The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 115: Toward the Decisive Battle

Misty Gorge, Land of Owari

Doruki and his men moved through the deep mist where not even a step ahead could be seen. Moving steadily through the treacherous ground, Doruki navigated with ease, for he knew this place like the back of his hand and could move without hesitation.

"Lo-Lord Doruki... again."

"Hmm... again?"

Hearing his subordinate's words, Doruki turned around. There were only a few subordinates left behind, and no one else could be seen.

"Be careful... this mist was created by powerful magic. If we don't take the proper path, we'll never escape the mist. We'll wander forever."

"Then, what about the comrades who strayed..."

"Forget about them."

Once lost, even Doruki could not save them. Even if the mist could be dispersed, anything caught within it would vanish, as if consumed by the mist itself—there was nothing that could be done. As they continued, one by one, his subordinates vanished, and in the end, Doruki was left alone.

"Just me, huh?"

What was he thinking as he gazed back at the path he had traveled?

"I can't turn back now."

Doruki faced forward and walked toward a large cave ahead.

As he advanced through the long and expansive cave, a breeze blew from the depths. Doruki paid no mind and continued forward, and the wind grew stronger with each step. When he finally reached the deepest part, he turned his gaze toward the immense presence that awaited him.

"It's been a long time... Elder."

The entity's wings were tattered, and it was clear that this was an Ancient Dragon, well past its prime. Its massive body could hardly move, crawling along the ground in a near-lifeless state. Yet its eyes still burned with vitality, and there was a lingering sense of its past majesty.

At Doruki's words, the Ancient Dragon slowly opened its eyes.

"Boy... are you coming to kill me?"

"My apologies. I wish for you to rest in peace, as this is fate."

Doruki drew two large swords from his back.

"I see... it will break the promise with my old friend, but he would laugh and say this cannot be helped. To be betrayed by one's own kin... Shall we meet the same fate?"

"You have protected this country until today. You kept your promise... but this is the end. Now that the other Ancient Dragons are gone, you shall not endure any more loneliness. Please, rest now."

"How tragic... The one who should protect the king, the one who bears the bloodline of royalty, is the one who would kill the king and the country..."

"I can't turn back now..."

"Why has it come to this... Where did we go wrong... You should have listened to my warning at that time. If you had, you wouldn't have been deceived by the words of Tengoku."

"But by rejecting your advice, I gained fleeting happiness—"

"And lost it. If you hadn't sought it, those two would not have died. Doruki, you are a true warrior, but your heart is too kind."

Doruki began to raise his sword, positioning it above his head. His hand trembled slightly, and then, with a decisive swing, the enormous blade—infused with special magic for an unparalleled sharpness—was brought down toward the withered Ancient Dragon...