Chapter 211: The Demon King’s Factor

‘In another world, there exists a human stronger than the Dragon King.’

With that revelation, the mystery was finally solved.

Why had Bahamut been so desperate to conceal the fact that he once connected dimensions?

Now it all made sense.

Even Ryu—normally difficult to impress—looked genuinely fascinated.

However, there were still matters of greater priority.

The Demon King.

And recruiting Munechika.

In exchange for forgiving Bahamut’s past years of “parasite freeloading,” Ryu demanded information.

The Dragon King accepted surprisingly quickly and began speaking at once.

“To be honest, the Demon King itself isn’t particularly impressive. The troublesome part is the Demon King’s factor. It spreads through the Demonfolk, with the Demon King at its center.”

“So the factor strengthens the Demonfolk, huh.”

Ryu crossed his arms thoughtfully.

“The Demonfolk are already called the strongest race as it is. If they get buffed on top of that, humanity’s gonna have a rough time.”

A thousand years ago, humanity had barely achieved victory even while united and supported by numerous Heroes.

Compared to then, magic and technology had certainly advanced.

However—

In the current era, where the world powers constantly bickered amongst themselves, the situation looked considerably worse.

Bahamut snorted dismissively.

“To feel threatened merely because the Demonfolk grow stronger… truly, humans are insects.”

“You were human once too, dumb lizard.”

Ryu immediately shot back.

“Besides, you were the one who called it troublesome.”

“I said the factor was troublesome. I care nothing for the Demon King or the Demonfolk themselves.”

“What do you mean?”

Apparently, there was still more to this “factor.”

“After the Demon King dies, the factor searches for another vessel before it fully disappears.”

Bahamut leaned slightly forward.

“A thousand years ago, it coincidentally chose a small slime as its vessel. Thus, the factor quietly faded away.”

His eyes narrowed.

“But if it were to choose a high-ranking monster instead… the story changes.”

Ryu immediately understood.

“So, hypothetically, if a dragon became the vessel, it could lead all of dragonkind—strengthened by the factor—on a rampage across the continent?”

“Correct.”

Bahamut nodded.

“That’s why the true danger begins after the Demon King’s death. Should fortune turn against humanity, a calamity greater than the Demon King itself may emerge.”

Then he added coldly:

“Of course, we dragons would merely observe from above.”

“I see… Got it.”

──The Demon King and its factor.

Humanity would need to prepare very carefully against both.

“Well then, I’m gonna go look for Munechika now.”

Ryu stretched lazily.

“Next time we meet, I’m punching you, dumb lizard.”

“Hmph. Those are my words, brat.”

Bahamut waved dismissively.

“Now begone. Your presence alone rots the castle.”

“Now that you say that, I kinda wanna stay longer.”

“You little—!!”

Even Ryoma could only smile bitterly.

“To think… before arriving here, I fully expected battle to be unavoidable. For now, I’m relieved.”

“If I beat the hell outta that black lizard, dragonkind would probably split into factions at worst.”

Dragons instinctively revered strength above all else.

That was precisely why Bahamut had once declared he would immediately relinquish the throne should a stronger dragon appear—excluding Ryu, naturally.

In the end, the strongest dragon ought to rule.

And if Ryu actually defeated Bahamut?

At worst, every dragon outside the Five Heavenly Dragons might begin following Ryu instead.

Not to mention—

The Dragon Floating Island itself would probably not survive the battle intact.

“I can already envision Ardren becoming a second dragon nest,” Ryoma muttered.

“Exactly. That sounds like a gigantic pain in the ass.”

Ryu sighed.

“So for now, I’ll hold back.”

Still glaring at Bahamut, he clicked his tongue.

Incidentally—

Bahamut was still using the same vessel from back then.

Meaning his current appearance remained that of the Imperial Hero.

And because the face naturally looked arrogant and ill-tempered, it irritated Ryu even more.

“…What?”

Bahamut frowned.

“Is there something on my face?”

“You should seriously change bodies already.”

“Hmph. A Hero vessel appears only once every thousand years. The comfort level is incomparable.”

Bahamut leaned back proudly.

“I intend to keep this form for several more centuries. Besides, a mere brat like you has no right to order me around.”

“Tch… Let’s go, Ryoma.”

“Understood.”

The two exited the castle together.

…Though not before Ryu thoroughly knocked the dirt from the soles of his shoes at the entrance in one final petty act of harassment.

“That little brat… mocking me to the very end…!!”

“My king,” one of the Five Heavenly Dragons cautiously spoke, “is this truly acceptable? They claimed they intended to recruit one of our brethren.”

“It matters not.”

Bahamut closed his eyes calmly.

“Our fellow dragons are our friends. If one desires the surface world, I shall not stop them.”

His voice softened ever so slightly.

“I sit upon this throne only to protect them. I have no desire to chain them here.”

Then he looked toward the Five Heavenly Dragons.

“You as well… don’t force yourselves unnecessarily. As I once learned during my research into other worlds, there are few pains greater than suppressing the desires born from intellect.”

“Hahaha. What are you saying, Bahamut-sama?”

The Five Heavenly Dragons smiled warmly.

“So long as you remain upon that throne, we shall never leave this place. Serving our king is our greatest happiness.”

“Hmph… Fine then.”

The Dragon King remained as prickly and tsundere as ever.

And the Five Heavenly Dragons, as always, smiled happily regardless.

Then Fifth Flame stepped forward nervously.

“Bahamut-sama… I deeply apologize for bringing such troublesome individuals here. This Fifth Flame intends to take responsibility and resign from the Five Heavenly Dragons immediately—!”

“Don’t speak nonsense.”

Bahamut interrupted instantly.

“You’re the friend I trust most. Remain by my side from now on as well.”

“Bahamut-sama…!!”

Fifth Flame’s face lit up instantly with joy.

“However,” Bahamut continued, “if I issue no punishment at all, you’ll only feel uncomfortable instead.”

He thought for a moment.

“…Very well. How about this? Monitor those two idiots until they leave the island. We can’t have them causing trouble.”

“I ACCEPT WITH GRATITUDE!!”

Fifth Flame shot from the room like a gust of wind.

◇◇◇

Meanwhile—

Ryu and Ryoma wandered lazily through the city streets.

“Bit annoying, but let’s check one dragon at a time. There aren’t even a hundred dragons on this island anyway.”

“Indeed. That would be the most reliable approach.”

“Let’s start by looking for dragons who don’t seem interested in combat. More researcher-type ones.”

“Well, Munechika did become a dragon purely through intellect. She was a rather extraordinary eccentric.”

Just then—

“STOOOOP RIGHT THERE, YOU EVIL DRAGONS!!”

Fifth Flame came flying toward them at top speed.

“…What the hell?”

Ryu stared blankly.

“A minute ago you were shriveled up like a terrified housecat.”

“Most likely the Dragon King told him, ‘You’re my greatest friend,’ or something along those lines.”

“He’s seriously that simple, huh? Honestly, my loli elf wife’s more suited to being a dragon than this guy.”

“Hahaha. As your wife, Esther is effectively ranked above even the Five Heavenly Dragons.”

“Seriously. She’s sneaky, a mad scientist, obsessed with sweets, says ‘nojyaaa’ all the time, and somehow still outranks this redhead. That’s hilarious.”

Fifth Flame clenched his fists tightly.

“Damn you…!!”

(…I don’t understand the latter half of that conversation at all, but I do understand that they’re mocking me!!)