Arc 22: If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?

Chapter 189: The Echo Needle of Domination and the Azure Dragon

If I am to say it clearly, this is surely not an invention of professor Babylon(s.h.i.+zuka)

Are you saying it isnt an object that fell from the [Warehouse]? (Touya)

Yes(s.h.i.+zuka)

A wyvern has been defeated at Leaflet. When I showed s.h.i.+zuka the skewer which had been stuck to it, she then declared that. Rosetta takes the skewer that was left behind, looks at it for a while and then says something.

This is the [Echo Needle of domination]. An article of professor Erks(Rosetta)

Erks(Touya)

Professor Debora Erks. She was a person referred to as a master of magic crafts in Paruteno. Well, shes inferior to Professor Babylon by a huge margin(Rosetta)

There was a person like that? I sigh in relief knowing that it isnt an item that has come from the [Warehouse]. Well, it seems theres no need for me to particularly feel responsible. In the end, how a tool is going to be used is dependent on who is going to use it. So if I say whos the worst one here, it would be the person who has understood how it works and still has chosen to use it.

Whether its the [Jewel of Immortality], the [Imbibe demon bracelet] or the [Bracelet of defense], the people almost lost their minds because of the power they have gained and destroyed themselves. And there are also people like the founding king of Restia who has managed to master the holy sword and become a king adored by his people.

Well, even if thats how it is, it doesnt mean that I wont charge the manager of [Warehouse] with the responsibility for it.

What do I say about professor Erks? She held a strong enmity towards professor Babylon. Speaking about the artifacts made by this girl, professor Babylon had impressions like [Its powerful, but its safety measures are defective], [Although its very versatility, the burden is being forced on the user], [New, but hardly interesting] whenever she allowed the professor to say anything about them(Rosetta)

It seems that professor Babylon was inviting excessive hostility due to her easily making items of higher quality than that of professor Erks (s.h.i.+zuka)

Its just how that professor is. I am sure she was substantially teasing her.

Similar to Oda n.o.bunaga and Akechi Mitsuhide, I guess geniuses and prodigies are incompatible with each other. I think that professor Babylon might have not even regarded the other side as an opponent. How pitiful.

So, what is this [Echo Needle of Domination]? (Touya)

Its a magic tool Artifact used to control magic beasts. When its loaded with magic and driven in their heads, this article allows the user to freely control the magic beasts. Though it draws out the power of the magic beasts to their limits, it does so in exchange for the beasts lifespan. Ive heard that it had the possibility of harming the users mind since the magic beasts and users minds are forcibly connected. As such, it was eventually discarded (Rosetta)

I see. Although its powerful, its safety is troublesome. Its due to the burden it imposes on the user, right? I suppose its exactly right that. However, I dont think she has any right to say anything about that persons invention though because Babylon had also made something like the [Jewel of Immortality].

Somehow, doesnt that mean that the user of the wyvern is using that item without knowing anything about it?

However, a dragon? Its would be troublesome if someone can gather a number of those creatures who are considered to be the strongest living beings. It looks like its going to be troublesome should a dragon similar to the red dragon from the sanctuary of Misumido a.s.sault us. I cant imagine a dragon who possess high intelligence to be controlled like this though.

Lord. Is now a good time?

Eh? Kougyoku? Whats wrong?

Kougyoku comes in through the window. She turns her crimsons eyes towards me after landing on the table.

In my humble opinion, it should be a good idea to try summoning the [Blue Emperor] and ask him about things related to dragons

By the [Blue Emperor], is she referring to the companion of Kohakus group? One of the four deities. The Seiryu of the East.... Was it? If I am not mistaken, Kohaku is the ruler of beasts, Sango and Kuroyou are the rulers of scaled creatures, while Kougyoku is the ruler of birds, and they are the divine beasts. However, arent magic beasts not included in their domains?

Strictly speaking, dragons are not magic beasts. They are a type of beasts by themselves and they are dependents of the blue emperor. Aside from them, there are also the likes of lizards and alligators. Those beasts are barely covered by Kuroyou and Sangos domain. Either way, Ive thought if we are going against dragons, why not call him?. I also havent seen the face of the Blue Emperor for a long time

Lord! I am against that!

Dogannn! Kohaku jumps into the room in his large tiger form after slamming the door. Oi! How many times did I tell him not to get big inside the castle!?

If its the Lord, he can solve this problem even if he doesnt summon this unpleasant fellow! Please reconsider it!

Whats going on!? Or rather dont approach me when youre in your huge form as you are now. Youre scary. Its as if I am going to be eaten.

Leaving aside the issue of unpleasantness, isnt being a Blue Emperor a qualification already?(Sango)

Kohaku-chan is on bad terms with Sei-chan you know. I guess its desperation. Pupupu (Kuroyou)

Sango and Kuroyou also come in while swimming in the air. Oh I see, is it like that?

