Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

Last King's

"I haven't eaten this for a long time. Hmm. that's sweet.."

With a smile Charlmilia enjoyed a candy that could be spelled out quite rarely found in the capital.

Transparent candy with a round shape at a glance like a lollipop, but it is actually a fruit extract that is then frozen. Of course this sounds simple, but what makes it difficult to find is that the fruit used as an ingredient is very rare and difficult to process.

"We're lucky to still get the rest. Well. I understand why this candy is popular, but it's the same as robbery."

Because it is rare, then the candy is sold limited and expensive. But there is no sign of fans diminishing.

It was because besides being sweet, the candy was so fresh that it made people excited again. That is the reason that makes the candy suitable for as a gift.

"Are you complaining about money?"

"No. Then where should we go again? I hope we get a little away from the crowd because that's the place the Holy Knight suspects the most."

"Safufu.."

Charlmilia laughed happily because they were currently doing something that was arguably very interesting.

"Is there anything funny?"

"No. I just thought you had an idea where we were going. But it doesn't seem to."

"You know how else. It's an unexpected plan. Hm... How about we go to the magic weapon manufacturing site?"

"Is there no other place?"

Charlmilia looked disappointed, but given who Kuro was, such advice was perfectly natural.

"Not that I'm forcing you, but there's someone I want to introduce you to."

"Who?"

Charlmilia seems interested.

"You know the Dwarves?".

"I remember they are a nation that is now almost extinct. Their main skill was as craftsmen, especially weapons craftsmen. The weapons they created are arguably the best in the world."

Kuro smiled after hearing that.

"really. The person I want to introduce you to is one of them. Maybe you don't know, but some of the knowledge you have is wrong."

"Eh? Whatchu mean?"

"Either.. "

Ignoring Charlmilia, Kuro steps his foot. Charlmilia wanted to ask more questions, but she knew it was free. He had no choice but to follow.

About half an hour, the two arrived at the magic weapon manufacturing territory. You could say this place is the most appropriate place to find weapons in the capital.

Because many places of manufacture and at the same time stores, it is not surprising that this region has the hottest temperatures. However, this does not reduce the intent of the buyers. And even though a few days ago there was chaos, everything has returned as usual.

"Are we going to one of these stores?"

"That's how."

Without much explanation Kuro continued to step his foot. He often passed through large stores that had many buyers and were popular. In addition, the weapons on display in the store were arguably the number one quality. But nothing interested Kuro.

Of course this feels natural considering that Kuro has the most powerful sword in the world, Lic. Too bad he's not taking her now.

Kuro then entered a store that was arguably quiet and the weapons sold were arguably very few. Some of them are kitchen knives.

"Kuros?"

"..."

Ignoring Charlmilia, Kuro just entered the store without permission.

And at that moment an object floated right towards him. It was an axe that was thrown at high speed. Normally people would find it difficult to dodge, but Kuro just tilted his head slightly.

"As usual you're still healthy, Hakor."

"Tch! So you're right huh!"

A short man with a bushy white beard greeted them with an unhappy face. Although short, yet he had a stocky and strong body. It could be seen from his well-trained and large muscles.

Unlike humans, the ears of this old man were slightly long and tapered.

"Are you disappointed?"

Kuro smiled and picked up the axe that stuck on the wall. It weighed in at hundreds of kilos, but it was not a difficult thing for Kuro.

"Ha. I just wish you were a customer, but it turns out to be just a rancid boy. Hm? Who's the girl you're with?"

Unlike the previous one, Hakor showed a curious face to Charlmilia.

"My name is Charlmilia Ven Cellvain. Hello to you."

"You can call me Hakor. Hm.. Cellvain?"

Hakor's tone became gentle and friendly. Perhaps this was because Charlmilia was a girl.

The change in attitude that he shows to others makes it difficult to guess his character. Or maybe Hakor is the troublesome type of person.

"really. She was the daughter of Magil Ven Cellvain. Now you understand why I brought it?"

