Chapter 5. Training Ends
Dragon Roar, a mountain in the central part of the continent.
There, as usual, a girl was carrying something with her.
It's Rostelina.
In the large tub carried by Rostelina was a pile of meat.
The girl didn't know what kind of meat.
Laplace just told her to take it and give it to the dragon.
The cave behind the house.
There was a huge dragon there.
With its eyes closed and snoozing, the dragon was asleep.
"Dragon-sama, dragon-sama, meal time!"
After Rostelina yelled at the dragon, it slowly opened its eyes.
Then, after a loud yawn, it thrusted its neck into the tub in front of him and began to chow on the meat inside.
What might be a snack for the dragon would serve as a rather full meal for Rostelina.
Rostelina watched as the dragon ate. Now that she was finally free, she began to punch the air in front of her.
"Dragon-sama, listen! Master told me about the Dragon Race fighting style. Like this! First you pose like this, then strike to your side, then punch like this! Oh, you have to shout like, Haa!”
Rostelina said, and began tapping the claws of the busy dragon. Her moves cannot be called elegant.
To the dragon, the attack might as well be a mosquito bite, completely harmless.
However, perhaps it hates getting pestered, or just playing along, it moves its claw.
It is a huge dragon.
Even the tip of the toe is as big as the body of Rostelina.
"Agh!"
Rostelina was flung by the claw and sent spinning on the ground.
"Oww... That’s too far..."
Rostelina was not injured.
She got up, rubbing the back of her head and suddenly noticed something.
"... Dragon-sama is bigger than the other dragons."
Rostelina has seen red dragons before.
Rather, they fly by on a daily basis.
There are red dragon nests on the mountain peak.
Sometimes they’ll circle the house and get too close.
But the house dragon would chase it away.
The dragon in front of her was considerably larger than the red dragons.
Its body alone would be twice as large as the average red dragon, and three times as wide with its wings spread.
"Your scales are a beautiful red, your fangs are long, your tail is lithe, and your eyes gleam with intelligence."
The dragon snorted when Rostelina said that.
“Ah, so you can tell,” the dragon seemed to say.
"It’s true after all, is Dragon-sama just like Master, a Dragon from the Dragon World?"
The dragon heard but did not answer.
Too focused on its delicious meal.
In the first place, the dragon cannot speak.
Even if it understood her, it couldn’t reply with words.
"Oh, right!"
Then Rostelina remembered something.
She fell asleep the other day.
“If you listen to the rest of that story, you may find out about the dragon,” she thought.
No better time than now, Rostelina decided and ran home.
Enter the house and straight to the usual study.
There again today, Laplace was writing on his desk.
"Master! Master!"
"Hmm, oh, Rostelina. What's wrong? You were just asleep, did you have a scary dream?"
"No, last night was a fun dream of flying in the sky! More importantly, Master!"
"What is it?"
Laplace looked at her with a stern look as Rostelina did.
"Tell me the rest of the story!"
"The story from before?"
"The story of Laplace-sama in the Dragon World! You lived a long life, and you haven’t told me everything yet!”
Laplace looked troubled by her words.
"Ah, the story from before... but it's not very interesting. After that, I became a full-fledged dragon warrior, got a job, did some great things and earned some renown, and ultimately lost everything. That’s that.''
"I don't understand at all!"
"Is that right...?"
"Fine then, please tell me how you tamed Dragon-sama. You knew Dragon-sama for a long time, right?"
Hearing her, Laplace slapped his hands.
As if remembering something.
"That’s right, I met Saleact when I was assigned my first job. It's followed from the previous story."
"See, you were fudging it after all!"
"Do you want to hear it?"
"I want to hear it!"
Laplace shook his head at Rostelina’s begging.
He sighed, had no choice but to sit back on his chair.
"Okay, sit down, Rostelina. Let's continue the story from that time."
"Yes!"
"Well, where did we begin? Well ... I think the easiest thing to understand is from the end of my education. OK, let's do that."
Then Laplace began to speak.
A story from a far-away mythological era.
■■■
Decades passed since Laplace’s education in the Dragon World began.
Everyday classroom learning, combat training, and flight practice, repeat.
The same one to the next.
Only difference was Lunaria-sama’s stomach growing slightly each day.
That day, I was flying over the training ground.
As usual, I was doing flight practice.
However, my style of flying ended up slightly different from the other Dragon Race.
Dragon Race usually flies with their bodies flat.
After generating the initial lift from forming a force field, they’ll use the wind for lift to fly and glide.
Only when changing direction or to gain altitude, is the force field needed again.
That's the most efficient way to fly.
However, back then, I could fly only with my body standing perpendicular to the ground.
Ignoring inertia like that, rapid acceleration, sudden stop, quick turn, repeated.
Anyone used to the flight of Dragon Race would consider it a sight to behold.
In fact, there were many people that stared at me on the slopes of the training ground.
Not just children. Also a few Dragon Warriors.
Not only did they look, but some tried to copy me, but were unable to control their movements and fell.
I ignored them.
I repeated my flight practice routine without a second thought.
rapid rise, a quick corner turn, another corner turn, a sudden stop midair, then rapidly accelerate, deep dive, another sudden stop, then a quick ascend back to my initial position.
More or less.
The style of flight is very unstable and uses too much Dragon Touki.
Almost everyone who tried to imitate me failed.
