Published at 15th of July 2021 01:47:35 PM

362 The Dragon Kings Past

[Diabolos: Rank A]

Its overwhelming destructive power permits no rivals.

A single swing from its tough claws can kill ten humans.

A single breath from its mouth can burn hundreds of humans.

An evolved form reached by a dragon that receives the favour of the Demon Lord.

I knew from the status, but if Im a recovery-specialist, this guy is an attack-specialist. Ill guess Ill check out the title skill that piqued my curiosity.

Title Skill [Dragon King]

The title bestowed to the most powerful dragon in the world.

Confers an improvement to lifespan as well as the rate of increase of the attack stat.

The required experience points is reduced, and acquiring resistance skills becomes easier.

In addition, the level of resistance skills increases upon evolution.

Confers a large influence on future evolutions.

Its essentially the same as my [Dragon Kings Son] title Actually, its just better. In my case, I dont get the improved life span or faster increase to my attack, and the increase to my resistances I get when I evolve caps out at level 5. But by the time you get this title, surely youd already be in your final evolution It somehow feels like a complete waste.

But Demon Lord, Demon Lord I vaguely remember hearing that term in the species explanation of other monsters, but I never would have expected to see the Demon Lords former subordinate like this. For that matter, theres a Demon Lord?

Aro chases after me and lines up next to me, fearfully looking at the giant dragon, the diabolos, then looks up at me worriedly. By the way, the nightmare is with my partner, and treant-san is way back on standby next to the stairs up.

Its okay. The diabolos isnt hostile He shouldnt be.

The diabolos glares at Aro. For a moment, I sense a freezing pressure and immediately heighten my wariness, but that doesnt seem to be need, as the bloodlust quickly disappears.

Oh, not a human. An undead?

Frightened by the diaboloss pressure, Aro clings to my hind leg, shivering . Even I find the diabolos intimidating. The terror Aro and the others must be feeling must be many times stronger.

Why did you come to this island? Your surprise It seems you did not know I was here.

I want to confirm if hes my father, but Is that really okay to ask? It feels a bit awkward, or rather it doesnt feel real to me No, I feel an incredible sense of intimacy, but thats another matte from being able to suddenly call him dad. Im an ouroboros, you know? I havent even been alive a year, but Im a pretty splendid dragon, you know? But then surely its weird for this dragon to have abandoned an egg in a forest far from this island But, but, this skill

You wish to ask me something. Why do you hesitate?

The diabolos slams his tail into the ground in displeasure. The floor shatters, and the surroundings shake.

Gua

What are you getting bashful for? Its gross.

My partner jabs, peering at me through thinned eyes.

B-but, thats my father!? I might have been fidgeting a bit, but I dont know what to do now that my father shows up like this. For that matter, my father is also yours, right? Though doesnt seem like you care at all.

As I exchange words with her, the diabolos grows more and more irritated. He probably doesnt like being ignored. Flustered, I turn away from my partner and face him.

S-sorry, I really felt out of place there Umm, why is diabolos-san here?

Oh, you know my species name?

Huh Is it bad to know that? Ah, that would be the case. Its not like everyone has [Gods Voice] or [Status Inspection]. Diabolos has to be among the rarest of the rare dragon species. There are hardly any A rank monsters in the first place. How many diaboloses could have been born in this world?

I look down and scratch my throat to try and evade the question. I dont have any idea what the significance of those skills is around here. Its probably best not to speak carelessly.

The diabolos looks at me suspiciously, but then brings the conversation back on track with a I suppose its fine. Why I am here, you ask?. It seems hell tell me without difficulty. With how quickly hes discarded his doubts, he might have actually been itching to talk. He has [Loneliness Resistance: LvMAX], so he might have been starved for a conversation partner.

I am because I received a divine revelation from the Will of the World.

T-the Will of the World? Is that a name for the sham god behind Gods Voice? Certainly, he does have [Gods Voice] in his skills. Its only a paltry level 1 though.

Originally I was a monster in service to the Demon Lord. After the Demon Lord was defeated by the Hero, many monsters followed in death. They recklessly attacked human lands and were slain A great many others flew to the edge of the world never to return. That was also my intention.

I-its becoming a surprisingly brutal story. For that matter, does Hero mean that blond bastard? Im sure Dragon King-san could easily turn the tables if he was attacked by three of that guy.

I do not know who you associate it with, but this is a tale of five hundred years ago.

Visit readel.me for extra chapters.

Its completely unrelated. Y-youve been alive for five hundred years?

However, when I decided to die, a decree from heaven was handed down to me. I heard a voice in my head. One day, the Demon Lord will reappear in this world. As the Dragon King, you are able to live a long time. Swear your fealty to the Demon Lord of the next era, and put an end to age of humanity. I knew right away. This voice what Demon Lord-sama spoke of as the Will of the World.

Uh? Umm, it seems the story is moving in a disturbing direction

From then on, I hid myself and bided my time It has been long. I have hidden myself on this island, occasionally walking outside to watch the rise and fall of the sun. Many times I have doubted the owner of the voice. But I know. That time is now close. Previously I had only recently evolved and could not fight alongside Demon Lord-sama. But now I am different. I will not fall behind the Hero. I shall herald the coming of my new master and guide them forwards. For the sake of producing the world the former Demon Lord-sama desired, I shall offer my soul to the cause.

With a raptured expression, the diabolos looks up at the ceiling. Those eyes must surely be looking at the sky beyond.

Th-this is no good My dad is totally a baddie.

You show promise as a dragon, to be able to dispel the adams. Come with me. I will make you my subordinate. Serve the coming Demon Lord with me.

As I look down in shock, the diabolos watches me concernedly.

What is wrong? Do you not wish to be my subordinate?

Th-thats not it though Theres something more fundamental Wh-what should I do here, what can I do? The Demon Lords return? The Will of the World?

But it doesnt look like I can avoid replying. For the diabolos, it seems its natural for a dragon to accompany the Demon Lord. If I say something that associates me with the human side, he might see me as an enemy and attack.

Theres only one thing I can do to end this peacefully!

I press my chin against the floor and lower myself to the ground.

I gratefully accept. When that day comes, this ouroboros shall use all my strength to serve diabolos-san!

Hey partner, is that really okay?

My partner looks at me as though to say she has some thoughts on the matter.

I-its fine. That time wont be coming any time soon. Its fine if I can just bluff my way through this conversation.

Hes probably killed tons of humans.

Th-that might be the case, but But he might be my father, you know? Its not like Ive seen him doing it in front of me, and he doesnt seem to be hostile Though its not like I have any idea how I should be acting toward him at all

Hrm, diabolos, diabolos It seems you do not know your manners.

The diabolos deliberately shakes his head, sighing deeply. M-manners? Manners between dragons?

I have the precious name of Eldia that was bestowed onto me by Demon Lord-sama. I shall specially permit you to call me by that name. Diabolos is only a word to describe my form.

He says proudly with a sidelong glance at me Hes putting on weird airs, but essentially he wants me to call him by name.

Is this ossan a tsundere? I want to let my guard down around him, but because of the diaboloss No, because of Eldias remarks, I cant quite settle down. Im grateful for the welcome, but It might be best not to stay on this island too long.