The dragon made its way toward Drako, then wrapped him in a warm embrace that resembled a glowing cocoon. A brilliant light flooded the clearing, gentle yet overwhelming. After a few seconds, the light faded, and Drako emerged—standing tall, whole, and renewed, as if the battle had never happened.
As quickly as the Lindwyrm had appeared, it vanished, slipping back through the tear in reality from whence it came, its task complete.
"…What was that, Jericho?" Erica demanded, confusion written plainly across her face. "Was that really necessary?"
"I had no choice," Jericho replied, exhaling slowly. His posture wavered slightly. "My regeneration casting wouldn't have been enough given how severe his injuries were. I couldn't let him die—it would've defeated the purpose. And besides… as I said, I need him."
"Are you alright?" Alice asked immediately, her voice tight with concern. "After summoning another divine avatar… you look like you're barely standing."
"Yeah," Jericho admitted with a small, tired laugh. "It took a toll. Summoning even one drains an enormous amount of soul energy. But… on the bright side, I've learned my current limit— which is two a day." He looked at her and smiled warmly. "I'll be fine, Alice. Thanks for worrying about me."
Alice quickly turned her face away, cheeks flushed.
Drako, meanwhile, inspected his body in disbelief—his hands, his arms, his chest. No pain. No damage. Not even lingering fatigue. Then he looked up at Jericho.
And something inside him changed.
An emotion he had never felt before—toward anyone. Not even Jace.
Power alone hadn't caused it. Nor fear. It was certainty.
Before anyone could react, Drako's body moved on its own. He dropped to one knee, head bowed.
The clearing went silent.
Erica stared at him, utterly baffled.
Alice was so shocked she forgot how to blink.
William's hand instinctively drifted closer to his weapon.
Jericho himself stood frozen, blindsided.
"Former prince…" Drako said, then shook his head.
"No. My king."
His voice was steady. Absolute.
"I say this with all my heart—you are the one I recognize as my true lord and master. From this day forth, I swear my eternal loyalty to you, and to you alone."
There was no madness in his eyes. No compulsion. Only resolve.
"For the first time in my life," Drako continued quietly, "I've found someone I am willing to die for."
And to his own surprise—
That thought made him smile.
"WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?!"
Erica, Alice, and William all shouted at once, their voices echoing through the ruined forest, shock plastered across every one of their faces.
"W–what… serve me?" Jericho said, staring at Drako in disbelief. "But why?"
"Don't trust a word he's saying, Jericho," William snapped, anger burning in his eyes. "He's lying. This is clearly part of his plan—to get close to you and please Jace. Don't fall for it. This Drakziel has no conscience. He was ruthless when they first attacked. You can't trust someone like that."
"William is right," Erica added firmly, her glare locked on Drako. "He's dangerous. Besides, you said it yourself—he doesn't look like someone capable of loyalty. He only acts for amusement and personal gain. You can't trust him."
Drako lowered his head.
"They're right, my king," he said quietly. "I am everything they say I am. And I am ashamed of it now."
The air shifted.
"I didn't have a good childhood," he continued, his voice roughening. "I was sold by my parents when I was young. Not because we were poor—we weren't. I was sold because my grandfather left his estate to me. My parents didn't like that."
His fists clenched.
"At the time, I didn't even know about the inheritance. I loved my family. I would've given them everything if they had asked. I trusted them completely."
He swallowed hard.
"And they betrayed me."
"Oh…" Alice whispered. "That's awful."
Jericho studied him closely. "Where did you end up after that?"
"I was sold to a noble house in Righteous," Drako replied. "The Latoi family. I worked as a stable tender. The abuse was unbearable—not just toward me, but everyone there. We were barely fed. When we were, it was rotten scraps."
His breathing grew uneven.
"One day, I escaped with a friend I made there… but we were hunted down like animals."
He paused, forcing himself to continue.
"He was killed."
