Book 2: Chapter 215

Min Ha-rin left Lirua that evening.

When she left, she had a conflicted expression. This was because she had faith that Lukas would return safely, but she was still worried about him.

Lukas noticed her inner turmoil, but he still quietly sent her away without mentioning it. This was because he believed she would solve her inner issues more easily if she were alone.

Now, the only thing he was waiting for were the ‘clothes’ that he’d requested from Nekdu.

According to her, clothing that could block the demonic energy on Death Island took about three days to make. (TL: Author really bounces around between death energy and demonic energy)

It had only been a day, so Lukas still had to wait two more days.

During that time, there were still things for him to do. First, he had to find the quickest route to the [Temple Island] that Arid had mentioned.

According to the map that Arid had given him, the fastest way to get there was to go through the largest port in the north of Combat Island called [Port Akad].

It was said that at least one ship passed from there to Temple Island every day.

However, there was a large distance between Lirua and Akad.

Even if he were to use a Sky Carriage, it would take about two weeks.

If the round trip in itself was four weeks, then even if Lukas moved like lightning, he wouldn’t be able to save Sedi and return in time for the Championship.

That’s why Lukas decided to abuse one of the privileges that only Major City Lords had.

The Sun Carriage.

He decided to use the super large mode of transport that only major cities built for private use.

With the Sun Carriage, it was possible to reach Akad in three or four days. In fact, when he’d slain the Ancient Dragon, Spera, the Major City Lord of Akad, was able to arrive at almost the same time as the other Major City Lords.

After deciding on his mode of transport, Lukas then spent the rest of his time making preparations and detailed plans for the long journey.

“The size is about right.”

Nekdu nodded and commented.

Lukas stood in front of her, dressed in robes that were made exclusively for Death Island.

“I thought you preferred to wear robes, so I made something similar. Although it’s a bit plain since it doesn’t have any patterns or designs, there won’t be any problems in terms of practicality.”

Lukas nodded.

“There isn’t even a need for you to raise the hood since I had it engraved with sorcery runes. It’s basically waterproof and the durability isn’t bad, but it won’t stand up to a Dragonling’s claws or teeth, so be careful.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s the least I could do.”

Nekdu waved her hand as she said that.

“I heard that you’re planning to use the Sun Carriage, is that true?”

“Yeah.”

A slight smile spread across her lips.

“If you use it properly, that’s a round trip that will cost you a few million erus.”

“It’s because it’s urgent.”

“I see… Well. I wish you all the best. Good luck.”

Lukas also said words of farewell to Nekdu. Afterward, the two of them went their separate ways without saying anything else.

Nekdu didn’t show the lost expression that she had the last time they met. Maybe she was intentionally hiding her feelings, or maybe she had already cleared her mind, he couldn’t tell.

After all, Nekdu had always been good at hiding her inner thoughts.

If he tried, he could probably figure it out, but that wouldn’t be polite.

With the Sun Carriage parked out front, Bargan walked out of the castle to see him off.

“I’ll wait for your safe return.”

Lukas smiled faintly at his characteristic heavy tone of voice.

“Bargan.”

“Yes.”

“I’m sure you remember the request I made to you last time.”

When he heard this, Bargan’s expression became solemn.

“Yes. But I’m sure that won’t happen. My Lord will return safely and in time.”

“Of course, that would be best. But there is nothing wrong with assuming the worst in a situation. If that truly comes to pass, please…”

“…”

Bargan hesitated for a moment before bowing his head.

“…yes.”

After hearing his confirmation, Lukas’ heart also became a bit lighter. Then, with equally light steps, he got onto the Sun Carriage.

Roar!

With a roar of the giant flying dragon, the Sun Carriage floated into the air.

That alone caused the trees in the vicinity to bend dangerously. Dust flew in every direction, and heavy winds pulled at Bargan’s clothes.

Nevertheless, he didn’t take his eyes off of the rising carriage.

Before long, the carriage rose high in the sky and shot towards the north at a high speed.

It only took a few short minutes for it to completely disappear from his sight. Nevertheless, Bargan continued to look at the sky.

“If I fail to come back in time…”

And remembered the request Lukas had made before he left.

“Please enter the Championship as the Champion of Lirua.”

He refused to accept Lukas’ words.

“That won’t happen.”

