Trash of the Count's Family Vol 2. Chapter 357: Records (2)
Previously on Trash of the Count's Family...
The ancient Dragon, Eruhaben, who was approaching Cale with a smile on his face, flinched upon noticing Cale’s stern expression.
Unconcerned, Cale extended his hand towards Eruhaben.
“...What is it that you want?” Eruhaben inquired, unsure of Cale’s intentions.
Cale replied, “Oh, are you going to play ignorant, Eruhaben-nim?” Cale’s tone was notably sharp.
As the ancient Dragon’s brow began to furrow at Cale’s unusually curt manner of speaking, Cale continued, “Please, hand over the ancient artifact.”
His tone was unexpectedly rude. However, Eruhaben, meeting Cale’s gaze, offered no complaint. Instead, his expression remained calm as he responded, “Ancient artifact? Did you not just hear it break?”
“Haaaa.” Cale let out a deep sigh, causing Eruhaben to involuntarily flinch. Cale Henituse then looked up at the training ground’s ceiling before returning his gaze to the Dragon.
“Eruhaben-nim,” Cale calmly resumed, “Do I appear someone who would fall for your ploy?” Cale’s stare fixed upon Eruhaben, who was quietly observing him.
The ancient artifact. The jar, filled with vitality, provided water according to the user’s desires, filling only to the amount needed. It was said to shatter if it could not fulfill the user’s wishes, as the Mercenary King had explained.
“I have no intention of questioning why you failed to use the jar correctly,” Cale stated, his expression remaining placid while Eruhaben's frown deepened.
“Haaa, you—” Eruhaben began, but Cale’s interruption cut him short.
“The jar is said to fill with water according to the user's desires.” Step by step, Cale moved closer to the ancient Dragon.
“That ancient artifact would be of no use in your hands at this moment, Eruhaben-nim.” Cale was not particularly intimidated by this Dragon, known for its arrogance and independence, despite its immensely long life of a thousand years.
“It is useless because you no longer desire to live much longer.” Another step. Cale halted, now only one step away from Eruhaben, who then spoke.
“You are correct.” Eruhaben did not dispute Cale’s statement.
“That jar will not yield any water, even if you were to place it back in my hand.” Eruhaben admitted his lack of desire to continue living for an extended period.
Noticing that Eruhaben, who had appeared pale after his battle with the White Star, now seemed well, Cale inquired, “Is it about a year?” He recalled what a Wind Elemental had told him: Eruhaben had consumed merely one gulp. Cale was asking about the remaining vitality from that single consumption.
“...Yes. I believe I can likely live for another year.” A year. This was comparable to the time Eruhaben had left before expending his remaining power to fight the White Star. Eruhaben had deemed this sufficient.
“We will defeat the White Star within that timeframe.” The ancient Dragon spoke with certainty about defeating the White Star within the year, also conveying his resolve to make it so.
“But how did you come to know?” Eruhaben questioned the silent Cale, wondering how he had learned about the ancient artifact’s condition. He had detected no magical spells or ancient powers emanating from outside the iron gate.
“Is that important?” Cale bluntly responded before continuing, “There is something I gained after reinforcing the wind-attribute ancient power.” Cale had mentioned fortifying the wind ancient power to the others but not the specifics of what that fortification entailed. The group, preoccupied with ensuring Cale rested and ate, had not pressed for details.
“I can now hear the voices of the Wind Elementals whenever I wish.”
“Ah.” Eruhaben nodded. Hearing the Elementals’ voices did not require magic or ancient powers; it was a natural occurrence.
“The Elementals must have informed you.”
“Something like that.” Eruhaben simply sighed at Cale’s response.
Although the ancient Dragon attempted to steer the conversation away from the awkward topic, Cale’s hand remained outstretched. He appeared intent on maintaining this posture until Eruhaben relinquished the jar.
The ancient Dragon then spoke, “You should have realized it yourself, as you also fought against the White Star.” He decided to be forthright.
“I do not know how you will perceive a Dragon saying this, but the White Star is exceedingly powerful.” Eruhaben knew this from his confrontations with the White Star, understanding his strength and the possibility of victory.
“Furthermore, countless individuals still pledge allegiance to the White Star.” Among those under the White Star’s command were the Arm, the Lion tribe, and the Bear tribe. Cale’s group wouldn't face only the White Star.
“Then, there may come a time when some individuals sustain injuries during the conflicts.” Achieving victory in a war without any casualties?
Eruhaben considered such a notion to be utter folly.
“This is why I resolved it would be more prudent to safeguard the ancient artifact, just in case.”
For Eruhaben, the choice was straightforward.
“I could utilize this and gain additional time for my existence.”
He would live beyond his allotted span. That prospect was quite appealing.
“However, none of you have yet completed your natural lifespans.”
Cale, Raon, and all the others. Their destinies were to live out their days as they were meant to.
It would be a tragedy if their lives were cut short by war, preventing them from reaching their full potential. Even a noble sacrifice for a greater cause would still feel sorrowful.
Eruhaben noticed Cale’s hand, still extended towards him, and produced the jar.
