~ Chapter 31: The impossible promise ~

[Alkelios’ point of view]

 We returned to the surface without any trouble. Both Iolaus and Kleo were safe, although, I found out that the big Paladin ended up fainting somewhere along the way. My guess was that he probably saw a spider, screamed like a little girl, then slammed into a wall and it was lights out for him!

While I traveled through those dark and damp corridors, the monsters here allowed us to pass through and none of the traps activated even when we accidentally triggered them. The dungeon was apparently keeping its word, but once we were out of this place, I was 100% sure we would return to being enemies. Dungeons in this world weren’t living beings, they were magic constructs designed to help adventurers grow in power or simply crush them without mercy. As such, they held only basic cognitive functions if any at all.

What worried me wasn’t the dungeon, but the human who was able to teleport into this place. Whatever happened to him turned him into a monster even by my standards. The unreasonable hate towards the dragon kind was probably explained if he landed in a battlefield somewhere, but it didn’t explain why he was here, on the Dragon Continent. If he wanted to fight against dragons, then it would have been better for him to join other human crusaders and storm their fortresses and castles, taking their land piece by piece.

The way he was doing things was akin to a child who wanted to annoy people. Unfortunately, he was a very powerful child with the ability to teleport instantly whenever and wherever he wished. As far as I could tell, he had no limits, or rather none I could identify as of yet.

“This is going to be troublesome...” I groaned as I stepped out of the dungeon.

Outside, the sky was really cloudy, foretelling a storm. As for what time it was, I had no idea, maybe morning? Inside the dungeon, I lost track of how many hours I spent lurking through those dark damp corridors.

Alas, it was time for us to return to our friends and bring home the good news.

“We’re finally out... I thought I was going to die in there!” Kleo was relieved to see the vast open sky above our heads.

“If you did, your sister would have made me dug you out of there with a pickaxe. Considering the chances, I would have found you... eventually.” I showed her a wry smile, and she laughed.

“Yes, that would be quite true! Hahaha!”

“Well, let’s go back to them... After such a long battle, they must be resting.” I smiled.

Carrying the unconscious Paladin on his shield, we made our way back to the village. The signs of a great battle were everywhere. The ground was charred, scarred, and turned over. It was like a rampaging monster was set loose here, or two very powerful dragonesses for that matter.

We didn’t see any undead on our way to the village. With the black-hooded fellow gone, the dungeon probably resumed normal activities and called back all of its forces. We did pass by quite a number of them on our way out, but none of them attacked us.

Upon arriving at the village, we were greeted by a very worried redheaded dragoness. She rushed out the moment she spotted us.

“Alkelios! Kleo!” she called out.

“We’re back!” I replied waving my hand.

Stopping in front of us, Seryanna smiled and said “I’m glad to see both of you back in one piece. What happened to all of you?” she looked behind us at the knocked-out Paladin and then back at me “Is he alright?”

“Erm, a lot... As for this fellow, well... I don’t know.” I shrugged and looked back at Kleo “Apparently he saved her...” I added, and the dragoness confirmed with a small nod.

“This guy?” Seryanna didn’t believe it.

“Well, it’s fine for now. Let’s get back to the village and grab something to eat... I’m starving!” I said placing a hand over my stomach to stop it from growling.

“We are a bit hungry and tired...” Kleo showed her a weakly smile.

“I understand.” Seryanna nodded and then embraced me. “I’m glad you are alright, both of you.” she said.

After we dropped off the ‘extra luggage’ with the nearest Paladin squad, we were guided to one of the homes provided to us as a temporary shelter. Apparently, the locals were very happy by the fact that we saved their scaly behinds from the threat of an undead invasion.

Once we ate a healthy meal, both me and Kleo told our individual parts of the story. I spared no details when I told them what I came to find out about the black-hooded fellow, including that he was human from my original world.

“If all humans that came from there are just as powerful, then... we might be faced with a crisis.” Kataryna said as she was rubbing her chin.

