Chapter 228. Unleash the Dog (1)
Obtaining the Glacier Crystal needed to heal the World Tree turned out to be surprisingly easy.
"Here's the Glacier Crystal you wanted," Gratia, the Guardian Dragon , said, presenting it herself.
Caron examined the crystal, sealed inside a specially treated vial, and let out a quiet exclamation. "I can't believe a crystal this pure formed in waters tainted by dark mana... You really do see it all if you live long enough."
"Caron," Gratia said.
"What?" Caron asked.
"You're seventeen years old," Gratia said.
"Seventeen years is a long time if you ask me," Caron countered.
The Glacier Crystal still held the deep chill unique to the North Sea. Even through the vial, its chill seeped through unmistakably.
With a satisfied expression, Caron slipped the vial into his pouch of dimensional space. Then, flashing a cheeky grin, he added, "This is the first time you've actually been useful, Gratia."
Gratia sighed and shook her head in dismay, then asked, "What kind of education did your family give you? I see no respect for a guardian dragon."
"Well, you'd be in a tight spot without me, wouldn't you?" Caron replied.
"...I guess that's also true," Gratia said.
"Then it's a win-win. I only act like this with people I plan to get along with," Caron explained.
Gratia didn't know whether to be flattered or insulted. She deliberated briefly before letting out a deep sigh.
Like it or not, this boy was the one who had fulfilled the pact. Caron was her contractor now—so to speak—and adapting to him was the only path forward.
At least things hadn't gone completely off the rails yet.
Rael was just as crazy, if not worse... Gratia thought.
Rael, her previous contractor from three hundred years ago, had been no less of a lunatic than Caron.
Three centuries had passed, and it seemed Gratia's luck with contractors still hadn't changed. Accepting that brought her a strange sense of peace.
"Good, we've wrapped up everything we needed to do here in the North," Caron said.
The Glacier Crystal, the Coming of Age Ceremony, and verifying Cain's tomb... They had completed all three objectives. All that remained now was to return to Azureocean Castle.
"If it were up to me, I'd spend an entire week drinking with the two of you," Sabina said warmly to her two young relatives. "I even prepared plenty of good liquor just for you two... but it seems the situation at Azureocean Castle isn't looking good. My brother has ordered you both to return immediately."
She clicked her tongue, clearly disappointed.
Her grandnephews were precious, like treasured gems—truly the apple of her eye. They had passed their Coming of Age Ceremony and achieved tremendous results.
Caron and Leo were, without a doubt, her finest creations.
"Looks like we'll have to postpone that celebration for another time," Sabina added with a soft smile.
She, too, had been briefed on what was happening in the imperial capital. A storm was approaching. And these two wouldn't be spared from it. All she could do was hope that Caron and Leo would weather it well.
With that hope, she let go of her reluctance. Both the family and Azureocean Castle needed the two of them. And judging by how things were unfolding, time was of the essence.
"Get ready to return. If you're low on supplies, you can stop by Raelnia on your way and stock up," Sabina instructed.
Caron looked at Sabina and asked, "What about you, Lady Sabina? Aren't you coming with us?"
"My mission here isn't finished yet. I'll need to stay for at least another year. Once it's complete, I'll return to Azureocean Castle," Sabina answered.
Caron wanted to spend more time with her too, if he could. But he knew they didn't have that kind of time right now.
"Now that the Demon King of Havoc has shown himself, the number of demonic monsters crossing through the North Sea will only increase. I can't leave just yet," Sabina explained.
"...Won't you be lonely?" Leo asked.
Sabina smiled and gently ruffled his hair, then replied, "Whenever I get bored, I drop by Raelnia and bother the Oceanwolf Knights. It's actually kind of fun."
Then, turning to Caron, she said quietly, "I had hoped to help you develop your signature art, but time won't allow it."
Caron shook his head firmly and replied, "Whatever signature art I create, Lady Sabina, it'll carry your mark. You're the one who laid the foundation for me."
"Haha, well... Even if it's just words, I appreciate it. But let's be honest—you were gifted. All I did was toss in a few tips," Sabina said.
