Chapter 43: A Hero's Back

Chapter 43: A Hero's Back

For Abel, his days at the Aslan Magic Academy were very happy.

Of course, living with his mentor, Eruka, was also invaluable to him.

However, living in the dormitory with friends and rivals, and spending days honing their skills, slowly melted away the loneliness that Abel had kept inside him.

To put it succinctly, it was enjoyable.

Therefore, he had forgotten, for better or for worse, the nightmare of that day and the painful memory of losing everything.

The sound of the flute that suddenly echoed from somewhere awakened the darkness within Abel.

Monsters take everything away. Thats why I have to kill them. So I wont lose anything anymore.



That flutes sound. Do you know something about it?

Huh?

Lukes sudden question pulled Abel back from the sea of his thoughts to reality.

Uh, yeahIve heard it before

Gurgaaaaaaaahhh!!

As a deafening roar erupted, interrupting Abels words, Luke gazed quietly at the Ice Dragon.

Its appearance was very rough, but it seemed to be resisting something.

Hey, what are we going to do? It doesnt seem like its going to attack

Lily asked fearfully.

Most of those present were stunned by the Ice Dragons tremendous pressure. Everyone listened to Lukes answer to Lilys question, watching his movements warily.

Hmm, there is a possibility that it is being controlled.

What! Is that true, Luke!? No, thats possible Why didnt we notice it until now?

Eh!? Is that dragon being controlled!?

Many voices of surprise were raised involuntarily. Abel thought a little while looking down, considering the words casually murmured by Luke. If it were true, the way he saw the tragedy of that day would change significantly.

Abel had unconsciously covered up those unpleasant memories. Or maybe he had consciously avoided thinking about them. That was why he didnt realize this fact.

Theres no way a dragon can play a flute. Besides, that melody was infused with magic. Well, whatever, lets try it.

As far as Luke could see, the ice dragons did not seem to be in full control, as it hadnt attacked them yet.

Arrow of Darkness'

It was a beginner-level magic that made everyone present question its effectiveness. Even though it was imbued with the power of darkness, no one thought it could inflict significant damage on a dragon.

However, Luke had a different goal in mind.

The small arrow imbued with darkness was absorbed by the giant body of the ice dragon and then exploded.

In an instant, the movement of the ice dragon stopped in midair. Its violent behavior from earlier was gone, and it elegantly flapped its wings.

Lukes Arrow of Darkness had absorbed the magic that was controlling the ice dragon.

What!? The control has been released!? Quickly, play another song Guaah!

Suddenly, a panicked mans voice was heard.

In the midst of the rapidly changing situation, no one could hide their confusion, and the ice dragon suddenly shook its head.

Then, something flew up into the air. It was the man suspected to be the cause, wearing a robe.

N-nooo!! I dont want toooooo!!

Chomp. In one bite, the man was unceremoniously devoured by the ice dragon.

!!!

Luke thought to himself that he was just a kid.

An enemy who could never use magic techniques against humans. An enemy so strong that he might be able to use all of his abilities. It was sweet honey for Luke, who was always forced to control his strength because he was too powerful.

An unrestricted, blood-boiling battle at full power.

That was all Luke wanted.

Dont worry. Its highly unlikely, but even if I fall, Abel will be here to take care of it somehow. So dont get in the way.

Luke

Yes Luke just wanted to fight with all his might. After all, Abel, the protagonist, would probably use his power to defeat this ice dragon. Therefore, even if he defeated it himself, there should be no problem.

Lukes thinking was very simple.

However, the sight of standing alone against a powerful monster that everyone was prepared to die facing was that of a hero, just as the stories told by bards.

Damn youre really something

Zach muttered, voicing everyones feelings.

They had only been thinking about their own life, but in this situation, it couldnt be helped.

Everyone understood that a person who could sacrifice themselves for others in such dire straits was called a hero.

However, Luke did not possess such noble spirit at all

Abel hated monsters.

Even if they were being controlled, their cruelty was genuine.

Moreover, monsters were the root cause of everything that Abel had lost. It was impossible for him not to resent them.

Therefore, his only thoughts were on how to kill this ice dragon. He had only harbored such dark feelings.

Until he saw Luke standing up to the ice dragon for the sake of others

(Luke youre amazing. Im proud to be your friend. But if things really get dangerous, Ill help you. I know youll be angry, but)

Help me if things go south, okay?

Yeah

Lily, who sensed Abels feelings even without words, gently asked him.

Whats wrong with him? Trying to be all cool by himself. It would be okay to let us fight together, wouldnt it?

Yeah, youre right but thats just like Luke.

Unaware of his rapidly rising reputation, Luke activated his magic.

Armor of Darkness, Wings of Darkness, and Granted: Darkness.

Hou, dark attribute. Thats unusual. I like your willingness to sacrifice yourself for others. How about it? If you want, I can spare only your life

Shut your mouth. You feathered Lizard look-alike.

What did you say just now?

The atmosphere of the ice dragon changed drastically.

The magic released with anger literally froze the surroundings.

Kuku didnt you hear me? Whats with this lizard-like creature with wings talking down to me? Know your place.

Youuuu!!! Dont you dare think you can die easily!!

Luke vs The Ice Dragon.

Without either of them realizing, the battle had begun