I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. One 'sorry' for each chapter that didn't get uploaded. I don't know what happened. I had everything prepared for two weeks.
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Special POV – Red, the Dragon in the Castle
Truly, young master Harry is exceptional. He has decided to learn this sort of primitive and pathetically weak magic in order to pass himself off as one of these humans, all with the intention of destroying them from within. An astute plan. I must learn from him.
I have had to pretend to be a harmless little dragon hatchling. Hmph. They didn't even realize I could envelop them all in madness and devastation if I so desired. But I must follow the young master's example. Disguise, patience, conquest.
Now then… that giant who accompanies the master seems like an interesting candidate. He could make a fine future subordinate. Although perhaps he is too pacifistic… and reeks of all kinds of creatures. However, when the entire world falls under my young master's rule, I wouldn't mind appointing him as the personal guard of the throne room.
While the master attends what they call classes, perhaps I could take the opportunity to explore this castle and search for potential allies for the internal crusade.
…
Hmph. Foolish humans. They have no idea what awaits them. This living room, as they call it, could easily become the young master's private chambers. Therefore, it is my duty to inspect it with all my draconic authority, making sure there is nothing strange lurking nearby. I would lose my honor and my pride if some repulsive abomination—like that cursed killer fairy—managed to sneak in.
I walk slowly among the furniture, my eyes scrutinizing every corner. Although these books look ancient and dangerous, they do not concern me. The young master owns hundreds of tomes infinitely more lethal. I have no need to touch them. Besides, the loudmouthed girl with the lion's mane becomes unbearably shrill whenever I attempt to destroy them with my mighty teeth.
I pause for a moment and observe solemnly. I detect no other brats worthy of becoming subordinates. Perhaps I should venture into other areas. Although… the gateway blocking my path seems protected by powerful seals. Even for me, it would be complicated to pass through without reducing it to ashes.
Hmph. The young master shows interest in the words that enchanted statuette is constantly murmuring. I suppose I will have to wait for some little wizard to pass by and open the door.
"Hello, little dragon. Are you waiting for your owner?" asked a brat, approaching with a smile far too innocent. She is surely plotting something. But she will not be able to harm me. I have been trained by the young master's handmaidens for years. All manner of infernal torture.
Oh… the brat who shares a room with the young master and his blond servant has arrived. This is my moment. I advance with solemn steps, my tail swaying with authority, while my decorative wings spread just a little. I must hurry. This place is enormous.
"Hey, wait! Don't go! Come here!" the brat shouted.
I ignore him with all the disdain I can muster. I am busy now. I have a sacred mission: to find powerful subordinates in this castle or, at the very least, to collect cursed artifacts my master can use to plunge this world into chaos. After all, he created a destructive bomb with the intention of annihilating them all, but the Scarlet Witch prevented it. Perhaps she is training him not to rely on objects, but to unleash his own power. As expected of the Witch of Chaos.
…
Mmm… is that an ancient knight? I approach with curiosity, my claws scraping across the floor as I study him. I wonder if he is worthy of serving the young master. His armor looks special and emanates a faint trace of magic. Perhaps it is forged from some powerful metal.
I tilt my head slightly, evaluating him. There is only one way to know if he is resilient.
I open my jaws and bite him with fangs imbued with supremacy.
Tsk. Pure façade. My teeth pierced his armor as if it were warm butter. Though I must commend him—he did not utter a single scream. Perhaps he endured the pain with dignity. But if you are not strong, you are unfit for the crusade. I will ignore him and keep searching.
I walk through the corridors with my majestic bearing, my tail swaying from side to side with solemn grace. My eyes analyze every stone, every painting, every magical whisper.
Well… I thought this castle only served to indoctrinate squealing brats, but it turns out to be an admirably sinister place as well. Cursing your enemies and imprisoning them in perpetual portraits to watch the parade of shrieking children… Truly a creative form of torture. I respect that.
I stop before a portrait emanating an odd energy. The figure within rises with a warrior's demeanor.