Alice covered her mouth.
"I nearly died too," Drako said softly, "but I was saved by a mercenary band—the Crow-Rings. They took me in. Fed me. Trained me. They became my family."
Jericho's eyes narrowed slightly, listening.
"But four years ago, during the war between the three great powers, they were wiped out."
Drako let out a hollow breath.
"That broke me more than my parents ever did. I swore I would never be loyal again. That I'd only act for my own benefit. Any sympathy I had died with them. And to get revenge."
William remained silent—but tense.
"About a year and a half ago, Jace found me," Drako continued. "I turned him down at first. But he made me an offer I couldn't refuse."
"What offer?" Jericho asked calmly.
"He promised to tell me who orchestrated the deaths of the Crow-Rings," Drako answered. "They were lured into a trap—someone used the war as cover. I wanted revenge. I needed it."
His head dipped.
"That's why I joined him."
Erica frowned, thinking. "The Crow-Rings… I knew them. My father once planned to honor them personally. They were known for dignity—never harming innocents."
Drako looked up, surprised. "That's true."
"And the Latoi house," Erica continued, "was exposed by the Crow-Rings themselves. My father stripped them of their title and exiled the family head."
She sighed.
"So… knowing they raised you gives me very mixed feelings."
"Even so," William said coldly, "we can't lower our guard."
Jericho raised a hand slightly.
"Drako," he said, his voice gentler now, "where is your heart now? Do you still seek revenge?"
Drako was silent for a moment.
"…No," he said at last. "I loved the Crow-Rings. But revenge would only disgrace their memory—and what they stood for. I don't want to disappoint them anymore."
He lifted his head, eyes steady.
"All I want now is to serve you… and one day earn their forgiveness."
Jericho looked to Erica.
"It's your call," she whispered.
Alice nodded.
William sighed deeply. "…I'll keep an eye on him."
Jericho turned back to Drako.
"Drako, I accept your devotion."
Drako's eyes lit up with pure bliss.
"I can tell you mean every word you've said," Jericho continued calmly. "And I will be delighted to have you at my side. But—you will still need to earn my trust. I'm sure you understand that."
"Yes! Of course!" Drako replied eagerly.
"Thank you so very much, my king. I swear with all my heart to be worthy of your trust. I will be your shield and your sword. I will walk whatever path you choose to walk, and I will see your vision for this world become reality. This I swear upon the name of what I hold most dear—my family… the Crow-Rings."
Jericho smiled faintly and gestured for him to rise.
"So," Erica said, stepping closer, "what now? You said you had a plan—that was one of the reasons you didn't kill him. Has this turn of events disrupted it?"
"Quite the opposite," Jericho replied, turning his gaze to her. "This actually makes things much easier."
Erica frowned slightly.
"But isn't this essentially the same outcome? Whether Drako dies or defects, Jace will still notice. In fact, this might be worse—one of his generals has openly turned against him. Isn't that the very situation you were trying to avoid?"
Jericho exhaled softly.
"You're right. I still ended up with the same problem."
He paused, then smiled gently and placed a hand on Erica's head, giving her a light pat.
"But trust me—I'll handle it."
Erica froze. Her face instantly turned beet red, words failing her completely. She could only nod faintly in response. Watching the exchange, Alice let out a quiet, almost imperceptible sigh.
Jericho then stepped toward Drako, his expression turning serious. Sensing the shift, Drako straightened and gave a respectful bow.
"Drako," Jericho said evenly, "tell me everything. Your time beside Jace—his plans for the world, and his abilities."
Drako bowed once more, resolve hardening in his eyes.
"As you command, my king," he said, preparing to reveal everything he knew.
Drako went on to explain his time at Jace's side—how he had been the last to be recruited among the Grand Four. He spoke of Jace's strange and terrifying ability: the power to form contracts with anyone he chose, granting them strength far beyond what their natural skill or limits should allow.
