Side Story Chapter 178

Side Story Chapter 178

In this world where swords and magic coexisted, humans never stopped improving themselves. The art of swords started from simple skills like horizontal and vertical swings and had come to incorporate all sorts of advanced techniques, to say nothing of the multitude of other weapons available. What about magic? There had initially been only four to five spells in each Circle, but humans had used their creativity and had invented hundreds, if not thousands, of spells. And even if those spells were the same type of magic, each faction of mages spells turned out to be entirely different from one another.

What about dragons? They had made no progress at all because they never tried despite the fact they lived for eternity. People perceived dragons to be creatures who could rule the world without effort; Joshua, naturally, didnt think any differently until a moment ago.

Joshua reached the end of the underground vault and gasped.

A dragon hatchling?

A creature not quite as tall a human adult was cowering in the corner, which didnt make any sense. According to everything Joshua knew, even a newborn dragon was as big as most trolls and ogres, but the hatchling in front of Joshua was one meter tall at most.

That hatchling is my child, Crevasse mumbled in his handsome black-haired human form.

Thats strange.

What do you mean?

Its a lot different from what I know about dragons. You said that its possible even without sexual intercourse, but Joshua trailed off.

Yes, we dragons can create life without such vulgar acts.

Joshua immediately shook his head. Life is conceived, not created. Only a god can create something out of nothing.

Look at what is in front of you. As you can see, I did it.

Im sure that you didnt use a conventional method, but if that was actually possible, dragons would have dominated the Human Realm long ago since theyd be able to freely create new dragons and instruct them to settle the entire continent. Besides, its not like dragons are hermaphrodites like earthworms.

Youre the one who is sorely mistaken here. We value harmony with other races above all else. Had we planned on ruling the Human Realm, we would have done it already. Although I dont like the nickname, we dragons are called the guardians of the Human Realm reason, Crevasse reminded Joshua.

Lets be more honest here. Joshua looked deadly serious. You couldnt do it, not wouldnt do it.

Lilith agreed with every word Joshua said.

What?

Of course, its cumbersome work, and you wouldnt have felt the necessity But its not what most dragons would have wanted. There are some eccentric dragons like you, but some gentle dragons like the gold dragons truly love peace. Joshua tilted his head.

Crevasse quietly considered Joshuas words, if only because Joshua had laid out the facts in a way that wouldnt hurt Crevasses pride. History indicated that the biggest enemies of the evil and manic dragons, infamous for tormenting and trying to rule the humans, were their fellow dragons.

Judging from the fact that youve shown me your hatchling, I assume that you have a favor to ask of me, yes?

Crevasses mouth remained shut.

If you continue to hide the truth, I cant help you, Sir Crevasse. Joshua turned around without any hesitation.

Lilith was surprised.

Youre just going to leave? she quickly asked.

-I should.

Dragons may disappear from this world without your help.

-This is what they call reaping the harvest you sowed.

Youre cold, Lilith grumbled.

To be honest, youre handsome, but Crevasse is more beautiful. From a cursory glance, its hard to tell if hes a man or a woman, Lilith playfully replied.

In a stark contrast to their silly conversation, Crevasse, the ever prideful dragon, bowed to a mere human.

Please do this for me.

You said please, so its fine even if I say no, yes?

If you do, the race of dragons ends here.

Are you putting the fate of your people in the hands of a human? Joshua asked, reluctantly.

Im telling you again. You are not an ordinary human. Crevasse looked Joshua in the eyes. The dragon lord wasnt concerned about her own life, but even she was worried about the end of our race. Considering your history with her, I think you would be opposed to such an end.

Youve always been cruel and manipulative, havent you.

There is nothing to hold me back now that I near my end.

They felt a powerful rumble shake the chamber from above them.

Crevasse looked up. Something serious seems to be happening above. You should go back.

Joshua could both feel the earthquake and the unusual change in the two demons Overlord Symbols, but he had to ask, What about the hatchling?

I can look after him for the time beingbut of course, it would be perfect if you come back here after youre done taking care of things up there.

Joshua was silent for a moment before nodding. Its your last wish so Ill do you this favor.

Crevasses expressionless face twitched and then the ends of his mouth slowly curled upward. Thats good to hear.

But I want to set a condition.

Go on. I have no intention of asking you to do all the heavy lifting for free, Crevasse said, ready to accept anything.

He was handing his last mission, a tremendous burden on his heart, over to Joshua, so he was planning on rewarding Joshua handsomely even if he hadnt asked for anything. Crevasses lair was full of treasure that he had spent his entire life gathering. He was prepared to give Joshua all of it. Another idea would be to tell Joshua about the dead dragons lairs; no doubt that would be far more interesting to the human.

However, once again, this eccentric human subverted all expectations.

Survive.

What?

Crevasse, the last adult dragon on the continent: survive, and look after the hatchling yourself.

Thats

Joshua quietly but firmly shook his head, cutting off the dragon. A savage human isnt what your hatchling needs. He needs the parent that gave birth to him. I dont think dragons and humans are different in that regard.

I already told you that Im near death.

Then try your utmost best to survive until your destined end.

Crevasse 's eyes widened.

I wont allow any negotiations. This is my only condition.