Valdebich was the first friend Jeong-woo had made after he stepped inside the Tutorial. He was also one of the founding members of Arthia, along with Vieira Dune. He was a pitiful person who was never certain of his identity as a half-Giant, but at the same time, he was a warrior who could decimate his enemies as they showed up, making everyone fear him.
Why would the person who had disappeared without a reason and hurt Jeong-woo take care of him in his final moments? Why? The pocket watch trembled. Kalatus’ casual answer was too shocking.
“What…happened?” Yeon-woo quieted his turbulent mind. However, the voice that escaped from between his tightened lips boiled with anger. Valdebich hadn’t been there when Jeong-woo needed him, but he had appeared at the end—for what reason? Was it out of pity? Or was he feeling guilty? Neither was acceptable to Yeon-woo.
『Of course, as expected, your first question is about Jeong-woo.』
“There’s no one more important to me. What happened?”
『Your brotherly love is really second to none. Until the end, that child Jeong-woo thought of you, as well.』
Yeon-woo’s eyes flashed. “I get it, so please stop changing the subject. Where is Jeong-woo’s soul?”
[5th Step Dragon Body Awakening]
Yeon-woo released the power of his Demonic Divine Draconic Body right away, operating his Dragon Heart and Philosopher’s Stone simultaneously. Scales rose along his skin, and when his tail sprang out, a fierce energy storm whirled around him. He pulled Vigrid out of subspace and raised it high. It was a silent demonstration that he wouldn’t stay quiet if Kalatus continued to avoid his questions.
『You’ve improved on what I gave you. In the past, I would’ve grimaced at this mutation, but…it’s not too bad.』 Kalatus nodded as he looked Yeon-woo up and down, satisfied. However, he also had a bittersweet feeling when he realized that no pure-blooded dragons were left in the Tower since Yeon-woo had other energies in him, too.
Yeon-woo’s eyebrows twitched. He was just about to swing Vigrid.
『I didn’t know that child named Valdebich knew about this labyrinth.』
Yeon-woo’s hand paused. Kalatus had never told Valebich about the labyrinth? That could only mean one thing.
『Jeong-woo probably told him about it a long time ago.』
Yeon-woo was silent.
『At the time, it hadn’t been that long since I’d awakened from my slumber. This body is a temporary fix created for emergencies.』 When the ancient dragon Kalatus had been alive, he had only wished for one thing: that the species that had gone extinct from his mistake would be revived. He wished for Draconic Factors to remain in the Tower for a long time.
However, that hope dimmed after Jeong-woo died, and Kalatus’ vestige had awakened in Laputa so that he could come up with another solution to find a new successor.
『In the middle of all that, the half-Giant child appeared and asked me if he could take Jeong-woo’s body. He said he wanted to send his body home.』
Yeon-woo still didn’t speak.
『So I opened the gate to Earth…and he disappeared again after the funeral.』
Yeon-woo ground his teeth. “Do you know where he went?”
『No. I can only stay in Laputa and my senses are restricted here too.』
Yeon-woo clenched his fists. What had Valdebich been up to for so long, and why did he appear as though he’d been expecting Jeong-woo’s end? The trembling pocket watch stilled. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll find him, no matter what.’ Yeon-woo muttered as he stroked the watch. He’d always intended on facing Valdebich, but it seemed like he would have to look for him immediately after resolving his business here.