"Hmmm.."

Hakor scratched the scratch of his beard and looked like he was thinking of something.

"alright. I-i understand. Before that, I will test whether he deserves it or not. Miss, what weapon is most convenient for you?"

"Eh? .. I think a rapier."

Charlmilia was surprised that the direction of the conversation that arrived changed. But if you ask about weapons, then the weapon that currently suits him best is a rapier.

Indeed he could create a Magic Arm in the form of twin swords, but when compared to the rapier given by Irho, then the strength and comfort were very different.

"You're not wrong I have something like that."

Hakor entered the back of the shop and picked up something. The sound of iron falling sounded like chaos.

Before long Hakor returned with a sword, no, rather a rapier with a very ordinary design. There was no ornament or sign indicating it was specially made.

"You can use this weapon. Now, let's get to the basement."

Charlmilia received with a question mark.

Without a word, Hakor pressed a secret button on the wall and that was when a secret room opened. The stairs leading downwards are visible from the floor gap.

"Kuros?"

"You just follow him. Take it easy, I'll follow you too."

Then they went down the stairs. After a few minutes, the three arrived at a place resembling a dueling arena.

Many weapons are displayed on the edge of the arena that make the impression that this is an actual store, but if you look at it in more detail, the weapons on display are blunt weapons as used with the purpose of practicing.

"Kuro, don't tell me that..."

"Hurry up and prove to the old man that you deserve a gun for him. Your father did this once, so take it easy."

"Huh?"

This was the first time he had heard of it. And how did Kuro know?

Despite the many questions in his head, but he had no choice but to climb into the arena. He hoped to find out the answer to his question from this fight.

In contrast to Charlmilia, Hakor wore a double-sided axe that was almost as large as his body. It could be seen that the axe was very heavy, but Hakor could hold it with just one hand as if it were made of dry wood.

"You ready?"

Charlmilia began to break out in cold sweat. The aura of Hakor suddenly changed like a tough fighter.

(This aura is undoubtedly a veteran.).

Dwarves are known to have a long life, but not as long as Elves. Despite that, their physical strength could be said to be one of the strongest. Even they could destroy the defense magic of the first S magician with just physical strength alone.

Unfortunately it was only a rumor considering the Dwarves now lived a little and were considered extinct. That's why when he saw the figure of Hakor, Charlmilia now like a dream.

(If the story is true, then I cannot help myself.)

After sighing, Charlmilia positioned herself in a position ready to fight. He intended to use the technique he used against Maria. He wanted to know how much different it was from before.

"I'm ready!"

Hakor nodded and glanced at Kuro.

"Rancid boy. You're the one who gave the sign."

Kuro took out a chunk of rock and threw it over the arena. As the stone landed, the fight of the two began.

Charlmilia darted with her entire body giving off a flash of lightning. With this he moves like a railgun. Normally moving at such a speed would be difficult to control, but Charlmilia could do it easily.

He's after the unprotected back of Hakor. And his attack landed right on the back shoulder of Hakor.

"Eh?!"

"Not bad."

As if his body was made of iron, Charlmilia's attack could not penetrate Hakor's skin at all. Not because the rapier Charlmilia was not sharp, but as if a wall was blocking his attack.

Charlmilia realizes Hakor is stronger than he seems.

He then took some distance and once again sped. This time he attacked with a puncture technique. Understanding the rapier would not hold back his strength, he tried to channel the lightning element in order to make it stronger and durable.

Aware of Charlmilia's attack in contrast to the previous one, Hakor begins to hold out. He swung his huge axe and executed his technique.

""

""

The two techniques clashed with the rigors to create a shockwave.

Unfortunately, in terms of strength, it was clear who was superior.

"Kuh!!"

Charlmilia's body bounced back almost making her throw out of the arena.

"That was a good attack. You remind me of someone who used to use the same trick to attack me. Honestly, stop that. Even though I'm old, such an attack won't work."

"..."

Charlmilia once again prepared with a fighting position and prepared to attack.

