Chapter 261: What if you were the emperor? (1)

The Lair of Dragon Ryan.

Entering and exploring the lair was a task that, by its nature, should be stealthy and not easy at all.

"What shall we do?" asked a voice in a low tone.

Cale stared at the one who had spoken those words.

"Why?" Deputy Chief Priest Cotton asked perplexedly. Cale responded straightforwardly.

"Don't you think it's quite simple?"

The corners of Cotton's lips lifted into a smile.

"Infiltrating the Dragon's Lair? How difficult can it be? I've snooped around even in the Demon King's bathroom."

Cotton led them through an incredibly lonely path, always taking the shortest route. Of course, the speed wasn't fast, but her guidance was exceptional in terms of stealth.

In Cale's mind, the voice of the Ancient Wind Power resonated.

- She has the qualities of a great warrior.

Cale disregarded the voice indifferently and nodded.

"Indeed, compared to the Demon King's bathroom, this should be easier."

"Ah, my dream is to plunder the God of War's vault someday. I will definitely go to the Divine World."

"…"

Cale pretended not to have heard the chatter and returned to the main topic.

"Are their senses very sharp?"

At that moment, Cale was hidden on the staircase leading from the second to the first floor, observing the door leading to the underground entrance.

"Ah, that particular elf's perception is exceptional."

On the north wall of the castle's first floor was a huge wall. On that wall was a single door leading to the underground.

In front of that door stood a total of Ten knights, one of them an elf and the others Beast Peoples of different races.

Cotton continued her explanation in a low voice.

"Even if we want to approach, the perception of the elven knight and his Elemental is a problem. We can't see it, but the Wind Elemental is scouting the surroundings along with the elf."

She shook her head.

"No matter if we become invisible or how we hide our bodies. As soon as we get close to that area, our movement will create air and wind. There's no way to deceive the eyes of that Elemental."

Cale took out the document Cotton had given him and spoke.

"And after passing through that door, we will encounter a large number of knights, mages, and presumably a Dragon?"

<Result of a month-long investigation: a fixed number of knights and mages were constantly heading underground.>

The description of the dragon caught Cale's attention.

<In addition to Ryan, it is estimated that a Dragon permanently resides underground. It is suspected to be a subordinate of Ryan.>

Cotton's response came.

"Ah, since I saw the Dragon that visited this castle last week enter through that door, I haven't seen it anywhere else."

So, it was supposed to still be underground.

<It wasn't one of the Ten Dragon Gods. Its identity is unknown and is under investigation.>

Cale gave the document one last look, then slipped it into his pocket.

"Let's go in first."

Following Cotton's directions, Cale climbed to the second floor and entered a room. It wasn't a proper room, but a space reserved for servants, a dusty place filled with cleaning tools and various other items.

When Cale's group entered, the space became crowded, making individual movement difficult, but perfect for conversation.

"In my opinion, exploration is impossible."

Cale's gaze turned to Cotton.

The White Snake spoke.

"Do you think the answer is to break in directly and eliminate them all at once?"

"Hmm."

Cotton fell silent for a moment and then shook her head.

"That's not what I mean. Have you read all the information I've given you?"

Cotton scratched her head and replied.

"That guy only stays on the upper floor."

That guy.

She meant Ryan.

<The moment the name "Ryan" is mentioned within the barrier, the subsequent conversation is inevitably transmitted to Ryan.>

<The magic circle envelopes the entire lair.>

Ryan's name must not be mentioned within this castle.

That was the "most important safety rule" Cotton mentioned.

"In Lair, the restriction on magic detection has been relaxed to some extent. If mana flow above a certain level is not generated, Lair won't detect magic."

"There are probably many mages in Lair who use magic for various tasks, so it would be tedious to detect it case by case."

Cotton continued.

"It has been confirmed that guy has been on the upper floor for the past two weeks."

Two weeks.

It had been after a strange sound signal enveloped the area.

"But don't get complacent. The moment they discover us, that guy will immediately come to wherever we are. He's very sensitive to external intrusions right now."

