The Nebula's Civilization

Chapter 270: Conditions of a Dragon

In Avartin, there was a field of study known as dragonology. Just as the name suggests, this discipline investigated various Dragons that had appeared throughout history, seeking to understand what Dragons were, and how they lived and died.

Dragonology wasn’t widely regarded as a valuable study due to its specialized nature, and only a few people worked in this small academic field, often overlapping with other disciplines like biology, paleontology, ecology, and magic.

In the past, during times when Dragons were more numerous in places like the second and fourth continents, dragonology was a significant field of study. Dragons then were formidable beings capable of facing gods. In fact, ancient ruins revealed that Dragons had gathered their own forces, ruling their territories and enslaved many species. This power dynamic existed during the eras of both the old gods and the evil gods. Dragons could align with or submit to gods while maintaining their dignity, as even gods couldn't treat these noble creatures recklessly.

However, dragonology faced a longstanding puzzle, which was defining what a dragon was. Since no two Dragons in Avartin were alike, it was unclear if Dragons represented a single biological species. Recent research on the genetics of Dragons slain by the Angry One revealed that most Dragons were distinct species, deepening the mystery. Questions arose about their reproduction and whether they were creations of gods.

However, ancient ruins indicated neither old gods nor evil gods were creators of Dragons. Even though there were those who claimed to be the rulers of Dragons, no one had ever claimed to be the mother of Dragons.

To solve this, many scholars had researched the personal histories of notable Dragons. Nevertheless, many Dragons lived so long that their pasts were unclear, with legends of their births bordering on myth, making the truth unknown. There were claims that no living Dragons existed anymore. However, the new gods, the players, knew about the Dragons' origins and nature, not from special research, but from The Lost World's settings tab.

***

As for the last Kraken, it lacked what people typically considered intelligence, but that was not important for the Kraken. The Kraken, a massive invertebrate, had a network of giant nerve bundles connecting its tentacles, rivaling the consciousness of vertebrates.

It had no interest in the standards of land creatures. Despite this, the Kraken intuitively felt unsettled by a certain being, not the mysterious and overwhelming gods, but something else whose power was indiscernible, compelling the Kraken not to easily submit.

Between the sea and the land, the trembling and the stability, the flowing places and the settling ones.

-It is my opponent.

The Kraken did not ponder where this approaching being came from or what it was, assuming it came from the highest lands, just as the Kraken came from the deepest waters. It was a fateful battle between sea and land, and each of the Kraken's tentacles trembled with uncertainty.

-Come, crawler on all fours.

***

Summoned was a massive being, walking on four legs, as large as a mountain. It was the feared beast, a Drake named Manun, the guardian Dragon of Orazen. Manun's length now exceeded 200 meters. Drakes grew until they died, and Manun, over 300 years old, had reached an unnatural size. Comparatively, 180 year old Drakes were 15 times smaller than Manun, baffling biologists.

"Drakes' growth rate decreases with age. They keep growing but are expected to stagnate at a certain size."

In the documentary titled The Guardian Dragon of Orazen, scholars discussing the mysteries of Manun could be seen in almost every scene.

"There are 300-year-old Drake fossils, but Manun is ten times larger.”

"Manun's biological size is already beyond the capacity to withstand gravity. Normally, at such a size, just standing up would break his bones and rupture his organs. But Manun? ...His movements might be as slow as an elderly person in the back room, but for its age, I'd say it's quite vigorous."

"Evidence has been captured suggesting Manun is shedding his skin again. If necessary, the Imperial Palace might assist with the shedding, but in my opinion, Manun will be able to shed his skin without much trouble this time as well. Manun is healthy."

After the war with the Union Kingdom ended and peace ensued, Manun transitioned from Orazen's guardian dragon to its marvel. Easily spotted from Orazen's tall buildings, Manun carefully roamed the surrounding national park, stretching, eating, and mostly sleeping. His existence on the city's outskirts was a source of fascination for the people.

"How did Manun grow so big? Well, wouldn’t it be magic?"

"The mystery of Manun is of course thanks to the power of the gods. The Imperial Palace directly manages Manun, and I believe there must be some special food to increase Manun's size. Although Manun's diet is public knowledge, the quantity seems too little for its size, which raises doubts."

"It's huge!"