Guuu, thats true but....... Dont you understand that things will be troublesome if that fellow comes in between us! That person is being uncooperative by uttering nothing but only far-fetched things! Ahhh, I am getting furious just by remembering that Blue Emperor! (Kohaku)

Just when I thought that Kohaku had gotten smaller, he began rampaging on the carpet like a kid throwing a tantrum. He is completely bringing out his personal feeling, with this.

An impulsive Kohaku and a rational Blue Emperor are like water and oil. Can I say they dont get well rather than just being on bad terms? I do think that they respect each others good points, but both of them are still stubborn (Kougyoku)

Who is! If I am to recognize that one, it will only be Blues clever mouth and insensibility of not being able to read the mood!(Kohaku)

Kohaku gets on the table and shouts at Kougyoku who is explaining. Oh, good grief. I think this talk doesnt look like its progressing in any way.

I understand Kohakus argument, but lets try summoning that person for now (Touya)

No way~(Kohaku)

Well, look, Im not really saying for you to forcibly be friends. Ah, although its fine if you quarrel at a certain degree, I would punish the two of you if you guys seriously fight each other (Touya)

I take Kohaku who is feeling reluctant along, and go out to the courtyard. Fortunately, there is no one in the courtyard, so we decide to finish the summoning now without any delay.

I draw a summoning formation in the courtyard with a magic stone chalk and pour magic power with darkness attribute in it.

While confirming that the black fog which appeared inside the summon formation is gradually getting darker, we slowly mix the magic power of Kohakus group in it. With this, the preparations are complete.

Oh the one ruling the spring and trees, east and larger rivers. Answer my call, make your appearance here

The magic power in the middle of the summoning formation swelled up in one go, and a huge blue dragon appeared from within the black fog. It has sapphire-like scales with clear blue eyes and big wings that give the presence of a king. Unlike a wyvern, it has proper forefeet. Its not an [Eastern Dragon]. Its undeniably a Dragon.

(TLC: a play on words of and . Both mean dragon. But former implies a chinese dragon, while the latter western dragon)

......Fumu. Just when I thought Ive felt a nostalgic spirit, it were you guys, werent you? Whats the situation here for all of us to meet in this kind of place?

A calm voice sweeps forth from Seiryu. The voice somehow brings an image of a woman thats close to how a female teacher or a career woman would sound like.

Long time no see, Blue Emperor (Sango)

Sei-chan, long time no see~ (Kuroyou)

Its good you look fine more than anything else, Blue Emperor (Kougyoku)

While Sango, Kuroyou, Kougyoku greets Seiryu, Kohaku is the only one who turns his face away and clicks his tongue. Oi-Oi, dont you think that your att.i.tude is a bit rude?

Fumu. There seems to be a small fry who cant even greet, but I will forgive him. I am big-hearted after all (Seiryu)

Dimwit Its this Blue Lizard! Are you saying youre big-hearted!? How dare you say that, you, with your warped personality that spits out malicious words!(Kohaku)

Are you saying that Im warped? Then wouldnt that make your personality twisted like a wheel? (Seiryu)

What did you say!? (Kohaku)

Yes yes, stop right here (Touya)

I pick up Kohaku that seems ready jump anytime now by the nape of his neck and look up at Seiryu. Although this one has its puzzled eyes look here, it soon opens its mouth.

Can I presume that youre the one who summoned me? Whats your name? (Seiryu)

Mochizuki Touya. I am the King of this country (Touya)

Hohou. Even if I can understand the Flame Emperors case, I am wondering how you got the cooperation of the White Emperor and Genbus pair though(Seiryu)

Its not a cooperation or anything. He is our honorable master, you know? (Kuroyou)

..................What? (Seiryu)

Seiryus stops moving due to Kuroyous remark. Its looking at me with eyes that have seen something unbelievable.

Suddenly, Seiryu emits a staggering intimidation. However, it didnt have a great impact on me. The reminds me, this is similar to when Ive summoned Kohaku. Seiryu eventually stops emitting an intimidating force and then exhales a little.

......I can certainly feel an unusual presence but...... Who are you?

The one who replies to the question of the Seiryu isnt me. It is Kohaku whom Ive picked up in my hand.

How about you confirm it by yourself if you have doubts, Blue Emperor. Its our Lords intention to form a contract with you after all. Dont you want to try out the power that we obey? (Kohaku)

Mm.... Its annoying to listen to that cajoling mouth of yours but... Im definitely curious. Thats fine. Why not try out this persons ability? (Seiryu)

At that moment, I didnt miss the broad grin on Kohakus face. I can generally understand what hes thinking but...

==========================Scene Change========================

Since its too cramped in the courtyard, I draw a considerably larger summoning formation in the western plains and call Seiryu again.