Both her and Seryanna had been listening with a serious expression on their face, but this was the first time either of them said anything.

“We don’t know for certain. I, for one, know I had an unusual growth both due to my extreme Luck and the [Dragon Tamer] skill.” I nodded.

“Why do you think so?” Seryanna furrowed her brow as she looked at me.

“These skills were said to be rather unique. Given how ridiculous their names are most of the times, someone with a cool and rational head on their shoulders would try to find a pattern or something in order to get the best skills possible. To be honest, most of my skills were attained only and only thanks to Luck!” I let out a long sigh as I remembered how confusing the first time was for me.

“Why do you think so?” Kataryna asked.

“I have a skill called [Lightning Chicken!] which allows me to summon a Phoenix of level 999 or higher.” I replied while narrowing my eyes at her.

“Point taken... I would have thought you could summon a delicacy or prank pet with it...” said Kataryna.

“Ah! Speaking of pets, I wonder what happened to your squirrel? I never got the chance to see it.” I accidentally changed the subject.

“It dropped by when you were experimenting in your laboratory. It stayed at the mansion a few days. Grandfather is taking care of it, but considering the season, it’s probably out there looking for a mate.” she shrugged.

“I see... too bad. I was curious to see how it looked like.” I said.

“When we get to the capital, we can drop by a pet shop, and I’ll show you one.” she smiled.

“Haaa... I never had a pet.” Kataryna shook her head.

“Not enough time to care for one?” I asked her.

“No... Never found one that I liked. I don’t want to get a pet that’s... well... doesn’t feel right for me.” she shrugged since she had a hard time explaining the reason.

“I see. What about Kleo?” I looked over at her.

“I made a contract with a denizen of the Underworld. Cute fellow, long scythes, lurks in the shadows, listens to my orders as long as I supply him with Magic Energy.” she described something very terrifying.

“That’s a minion not a pet.” I rebuked narrowing my eyes at her.

“Well, if you are wondering if I have something ALIVE and of THIS world, then the answer is no... I don’t. Like Kataryna, I never found a... suitable one.” she showed me a wry smile.

“Did you want a pet?” asked Kataryna.

“Yeah...” I shrugged.

“Well, if you can find a monster hatchling or egg, you could try to tame one as a pet. If it’s a combat pet, even better.” Seryanna nodded.

“Is your squirrel a combat pet?” I asked raising an eyebrow.

“No. It’s a wild pet.” she shook her head.

“Huh?” I furrowed my brow in confusion.

“There are fluffy pets you keep for petting. They tend to spend a lot of time around you, enjoying cuddles and being cute. There are travel pets you can ride like a Khosinni. There are wild or adventurous pets, which you keep for a few weeks, then you release them in the wild. They drop by periodically to check up on you because they see you as part of their family or pack. Then there are the combat pets, which follow you everywhere and instead of petting, they are more used to fighting by your side.” Kleo explained.

“Oh, and the wild pets can also be used to establish hunting grounds to keep off poachers. As part of his family or pack, you are allowed to hunt in his territory, but he will attack or come and warn you the moment he sees a poacher or dangerous predator lurking around.” Seryanna added her bit to the explanation.

“I see... And here I thought ALL of them were just for hugs and cuddles.” I scratched the back of my head.

“No, those are only the fluffy ones. Innocent fellows and very tasty as emergency food!” pointed out Kataryna.

“Erm...” I squinted my eyes at her and drew my head back.

“What?” she blinked surprised.

“Nothing.” I shook my head.

A moment of silence fell upon us, then both me and Kleo let out a pair of big yawns. Looking at each other, we began to laugh.

“We should head off to bed.” Seryanna suggested

“Indeed. The past few days had been... tiring.” Kataryna sighed.

With everyone agreeing, we took a quick bath. The dragonesses were first, then I was the last one. To be honest, I did try to peek, but I ended up stopping when I heard the following threat:

“I don’t mind if you peek at me, Alkelios, but if you peek at Kataryna or Kleo, you’re sleeping in the dungeon.”