Flashes struck and Charlmilia turned into many and then attacked Hakor simultaneously.

With a heavy sigh, Hakor once again swung his axe. It was as if he already knew what Charlmilia was going to do.

""

All Charlmilia disappeared and perished. The real figure is nowhere to be seen. When Hakor stopped, Charlmilia attacked from the blind spot.

"good. But that's not enough."

"Donahh!!!"

Suddenly Charlmilia's body was blown away by something. He didn't know what was going on, but he was able to land successfully.

"Well, I don't understand why you let this lady see me, but you should know what happened that she failed my test."

Hakor's eyes focus on Kuro. He seemed to consider his fight with Charlmilia to be nothing more than a match practice against a child.

"Of course I know."

"If it goes on like this he will fail. He did not understand the meaning of a weapon. How could I possibly make a weapon for someone like him."

"Kuro, what are you talking about?"

Kuro smiled because it felt natural that Charlmilia wanted to know.

"Do you know who this old man is?"

Charlmilia shook her head.

"Uncle Hakor Defandar is the most famous gun maker in the country. Most of the state's treasure weapons are his. It is for this reason that many want to be made weapons by him. But as you can see for yourself, he's not the one who's going to make a gun that easily. As additional information, he was the teacher of Uncle Irho."

"...Huh?"

Due to too much information he received, right now his brain had a hard time accepting it. But he understood that the weapon Irho made was indeed super quality because it was able to withstand one of the strongest magic arm in the world.

Looking at that ability, Charlmilia had once thought about how Irho made it. Of course he initially thought all of that could be done because Irho was an iron element magician, but it was all wrong. The iron mage was not necessarily able to do to that extent how many years he had trained.

The only explanation is that Irho learned from someone.

"Irho huh?...how's the rancid boy doing?"

"He's fine. He even fought in our fight. By the way, Charlmilia once used a weapon Irho had made. That's why I'm sure he understands that guns aren't toys."

"..."

Hakor fell silent and looked at Charlmilia closely.

"Miss, what do you think of the weapons he made?"

Charlmilia did not immediately answer and tried to recall what she felt when using Irho's rapier.

"Although it was the first time I used a weapon made from Orichalcum, but the weapon was so perfect and comfortable as if it was made for me. That's why when I found out that gun he took back, I was a little sad."

"Then?"

"If it comes to quality, I can use that weapon without having to worry about being destroyed despite receiving the strongest attack in the world. Unfortunately, I don't know how far the rapier's power is because I changed my weapon during battle."

"..."

Hakor was once pensive in his daydreams and saw Charlmilia once again.

"...Alright. I'll give you one more chance. If you can land one strike on me, then you'll pass. I promise to make you a weapon that makes you think you'll never use your Magic Arm again."

"..."

Charlmilia could not say a word after hearing that. But if everything Kuro says about Hakor is true, then it's no surprise that there's a lot that Hakor wants to make weapons.

Somehow he smiled and his blood heated up as he could not resist fighting immediately.

"You're really his son. That expression is the same as it used to be."

"...sorry, but can you not mention my father in this fight!"

"Hoho. He can't seem to be a good father. Then you'll be happy after hearing this. Your father, even though he's a general now, he's never once been able to scratch my body, so how can you be sure you're going to do it?"

"!?"

Charlmilia was surprised, yet at the same time she grew even more excited.

(If I can do it, doesn't that mean I will... No. lt.)

"Now all that doesn't matter. I am myself, not my father. I just have to use all my abilities and do my best."

"That's a good spirit, Charlia. But with passion you won't be able to break through his defensive walls. After all he was not a magician, but a user of Spirit Art."

"..."

Charlmilia nodded in understanding. At the same time he finally understood why even though he felt Hakor using magic, but magic was different from all this time he felt.

(So this is the user of Spirit Art?)

The magic energy that felt was not only powerful, but as if it was alive and had a mind of its own. You could say this is what distinguishes Magic Art and Spirit Art.

