The obsidian dragon Vriligant. A robber, a symbol of deprivation. It's huge body is covered in wounds, but none of them are fatal.

　It still poses a threat that could kill a human with a single glance.

　I must approach it and thrust my blade in front of it. My throat rumbled. My wrists involuntarily shake.

　But on the other hand, there's still a thrill lurking in my chest.

　After all, what's right around the corner is the heroic tale every child dreams of. With swords in both hands, you face the dragon and clang your blades. It doesn't get any better than that.

　As my eyes widened, the high-pitched voice of the jewel Agathos rang in my ears.

I'm not a fool. You're an idiot, I know you're an idiot. So you have a chance? You'd have a hard time slicing his head off with your sword. You're not going to go in his mouth and stick a sword in there, are you?

　It seemed that her wit was still alive and well. But while she was talking, the jewel was flying through the air, constantly sending heat rays into the dragon. What a dexterous thing to do.

　It gave me enough time to catch my breath.

"No way. But they say the closer my sword is to the dragon, the easier it is to kill. You might as well give it a try. Besides, you have a chance.

"Well, let's hear it. What's the odds? Preferably one that makes your eyes light up. Yes!

　I looked at the beautiful jewel that echoed Agathos' voice and said. I looked at the beautiful jewel that echoed Agathos' voice, and then I saw myself in the jewel, unconsciously lifting my cheeks and showing my teeth.

"One, we're both alive. The second is that the one sitting in the dragon's heart is Fialaat. Do you think she's the kind of person who'd let a rare sorceress become her heart?

　No, she wouldn't do anything. Her magic power inside me is surging and beating. It's even hot. She's still alive.

　Agathos was silent for a moment in response to my words. Deep inside the jewel, he must have an expression of dismay on his face. That's the kind of guy he is.

You know, ......, that girl was transformed by the gears into a demonic heart. It's no exaggeration to say that her body's very functions have been made to conform to the demonic nature. And how can you resist?

　It was my turn to let out a sigh. I thought Agathos had been with Fialat for some time.

　Still, he didn't know anything about that woman. He doesn't understand a single thing about Fialaat-La-Borgograd.

Trust your friends, Boulder girl. He's a change agent. Don't let him tell you you're in trouble. Well, if he doesn't do anything, I'll just kill him.

　The words came out of her mouth naturally. I couldn't remember for sure, but... My body reminded me that this Fialaat woman was not a soft person.

　I slung the sword off my shoulder and took a step forward. Before I knew it, my eyes had narrowed and I was looking only at the dragon. I thought I heard Agathos shouting something. But I couldn't hear him anymore.

　It was no use. There was a heroic tale in front of me that everyone was waiting for.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


"You're a psycho ......!

　A voice spilled out of the mouth of the gem Agathos unknowingly. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

　After all, Lugis has inherited a part of the power of Drigman, the controller. If so, it should be able to kill and 'slay' from a distance as much as possible.

　And yet, it says it will approach on its own. It doesn't doubt that slashing directly is the shortcut to victory. Even in front of that evil dragon.

　My eyelids get twisted for a moment. Agathos could not understand any of Lugis' thoughts. Unknowingly, he grits his teeth.

　That dragon is not a place that can be reached by will alone.

"Agathos. Agathos!

　The head I had been holding was raised. The dragon's jaws opened as if they were about to devour the sky itself, and it was looking at him.

　Immediately, Agathos fell on his back and spun around in midair, leaning against the jewel.

　Instantly, a roar and a breath of air devoured the space and cut it to shreds. Agathos knew the horror of it well.



　It's not a destruction, it's not a blessing, it's not a curse. It only takes away. Magic, life, even soul.

　A violator and a usurper. That is the root of Vriligant's existence.

　That is why Vriligant remains at the top of the dragon world and that is why he shot down the great castle. The giants Flimsulath and Zebraelis, the former gods, are right in front of us.

　Agathos waved his lips and commanded the jewel with a wave of his hands. Then he grits his teeth and says.

"Leu-- don't do anything you shouldn't. Do you think I need your help?

　Agathos felt a pulsation in his chest at that comment. Leu, who shared his body with him, showed his agitation.

"But, Agathos, ...... your magic...

'But that's not it. Who do you think I am? A jewel of the highest order. Nothing in this world can surpass me. Do you think I can stand without the help of a little girl like you?

　Agathos cut off Leu's rebuttal as if he were biting it off. He didn't want to make her say anything else.

　Besides, I know what you mean. I think he's trying to say that I'm using too much magic.

　Agathos is now wasting magic power like turning a container of water upside down. That must be a rough job even if you discount the fact that Agathos is a demon.

　Of course. His magic power will run out in the not-too-distant future. Agathos knows all about that.

　But there was someone desperately trying to fill that upside-down container with water.

　That is Leu. She is trying to pour the magical power of her soul into Agathos little by little. Agathos clicked his teeth and said.

"You know. Your soul is far too fragile for me to look at. If you use up all your magic, you'll really disappear. Just be quiet.

　Disappear. It's not death, it's complete annihilation from this world. To be worn out and lost without fulfilling the cycle of the soul is more terrifying than death.

　Agathos knows this fear well because he is a demon who lives forever.

　But Leu, as a matter of course, said.

But if we can defeat the ...... Vriligant, many more people will be saved. That's what I want, too.

　Ah, here's another lunatic. Agathos couldn't help but grumble in his mouth. A hot exhalation went down his throat. Agathos flew through the air, commanding the gems.

"Leu. Go back to sleep. If you do anything else, even if you kill Vriligant, I will kill you.

　Agathos said in an irritated tone. Leu stifled a sigh of relief. Agathos doesn't know why he can't hide his frustration.

　But he knew what the emotion was. Léu's excessive devotion to others, his absolute self-sacrifice for the salvation of others.

　How can you devote yourself so much?

　--For the sake of others, he had suffered, despaired, and nearly died.

　Agathos was picturing in his mind the day he first met Leu. He looked down for a moment and then waved his long arms and legs.

I am an immutable and enduring jewel. Not even the great demon Vriligant can change me--go ahead, Lugis. You will kill the dragon.

　You will kill the dragon," Agathos said to himself, as if he were speaking to the man beyond the jewel. The jewel spun around in his fingertips.

　At the same moment, a swarm of jewels unfolded to envelop Vriligant, raining heat down on him. As if this was the essence of who he was, Agathos turned his surroundings into light.

　Twilight. A time that is neither dark nor bright. Only the light of Agathos occupies the space. A glittering illusion of splendor and splendorous behavior.

　--Through the gaps, I see Obsidian, crawling out of the prison of the earth and opening his jaws.

　His large mouth opens to encompass Agathos' entire body.

　Agathos laughed, his cheeks fluttering. A drop of sweat ran down his cheek as if to escape.

"....... I don't have a choice.

　The dragon's jaws closed without any mercy.