And before I got the chance to do so, I pulled back and tip-toed away.

That night, Kleo and Kataryna slept in one room, while Seryanna and I in the other. Although we kissed and hugged as lovers would, we didn’t proceed to the next step. I was too tired, and I felt like it was too soon. My teenage instincts were still screaming at me to not be such an idiot, but there was time... It wasn’t like Seryanna was going anywhere.

The following morning, I woke up around noon. I was the only one in bed.

With barely opened eyes, I stretched my muscles a bit and then walked out of the room. I was greeted by Kataryna.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” she said with a smirk.

“Huh? Morning... What time is it?” I asked.

“One hour past noon. You slept for almost 48 hours.” she giggled.

“Huh? That much?! I didn’t feel a thing...” I blinked surprised.

“Neither did Kleo. Fufufu!” she giggled again.

“Huh?” I blinked surprised.

“The two of you were far more tired than you let on to be. Honestly, we were starting to get worried, until Kleo started snoring, and you mumbled something about Seryanna’s breasts in your sleep.” she laughed.

“What? I did what?” I blinked surprised.

“You said they were so bouncy and good to grope... and that you wouldn’t mind having her as your woman for the rest of your life, to spoil, love, caress, and do all sort of things together with her.” she smirked.

“Huh?” I was getting confused and a bit scared at the same time.

What sort of things did I say while I was asleep? I wondered.

“You should have seen her blushing! She even slapped you to wake up, but no reaction.” Kataryna laughed.

“Urk...” I was getting embarrassed myself.

“Well, anyway, get changed and meet us in the kitchen. We’re going to have a light breakfast and then leave this village.” she told me.

“Is this place safe again?” I asked.

She nodded and then replied “Yes. After you returned, no more undead came out, and the dungeon returned to normal. The sky also cleared up, so we can travel at ease.”

“I see... Well, I’ll be right there.” I said and returned to my room.

Did I really say all of those things in my sleep? Or is she pulling my leg? I wondered as I got changed.

Once I entered the kitchen, Seryanna blushed like an innocent lady and looked away.

“G-Good morning, Alkelios.” she said.

Oh boy... I thought as her overly honest reaction revealed the truth about this matter.

Kleo was enjoying her steak. I ate in silence. Not even a single word was spoken, but Kataryna was trying hard not to laugh at us.

When it was over, Seryanna approached me. While the other two left the room, she gently pulled the sleeve of my shirt and looked down, blushing cutely.

“Y-You... d-do you really love my chest that m-much?” she asked.

“Erm... I love all of you... chest included...” I smiled.

Except for the fact that she’s a dragon. a wild thought appeared.

Ignore was used. Ignore was super effective. Wild thought vanished.

“I love you, Seryanna.” I said, and my arms were wrapped around her, embracing her with all the love I could muster.

Our lips touched, and I offered her a soft kiss. She replied with a cute moan and moved closer to me.

“There you go, five silvers.” said Kataryna from the window.

“Ugh... Here. I was so sure she would keep quiet about it. Guess my sister is bolder than I thought.” Kleo said as she passed the coins over.

Looking over, we saw the two very curious dragonesses grinning their tails off.

“You two...” I muttered.

Meanwhile, Seryanna was trying hard to hide her embarrassed expression.

Cute... I thought.

“W-we should go now...” I said with a forced smile while being very embarrassed about this myself.

“Mhm...” Seryanna nodded in approval.

After that strange moment, we packed our things and made our way over to where we ‘parked’ our Khosinni.

My suggestion about using [Speedy Rooster] was once again met with a heavy opposition from the dragonesses.

On our way there, the villagers thanked us and even some of the Paladins greeted us. Now, they were either neutral towards us or admiring us. It was a rather strange turn of events, but what I didn’t know was that throughout most of the battle, Seryanna and Kataryna acted as the main battle force, keeping the undead at bay. They even helped the Paladins take a moment of rest when they exhausted their energy.

