Chapter 238

Chapter 238
Chapter 238: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Oblivious to the events transpiring outside, Lion scanned the scattered debris resting before him.

“Are you planning to restore them to their initial condition?”

“That’s out of the question. Their state is far too deteriorated.”

Indeed, the ruins presented a dismal spectacle.

The gargoyle had been reduced to mere wings, while the torso of the notoriously resilient golem bore a clean slash.

Very well. Let us grant that these pieces might somehow be pieced back together and utilized.

Yet, the primary obstacle remained the magic stone, which functioned as the power source for the entire apparatus.

—I utilized it extensively over a significant period.

“The magic stone is completely drained.”

Lion stooped down, lifted a magic stone, and gently tossed it into the air before catching it.

Recall how it had previously levitated in response to Lion’s mana, only to plummet back to the earth the instant the flow was severed?

‘It truly signifies that merely a trace remains.’

It barely qualified as a ‘magic stone’ solely because it retained a faint sensitivity to mana.

‘As for my attempting to replenish it with mana…….’

That appeared virtually impossible.

Various factors contributed to this, chief among them being the immense capacity of the magic stone itself.

Acting imprudently carried a heavy risk of exhausting one’s own mana reserves without accomplishing anything.

“In that case, utilizing the magic stone is out of the question, isn’t it?”

—You are required to employ the magic stone as well! I refuse to permit your departure unless you demonstrate your capabilities adequately.

“Nay. My intention is to properly showcase my proficiency by harnessing every available resource. Consequently…….”

—Oh, is that so?

Lion pressed on with his remark, compelling himself to maintain his composure.

“I intend to synthesize all the depleted magic stones and reforge them into more compact variants.”

The amalgamation of jewels ought to follow the same principles as the creation of the Cosmic Crystal a few days prior.

The sole apprehension lay in the considerable damage sustained by the alchemy vessel…….

‘Even so, it should endure a few applications.’

Given that he was synthesizing nearly depleted magic stones rather than ones saturated with mana, there was little risk of fracture or detonation.

Furthermore, a matter of even greater concern than the alchemy vessel soon presented itself.

“That is a sound strategy.”

—Just as anticipated, an intelligent human has arrived! My judgment is infallible.

……Quite so. This was the very voice Lion had striven so hard to ignore up to this juncture.

The entire sequence of events had been set in motion when he enhanced his Expert’s Eye once more.

This was a Dragon’s Lair, after all; only then did a multitude of details begin to manifest within Lion’s field of vision.

And that marked the true beginning.

—Hm? It appears our gazes have intersected.

It was then that he perceived a translucent entity standing with its arms folded near the Dragon’s Remains, observing him with a look of fascination.

Though its tone and disposition belonged to someone who had barely left adolescence behind.

It possessed an elegant physique matching the height of an Elf, accompanied by striking features reminiscent of his younger sibling.

Above all, the sleek wings discernible behind its back were unmistakable.

There could be no mistake.

This entity was undoubtedly…….

—What is this? You are unable to see me? Odd, for no one has ever detected my invitation prior to this moment.

It had to be the manifestation of the dragon that once ruled this sanctuary.

‘Suspicion had arisen the moment the Dragon’s Remains were left behind.’

As a rule, when a Dragon fulfills its celestial destiny, it vanishes entirely without leaving a trace.

This applied not only to scales and hide tougher than any metal, but to the skeletal structure itself.

Naturally, any so-called ‘Dragon’s Remains’ found across the world were nothing more than the remains of colossal wyverns or mere replicas.

Naturally, a true dragon hunted and slain rarely yielded any spoils…….

‘At most, perhaps one or two might exist.’

So much time had elapsed since their extinction.

In any event, Dragon’s Remains were exceedingly rare.

Yet, within this Dragon’s Lair, the bones remained remarkably intact.

Beside them stood an Earthbound spirit—no, an Earthbound Dragon—continually observing him with eyes brimming with intrigue.

Nor was it merely watching.

Swish.

Whenever it felt its gaze meet Lion’s, the Earthbound Dragon would dart toward him, hovering awkwardly as it shifted its position.

