If one day you were granted a strange wish—
A wish that forced you to fulfill it…
And even though you failed, time would always loop back, returning you to the perfect moment to try again.
You'd lose your mind… only to somehow regain it.
With no escape except to struggle for that wish…
Would you see yourself as special? Chosen, perhaps? The one favored among all others to live such an exciting life?
To me, it was disgusting and cruel.
Just the idea of tasting death—and knowing with certainty that you'd die again—
Brought me unbearable despair…
And just when I thought I'd finally be freed from this life of slavery…
I was forced to live another life.
Or rather… granted another wish.
Fortunately, this one was supposed to be the last…
At least, that's what I thought.
But the strangeness, the pain, the despair I've endured in this world surpass everything I'd faced before.
I may sound like a fool, claiming this life is harsher than those I lived previously…
But it's the truth.
The pain of losing someone I loved—not once, but twice.
The agony I endured, which no one else could possibly bear…
And finally, the heart- and soul-crushing despair I tasted.
And somehow…
Here I am, on a path that leads to one of the mightiest fates ever known:
The path to becoming the Virtue of Despair.
Even now, despite all I've become, I am still afraid…
Afraid of the mystery that swirls around me, unanswered.
...…
The Dragon King—
The sole sovereign of all dragons,
The supreme ruler of the mighty Dragon Tribe.
I once wondered: Why has the Dragon King never had an heir, despite his long life?
While the other high races have hundreds of successors.
Now, I've received my answer.
"It is such a pleasure to meet the disciple of the great Dragon King.
Allow me to humbly introduce myself, young master—
My name is Junia Al-Dragon."
"Let me introduce her properly. Junia—my beloved daughter!"
At last…
This old man has an heir!
While both my mother and the Dryad elder were stunned by this sudden revelation…
I was silently holding back my laughter.
"You brat… are you smiling right now?"
Caught red-handed.
"No, I was just wondering… who's the lucky woman that became your wife and gave birth to the heir of the Dragon Tribe~"
"Mind your own business, you rascal!"
"In any case, it's an honor to meet the young heiress of the Dragon Tribe."
But… what brought her here now?
"I want you to take my daughter with you beyond the tribe.
She's not even twenty yet, but she's extremely talented and needs real-world experience to grow further."
…Are you kidding me?
"Do I look like I'm going on a vacation?"
My teacher then stood, walked to Junia, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I have a rough idea of what you're planning to do.
Just have her care for the girls while you're away.
Since all three—my daughter and those two girls—are pure talents (though my daughter is more talented), they'll learn from each other either way."
Sigh…
Not a bad suggestion.
And I could consider this a repayment for the favor I owe the Dragon Nest…
But the real problem is her strength.
I don't need extra baggage right now.
"I know what you're thinking."
…Can he read my mind?
"I can guarantee she's stronger than your cute little girls.
And if you doubt that, test her yourself."
"Are you sure about that?"
My teacher stared at me, fell into silent thought…
And then realized what a terrible idea that would be.
"Forget it. I don't want my precious palace destroyed because of you two.
But… what if she inherited my Dragon Eye?"
In that case, there's no debate.
Bringing her with me would eliminate the need to return here for health checks, and she'd greatly help in the search for Lady Anya.
"Very well. I look forward to traveling with you, Junia. Is it alright if I address you like this?"
"Yes, young master. I'm excited to explore the world with you too!"
"Just call me Telodeos.
Even if I'm your senior in experience, you're still the heiress of this tribe."
Now that I think of it, my mother hadn't said a word since we entered the hall…
"Mother…"
She looked at me with gentle eyes—those strange expressions completely gone this time—and approached me.
"Are you really going to look for Anya?"
"Yes.
But before that, I have something I've delayed for far too long."
"Though I don't know when this mother will meet her son again…
I will miss you dearly.
Too bad I don't have another ancient sword to give you this time."
Speaking of which…
The sword she gave me was nearing its limit.
"It's just an ancient sword, right?
You can choose one from the secret vault."
My teacher spoke up suddenly.
"Have you seen my sword's intent before?"
"If even an ancient sword can't withstand your Sword Intent,
then you'll need at least a Sacred Sword."
A Sacred Sword, huh…
I don't think I've ever wielded one before.
"Head to the Warrior Kingdom.
You'll need intel before doing anything reckless,
and I remember hearing rumors a long time ago when I was there."
A long time ago…
Wouldn't that be thousands of years past?
Still—rumors mean information...
I used a sound wave technique to relay a message to my teacher—
so only he could hear me in the hall.
And to my shock, his expression changed instantly…
He looked at me, then pointed…
North.
Or rather—far north.
So that's where you've been hiding…
O Lord of All Towers…
...…
A few hours later, we left the tribe.
I didn't want any dramatic goodbyes—especially from my mother—so we quickly set off, leaving the tribe's lands behind.
—Five hours later—
We finally exited the tribal territory,
and thanks to Junia, we didn't get lost in that massive maze again.
"So this is the outside world!"
Junia was absolutely thrilled as she watched the sunset over the wide plains.
"Is this your first time outside the tribe?"
"Yes! Yes! I'm so excited for the adventures we'll go on~"
That excitement…
It reminded me of myself long ago, when I first left my village in the first world.
Once we reached the plains, we slowed down and began setting up camp for the night…
The danger of the Dark Continent lies more in its nights than its days.
Maria and Kugssa quickly bonded with Junia—
perhaps because they're around the same age.
Which is great.
While we were preparing food,
I felt… a strange presence.
It had been following us ever since we left the Dragon Tribe…
But since I didn't sense hostility,
I let it go—for tonight.
...…
Morning came quickly.
The girls had spent the whole night chatting—I know they're excited, but all night?
We packed up our gear and continued the journey…
And just as I expected—
That presence was still following us.
Is it stupid or what?
Does it really think none of us noticed it lingering in place the entire night?
But if it is that dumb…
I got a fun idea.
I whispered to the girls quietly—
Then we scattered!
As I expected,
it was following me specifically.
Alright then…
Let's see who this disrespectful stalker is.
〔Blood Path – Thousand Roots of the Blood Tree〕
I activated a Blood Path technique meant to suppress enemies and drain their energy, binding them with no resistance—
But shockingly…
They cut through the technique with a strange sword art.
"What's your problem, huh?!
Is attacking people without warning your hobby or something?!"
…Who is this person?