"It was through that contract," Drako said, "that I was able to tap into my full potential as a Drakziel. I borrowed godly soul energy from Lord Jace… it gave me greater control, greater power—far more than I should have been capable of."
He paused before continuing.
"But the contract comes with a price. Jace gains access to our soul flow. We can never surpass him… never even approach his level of strength. And there are certain commands we simply cannot refuse."
"So that's why the Grand Four were so powerful," Erica muttered in disbelief.
"That's… a lot," Alice said quietly, lost in thought.
"Indeed," William agreed grimly.
"As for his plans," Drako added, "he never shared much with us. Only that his goal is to control the world. Anything beyond that… is anyone's guess."
Jericho remained silent, his face unreadable.
{"That must be the part he keeps between himself and Pluto,"} Jericho thought.
{"This is troubling indeed…
Oh, Jace… my dear little brother. Just how deeply have you entangled yourself with that rogue god?"}
"And his abilities?" Jericho asked aloud.
"When we first confronted him," Erica said, her voice heavy, "he effortlessly controlled water—freezing it at will. He created a blizzard so massive it wiped out an entire city. It was… merciless."
William and Alice exchanged grim looks.
"I can't confirm this myself," Drako continued, "but I've heard lord Jace can wield all four core elements—at least up to their second-class stages."
Shock rippled across Erica, Alice, and William's faces.
"He's most compatible with water and earth," Drako added. "And I've also heard rumors… that he can wield a chaos-class element. I don't know which one."
Panic replaced shock—on every face except Jericho's.
"You're saying he hasn't even come close to using his full strength?" Erica said, breathing heavily. "After all this time?"
{"Of course he has a chaos-class ability,"} Jericho thought grimly.
{"Pluto's corrupt blood flows through him…
If it's time or space like Pluto's, I'll need to prepare."}
He let out a heavy sigh, drawing everyone's attention.
"This is good news, Erica."
She turned to him, confused.
"Now we know what to expect—and we can prepare. And don't forget… you have me this time." He smiled reassuringly. "I won't let harm befall any of you. And even if I'm not present, you're no longer the same knights who faced him before. You're stronger now. All of you."
The tension eased slightly. They nodded, reassured.
"Drako," Jericho said.
Drako bowed instantly.
"The information you've provided is extremely valuable. You've done well."
The joy on Drako's face was indescribable.
"I've decided on your mission," Jericho continued. "At least for now—until I find a way to sever your contract with my brother."
"Of course, my king," Drako said fervently. "I live only to serve you."
"Easy now," Jericho said with a nervous chuckle. "No need to exaggerate."
"I meant every word," Drako replied, deadly serious.
Jericho blinked, then sighed. "Alright…"
He straightened.
"I want you to return to my brother's side. I can't explain everything yet—but that isn't truly him anymore. Having you watch him on my behalf will ease my mind… and the intelligence you bring will help protect the world."
Drako smiled and bowed deeply.
"If this is your will, then it shall be done."
"So what about today's events?" Erica asked. "He'll need to report something back. What intel should he return with?"
Jericho hummed. "Everything."
"WHAT… ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Erica and William shouted simultaneously.
"Hey," Jericho groaned. "It's unfair that was the one time you two agreed on something."
"Trust me," Jericho continued calmly. "Jace is too intelligent. Returning with partial information would only endanger Drako. He values knowledge above all else—nothing stops him from acquiring it."
Drako nodded proudly.
"He already assigned me to investigate the man who returned with the princess from this forest a month ago."
Jericho laughed softly.
"See? And that man is me."
Erica leaned toward Alice and whispered, "Is it just me, or does he sound like a proud big brother?"
"I think it's adorable," Alice giggled.
"Of course you do," Erica sighed.
"Anyway," Jericho continued, "Drako—you'll tell Jace you found me. Jericho. Alive. In the Great Forest of Dawn, training Holy Knights from the Kingdom of Righteous in soul energy. You'll say I caught you spying, that we fought—both using full power—and that the battle ended in a draw."