The sole consolation was that it conversed with itself quite frequently, likely due to the isolation of its existence here.

‘Thanks to that, I managed to deduce a means of escape from this place.’

To be exact, the deduction was his own.

For what possible reason had this Earthbound Dragon summoned him through a painting?

The underlying motivation proved rather absurd.

—Those previous visitors sought to prove themselves through fiery displays of power.

—The experience proved thoroughly entertaining. Though every single one of my playthings was destroyed.

—How do you intend to proceed?

Following this, it would stealthily draw closer, even executing a gesture as though resting an arm upon his shoulder.

Lion was forced to stare fixedly into empty space, deliberately relaxing his gaze as far as possible.

Contrary to the expectation that physical sensation would be entirely absent, a faint chill brushed against his shoulder.

Furthermore, it carried an uncanny weight.

Perhaps the ancient ghost stories held a kernel of truth after all.

Though he had never intended to experience such a phenomenon firsthand.

—Still, directing your attention toward me would yield better results than merely attempting to prove your worth.

—This cursed mortal appears utterly hopeless…….

Lion chose to ignore it entirely.

“What if I were to approach this situation with a friendly demeanor?”

“Even if it happens to be a dragon, it remains a phantom and lacks the capacity to cause me harm, correct?”

‘Such a perspective is understandable.’

Yet that reasoning only applied if one had failed to heed its muttered soliloquies.

—Ah~ Should you acknowledge my presence, my existence shall remain free from boredom for a century or so.

—My treatment of you could be exceptionally favorable.

—Furthermore, my collection of jewels is immense!

……The implications of those statements were telling.

While the second prince might manage an escape, Lion might not be so fortunate.

‘And to the best of my knowledge…….’

Dragons are reputed to possess an overwhelming fixation on their possessions.

Consequently, entanglements with them were best avoided at all costs.

Lion had a dependent younger sibling requiring care, along with two endearing pets.

‘Even so, accumulating a few favorable impressions could prove useful.’

According to the Earthbound Dragon, it occasionally peered out at the mortal realm through canvases whenever the monotony became unbearable.

It would then summon mortals whom it deemed ‘fascinating.’

—In earlier times, Elves or Dwarves were chosen, but they have lost their novelty.

Exactly fifty years prior, the criteria had shifted.

The target had been altered from heroes to ordinary humans.

While the change in race was not a definitive clue, it offered valuable insight into the Earthbound Dragon’s underlying motives.

The dragon in question was suffering from profound tedium.

‘Indeed.’

For reasons unknown, the creature had failed to pass on to the realm beyond.

Instead, it appeared to have been confined indefinitely within this sanctuary.

Amusing oneself indoors retained its novelty for only so long; the depth of the boredom must have been staggering.

Particularly since all its playthings had been obliterated half a century ago.

Rather than harboring resentment, however, it looked back upon that period with fondness.

Describing the experience as intensely exhilarating.

‘……To reduce all one’s playthings to ash for a fleeting moment of gratification.’

Even though the entity was a dragon and, moreover, a spirit, rendering any action belated, Lion was able to piece the situation together.

‘It is afflicted with a dopamine addiction.’

Such being the case, the required course of action became considerably clearer.

Composed, Lion retrieved the alchemy vessel and poured the magic stones within.

—You employ quite refined artifacts for a mortal?

—The temptation is growing.

Once again, the Earthbound Dragon drifted close to Lion before casting a curious gaze toward the vessel.

Naturally, lacking a corporeal form, its hand passed straight through the metal with no effect.

—How regrettable.

…….”

Lion closed the lid of the vessel without hesitation and initiated the synthesis of the magic stones.

Fortunately, the procedure progressed with far greater fluidity than the previous effort with the Cosmic Crystal.

“Its dimensions have been significantly reduced.”

“Indeed. The residual energy appears to have undergone severe compression.”

The outcome of the process yielded condensed magic stones alongside remnants reduced to fine powder through disuse.

“Have you determined your creation?”

“Affirmative. However, the specifics remain confidential until completion.”

“Might I inquire as to the reasoning?”

