Chapter 29 - Ruler of Dragons

Did I wake it up?

Giving off the air of a higher existence, a white dragon peered down at me.

Its golden eyes, appearing greater and more glaring than the sun, seemed to pierce through me, dominating my thoughts with an overwhelming sense of powerlessness.

In this state I was frozen, unable to move.

But, it didn’t last long.

Skill 「Mental Abnormal Status Nullification」 has activated

Suddenly, my mind was cleansed; my body washed over with a sensation of abrupt serenity and calmness, and my trembling ceased. Nonetheless, I could still vividly feel my own apprehension and the cold sweat streaming down my back.

Eventually, I heard a voice.

[Greetings, young one.]

It resonated throughout my head like some sort of telepathy, but it wasn’t any of the three disembodied voices I was already familiar with. No, it sounded much different to any of the sins, and it also didn’t feel like the words were being or communicated through words or translated, either―Specifically, it was as if ‘meaning’ was being directly transmitted to my head through a voice.

Instinctively, I concluded the voice must have come from the being in front of me.

Strangely, it wasn’t the booming sort of voice I would have expected from a dragon, but rather a pleasant, almost refreshing voice. Unexpectedly, and quite abruptly, it brought to mind distant memories of my mother on Earth, and even seemed to shake my heart directly.

I didn’t know if it was intentional, so as to put me at ease, but if so, it worked.

Putting in a sizable amount of effort in order to not shed a tear in front of this dragon like a fool, I squeezed my eyes to calm myself down before calling out.

“H-hello...?”

It was an awkward start, and I quickly resented myself for the stuttered word that exited my mouth, but I found it hard to blame myself for being nervous in this situation.

However, even though I didn’t particularly feel in danger, I still restrained myself from using Envy willy-nilly, as it didn’t go well the last time I tried it.

Gulp.

I could hear my heart beating rapidly before the dragon, but could I really be blamed?

As I attempted to cool myself internally, it continued.

[To endure the pressure of a grown dragon’s presence―the strength of your mind is commendable, young one. Shall I introduce myself? This one’s name is ■■■■.]

I flinched.

...What?

When the dragon introduced itself, I blinked in confusion. I couldn’t at all understand what it was, but something strange happened when it said its name.

As if the world had muted itself for a moment, just to my ears.

Did she say ‘grown’? What about the guy who ate me?

I had many questions, but the dragon didn’t wait for me to come to a conclusion, and it most certainly wasn’t obliged to give me an answer.

[Of course, a dragon’s true name cannot be perceived by lower beings.]

[In human tongue, it would be translated as ‘Aphyllanthes’.]

I murmured the name under my breath.

“Aphyll...anthes...?“

I’m not sure if it was the telepathy or my own twisted tongue, but I found the pronunciation to be a little peculiar, and I was almost one hundred percent certain that I got it wrong somehow.

For a moment, I worried if pronouncing it incorrectly would earn me a swift death, but fortunately it wasn’t the case.

I’ve never heard anything like it before, but somehow, it’s a name that seems to suit a dragon.

[Mm. That is the first time someone has made such a remark. I understand it comes from a place of fascination; my appreciation for the compliment.]

[Your name is also rather unique even amongst all the humans I’ve come across, Jae Kang.]

“...Huh?”

Wait, can it―she, hear my thoughts...? More than that, she knows me?

[It is only natural for me to know who you are. And, I shall refrain from such mental interference if you are uncomfortable.]

I felt something strange when she said it was natural. After all, I had never been told about a colossal dragon like this?

Immediately, my face flushed, but I quickly recovered and opened my mouth to change the subject.

However,

“A--”

[Pardon my interruption. I am wondering something.]

Before I could speak, I halted myself at Aphyllanthes’ voice.

“Yes...?”

[Would you tell me your story?]

“Uh... My story?”

What? What’s that supposed to mean...

Was she talking about my journey since I was summoned to this world, or... Maybe before that?

Anyway, it wouldn’t surprise me if she somehow knew about my World Traveller title.

[It is simple. I wish to know, how did you end up here? And, where will you go? I see you entered this domain via a ‘backdoor’. Are you aware of the implications?]

“How I wound up here...”

Brief memories of an overpowered goblin flashed through my mind; naturally, my expression soured as I recalled him playing around with me like a toy.

“That damn goblin bastard...”