"When I complete it, I'll show you first," Caron promised.
"Oh? Really? Then maybe I'll get to test it against mine," Sabina said, her eyes lighting up.
And so they stood there, sharing stories as the sea faded behind them.
Caron couldn't tell how much time had passed, but eventually, Sabina rose to her feet and said, "Time to get moving. We've got a long road ahead."
Just then, Gratia, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, spoke up in a casual tone. "You're heading to Azureocean Castle, right?"
"Yes," Caron replied. "You're coming with us, aren't you? You are my Guardian Dragon."
"That's not possible right now," Gratia said with a shake of her head. "As Sabina Leston mentioned, the demonic monsters are starting to invade in earnest. My kin must protect the North Sea. That's how we protect your family, too."
Caron clicked his tongue in disappointment, because he knew having a dragon along would have made a lot of things easier.
Gratia gave a faint smile and nodded. Then, reaching into her robe, she pulled out a small ring and handed it to Caron. She said, "Here, this ring is linked to me. It has a summoning function built in, so if you need help, just call."
Just knowing he could call on a dragon's aid whenever he needed it was a huge advantage for Caron. It meant a whole new range of possibilities had opened up.
"I'll also handle your return to Azureocean Castle," Gratia added. "Teleporting you two there shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Yes, that would be great," Caron answered.
"There's a magic circle set up in Azureocean Castle that contains the power of our kin," Gratia explained.
That was a pleasant surprise to them. When it came to magic, dragons really were something else.
"In that case," Caron asked, "Would it be possible to create a teleportation gate connecting the North Sea and Azureocean Castle?"
"Not a chance," Gratia said as she shook her head. "The North Sea is saturated with dark mana. Unless it's completely cleansed, maintaining a gate would be nearly impossible."
Her blue hair fluttered in the sea breeze as she continued, "Let me know when you're ready. I'll teleport with you."
"I thought you said you weren't coming," Caron pointed out.
"I'm only going as far as delivering Rael's message to Azureocean Castle, then I'll come right back. He asked me to do something," Gratia said.
"That works for us," Caron replied.
He didn't know what message she planned to deliver, but he was just grateful it would cut down their travel time.
"Then it's settled," Sabina said with a smile, wrapping her arms around her two grandnephews. "It was a short time, but a joyful one. Leo, Caron... I'm more proud of you than anyone else in the world. Don't ever forget that I'm always behind you. Do you understand?"
Her words were full of warmth and sincerity.
Caron and Leo smiled and nodded.
"We won't forget," Leo said.
"I'll be back soon," Caron added.
Both of them now stood taller than Sabina.
Caron hugged her tightly, then slowly took in the view of the North Sea. One day, he would conquer these waters. And beyond this sea lay the Demon Realm.
When I return to this place... Just wait... he thought.
It would be after he had completed all the preparations necessary to shatter that Demon Realm—to turn everything beyond that horizon into dust.
The question of who had dared to toy with his soul didn't matter anymore.
His goal in this life was simple: He was going to annihilate every single demonic monster in existence.
Caron stared at the sea one last time and reaffirmed his resolve.
"Let's go, Gratia," he said.
And with that, their story in the North Sea came to a close. It was time to return to Azureocean Castle.
Gratia nodded slowly and began casting her magic.
Whoosh!
Dozens of magic circles appeared all at once, flooding the area in brilliant light.
Within that light, Caron turned and gave Sabina a playful wave. He said, "Next time I come back, I'll bring the good, expensive liquor."
Sabina chuckled with satisfaction and replied, "I'll be waiting."
And with those final words...
Flash!
The light swallowed them whole.
***
Dragon magic truly was something else.
Flash!
As the blinding light that had engulfed their vision faded away, a familiar scene slowly came into view. Caron saw towering stone walls and felt the gentle, pervasive hum of Azure Mana in the air.
"Magic really is convenient," Caron said, looking around with a satisfied nod.
There was no doubt about it. They were back at Azureocean Castle.
Dang! Dang!
The moment they arrived, emergency bells rang out across the castle.
"Teleportation magic detected!"
"Everyone, battle stations!"
