Chapter 188: Mother of Fire (4)

Chapter 188: Mother of Fire (4)

Chapter 188: Mother of Fire (4)

Everyone please welcome Lady Navardose.

Katir spoke. There wasnt an immediate burst of cheers. In the silence that lasted for a long time, a murmur began to spread.

I-Is she really the Mother of Fire? Really?

No way, its a lie The principal must be playing a prank.

But, the magic circle from earlier was too great for it to not be true!

The students couldnt believe the fact that she was Navardose herself. However, Katirs words were too bold to be a lie. Though those who reign over the world often become the subject of jokes, it was usually confined to private settings.

Above all, they remembered the massive dragons head that had torn through the magic circle and appeared. The mana storm that seemed capable of sweeping away even souls. The woman who was gazing at the chaotic central square opened her mouth.

I am Navardose. Its nice to meet you all.

!

At that moment, doubts vanished from peoples hearts. It was a voice that mortal vocal cords could never produce.

Silence fell once again. However, it was a silence inflated like a balloon on the brink of bursting. Before long, the eruption of cheers shook Philleon.

****

Well then, let me introduce you to the seniors who will be closest to you at the academy.

Woah! Welcome, freshmen!

If youre in the martial arts department, please join the armored combat club!

The entrance ceremony proceeded smoothly. Once the students realized that there was no hostility from Navardose, they quickly regained their characteristic innocence.

Despite the unforeseen event, Katir managed to handle the situation and lead the event. Of course, whenever there was a moment of relaxation, he would glance at Navardose and inquire about her well-being.

Youve endured quite a journey from Adren to here. Are you feeling comfortable in your seat?

The principal of Philleon Academy seemed more like a friendly restaurant server than anything else. Well, who wouldnt act that way in front of the Mother of Fire? Navardose nodded.

Its okay. Dont worry and please proceed.

Expressing his gratitude, Katir returned to the podium. A speech followed, somewhat clich but generally acceptable in content. Meanwhile, Ronan continued to stare at Navardose. The fact that she had disappeared and reappeared briefly bothered him.

Something must have happened.

Though subtle, signs of fatigue were evident. There were faint scratches on the surface of the horns growing on either side of her head, not visible the night before.

Most importantly, Itargands worried gaze towards Navardose hinted that something was amiss. It seemed somehow related to the attacks she mentioned the night before.

Is there some entity or force opposing Navardose? Who could it be?

He pondered, but no answers came. Eventually deciding to ask later, Ronan glanced slightly downward from her face. Despite seeing her several times, he couldnt help but mutter in awe.

I wish I had a dragon mom too.

Hmm? What did you just say?

Nothing.

Ronan shook his head, his gaze fixed on Navardoses chest. Even though she was wrapped in a robe, her curves seemed extraordinary.

Itargand, you damn bastard.

Navirose and Marya were impressive enough, but she was on a whole different level, beyond his ability to articulate. Perhaps it was the gap resulting from differences in their races. Maybe they were developed for holding flames.

If the person sitting next to him hadnt been the Emperor ruling the Empire, he would have risen from his seat and given a standing ovation. If her dress had been any more revealing, even standing would have been difficult. Then, the Emperor, who had been stroking his chin, spoke up.

Yeah. I find myself admiring him every time I see her.

The Emperor murmured, sounding deeply empathetic. His brief glance demanded implicit agreement. It was evident that he and Ronan were looking at the same thing.

Ah, damn it.

For a moment, Ronans face stiffened. The Emperor sitting beside him took a sharp breath. The sound of Aselle coughing vigorously, as if choked on water, echoed from the sidelines.

Cough! Cough!

Without needing to be prompted, everyone turned to Navardose. The Mother of Fire gazed at her son with an unchanged expression, still looking calm. Her brow seemed slightly furrowed, but she seemed okay for now.

Provoking a dragon wasnt a bright idea. As Ronan prayed silently for him to stop, the young man continued.

My name is Tyber Patizan! Didnt your mother teach you its polite to state your name before a duel?

Ronan gritted his teeth. Itargand, upon hearing the word mother, furrowed his brow.

Ir.

Ir! I dont know who gave you that name, but it sounds weird.

The idiot named Tyber chuckled as he twirled his sword around. Katir looked at Navardose with an expression that seemed like he was about to burst into tears at any moment.

Do you know this, Ir? The last time a freshman defeated a senior in the martial arts departments simple greetings was in the 787th batch. It was when the senior who I respect the most, senior Ronan, defeated ten opponents at the same time.

So whats your point?

Dont expect such a miracle to happen to you. Principal, commence the match!

Tyber shouted at Katir, turning to him. Whatever his intentions, thanks to his bold provocation, the atmosphere in the arena was now heated.

All right then. Lets begin the first greeting.

Katir opened his mouth as he closed his eyes tightly. Bang! At the same time, Tybers figure shot forward. Cheers erupted from various parts of the stands. Even to Ronans eyes, it was quite a sharp charge.

He had a reason for confidence.

For a moment, his reckless behavior seemed to be forgotten in the face of his excellent skills. It was clearly the result of countless efforts piled on the rock of talent.

But unfortunately, his opponent wasnt so favorable. Just as Tyber reached Irs sight, he launched his attack. Watching quietly, Ir lightly swung the sword he held. Baang! Tyber was sent flying and crashed into the opposite wall of the arena.

Graagh!

A spiderweb-shaped crack appeared at the point of Tybers impact. It was a sight reminiscent of the Festival of Swords. Ir glared at him and growled softly.

Daring to disrespect my mother.

Now, hold on a moment!

Tyber, who hadnt fainted despite the impact, shouted in a frightened voice. He was pinned against the wall, unable to move. Ir raised his sword towards the empty air without a care for what others might say. Quaaaaang! Flames surged along the blade, pouring onto the ground.

Aaaah! Spare me!!

Tyber screamed in terror. The flames of a Red Dragon, capable of incinerating everything, were bearing down on him. Ronan stood up abruptly.

That idiot!

Finally, the feared situation unfolded. It seemed like all the warnings about controlling his power went unheeded. Ronan, enhanced by mana to enhance his agility, leaped like a spring. Thud! Landing in front of Tyber, he shouted in an irritated voice.

Bend down!

Se-senior Ronan?!

Ronan drew his sword. The crimson Lamancha, glowing like blood, emerged. As he concentrated, time seemed to stretch out. In a world where even the heartbeat seemed to freeze, only Ronan and his sword moved as they should. Hundreds of white lines were drawn above the wave of flames.

Thats!

M-Mother of Fire?

At that moment, Navardose stood up. The pupils that had imitated humans narrowed vertically.

The sense of deja vu that had been haunting her since the previous night finally surfaced. Looking at him now, his face resembled that being so closely, so why hadnt she recognized him immediately? A mesmerizing voice escaped her lips as they parted.

I see. Is that child his son?