In other words, we were the local heroes, even Kleo had her tiny bit of fame. Either way, with the village secured, we had no reason to stay here, but just when we were about to get to our Khosinni, Iolaus stepped in front of us.

“I guess old grudges can’t be healed that easily...” said Kataryna.

The nearby Paladins all watched him, while Seryanna threw a gaze at Great Paladin Baltros. The dragon shrugged, not even he knew what this was all about.

“What do you want, Iolaus?” asked Kleo in a harsh tone as she stepped forward and glared at him.

This time, she didn’t wish to hide.

The dragon looked down and clenched his fists for a moment. It was clear he was going to make a very difficult choice.

Taking a few steps forward, he placed his hand on his sword and unsheathed it. Seryanna took a step forward and placed her hand on her hilt. Even the Paladins started to murmur among themselves.

“Oi! Oi! Is he serious?” one of them said.

“Just let it go, Iolaus...” another urged him, but the gaze in the man’s eyes was a firm one.

Then, he dropped the sword on the ground. He dropped his shield as well. Those represented both his pride and strength, yet he cast them away like they were nothing.

“W-What are you doing? W-What do you want from me? Haven’t you done enough already?!” Kleo shouted.

This time, she was the one on the edge.

“Fufu! This is fun!” Kataryna was overjoyed for some reason.

Then, in front of everyone, Iolaus dropped on his knees and bowed in front of her.

“PLEASE FORGIVE ME, THRAHERKLEYOSEYA DRAKETERUS!” he shouted as loud as he could.

“W-What?” she said surprised.

“Iolaus! No matter what, bowing down before a necromancer is unacceptable of a Paladin!” Great Paladin Baltros shouted.

“I don’t care! I’m here neither as a Paladin nor as a disciple of the Temple of Light! I’m here as Iolaus von Striggnyark! A dragon fool who fell in love with the charming dragoness Thraherkleyoseya Draketerus!” he shouted.

“Y-You... What are you saying?” Kleo asked as her cheeks turned pink.

“Your friend, Alkelios told me that to love means to accept one another entirely! That if I truly love you, I shouldn’t care what your element is even if it is the complete opposite of mine! That if I love you, I should accept you entirely without exception!” he shouted the words I said to him.

It appeared as though, they had a bit of an impact on him, more so than I initially believed they would.

“You’re saying that you still love me... even though I’m... even though I’m a necromancer?” Kleo asked as a few tears ran down her cheeks.

“Yes!”

“Even if we are the complete opposite elements to each other?” she asked.

“Yes!”

“Even if we worship different gods?” she asked.

“Yes! Neither our gods nor our elements nor even our social statuses can have a saying in true love! I am a follower of the Light, of the gods Lumenya and Lumenos, and that in itself gives me the right to love you more than ever!” he declared with an unwavering voice.

“What are you saying, you fool! The temple of Light forbids such a thing!” shouted the bucket head Baltros.

“Tch, annoying bastard.” I grumbled.

“Yes! The temple! The priest! But not the gods themselves! In all the legends, in all the stories, we learn that Lumenos is not only Lumenya’s husband, but also Nocturnia’s! My god can love both Light and Darkness, therefore, so can I, his follower! That’s why I pledge here that I truly love Thraherkleyoseya Draketerus!” he declared at the top of his lungs.

“WOW!” I said surprised.

“I will not permit it! You will lose both your rank and status, Iolaus!” shouted Baltros.

“I don’t care! It’s not the temple who dictates my fate, it’s my god!” he declared, and it was clear that he was struggling terribly with his decision.

To put it simply, he was stepping on absolutely everything he had worked on until then just to be with Kleo. He could literally even lose his life if that was so.

“You fool... why? After so many years... why?” Kleo asked crying.

“Because I love you, my sweet Kleo... And I was a fool to believe that something like Elements could stand in our way.” he told her with a soft smile and tears in his eyes.

