"Bartius of the Gold Clan sincerely thanks the human Raon Zieghart for his help."
The Gold Dragon Bartius recited his name and bowed his head once more. It was a stiff expression of thanks, but it suited him better as a dragon.
"So that's how it's done."
The Red Dragon Valasiur tilted his head slightly to look at Bartius.
"Valasiur of the Red Clan thanks the human Raon Zieghart!"
He followed Bartius's example, stating his name and pounding his chest with his fist. It was his first time giving such a greeting, and having awkwardly copied Bartius, it came out rather stiffly, but his sincerity was more apparent.
"Raon. Thank you!"
The Blue Dragon Sirtiren smiled brightly.
"Sirtiren of the Blue Clan will never forget the kindness of the human Raon Zieghart, who stood against the Dragon Lord!"
Unlike the two dragons before her, she ended her words softly.
"Actually, we could have pushed back the Lord by ourselves, but thanks to you, things went much more smoothly!"
The Black Dragon Dariauran snorted and boasted.
"In the heart of Dariauran of the Black Clan, Raon Zieghart's help will shine eternally like an unforgettable star!"
Unlike his initial boastful words, he expressed his gratitude to Raon with poetic flair.
"Still bragging even at a time like this!"
The White Dragon Bursiarabi shook his head at Dariauran.
"Bursiarabi of the White Clan deeply thanks the human Raon Zieghart for his help."
As if well-versed in mortal pastimes, he offered the most courteous and polished thanks among the dragons.
"If there is anything you wish for, I will grant it, whatever it may be."
Bartius raised his noble gaze and placed his hand on his chest. The other dragons nodded as if sharing the same sentiment.
"Hmm..."
Raon bit his lip firmly as he watched the dragons, in human form, showing human courtesies.
'To think I'd receive thanks from dragons.'
In truth, he had grown quite accustomed to receiving thanks from people. After completing numerous missions and helping many people, it was natural that he'd grown used to it. But he never expected dragons to offer thanks like this, kneeling in human form and bowing their heads.
'Especially since this isn't just some role-playing game for them.'
Dragons, with their long lives, occasionally enjoy the pastime of living as other races. They transform into humans, dwarves, elves, or even monsters like orcs or trolls to experience a new life, and during those times, they truly become that race.
They set aside their draconic arrogance and engage in various expressions like greetings, apologies, and thanks, but that's merely because they're enjoying their role.
Dragons do not reveal their names unless for something special. The fact that all the dragons before him had thanked him by name meant they were prepared to give their lives for Raon.
-Hmph!
Wrath tilted his head slightly, seemingly intrigued by the dragons' behavior.
-I never expected those prideful lizards to bow their heads, especially in human form!
He let out a surprised chuckle.
-It seems they truly feel grateful to you.
'Indeed.'
Raon nodded as he looked into the grateful eyes of the dragons.
'They're all showing their sincerity.'
The dragons had set aside their roles as mediators at this moment and were expressing gratitude as one being to another.
"I will never forget your promise to grant whatever I wish."
Raon gently placed his hand on Bartius's shoulder.
"I'll make you regret those words."
He smiled, indicating he would make full use of the promise.
"We said we'd grant anything, but there's one thing we cannot do. We absolutely cannot violate our role as mediators."
The White Dragon Bursiarabi shook his head, saying they couldn't abandon their duty as mediators.
"Do you always have to say such things at times like this?"
The Black Dragon Dariauran frowned at Bursiarabi.
"You're so frustrating. As if Raon would ask us to do something strange!"
The Red Dragon Valasiur clicked his tongue roughly.
"You don't need to worry about that. What I have in mind fits perfectly with your role as mediators."
Raon shook his head, indicating there was no need to ask for anything strange.
"I'll only have you participate in the war against the Archangels."
Derus Robert would certainly summon all seven Archangels to attack in the upcoming war, which was less than a year away.
Honestly, there was a high possibility they would be outmatched in strength, but these dragons would be of great help when that time came.
'To think dragons would side with humans.'
Knowing the Dragon Lord's personality, Raon hadn't expected help from the dragons; he had only hoped they wouldn't side with Derus. But now that the Lord and most of the Ancient Dragons that followed him were dead, the young and powerful dragons led by Bartius could stand behind him and fight against the Archangels.
"If that's what you want, of course we can do it!"
The Blue Dragon Sirtiren raised her fist, telling him not to worry.
"Well, I was just being cautious."
The White Dragon Bursiarabi cleared his throat and turned his head away.
"A war against Derus Robert? We'll certainly participate in that."
The Gold Dragon Bartius shook his head, suggesting there was no need to worry about that part.
"I thought as much."
Raon smiled thinly as he observed Bartius's calm gaze.
'This is good news, so I should let everyone know quickly.'
The news that the dragons would be allies rather than enemies could bring great hope to the Five Kings. He looked back to relay this information immediately.
"Ah, yes!"
"Got it!"
Dorian pulled out emergency correspondence paper from his pouch, and Evelyn prepared communication magic. Both immediately understood his intention and began preparing to send the news to Zieghart.
"Bartius."
Raon narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked back at Bartius.
"You've changed more than I expected."
Bartius's aura was fierce like a beast yet calm like the vast ocean. Though not quite at the level of the Dragon Lord, his martial prowess and spiritual realm seemed to have grown to that of a clan leader.
"To change the dragons, I first had to change myself."
Bartius nodded, indicating he intended to take responsibility for changing the mindset of the broken dragons.
"Responsibility? Don't tell me you..."
"Yes. I will..."
Bartius slowly closed and opened his eyes as he continued.
"Stand at the pinnacle of all dragons."
He raised his chin, declaring his intention to ascend to the throne of the Dragon Lord, the king of all dragons.