(Then that doesn't mean I don't have a chance)

In addition to the power that seemed to be alive, Spirit Art users obtained their power from an existence called Spirit. If Magic Art is required to awaken the power of oneself in order to become stronger, then the power of Spirit Art depends on the existence of the spirit making a contract with the user.

For example, in Laila's case, if Laila wanted to use Lic's power maybe now she could have Paladin's equivalent strength.

Even if you don't know, that doesn't mean there's no way. The problem was that this test required Charlmilia to use the weapon Hakor had given her to scratch her.

At first glance the weapon looks ugly, but after trying it, you could say it is a weapon that has good quality.

"Uncle, I'm starting!"

Not wanting to think too much, he darted forward. Finding a way to beat opponents while fighting was his trademark. Maybe he just stayed on the spot.

Just like before, he used the lightning element to obtain high speed. He chose this because this was the only time Hakor chose to stay. In other words, his attack would be fatal or at least have enough strength to break through Hakor's defensive walls.

Then he surrounded her so that she looked to have a twin.

"so... This made it difficult for me to guess where the attack was coming from. Fascinating."

Charlmilia. He stabbed in the back of Hakor. Hakor realizes the attack and survives, but the other attack comes from the other side. Hakor chose to strengthen the defensive wall and that was when a loud clashing sound was heard.

"!?"

Then when Hakor realized it, he was surrounded by Charlmilia's shadow.

A loud explosion occurred and Charlmilia finally succeeded in hitting Hakor.

But-the

"Tch!"

Charlmilia's figure appeared with an annoyed face.

He would indeed have broken through Hakor's defense, but he undoed his intentions on the final attack.

"You're smart enough to realize that the weapon I gave you will be destroyed and that means you failed my test."

The figure of Hakor is seen without any significant injury.

But for some reason he looks annoyed rather than happy.

"But why did you do it? You should know with that sword you won't be able to break through my defenses."

Is correct. The weapon that Hakor had reported was of good quality, but as long as he used it, Charlmilia realized that he would not be able to penetrate Hakor's defenses with the rapier.

No matter how he strengthened or used magic to make it more durable, the weapon would be destroyed while breaking through Hakor's defenses.

"...!?"

When I realized that, it was too late.

"You finally realized it. I did make a test to penetrate my defenses with the weapons I gave you, but that doesn't mean you can't destroy them. Miss, sorry. You failed."

"..."

I don't know why Charlmilia wasn't so sad when she failed. It was not that he did not want to be made a weapon by Hakor, it was just that at this moment he was somehow relieved.

"Then I'm sorry, uncle Hakor. If I fail your test, it means I don't deserve a weapon beyond my Magic Arm."

"Tch... This was the first time anyone had said that when they found out they had failed. Is there something wrong with your brain?"

Charlmilia smiled.

"I always thought guns were something to be used to protect someone. But in a way to protect me at the same time must attack someone. In the end it is just a truth shrouded in lies. For those who believe in protecting, the weapon will protect. It's also the opposite. But today I realized, a weapon is also something that is needed to achieve a goal. Whether the weapon is a sword or a knowledge."

Upon hearing that, Hakor smiled in satisfaction.

"really. Weapons can be of any kind. There is even a saying that a pen is sharper than a sword. That's why for us Dwarves, even though we make weapons, but if the weapon is used by the wrong person it is tantamount to killing yourself. No, it's more appropriate to call it a regret and a shame that won't go away even if you die. If you understand that, then I won't regret making you."

"...huh?"

For a moment Charlmilia did not believe what she heard.

"You can take your order in one month. Now go."

"Eh?"

Charlmilia was once again confused. But upon seeing Kuro, he simply nodded and signaled to obey Hakor immediately.

"Thank you, uncle."

Although he did not show a happy face, Hakor showed a passionate aura. That was why even though they were expelled, Charlmilia smiled instead.

♦♦♦

After leaving the Hakor shop, the two continued their aimless activities.