Drako listened intently.
"He'll be more interested in the information than the outcome," Jericho said. "And once he recovers from the shock of my survival, he'll send someone to confirm it. That will erase any suspicion toward you."
Jericho met Drako's eyes.
"I'm counting on you."
"I will not fail you, my king."
Drako hesitated.
"There is one more thing. Lord Jace assigned another mission—a month from now."
"What is it?" Jericho asked.
"We are to attack the Unified Nation of Warmark," Drako said grimly. "And if possible… abduct the second princess. Clover von Warmark—the Golden Mind."
Silence fell.
"Is he insane?!" Erica exclaimed. "It's Warmark!"
"Even among the Three Great Powers," William added, "they're the most formidable."
Drako nodded.
"Warmark is unstable. The world resents them for their damaging attacks in the war Four years ago. Lord Jace intends to exploit that."
Jericho exhaled slowly.
"We'll warn them."
He turned to Drako and produced a tiny silver sphere.
"Put this in your ear. It'll allow us to communicate—anywhere on this continent."
Drako accepted it without hesitation.
"For now," Jericho said, placing a hand on his shoulder, "do as Jace commands. Be careful."
"I will endure," Drako said confidently. "I have purpose now."
With one final bow, Drako manifested his dragon-like wings. A single powerful flap lifted him into the air—and he vanished into the sky.
"Jeez," Erica muttered. "So intense."
Jericho laughed softly.
"So… what are we going to do about Warmark?"
All eyes turned to Alice as she spoke.
"Getting advance intel about an imminent attack is one thing," she continued, calm but firm. "But how do we explain how we got that information when we try to warn them? And when Jace's forces arrive and find Warmark fully prepared, won't that immediately raise suspicion?"
The silence that followed was deafening.
"And Drako," Alice pressed on. "Wouldn't he be the first suspect? Especially if Jace already knows he encountered you, Jericho. Revealing your identity now might be… premature. You could always claim you were masked. When Jace eventually sees you, that lie might save us from a catastrophe."
She finished, expecting agreement.
Instead, she was met with blank stares.
"Oh…" Erica said slowly, forcing a nervous smile. "I… didn't think about that part."
Jericho sighed.
"Neither did I. Showing up with that kind of information out of nowhere would be suspicious. And yes—Drako would immediately be blamed. Telling him to say he met me only confirms I sent him as a spy."
William nodded gravely.
"She's right."
Alice stared at them.
"Wait… are you saying none of that crossed your minds?"
"…No?" they replied together.
Alice pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Oh jeez…"
She exhaled and straightened.
"Then let me make a suggestion."
They all turned toward her.
"First, there's no need to end the training camp early. The attack is still a month away, and we have two weeks left here. We should use it fully—get the knights as ready as possible."
They all nodded immediately.
"Second," Alice continued, "we find a reason to be in Warmark during the week of the attack. That way, we just happen to be there when things go wrong."
The forest went quiet as the idea sank in.
"Oh wow," Erica said suddenly. "I think I made a mistake picking grumpy Willy as my vice-commander. That's brilliant."
She lunged forward and hugged Alice tightly.
"I am not grumpy," William muttered. "And do not call me Willy. We've discussed this."
He sighed, then nodded. "Still… her plan is sound. Thanks to the treaty, entering Warmark won't be difficult."
Jericho smiled warmly.
"She's right. Ending the training now would only ruin everyone's momentum. Alice… that was impressive."
He stepped closer and gently patted her head.
Alice froze, her face turning beet red—but she smiled brightly.
"And I'll tell Drako to omit meeting me," Jericho added. "We'll use your mask idea."
Alice smiled proudly.
"Alright," Jericho said, turning toward the clearing. "Let's get back to—"
He stopped dead.
"…What in the world happened here?"