"Halt there, fiery reptile of infernal scales! No one intrudes upon my domain unannounced! Are you some spawn of Evil, come to devour the innocent? Or have you come seeking honorable combat with Sir Cadogan, defender of these corridors?"
The knight lifts the visor of his helmet with theatrical flair.
"Confess your intentions, red beast! If your purpose is vile, I swear upon my honor I shall stand against you, even if you stretch a hundred feet long and breathe fire hot enough to melt these noble walls!"
I incline my head slowly. Hmmm… A knight trapped in a dimensional frame. He believes himself a warrior. Why does he shout at me? Does he not recognize my draconic authority? Perhaps… perhaps he thinks I am a common animal. What humiliation. But if I destroy him, surely the young master will be displeased. Better to stare at him with all my ancestral contempt until he understands his place in the hierarchy.
"That's the spirit! Brave and proud! You accept the challenge in silence! Prepare your searing breath, for I shall ready my sharp blade… CHARGE! …Ah, curse it, I forgot my sword. Wait right there, vile spawn, and face your death with dignity!"
The knight dashed off through the portraits while his voice faded into the distance.
Hmph. I knew it. No one can withstand my great aura of supremacy for long. Surely, just like the eloquent blond's house elf, he fled the instant he perceived me.
I press one of my claws into the edge of the portrait's frame, leaving my mark so he remembers who defeated him without needing to move a single muscle.
…
I walk with solemn bearing through yet another of these endless corridors. My draconic gaze lands on a piece of cloth hanging on the wall.
Hmph. Why would anyone hang such an ugly tablecloth on their walls? Perhaps it's a symbol of defeat, a war trophy… or simply atrocious taste.
I keep advancing, studying the portraits with care. Why are those painted beasts wearing garments that the young master's handmaidens used to torture me? Those robes that smell of mint soap and suffering. Does this castle dedicate itself to tormenting them without respite? What an admirably effective method of eternal punishment.
I stop before a painted scene depicting a human with an expression of sheer terror.
How fascinating. They represent the art of torture through decoration. If someone ever conquers this castle, they should preserve these portraits as a testament to psychological supremacy.
I tilt my head solemnly. I can feel a faint trace of magic seeping out from the canvas. Hmmm… I wonder if it hides a secret passage, some cursed incantation…
I lean in closer. Nom nom. My fangs tear through the fabric.
Tsk. It hides nothing… and tastes like rancid garbage. A complete waste of my time.
I snort with disdain and continue on my way, but then… snif snif.
That smell… It reeks of a powerful and wicked creature. Perhaps worthy of becoming an ally. Maybe it could even rival my magnificence. I must follow that trail.
…
My claws come to a halt before another sealed doorway. Mmm. Another barrier bristling with magical locks.
But since this door doesn't seem to guard anything that interests the young master, I suppose he won't mind if I destroy it completely.
I spread my decorative wings with a theatrical flourish.
A perfect gap for a dragon of my caliber. I lower my head, close my eyes for a moment, and when I open them… I fix my ancestral gaze upon the door.
With a snap of my jaws, I rip through it without mercy. Wood and enchantments yield before my supremacy.
Now let's see what lies beyond this threshold. What foul and powerful beast dwells here… and whether it might serve my glorious purpose.
…
Hmmm.
A massive dog stares at me with eyes devoid of compassion. Its breath smells of bones and damnation. Its fangs could tear any human apart in a single bite.
The hound of Hell itself.
Truly, this school impresses me more with every corridor. To keep the guardian beast of Tartarus locked in such a small, dark, poorly ventilated room… and even chained…
Hahahahaha! Truly magnificent. A feat of cunning worthy of a mad wizard.
I approach with supreme dignity, tilting my head slightly.
"Hey, you," I say with my piercing stare, the universal language of a superior dragon.
"Do you crave freedom? Why not follow me? Together, we shall pay tribute to the young master. He will be the one to destroy these pathetic wizards once and for all. And when that happens, your freedom will be assured… so you may bring Hell upon the earth."
I fix my gaze upon its three heads as I flick my tail with authority.
Yes. This alliance will be remembered as the beginning of the end.