It seemed the sudden use of teleportation without prior notice had thrown the entire stronghold into alarm.
"...We've caused trouble again," Leo muttered with a sigh, watching as the elders of the family came rushing out from the main castle.
From Halo to the other senior members residing at Azureocean Castle, and even Halo's sons—including Dales—they were all present, each clad in armor as if war had just broken out.
"Wow. Look at our elders, they're throwing us a proper welcome now that we're grown," Caron remarked with a grin. "But hey, Leo—did you see where Gratia went?"
He looked around, puzzled. They had teleported together, but Gratia was nowhere in sight.
At Caron's question, Leo let out another sigh and pointed toward the sky. He said, "She's up there."
"Huh?" Caron responded.
Just then, a voice filled with majesty boomed across the sky.
"Descendants of Rael Leston, hear me!"
Her scales glimmered blue, and her wings were vast and powerful. And from the center of her massive form, an overwhelming aura of mana radiated outward.
A blue dragon hovered high above, casting her shadow across the land. There was no mistaking it; it was Gratia.
"...What's with the dramatic entrance?" Caron murmured.
Leo shrugged, then said, "I have no idea. Maybe she just wanted a bit of attention?"
"Gratia? Why would she?" Caron asked.
"Well, think about it. She's been living alone at the bottom of the North Sea for, what, three hundred years? They say the older you get, the more you crave attention," Leo replied.
And just like that, Gratia was being treated like a lonely elder in need of company.
"I am Gratia, the Guardian Dragon of the Ducal Family of Leston and the last survivor of the Azure Clan. You will show me the respect I am due!"
Her voice echoed across every corner of Azureocean Castle.
Soon after, the head of the Ducal Family of Leston stepped out from the main castle, walking forward with solemn dignity.
"I, Halo Leston, Duke of the Ducal Family of Leston, greet the great Guardian Dragon," Halo said.
Gratia's eyes turned to him. "So, you are the current head. Your mana is formidable indeed. I offer my praise for the level you have attained."
"Thank you," Halo said. Even in the presence of the dragon's overwhelming mana, his expression remained calm and composed.
"The ancient pact between your family and our bloodline shall finally be fulfilled," Gratia declared, her voice echoing with grandeur.
"I have come today to deliver the words of Rael."
"Please, speak," Halo said evenly.
Gratia's tone grew solemn as she continued, "Caron Leston bears the weight of many destinies. Do not let envy of his brilliance lead you to foolish mistakes. These are the words your First Ancestor Rael has left for you."
Put simply, it was a warning telling them not to mess with Caron. A faint aura began to ripple from Gratia's form, as if she were ready to personally deal with anyone foolish enough to think otherwise.
But just then, a man standing quietly behind Halo raised his hand with careful hesitation. It was Caron's father, Fayle.
Gratia inclined her head toward him. "You seem to have something to say. Who are you?"
"I am Fayle Leston, son of Halo Leston, and father to Caron Leston," Fayle said, his voice steady. "If I may, I would like to speak on behalf of our family."
"You have my permission." At the mention of his relation to Caron, Gratia's gaze softened. Fayle was the one who had taken part in the birth of the Child of the Vow—he was owed gratitude.
With Gratia's permission, Fayle spoke carefully. "...There is no one left in Azureocean Castle who would dare lay a hand on Caron."
"Humans are creatures of jealousy. There are always those who might entertain foolish thoughts..."
Fayle glanced toward his brothers, then continued with quiet conviction, "That may have been true once. But now, certainly not."
"And what makes you so sure?"
"Because Caron bites elders too," Fayle said metaphorically, his tone almost casual. "Even the elders can't handle him anymore. And no one in Azureocean Castle wants to get bitten by Caron."
At that, Gratia turned her gaze toward Caron.
Caron scratched his head awkwardly, clearly embarrassed, then said, "Come on, Father... You know me too well. You're making me blush."
"...I see. That does seem to be the case."
"Gratia," Caron chimed in, flashing a bright, harmless smile. "If you want, I can bite a few people here and now as an example. Just say the word."
The Mad Dog had returned to Azureocean Castle as an adult.