"Hmm."

The White Snake fell silent and then continued the conversation.

"Do you think they will definitely discover us?"

"Well, to be honest, isn't there a Dragon here as well?"

Choi Han's laundry basket moved, and Raon poked his head out from the blanket.

"Right, there is!"

Cotton avoided the Dragon's gaze and continued.

"It won't be difficult to evade the mages and knights using invisibility magic. As long as we don't run into the other Dragon."

Indeed, not all the mages here were full-fledged mages.

<There are estimated to be 2 mages who can use mana, and the rest are classified as theorists.>

There were very few humans who could handle mana.

<It seems they were trained as mages for research purposes.>

What research?

The solution would depend on what kind of research it was.

Cale, who had been silently listening, finally spoke.

"So, the problem is the Elemental, right?"

"Exactly! It won't be easy to enter the underground without avoiding the Wind Elemental's perception."

"And what if we just avoid the Wind Elemental's perception?"

At Cale's question, Cotton wrinkled her nose as if there was no need to think about that, but still she responded.

"In a short time, the signal will sound. At that moment, a group of mages will come out of the underground. Take advantage of that moment to use invisibility magic and sneak in."

She shook her head.

"However, with the Elemental there, it will definitely detect our presence. Also, the change in mana concentration in the air. Because they say that Elemental is quite strong."

"Stronger than a Elemental King?"

Hmm?

Cotton tilted her head.

"What am I hearing?"

She blinked and looked at Cale. And Cale responded straightforwardly.

"The Elemental King is on our side."

To be exact, he had made a deal with the dark elf Tasha. But anyway, he's on our side, right?

"…"

Cotton was speechless. And Cale continued.

"I will talk to the Wind Elemental."

"Human, are you going to intimidate it?"

Cale completely ignored Raon's words.

"Intimidate it?"

Cale also ignored Cotton's reaction.

"Is that possible?"

Cotton's eyes gleamed.

Wisha watched Cale with trembling pupils. Cale ignored them all.

"Let's go back to the stairs."

He gestured to his companions.

"Just follow me."

His back wasn't very broad.

"Human, you've slimmed down."

Once again, Cale completely ignored Raon's words. And he arrived back at the stairs.

'What is he going to do?'

White Snake Wisha didn't take her eyes off Cale. Had he made a deal with the Wind Elemental King and could intimidate the elementals?

'It's incredible.'

No, it's amazing.

She decided not to miss a single detail of what Cale would do next, with nerves on edge. Her whole body was tense.

It was then...

"Eh?"

Cale pulled out a strange object. A golden whip. Holding it, the savior spoke.

"Yes, yes. Bring here the Wind Elemental with whom that Elf made a contract. I need to talk to him."

He spoke to himself.

"Hey, haven't you heard the news? We made a deal with the Wind Elemental King. Aren't you guys having a hard time living lately? Didn't we say we would help you?"

"Yes, yes. Now things make more sense. But only one should speak. It's too noisy."

What's noisy?

Isn't it too silent without the savior's voice?

Wisha's pupils trembled again. Nevertheless, Cale continued the conversation. Of course, his conversation partners were the Wind Elementals around.

"There's a human who can hear us!"

"Release... freedom... peace..."

"Hey, hey. Shut up!"

"In any case, do we just have to bring the friend next to that elf here?"

"But will that friend help us?"

"Will he help us? From what I heard last time, not even his friend, that elf, wants to do this! Isn't he reluctantly following orders to protect his hometown?"

"Oh, then we can understand each other!"

"...freedom... liberation... coercion... chaos..."

Cale, though annoyed, endured and spoke again.

"First of all, calm down and bring him here."

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"Eh!"

Whoosh!

A gust of wind passed in front of Cale.

A voice reached his ears.

"...Release...!"

At that moment, Cale felt a bit anxious.

Could it be that among the considerable number of Wind Elementals, the one that moved now is-?

"That crazy guy is gone!"

Indeed.

The strange kid had moved.

But Cale remained calm.

"Originally strange kids are good at their job."