[Goblin? I see. So, the Ruler of Goblins is passing responsibility again.]

Hm? Oh, no, wait, did I say that out loud?

[For once, it is sound judgement. As it seems, something that child could not deal with has arisen.]

Shit. Do they know each other...?

Perhaps reading my thoughts again, Aphyllanthes answered my question.

[I and the Ruler of Goblins are indeed acquainted. You would not know this, but in fact, many who possess the title of Ruler are connected to one another in a variety of ways.]

[By the looks of things, it appears such that someone so troublesome has appeared that the responsibility to deal with the matter has fallen upon none other than myself... Or rather, from the beginning, this was a case within my jurisdiction.]

I had no idea what this dragon was going on about, but...

“I’m sorry. Let me live, please.”

I bowed my head in front of the clearly transcendental being and begged.

I wasn’t certain, of course, but I was pretty sure that the ‘troublesome thing’ she mentioned is me and my ability to resurrect whenever I die.

It didn’t take much thinking power to realise that this creature could probably keep me in a state of perma-death if it wanted. Even if I continued to resurrect, it wouldn’t be that hard to capture me or put my body in a place where I would continuously die on repeat for eternity.

After all, isn’t that what happened just earlier when I was eaten?

If it was something like this, I don’t think I would be able to get away just by being patient and building up some resistances, though.

I didn’t want to risk everything by potentially pissing her off, so I rather apologised and pleaded to live.

I never had the kind of ego or shame that would stop me in that.

In the end, as long as I could get out of here without being trapped in an endless death spiral, nothing else mattered, even if I did something shameful or humiliating.

Even if I died once or twice, it’s of no concern to me any more. It’s been made pretty clear to me that death itself is not an obstacle―rather, growing stronger without constantly crossing paths with all these godlike monsters that can kill me in a heartbeat is more important.

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[Raise your head. Worry not, for you shan’t be harmed; I am no malevolent being, and I realise your sins are not your own.]

“!!“

I jolted up at Aphyllanthes’ sudden comment.

Of course, her words were very specific and meaningful, at least to me.

She can see it? The sins, the curse―everything?

It was something I needed to keep under wraps no matter what, but it was exposed just like that? I made sure not to say anything regarding it, and I tried suppressing my thoughts, so how...?

Somehow, I still didn’t feel any danger, despite my apprehension.

Perhaps because she said they aren’t mine, whatever that means, but I didn’t sense any hostility.

Aphyllanthes―her words indicated that she knew something deeper about the truth behind the sins.

If I were to guess, she probably knew a hell of a lot more than the goblin.

“Do you know anything about the Sinful God?”

Thus, I asked, albeit with a hint of hesitation.

If there was anyone who knew, it would probably be this dragon who lived in a place clearly related to it all.

Alas...

[...You will learn in due time.]

Her voice sounded strangely low, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint why since it was only audible telepathy.

Still, I had plenty of questions, and seeing that Aphyllanthes was seemingly on my side, I had no more reservations about asking.

“What? This is the Pride Dungeon isn’t it? This whole place is related to me in some way, so you have to know something. Is it really that big of a deal to just tell me?”

I knew I was speaking roughly to someone who could flatten me in the blink of an eye, but I was just that frustrated.

Like, what could possibly go wrong if I were to just know now? It would only save a ton of trouble later down the line.

It makes no sense, at least not to me. This is why I hate this damn cliché.

[It is not my role to inform you about that matter. When the time is deemed right, you will find out.]

Still, Aphyllanthes remained resolute in her decision, and her firm tone transmitted to my head made me subconsciously flinch.

[I apologise. Truly, if the present was a beneficial time for you to know, then I would answer any question you asked. Hiding the truth is not typically favourable, and I would not do so without reasonable cause.]

[So, I cannot tell you at this moment. However, that does not mean I cannot assist you in other ways.]

“Mmmn... Alright. Actually, I’d love some help. But, why do you want to help me?”

I was pretty solidly convinced by this point that Aphyllanthes was a good person... Or, dragon? Anyway, I found it hard to believe that someone so powerful would want to randomly help me out of the blue despite just meeting me.

It felt suspicious, although that might just be accumulated distrust from all my bad experiences since coming here.

On the other hand, I knew logically-speaking that there is no reason for someone so strong to bother tricking me.

