8 The Mission

Grandmaster Conrad Listrio stepped forward, introducing himself and the other members of the Council just as he began addressing the otherworlders.

He felt a genuine honor being in their presence, enough to prompt him to rise from his seat.

The remaining four Council Members mirrored his gesture, and as he spoke their names, they respectfully bowed their heads.

Watching from within the group, Rey couldn't help but notice the display of respect.

A notion crossed his mind, 'It seems they have a lot of respect for us…'

Yet, in the very next moment, he narrowed his eyes in suspicion, 'Or maybe, they're at a point where they desperately need our help.'

The very fact that humanity had banded together under one banner, and had to resort to Summoning beings from another world was already enough proof of that.

'Let's just see where this goes.'

Rey, just like the rest of his classmates, listened to Conrad as he began to explain the reason for their summoning.

Since Seraph never told them the details, they all paid rapt attention.

"The entire world is facing a terrible threat—the Dragon Emperor," Conrad announced solemnly.

In this world they had arrived in, there were many races existing alongside humans. Among those races, Dragons stood out as the most powerful.

"It all began a decade ago when they suddenly emerged and began to wreak havoc on the lands. They easily took over the Northern Continent and made it their haven." Conrad went on, his voice heavy with gloom as he spoke.

Consequently, the races that once occupied the Northern Continent—beastfolk, lizardmen, and a few other minor races—were all wiped out.

"The Northern Continent was the grandest and wealthiest when they began their invasion. Dragons are known to be incredibly possessive and greedy. A prosperous land is nothing but a target for them."

To Rey, it seemed odd that in the face of such danger, the humans continued to live in luxury.

'If dragons crave riches, why flaunt them?' Rey mused silently.

Despite the luxuries, the fact that the Dragons hadn't come to completely obliterate the place hinted that perhaps these riches didn't quite stir the dragons' desires enough.

'But what more could they possibly want if this isn't enough?' Rey pondered.

"We've been having Dragon Attacks ever since they took over the Northern Territory, some more devastating than others. It was only after an entire human nation was destroyed by a Dragon attack that the rest of us decided to band together under a banner."

Ultimately, it boiled down to a 'united we stand, divided we fall' situation.

"So what do you need us to do exactly? Face those Dragons in your stead? Ward off the Dragon attacks?" Alicia cut to the chase, her tone demanding clarity from Conrad about their intentions.

The Royal Council could no longer dance around the truth.

They had to lay bare their true motives, revealing what they expected from these young teenagers.

"We need you to take down the Dragon Emperor and rid this world of dragons entirely. Until that task is accomplished, peace will remain an elusive dream," Conrad declared.

While many had suspected this would be their request, the weight of the words still sent shockwaves through the room, audible gasps mingling with the tension.

'So that's the deal, huh? We're basically their soldiers,' Rey concluded within his thoughts.

He harbored no animosity toward the kingdom.

If their tale was true, they were truly in terrible danger due to the Dragons. It seemed only logical for them to resort to any means necessary to solve the problem.

'In situations like this, sometimes the ends justify the means,' he reasoned, acknowledging that their selfish actions could be justified by their urgent circumstances.

Moreover, if they hadn't been summoned, death would likely have been their fate anyway. What room was there for resentment?

"Maybe we should discuss among oursel—"

"We'll do it," Adonis's resolute voice abruptly cut across Alicia's cautious suggestion.

"What?!" Alicia and others reacted sharply to Adonis's unilateral decision. Not only had he failed to consult anyone else, but he also spoke as if he could read their minds.

"Hey, Adonis! You can't just—!" Alicia stormed toward Adonis, her eyes blazing with anger.

Dragons, even in the modern world, were known as incredibly powerful forces. Every student in the room had definitely seen one or two movies with Dragons in them.

Yet here they were, being asked to confront these formidable beings.

"Relax, Alicia, everyone... calm down," Adonis interjected in English, directing his soothing words specifically to his peers. His tone carried a reassuring gentleness.

A small smile began to form on his face, and his enchanting eyes drew everyone in.

"Just trust me. I've said it before—if we stick together and follow their guidance, we will be fine," Adonis assured, though skepticism lingered among many students, evident in their expressions.

"We are much stronger than the natives of this world. Seraph said it herself."

There was a reason why the H'Traens had to summon them, in the first place.

"Sure, the Dragons sound formidable, but I'm sure we can take them. Besides, if we decide to help them, I'm sure they'll have no choice but to listen to all our demands and cater to our needs."

Adonis' final words made everyone realize the illusion of a choice that they had.

They were in another world, and they were pretty much dead in their old ones.

Unless they wanted to wage war against this Human Alliance, which wouldn't really be helpful for either side, the best way to get what they wanted was to establish diplomatic ties with the nation.

"We're essentially their best hope," Adonis asserted. "If we align with them, they'll have to accommodate our every need. Besides, by training and learning, I'm sure we'll be ready to face the Dragons."

The moment he finished speaking, there was silence among his audience.

Adonis, his smile widening, blond hair framing his face, looked at them expectantly. "Well...?" he prompted, seeking their agreement or dissent.

"Did Seraph tell you all this too?"

Alicia's unexpected question lingered in the air, but Adonis remained unfazed. "No," he admitted with a nonchalant shrug, "just a hunch."

Implicitly, everyone understood the unspoken directive: follow Adonis. With his determination set, the remaining students' best bet was to hitch a ride on the Adonis Express.

'I was on board the Adonis train from the start,' Rey thought to himself, suppressing a smile.

Training to be stronger. Fighting Dragons. Saving the world.

He needed them more than anyone else.

'How else will I be able to use all my Skills?'

*

*

*

[A/N]

Thanks for reading, everyone!

See you in the next chapter!