"There must still be powerful Ancient Dragons remaining, no?"
Raon lowered his eyebrows slightly. It was true that many Ancient Dragons had died recently, but some still remained alive. Yet Bartius had confidently declared he would become the Dragon Lord.
"They saw the Lord's crimes yet went along with them and remained silent. Those bystanders don't deserve to become the Lord."
Bartius clenched his fist, signaling his determination to fight the remaining Ancient Dragons for the Lord's position if necessary.
"Want me to help?"
Raon nodded slightly at Bartius. He was willing to help since having Bartius become the Dragon Lord would be greatly beneficial to him as well.
"No."
Bartius firmly shook his head.
"The Dragon Lord stands at the peak of all dragons. I can't make other dragons follow me if I borrow a human's hand. Similarly, I don't need help from these guys either."
He twisted his lips as he made eye contact with the four dragons watching from behind.
"There's no need to worry about me. Before the war with Derus Robert, I'll become the Lord and put the dragons in order."
Bartius nodded, confident that he would naturally win the battle to determine the Dragon Lord and be ready for war. His bold conviction and confidence were almost laughable.
"I see. Then I won't worry."
Raon drew a thin smile as he looked at Bartius. Seeing his confident demeanor, it seemed his help wouldn't be needed at all.
"Then let's move on to the next matter."
Bartius wiped away the blood flowing from his forehead and cast a sharp gaze.
"The Monarch of Envy who burst through dimensions...And those Demon King's Authorities that exploded from you—what's that about? Are you truly a vessel for demon kings?"
He emanated a cold aura, as if ready to fight depending on the answer.
"No."
Raon calmly waved his hand.
"I am merely the human Raon Zieghart. Not some vessel for demon kings."
He raised his fist and pounded his chest, declaring that he was nothing more than himself.
"Then what about what happened earlier..."
Bartius frowned, seeming to recall how Raon had told Envy he was a vessel for demon kings.
"Obviously, that was a lie."
Raon raised his chin proudly, just as Bartius had when declaring he would become the Dragon Lord.
"Huh?"
Bartius opened his eyes wide in disbelief.
"Ahahahaha! That's Raon for you!"
The Blue Dragon Sirtiren burst into laughter, as if she had expected this.
"You deceived a demon king? You're truly insane."
The Red Dragon Valasiur shook his head, saying he couldn't believe it.
"I'll explain roughly. First, it's true that I have some Demon King's Authorities..."
Raon explained to the dragons that he had deceived the demon kings or built relationships with them to receive their authorities.
"Insane. No, you're truly insane!"
The Black Dragon Dariauran shook his head from side to side, saying Raon was an increasingly incomprehensible human the more he learned about him.
"To manipulate demon kings with just words—it's truly astonishing."
The White Dragon Bursiarabi trembled slightly, as if truly frightened by Raon.
"There's one more thing I want to ask."
Bartius raised his hand.
"I understand that you used a demon king's power to manipulate other demon kings and build relationships with them. But for that to happen, your first meeting with a demon king would be crucial—how did that come about?"
He narrowed his eyes, knowing Raon wasn't lying but still unable to comprehend it.
"Ah, that's..."
Raon's lips curled up as he looked at the sulking Wrath.
"There's this guy called Wrath, the Monarch of Wrath, who's kinder than humans. I received help from that friend."
He nodded, referring to Wrath not as a demon king but as a friend.
"Hmm, I've heard of the Monarch of Wrath, but was he really that kind of character?"
Bartius let out a low groan, indicating he had no idea.
-Hey, you bastard!
Wrath approached him and waved his tail.
-When you talk like that, don't I sound like a pushover! I'm the most fearsome monarch among all the rulers of Devildom!
Just as he was pounding Raon's head with his fist, demanding a proper explanation.
[You have slain the Dragon King!]
[You have deceived Envy!]
[You have achieved a great accomplishment!]
[All abilities...]
[New traits...]
[...]
Reward messages for their recent accomplishments appeared before both Wrath and himself.
-Oh, no! This is too much! Why is this happening again!
Wrath gaped at the appearing messages, as if he hadn't expected the sudden rewards.
'See.'
Raon smiled deeply as he watched Wrath grinding his teeth.
'You really are a pushover.'
***
"Lord Raon! I've sent the news of this place to Zieghart!"
As Raon set aside the reward messages and was about to continue his conversation with Bartius, Dorian jumped forward.
"Well done."
Raon nodded to Dorian, telling him he'd done a good job.
"Yes. Then..."
Dorian licked his lips as he looked at the Dragon Lord's corpse, as if he desired something.
"Bartius."
Raon noticed Dorian's gaze and called out to Bartius.
"Is it alright if we take the Dragon Lord's corpse?"
"I don't mind."
Bartius nodded, saying that now that the Lord was dead, it was merely a corpse.
"Wooooow!"
Dorian shouted with joy as he entered the dimensional space, thrilled at being able to take the largest dragon corpse he had ever seen.
"How much could this be worth?"
Just as he was humming and about to put the Lord's corpse into his pouch, a spiraling golden dimension opened above the Dragon Lord's split neck with a resonating hum. With a thunderous sound, Raon urgently stepped forward using the Supreme Harmony Steps to protect Dorian.
"What now..."
He raised his aura with his hand on the Heavenly Drive, but no one emerged from the golden dimension; it merely rotated before his eyes.
"No need to draw your sword. That's not an enemy..."
Bartius stepped forward and curled his lips.
"It's a gateway to the Dragon Lord's lair."
He nodded, explaining that the path to the hidden lair had opened upon the Lord's death.
"So..."
"Treasure!"
Just as Bartius was about to continue his explanation, Dorian leaped forward as if using teleportation and let out a wild cry.
"It's the Dragon Lord's treasure!"