Either way, I couldn’t rid myself of the conflicting feelings.

[Is it hard to believe that I would act out of mere goodwill? If so, would you be satisfied if I claimed I have a request of you in turn?]

“Oh, is there something you want me to do?”

[You are funny. Is it common for dragons to enlist the help of mortals in your original world?]

“Huh? But you said--”

[This is my responsibility, human Jae Kang. Or, would you prefer the term ‘zombie’?]

“...Human’s fine.”

There was no room left for me to argue, so I suppressed my suspicion and accepted it.

Whatever. If I’m getting free help, I won’t refuse. Reviewing everything that’s happened so far, I probably need it anyway.

“By the way, can you get rid of my curse?”

I know the curse was from a god, but I thought if it was a mythical creature like a dragon, then there must be a way to remove it.

However, Aphyllanthes’ words weren’t very reassuring.

[Unfortunately, your troubles stem from a far more accursed being than you realise.]

[In return for a highest-level adhesiveness quality, the raw potency of the curse is low. You should not worry. In the first place, it does not seem the type of curse designed to cause destruction, but rather, for another purpose...]

[Of course, it is possible with time to cleanse it. However, there are more concerning matters for you to focus on at this moment, and I will not be able to erase it for you this time.]

I was a little lost, but I got the gist of it from her explanation. It bummed me out hearing that I would be stuck with the curse for the foreseeable future, but if what she said was true, then it wasn’t the biggest deal in the world.

I was already starting to doubt whether it actually did anything, anyway―hearing her words only bolstered my belief.

“By the way. What do you mean, ‘more concerning matters’?”

[Hm. You are correct that this place, the Pride Dungeon, is related to your profane status and powers. Do you not want to hear about it?]

“Oh, right! Yes, please tell me.”

Hah, I almost completely forgot about that. Whoops.

[Then, first of all, allow me to properly introduce myself. Jae Kang. Do you know what the meaning of a Ruler is?]

“Ruler? Um... Do you mean like the Goblin Lord?”

That son of a bitch was the only guy I’ve come across with a title like that, but it sounded like the same thing. Aphyllanthes herself mentioned him earlier, too, so it’s probably right.

[Indeed. To be exact, a Ruler is someone who commands a certain realm of existence.]

[They are a being of the highest class, and as such, only the highest beings can become a Ruler of their respective realm.]

“Uh-huh. I see.”

Honestly, I didn’t really understand any of what she was saying, but basically, if I take the Goblin Lord as an example, there can only be one Ruler of Goblins existing at a time, right?

Or, at the very least, only the strongest goblin can become the Goblin Lord.

...Wait. But then, what happens if there are two ‘strongest’ goblins who are equal? I feel like I’m missing something...

In any case, I was pretty sure that Aphyllanthes here is the strongest dragon, considering the disparity between her and the one from earlier. Even if that one wasn’t grown up, she somehow knows a lot about me and even about the Sinful God, so it would make sense if she’s a representative or something.

“So, you must be a Ruler, then.”

[As you have suspected, I hold the title of Ruler of Dragons... as well as another.]

“Oh, wait, you can have two?”

If my understanding is correct, then even having one Ruler title is extraordinary, so even more than that is insane? Of course, the dragon part was to be expected, but there was more?

[It is one I am not so glad to be known by... However, for you, it is necessary to announce...]

“Hm?”

A must? What, why?

I naturally questioned what this not-straightforward dragon was going on about, but that didn’t last for long.

The moment Aphyllanthes’ words entered my head, everything clicked.

[―Ruler of Pride.]

[That is how our fates are interlinked.]

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

I spent the next while talking with Aphyllanthes―or rather, I had her clarify and confirm a variety of questions and concerns I had.

Before that, though, I just had to ask.

“Uh. Is there any way I can get some clothes around here?”

After my tension had―for the most part―eased up, I was belatedly overcome with a sense of embarrassment that dyed my face red. The instant after I averted my gaze from that of the dragon lord in front of me, I suddenly felt a gentle weight all over my body.

“Woah!?”

Before I even realised it, I was wearing a simple yet majestic outfit of dark colours, seemingly inspired by fantasy artists.

Feeling the soft and stretchy fabric, I got the feeling it was impossible to tear. I took a closer look; the outfit appeared nothing like the kinds of fantasy clothes I had seen in games or other media before, but seemed to oddly fit the theme of ‘dragon-made’.

