While Katora and Shasta were struggling, the sun began to set. As I started to wonder what to do, Shasta stopped her training and said to us.

“You should stay the night today.”

“……Is there enough space in that hut for all of us to sleep?”

“The three women will be properly accommodated. I don’t care about the men.”

This woman… I turned to Richard and said,

“Can you summon a Dragon?”

“It’s possible, but…”

“Wait, wait. There’s more we should discuss about the Dragon Spirit, isn’t there? I’ll treat you properly.”

It feels like she wants us to stay. She might be happy to have guests after a long time.

“I’ll treat you properly. Today, let’s have a hot pot with plenty of vegetables and meat.”

Is she trying to tempt us with food? But, we should discuss the Dragon Spirit a bit more, so I guess it’s fine.

“Alright. Is that okay with everyone else?”

“I will follow Lord Ruon.”

“Yes, I’ll follow Big Brother Ruon.”

“I don’t mind either.”

“Me too.”

“Ruon, isn’t it fine? I’ll summon a Dragon so we can depart tomorrow morning.”

Since they all agreed, I told Shasta.

Well then, that settles it… for now, let’s have dinner.

Indeed.

Shasta nodded with an eager expression.

We decided to eat outside, as it’s better to eat in an open space than inside the cramped hut. We gathered around a huge pot—so big I wondered if it was really necessary for someone living alone—and had dinner. It was just a bunch of vegetables, meat, and other things thrown into a pot and simmered… but honestly, it was delicious.

In the mock battle earlier, we confirmed that we can use Dragon Spirit Power to enhance others’ abilities.

Shasta said, popping a piece of tenderly stewed meat into her mouth.

If we’re to stop Nefmeiza’s ambition, we’ll need to outwit him. This method of teaming up with a Dragon Spirit is perfect for catching him off guard.

Then—

However, if he manages to escape here, the same trick won’t work again. To stop his ambition itself, we need to finish him in this battle.

I nodded deeply. Sofia and the others also showed their agreement.

So, Lord Ruon. Have you thought about what to do next?

…If I can get the cooperation of other Dragon Spirits through you, I’d like you to arrange a meeting, if possible.

I have some ideas, but whether they’ll cooperate is questionable. Some are connected to the Empire’s Humans.

That’s definitely out… Oh, by the way, I wonder if Nefmeiza isn’t asking for cooperation from those Dragon Spirits?

Since they haven’t made a move, it’s probably either mutual non-interference or they don’t want to get involved because it’s too much trouble.

If that’s the case, it’s a good situation for us since it won’t interfere with our search for Dragon Spirits.

Hmm, there are some candidates, but… is it confirmed that Yusuka and Katora will use this method?

It’s still in the planning stages, so I can’t say for sure… but if Shasta cooperates, Katora’s situation will be resolved.

I see. Well, that’s fine. I’m also interested, and if Nefmeiza conquers the Continent, my life will likely become difficult. I’ll cooperate.

That was easy… I then spoke up.

However, I’d like Katora to train with you at Marquis Exon’s Mansion from now on. I ask that you do so in an environment where we can respond if anything happens to Katora during training.

Yes, that’s the safest option… Now, let’s discuss the problems with this method.

Shasta placed her vessel on the ground and began to speak to us.

While it’s unavoidable that gathering people will be difficult… there might also be some compatibility issues.

As a Dragon Spirit, do you understand such things?

She narrowed her eyes at the question.

It’s not that I don’t understand. I instinctively felt that Katora seemed better when comparing Yusuka and Katora.

Is it related to her being an Emperor Candidate? However, does this imply that one cannot gain Dragon Spirit Power without such aptitude?

If it’s difficult for anyone who isn’t related to the power of an Emperor Candidate like Katora, we’ll have to reconsider our approach, and we’ll need to devise a different strategy for Sofia as well.

Just as I was thinking that, Shasta made a surprising statement.

The next person I felt would be good was Sofia. She’s not from this Continent, but wouldn’t she be quite good paired with me?

With Sofia?

Yes.

Shasta nodded. I’m not sure if I can fully trust her words, but… is it related to the characteristics of each person’s magic power, or perhaps the amount of magic power they possess?

However, if that’s the case, then the strategy for Sofia also has a high chance of working.

Actually, I plan to do the same for Sofia.

Oh, do you have a candidate?

Yes, I’ll be entrusting her with a crucial phase, so I’ll need an exceptional Dragon Spirit… You know about the large forest area in Anastasia’s Territory, right?

Yes.

Do you know that there’s an Underground Labyrinth in one corner of it?

Suddenly, Shasta burst out laughing. It seems she knows.

I know the Dragon Spirit there. I’ve woken it up and spoken to it once, but honestly, I don’t know if it will cooperate.

But it has power… right?

Indeed. It’s the most powerful Dragon Spirit I know of, though it’s mixed with Angel. Well, it’s not connected to Nefmeiza. We need to consider compatibility, but it’s worth going.

Are we heading there next?

Yusuka asked. But I shook my head.

Sorry, but I can’t take you guys.

Does that mean it’s a very dangerous place?

Me and Sofia… and considering the battle in the mountains, perhaps Romilda. Ah, Sofia still has challenges. There will be situations where Dragon Magic Stone Power is needed, so how much can her current Martial Vessel handle?

I have an idea about that. Could you hand over her sword?

Shasta’s sudden suggestion. Sofia was silent for a moment, then handed her the sword.

Hmm, Exon seems to have given her quite something… If I do this…

She slowly began tracing the flat of the sword with her finger. Following the path of her finger, blue patterns were etched onto the blade.

…Are you injecting Magic Power?

Yes. It can boost the amount of Magic Power held.

Oh, that’s good. I tried to hand over the sword at my hip, but…

Lord Ruon, that’s not possible.

I was flatly refused.

Hey, come on. At least try to verify it—

In Lord Ruon’s case, with his extraordinary Magic Power, anything I do won’t make much difference. As for Sofia, Exon has adjusted her perfectly, so it will work for her.

…Though I’m dissatisfied, it means I have no choice but to work with this, doesn’t it?

However, in the Labyrinth we’re heading to this time, Lord Ruon will surely be able to shine.

To defeat the Dragon Spirit deep inside?

Yes.

…It’s the same method as when I fought the Marquis and subjugated the Spirit God in the War with the Demon Lord. Because I can’t defeat it, I can give it my all.

Just to confirm, that Dragon Spirit can’t be defeated without Dragon Magic Stone Power, right?

For someone like me, normal attacks would work, but that wouldn’t be the case for it.

Then, I’ll give it my all.

…I’d like to see it up close if possible, but I have things to do. I’ll do my best at the Mansion.

Shasta looked at Katora and Yusuka.

Lord Ruon, I will train these two. Katora will strengthen his coordination with me. And Yusuka has skills as a Knight, so I’ll thoroughly train him in that area.

Oh, that sounds powerful… or rather, fun.

I don’t know what kind of training Yusuka and Katora imagined, but their faces twitched slightly. Perhaps they were hoping for it to be gentle.

So, Lord Ruon just needs to subjugate the target Dragon Spirit quickly.

…To be precise, it’s Sofia who will subjugate it, not me.

It makes no difference either way. If you beat it down, it should obediently follow.

What terrible treatment… I sighed, then said.

Then… our next task is to meet the Dragon Spirit deep within the Labyrinth.