Nowhere else in the world could you find a being as large or as powerful as this.

Its scales were darker than dark, seemingly sucking in the sunlight; its yellow eyes, each wider than Joshua was tall, seemed to peer deep into the young barons heart. Joshua craned his head, but he couldnt see where the dragons eye ended.

It was so massive.

The greatest creature on earth roared wildly into the sky.

[GRRRRRRRR!]

Eek! Ash wrapped his arms around his head and curled up on the ground. The dragons cry was nothing like what Joshua had donethis fear shook his very soul.

The evil dragon, Crevasse. The black clan of dragons had reigned for over three thousand years now.

Joshua watched the mighty being tensely. He was doing his best to prepare, but the mana he was trying to use to protect himself kept changing.

[Who are you?]

The source of the voice didnt need to be explained, as overwhelming as it was. The bigger issue was that a dragon was asking him a question. It asked Ash as well, but the elf wasnt capable of answering.

Joshua wasnt crazy enough to pretend to be a god in front of a dragon.

I

Crevasse! I think hes up to no good! Ash leaped up and ran around. Hes a human god! Hes wearing obsidian earrings!

Joshua scowled. He couldnt make excuses anymore.

If I can get through this without getting hurt He grit his teeth and continued his efforts to gather mana.

[Isnt this just a human?]

Huh? Crevasses confusion seemed to confuse Ash just as much. Yes? The elf stared at Joshua. Ever since hed found out about the obsidian earrings, hed treated Joshua like some sort of god. I-I dont believe it! Really?

[He has both magi and divine power What is this strange blending?]

Joshua let out a little sigh of relief. He was worried at first that the dragon would be upset when he realized that his clan had been used to make the obsidian earrings, but he didnt seem to care at all. Dragons were, after all, very isolated creatures. They cared little for what happened to the clan unless it involved the safety of the hatchlingswhich was the only reason the clan existed in the first place. Most likely, it doesnt matter to Crevasse at all.

[The only thing I care about is that this hybrid has come into my world.]

Damn it! He was wondering how this would end, and here they go again.

[It has a price.]

Joshuas vision went black as his mind was pummeled by a truly overwhelming amount of energythe instant death magic that only dragons could use. It was absolute and unerring.

[Die.]

Now he understood what Crevasse meant.

A man swung his sword in Peril Castles training hall. His statuesque musculature propelled the blade as it whistled through the air.

Sir Cain.

He kept swinging.

Sir Cain!

Cain finally turned around to face Icarus.

You know, youve been doing this for three days and three nights.

Has it really been that long? He had dark circles under his eyes, and his facial hair was unkempt.

Arent you tired, Sir Cain?

The princess came with you, Cain remarked, noting the ladys fiery red hair.

Are you really that mad? Charles asked.

Yes. I am.

Charles had no reply.

I felt like we were beginning to understand each other. But once again, it turns out that I was the one who didnt understand

The growing misery in Cains voice made Charles and Icaruss expressions darken.

You have to experience it to understand the anger of being left behind by your master

Sir Cain

Im weak. I need to be strong so that he doesnt have to face trials like these again.

Icarus and Charles were silent. Cain was powerful and had incredible potential, but his master was simply the most powerful man on the continent.

When he started swinging his sword again, they noticed the blood dripping from his grip.

Sir Cain! Why dont you get treated first, hmm?

Cain brushed Charles off. Im fine.

Do you have to take it this far? Icarus mumbled. Are you implying that Im useless to the master?

What do you mean, Icarus?

I mean, there are other ways to become stronger. Icaruss finger rose to tap against the tacticians head.

My job as a knight is to wield my sword for my master, Cain refuted. Your job is to strategize. Dont demean yourself by suggesting that I take your wo

Before you are a knight, you are a servant of the great Baron Sanders, are you not?

Cain seemed to come to an epiphany.

Is there anything better than knowing that our master will have a home to return to once his work is done? Icarus continued with sparkling eyes.

You mean

How long do you plan to live like a vagrant? We need to make the Sanders family a reality for the master to rest at.

I will help as well, Charles added. I need to make it up to you. Im not strong, but I want to be.

Princess Cain lowered his sword.

Ive got a lotta work for you, Sir Cain. Icarus flashed a wide grin. Youre man enough for the job, right?

Man

Imagine having the perfect masterenvied by all, household successful beyond belief. Our popularity will be incredible! Maybe youll even get married next year!

The knights eyes began to regain their light. Icarus, as always, could play Cain like a fiddle.

Where do I start?

Icaruss grin became still wider. We should find a place to lay our foundations.

So

The master said he would become the emperor.

WHAT? Charles boggled at them. Ahem Sorry.

Oh no, Princess. Its fine. Anyway, after a lot of thought, Ive realized that we have to build there.

To catch a tiger, you must go into its den, as they say?

Indeed.

Then

Icarus cut off Cains overenthusiastic response. The rest will have to be decided based on how much land the Emperor grants our master.

But what if the reward isnt territory?

You have to ask?

The Academys finest Cain chuckled. Thats all you need?

Whatever plans I make, it wont matter if our master does something else.

He wouldnt do that, Cain refuted.

Icarus couldnt help but smile. I hope youll put everything youve got into it.

Thats my line.

My word Charles, swept away by their utterly mad conversation, could only stand and stare.

It was dark. Pitch black, broken only by the tiniest thread of awareness.

Ever so slowly, ripples began to form on the stillness.

[Who are you?]

It was a question many people had asked him.

Who am I?

A fruit of the great tree known as Duke Agnus. An undefeated knight. A man living a second life. There were many ways to describe himself, but none of them would answer the dragons question.

It was asking for something much more important. Joshua couldnt quite put his finger on it.

Something else appeared while Joshua was thinking. A magical spirit, deformed and goblin-like, with horns and wings.

Lugia What is my purpose?1

[Even if you ask me, I dont even know my own purpose anymore. My memory is hazy. I do know one thing for certain: your answers lie at the end of this road.] The spirit transformed into its familiar spear form. [Get up. You need to greet your guests. You already know how to leave this creepy lizards space, dont you?]

Joshua stretched out his hand but didnt speak. He was thinking.

Yes, he didnt need to be confused anymore. Right now, he was just Joshua Sanders, a person.

Even without touching his hand, Lugia began to follow Joshuas movements.

There was nothing in the world he couldnt cut therefore, there was nothing that could keep him out. Especially not something as flimsy as someone elses will.

Joshuas own earth-shaking will rose to challenge the realms of heaven.

Defying Heaven. The 6th Form of the Magic Spear Arts could tear the sky in two.

The tension in the air finally came to a head, and light flooded in. Joshua, suddenly floating in the air, raised his head.

[Hybrid What is this?]

Joshua smirked at the enormous eyes.