Up until then, he held his head bowed, but now, we could all see that this proud draconian was crying.

“I never stopped loving you... you idiot.” Kleo replied, and taking advantage of the moment, I gave her a light push on the back.

Iolaus caught her in his arms, and the two shared their first kiss for the first time since they split up.

“This traitor!” shouted the bucket head outraged.

“Oh, shut it!”

The one to scorn him was Kataryna. She shot a blast of cold ice and froze the dragon instantly.

“He’s still alive, but if anyone wants the same treatment, I have enough Magic Energy for all of you fools!” she warned them.

The Paladins all shook their heads vigorously and took a small step back. After the battle, they were all well too aware of her combat prowess. Above all, they were even confronting Seryanna and me. They had no chance of winning.

“Still, I cannot allow this.” said Seryanna as she stepped forward.

“What?” I said surprised and looked at her.

“Keep quiet for a moment, Alkelios.” she shot me a glare.

I gulped.

“Sister, what are you talking about, isn’t it over?” Kleo asked surprised.

“No.” Seryanna shook her head. “He hurt you. He caused you to be hunted down. He denied your right to be happy. I don’t have a problem with him apologizing, but I have one question. Do you think you are strong enough to protect her and yourself?” she pointed her sword at him.

Iolaus had a complicated expression on his face, but with one gaze at me, he replied “No.”

“I thought so...” Seryanna sheathed her sword and let out a sigh.

“Even so! I will protect him!” declared Kleo.

“It’s not about that.” she then looked into Iolaus’ eyes.

“Well, if that’s the case, let me have a few words with him.” I suggested.

Seryanna looked back at me and then at Iolaus.

“Very well...” she said.

“I don’t understand.” Kleo said confused.

I smiled and walked over to him.

“Come on.” I offered him my hand.

“I will be right back, my love...” Iolaus told Kleo and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

Now, grabbing his hand, I made a powerful leap in the air, which sent us flying to the edge of the village.

“Ah! Crud! I forgot about the LAAANDING!”

I slipped, stumbled, and crashed like a suicidal lemming. Having a dragon in full-plate armor crash on top of me wasn’t fun either.

“Ugh... are you alright?” I asked him.

“Yes... What was that?” he asked rubbing his shoulders.

“A silly mistake... Anyway, do you understand what Seryanna was talking about?” I asked him.

“Yes... I’m not strong enough even to protect myself, but now, I have to protect her as well.” he clenched his fist.

“Good!” I smiled.

“Even so, it’s not the end.” I patted his shoulder.

“But, what can I do?” he asked me.

“I know! How about you go to Tomeron and ask Brekkar to be your master? I’m sure the old general will be more than thrilled to have someone to beat around!” I told him with a nod.

I could sense fear in Iolaus’ eyes.

“After what you said there, I doubt the Paladins will let you off easily. Well, by the time they manage to get the idiot out of Kataryna’s ice prison, we’ll be long gone. During that time, you will head off to Tomeron.” I nodded.

Iolaus narrowed his eyes at me, taking a moment to think about it.

“That might work, but how strong should I become?” he asked.

“Hm...” I rubbed my chin. “How about until you have a Breakthrough?”

“WHAT?!” he shouted.

“Relax! With Brekkar there and my help, it will be easy. Then, you will be able to protect Kleo from anything!” I nodded, satisfied with myself.

“True, but... Not even in a lifetime will I be able to reach such an astounding Power Number.” he said a bit depressed.

“Well, this is what it means to fight against all odds. How much do you love Kleo?” I asked him.

“I practically gave up my entire future for her back there... I have nothing left... Is there anything else I can give?” he told me with a wry smile.

“Your life...” I replied.

“Y-You want me to die?” he asked surprised.

“No!” I gave him a chop on the head.

“OW!” he groaned.

“Give your life to her... and maybe she will give hers to you.” I winked at him.

“Huh?!” he blinked confused.

“Are you serious? Think again about what I just said.” I told him narrowing my eyes at him.