Especially the Elementals.

Those who screamed about chaos, destruction, and freedom did their job well.

Relying on the calmness his experience provided, Cale stayed still.

"Ugh, what's going on! Why are you suddenly bringing me here? Let me go, ugh, ugh!"

"...Freedom!"

Indeed, crazy Elementals did their job well.

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

Cale felt the small wind swirling around his right cheek and opened his mouth.

"Hey."

"Ugh, ugh."

"Release. Let him speak."

"...Freedom!"

The wind dissipated, and everything fell silent. But Cale's ears were filled with noise.

"What's going on? Is a human talking to us now? How?"

Swoosh-

An unfamiliar cold stirred the air around him.

Cale could feel that it was true that the Wind Elemental next to the elf was strong, so he spoke immediately.

"I've come to deliver orders from the Wind Elemental King."

Of course, it was a lie.

There was no such order.

But in this world, one must be flexible, right?

"That makes no sense..."

Yes, it makes no sense, but it's a plausible argument.

"I'm going to reshape the world."

"...!"

The air around him stirred. All the Wind Elementals reacted to those words.

However, they didn't rush to speak.

"...Release...!"

No, except for one guy.

"For that, I would like you to assist us. You know, right? That this world is heading towards destruction if it continues like this."

"..."

"And if you don't, I'll tell the Wind Elemental King that you didn't help."

"I will! I will! I'll help!"

As expected, Cale smiled as he enjoyed the taste of power. Indeed, he could also persuade through dialogue.

"But there's no time for that."

It's a time when the world might be on the brink of perishing. He has to sort everything out within a month. Cale looked around with a sense of unease.

His companions said nothing. Therefore, Cale brushed worries aside and spoke kindly to the Wind Elemental.

"You might be worried about betraying your friend, the elf. But your friend is also being forced to do the gatekeeper's job under coercion, right? Your friend will be free soon too."

A cautious and serious voice reached Cale's ears.

"...Really?"

It sounded more sincere than the voice that shouted, "I'll do it!" a moment ago.

"So."

Cale, smiling kindly, raised his hand. His finger pointed to the ceiling.

"Let's get rid of that guy soon."

He'll dispose of Ryan soon.

"So just help us once."

"Okay."

* * *

Ding- Ding- Ding-

The central clock bell on the first floor rang.

The bell sounded at a strange moment, not on the hour.

Clang. Clang.

At that moment, the Ten knights guarding the huge northern gate of the castle moved quickly.

"..."

The only elf among the knights looked around. He waved his hand.

Whoosh!

The wind swept through the area and approached the elf, brushing his cheek and settling on his shoulders.

Whoosh!

A small whirlwind danced by the elf's ear as if it were speaking.

"..."

The elf, listening to it, nodded his head. And then he spoke up.

"Open the gate."

Since there are no intruders around, open the gate. At those words, several armored men stepped forward. They were all members of the Beast People Race. They pushed the heavy gate with both hands.

Creak~!

The gate, which seemed heavy, opened slowly. And inside the gate, there was a row of people standing. They were all wearing mage robes. Only the one at the front was a true mage.

"..."

The elf bowed his head, and the mage also bowed courteously.

Ding- Ding

The bell still rang. The bell would ring a total of 24 times. They had to act before that.

"Hmm."

However, the mage stopped.

"Why?"

His subordinate next to him asked.

"Something feels off."

The mage muttered at that moment.

Whoosh!

The wind blew. The elf apologized.

"I'm sorry. The Elementals are playing pranks today, so-"

"Oh, it's alright."

Contrary to it, the mage showed a relieved expression at the elf's response.

"So, it was because of the Elementals."

He had felt nervous due to an inexplicable unease, but now he felt relieved knowing it was a prank by the Elementals.

"I was too sensitive."

The mage smiled kindly at the knight elf who was apologizing and then, directing his subordinates, quickened his pace.

Ding- Ding

The bell still rang, but the end was near.

Whoosh!

The wind blew once more, and the elf spoke shortly after.

"Close the gate."

