The 9Th Class Swordmaster: Blade Of Truth [EN]: Chapter 361

230. Become a Stepping Stone

“How can this be…?”

Caryl, forgetting he was in the middle of enemy lines, muttered in disbelief at the scene unfolding before him.

Kugugugugugu…

Each time the Platinum Dragon flapped its wings, a fierce wind stirred, like a gale.

Caryl looked back and forth between Neil Blanc and the Platinum Dragon flying above, a confused expression on his face.

“There’s another Platinum Dragon?”

[See? That guy isn’t Nardie Mauge.]

[We were right.]

[Everyone, quiet. Don’t jump to conclusions. It’s true that I sense dragon magic from that human.]

The Spirit Kings spoke quietly as they circled above the Platinum Dragon. Lamine silenced the others, assessing Caryl’s condition.

[You seem confused too. But we’ve confirmed that Neil Blanc and the Platinum Dragon exist simultaneously.]

“That can’t be. Then… is Neil Blanc really just an ordinary human?”

[Well, I wouldn’t say *that*. Like Lamine said, I sense dragon magic from that human. But the problem is, the magic I feel from that dragon also seems real.]

Aln said calmly.

“Right.”

Caryl slowly nodded.

“It’s amazing to see in person…”

In his past life, without magic, he hadn’t known. But seeing the Platinum Dragon before him, Caryl felt overwhelmed by a magical power on a completely different level from the three dragons he’d seen so far.

[Indeed. I’m feeling the greatness of an ancient dragon anew. How on earth did Kaie Essir capture Lyseria? He must have been quite a being himself.]

“There are suspicious aspects to his death. In my memory, their fight was fierce, but now that I think about it, the Flame Dragon seems to have died on purpose.”

[Hmm…]

Aln had a new suspicion, but dealing with the dragon in front of him was more urgent than the dragon who died centuries ago.

[The reason you were so sure that guy was a dragon was because you knew what he’d look like in the future, right?]

‘Right.’

Caryl replied silently.

[But now the Platinum Dragon and Neil Blanc exist at the same time?]

Caryl watched the dragon land slowly.

[There are several possibilities, but the most likely one is this. Because I know the face of the Platinum Dragon that *you* know. Don’t you think so too?]

Caryl was initially confused by their simultaneous appearance, but seeing Neil Blanc bow and step back from the Platinum Dragon, he clearly understood their relationship.

Dragons are tremendous beings, of course, but Neil Blanc’s demeanor was so respectful it bordered on a master-servant dynamic.

‘Right. He’s capable of that.’

[Then we need to confirm which of the two is the real one. You know the method better than anyone else.]

As soon as Aln finished, Caryl gripped Lakna and Agnel in both hands.

[Be careful. That human is by no means ordinary. His magic is so dense it’s confusing.]

“I know.”

Caryl said, looking at Neil Blanc.

“My father too, and now this… Was dragon magic this common? I feel cheated.”

Whoosh—!!!

“Some people spend eons to obtain that power.”

As if teleporting, Caryl closed the distance instantly, leaving no trace, and brought his sword down on Neil Blanc’s head.

Fajik…! Fajijeojijeojik…!!

The blade of Agnel was dyed purple, and the Arcane Blade, containing arcane power, fell.

Neil Blanc seemed unable to react to his speed, just as he had in the Imperial Capital, wearing the same bewildered expression.

“What on earth are you plotting behind the scenes?”

Swaaa…!!

But just before Caryl’s Arcane Blade struck, the Platinum Dragon’s silver wings enveloped him.

With a sharp roar, the dragon’s hard wings shook from the impact.

[Aln Zabiuss. Is that you? It’s a subtle state to say you’re alive.]

The Platinum Dragon said to the black presence behind him, looking at the arcane power Caryl had unleashed.

[Long time no see.]

Despite the fiercely burning attack, he murmured as if savoring memories, as if looking at a candle.

[You were the only disciple among the Seven Elders who could follow my teachings. It’s a pity our reunion is in such a place.]

[Disciple? What bullshit are you spouting?]

Aln waved a staff made of black smoke, and sharp gray thorns containing the power of Duat [the Egyptian underworld] poured toward Nardie Mauge.

Kwaang!! Kwagagagagang!!!!

At the same time, hot heat surged from Caryl’s Lakna.

With the power of the Flame King, the blade was heated red-hot as if it contained lava, and hot steam rose each time it cut the Platinum Dragon’s wings.

[So it really is Lyseria’s power. Alteman said he would never be able to undo that seal in Einherjar [Valhalla in Norse mythology]… So the Flame Dragon’s lair was also released because of that. He handled things carelessly for someone like him.]

Despite being cut dozens of times, not even a single scale fell from the Platinum Dragon’s wings.

“What he said wasn’t wrong. The guy who sealed it, Kaie Essir, was such a unique human. It was just luck.”

[Hmm…]

The Platinum Dragon scanned Caryl as if examining him.

[Luck, you say. If there’s a gap where luck can play a role in breaking a seal, then that’s truly inadequate.]