He can’t be that dense, can he? I wondered.

Five minutes later.

“Erm... You want me to make a master-slave contract?”

I gave up.

“No, you blundering idiot! MARRY HER!” I gave him another chop on the head.

“OW!” he groaned.

Letting out a sigh, I couldn’t believe how dense he was about this... Then again, it was the shard laughing at the broken pot here.

“Just go out and declare this in front of them. Those idiotic Paladins will think you are nuts, won’t succeed in a billion years and leave you alone. Once things settle down, and you had your Breakthrough, you can rekindle your feelings for Kleo. This is probably the only way you can SAFELY be with Kleo! Problem solved, right?” I said with a smirk.

“True... that might work...” he nodded.

“You’ll still need to ask Brekkar for help though.” I told him.

“I understand.” he nodded.

“Well, let’s get back then... But we’ll walk this time. I don’t want to jump and accidentally land in a manure pile!” I shuddered at the mere thought of it.

Needless to say, I could have just wished for it not to happen, but it sort of slipped my mind.

“Thank you, Alkelios.” he told me.

“Anytime!” I laughed.

We both returned to the site, where Kataryna took a new sitting position on top of the ice sculpture’s head.

There, once again, Kleo stood in front of Iolaus, but this time, we had more spectators.

“Did the crowd grow bigger?” I asked Seryanna.

“Yes.” she replied then asked me “What did you tell him?”

“Oh, you’ll see!” I smirked.

“Thraherkleyoseya Draketerus...” he began.

“Y-Yes.” she blinked surprised.

The dragon then dropped on one knee.

“What is that fool doing?” a Paladin asked, but Kataryna’s glare stopped him from commenting any further.

“Thraherkleyoseya Draketerus, I plan on reaching a Breakthrough. When I do, I will return to you and then... I want you to become my wife.” he declared.

“Oh, my!” Kataryna was giggling.

“He didn’t, did he?” the Paladins started to murmur among them.

“So young... to say he wishes to marry at such a young age. What a fool.” one of them commented, but I couldn’t find the fellow.

“I’ll pray for his soul.”

“There go our drinking nights!”

“Damn, I missed my shot!”

What was with that last one? I wanted to cry out.

“Yes... I’ll wait for you, but if I reach it first, I’m going to be the one to make you my husband!” she declared with a smile.

“Then it’s a race!” declared Iolaus.

A what now? I thought.

“Yes...” she giggled.

The two of them shared a tender moment, while the rest of us felt like we witnessed something really special. As for the silver-scaled dragoness, she was all giddy about it.

I was wondering what went on through her head? Maybe she just liked moments like this one?

Either way, with this, the matter was settled. Kleo and Iolaus became once more a couple.

“I hope he won’t betray her again.” whispered Seryanna.

“If he does, I’m sure Kataryna will have a say in the matter, and so will we too.” I kissed her cheek and held her hand.

With this case brought to a close, we prepared our Khosinni and decided to part ways. Iolaus was going to head off to Tomeron, while the four of us would continue our journey towards Drakaria, the capital of Albeyater Kingdom.

Before we parted ways, I shook Iolaus’ hand and asked him: “Will you be my friend?”

“Huh? What a strange thing to ask... what’s this?” he was surprised by the sudden pop-up.

“Your choice.” I told him.

“Yes.” he nodded.

“With this, you should have an increased speed with your level up. Give my regards to old man Brekkar!” I told him.

“Will do, my friend! And please, keep Kleo safe for me.” he smiled.

“I will... the problem will be who will keep us safe from her pranks?” I sighed.

“Hahaha!” he left while laughing.

“Weird fellow...” I muttered as I returned to the group.

“You know, you could have stayed with him.” Seryanna told Kleo.

“No...” she shook her head “I would have been more of a distraction to him than a help.” she said.

“Indeed.” all of us agreed with her at the same time.

“Hey! That was mean!” the black-scaled dragoness pouted.