he could do was examine its towering, emerald body from a distance. Even from this range, however, it was apparent to everyone looking that the body of this vibrant green Dragon was of a size much more mortifying than that of Salamander.

Following a moment of quiet observation, Jae warned everyone before taking a step forward by himself.

“Stay here until you see the Polymorph transformation, then gradually and carefully make your way over.”

Just before he left, Kaitlyn stammered to quickly stop him and asked.

“Hold on--wait! What are you going to do?”

“I’ve got some questions to ask as a former resident of this place. Once I get my answers, we can make a camp near the barrier whilst I harvest it for materials. That’s why, please wait until you see the Polymorph―that’ll be the sign that its death is ensured.”

“Why... Is there really a need to kill it on sight, though? Can’t we just leave it alone after getting the answers you want?”

“Huh? It’s a monster, so of course, I’ll kill it. You lot were also about to be used and killed by one of those guys just a while ago, so what’s with you? Did your feelings suddenly change or something, or are you just feeling pity?”

“No, no! It’s not that. It just... seems unnecessary. It could be friendly―it’s not like all Dragons are evil, right? As the person with the most experience here, you should know that the best. Plus, we don’t even know if Sal was going to kill us or not back then; it was just you who told us he would.”

Looking at her blankly for a couple of silent seconds, Jae turned around and left behind a few words.

“...Well, you’re free to think like that. Just don’t blame me if such naivety gets you into trouble somewhere down the line.”

Before leaving, he quickly continued as if forgetting something.

“Oh, right. If you don’t agree with my way of doing things, you can always leave, you know? After all, it’s not like it’s my responsibility to take care of you. I’m not your mother.”

“You...”, Kaitlyn widened her eyes and muttered something, clenching her teeth.

“Just know that you’ll have a hellish time surviving in these neck of the woods without food, sleep, or the recommended strength.”

Finally stepping away from the group, nobody stopped him as Jae vanished in the literal blink of an eye.

As he walked by his lonesome towards the Jade Dragon who priorly noticed his existence and seemed to be waiting, Astrantia spoke to him.

[Are you sure that was okay? You spoke rather viciously there. I think they really might leave if you don’t do anything about it.]

Jae laughed. Now that he was alone, he could speak aloud to Astrantia without the others hearing him.

“Hah. Let them. If they know what’s good for them, they won't leave. Why would I care if they happen to die here? It’s not like we’re that close, anyway. The kids would stay either way, and although I’m a bit worried about the choice Amelia would make, she’s not the type of person to go all suicidal like that and run off.”

[Hmm~ Jae, do you mind if I give you some advice?]

“I don’t think that’s possible, but if you want to, then go ahead.”

[You don’t understand women very well, do you?]

“...What kind of shit are you saying now?”

[Ahem. It’s understandable why you wouldn’t. However, what’s unforgivable is that you appear to either neglect or refuse to accept the fact that you are feeding into a festering wound.]

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“What even is this... Look. Don’t lecture me, okay? I know that what I’m doing is bad and extremely painful, but it’s a necessary evil.”

[Well, isn’t this a perfect example of what I mean? You have inflicted grievous trauma on the heart of that human, and now, by neglecting what is your own fault and continuing to refuse the necessary reconciliation, you are exacerbating this injury. You must listen to me and rectify your mistakes.]

“No, you listen. You’re not making any sense. Please, be quiet.”

[Hahhh, seriously... Even if I’m not human, a girl is a girl. I know how one thinks....]

Astrantia sighed, exasperated by Jae’s attitude and blindness to what was clear to her.

[......Steadfast Mind, my ass. It’s just plain old, stupid stubbornness is what it is... This idiot...]

Ignoring whatever she was saying, Jae moved briskly in the direction of the green Dragon, who looked directly at him all the while. Once the distance had closed enough that they could make conversation, he stopped.

“You gonna stay like that forever?”

With just these words, the Dragon used Polymorph and, after a brilliant light, a beautiful young man with flowing emerald hair was reflected in Jae’s eyes, donning silken robes of matching colour.

“It’s been a while, right? Jade.”

Like Salamander, it wasn’t the first time Jae had met this Dragon. He was called the Jade Dragon, and Jae didn’t know his real name or if he even had one, so most simply called him Jade.

“Indeed, it has, Young Master Jae. My, it seems you have grown bounds in the short time you’ve been gone. Snow White would be proud.”

