Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Chapter 35: The Warrior and the Dragon (1)

“Leon, do you know why I am in the North instead of the center of the Empire?”

Reinhardt spoke. His expression was as serious as when one faced a Demon Beast. The atmosphere made Leon tense up without realizing it. It wasn’t easy to open his mouth.

Reinhardt took something out from his desk. It was a dagger.

“This has been passed down through our family for generations. Can you guess its value?”

Leon widened his eyes in surprise. Families of Withers’ stature usually possessed extraordinary treasures. But a family heirloom was an entirely different matter.

A family heirloom symbolized the very identity of a house. That was why Leon found it hard to believe. It looked like a dagger one could easily find in a marketplace. Too humble to belong to a noble family—much less to the heirloom of a Northern Frontier Count.

“So you do understand a bit of what a family heirloom means.”

Perhaps having caught on to Leon’s confusion, Reinhardt began explaining.

“It may seem plain to the eye. But once you look deeper inside, your impression will change. Try to feel it.”

Leon didn’t understand. But Reinhardt wasn’t the type to speak nonsense.

Leon focused his senses on the dagger.

A beastly sound came from within the dagger. It was a low growl, like an animal wary of a stranger. At the same time, Leon felt it.

A living energy pulsed from within the dagger—an immense, overwhelming power sealed inside.

Leon asked, his voice trembling. He could no longer maintain his composure.

“Just as I said. This is the Withers family’s heirloom. You can feel the life within, can’t you?”

“I can feel it clearly. Could this be something like the legendary Ego Weapon?”

“It’s different. An Ego Weapon has a consciousness formed within the weapon itself. But this dagger does not possess a self. Someone instilled it with will.”

“Just as you do, those who refine their techniques pour their will into their strikes. And I call that Intent of Will.”

Leon’s eyes flew open. It felt like thunder had struck inside his head. Intent of Will—that was knowledge only Leon possessed, carried over from his memories of the Martial Alliance. How could Reinhardt know of such a thing?

Just how far had he gone to awaken such an understanding?

It was astonishing. To realize the concept of Intent of Will through self-study alone.

‘It’s known that the stronger a person becomes, the more they imbue their attacks with will. But no one in this world has ever defined what that will truly is.’

There was no way Reinhardt could have known of the Martial Alliance.

That meant—he was the first in this world to define the concept of Intent of Will.

Leon had lived as a third-rate ronin, leading a worthless life. Even so, he could tell how monumental Reinhardt’s achievement was.

“Isn’t it fascinating?”

Whether or not he knew what Leon was thinking, Reinhardt continued.

“This dagger has been passed down from my ancestor. And through all that time, the depth of the will within it has never diminished. Think about it, Leon. What kind of being could sustain such intent for so long? Even I can imbue this level of will, but to maintain it without contact? Impossible. Could a human truly perform such a feat?”

Reinhardt snapped his fingers, a satisfied smile curling on his lips as he continued.

“Our Withers family has long known of the Dragon’s existence. The Dragon you’re seeking is likely the same one I know.”

There was a heavy weight behind his words. It felt as though the real discussion was only now beginning.

“I’ll be straightforward. Abandon the thought of seeking Dragon’s Blood. The Withers family bears the duty to protect the Dragon from humans. No matter if you are Zeke’s son—I cannot allow you to pass.”

“And if I choose to ignore that?”

Reinhardt’s gaze grew cold. His eyes gleamed sharply as he spoke in a low, warning tone.

“Do not ignore it. Unless you wish to pay the price.”

Leon swallowed hard. Every muscle in his body screamed at him to flee. That was how overwhelming Reinhardt’s presence was.

Leon suddenly recalled the story Helik had once told him. Of a Dragon whose single flap of wings summoned blizzards, whose every step triggered avalanches.

“My Lord Count, may I ask one more thing? I recently learned that unprecedented cold has struck the Territory of Withers. They say it’s colder than winter—even though it’s summer. Do you know anything about that?”

“Do I know, you say…? You wouldn’t bring this up out of nowhere. Have you perhaps heard a legend of the Dragon?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Withers is not the only region in the North. My homeland, Elphrel, is itself the symbol of the North. Yet even there, the summers have grown colder than winter. I must investigate the cause.”

“Have you already forgotten what I said? The Withers family is bound by oath to protect the Dragon from mankind. It’s a covenant passed down from our ancestors.”

“And I am the son of the King of Elphrel. In international terms, that makes me a prince. The northern cold is no trivial matter. For the sake of our people, I must uncover its source.”

“Hah!” The source of thɪs content is N0velFire.ɴet

Reinhardt snorted in disbelief. It was an absurd excuse. Yet… not entirely unreasonable. Matters beyond the reach of the people were indeed the duty of nations to resolve.