Crunch! Bang!

The gate closed. Now, this gate would only open again when the mages returned.

Ding~

Just then, the sound of the bell also came to an end. Silence returned. It was a day that was no different from yesterday.

* * *

"Human, I've transmitted the message to everyone!"

Cale, under invisibility, felt Raon's thick front paws on his back.

"Lock and Wisha are on the first floor!"

Raon's voice reached his ears.

A secret underground space, rumored to have three levels.

"Choi Han and Cotton are on the second floor! Of course, I sent signals to Lock and Choi Han! I told them to flee if there's danger!"

Cale felt the soft texture of Hong's fur against his legs.

"And we're going with the Human!"

Raon, and the children averaging Ten years old, headed to the third basement with Cale.

He confirmed there was no one around and then opened his mouth.

"Let's go."

Whoosh-

A small wind swirled around Cale's feet. It was the Ancient Power.

Tap.

Starting with a light tap of his foot on the ground, Cale accelerated. The underground space wasn't dark. Cale thought it would be a dark, rough space like a cave since it was a place where dark things were plotted. But it was not at all.

"It looks like a temple."

No, actually...

"Is it a laboratory?"

It seemed like a mix of temple and laboratory. A pure white space. Impeccably clean hallways and stairs without a speck of dust. And a variety of facilities caught the eye. Moreover, the vastness of that space was unimaginable.

"It's an underground larger than the inner and outer city combined."

This underground space itself was a city. Like the underground city of the Dark Elves. Of course, this place was gloomy. It seemed that there was no life.

"Human, be careful!"

Cale didn't look around and headed downwards. Because there was no time. The only thing he had to be careful of was the other Dragon.

"Eh?"

The mage, presumably a theorist, looked around in bewilderment, but Cale had already passed him and descended the stairs.

Thus, Cale, Raon, and the others swiftly descended, avoiding others' gazes.

Fortunately, there were no guards on each floor here.

On the contrary, surveillance was sparse. Only busy people with their own work could be seen.

"It's strange."

There was no smell of blood. No cries or moans from anyone could be heard. Like a temple. Only a reverent and tranquil atmosphere flowed. Additionally, the expressions of the people passing by were not bad. Rather, they were cheerful.

"...It gives me chills."

It's creepy.

They clearly stated that the Beast People couldn't leave this place.

And Choi Han heard.

"Sounds like the Black Despair howls-"

They surely contained someone's agony and despair.

"...Human."

And finally, Cale, who had stepped onto the third basement, stopped. He looked ahead. He saw a giant glass wall. The landscape on the other side entered his eyes. There were no facilities on the third floor. There was only a huge void on the other side of the glass wall. And in the center of that void. There was a huge hole. A black hole that didn't match the pure white space. A figure could be seen standing in front of that hole.

"Someone's here!"

A Dragon?

"They haven't discovered us yet."

However, the figure on the other side of the glass wall didn't notice our invisibility.

"Certainly, Raon's magic is getting closer to Eruhaben-nim's."

It's normal for him not to notice. Moreover, wasn't Raon immune to the energy of this place? However, Cale couldn't move easily.

- Cale.

The Cheapskate.

The Fire of Destruction reacted.

- Do you feel it?

Dead Mana.

An Ancient Power that was more sensitive to dead mana than anyone else.

- I sense despair from that hole.

Although Cale was far away, he couldn't see inside the hole, but he still felt it.

Cale touched his arm. He had goosebumps.

"Black Despair. It's something more than that. Definitely!"

Black Despair.

The terrible liquid that the former Crown Prince Adin of the Mogoru Empire created alongside the Alchemy Tower.

A black liquid that contained the despair of the dead in Dead Mana.

Something even more horrible than that lay within that hole.

"Damn it."

I have a very, very bad feeling.

- Do we have to burn everything here?

Damn it.

* * *

If you find any errors or have suggestions, please feel free to provide feedback.

Thank you for reading!

[Author – Yu Ryeo Han]

[Translator – Anowa]

[Proofreader – Rai_Mayank]