There were only two--scratch that, three things that Jae knew about this Dragon.

“Thank you for the praise. It’s pleasing to hear that such a Dragon like yourself deems me so highly. So, what is your business, hanging around the barrier like this?”

―First of all, he was one of only two Dragons to have approached him during his time as Aphy’s student and lived to tell the tale.

“Yes, I suppose you would be curious about that. You know how it is with these barriers; even I am not allowed to pass through them. Oh, excuse me, it’s not like I wish that I could pass through―of course, if I desired so, it would be easier than breathing. I was merely admiring the view on the other side when I sensed your familiar presence.”

―Secondly, as his age was unknown, his strength probably ranked within the top five monsters within the Pride Dungeon.

“I see. That’s alright then. By the way, have you heard about what happened to Salamander?”

―And thirdly...

“No, I did not. Why, did something happen to hi--”

――He will soon be dead.

Skill「Mark of Death」has activated

Target has been [Marked by Death] - 1 / 6

Skill「Belladonna」has activated

Target has been successfully afflicted by the Nymph’s Curse

Target’s link to all magic sources has been severed

Chilling, black chains coiled around his body, the Jade Dragon wore a visibly panicked expression for what was quite possibly the first time in his life as he read the two notifications in front of him signalling his suppression.

“Young Master Jae! What is the meaning of this?!”, he screamed, but to no avail.

The target of his yelling, Jae, responded with indifference, staring back with an apathetic gaze, and the words that then left his mouth were as if spoken by the Tyrant of the Snow herself.

“Jade Dragon. Where is Aphy?”

“The Snow White Tyrant...? Young Ma--... No, why should I give in to your intimidation?”

He talked as if he was immune to torture, and if you only looked at his physical state, then it may seem like so at a glance.

「Mark of Death」’s chains that drained the life and mana of the incapacitated target scaled proportionately to the user―Jae’s―Magic stat. As such, now that his stats were vastly superior to when he first acquired the skill, the amount of life that was drained every second would kill any normal person before there was even a chance to blink.

And yet, even with this terrifying rate of life absorption, this Dragon stood perfectly fine. It was as if the chains that bound him were nought but ordinary iron.

Of course, that wasn’t the case in reality.

*Slam!*

“Ugh...!”

Kicking him helplessly to the ground and placing a foot on his chest, Jae opened his mouth.

“Bluffing is useless. You won’t be able to get out of these chains, even if I die. Befitting of the name Jade Dragon, though, you really are a symbol of everlasting health and longevity, aren’t you? Still, it doesn’t matter how much life you have―”

*Press!*

“Guh...!!”

“―Because it sure ain’t infinite.”

Having his point excellently proven by momentarily increasing the pressure on the Jade Dragon’s chest, Jae almost laughed.

“I wonder what’s greater, your health or mana? As a Jade Dragon, it must be hard to tell. Well, by the time we’re done here, the answer to that question will be known. Here’s a tip: when your mana runs out, the life drain rate increases significantly.”

Was he turning into a sadist or something? He had yet to hear the information he wanted anyhow, so Jae would have no choice but to continue.

[Wow... I know I’m the one who keeps going on about wanting to eat you, but you truly are more of a monster than even me, Jae, you know?]

Shut it. I don’t wanna hear that from the person that killed her own father.

[So ruthless... Well, I suppose it’s fine. Get stronger and become a tastier meal for me, okay~?]

In the end, it didn’t take long for the Jade Dragon to surrender. Despite having abundant health, it doesn’t in any way lessen the agony received from having your very lifeforce constantly drained and stolen away from you without the ability to do anything about it.

“Snow White... The Tyrant lives in the southwesternmost area of the Outer Layer. Of course, she frequently leaves to resolve conflicts between Dragons and to catch those attempting to wreak havoc outside the realm...”

“Right. Is there anything else?

“If... If you’re trying to find her, Young Master Jae, then heading there would be your best bet... However, I don’t think it will take long before you cross paths...”

“So? What makes you say that?”

“Huh...... It’s just... Instinct, I’d say...”

Was it instinct or「Instinct」? Jae contemplated for a moment before deciding that it didn’t really matter.

Now, normally, this would be it. He would kill the Jade Dragon and go on to search for Aphy. But now that he had become more knowledgeable of the situation, there were more questions to ask. For starters...