Cale promptly placed the container into his personal dimensional storage.
A sigh escaped Eruhaben as he observed Cale’s actions.
The jar remained unfilled with water, even while Cale held it.
It stayed empty despite Cale appearing pale and surely experiencing physical strain.
Furthermore, it did not fill even though Cale, needing a more robust physique than anyone else, might frequently need to employ his ancient abilities.
Yet, the jar remained devoid of water in Cale’s grip.
The reason was simple: Cale had no desire for it to be filled.
‘And yet, he treats me with such disrespect?’
This paradox was the source of Eruhaben’s astonishment, and simultaneously, the reason he refrained from using the jar upon himself.
“Eruhaben-nim.”
At that very instant.
Eruhaben saw Cale looking at him, having already secured the jar within his spatial pouch.
“I believe a time will come when I return this ancient artifact to you.”
A smirk played on Cale’s lips.
“I suspect the jar will be brimming with water by then.”
Eruhaben let out a resigned sigh.
The jar filling completely would signify Eruhaben’s own desire for an extended life.
“…Such a moment will never materialize.”
Nevertheless, Cale’s resolute voice countered him.
“It will.”
Cale held the conviction that such a day was inevitable.
He mused that people often yearn for more life when contemplating their mortality or experiencing profound joy.
The instant the White Star is vanquished.
When all conflict concludes.
The moment tranquility is restored, they would find respite, and their lives would begin to overflow with contentment.
“I am certain that day will arrive.”
Cale was determined to ensure everyone would witness that day.
“I remain uncertain about that.”
Eruhaben, unable to fathom Cale’s inner thoughts, simply responded before turning towards the gateway.
He needed to demonstrate to those waiting beyond that his complexion had returned to its usual state.
“Eruhaben-nim.”
Yet, one individual was not yet ready for their discussion to conclude.
“Since we are here, why don’t we converse a little longer.”
Cale wished for their private moment to extend just a bit further.
“About what do you wish to converse?”
Cale gestured towards the gateway upon hearing Eruhaben’s inquiry.
“I request that you erect a soundproof barrier, as a precaution.”
“A soundproof barrier?”
“Yes, sir.”
Eruhaben finally perceived the absence of a smile on Cale’s face.
The ancient Dragon was already aware that no one outside was employing any form of enchantment, yet, as Cale requested, he erected a soundproof barrier.
“Now, no one outside will be privy to our conversation.”
Eruhaben observed as Cale slowly began to speak.
“Dragons.”
Cale’s thoughts turned to the World Tree.
He recalled its pronouncements.
Seek the Water of Judgment.
There exists an individual possessing three ancient powers.
None of these were elements he could simply disregard. Consequently, Cale felt compelled to constantly ponder the final directive from the World Tree.
‘Locate the traces left behind by the black Dragon’s parents.’
The black Dragon. Raon Miru.
“Dragons, how do Dragons find their parents?”
Cale considered it imperative to locate Raon’s parents, or at the very least, any remnants they might have left behind.
“…A Dragon’s parents?”
“Yes, sir.”
Eruhaben’s expression shifted to one of bewilderment.
This was an entirely unforeseen line of questioning.
Cale, however, was not finished.
He had another matter he wished to inquire about.
“Do you possess knowledge of the Castle of Light?”
“…One of the Three Forbidden Zones?”
Eruhaben’s astonishment deepened upon Cale abruptly mentioning the Castle of Light.
Cale continued speaking. He had not yet disclosed the events of ancient times to the others, but the moment had arrived to reveal a portion of it.
“It is purportedly within the Castle of Light that the Dragon Slayer village resides. Were you aware of this?”
Cale witnessed Eruhaben’s eyes widen in disbelief.
“…That is the location of the Dragon Slayer village? Truly?”
A sudden chill ran down his spine observing the utterly astonished ancient Dragon. His reaction surpassed any Cale had anticipated from someone merely receiving new information.
Cale nodded slowly, recalling the words of the intimidating Giant Cobblestone.
“…I cannot claim absolute certainty, but the probability of this being accurate is exceedingly high.”
“Ho.”
Eruhaben emitted a surprised gasp.
