I see... It’s strong, but also extremely unsafe. I get it. Anyone that tries to use it would end up taking an incredible burden. Then again, I don’t really think Babylon was in a position to judge, considering she made that gross immortality jewel... But wait, does that mean the person who was controlling the Wyvern didn’t know what they were doing? Or maybe they’re still aware of the risk. Even so, controlling a Dragon is bad. They’re supposed to be the strongest things around, so getting a bunch under your control spells danger for sure... If a Red Dragon like the one we met back in Mismede came under this mysterious guy’s control... That’d be terrible. Still, I don’t think an intelligent creature like that could be so easily influenced, artifact or not.
“Am I interrupting?”
“Huh? Kougyoku? What’s up?” Kougyoku came flying in through a nearby window. After perching herself down on the table, she turned her head toward me.
“If I may be so bold, might I suggest we call upon the Azure Monarch and inquire about matters of a draconic nature?”
Wait... Azure Monarch? Like... another one of the Four Monarchs? The Azure Dragon of the east, wasn’t it? Kohaku rules over beasts, Sango and Kokuyou rule over scaled and aquatic creatures... and Kougyoku is the master of birds, right...? Together they make up the Heavenly Beasts, but I don’t think they control magical beasts...
“Dragons are not actually magical beasts, if we are speaking strictly. They are independent creatures and are all related to the Azure Monarch. Offshoots of their species include lizards, crocodiles, and so on... But those creatures fall more into the domain of the Black Monarch. At any rate, I thought we might wish to call upon the Azure Monarch if we are opposing Dragons. I also haven’t seen their face in quite some time, so it might be a pleasant reunion.”
“Lord, I humbly refuse!” Kohaku suddenly charged into the room, slamming the doors open full-force in White Tiger form.
Come on, man! I told you not to grow to that size in the castle!
“Lord Touya can absolutely solve this problem without having to call upon that wretch, Kougyoku! My lord, I humbly request you reconsider.”
Whoa, calm down! A-And don’t get so close to me in that form with those eyes! You’re terrifying right now! Don’t eat me!
“Come now, the Azure Monarch would aid us well, would they not?”
“Ssseemss the little kitty isss sstill on bad termss with Bluey-wuey, hm...? How delightfully desssperate, darling... Hehehehee...” Sango and Kokuyou were quick to follow, gracefully swimming in the air. Suddenly, I understood why Kohaku was freaking out.
“Ghh... I-It’s true, but still... Things would be bad if that stupid scalebrain came between us, my lord! They’re nothing but a wistful chatterbox, do you understand?! Even remembering the Azure Monarch boils my very blood!” Kohaku reduced in size, but didn’t get any less angry. Looked like a kid throwing a huge tantrum, honestly... I was amazed to see Kohaku bring personal feelings into this, especially after usually being so cool and collected.
“The Azure Monarch is wise and rational... A terrible mix for the brash and impulsive Kohaku. The two of them are as water and oil. Though I do think it’s more that they find it hard to co-operate, rather than the two of them being on bad terms. They surely recognize the positive attributes that the other holds, and they are both equally stubborn individuals.”
“Enough, Kougyoku! The only thing I recognize about that stupid blue idiot is their total inability to read the mood!” Kohaku hopped up on to the table and started yelling at Kougyoku.
...Alright, that’s enough. We’re not gonna get anywhere like this.
“Kohaku, I understand your feelings... but I’m going to try the summoning anyway.”
“Nooo!”
“Yes. I’m not going to force you to get along, so you don’t have to be friends. But I want to take this chance, so at least tolerate one another. I’ll get mad if you two fight, got it?” I headed out to the courtyard, Kohaku quietly followed with tail between legs. There was nobody around, so I started the summoning immediately.
I drew the summoning circle using a spellstone as chalk, and poured dark elemental magic into it.
A black cloud formed and gradually began to thicken. As that happened, we mixed in magic from Kohaku and the three others. With that, the preparation was well and truly complete.