“Alright. What do you know about Astrantia?”

At this, the Dragon’s eyes widened.

“How did you...? No, never mind, I understand that something must have happened for you to have learnt about the Second Princess...”

Jae smiled slightly.

“Oh, that’s a funny title. Let’s start with that. What do you mean, ‘Second Princess’?”

“It’s exactly that. Aphyllanthes is the First Princess who rules over the Terrestrial Layers, and Astrantia is the Second Princess who rules over the Oceanic Layers. They are the two daughters of the Dragon King, who once ruled over the entire realm.”

“...There aren’t any third daughters or a long-lost son anywhere, right? Just making sure.”

“Not that I have heard of, no... I expect it would bring about quite the uproar if it turned out to be true, though.”

“Okay, good. Is there anything else I should know?”

“There is nothing that you most likely don’t already know... Oh, excuse me. You may not be aware that the Serpent Princess from the Abyssal Depths occupies the space on the complete opposite side of the Dungeon from the Snow White Tyrant―the north-easternmost area of the Oceanic Outer Layer.”

These titles are just crazy... Well, this is very useful information either way. The opposite side, huh... Shit. It took three years just to go from the Outer Layer to the Inner Zone, so how long would it take to get to the fucking corner of the Oceanic Outer Layer...

Not to mention that they would need to deal with the fact that it’s literally all ocean and probably just as infested with strong monsters as the regular Outer Layer... Jae was exhausted at the mere thought.

Fuck me... Astrantia, can’t you just come to me instead?

[Ahaha, no~ I live in the water, you know? If I leave, what am I supposed to do?]

Just die, then, and clear the Dungeon for me...

[It’s tempting, but sorry~! I’d rather eat something delicious, namely, you.]

Tch.

“...If I may.”, the Jade Dragon started. Jae looked down upon him arrogantly.

“What is it?”

“Just that... Young Master Jae... Why do you feel the need to kill me?”

“Hm?”

“Surely, you know that I do not wish harm upon you, even in this state. We are both aware that hatred is a detrimental emotion, after all, aren’t we? I know that you kill me not out of hatred, but out of necessity. However... Just why, exactly, is that?”

“...”

“You are aware that I, the Jade Dragon, would always help out the Young Master of the Snow White Tyrant if ever he asked for my assistance, aren’t you?”

“...I can’t say. Well, you’re right in thinking it's necessary for me. I need strength, but not the strength of others. For my purposes, I need to get all that I can.”

There was no need to explain further than that. In this world, you gain strength through killing others―that’s the way things work. The only downside was that each individual has a ‘limit’ to how far they can go with this method.

“I see... Although you have allies, you are reluctant to use them. Is it to protect them? If so, you should know that--”

“--I can’t protect them forever, I know. I just want to do what I can, while I can. But it’s not just because of that. It’s because, for what I’m going against, they’re all too weak.”

As they are now, I’m not confident that they could even beat a single Seraphim, like Ariel or Samael, let alone a God. I have no choice but to leave them out of it whether I like it or not.

If there was another way to describe it, it would be like so:

“―Deadweight, in other words.”

“My... Now, that’s a harsh way of putting it, but it certainly isn’t incorrect. I presume that, for your purposes, one must possess the power to kill a Dragon, at the minimum. When you sort it like that, I can only imagine there would be a handful of individuals able to reach such heights in the mortal realm...”

Jae could picture a couple of guys who might be able to reach that level one day. A silence flowed between the two briefly.

“Still...”

Then, the Jade Dragon continued.

“Don’t you think you should give them a chance?”

Jae looked at him.

“...Do you think so?”

The Jade Dragon smiled confidently.

“From all my long years, I have gained much wisdom, you see, and I personally have a feeling that you should put your faith in someone else for a change.”

“Is that your instinct talking again?”

“Hohoh... Indeed, it’s instinct. So, trust this old Dragon’s words, why don’t you, and give it a shot?”

“Are you telling me to let them fight Dragons? That’s fucking insane. What if something happened--”

“--This is the problem with you. You have these hypocritical double standards.”

Jae frowned slightly, “...What are you talking about now?”

“Young Master Jae, listen closely to what I am about to tell you. With the time I have left, I will change this disastrous mindset of yours for good. Alright?”

“No, what are you doing?”

