A Young Dragon in the Starland

Drive.1: Draco Iuvenis, Argenteus Fulmen

Author's Notes:

This story takes place in the same world as JARS (Just A Reincarnation Story) as part of the Ars Goetia Saga, with this chapter taking place between the events depicted in JARS Chapter 95 and Chapter 96.

Guess the main character (wrong answer only).

-----------------------

Fate is such a puzzle, isn't it? It twists and turns like a river, leading us down paths we never imagined we'd take.

I'm Kaios, the son of Ashmeyer who descended from a lineage that originated from the Parpaldia Empire's oldest colony called Deventer. By my country's customs, that will make my legal name "Kaios Ashmeyer van Deventer." Having my name rendered like that makes it feel like a big name akin to nobles, but to tell you the truth, the 'van Deventer' part feels distant to me since I was born in Esthirant near the sea, far from that colony in the interior. I've never even set foot there. The busy streets of the Imperial Capital are all I've ever known. My name might as well be "van Esthirant."

My dad runs a fleet of five clippers, and he's done really well since taking over the family business after my grandfather and mother passed away. When I get home from school—well, former school in Parpaldia—I often help out with little chores. But I can't help but wonder what my future holds. The questions swirl in my mind like leaves caught in a gust of wind. Will I just follow in my father's footsteps? Or will I try to forge my own way, find my own path?

And then, out of nowhere, my friend Elto and I ended up studying in the Holy Milishial Empire. Not just visiting as a tourist, but actually studying there, thanks to our luck being selected to represent the country in an exchange program after doing well in the given tests. It's a lot to take in.

And thus, we found ourselves catapulted into a situation far beyond our wildest dreams... into the Land of Stars.

-----------------------

Tempestamens (Month 10) 31, 1616 Central Calendar, 14:30

Northern Lafleya Training Ground, Runepolis, Holy Milishial Empire

"Psst...! Hey! Blondie over there!"

A voice called out from behind Kaios, who was crouched low behind a bush on the training ground.

Startled, he snapped a glance over his shoulder to find a taller boy sneaking out from the shadows. The boy had messy black hair that fell haphazardly over his forehead and striking red eyes. He was dressed in a dark green jacket with white stripes that hung loosely over a pinstripe white shirt. His khaki pants were a bit wrinkled, and scuffed brown boots were visible beneath the fabric. In contrast to Kaios' bold red-and-black parka, this boy seemed to blend into his surroundings better by virtue of his more subdued outfit.

"Oh... it's you, Crow," Kaios blinked.

The other boy gave him a relaxed smile. "...Yeah, it's me. You're Chaos right—"

"Kaios."

"Yes, yes. So, I wanted to talk to you... Sorry for turning you down earlier. I've thought about what you said, and I'm convinced. So... let's work together?"

Kaios let out a small sigh, his heart racing with a mix of relief and wariness. "Really? You mean that?"

"Yeah, I realized taking on the examiner alone was a bit reckless. I mean, she's tough! And..." Crow's voice trailed off while he looked into the distance dreamily. "Damn... she's fiiiineee..."

"W-what? What are you talking about?"

"The examiner! She's fine—like, crazy stupid fine."

"Hah?"