“The ruler of spring, of trees, of the eastern domain and the wide-berth rivers... Heed my call. Appear before me!” In response to my words, the black fog began to swell and then dispersed. In its place was an enormous Azure Dragon. Its scales were like sapphires, its eyes were the deepest of blues. Unlike the Wyvern, it was clearly four-legged, and had magnificent wings protruding from its back. Given its mythological similarities to the legends of my world, I half expected it to be a Chinese-looking Dragon, but it was a more typically western-looking one instead.
“...Hmhm. I did think I felt a sudden burst of nostalgia washing over me. To think it was you... Why have you four called me here, then?” The Azure Dragon spoke in a calming, serene voice. She sort of sounded like a gentle female teacher. Or at least some woman in a position of power.
“It’s been some time, Azure Monarch.”
“Long time no ssseee, bluey.”
“You’re looking well, Azure Monarch.” Sango, Kokuyou, and Kougyoku greeted the new arrival, but Kohaku turned his head and grumbled quietly.
Come on... Isn’t that a little rude?
“Hm, well then... It seems there’s a quiet voice that won’t speak up. But it matters not. I am one that rises above such matters.”
“Shut up! You insolent blue lizard! You’re not above anything, understand?!”
“Hm? It decided to speak after all? Shame... If you have nothing nice to say, you shouldn’t say anything at all.”
“What?!”
“Alright you two, settle down.” I sighed, picking up mini-Kohaku. The Azure Dragon’s eyes were intense, but she didn’t move. Eventually, she turned to me and spoke.
“Are you the one that summoned me here, human? Name yourself, if you would.”
“I am Mochizuki Touya. I’m the grand duke of this nation.”
“Interesting. I might understand the case of Kougyoku here, but I do wonder how you managed to gain the co-operation of the White Tiger and the Black Tortoise duo.”
“It’sss not a matter of co-operation. Thisss darling is our lovely massster, underssstand?”
“......Excuse me?” The Azure Dragon stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at me with wide, curious eyes.
In a flash, she started to exude an intimidating aura. It didn’t really affect me very much, but I felt the atmosphere changing. It reminded me of the force I had felt when I’d first summoned Kohaku. Eventually she stopped, and let out a small sigh.
“...To resist my spiritual pressure to this extent... Just what are you, boy?” Before I had a chance to reply to the Azure Dragon, Kohaku suddenly spoke up.
“Why don’t you find out for yourself, lizard lips? Our lord here wants to make a contract with you, after all. Don’t you want to taste the power that we’re obeying for yourself?”
“Hmph... As much as I loathe your prattling, little kitten, I’m certainly curious. Very well. I shall test your abilities, human.” I didn’t miss the grin forming on Kohaku’s face. I could tell the exact outcome the little tiger was hoping for.
It was a bit cramped in the courtyard for anything major to happen, so I drew another summoning circle in the western plains and called out the Azure Monarch.
We decided that we’d face one another in combat. The plains were far enough from town to not bother anyone, and the only people here were the other Heavenly Beasts.
“Alright, this good? You ready?”
“Hmph. I do suppose I am. All I wish is for a measure of your skill, anyway. Do not worry, human. I won’t kill you.” In response to the Azure Dragon’s bold declaration, the spectating Heavenly Beasts burst into laughter.
Oh man
, that’s pretty good, actually. Amazing, even...
“Alright then, let’s do it. I’m coming for you. Sure you’re prepared?”
“No need for further delay. Come at me, human.”
“Alright. I won’t hold back, then. [Accel Boost].” I kicked off the ground and ran full-pelt toward the Dragon. I didn’t want her flying off, after all. I decided to end the battle as quickly as I could.
“Wha—?!”
“[Gravity].”
“Gwuagh?!” I touched the Dragon’s body and triggered my weight alteration spell. In a matter of seconds, she was pinned to the ground, shuddering violently. My strategy was sound. I simply beat her before she could beat her wings. Easy as pie.
“Guh... Wh-What kind of... m-magic is this...?! How can you... w-wield something of this... level?!”
“Gaahahahaha!!! You really misjudged him, lizard lips! Didn’t you think to read the mood? We’re all here, we’re all materialized, and we’re all maintained by our lord’s magic. Are you so stupid that you don’t realize what that means?”
