Chapter 189: Dravon's Promise
Then—
ALAAAAAAAAARM—
The sirens screamed across the entire navy headquarters, cutting through the chaos of the battlefield.
A voice boomed across every speaker:
"Orimo Kuzan — The Devil Reincarnate is dead."
His lifeless body lay sprawled on the blood-soaked execution platform, eyes wide open, staring into nothingness.
Dravon sank to his knees in front of him, black cloak flapping violently in the wind. Tears slid down his blood-streaked face, mixing with the grime of the battlefield. He coughed, blood trickling from his mouth.
A second announcement followed, colder than ice:
"Not just that — The Crimson Raven, Dravon Solmere, has been defeated. One of the three true conquerors of the sea."
{Flashback — Ryuta Konan on his ship}
Ryuta lay weak, head propped against the deck, trembling.
"Dravon…" he coughed, his voice ragged.
"Yes?" Dravon replied, kneeling by his mentor.
"My son… will come one day… Orimo Kuzan," Ryuta whispered, voice cracking. "He is my youngest… weak… protect him, if you ever meet him. Promise me."
Dravon's eyes filled with determination. "I will protect him. Just as you protected me when I was helpless."
Ryuta managed a faint smile.
{Back to Present}
The winds tore across the battlefield, heavier than ever, carrying the scent of blood and rain. Dark clouds swirled above, and the first drops of rain fell slowly at first…
…then faster, saturating the ground. The red of Orimo's blood merged with the falling rain, painting the execution platform in a living nightmare.
Dravon's black cloak and armor became drenched, clinging to his trembling body. He coughed again, crimson mixing with the water.
He lowered his head, voice choked but steady:
"I wished… I wished to have a cup of tea with you someday, Orimo."
Every raindrop seemed to echo his despair, every gust of wind a mournful lament. The battlefield had gone quiet — not from peace, but from the crushing weight of loss.
Dravon clenched his fists, knuckles white. The storm above mirrored his broken heart.