Even Leon, as the son of the King of Elphrel, had more than enough legitimacy.

“Earlier, you said you sought Dragon’s Blood.”

“My main goal has changed to merely checking the Dragon’s condition. The Dragon’s Blood is only a secondary matter. This isn’t a personal pursuit—it’s a national one. You wouldn’t try to stop that, would you?”

“Do you even hear yourself?”

“I owe a great debt to Kazan. And my father once told me—repay kindness, even if it costs your life. I’m merely following my family’s creed.”

“I, too, once saved your life, did I not?”

“And I’m grateful for that. If you ever need my help, just ask. I’ll give everything I have.”

Neither side yielded an inch. A tense standoff hung between them.

“……You’re far more adept at politics than your father. Hardly fitting for a warrior.”

In the end, it was Reinhardt who conceded. Shaking his head, he spoke.

“Fine. I’ve lost. You have my permission.”

“But your companions cannot go.”

Reinhardt’s voice dropped low. His sharp gaze carried warning.

“They can’t be trusted. If you insist on seeing the Dragon, you must go alone.”

“That’s fine. I’ve already made preparations.”

“Whatever preparations you’ve made, they’re merely human schemes. They may not work.”

“Then I’ll run away.”

Such reckless boldness left Reinhardt speechless.

“It must have been a difficult decision. I sincerely appreciate your permission.”

“……You truly should have been born in the Empire, not Elphrel. Had you been the Emperor’s son, you’d be fit to be Crown Prince by now.”

“That might get you accused of treason, my lord. You should be careful—you’re an Imperial, after all.”

Reinhardt chuckled faintly. A warrior of Elphrel lecturing an Imperial on conduct—it was too amusing not to laugh.

“Prepare yourself. I’ll tell you the way to the Dragon’s Nest. But you must go alone. I will not tolerate anyone else accompanying you.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Leon had already been granted enough consideration. It was only right to uphold the bare minimum of courtesy.

After expressing his gratitude, Leon went to Kazan.

Later, Leon explained Reinhardt’s circumstances to his companions.

“I see, so that’s how it is. If it’s a vow passed down through his family, there’s no helping it.”

Kazan accepted it easily. In truth, he had already given up on obtaining the Dragon’s Blood. It was Reinhardt they were dealing with—someone not even a knight like Kazan could defy.

All the more reason it pained him deeply.

Kazan gripped Leon’s shoulders with both hands, standing uncomfortably close.

“I know it’s shameless of me to ask when I can’t even accompany you. But you’re our only hope. Please—bring back the Dragon’s Blood.”

Leon gazed at Kazan quietly. He could feel a faint tremor in the man’s hands. They were shaking. A natural reaction.

Kazan had been in despair, seeing no way forward. And now, suddenly, hope had appeared. It was impossible for him to remain calm.

He didn’t ask anything—about Leon’s relationship with Reinhardt, or why Reinhardt had agreed to Leon’s request alone.

To the only hope they had left. To the companion who might save Garan.

Leon finally spoke, his voice firm under the heavy atmosphere. It wasn’t easy to open his mouth, which only made his resolve stronger.

“I’ll keep my word. Give me the sleeping agent. I’ll bring back the Dragon’s Blood.”

Retina handed Leon a small vial. Her outstretched hand trembled slightly. She too seemed to be struggling inwardly.

“Please… bring it back.”

Retina spoke softly. Leon nodded—firmly, as if to assure her.

“If you keep walking straight ahead, you’ll see a cave.”

“That’s the Dragon’s Nest?”

“Most likely. I’ve never seen it myself. My ancestor made a vow to protect the Dragon from humans. And the Withers family, too, are human.”

Leon let out a quiet laugh. It was absurd—protecting something he’d never even met.

Reinhardt turned his head slightly and cleared his throat. Even he seemed embarrassed by how ridiculous it sounded.

If it weren’t for Reinhardt’s ancestor, I’d call him an idiot.

He kept that thought to himself.

And thus, Leon set off toward the Dragon’s Nest.

He didn’t think it would take long. Reinhardt had said it was a straight path—just follow it, and he’d find the cave. As long as he didn’t encounter any Demon Beasts, he wouldn’t lose his way.

Indeed, it didn’t take long. Soon, he discovered the cave. It was vast—worthy of being a Dragon’s dwelling.

He had to crane his neck all the way back just to see its full height.

Leon muttered, though he couldn’t be sure yet. No one in this era had ever seen the Dragon of the North. It was possible the creature had long abandoned the cave.

In the worst case, he might find only its corpse. Even transcendents were still living beings—none could escape the limits of life.

Leon slowly began walking into the cave.

Someone called his name. The voice was familiar.

Leon turned his head, stunned.

The one who called him—was none other than Zeke.