Lukas would definitely come back safe.

He mumbled to himself as he recalled the conversation they had just had.

“Please return home safely, my Lord.”

Bargan prayed sincerely.

—And a month later.

The opening ceremony of the Championship that everyone had been waiting for, finally began.

And at this place where dozens of Champions from Combat Island had gathered,

Lukas, the Champion of Lirua, was nowhere to be found.

* * *

“…”

Min Ha-rin gulped slightly while looking at the armor in front of her.

Her first armor.

Its appearance showed that it had been molded into the shape of armor while maintaining the original shape of the bones as much as possible. It looked like it had been created by the entire skeleton of a Dragonling, but it had actually been created from one bone(1).

The bone that Lukas had given Nekdu was none other than the skull of the Ancient Dragon.

Even if they wanted to maintain the shape of the skull, such gracefully curved armor couldn’t be made. (TL: Skull-shaped armor. Practicality 10000%)

After all, the finished product didn’t just consist of chest and leg armor, but also shoes and a helmet.

Min Ha-rin had a bit of knowledge with armors, but for this set, that wasn’t necessary.

Even a complete novice would easily be able to tell with a glance that this armor was not simple.

But only Min Ha-rin knew the true worth of this armor.

[Explosive Dragon Armor]

[A masterpiece created by an eccentric but extremely talented blacksmith. Crafted from the skull of ‘Bultasie’, ruler of the Samas Great Forest.

Its durability is so high that it won’t be scratched by most weapons, and it has a strong resistance to attacks of most attributes because of the runes that were engraved on it. However, it is vulnerable to attacks of the ice element, so special attention should be paid.

Allows the user to cast [Dragon Fury] once per day, but it is not advised as the skill puts great strain on the body.]

It wasn’t just armor.

A red club, thinner than most swords, lay beside it.

[The Dragonstick of Overflowing Fighting Spirit] (TL: These names…)

[A masterpiece created by an eccentric but extremely talented blacksmith. Crafted from the skull of ‘Bultasie’, ruler of the Samas Great Forest.

Allows the wielder to gather natural energy, and if you swing it with this energy, it will release an attack comparable to that of the most famous swords.]

In other words, this dragonstick was a weapon that could play the roles of both a staff and a sword.

There was nothing more suitable for Min Ha-rin who was aspiring to be a Magical Swordsman.

A note beside them contained explanations about the armor and staff, presumably written by Nekdu. Although she was able to receive a description from the status window, she wouldn’t dare to neglect any advice given by the creator of the items.

Min Ha-rin read the note carefully a few times before placing it in her pocket.

“…but…”

Her gaze then turned to the man who had delivered the items to her.

“Where is Master?”

Bargan responded with a heavy expression.

“He hasn’t returned yet.”

“…”

Yet.

There were only two days left before the Championship began.

“Did he not tell you anything at all?”

“He did, but…”

Bargan’s face was stiff as he responded in a more hesitant manner than before.

“He said that if there was no news from him four days before the Championship began, I must participate in his place.”

“…I see.”

This time, the Championship was being hosted by ‘Uruk’, one of the major cities, and draws and matches would happen here, but the entire Championship wouldn’t be held in Uruk.

After a certain number of matches were fought, they would move to another major city and host matches there instead.

‘If you don’t attend the opening ceremony, you will be automatically eliminated from the Championship.’

There were two days left.

As far as Min Ha-rin knew, the majority of Champions had already gathered in Uruk.

But it still wasn’t too late.

Although the position of Champion of Lirua was currently being held by Bargan, he’d still reserved a spot on the top three, which was a privilege only afforded to major cities, in preparation for Lukas’ late return.

But this arrangement would be useless if Lukas didn’t arrive in time.

Min Ha-rin felt the excitement she’d felt at receiving her armor and weapon slowly cool down as if water had been poured on it.

‘…he won’t be late.’

Tomorrow.

No, Min Ha-rin prayed that she would see Lukas’ face by the morning of the last day at the latest.

(TL: Does Lukas return in time, or will he be late as always? Find out next time on TGM4k!)

(Note:

1. The skull isn’t actually one bone, instead, it is made up of multiple interconnected bones. Also… isn’t the Ancient Dragon huge? How is its skull only large enough for Min Ha-rin? It was supposedly the size of a small mountain.)