"Uncle Hakor seems like the kind of person who doesn't want to be honest."

"so. By the way congratulations on successfully passing the exam."

"Do you think I graduated?"

Kuro nodded with a smile.

"He seems to be getting his new spirit. I'm sure he's already started forging hot metal."

"Eh that fast?"

"Yes. Don't underestimate the spirit of a Dwarf."

Charlmilia was astonished, but she understood that the Dwarves were indeed the best craftsmen.

"It looks like I should indeed take my order next month."

"If you're curious about Hakor, I'll tell you. So don't be shy."

"Ahaha.you're right. I was curious. There are even a lot of things I want to ask you, but it seems like I have to hold back. Kuro, can we go to that place?"

Kuro looked at the place Charlmilia pointed to.

"You want us to go to the clock tower?"

"Yes. I want to see the sun go down from there."

The clock tower in the middle of the city is actually not a place for the public. Special permission is required to go there.

"alright. But I'll ask for help when I'm stuck in trouble."

Charlmilia just smiled.

It takes about 30 minutes to reach the clock tower. During that time they had to be careful with the Holy Knight who was busy looking for them.

Upon arrival, they were confronted by guards who were in charge of overseeing and caring for the tower. Both of them were forbidden to enter, especially both of them looked suspicious. But when Charlmilia showed herself, the guard finally allowed them.

"Being princess seems like a lot of advantages."

Although it was not yet official, it seemed that everyone already knew she was going to be a princess. You could say this is the good side of the rumors that are circulating.

"Don't forget we only have a minute. "

Charlmilia laughed gigglingly.

There is no elevator in the tower. There is a twisted ladder that goes straight up.

It was at the time of the ride that they could see a giant clock machine made from science and magic technology. The clock tower they entered was actually the first clock tower built in the capital, which is why it is arguably one of the most historic buildings.

After they got to the top, they arrived at the roof surrounded by a fence . There are some binoculars to see the city view. Why it exists, it's because this place was opened to the public. Unfortunately because the clock tower is often damaged by irresponsible people, the place was closed to the public until now.

"We seem to be arriving on time. The sun hasn't completely sunk yet."

The sky was now starting to turn into an orange and mixed in black. It was also a sign of how long they had been having fun.

"Time passes quickly."

Kuro smiled and took off his mask. He doesn't need that anymore.

"Yes. It was almost a year ago when we met. Thank you, Kuro."

"You don't have to thank me. This is all I can do for you."

"No. Not thanks for bringing me fun on purpose, but something else. If it wasn't you, maybe I wouldn't be who I am now."

Kuro tilted his head in incomprehension, seeing that Charlmilia only smiled.

(What's wrong if you don't know. That's enough for me.)

"But can you tell me who asked you to do this? Could it be my father?"

Kuro's encounter with Charlmilia was no coincidence. It doesn't take much to think everyone will notice. Especially considering that they could escape the Holy Knight so easily.

If you look at the two things, then there is only one person who can ask Kuro, namely Sei.

"That's kind of."

"so.."

Charlmilia smiles.

He then looked at the sight of the sun fully about to set. Simultaneously the city lights began to light up as a sign the night world had begun.

"Kurou.."

"Yes?"

"This is a beautiful sight. I'm glad to see it with you."

"For me this is just a new place to take Laila."

Hearing Laila's name being called, Charlmilia was not at all surprised.

"... Kuro...did you see that?"

"H-!?"

Kuro turned his head in the direction Charlmilia pointed at, but it was at that moment that he felt the soft lips of Charlmilia.

Yep. It was a kiss. The first kiss between the two.

After a while, Charlmilia began to let go of her kiss and stepped back.

His face was like a tomato. At this time Charlmilia did not look tomboyish, but looked like a girl in general. The girl in love.

"Sorry Kuro, but I can't help myself anymore. I don't want to be the one left between them. By the way how did my first kiss feel?"

"....I think it's sweet."

"Ahaha.maybe because I ate the candy earlier."