“I’m just that good. Luck is also a skill. That’s why you and I are meeting like this.”

[Keuk keuk…]

The Platinum Dragon laughed, amused.

[You’re someone who wasn’t in my plans. But you’re interesting. Not only my human disciple, but you’ve also contracted with a Spirit King and have the fifteenth power.]

[Who’s your disciple? You son of a bitch.]

Aln Zabiuss shouted, angered by Nardie Mauge’s words.

[Long time no see, Mael.]

But the Platinum Dragon ignored him and looked at Caryl. Or rather, at the blue pattern engraved on his arm.

Sssseueuk…!!!

[Yes. Long time no see. Traitor.]

At his words, a blue snake slowly climbed up Caryl’s shoulder and answered. A tense atmosphere filled the air.

[Guardian Dragon? The one who abandoned humans without hesitation is now protecting someone and has such a prestigious title. It’s utterly ridiculous.]

[You’re not the one to say that.]

[I’m different from you. I said it from the beginning: never trust me when it comes to using my power. This guy is probably the same. We’re just sharing power out of necessity.]

[You haven’t changed since the Age of Myth.]

[Of course. I’ve been waiting and waiting for the chance to bite your neck.]

Mael’s power felt more intense than ever. Even when Caryl released his power, he was always aiming for his body.

But this time it was different.

[The power you have is not enough. Use my power. I’ll lend you my full strength just this once.]

“Shut up.”

[…What?]

“Don’t order me around. Don’t forget how you were able to get here, you and that guy. You should know you’re not in a position to talk to me like that, right?”

[Wh-what did you say?]

Mael seemed flustered.

“It’s not that you’re lending it to me, but that I’m using you. If you want to get revenge on that guy, cooperate without complaining.”

[Keu, keuhahahahaha!!]

Nardie Mauge laughed.

[You’re a really interesting human. Has there ever been anyone in history who handled the Primal Master Key like this? None of the Bladers did this.]

“Enough with the unnecessary words. Just attack me. I don’t care if it’s a facade or acting. If you want to stay in the Empire as a Guardian Dragon, then do so. I’ll chew up your heart as a dragon hunter.”

[…]

The Platinum Dragon’s expression hardened.

[Your courage is commendable, but you can’t beat me. The fact that a human can use the dragon’s heart to this extent is a new interest, but… that’s it. Even if a human has dragon magic, they can’t become a dragon.]

“Interest? Why? Do you want to dissect humans again and use them as materials for experiments?”

[…You’re asking for death.]

The Platinum Dragon said sharply, understanding his sarcasm.

“Believe it or not, I’ve lived enough. You’re the one who doesn’t know about death.”

Caryl replied with a sneer.

[What will you do? I don’t want to admit it, but as he said, it’s not enough right now. Even if Nine Darhon, who went to the Ivory Tower, comes, it would be better to aim for that time.]

‘Aln, do you still not know why I’m stuck in 7th class?’

He replied in his mind, so Nardie Mauge couldn’t hear.

[…What?]

‘Among the things you always say, you said the 7th class of the Magic Age is close to the current 8th class. But that’s just the difference in the intensity of magic. The constructed magic system is up to 7th class, then and now.’

[That’s right. But why is that?]

‘The repository of knowledge you gave me. The magic system I can learn, which contains all the magic systems you remember, is also up to 7th class.’

[Of course. The realm of the 8th class goes beyond the existing magic system and creates its own magic independently. My arcane power is like that, and the reason why a guy named Bertch Blano of the Dawn Society is said to have entered the ranks of the 8th class isn’t simply because of the amount of magic, but because he has his own unique magic called Brainscale.]

Caryl nodded.

‘Right. I have dragon magic. If you compare the amount of magic, I’ll surpass Bertch Blano. But the reason I haven’t reached the 8th class is because I lack magical abilities like you and him.’

Aln replied, dumbfounded.

[You don’t have talent? Come on. What are you talking about? You use magic so casually…]

‘Utilization and creativity are different. I’ve seen more magic than anyone else, and I know when and how archmages have used that magic in battle. But they’re all up to 7th class. I’ve never seen them use magic above the 8th class.’

[So what you’re saying is you couldn’t surpass the realm because you didn’t have a known system? That’s just an excuse.]

Aln scoffed. But Caryl smiled faintly.

“That’s right.”

Caryl looked ahead.

“But now the best textbook is right in front of me.”

[No way…]

Aln asked, dumbfounded.

[You crazy bastard… The reason you were looking for the Platinum Dragon so much wasn’t just to fight him?]

He burst out laughing.

“Fight and take it. It’s a simple but sure method.”

[Keul keul keul… Will there be another human in history besides you who dares to steal the Platinum Dragon’s magic?]

Caryl swung his sword without hesitation.

‘Nardie Mauge, I don’t care what your purpose was. Just as you used me, I will use you too. Use magic. Transcendental magic that humans can’t use. I will get it from the fight with you.’

His eyes shone coldly.

‘Be my guide. I will step into the realm of the dragon through you.’

9th class.

To a realm that no one has ever reached.