Compared to the typical way Dragon Race flew, it’s very inefficient.
However, there were advantages.
The flying style, using almost no lift from air, can make very sharp turns.
Besides Dragon God, Dragon General Maxwell was said to be the strongest flier, but I am even more agile than him with this style.
This is a great advantage when fighting in the air.
"...!"
A person on the slope leaped and flew toward me.
A Dragon Race woman with exceptionally large wings and white silver scales.
Yes, Dora-sama.
Dora-sama rose gracefully, almost like a dance.
It's not unusual.
Dora-sama sometimes surprise attacks me like this to teach me air combat.
Dora's flight was fast.
Unlike mine, it is a flight method that does not deviate from the common sense of the Dragon Race, but its speed and technique far surpass mine.
She climbed at a tremendous speed and repeated subtle movements to adjust her route.
And caught up with me who's trying to escape with a sharp turn.
Originally, she would have stuck my back.
However, there was another advantage to my way of flying.
You can keep flying while facing your opponent.
"Laplace, start!"
"Yes!"
Dora-sama shouted and I answered. The aerial fighting began.
The basis of Dragon Race fighting consists of three elements.
Cover one’s claws with Dragon Touki, the claw technique for cutting the enemy.
Cover one’s fists with Dragon Touki, the fang technique to chew through the enemy.
Cover one’s wings with Dragon Touki, the wing technique for rapidly accelerating or decelerating to change one’s positioning.
Take the opponent’s back with the wing technique, weaken the opponent with the nail technique, and cause fatal injury to the opponent with the fang technique.
Train your claws, fangs, and wings to make your body strong.
This is the fundamental lessons of the Dragon Race, "Teaching of Nail, Fangs, and Wings".
Of course, I also knew the fundamentals well.
I was especially good at the fang technique.
My fang technique had enough destructive power for Dora-sama to call it "deadly".
On the other hand, Dora-sama was good at claw technique.
She never raised a fist having such confidence in her claw technique.
Dora-sama circled me, aiming at my wings with her claws.
On the other hand, I repeatedly climbed and descended, aiming to counter her with my fangs.
Fully enveloping my claws, fangs, and wings with Dragon Touki, poking for holes in her defenses.
Even Dora-sama, if my strike landed true, would become my prey.
Therefore, Dora-sama didn’t attack continuously, and her claw technique did not weaken me by much.
Mmm? Was I strong enough to match the Five Dragon General at that time?
No, it's just training, so if Dora-sama fought me seriously, it would be over in the moment.
Even when Dora-sama went easy on me, she still had technique and experience far beyond me.
The battle was one-sided.
Dora-sama’s lightning fast claws pierced my defenses and made a hole in my body.
My nails and fangs were blocked and parried, not even a scratch on her scales.
There was a big difference in power between Dora and me.
I bared Dora-sama's onslaught as much as I could, enduring it to avoid a fatal blow.
I can withstand one or two attacks.
However, even my wings can’t protect me after several more blows.
After I was weakened, the blows landed more frequently, and it was only a matter of time before I fell.
In fact, I always lost like that.
However, I was not blindly defeated each time.
I was always thinking and trying various countermeasures.
That day too, I bet on a new strategy.
Shifting my wings, I escaped to the top.
Of course, Dora-san followed me.
From the silent chase, I could sense an anger from her like never before.
Probably she thought I was running away.
She didn't teach me to turn away and run.
Dora-sama rapidly closed in on me.
With my back toward her, my vulnerable wings were exposed to her.
A strike at my wings and I fell.
Then, what is waiting after that is a sermon by Dora-sama.
But that didn't happen.
Immediately before I was overtaken by Dora-sama, I quickly turned around near the apex and attacked.
Dora-sama climbing as I was falling.
Because of the rapid change in our relative speed, Dora-sama misjudged the situation.
I swung my nails through Dora-sama's back side as we crossed.
The strike was true.
However, at the same time, I felt a burning sensation around the base of my wings.
I lost control and fell to the slope, fumbling.
The battle is over.
I looked up the slope.
Dora-sama was flying in an arc midair.
It was courtesy of the Dragon Race for the winner to take a few laps in the air.
Despite my strategy, how’d Dora-sama find my back?
I’ll be reprimanded.
However, I was willing to accept it.
I thought too simply and lost.
I thought, but Dora-san was not angry.
"When you ran suddenly, I was wondering if it’s over... but that ending was good!"
With a satisfied smile, Dora-san was bleeding from her forehead.
My strike scratched Dora-sama on her forehead.
It was a shot aimed at the wings, but I probably hit her head as she turned around.
The wings are of course our weaknesses, but since Dragon Race is man-formed, our heads must be protected as well.
It was a coincidence, but I hit Dora-sama's weaknesses.
"Except for Dragon God-sama and the Five Dragon Generals, there is no one who can hit me in the air! In terms of flight and combat techniques, you pass!”
I was delighted.
Dora-sama doesn't praise me much.
These words can be called the greatest compliment.
Dora-sama continued to make me merry.
"Furthermore, I have no more knowledge to teach you. You already know more than most Dragon Race!”
Dora looked down at me, her expression softened.
The always stern Dora-sama laughed.
"You are a full-fledged Dragon Race. This completes your education."
Dora muttered, "Good job," and reached out to me.
I grabbed the hand and stood up, crossed my arms before Dora-sama with my wings folded.
