Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 180: Operation Plazma – Curtain falls.

[You have defeated a Lv.71 Lord Light Dragon - Earl]

[Proficiency achieved a certain level]

[Being: Aurora Lv.63 has become Lv.65]

[2 skill point acquired]

[Skill proficiency achieved a certain level]

[Skill: Flight Lv.4 has become Lv.5]

[Skill proficiency achieved a certain level]

[Skill: Parallel Thinking Lv.5 has become Lv.6]

[Skill proficiency achieved a certain level]

[Skill: Swordsmanship Lv.7 has become Lv.8]

''...''

The system's pop-ups add a strange constant in the world of stillness.

As I tilt my head and take in the surroundings, only a greyish, boring silence remains. That is perhaps... right. After all, my frost has bit off even the wind that used to swirl this land just now. It would take a while for them to return.

The last time I went ahead and executed something like this... it was against the hydra, of course. At that point, even my strongest fuse of ice and the element of Nihility couldn't convincingly break that creature's body, nominally its bones and scales.

However, despite there have been almost no changes to my status now compared to that time, the lord dragon's torso has nearly disintegrated. What stands before me is merely a weak structure that would crumble once I purge the ice crystals.

''Hah...''

Something is coming.

Not necessarily now, but I can vaguely sense that a significant change is about to come.

''Good job, masked lady!''

''...Yes. You, too.''

For a moment, I feel a sense of incongruity as my pack is pat by none other than Ulaika, the grandmaster. I suppose she can also fly like me... because I am floating right now.

Well, we'd better get out of this position before the dragon's head falls.

Crisply pulling the Black Dawn out, I retreat to a safe position within the human troops' ranks, yet they don't seem to feel safe around me. Of course, they are professionals, so it isn't shown on their faces, but I can tell that they're wary.

The lesser dragons on the other side don't look too good, either. Some of them have already fled, while the remaining ones are in a state of disarray as their leader has perished.

In any case, let's finish the job and... oh.

Just as I am about to raise my weapon, a little impact is felt on my palm. In sync with the descending lightness of my hand, I instinctively realize that my sword... is broken.

Perhaps due to the immense power I constantly channel into the blade, the material has reached its limits. It snapped into two halves, one of which is the handle, while the other is sinking into the snowy carpet, shattered and scattered as though glass.

''...''

I guess a superior weapon is also on the list.

Thankfully, I still have another Black Dawn lying somewhere in my inventory, and switching to that brand-new one only takes a few seconds. Did that blacksmith think of this and make me a pair? 

I can probably ask him soon. I'll need my new weapons to be made by him, after all. Just in time, I think I know what material is suitable for this commission...

''So... err... did you really end up defeating a lord dragon?''

''Why? Is that not good?''

''No, no, I'm just asking. The knights who also joined the raid told me you fought really well.''

Hmm... it seems the rumors have already spread.

It has only been a day since Operation Plazma concluded. After defeating that lord dragon, we continued to sweep a good portion of the Khruse Range, but not a single other enemy of that caliber showed up.

It was a bit disappointing, in a way, since I can level up some more with Ulaika's support, but it is what it is.

Nonetheless, I have brought here several of the lord dragon's scales, which should be a good material for some new equipment. The man who is ogling at them is none other than Damien, the imperial blacksmith. As usual, I promise to give him some spare ones as payment for his work, and he, predictably, accepts the deal right away.

''Heheh... these are really good quality ones...''

''...''

''Really, it's all thanks to you that I can work on such mythical materials. I didn't imagine I could get my hands on them in this lifetime.''

At his enthusiastic response, I can't help but chuckle, ''Is that so? I think I can bring you even better ones later.''

''Really?! What kind?''

That's certainly a secret.

We either get them or perish—that's all.

Damien looks dying of curiosity, yet maybe the professionalism in him prevents further embarrassment.

''Ahem... in any case, I'm being honest when I say that I—no, we are glad to have you here.''

''Hm?''

Lowering the loupe in his hand, Damien curtly leans back on his couch and heaves out a hefty sigh,

''See, the world is in chaos right now. Even the empire is no exception.'' He says. ''Calamities rain like dogs, and with all the mess going on within the monarchy, nothing seems stable anymore.''

''...''

''At least people can look up and put their hope in you, my lady.''

Hope... hope. 

Really? It's such a strange word to hear, especially when it is referring to what people assign to me. As it is, I only work for myself and the people on my side. Benefitting others... that's merely a nice bonus.

Still, it feels nice knowing I can be that type of icon for everyone.

I'm not really afraid of failure. I'll just do what I can. If what awaits me at the end is nothing but despair, then so be it.

''I'll excuse myself here.''

Feeling a sense of calmness all of a sudden, I stand up and exit the room at once. I've already finished detailing my commission earlier, so now...

''...''

As much as I want to go back and rest, I still have something to do in this palace.

For one, we have not yet found a way to put surveillance in here and not have either of the guarding grandmasters notice, but that's not what I'm after.

It's something more personal.

Ever since Sierra announced her plan to me, a certain concern for that raven girl I've spent time with for the last half a year stubbornly stays at the back of my mind.

Is she doing well? Has she encountered any obstacles?

Is she... happy?

It's ironic. I used to see her every day when she was still a maid, but now that she is a trainee for the position of crown princess, I can't even approach her lightly anymore.

Sometimes, that frustrates me. It's also the first time I've found Silaerob's identity useful, but I suppose that wasn't meant to be a problem in the first place.

Nonetheless, after just a bit of walking, I've arrived at where Nydia usually is—the garden.

''Stop. What are you doing here?''

The first step is to get through the security, I suppose.