“…I feel like I’m going to throw up. Myungho, are you alright…?”
Just as I was dangerously depleting my mana refining these black metals, we had to ride an unstable dimensional portal, leaving me feeling on the brink of death from dizziness.
I had wondered why it was called unstable, and now I understood. Experiencing the fluctuating dimensions firsthand made it clear what that meant. I resisted with all my might to avoid emerging in some strange place, and it felt like my internal organs were being twisted.
It seemed the other passengers weren’t faring much better, displaying a range of expressions as they either struggled to hold back vomit or let it out freely. Adventurers and mercenaries alike were visibly suffering.
“Sorry, don’t talk to me. I’m going to… ugh…”
Myungho appeared to be in a similar state, eyes wide as he tried to endure. I had wanted to ask Yuna how she was doing, but she was among those vomiting, likely due to last night’s drinking.
“Hey, surviving this ‘Vomit Express’ dimensional portal isn’t bad. You’re quite impressive, Myungho. Have you developed some backbone? Or do you just not want to look ugly in front of your lover?”
Akashi was teasing Myungho, who was gritting his teeth while enduring, with a seemingly relaxed expression.
In response, Myungho caused the rock beneath Akashi’s feet to suddenly rise, sending him flying slightly.
After flailing awkwardly and landing on his back, Akashi was muttering about how he couldn’t even joke around anymore as he dusted himself off, though he suspected Myungho might still be holding back.
“How come you’re fine, magician?”
“Hehe, curious, are you? Well, I’ve ridden the original dimensional portals created by the ancient dwarves. Compared to that… yes, that was like swimming through a stormy sea naked, whereas this is more like leisurely boating on a calm lake.”
The ancient dwarves were truly remarkable, yet it was puzzling how they had fallen to their current state. What gamble had they taken that led to their decline? What had been lacking?
Though curious, I pushed those thoughts aside. This wasn’t the time for such inquiries. There would be plenty of time to investigate after avenging my father Kalpira and starting a family with Myungho.
When setting out on this adventure, I hadn’t fully grasped the power of dragons.
Thinking that becoming famous would summon him—what was I thinking back then? If only I could scold my past self.
Even if we managed a surprise attack, there’s no guarantee we’d win. Moreover, according to the Artist, my father seems to be the strongest among his kind.
Perhaps all of this is just a delusion. Maybe my father doesn’t care about my story at all and is simply pretending to be human, immersed in his role-playing.
Still, that unsettling feeling lingered. If I really am being pursued… can I win? If not, can I escape?
“Huff. Thanks for being here, Alterra. I feel much better. Where’s Yuna… Ah, there she is.”
As Myungho recovered, he finally looked around for Yuna. For some reason, this bothered me, so I offered to help him walk despite his apparent ability to do so himself.
“No, really, I’m fine… I can walk… Ugh. Alright, I can’t… Just for a bit…”
Myungho attempted to walk on his own but nearly fell, quickly deciding to accept my support as we approached Yuna.
“Don’t overdo it. I’m here. If you need help, just say so. I’ll assist you.”
Upon hearing this, Myungho’s expression momentarily darkened before brightening again as he replied. That brief change caught my attention.
“Myungho, you hesitated just now. Is something bothering you? Your expression seemed troubled for a moment. If it’s nothing, sorry for making a fuss…”
With no response from Myungho, I started to ramble nervously, but when I looked at him, he was staring intently at me.
“Myunho…?”
“Thank you for worrying, Alterra, but I’m really fine. So, um… just help me when it’s really necessary. I don’t plan to rely on others forever.”
It seemed Myungho had something on his mind, speaking to me expressionlessly while forcing a smile. His demeanor felt unfamiliar, leaving me unable to object as I simply agreed.
“Thanks for understanding… Hmmph… Sorry, my head feels weird. I apologize for lecturing you when you were just concerned. That was harsh. I’m truly sorry.”
…Really. He was angrily apologizing to himself, repeating “sorry” incessantly as he approached Yuna. I told him one apology was enough.
“It’s better to sincerely apologize once rather than repeatedly. Regardless of others, that’s how I feel. So stop apologizing and check on Yuna.”
Whether he heard me or not, Myungho muttered another apology before wobbling toward Yuna. Watching him made me think he was impossible to deal with…
A sharp pain hit my lower abdomen. Though I knew there was no way Yuna and Myungho were together, I couldn’t help feeling irritated.
Just wait until I catch those demon bastards. Do they think hiding their origins will fool me? I’ll find them and erase their tattoos no matter what.
While contemplating this, soldiers approached us. They seemed intent on verifying our identities, carrying paper and writing utensils.
“…You must be confused having just arrived, but please pay attention! Heroes gathered to save the world. We’re looking for someone! Hero Jin Myungho of Koluscia! Are you here!”
—
The buildings were too intricate and the crowd too dense to believe they had been constructed in just five days.
“…For a temporary base built in five days, this is excessively well-made.”
“It would have been impossible without the cooperation of magicians from various countries, material support, and the collaboration of many heroes. Two hundred years ago, this would have been unimaginable.”
The soldier, eager to explain, informed us how all resources were pooled by those faithful to the goddess under the church’s leadership to create this base in such a short time.
Hearing how magicians and strong warriors transported materials, which were then instantly used by golem mages and earth magicians to construct buildings, was almost laughably unbelievable.
“…And thus, we managed to build this massive fortress and barrier surrounding the land where the traitors dwell. The main headquarters is here. Thank you again for your assistance.”
After saluting the soldier in return, I took a deep breath and entered the building. The guards initially blocked our path, stating only authorized personnel could enter, but upon seeing the insignia on my chest, quickly apologized and moved aside.
Opening the heavy iron door revealed crowned figures seated around a round table loudly arguing about various plans. Their words revealed petty greed, prompting me to close my left eye in disgust. Realizing my presence, they gradually quieted down.
“…Is that you, after all?”
“It’s been a long time, Your Majesty. Ah, since there are multiple kings here… Would addressing you by name be disrespectful? Then again, it’s been a long time, Mr. Durandino.”
Each word carried irritation and fatigue, causing Durandino’s expression to darken.
The nerve of him, inviting me only to send me away. Now he regrets it? Does that old man even keep up with news? If he cared at all, wouldn’t he have heard about Alterra and me by now? Probably not, given his focus on personal safety.
“Ugh… It’s been a while, hero. As expected, the rumors were true. To have a half-dragon, capable of hunting solo, as a companion… I deeply regret sending you away so rashly. It was due to the chaotic state of national affairs and concern for you. So, let’s forget about the past…”
With everyone watching, Durandino, realizing he needed to compromise, added excuses to his apology and urgently signaled me to bend just once.
Go to hell.
“Yes, Your Majesty, I always appreciate your wise decisions. If you hadn’t driven me away, I might still be stuck in that stifling place. Let me take this opportunity to thank you. Without your wisdom, I wouldn’t have met Alterra or Yuna.”
Feigning respect while greeting him formally, I subtly told him to cut the nonsense through my words.
“You…!!! Watch your tongue!!!”
Unable to control his temper, Durandino immediately blew up, telling me to shut up.
Akashi was snickering, while Yuna and Alterra quietly discussed whether they should intervene, but I had no intention of stopping.
I’ve never had positive feelings towards that old man anyway.