At that time, I had an indescribable sense of accomplishment, and a slight anxiety.
To be honest, I thought that the training would last until I died.
But if it has a beginning, it will have an end.
“Dora-sama, thank you for everything.”
"You don't need to thank me, but don't forget the words of thanks to Dragon God-sama."
"Yes!"
"Then go back home and wait! Dragon God shall judge your progress!"
That was the end of my training.
■
I returned home and reported to Lunaria-sama that my training was complete.
When she saw that she made a benevolent smile, looking genuinely happy.
"Then we’ll have to celebrate today!"
She said then went to order the servants to prepare a feast.
For Dragon Race, other dragons are the main staple.
Previously, the Dragon Race may have subsided on small lizards or fruits to survive, but that changed after gaining strength.
Red Dragons, Blue Dragons, and Earth Dragons.
After all, for the Dragon Race, celebration meant meat.
On special occasions, special dragons are served.
The flesh of rare dragons like King Dragon, Black Dragon, or White Dragon.
Many treats that day that even I couldn't usually eat came out.
I can't forget the taste of that day.
But more than the taste of the food, there are other things I can't forget.
The servants looked at me a little differently after that day.
To be specific, I became a man rather than a dog.
By completing the training of Dora-sama, I have become a full-fledged Dragon Race in their eyes.
I remember some changes within me as well.
I no longer considered myself as the pet.
Transformed from the Royal Pet of Dragon God to the loyal servant of Dragon God.
Anyways, I started to become more self-conscious of my position.
Then I waited for the return of Dragon God.
Dragon God returns to the mansion every few months.
When he came home, he always went to Lunaria-sama, to greet her and confirm her well-being.
Of course, that doesn't mean ignoring me either.
Dragon God always asked Dora-sama about my training.
Dora-sama would report everything about what she taught and how well I understood it.
Sometimes, no growth was observed, but Dora-sama never lied.
Dragon God never said anything in response, just nodded and had her continue.
Also, as I became able to speak, he started asking me questions.
The usual questions.
Mainly what you did today, what you learned, what do you want to learn, etc.
I answered them honestly.
There was no reason to lie.
Sometimes I didn’t have any new results, or couldn’t grasp the new lessons, but I didn’t lie.
I learned from Dora-sama's that it was rude to tell a lie.
However, there were things I couldn't answer even if I didn't mean to lie.
Where were you born?
Who are your parents?
Why were you in the corner of the Demon World...
I couldn't answer those questions.
Because I didn't know.
When I said “I don’t know”, Dragon God-sama would just reply, “I see.”
I shriveled into myself.
I know I was an unusual existence, and Dragon God-sama wished to know what made me special… But since I don’t know, it couldn’t be helped.
Dragon God also examined my body sometimes.
Wings, claws, fangs, and hair.
Ryujin did not explain anything, but I entrusted myself to him without complaints.
As my benefactor who brought me to the Dragon World, I willingly subject myself to him even if he wishes me harm.
Of course, Dragon God never harmed me in any way.
That kind of report and inspection ended as well that day.
"Dora. How was Laplace?"
"His training is complete. Laplace is now an excellent Dragon Warrior that won’t embarrass Dragon God-sama.”
I was glad that Dora-sama said that to Dragon God-sama.
I could only straighten my back a bit and gripped my fists tight.
I cannot embarrass myself in front of Dragon God.
"That's right. Thank you. Laplace did well?"
"Yes! He’s excellent! Laplace should be able to do everything Dragon God-sama assigns him!”
"Work?"
Dragon God muttered, turning to the window.
He's a brilliant man, but even he needs time to consider what work to assign me.
Of course, I didn't even think about it.
That's right.
Do you train dogs to do human work?
Certainly not.
No matter how much training, a dog is a dog.
However, my mindset was changing a little.
If I was given a job, I would gladly accept it.
"That’s right..."
What kind of work is coming?
My heart raced as Dragon God considered for a while his next words.
Even though it felt like a while, it's only a few minutes.
But it felt like hours.
"Uh-hum"
Perhaps reaching a conclusion, Dragon God looked away from the window and turned toward me, asking.
"Laplace, what do you think of the Dragon World?”
The question was unrelated to my job, but I answered it openly.
"It's a paradise. There's no better place than this."
The words made Dragon God soften his expression.
It was a smile.
"Really?"
I had no intention of flattery.
For me, this was a paradise.
Meals would come even if you didn’t ask, and you’re taught various things.
Dora-sama was stern, but for a bright future I couldn’t be happier to have her.
It was a relief to see Dragon God’s smile.
Reading the mood, I asked.
"Why did you help me?"
It is rude to question Dragon God.
Dora-sama taught me that, but my mouth might have lost to my curiosity.
Or maybe I wanted a solid answer, whether I have a job in the future or not.
What do I work for?
Because it’s an order from Dragon God-sama… but it helps if I know the details.
"..."
When Dragon God looked at me, it was a terrifyingly blank expression.
Dora-sama's shoulders stiffen, her wings slowly open.
When I saw them, I immediately realized my rudeness.
So I immediately crossed my arms and folded my wings.
Please accept my apology and forget my question.
However, before that, Dragon God opened his mouth.
"Behold!"
Once again, Dragon God looked out the window.
Outside of the window, you can see the townscape of Kayos.
Even though it's inside a cave, it's a bright, wide and lively town with many a Dragon Race flying around.
