Others Summon Dragons, I Summon Legendary Knights Chapter 352: The Old Man’s Name

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Previously on Others Summon Dragons, I Summon Legendary Knights...
Guild master Johan approached Isolde, requesting her husband's assistance to enter a recurring purple high-risk dungeon on the 59th Street Bridge that has been abducting people. He noted that major guilds like Justice and Pagoda refuse to risk their Titled gods inside due to the dangers and uncertain dungeon break, while freelancers avoid it amid rising deaths among powerhouses. Isolde questioned Johan's unique concern in a world where the Mana Tree turns paragons into targeted resources for competition.

"I'll be willing to pay as much as two hundred million." Isolde's eyes widened in shock at Johan's daring proclamation.

To be truthful, the core of a Titled god held a value of at least that sum.

'A twenty percent share of his guild's raid earnings would prove far more profitable. That could challenge Michael's monetary dominance over the Blacks, though it's Godfrey's decision. Should I accept?" Her lips tightened.

'No. This is his proposal.'

"I'll talk to him first. No guarantees." Isolde replied. "I'll call you once I get his answer."

Johan nodded his approval and departed the island soon afterward. Pendragon Island functioned as a dungeon located in Staten Island. Aboard the ferry heading back to Manhattan, Johan stared up at the gloomy sky.

Even though darkness had settled over the sky for some time, the glow from towering skyscrapers, streetlights, and vehicles illuminated the island brightly.

'He's the sole individual coming to mind. Charles, Lotus, and Falco all endorsed him too. We must pray that whatever awaits inside isn't beyond our capabilities, or it spells doom for everyone.'

***

Meanwhile, Godfrey—the very person on Johan's mind—rested against a doorframe, watching the orphans gathered on the floor encircling Dirge, who knelt among them.

Her song flowed wordlessly, shifting through varied melodies reminiscent of a sacred hymn. That voice of hers held an otherworldly allure, ensnaring the spirit completely.

He couldn't recall exactly when his Black-Out ability disengaged, exposing his

ocean-blue eyes that gleamed with wonder while he observed the ethereal white phantoms drifting nearby, harmonizing in chorus.

A few hovered close to Dirge; others focused on the

kids, stroking their chins and gently patting their heads, even as their touches faded into wisps of white vapor.

An otherworldly aura filled the room due to their existence.

In her golden armor, Dirge bore no resemblance to the Banshee, prompting deep reflection within him.

Had he spent additional moments with Dirge prior to naming her, a more suitable name might have come to mind, yet the castle prevented such luxury.

Going forward, thoughts of ideal names capturing the essence of his knights—including those yet to be summoned—would begin immediately.

Wonder filled the pure-hearted children through her melody, cleansing the sorrow from the loss of their companion.

His noble knights possessed far greater depth beyond mere inscriptions on monuments or tablets; they lived as real entities.

In that instant, Godfrey glimpsed the true nature of humanoid summoners that society ignored. Humanoid summoners commanded sentient creatures burdened with histories, remorse, and profound layers, much like humans themselves. They transcended mere beasts.

All this time, he had merely deployed them for battle. Combat remained essential and unavoidable, yet extending a bit more effort wouldn't harm.

Dirge enjoyed preparing meals; the diverse foods of Earth fascinated her. That could serve as a starting point.

Mountain took joy in aiding vulnerable youngsters. Occasional trips to orphanages alongside Mountain might work well.

With them present now, however, maximizing the moment was key.

Unbeknownst to Godfrey, a soft, sincere smile brimming with kindness

spread across his features as his mouth curved upward.

"Joy... often shines brightest after suffering. Why does pain exist to make happiness feel so precious?" The elderly man approached from behind.

"I grasp it somewhat, but not fully, even after a hundred years," he continued.

Godfrey crossed his arms, mulling it over briefly. "You're probably correct," he answered, then glanced back at the elder.

"I've wanted to inquire. What's your name?"

Surprise flickered in the old man's eyes. "It's been ages. Folks usually label me old man or caretaker. My real name is... Cain."

The name struck like a thunderbolt. Upon hearing it, Godfrey's expression stiffened, his jaw tightened, eyes bulged, and he reactivated Black-Out State, restraining the impulse to decapitate the elder as a sudden realization hit.

'It's merely a name!

Perhaps so, yet the prominent figures he admired all embodied true Cains under varied guises.

"Rough name, right? Never cared for it myself," the old man gave a feeble laugh. "Supposedly, a finer name awaited me, like my twin's, but rumor has it that at age two, I shoved him from the bed. He plummeted and perished. My parents cursed me with this fitting moniker and abandoned me to my grandmother's care. More kids came later, it seems, but I never shared a home with my folks, and my siblings always feared me during their

Christmas Eve visits."

A smile graced the old man's face. "Yet here's the thing—my grandmother bestowed

a new name I bore proudly. As her inaugural grandchild lacking a true name, she gifted me a superior one."

His grin broadened. "Adam."

"What?!" Godfrey stood stunned. He was positive this elderly man was

nothing more than a low-rank nobody, yet he dropped the names of two legendary icons renowned worldwide.

"So..." the old man let out a chuckle. Godfrey grew uneasy and tensed his body without thinking.

"You said you'll repair the orphanage." He gave a soft laugh. "I sense your promise outweighs your pockets. You're flat broke, aren't you?"

'All the Cain types I've come across share this: they've never known weakness, and this guy's too ancient for a clone. Even if he was faking it as one, Godfrey wouldn't spill a word on

Isolde's real identity!

"I possess a wealthy wife."

The old man hacked away fiercely until he finally cleared his throat.

'Youngsters today!

"You're mighty, but broke. Some things demand money that power alone can't secure. They pair up perfectly; true wholeness needs both.

Just like cash and sway."

"But I don't see much use for money," Godfrey shot back.

The old man eyed him closely. "Well... you do now. A promise made is a promise kept. Don't say your word lacks reliability too?"