Well, it’s difficult to describe exactly, but that’s the vibe it gives?

Although, I couldn’t tell if that was due to the fact it was actually designed by a dragon, or something else.

[Is this to your liking?]

Now that I was actually wearing something―and fresh clothes of impeccable quality at that―I almost couldn’t believe how good it felt. After spending so long wearing the same tattered uniform infused with goblin blood and mud, it truly felt out of this world.

“It’s great! How’d you do that?”

[I do not understand the question. I am a dragon?]

“Huh... Right.”

I recalled that dragons were often said to be at the extremity of magic, but that still didn’t answer how you could materialise a perfectly-tailored outfit from thin air. It caused the image of a certain skill I had recently acquired to flash in my mind, but that could wait for later.

“Agh...”

Letting out a groan as I lifted my head after looking down at the new clothes, I reflexively touched the back of my stiff, aching neck. This entire time, my neck was craned up to look at Aphyllanthes’ towering figure, and it was finally beginning to affect me.

Apparently, she recognised my pain as she asked something strange.

[Would it be beneficial to speak on an equal level?]

“?? Ack...!”

Before I could reply, I was abruptly flashbanged by a blinding light, brighter than all seven suns in the sky.

“...Huh?”

The moment I opened my eyes, I realised the mountain in front of me was gone, and in its place, a single woman stood.

Needless to say, it was Aphyllanthes―wearing white clothes of a similar fashion to my own and boasting wavy, platinum hair that flowed all the way down to her legs.

It was a much more favourable appearance than the behemoth I was just conversing with, but the two smooth, white horns on her head; those piercing, golden eyes; as well as the long, scaled tail trailing behind her were clear reminders that she was still, in fact, a dragon.

Furthermore, even in her human form, she was still taller than me, but there was no room to complain in that department.

Of course, I had also seen this cliché any number of times, but just like the others, it was something that rendered me speechless when I experienced it directly. After all, even if I could somehow see it coming, there was no way I could’ve expected a beauty of this level to have appeared.

Despite that, I told myself to be serious.

I wouldn’t let something atrocious happen and end up awakening Lust, no matter what.

Not only because of Amelia, who I’m sure is still waiting for me, but for my own dignity.

I won’t let myself fall that low.

Besides, this is a pure, authentic dragon; if I wanted to keep my life for real, then I better stay in my own lane.

In any case, now that we could talk without me busting my neck, it was time to get down to business. First of all, and what was arguably the most important thing:

What exactly is this Pride Dungeon, and how do I ‘clear’ it?

If it was any similar to the kinds of dungeons you clear in games, then wouldn’t the clear condition simply be to eliminate the final boss? But, since she is the Ruler of Pride, wouldn’t it only make sense that Aphyllanthes is the boss? Obviously, I can’t do that even if I wanted to, so what do I do?

“That can be sorted out quite simply.”

“Your assumption is correct in that each Sin Dungeon has a ‘boss’, and to clear them, an exit portal will form upon the boss’ death. Of course, things function quite differently here, due to my own meddling.”

“To exit this place, you will need to find the same thing that brought you here.”

That’s what Aphyllanthes said.

“But, how do I know where that is? It shouldn’t be that far, right?”

Since I woke up relatively nearby, I thought it wouldn’t be that bad, but apparently, I was wrong.

“Because the Pride Dungeon is so vast compared to the others, the energy used to sustain it is slightly lacking. This means small rifts occasionally form that connect the Dungeon to the outside world. You were brought here through one such rift.”

Rifts were like small, brief entryways leading to and from the Pride Dungeon―I can understand that much. And, apparently, whatever the goblin bastard did led to me entering a rift and thus, this Dungeon.

“It doesn’t sound that bad. You probably know when and where rifts are going to spawn, right? So we can just go there when it happens.”

I didn’t actually know if that was possible, and I was having a hard time understanding how any of it actually worked anyway, but I’m sure it’s possible.

“You are correct. In fact, there is currently one rift in the Dungeon we can begin to make our way to now.”

“Wow, really?”

Well, that was easy.

“How far away is it?”

To be honest, I don’t know what I was expecting, but the words that next exited Aphyllanthes’ mouth were definitely not it.

“Roughly 3 years by human feet.”

“...I’m sorry, what?”