"I didn't mean to save you."
The words carried a hint of aloofness, as if the baby dragon were flaunting some noble spirit of doing good without seeking recognition.
But in truth, the sentiment behind them had nothing to do with nobility... quite the opposite.
"I didn't mean to save you, so don't thank me. Don't come looking for me with your troubles. I want nothing to do with you."
That was Alaric's true intent.
He wasn't like Artoria, the chosen King of Britain, who bore the weight of the world on her shoulders. He had no desire to entangle himself with these humans... because he knew they wouldn't truly be grateful.
Just as the people of Camelot never truly thanked their king, Artoria.
They even awaited her downfall, wondering when the "perfect king" would falter.
[While mocking in their hearts how a mere child could bear the mantle of kingship, they prepared ceaselessly for the power struggles that would follow her collapse.]
[Praising the ideal king, yet blaming her alone for the nation's ruin when that ideal failed to save all... as if the kingdom's destruction was her fault alone.]
Ironic, isn't it? Such is human nature... yearning for light while fearing the true sun.
"When they wake, all of you leave."
"And don't tell outsiders about me."
Looking at the now-quiet slope, Alaric shook his head happily. Then he spread his wings, soared back to his cozy cave, and settled under the warm sunlight.
"Sleep, sleep."
…
The girl stood excitedly in place.
She didn't notice Alaric's departure, her full attention fixed on her kin undergoing the "cleansing ritual."
Yes, a cleansing ritual... she used this sacred term to describe the scene before her:
Her frail, near-death tribespeople, after being placed in the pond, began to regain vitality.
At the same time, their appearances underwent astonishing changes. As if struck by a realization, the girl glanced at her reflection in the water, suddenly noticing her own hair had turned silver-white.
Undoubtedly, this was a true miracle. And the one who created it could only be a true god.
"So, that baby dragon… is it actually a god?"
Glancing around for the dragon but finding no trace, the girl felt a pang of loss.
"When they all wake, leave."
"Don't tell outsiders about me."
Alaric's words echoed in her mind, leaving her feeling like a child abandoned by her parents, standing at a crossroads, gazing back toward home.
"Hey, Winna, what are you thinking about?"
A sudden, joyful shout rang in her ears.
Winna turned to see her tribespeople rising from the pond.
Moments ago deathly ill, after just five or six minutes of the "cleansing ritual." They were not only healthy but stronger than ever!
"I feel like I could smash a rock with one punch!"
A man in his forties waved his right hand, the surge of strength reminding him of his youth, when he could hunt wolves in the mountains alone.
"Not bad at all… Could this pond's water be the real treasure?"
The elderly man, feeling the vigor in his body, studied the pond... perhaps they should bring the whole tribe here to soak in it.
"What are we waiting for? Let's head back!"
A young man shouted eagerly, itching to return to the village, see his beloved, and boast about his "adventure."
"Back, back, let's go now!"
The restored tribespeople, brimming with excitement, cheered and sang, turning the once-quiet slope into a lively clamor.
Winna blended into the crowd.
But her expression lacked the joyous relief of her kin.
Instead, she shuffled her feet, head bowed, clearly burdened with heavy thoughts.
"When they all wake, leave."
"Don't tell outsiders about me."
... In that moment, the girl suddenly grasped what Alaric meant by "leave."
It wasn't a simple parting; it was a "never return" farewell.
"No coming back."
"Come again, and I'll kill you!"
The white baby dragon had spoken those terrifying words in a calm tone.
And watching her tribespeople, eagerly discussing plans to bring others to the temple for the "cleansing ritual." Winna felt a chill run through her.
…
She stopped in her tracks.
Under the puzzled gazes of her kin, she turned and walked back toward the temple.
"You go back. I'm staying."
"I'll serve the god who saved us."
"And absolutely do not bring others here... that will anger the god!"
Before parting, she warned them repeatedly.
Ignoring their shocked or scrutinizing looks, she returned to the temple.
Clang...
She pushed open the temple's heavy door with ease and walked deeper inside.
Sunlight streamed through the window gaps, illuminating the white dragon statue atop the pillar... adorable yet sacred.
"God."
Winna knelt before the statue, praying devoutly.
"Grant me the strength to stop my people."
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