“Does the element of surprise not enhance the conclusion?”

Lion offered a wry smile.

—Hooh…….

While grandly designated as a ‘test of proof,’ the exercise fundamentally served to appease the Earthbound Dragon.

Moreover, the method to satisfy a dragon whose playthings had all been shattered was straightforward.

The fabrication of a novel plaything.

Preferably one with functional mechanics.

As it happened, Lion had recently come into possession of a remarkably decent artifact.

Elvia’s paintbrush.

‘Provided sufficient mana is present, materialization is feasible.’

Naturally, with the juvenile restriction currently active, crafting anything grandiose remained out of the question.

Nevertheless, limiting the scale to palm-sized and embellishing it should prove adequate.

Naturally, the endeavor would demand a substantial expenditure of mana.

‘A reserve equivalent to this quantity of magic stone ought to suffice.’

Fortunately, had he not condensed the essence of countless magic stones to forge a new one?

Employing this resource as fuel would meet all requirements.

At any rate, to accomplish this objective…….

Scratch.

Lion commenced the delicate carving of the golem fragments.

The paramount consideration lay in structural integrity.

Since mobility under its own power was essential, the weight distribution required precise adjustment to ensure it could at least maintain an upright posture.

Sturdy limbs were necessary to support the frame, while the torso could be shaped from alternative fragments.

Constructing the piece without a reference would prove arduous, yet a flawless model lay immediately at hand.

The Dragon’s Remains.

Though reduced to bone, they provided an exceptional reference for sculpting the fundamental silhouette.

—Could it be…….

The Earthbound Dragon, which had been circling Lion before seating itself opposite to observe the process, scrutinized the sculpture and the remains as if a realization had dawned.

“Are you utilizing that dragon as a template?”

—Myself? Now that you mention it…….

The Earthbound Dragon cast its gaze about the chamber.

Mountains of gems and golden currency were piled high in every direction, yet not a single statue mirrored its own likeness.

Dwarves would faint at the mere presumption of sculpting so majestic a being, while Elves lacked the requisite craftsmanship.

—Hmm…….

In truth, possessing such an object held a certain appeal.

However, any such statue would ideally match its actual proportions, adorned with brilliant jewels or gold to reflect its magnificence.

That way, boasting rights among fellow dragons would be secured, would they not?

‘Though all of them have perished.’

The exact circumstances remained hazy, but the knowledge that his entire kindred had already passed away was certain.

That accounted for the complete absence of visitors to this lair.

The Earthbound Dragon thrust out its lower lip in a pout.

—This proves less entertaining than anticipated.

There existed no dragons to display it to in any case, and its construction from golem scraps rendered it thoroughly unappealing.

If the task was to be undertaken properly, melting down the mountainous piles of gold would have been preferable to resorting to such methods.

Even so, the repurposing of a cherished plaything held a certain merit.

—……It fails to meet my approval.

The Earthbound Dragon voiced its critique clearly enough to ensure it reached his ears.

Yet it neither vacated its position nor averted its gaze from the craftsmanship.

Observing this reaction, Lion smiled inwardly.

As anticipated, the design met with its approval.

While dragons might possess a higher tolerance for solitude, the relentless passage of time could not be entirely dismissed.

‘Having a dependable plaything is by no means a drawback.’

Lion resumed the sorting and carving of the components, segmenting the areas intended for joints once more.

The process alone consumed a full diurnal cycle.

“Would it not be prudent to take a respite?”

“There is no need. The work is absorbing.”

Following another half-day, the separate components were assembled into a unified framework.

And after yet another half-day, the contours grew increasingly distinct.

…….”

To labor for two full days without sustenance merely because the task absorbed one’s interest?

While intellectual awareness of such traits existed, witnessing it directly stirred genuine concern.

The second prince exhaled a soft sigh and swept his gaze across the chamber.

The responsibility of searching the area and preparing provisions evidently fell upon him.

His own conditioning equipped him to endure days without nourishment, but this situation clearly differed.

—……Is this course of action truly sound??

For the very first time, the Earthbound Dragon found itself fretting over the well-being of another living entity.