“Oh...!” The Azure Dragon opened her eyes wide in shock. Kohaku continued to tease her while running circles around her immobilized body. Seemed a little too pleased, in all honesty.
“C-Come to think of it... No, this can’t be! To keep all of you materialized in the mortal realm... and I as well...! Just how much magic does this man have?!”
“Huhuhu... Lemme tell you something, scalebrain. Our lord’s magic doesn’t even go down a little bit even with all of us here. Even if there were hundreds of us, it wouldn’t make a difference at all!”
“I-Impossible...!”
“Bwahahaaa! You sure look sorry now! That’s the power of our lord! Lord Mochizuki Touya! What was that you were saying about not killing him?! Bwahaha! Idiot, idiot!”
...I mean, it’s true, but... you’re being a jerk about it, come on. You shouldn’t be grandstanding like you’re the one with the power, anyway... I mean, I guess you have got a lot of power yourself, but still!
“You sseem happy, little tiger... Heheh...”
“Well, your feelings are certainly understandable, Kohaku.”
“I think you should calm down a tad. Leave her alone, eh?”
See? Even the others think you’re going a little too far.
The Azure Dragon seemed frustrated by Kohaku’s constant teasing, so she made a further attempt to get up. Slowly, but surely, her knees and tail quaked as she rose to her feet. I was impressed.
But then I applied more weight, and she crumbled again like a wet paper towel.
“G-Gaaah!”
“So, do you give up yet?”
“...Y-Yes, I do... I yield. Let us form a contract, human.” As soon as she spoke, I released the bonds of [Gravity]. Freed from the crushing weight, the Azure Dragon slowly stood up.
“...It was my mistake for underestimating you. Very well, Mochizuki Touya. Grant unto me a name, and I shall be bound to your service.”
“A name... Oh, that’s right. Kohaku, Sango, Kokuyou, and Kougyoku are all named for precious stones and minerals, so... let’s call you Luli.”
“...Luli? I... see.”
“Yup. It’s a contraction of Lapis Lazuli. It’s a precious blue stone, understand?” I’d briefly considered Seigyoku, which meant Sapphire, but it sounded a little too close to Kougyoku for my liking. Luli really was best.
“Very well, from now on, I am Luli.”
“Mhm... Welcome aboard. Just don’t butt heads with Kohaku too much, alright? I’ll get mad at the two of you.”
“I shall endure that tiger’s presence as best I can, don’t worry.”
“You?! I’ll be the one enduring, lizard lips!” Kohaku immediately snapped back at Luli’s snide comment. I had a feeling they’d be a real handful.
Luli suddenly changed into a tiny little Dragon, matching the small appearance of the others. I let out a small sigh as the intense staring match between her and Kohaku persisted.
“Why are you two like this, anyhow?”
“The enmity between women is sssomething natural. Even you’d come to harm if you ssstepped between them.”
“Geez... Females sure are scary, summoned beasts or not...” Kokuyou let out a little giggle at my comment, and I nodded my head. But then something clicked in my brain.
Wait. What did he just say?
“Uh... Wait, between women? Uh, wait, what gender are you?”
“We’re all girlsss, obviousssly.”
“Don’t lie to him, Kokuyou. You’re the only one of us that is male.” Sango shot down Kokuyou’s remark. But that was a little odd... I understood that Kokuyou was a bit of a feminine guy, but... the others were girls? No way... I thought Kohaku was a guy this whole time! I didn’t even think about the others. I mean, Kohaku’s voice is a little high, sure, but... I just figured that was part of the tiger aesthetic!
I’ll... keep quiet about that for now, I guess. I wonder if Yumina knew the whole time... Yeah, she probably did. I’ll ask her later to confirm... At least I know Kohaku’s a tiger, and not a lion. I’m not that stupid.
◇ ◇ ◇
“There are a lot of different types of Dragon, so it’s hard to generalize them.” Luli began talking, just as I’d asked her. She told me she couldn’t do anything about that dominating needle thing, even if Dragons were being controlled by it.