“Just listen to me. You always act recklessly, especially when it comes to your own life. It’s as if you don’t care whether or not you die, isn’t it? The reason for that, well, is because you can’t die. So, it’s a natural occurrence to become reckless.”

“Wait, how do you know that?”

“Do you think I wouldn’t know?”

“...”

“Anyway, you act like that because you know you can. Of course, you don’t want to die, but you don’t really care if you do, now, do you?”

“...That’s right. Why? Is that wrong?”

“No, not particularly. However, it isn’t fair.”

“What do you mean?”

“What would you think if you were to see one of your allies acting the way you normally do in a fight, not seeming to care in the slightest about their own wellbeing or life?”

“Huh? Of course, I’d be confused about why they did it and mad at them.”

He pictured Bailey as a bloody mess, charging head-first at a Dragon without consideration for his own condition or state.

“Alright. Now, what if it was an opponent you knew they could easily take care of? If they acted the same way, would you scold them or be confused?”

This time, he pictured Bailey with scarce cuts on his body, fighting a human enemy far below his level. He charged directly at them, swinging his swords wildly.

“Well, yeah. That’s stupid. If there’s a better way to take care of the target―quicker, safer, and less energy-consuming―then why the hell would anyone decide to do the opposite and just fight like an idiot?”

The Jade Dragon smirked, “See?”

“See what?”

“What you did there.”

“What did I do?”

“You contradicted yourself.”

“No I didn’t? How?”

“You said it’s stupid and ‘like an idiot’, yet that’s exactly the way you fight, Young Master Jae. Despite there being other ways to take care of it that are quicker, safer, and less energy-consuming, what do you do? Unconsciously, you fight more recklessly because you believe yourself to be unkillable.”

“...”

“In that way, I suppose you are quite similar to the old Dragon King.”

Skill「Pride」has levelled up [Lv.2]→[Lv.3]

Overlord Potential has been partially unlocked

“The way you treat yourself and others is the polar opposite. You treat yourself as disposable, or perhaps invulnerable, whereas you treat others as invaluable and fragile. Even though you have gone to such lengths, putting your all into ensuring their training is as fruitful as possible and turning them into humanity’s strongest, you nevertheless baby them when it comes to real combat.”

[Wow~! Jade Dragon, you big brain fella! He really got you good, didn’t he? No, isn’t that just a perfect description of how you act?]

That’s...

[The ‘Guardian Angel’ Jae who doesn’t know how to properly treat women. What was it you said to that human girl earlier? ‘I’m not your mother’? Pfft! Maybe you realised it unconsciously, but that’s really what you are, isn’t it! A mother! Huh~?]

...Shut up...

His face flushed bright red as he realised that everything the Jade Dragon pointed out was correct. Looking back... He really did act like an overprotective mother.

“Ughhh......”

Covering his face with his left hand, Jae quietly groaned. He wanted to thank the Jade Dragon, but...

Targets [Marked by Death] - 1 / 6

―His right hand still wore the black gauntlet of mist. The skill, no matter what was Jae’s desire, could not be disabled or turned off until every single target had died.

Wondering what he should do, Jae turned his gaze to see the Jade Dragon shaking his head with a warm smile.

“It is my honour that I could be of help to the Young Master of the Snow White Tyrant. I could not want for anything more.”

Speechless, all that ran through Jae’s mind were Kaitlyn’s previous words.

〔Can’t we just leave it alone after getting the answers you want?〕

With pursed lips, Jae apologised quietly.

“...I’m sorry. That’s no longer an option.”

The Jade Dragon, who was now looking more like the Jaded Dragon thanks to the continuous absorption of life force, simply laughed.

“Hohoh. Act quickly, Young Master Jae; take a dagger and stab my heart. Your allies are approaching.”

They were? Heightening his senses, that was correct. In less than ten minutes, they all would have arrived.

“I can’t do the deed myself because of your outstanding abilities, Young Master Jae, so you will have to finish me off yourself. You can do that much for an old Dragon like me, can’t you?”

“...Sure. Give me a moment.”

Out from the Inventory came a white shortsword carved from one of Salamander’s sharpest canines.

He hadn’t yet had the opportunity to enchant it, but the material alone made it a weapon worthy of being classed as the strongest in the world, so it would be able to get the job done easily.

“Hm. Did you make that one yourself? It’s rather impressive, Young Master Jae.”

And, like that―

*Stab!*

―Jae had slain his second Dragon.