Although he didn't need Akuta Hinako to accompany him, Aslan still felt the need to explain the situation to the fairy. Even though their relationship was now technically one of employment, he hoped to develop it further—at the very least, into a partnership. Respect had to be shown. Whether someone needed to go was one thing; whether he communicated it was another.
As the sun set and stars began to rise into the night sky, the stifling summer air gradually turned refreshing. Leaving the Clock Tower where he studied magic, Aslan made his way to the bar Akuta Hinako frequented most.
Perhaps it was the fact that all the patrons and staff wore masks. These various masks formed a natural camouflage, allowing everyone to shed their inhibitions and reveal their true selves within the bar. It also allowed Akuta Hinako to temporarily ignore the fact that everyone around her was human.
Hysterical music blared, colorful lights pulsed, and masked people danced with abandon. In this small bar, the alcohol and soul-questioning lyrics raised everyone's spirits even higher.
On the bar's modest stage, a petite figure dressed in bold, provocative clothing wore a feathered mask that obscured her entire face. It was hard to believe such hysterical passion, soul, and raw power could erupt from such a small body.
The occasional vulgar lyrics didn't feel out of place—in fact, they only served to amplify the crowd's wild energy.
It was a time when everyone could unleash their primal side. That was precisely why Akuta Hinako never looked down on the people here. After all, wasn't she doing the same? In moments like these, she had no right to disdain others.
And after a night of venting such pent-up emotions, she could head to a massage parlor, take a hot bath, get a massage, enjoy a good sleep—and the next day would feel lighter.
For now, this was the only method Akuta Hinako had found to manage her emotions. Whether new ways would come in the future remained to be seen.
When Aslan arrived, the music was reaching its climax. Akuta Hinako stood atop a speaker, producing a wall of sound. Her furious roar resembled a siren's wail or the crackling of a raging fire, igniting the crowd's emotions.
The deep bassline thundered on—and the bassist was none other than Akuta Hinako herself, singing behind the scenes. It was astonishing. In just two weeks, this classic beauty, who had never touched a modern instrument, had grown into a competent bassist. Lately, she even seemed interested in composing her own music.
Hearing the audience's enthusiastic cheers, Aslan couldn't help but marvel. Akuto Hinako had truly mastered heavy metal.
After he explained his upcoming mission, the fairy simply gave a small wave to show she understood. She took a sip of a strong northern liquor, and a pleasant smile crossed her face. The combination of powerful alcohol and raging music allowed her to finally feel a bit of ease after suppressing her emotions for so long.
"You go alone. I don't want to get involved in that kind of thing right now."
Aslan nodded. After picking up Melusine, he set off toward the island's north. Yes—once again, the target was in the northern region. According to reports, the area housed the ruins of an ancient city, and the sound of dragon roars was often heard there. Because the ruins were at least a thousand years old, members of the archaeology department had been called in.
The main objective: identify the source of the dragon roars. Finding a living dragon species in this age? Impossible. The magical energy of the current era wasn't sufficient to sustain a true dragon's existence—unless it was a highly unusual location, like the Eye of the East China Sea or a hidden realm in Tibet.
The only place in Great Britain where dragons might still appear was the tomb beneath the Clock Tower. Even there, the "dragons" were merely descendants of subspecies with a trace of draconic blood.
Most speculated that the current phenomenon was likely caused by some lingering magical artifact or remnant. If a magician had once recorded a dragon's sound or presence, it could be extremely valuable for the study of dragonkind.
In other words, the primary mission for Aslan and the archaeology students was to locate any props or artifacts that might produce such roars. Of course, the possibility that someone was secretly conducting experiments here couldn't be ruled out. If that were the case, Aslan and the others would be responsible for reporting it and requesting backup if needed.
There were no novices at the Clock Tower. Every student was an accomplished magician capable of independent action. Ordinary magi weren't even qualified to set foot inside. Even those admitted due to powerful family connections possessed their own considerable talents.
When Aslan arrived at the mission site, his expression shifted. A wave of nostalgia washed over him. The layout of the ruins, the architectural style—it was all too familiar. Though the environment had changed, he recognized it immediately.
After all, the murals, the sculptures, the reliefs scattered among the ruins—he had carved many of them with his own forging hammer. This was the place where the dragon fell. This was his cheap old father's tomb.
To make this site impressive, he had left behind numerous dragon sculptures. Though fifteen centuries had passed and the ruins had weathered greatly—much of it buried under earth and time—many broken sculptures still bore his unmistakable style.
"I see. It's here..."
Aslan's voice was thick with nostalgia. He even considered removing the Supreme Masterpiece from around his neck and summoning it. The relic contained countless dragon bones and souls. In a way, it was like bringing them back to his father's homeland.
But... someone dared to cause trouble here? That couldn't be forgiven. Stirring up trouble on his father's grave—what was that supposed to mean? That the White Dragon's son couldn't return to the surface? That he had a poor relationship with his father?
What a joke. The only reason he and his father had fought was to maintain the proper course of fate. His father had even left him his soul and skull—wasn't that enough to prove their bond?
-End Chapter-
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