A greater chill crept up Cale’s spine as he watched the ancient Dragon rub the back of its neck. There was something peculiar about the ancient Dragon’s reaction. Responding to Cale’s unspoken thoughts, the ancient Dragon began to speak. “The Castle of Light.” With Wind Island now gone, the Castle of Light stood as one of the Two Restricted Areas. Eruhaben was intimately familiar with this locale. “That place, though humans likely know little about it…” Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and all other races were probably ignorant of its secrets. However, Eruhaben possessed knowledge concerning that very location. Cale and Eruhaben exchanged glances before the Dragon revealed, “That is where the final Dragon Lord’s grave is situated.” ‘What?’ Cale’s eyes widened in surprise. The Castle of Light. The most likely site of the Dragon Slayer village. And now, the location of the final Dragon Lord’s grave. “The final Dragon Lord lived through the ancient era and the subsequent world,” Eruhaben recounted, recalling information shared by other ancient Dragons in ages past. Born near the close of ancient times, this last Dragon Lord had witnessed both the ancient world and the era that followed. “And the lineage of Dragon Lords concluded with that esteemed Dragon.” No other Dragon could subsequently claim the title of Dragon Lord. “This is why we say Dragon Lords vanished after the ancient times.” It was due to the absence of Dragons capable of assuming the mantle of Dragon Lord in the post-ancient era. Cale remembered Eruhaben’s words from their past conversations. ‘Ah, the Dragon Catcher was said to be the Dragon Lord’s sole companion.’ Previously, Cale had assumed the position of Dragon Lord had persisted through generations, along with the Dragon Catcher lineage, maintaining their friendship. However, he now understood that this was not the case. Something felt amiss. The final Dragon Lord, born near the end of ancient times. And the very first Dragon Slayer, the sole survivor of the final battle during that ancient period. An event approximately 10,000 years prior. Cale realized there was more to this ancient tale. ‘Perhaps,’ he mused, considering Eruhaben’s past revelations. The narrative of the Dragon Lord and the Dragon Slayer being friends… ‘It might have simply referred to two individuals.’ The final Dragon Lord and the first Dragon Slayer. Their story could have been misinterpreted over the span of 10,000 years. Ten millennia was a considerable duration, even for Dragons. The Castle of Light. Cale broke the silence. “Let us proceed to the Castle of Light first.” And one more thing. “I wish to search for any traces of Raon’s parents.” Cale noticed Eruhaben’s expression shift from nodding affirmation to one of sheer incredulity. “Cale.” “Yes, sir.” “You aren’t aware of how Dragons are conceived, are you?” “Excuse me?” “You don’t know, do you?” ‘…How they are born?’ Cale calmly responded to Eruhaben’s disbelieving gaze. “From an egg.” Dragons indeed hatched from eggs. Eruhaben let out a sigh before continuing. “It supposedly took me fifty years to hatch from my egg.” “Excuse me?” ‘What is he talking about all of a sudden?’ Cale’s face grew increasingly perplexed. This abrupt question was odd, but fifty years to hatch? Did that even sound possible in a fantasy realm? “You recall Olienne? He took five years.” Now, he was suggesting another Dragon took merely five years. Eruhaben continued speaking, observing Cale’s confusion. “You see, Dragons. Our hatching periods vary.” Some Dragons emerged in a single day, others in a month, a year, or even decades. Eruhaben couldn’t be absolutely certain, having no knowledge of every Dragon across the Eastern and Western continents, but he was confident that each Dragon possessed a unique hatching duration. “Naturally, there’s a reason for this. Dragons with longer hatching periods are the stronger Dragons.” Cale reflected on his earlier statement to Eruhaben. I wish to search for any traces of Raon’s parents. “The little one is destined to become an exceptionally powerful Dragon,” Eruhaben stated with conviction. “You might need to look back at least a century to find the little one’s parents.” He then added, his voice chilling. “The likelihood of them still being alive is practically nil. Even Dragons, despite their extreme self-centeredness, cherish their offspring.” If even one of Raon’s parents were alive, they would never have allowed him to endure such suffering in that desolate cave. “That’s likely why you mentioned searching for traces of the little one’s parents. However, that endeavor won’t be simple either.” The majority of Dragons returned to nature upon their demise. If that were the case, locating any remnants would prove exceptionally difficult. Cale ran a hand through his hair before speaking. “Let’s focus on what we can do first.” Cale’s aspiration to lead a leisurely life had intensified slightly following the trial set by the Sound of the Wind.The Super Rock Villa required habitation. Thus, the process would unfold one individual at a time.
“Let’s proceed cautiously. We’ll manage it together in the end, correct?”
Cale’s smile met Eruhaben’s laughter as the ancient dragon replied.
“For the first time in ages, your words resonate with me, you persistently unlucky fellow. Naturally, we shall face this united.”
Upon hearing this affirmation, Cale gestured with his hand.
A gust of wind announced its presence at the imposing iron gate.
*Click!*
The substantial iron gate swung open, revealing the path forward.
The gaggle of children, all around nine years of age, dashed towards Cale and Eruhaben.
“Gramps! Human!”
“Grandpa, your complexion appears quite healthy!”
“You look even better! Truly!”
Cale, with the children now joyfully approaching the ancient Dragon, strode past them and exited through the opened iron gate.
“Hm?”
“Human?”
Raon, On, and Hong directed their gazes toward Cale, only to find him already placing a hand on someone’s shoulder.
“Secretary-nim.”
“...Hm?”
Bud responded to Cale’s sudden warmth with a look of suspicion. At that exact moment, Cale’s smile widened brilliantly.
“Gramps! The human is beaming just like the crown prince!”
Disregarding Raon’s observation, Cale continued in a voice laced with gentleness.
“Kindly hand over the Directory.”
The Mercenaries Guild’s esteemed roster of powerful individuals – the Directory.
Following this, their destination would be the Castle of Light.
The ancient past, the White Star, and the unveiled truths surrounding them.
Cale was advancing towards all of these revelations, and crucially, towards the opportune moment to strike the White Star from behind.