"..."

"..."

Silence occurs between the two.

"Kuro, ..maybe you already know about my feelings. But let me say it."

"..."

"Kuro, ..I love you..."

The cold wind blew away Charlmilia's hat hair and made her hair unravel. Now Charlmilia is like an angel who makes anyone's heart beat.

Even for Kuro, Charlmilia's attack was quite deadly to his heart. If he didn't love Laila first, he might have accepted Charlmilia's love.

Because that's-that's why

"Charlia, sorry ak-"

"I know what you want to say, Kuro. Please don't let me hear it."

Tears flowed from both eyes.

She was prepared to be rejected, but somehow she didn't want to hear that from Kuro. He was scared and felt pain even though he was currently unharmed.

"I'm sorry for making you see me like this. It's just one thing you should know, .. I will always be waiting for you. It doesn't matter if I'm going to be number two or three, . I'm sure one day you'll definitely fall in love with me. That's why don't you refuse me."

"..."

Kuro did not say a word and could only stare at the crying Charlmilia.

Indeed she often rejected the love of a girl, only this was the first time Kuro felt such a heavy weight.

He didn't know if it was a growing sense or just because he didn't want to make Charlmilia sicker, but one thing was certain

"No. I'm not rejecting you, Charlia."

"..."

Charlmilia began to stop crying after hearing Kuro's words.

"You're right. Maybe as time goes by I will fall in love with someone other than Laila. I'm saying this because I've experienced it, not because I just want to comfort you."

Charlmilia smiled as she found a new hope. He felt his confession of love was the right course of action.

But all of that was betrayed upon hearing Kuro's next word.

"But it's a pity that I don't have time to love anyone but Laila."

"!?"

I don't know why Charlmilia wasn't so surprised. Maybe because he knew this was one of the reasons Kuro had rejected him now.

It was at that moment that Kuro smiled and looked towards the star-filled sky.

"Charlia, if you become Queen Lapis, I'm sure you hear about me. After all, he did have a mouth that could not be silenced."

"..."

Kuro's words reminded Charlmilia at the time of her meeting with Lapis.

At that time Lapis was indeed alluding about Kuro, more precisely about King.

[How did humans come here? Hm. so apparently. You've made contact with King. .. Strange, King shouldn't be around anymore. Wait up! Because I slept too long I don't know what happened to the underworld. Tch! Looks like I have to see mom. But I'm not sure he's telling me the truth.]

When he remembered that, Charlmilia immediately tried to connect all the pieces that began to connect.

"... Kuro, don't tell me you..."

Kuro just smiled full of mystery.

"Just like the Queen chosen by the Dragon King, more precisely the Dragon God, the King is also a chosen one. The proof Queen selected was Dragon Gear and enough power to destroy the world. Even so, the Queen could break the contract if the Dragon King already felt unworthy."

"Kurou... Stop the. Whatever you say next, I don't want to hear it."

But Kuro did not stop.

"But the King chosen was different. A King selected has evidence of a white sword and a power referred to as <>. With that power we come and do our part. Whether it's as villains or as heroes, our only goal is to keep the balance."

"Kurou...!!"

Tears are flowing. This time it was not because his love was rejected. Right now there is something more painful than that.

"Unfortunately, when our role is completed. We will not be normal human beings again. We will disappear along with our existence. This was what made the existence of King all this time just a mere rumor."

".....Kuro's... You're..."

"so. That's why I can't love you or anyone else. I just want to love Laila at this little time of my life. I don't know when it's gonna disappear, but at least I don't want to regret it."

Although cruel, there was no sadness or disappointment from Kuro's eyes. It was as if he had accepted all of those things.

"...Kuro. w-does Laila know this?"

"Of course not. How could I make him sad? I can't possibly do that."

"But if Laila doesn't know, isn't that the same as..."

"I know, Charlia. I knew I'd hurt her if I didn't tell her, but this is all I can do as a husband who loves his family and as a last King."