Location: Eto Galaxy, Elaria Planet
Timeline: Two months after the National Tournament
RANA DOSA HOUSE
Scene – Inside the hall, Rana, Nimi (Rana's daughter), Suna (Rana's wife), and Hura (Rana's father) are seated together. Rana is holding a letter and reading it. His expression slowly turns tense.
Suna: "What happened?"
Rana: "An invitation arrived."
Suna: "From where?"
Rana: "From the king of the DIMA KINGDOM… King Dugu."
Hura: "That's a dwarf kingdom, right?"
Rana: "Hmm." (nods)
Suna: "Then what's there to be tense about?"
Rana: "Why would a king personally invite me?"
Rana (thinking): And that too, a dwarf king…
Suna: "That's a fair question."
Hura: "Maybe he's heard about you and wants some kind of help for his school?"
Rana: "That's possible… but still."
Hura: "You'll only find out once you go there."
Rana: "Right."
Suna: "So when are you leaving?"
Rana: "…I'll go alone."
Suna: "Haan…!"
Rana: "Only I was invited, not the family."
Suna: "Okay… you heard that, Nimi?"
Nimi: "Yes, mom."
Rana (thinking): And there could be danger there too… This world… this world isn't trustworthy.
Scene – With sharp eyes and a serious tone, Rana leaves the next day for the dwarf kingdom, which lies beneath the mainland.
Scene – Rana is driving a car through open fields, surrounded by mountains, grasslands, and some friendly beasts.
Rana (thinking):
The dwarf kingdom is an ancient kingdom. Ancient kingdoms are those whose names have remained unchanged for thousands or even millions of years. The dwarf kingdom's name has always been "DIMA KINGDOM."
In the present era, only a few ancient kingdoms still exist, but this one is special. I think around 500 years ago, there was a king named "GULU." He defeated and tamed the four elemental dragons.
I don't know the details—how he did it or what powers he had—because I didn't exist at that time. But it's said that he defeated all four elemental dragons solo, one by one.
Since then, that king's son, grandson, and future generations have continued using those elemental dragons. Those dragons have been protecting this kingdom and the royal bloodline ever since.
Scene – Rana reaches the border of the dwarf kingdom and enters underground.
Rana (thinking):
It's because of those dragons that the dwarf kingdom has survived in this world. Otherwise, it would have ended long ago.
Scene – After some time, Rana enters the palace. Several elders and the dwarf king are seated inside.
Dugu: "Welcome, welcome, Rana. Welcome!"
Scene – Rana bows. Dugu walks toward him. Rana stands straight and speaks.
Rana: "May I ask why a dwarf king needs a normal school principal like me?"
Dugu: "Hahahaha! Nice, nice. I want you to do a dungeon raid."
Rana: "…I think I misheard you. Did you say 'dungeon raid'?"
Dugu: "Yes."
Scene – As they walk—
Dugu: "A cave entrance suddenly appeared inside that dungeon. I want you to clear that cave."
Rana: "But why me? You have many powerful people. Guild members as well."
Dugu: "True, but they're not like you. And why should I pay them when I can make you work for free?"
Rana: "Sorry?"
Dugu: "Heh-heh. I know who you are, Rana… or should I say—Illusion Master?" (whispers)
Rana: "How…?! How do you know that?"
Scene – Dugu signals with his hand. The guards and most dwarves leave, except for a few people.
Dugu: "Everyone here knows who you are—the world's first and greatest illusion creator, known as the Illusion Master.
Many even call you humanity's strongest. After all, a thousand years ago, you protected humanity many times.
Of course, that's also when you were betrayed by your favorite human king and were left almost dead."
Rana: "…!"
Dugu: "The world believed you were dead. But look— a thousand-year-old warrior has returned… with a family."
Rana: "H-how did you know…?!"
Dugu: "That doesn't matter right now. What matters is whether you'll accept my offer or not."
Random Elder: "You should accept it. It's for your own good."
Rana: "And if I refuse?"
Dugu: "Hmph! You can't refuse. Remember—1200 years ago, with the help of the dwarf king 'DEPA,' you obtained an artifact.
Because of that artifact, you became the Illusion Master and grew this powerful.
You still haven't repaid that debt… and now the time has come."
Rana: "1200 years ago… right…!
But you could use your elemental dragons for this. Five hundred years ago, King Gulu tamed the four elemental dragons.
They're still with you, protecting this kingdom and your royal family—am I right or not?"
Dugu: "!"
"Yes, you're right. But their power is too great. That's why they can't enter the cave."
Rana (thinking): Anyone can tell something else is going on here… but what? Tch! I can't do anything right now.
Rana: "Okay… fine."
Dugu: "Nice, nice. So when will you go?"
Rana: "Now."
Dugu: "Heh-heh-heh! That won't work."
Rana: "? Why?"
Dugu: "Because ten adventurers will go with you. You may be an ancient warrior, but you're still an outsider. How can we trust you completely?"
Rana: "Yeah… fine."
Rana (thinking): This dwarf is sharp-minded…
Rana: "Then I'll go to my hotel. We'll meet tomorrow, King Dugu."
Dugu: "Yeah, sure."
Scene – Rana leaves. Dugu keeps staring at him.
Dugu (thinking):
It's settled. Now all that's left is to fit him into the plan…
Once we obtain even a fraction of his power, everything will be safe…
The plan will succeed.