"Once upon a time it was a Red Dragon's nest."
"……Is that so?"
"Yes, the Red Dragon was a creature that lives within the mountain like us. The Dragon Race was weak and preyed upon by the Red Dragons."
The story of the Dragon World that I didn't know as told by Dragon God.
Dragon God came before the Dragon Race that did not even have a language.
He went before his people who were terrorized by the Red Dragons, demonstrated his power and became their chief...
He found Five Dragon Generals and divided the clans, raising them to become more powerful than everything else in the world.
It's been a daunting time.
Many hundreds and thousand died.
However, they steadily moved forward and the Dragon Race came to dominate the world.
"So I think of all Dragon Race as like my children."
Then, Dragon Race turned to me and narrowed his eyes.
“Why I helped you. Even as a mix of Dragon Race and Demon Race, Dragon blood still flows through you so you are also my child.”
Although only half, I have never been so proud of my Dragon blood.
But the answer was not what I wanted.
I wanted to know how I can be of use to Dragon God.
As only a half-blood, I wanted to know how or where I can be useful.
Of course, it’s rude to keep asking, so I stay quiet.
But...
Dragon God, being as brilliant as he was, saw through my distress.
“Of course, it wasn’t merely because of that… Recently, there has been strange disappearances all over the world. Nobody knew the cause or reason, nor where they disappeared to. If one had been transported to the Demon World and gave birth to you, then it might be a clue.”
"Were there any clues on me?"
"No, nothing at the moment.”
"In that case..."
"That’s fine. Regardless, I have great expectations for you.”
Still looking out the window, Dragon God continued.
"The second is to improve the deteriorating relationship with the demons. That race has been the enemy of the Dragon Race for thousands of years. Rumors that Dragon God is trying to destroy the demons have spread… Even though it is a pure fabrication.”
"..."
"Raising you, a mixed race of demons and dragons, can be proof that it is a misunderstanding."
Is that really evidence?
As I was persecuted by the demons in the demon world, I couldn't believe it.
Rather, I might be an obstacle instead.
However, I didn't have the courage to say it.
If I say that and get kicked out of here, I have no place to go.
Dragon God-sama, Lunaria-sama, Dora-sama, and the servants.
Now that I got to know many people and can communicate, I couldn't stand returning to being alone.
"The third is for my child, who will be born soon."
Dragon God turned to face me.
No, behind me.
Looking deep in the mansion, toward Lunaria-sama.
"My wife, Lunaria, is a human race. Then my child will be a mixed race of Human and Dragon."
"..."
"As I said, anyone who has the blood of a dragon are my children. The Dragon Race worships me as a god and swore me their loyalty.”
I nodded at the words.
From prominent ones such as Dora-sama to Lunaria-sama’s servants, Dragon Warriors in the training field, and children in training facilities, there is no one who dislikes Dragon God.
Everyone respects and worships Dragon God-sama.
"However, what if my child was born of a human race? They may be seen with a different eye."
I remembered their gaze when I went out.
Their alienating gaze.
It’s the same here with the Dragon Race.
I don't mind it anymore, but if I was a newborn child, it would be tough.
"Therefore, I wanted them to get used to it by having another mixed race child like you.”
By letting me, who is a mixed race, walk around the town, the surrounding folks would eventually get used to it.
I served as a precedent that the mixed race itself is neither rare, horrible, nor repulsive.
"I also hope that you two, being both of mixed race, will understand each other better. I’m looking forward to that."
The third reason.
Dragon God-sama’s conclusion.
It was exactly the answer I wanted.
I couldn’t be more grateful to Dragon God-sama.
It was not just sympathy and charity to rescue me from my lonesome.
It had a purpose.
Moreover, the god before me had expectations for me.
As a comrade to his child.
I was never so happy.
"Rescuing you for my own reasons, are you disappointed?"
"No, it's the opposite."
I made up my mind.
I will become someone useful to Dragon God’s child.
I’ll do my best so that a mixed-race can live comfortably.
It's been decades since I started living in the Dragon Race society.
It's full of things I don't understand.
However, I understand that as a mixed-race if I failed to make myself useful, it’ll not only bring disdain from others on myself but the unborn child as well.
I must use Dora-sama’s training and bring results.
That's what I should do.
“Let me be a source of strength to Dragon God!”
"I look forward to it."
At that moment, how to “give back to Dragon God” took shape in my mind.
It became clear what to do.
I wanted to do my best.
Of course, I had always intended to do my best until now.
But from that day, its shape changed dramatically.
Having set a clear goal for myself, I became more focused.
Not only working harder, but also with more ingenuity and effort.
"Well, Dora."
"Yes!"
Dora-sama was silent in the corner of the room during the talk.
"Laplace's job ... do you have any ideas?"
"I thought before, why not have him work for me?!”
"That’s it?"
"No, of course not, if he has such a noble aspiration, better to keep him with me...”
When I thought about that interaction back then, it’s kind of funny.
No matter Dragon God’s greatness, finding adequate work for me would certainly be a source of headaches. For Dora-sama to show a rare moment of selfishness...
However, Dragon God is the father of all Dragon Race.
Even for Dora-sama.
Accepting her selfish request was expected.
"Okay, that's fine since you say as much."
"Yes! Thank you!"
That’s how I came to be an underling of Dora-sama.
Did I mention Dora-sama’s work before?
It's dragon training.
