Book 4: Chapter 38: Glory or Death

Book 4: Chapter 38: Glory or Death

Zeke let himself fall down, uncaring of the rough stone floor scraping his back. He just lay there and stared at the sky through the opening in the ceiling.

His breath was rough, and his body ached all over. From the stinging of his lungs to the open wounds across his back, not a single speck of skin was uninjured. Nevertheless, he was smiling broader than he had in a long time.

On top of his physical ailments, his Core was wholly depleted, and fine cracks had formed across its surface. This was the first time he had exhausted his it so thoroughly. Unlike with his Blood Affinity, he was far more limited when casting Space or Mind Magic. This just went to show how miraculous a perfect Affinity truly was. He never had to worry about running out of Mana when casting Blood Spells. The limiting factor had always been the amount of blood he had.

After Zeke got his breath under control, he sat up. His gaze found Vulcanos, lying on the ground next to him. The Chimeroi had his arms and legs stretched wide and stared at the sky with a vacant look. It was unclear what he was thinking about if anything.

On his other side was Gravitas. She was leaning against a boulder, immersed in her own thoughts. Zeke didnt begrudge them their silence. After what they had just gone through, a moment of quiet was the least he could give them.

However, a moment would have to suffice. After all, they would need to be out of the Danger Zone before sunset. He wasnt sure how far the Elementals would chase them.

Zeke laid back down, closing his eyes.

Thank you, he said into the quietness of his mind.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

The Dragon scoffed. Whatever. You worry about yourself, whelp.

What do you mean?

Zekes eyes snapped open. Somebody had just entered his sphere of awareness.

UP! he yelled.

Vulcanos and Gravitas staggered to their feet. They quickly followed his gaze and found a group of five approaching their position quietly. The newcomers froze. It was obvious that they had been trying to sneak up on them. Clearly, they didnt have any good intentions. Not that their motives had been in question in the first place.

Zeke recognized them instantly. The group's core consisted of Jaihar Firebrand and his two guards, whom he had met at the Veergati. In addition, the young man had brought two more guards Zeke couldnt place right away. However, they were both Chimeroi, and not the weak kind either.

The young Firebrand had a cordial expression on his face as he straightened his bent back and started to walk casually. Now that they were discovered, there was no point hiding anymore. He didnt seem at all embarrassed or even dismayed upon being discovered. This was not a good sign.

Jaihar, Zeke said with a neutral expression. What are you doing here?

What do you think?

Zeke wasnt in the mood for games. I think you are here to kill me.

Jaihar grinned wolfishly but refrained from answering. Instead, he swept his gaze over Zekes group before clapping.

That was quite the performance youve put on, Blood Dragon, he praised in a tone that could almost pass as sincere. When I saw all of you coming out of that mine in such a state, I just had to come over to congratulate you.

Zeke clenched his fist so hard his knuckles turned whitethis bastard. He could not have arrived at a worse time. Zeke was practically useless at the moment, and the Dragon was also out of commission. He would have to rely on Gravitas and Vulcanos to protect him.

However, would that really be enough? Jaihar had clearly known beforehand about their presence, and it didnt seem to bother him in the slightest.

Glancing sideways at his allies, it was clear that the Chimeroi were also ill at ease. They each stared at one of the two fighters Jaihar had brought. It seemed they were already acquainted. This was an ominous sign.

Who are your friends? Zeke asked.

Jaihar grinned. He didnt seem to be in a hurry. He was looking at Zeke with the eyes of a cat toying with a mouse. Ohh? Those two? I wonder

No, Zeke said, causing Gravitas to flinch. and neither do I intend to.

Then what the hell are you smiling for?

Smiling Zeke repeated absentmindedly, touching his own face. It seemed he had only just now noticed the expression he was wearing. Upon tracing the edges of his mouth with his fingers, his smile only widened further. This is rather good.

Master Gravitas called out, but Zeke raised his hand to stop her.

Dont, he said in a gentle but firm tone. There is no chance I will leave you two behind to save myself.

Gravitas mouth snapped shut, her eyes wide. Vulcanos also looked at him for a long, drawn-out moment.

Zeke chuckled. It kind of hurts that you look so shocked. I must not be a very reliable person in your eyes.

That is not

Its fine, he said. I wish I had the chance to make up for that, but, alas, that doesnt seem to be in the cards for me. He swept his gaze over the three Grand Mages, who met his eyes with a bit of apprehension.

I asked what you were smiling for! Jaihar yelled, far more agitated than earlier. The change in Zeke was clearly making him nervous.

Zeke ignored him for a second time and instead tilted his head to look at the sky. What a beautiful day it was.

You know he said after a while. My mentor used to say something quite interesting. He told me that the true caliber of a man revealed itself only once. Care to guess when that is?

What nonsense are you on about?

A man shows his worth when he is staring death in the face. While lesser men might cry and beg, a man with the heart of a warrior Zeke didnt finish his explanation but instead smiled broadly.

He heard the Dragon chuckle in his mind. Not bad, it said. You would have made for a fine Dragon.

Zeke remained silent for a moment. It has been an honor.

Just when he thought it wouldnt say anything, the Dragon spoke for a final time. My name is KhaiZhar, youngest child of the Dragon King. If there is an afterlife, lets meet again on the other side.

Zeke nodded. There was nothing left to say between them. Instead, he focused on his other allies.

It is quite a shame how things have turned out, Zeke lamented. I would have liked to conquer the world with you two by my side.

Vulcanos glanced at him, a grin emerging on his own face. I would have liked that as well.

Gravitas remained silent, but her gaze said more than words ever could.

Zeke patted each of their shoulders as he sent them a final message. I will hold on for as long as I can. Do with that time what you will.

Neither of them replied, but from the fire in their eyes, it wasnt hard to guess what they would be doing.

Zeke raised his head and looked down at his three opponents in a display of unbridled arrogance. His expression was devoid of fear, and his eyes seemed to be mocking them instead. Judging by their body language, it seemed as if he was the one holding their lives in his palm instead of the other way around.

Without giving them even a moment to gather their thoughts, Zeke charged.

GLORY OR DEATH! he roared from the bottom of his lungs.