But she also mentioned that the powerful Dragons, known as Elders, would be able to exert enough will to prevent themselves from falling under its control.
Dragons didn’t grow conventionally. Instead, they underwent evolutionary transformations. In the beginning they were Infant Dragons, then Young Dragons, then Adult Dragons, and then they went on to become Elder Dragons. Apparently the stage of power beyond even that was a type known as the Ancient Dragon.
But only certain draconic species can evolve into Elders. Lower-tier creatures such as Wyverns could never reach that level.
The difference in intellect was also pretty vast. Young Dragons, like the one I’d killed back in Mismede, could understand human speech, but they couldn’t speak it. The needle would be able to work on any Dragon lower than Elder, meaning only the two highest tiers of power would remain unaffected. That was frightening.
“There aren’t a lot of Dragons to begin with, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“Even Young Dragons are mighty, so it takes much to defeat one. It is for this reason that they do not need to breed as much as you land-dwelling beasts. It is true that they are not numerous, but it would be foolish to leave them be for that reason alone. Is your mind clogged with fur, little cat?”
“Why I oughta...!” Luli and Kohaku began squabbling again, so I ignored them and started to think to myself.
This is a little concerning... The Wyvern didn’t exactly seem like it was being manipulated. It felt like it was moving of its own volition. Still, I guess if it’s part of the unintelligent lower caste, it might be more appropriate to say that I thought it was moving on its own instincts.
“I think I should investigate this a little more. That Red Dragon from Mismede’s sanctuary might be able to help.” The Red Dragon seemed to be an Elder Dragon, so he probably wouldn’t be under anyone’s control.
I decided to teleport to Mismede with Luli. Then, I headed to the Dragon’s sanctuary with my [Fly] spell.
“If I recall, the forest at the base of this mountain is the sanctuary, isn’t it?” If I remember right, that means we should already be there. Just as I was thinking that, I noticed something in the distance.
I stopped in mid-air. What I saw was an enormous Red Dragon coming toward us. I recognized him immediately as the Red Dragon that had appeared after I defeated the black Dragon back in Mismede.
Luli, who was flying alongside me, grew to her original size. The Red Dragon and the Azure Dragon both nodded to one another.
“I am here to welcome and congratulate you on your manifestation, o Azure Monarch.”
“
I was only manifested due to the strife amongst your people, young one. Do you understand why we have come?”
“Yes... Please accept my most profuse of apologies.” The Red Dragon bowed his head and closed his eyes. We went down to the ground and began discussing the situation with him.
Apparently Young Dragons had been rampaging recently. What I was told reminded me of the brash behavior of the black Dragon I’d killed so long ago. From what I understood, Dragons were wise and mighty, but that often transformed and surfaced in the form of arrogance due to their status in the world. Dragons were said to be the apex of natural evolution, after all.
Even though they lived in the safety of the sanctuary, some of the younger Dragons would go out into the world to terrorize humanity.
Even if you could just write it off as a youthful mistake, such outbursts often ended up in catastrophe.
It seemed that no matter what the species, there were always unruly brats who defied their elders. Even so, things were worse now than ever.
I was quickly informed that it all began after I killed the Black Dragon.
“What? I caused this?”
“The Black Dragon you killed was nothing special, even amongst his peers, yet they cried voices of injustice after he was slain. Many of the Young Dragons amongst us rallied for justice, and demanded we retaliate.”
“What the hell? He was the one that left the sanctuary and attacked them to begin with!”
“Indeed, and for the most part we agreed that it was a justified killing. Only a portion of the youngsters were rallying and crying. Most said that quarreling with mankind was a mistake. So, the troublesome youth amongst us reluctantly silenced themselves.” But the story didn’t just end there. Dragons had nests and sanctuaries all over the world. Mismede was but one colony.
One such place was far to the southwest. Past the Sea of Trees and between the Kingdom of Ryle and the Kingdom of Sandora, was a small landmass known as Dragoness Island.
One day, a messenger from Dragoness appeared in the sanctuary. He stated that the Dragon King had made his home on Dragoness, and that all should become his subordinates.
In Another World With My Smartphone: Volume 8 Page 7