Chapter 5. Training Ends
Dragon Roar, a mountain in the central part of the continent.
There, as usual, a girl was carrying something with her.
It's Rostelina.
In the large tub carried by Rostelina was a pile of meat.
The girl didn't know what kind of meat.
Laplace just told her to take it and give it to the dragon.
The cave behind the house.
There was a huge dragon there.
With its eyes closed and snoozing, the dragon was asleep.
"Dragon-sama, dragon-sama, meal time!"
After Rostelina yelled at the dragon, it slowly opened its eyes.
Then, after a loud yawn, it thrusted its neck into the tub in front of him and began to chow on the meat inside.
What might be a snack for the dragon would serve as a rather full meal for Rostelina.
Rostelina watched as the dragon ate. Now that she was finally free, she began to punch the air in front of her.
"Dragon-sama, listen! Master told me about the Dragon Race fighting style. Like this! First you pose like this, then strike to your side, then punch like this! Oh, you have to shout like, Haa!”
Rostelina said, and began tapping the claws of the busy dragon. Her moves cannot be called elegant.
To the dragon, the attack might as well be a mosquito bite, completely harmless.
However, perhaps it hates getting pestered, or just playing along, it moves its claw.
It is a huge dragon.
Even the tip of the toe is as big as the body of Rostelina.
"Agh!"
Rostelina was flung by the claw and sent spinning on the ground.
"Oww... That’s too far..."
Rostelina was not injured.
She got up, rubbing the back of her head and suddenly noticed something.
"... Dragon-sama is bigger than the other dragons."
Rostelina has seen red dragons before.
Rather, they fly by on a daily basis.
There are red dragon nests on the mountain peak.
Sometimes they’ll circle the house and get too close.
But the house dragon would chase it away.
The dragon in front of her was considerably larger than the red dragons.
Its body alone would be twice as large as the average red dragon, and three times as wide with its wings spread.
"Your scales are a beautiful red, your fangs are long, your tail is lithe, and your eyes gleam with intelligence."
The dragon snorted when Rostelina said that.
“Ah, so you can tell,” the dragon seemed to say.
"It’s true after all, is Dragon-sama just like Master, a Dragon from the Dragon World?"
The dragon heard but did not answer.
Too focused on its delicious meal.
In the first place, the dragon cannot speak.
Even if it understood her, it couldn’t reply with words.
"Oh, right!"
Then Rostelina remembered something.
She fell asleep the other day.
“If you listen to the rest of that story, you may find out about the dragon,” she thought.
No better time than now, Rostelina decided and ran home.
Enter the house and straight to the usual study.
There again today, Laplace was writing on his desk.
"Master! Master!"
"Hmm, oh, Rostelina. What's wrong? You were just asleep, did you have a scary dream?"
"No, last night was a fun dream of flying in the sky! More importantly, Master!"
"What is it?"
Laplace looked at her with a stern look as Rostelina did.
"Tell me the rest of the story!"
"The story from before?"
"The story of Laplace-sama in the Dragon World! You lived a long life, and you haven’t told me everything yet!”
Laplace looked troubled by her words.
"Ah, the story from before... but it's not very interesting. After that, I became a full-fledged dragon warrior, got a job, did some great things and earned some renown, and ultimately lost everything. That’s that.''
"I don't understand at all!"
"Is that right...?"
"Fine then, please tell me how you tamed Dragon-sama. You knew Dragon-sama for a long time, right?"
Hearing her, Laplace slapped his hands.
As if remembering something.
"That’s right, I met Saleact when I was assigned my first job. It's followed from the previous story."
"See, you were fudging it after all!"
"Do you want to hear it?"
"I want to hear it!"
Laplace shook his head at Rostelina’s begging.
He sighed, had no choice but to sit back on his chair.
"Okay, sit down, Rostelina. Let's continue the story from that time."
"Yes!"
"Well, where did we begin? Well ... I think the easiest thing to understand is from the end of my education. OK, let's do that."
Then Laplace began to speak.
A story from a far-away mythological era.
■■■
Decades passed since Laplace’s education in the Dragon World began.
Everyday classroom learning, combat training, and flight practice, repeat.
The same one to the next.
Only difference was Lunaria-sama’s stomach growing slightly each day.
That day, I was flying over the training ground.
As usual, I was doing flight practice.
However, my style of flying ended up slightly different from the other Dragon Race.
Dragon Race usually flies with their bodies flat.
After generating the initial lift from forming a force field, they’ll use the wind for lift to fly and glide.
Only when changing direction or to gain altitude, is the force field needed again.
That's the most efficient way to fly.
However, back then, I could fly only with my body standing perpendicular to the ground.
Ignoring inertia like that, rapid acceleration, sudden stop, quick turn, repeated.
Anyone used to the flight of Dragon Race would consider it a sight to behold.
In fact, there were many people that stared at me on the slopes of the training ground.
Not just children. Also a few Dragon Warriors.
Not only did they look, but some tried to copy me, but were unable to control their movements and fell.
I ignored them.
I repeated my flight practice routine without a second thought.
rapid rise, a quick corner turn, another corner turn, a sudden stop midair, then rapidly accelerate, deep dive, another sudden stop, then a quick ascend back to my initial position.
More or less.
The style of flight is very unstable and uses too much Dragon Touki.
Almost everyone who tried to imitate me failed.