On that plain, both I and Seiryu will face each other one-to-one. We also shouldnt bother the surrounding areas here, and the spectators are only the other divine beasts.

Then, what are we going to do? Is it fine if we fight?

Fumu. Well, I guess thats right. Its fine as long as I understand your ability. Ah, I wont kill you so be relieved

After hearing that line, all the other divine beasts burst into a huge laughter. Theyre even trembling. Are they grinning?

Well, I guess its fine, isnt it? Im coming. Are you ready?

Dont worry. Come to me anytime you want

Then I wont hold back. [Accel Boost]

I kick the ground at once and approach Seiryu at the highest speed. It will be troublesome if he flies after all. Lets end this fight quickly before that happens.

Whaaa......!?

Gravity

Gufuuu!?

I touched Seiryus body, and activate the weight magic. In a blink of an eye, the blue dragon is being sewn onto the ground and is cowering on its place. Beat it before it can fly. This is common sense.

Guuu......! W-what is this magic......! Such... such powerful magic, why are you this cool-headed......!?

Kuhahahaha! Oh Blue Emperor, you have misread the Lords ability! Didnt you have any doubts when you saw us being manifested this way when we should normally be summoned?

!

Seiryu widely opens its eyes in surprise. Kohaku is speaking happily while running around the unmoving dragon. Youre too much in high spirits, all-right.

Now that you mentioned it......! Absurd...... While keeping all you guys summoned, and keeping you manifested at the same time......! How much magic power is being consumed!?

Kukuku. Lets me tell you something good. The lords magic power doesnt decrease even a single bit after summoning us and letting us exist freely. In fact, it wont even matter even if the lord employs hundreds of summoned beasts all at the same time

N-no way......!

Hahahahaa! That sorry look! Did you learn your place?! This is our Lord, Mochizuki Touya-samas ability!! I remember someone saying that I wont kill you so be relieved!

It certainly is like that. You dont have to say it though, you know... More than that, I would like you to stop doing mean things. Youre like a fox borrowing the power of a tiger. Or rather, you are a tiger yourself.

You seem happy, Kohaku-chan (Kuroyou)

Well, Its like I dont understand your feelings but... (Sango)

You should withdraw from there a little... (Kougyoku)

Look here. Everyone else is drawing back.

Since Kohaku incites it without even caring, Seiryu tries to force its body to stand up even if it has to put up some effort to do that. The s.h.i.+vering knees and tail support the body, so the dragon somehow manages to stand up. Oh, not bad.

However, when I further increase the weight, Seiryu once again crawls over the ground.

Gu-guuufuu......!

I would like you to give up soon though?

............I-I under-stand. It is my defe-at. I will make a contract with you

I immediately release [Gravity] after hearing those words. The weight magic disappears, and Seiryu stands up quietly.

I was being rude for not being able to see through that power of yours. Mochizuki Touya-sama. Please make a master and servant contract with me and bestow upon me a new name

A name? Thats right.... Kohaku, Sango, Kuroyou, Kougyoku sound like treasures... Then as expected, should yours be [Ruli?]

[Ruli]...... is it?

Yup. It is called Lapis Lazuli. Its the name of a blue gem, and written with [] when using the words of my country

Kougyoku means Ruby so Ive thought of using Sapphire. But if Im not mistaken, Ive been told that [Seigyoku] or possibly [Aogyoku] are being used for Sapphire. It would surely overlap with Kougyoku, so Ruli sounds fine.

I understand. From now on, please call me [Ruli] (Ruli)

Um. My best regards. Ah, also, dont quarrel with Kohaku that much or else both of you will be punished otherwise (Touya)

I will endure it as much as possible (Ruli)

Im the one who will be enduring it!(Kohaku)

Kohaku snaps immediately. Ah mou~, those guys are already at it.

Ruli changes into the appearance of a small dragon the same way as with Kohakus group. I sigh at the two who are staring at each other in that state.

Why are you two in such bad terms anyway?

These are just ill feelings between fellow women. Even Master would be burned if he steps in that area

Good grief....... Women are scary even as summoned beasts......

While agreeing on what Kuroyou have said who in turn is laughing and giggling, I suddenly notice something and stop moving........ What did he say just now?

......Eh? Huh? Fellow women? Wait a minute! You guys, what are your gender anyway?

Everyone of us are females

Dont lie. You are a male, right?

Sango makes a tsukkomi at Kuroyous remarks. Ya, I kinda get it with Kuroyou having that kind of character though. Are there no other males besides him?

......Thats bad. I was sure that Kohaku was male....... Come to think of it, her voice is a bit high.......

I better keep quiet for now. Yumina and others should probably know about this, right? Lets ask them later........ I would be able to tell whether shes a lion and not a tiger though....