Compared to the typical way Dragon Race flew, it’s very inefficient.
However, there were advantages.
The flying style, using almost no lift from air, can make very sharp turns.
Besides Dragon God, Dragon General Maxwell was said to be the strongest flier, but I am even more agile than him with this style.
This is a great advantage when fighting in the air.
"...!"
A person on the slope leaped and flew toward me.
A Dragon Race woman with exceptionally large wings and white silver scales.
Yes, Dora-sama.
Dora-sama rose gracefully, almost like a dance.
It's not unusual.
Dora-sama sometimes surprise attacks me like this to teach me air combat.
Dora's flight was fast.
Unlike mine, it is a flight method that does not deviate from the common sense of the Dragon Race, but its speed and technique far surpass mine.
She climbed at a tremendous speed and repeated subtle movements to adjust her route.
And caught up with me who's trying to escape with a sharp turn.
Originally, she would have stuck my back.
However, there was another advantage to my way of flying.
You can keep flying while facing your opponent.
"Laplace, start!"
"Yes!"
Dora-sama shouted and I answered. The aerial fighting began.
The basis of Dragon Race fighting consists of three elements.
Cover one’s claws with Dragon Touki, the claw technique for cutting the enemy.
Cover one’s fists with Dragon Touki, the fang technique to chew through the enemy.
Cover one’s wings with Dragon Touki, the wing technique for rapidly accelerating or decelerating to change one’s positioning.
Take the opponent’s back with the wing technique, weaken the opponent with the nail technique, and cause fatal injury to the opponent with the fang technique.
Train your claws, fangs, and wings to make your body strong.
This is the fundamental lessons of the Dragon Race, "Teaching of Nail, Fangs, and Wings".
Of course, I also knew the fundamentals well.
I was especially good at the fang technique.
My fang technique had enough destructive power for Dora-sama to call it "deadly".
On the other hand, Dora-sama was good at claw technique.
She never raised a fist having such confidence in her claw technique.
Dora-sama circled me, aiming at my wings with her claws.
On the other hand, I repeatedly climbed and descended, aiming to counter her with my fangs.
Fully enveloping my claws, fangs, and wings with Dragon Touki, poking for holes in her defenses.
Even Dora-sama, if my strike landed true, would become my prey.
Therefore, Dora-sama didn’t attack continuously, and her claw technique did not weaken me by much.
Mmm? Was I strong enough to match the Five Dragon General at that time?
No, it's just training, so if Dora-sama fought me seriously, it would be over in the moment.
Even when Dora-sama went easy on me, she still had technique and experience far beyond me.
The battle was one-sided.
Dora-sama’s lightning fast claws pierced my defenses and made a hole in my body.
My nails and fangs were blocked and parried, not even a scratch on her scales.
There was a big difference in power between Dora and me.
I bared Dora-sama's onslaught as much as I could, enduring it to avoid a fatal blow.
I can withstand one or two attacks.
However, even my wings can’t protect me after several more blows.
After I was weakened, the blows landed more frequently, and it was only a matter of time before I fell.
In fact, I always lost like that.
However, I was not blindly defeated each time.
I was always thinking and trying various countermeasures.
That day too, I bet on a new strategy.
Shifting my wings, I escaped to the top.
Of course, Dora-san followed me.
From the silent chase, I could sense an anger from her like never before.
Probably she thought I was running away.
She didn't teach me to turn away and run.
Dora-sama rapidly closed in on me.
With my back toward her, my vulnerable wings were exposed to her.
A strike at my wings and I fell.
Then, what is waiting after that is a sermon by Dora-sama.
But that didn't happen.
Immediately before I was overtaken by Dora-sama, I quickly turned around near the apex and attacked.
Dora-sama climbing as I was falling.
Because of the rapid change in our relative speed, Dora-sama misjudged the situation.
I swung my nails through Dora-sama's back side as we crossed.
The strike was true.
However, at the same time, I felt a burning sensation around the base of my wings.
I lost control and fell to the slope, fumbling.
The battle is over.
I looked up the slope.
Dora-sama was flying in an arc midair.
It was courtesy of the Dragon Race for the winner to take a few laps in the air.
Despite my strategy, how’d Dora-sama find my back?
I’ll be reprimanded.
However, I was willing to accept it.
I thought too simply and lost.
I thought, but Dora-san was not angry.
"When you ran suddenly, I was wondering if it’s over... but that ending was good!"
With a satisfied smile, Dora-san was bleeding from her forehead.
My strike scratched Dora-sama on her forehead.
It was a shot aimed at the wings, but I probably hit her head as she turned around.
The wings are of course our weaknesses, but since Dragon Race is man-formed, our heads must be protected as well.
It was a coincidence, but I hit Dora-sama's weaknesses.
"Except for Dragon God-sama and the Five Dragon Generals, there is no one who can hit me in the air! In terms of flight and combat techniques, you pass!”
I was delighted.
Dora-sama doesn't praise me much.
These words can be called the greatest compliment.
Dora-sama continued to make me merry.
"Furthermore, I have no more knowledge to teach you. You already know more than most Dragon Race!”
Dora looked down at me, her expression softened.
The always stern Dora-sama laughed.
"You are a full-fledged Dragon Race. This completes your education."
Dora muttered, "Good job," and reached out to me.
I grabbed the hand and stood up, crossed my arms before Dora-sama with my wings folded.
At that time, I had an indescribable sense of accomplishment, and a slight anxiety.
To be honest, I thought that the training would last until I died.
But if it has a beginning, it will have an end.
“Dora-sama, thank you for everything.”
"You don't need to thank me, but don't forget the words of thanks to Dragon God-sama."
"Yes!"
"Then go back home and wait! Dragon God shall judge your progress!"
That was the end of my training.
■
I returned home and reported to Lunaria-sama that my training was complete.
When she saw that she made a benevolent smile, looking genuinely happy.
"Then we’ll have to celebrate today!"
She said then went to order the servants to prepare a feast.
For Dragon Race, other dragons are the main staple.
Previously, the Dragon Race may have subsided on small lizards or fruits to survive, but that changed after gaining strength.
Red Dragons, Blue Dragons, and Earth Dragons.
After all, for the Dragon Race, celebration meant meat.
On special occasions, special dragons are served.
The flesh of rare dragons like King Dragon, Black Dragon, or White Dragon.
Many treats that day that even I couldn't usually eat came out.
I can't forget the taste of that day.
But more than the taste of the food, there are other things I can't forget.
The servants looked at me a little differently after that day.
To be specific, I became a man rather than a dog.
By completing the training of Dora-sama, I have become a full-fledged Dragon Race in their eyes.
I remember some changes within me as well.
I no longer considered myself as the pet.
Transformed from the Royal Pet of Dragon God to the loyal servant of Dragon God.
Anyways, I started to become more self-conscious of my position.
Then I waited for the return of Dragon God.
Dragon God returns to the mansion every few months.
When he came home, he always went to Lunaria-sama, to greet her and confirm her well-being.
Of course, that doesn't mean ignoring me either.
Dragon God always asked Dora-sama about my training.
Dora-sama would report everything about what she taught and how well I understood it.
Sometimes, no growth was observed, but Dora-sama never lied.
Dragon God never said anything in response, just nodded and had her continue.
Also, as I became able to speak, he started asking me questions.
The usual questions.
Mainly what you did today, what you learned, what do you want to learn, etc.
I answered them honestly.
There was no reason to lie.
Sometimes I didn’t have any new results, or couldn’t grasp the new lessons, but I didn’t lie.
I learned from Dora-sama's that it was rude to tell a lie.
However, there were things I couldn't answer even if I didn't mean to lie.
Where were you born?
Who are your parents?
Why were you in the corner of the Demon World...
I couldn't answer those questions.
Because I didn't know.
When I said “I don’t know”, Dragon God-sama would just reply, “I see.”
I shriveled into myself.
I know I was an unusual existence, and Dragon God-sama wished to know what made me special… But since I don’t know, it couldn’t be helped.
Dragon God also examined my body sometimes.
Wings, claws, fangs, and hair.
Ryujin did not explain anything, but I entrusted myself to him without complaints.
As my benefactor who brought me to the Dragon World, I willingly subject myself to him even if he wishes me harm.
Of course, Dragon God never harmed me in any way.
That kind of report and inspection ended as well that day.
"Dora. How was Laplace?"
"His training is complete. Laplace is now an excellent Dragon Warrior that won’t embarrass Dragon God-sama.”
I was glad that Dora-sama said that to Dragon God-sama.
I could only straighten my back a bit and gripped my fists tight.
I cannot embarrass myself in front of Dragon God.
"That's right. Thank you. Laplace did well?"
"Yes! He’s excellent! Laplace should be able to do everything Dragon God-sama assigns him!”
"Work?"
Dragon God muttered, turning to the window.
He's a brilliant man, but even he needs time to consider what work to assign me.
Of course, I didn't even think about it.
That's right.
Do you train dogs to do human work?
Certainly not.
No matter how much training, a dog is a dog.
However, my mindset was changing a little.
If I was given a job, I would gladly accept it.
"That’s right..."
What kind of work is coming?
My heart raced as Dragon God considered for a while his next words.
Even though it felt like a while, it's only a few minutes.
But it felt like hours.
"Uh-hum"
Perhaps reaching a conclusion, Dragon God looked away from the window and turned toward me, asking.
"Laplace, what do you think of the Dragon World?”
The question was unrelated to my job, but I answered it openly.
"It's a paradise. There's no better place than this."
The words made Dragon God soften his expression.
It was a smile.
"Really?"
I had no intention of flattery.
For me, this was a paradise.
Meals would come even if you didn’t ask, and you’re taught various things.
Dora-sama was stern, but for a bright future I couldn’t be happier to have her.
It was a relief to see Dragon God’s smile.
Reading the mood, I asked.
"Why did you help me?"
It is rude to question Dragon God.
Dora-sama taught me that, but my mouth might have lost to my curiosity.
Or maybe I wanted a solid answer, whether I have a job in the future or not.
What do I work for?
Because it’s an order from Dragon God-sama… but it helps if I know the details.
"..."
When Dragon God looked at me, it was a terrifyingly blank expression.
Dora-sama's shoulders stiffen, her wings slowly open.
When I saw them, I immediately realized my rudeness.
So I immediately crossed my arms and folded my wings.
Please accept my apology and forget my question.
However, before that, Dragon God opened his mouth.
"Behold!"
Once again, Dragon God looked out the window.
Outside of the window, you can see the townscape of Kayos.
Even though it's inside a cave, it's a bright, wide and lively town with many a Dragon Race flying around.
"Once upon a time it was a Red Dragon's nest."
"……Is that so?"
"Yes, the Red Dragon was a creature that lives within the mountain like us. The Dragon Race was weak and preyed upon by the Red Dragons."
The story of the Dragon World that I didn't know as told by Dragon God.
Dragon God came before the Dragon Race that did not even have a language.
He went before his people who were terrorized by the Red Dragons, demonstrated his power and became their chief...
He found Five Dragon Generals and divided the clans, raising them to become more powerful than everything else in the world.
It's been a daunting time.
Many hundreds and thousand died.
However, they steadily moved forward and the Dragon Race came to dominate the world.
"So I think of all Dragon Race as like my children."
Then, Dragon Race turned to me and narrowed his eyes.
“Why I helped you. Even as a mix of Dragon Race and Demon Race, Dragon blood still flows through you so you are also my child.”
Although only half, I have never been so proud of my Dragon blood.
But the answer was not what I wanted.
I wanted to know how I can be of use to Dragon God.
As only a half-blood, I wanted to know how or where I can be useful.
Of course, it’s rude to keep asking, so I stay quiet.
But...
Dragon God, being as brilliant as he was, saw through my distress.
“Of course, it wasn’t merely because of that… Recently, there has been strange disappearances all over the world. Nobody knew the cause or reason, nor where they disappeared to. If one had been transported to the Demon World and gave birth to you, then it might be a clue.”
"Were there any clues on me?"
"No, nothing at the moment.”
"In that case..."
"That’s fine. Regardless, I have great expectations for you.”
Still looking out the window, Dragon God continued.
"The second is to improve the deteriorating relationship with the demons. That race has been the enemy of the Dragon Race for thousands of years. Rumors that Dragon God is trying to destroy the demons have spread… Even though it is a pure fabrication.”
"..."
"Raising you, a mixed race of demons and dragons, can be proof that it is a misunderstanding."
Is that really evidence?
As I was persecuted by the demons in the demon world, I couldn't believe it.
Rather, I might be an obstacle instead.
However, I didn't have the courage to say it.
If I say that and get kicked out of here, I have no place to go.
Dragon God-sama, Lunaria-sama, Dora-sama, and the servants.
Now that I got to know many people and can communicate, I couldn't stand returning to being alone.
"The third is for my child, who will be born soon."
Dragon God turned to face me.
No, behind me.
Looking deep in the mansion, toward Lunaria-sama.
"My wife, Lunaria, is a human race. Then my child will be a mixed race of Human and Dragon."
"..."
"As I said, anyone who has the blood of a dragon are my children. The Dragon Race worships me as a god and swore me their loyalty.”
I nodded at the words.
From prominent ones such as Dora-sama to Lunaria-sama’s servants, Dragon Warriors in the training field, and children in training facilities, there is no one who dislikes Dragon God.
Everyone respects and worships Dragon God-sama.
"However, what if my child was born of a human race? They may be seen with a different eye."
I remembered their gaze when I went out.
Their alienating gaze.
It’s the same here with the Dragon Race.
I don't mind it anymore, but if I was a newborn child, it would be tough.
"Therefore, I wanted them to get used to it by having another mixed race child like you.”
By letting me, who is a mixed race, walk around the town, the surrounding folks would eventually get used to it.
I served as a precedent that the mixed race itself is neither rare, horrible, nor repulsive.
"I also hope that you two, being both of mixed race, will understand each other better. I’m looking forward to that."
The third reason.
Dragon God-sama’s conclusion.
It was exactly the answer I wanted.
I couldn’t be more grateful to Dragon God-sama.
It was not just sympathy and charity to rescue me from my lonesome.
It had a purpose.
Moreover, the god before me had expectations for me.
As a comrade to his child.
I was never so happy.
"Rescuing you for my own reasons, are you disappointed?"
"No, it's the opposite."
I made up my mind.
I will become someone useful to Dragon God’s child.
I’ll do my best so that a mixed-race can live comfortably.
It's been decades since I started living in the Dragon Race society.
It's full of things I don't understand.
However, I understand that as a mixed-race if I failed to make myself useful, it’ll not only bring disdain from others on myself but the unborn child as well.
I must use Dora-sama’s training and bring results.
That's what I should do.
“Let me be a source of strength to Dragon God!”
"I look forward to it."
At that moment, how to “give back to Dragon God” took shape in my mind.
It became clear what to do.
I wanted to do my best.
Of course, I had always intended to do my best until now.
But from that day, its shape changed dramatically.
Having set a clear goal for myself, I became more focused.
Not only working harder, but also with more ingenuity and effort.
"Well, Dora."
"Yes!"
Dora-sama was silent in the corner of the room during the talk.
"Laplace's job ... do you have any ideas?"
"I thought before, why not have him work for me?!”
"That’s it?"
"No, of course not, if he has such a noble aspiration, better to keep him with me...”
When I thought about that interaction back then, it’s kind of funny.
No matter Dragon God’s greatness, finding adequate work for me would certainly be a source of headaches. For Dora-sama to show a rare moment of selfishness...
However, Dragon God is the father of all Dragon Race.
Even for Dora-sama.
Accepting her selfish request was expected.
"Okay, that's fine since you say as much."
"Yes! Thank you!"
That’s how I came to be an underling of Dora-sama.
Did I mention Dora-sama’s work before?
It's dragon training.