"Interview about Manun? I have a lot to say. I have an issue with the sales revenue of products related to Manun going to the Imperial Palace. Manun belongs not to the palace but to the citizens of Orazen, and broadly, to the Empire. He is a friend to all citizens. We're already paying enough taxes. The profits from the products we buy should go entirely to Manun. Oh, size? ...Is that a significant issue?"

People perceived Manun differently and defined his image in various ways. In Orazen, Manun was more than just a giant reptile. Manun had fought for Orazen and the Empire several times, protected the palace, and was a symbol of Orazen, but he played a greater role.

Before Orazen was known as a self-reflection city, giant buildings were experimentally constructed due to a new architectural trend, but there was a time when regulations were inadequate. With so much happening in the world, the gods were unable to pay attention to every detail, and in the midst of this, a poorly constructed building toppled sideways. It was an incident that could have resulted in the deaths and injuries of hundreds.

However, in a way that no one quite understood, Manun, knowing something was wrong, rushed to the scene and used his body to support the falling building, saving lives and structures. This incident significantly contributed to Manun's reputation, but Manun continued to perform actions uncharacteristic of a Drake, such as rescuing mountain climbers or providing protection.

"Biologically, there are doubts now whether Manun is a Drake. Genetically similar, yes, but many parts don't make theoretical sense. If the Imperial Palace would allow a more thorough examination, we could learn much more, but not yet."

"From an ethological perspective, it's hard to understand. A Drake that saves people instead of eating them is unique to Manun. I guess Manun has saved more people than it consumed during the war by now."

Whenever news reported Manun saving people, special treats from the fan club were delivered to Manun. Manun was a beloved Drake.

***

Manun's massive body plunged into the mouth of the river. As the overflowing river and tidal waters surged, thick Kraken tentacles coiled around Manun's neck. The slime made it challenging for Manun, but his robust four-limbed body was unmatched. Growling, Manun clenched his front paws, crushing the tentacles. Then Manun tore off the tentacle that was around his neck with his mouth.

The Kraken, never having felt its body vulnerable, realized it was facing an entity as unyielding as the deep-sea cliffs.

-No, you are just a creature with four legs.

The Kraken continued to lash out with more tentacles. Like a wave washing over dry land, Manun was entangled in the Kraken's tentacles. The Kraken knew the weaknesses of land-dwellers, believing that Manun's immense strength would wane as long as the Drake was deprived of air.

***

"No, I don't think Manun is a Drake," stated a somewhat haggard-looking Centaur in the documentary's final scene. This Centaur, who belonged to a family with generations dedicated to the study of dragonology, seemed lacking in qualification. Throughout the documentary, whenever the scholar expressed an opinion, subtitles indicated it was independent research, not the consensus of the academic community.

"I believe Manun has already become a Dragon," the Centaur scholar continued, discussing the essence of Dragons. "The mystery of Dragons lies in their distinct appearances and different genetic make-ups. In my family, we believe that every creature has the potential to become a Dragon. Dragons aren't born as such, which is why they all look so different."

The Centaur showed several Dragon illustrations, demonstrating remarkable artistic skill, unlike their questionable scholarly abilities.

"Many Dragons have origins in various creatures. Eventually, they gain enormous size, impenetrable scales, and unique breath abilities, but that's the result of becoming a Dragon. Some were born as Wyverns, others as Sharks, and some as unknown ancient creatures. And Manun was born as a Drake."

The documentary then showed a series of illustrations and photographs of Manun, covering 300 years of history in a rapid succession.

"How does this transformation happen? Honestly, I'm not sure. Apart from becoming huge, a defining feature of being named a Dragon is the breath spell. On this planet, Avartin, perhaps the act of taking a deep breath in it is vital in the Dragon-making process. It's about surviving long enough, which makes me think that Wizards might know some secrets about this part. They stake their lives on mysteries, so they might hold secrets we don't."

Ending with the question of whether Manun was a Dragon, the documentary The Guardian Dragon of Orazen was criticized for its questionable completeness, but still managed to boost Manun's popularity.

The royal palace, which outsourced the production, was quite satisfied with the unexpected revenues.

"Manun hasn't used a breath spell yet, so he can't be considered a Dragon, you say? Ah, you're right,” the documentary concluded. "But perhaps, up to now, Manun just hasn't had the opportunity to use it?"

***

The Kraken sensed something strange. It felt an unpleasant and strange heat emanating from the head of the opponent it had tightly coiled with its tentacles. This was not just about losing tentacles. The Kraken had a clear intuition that this encounter would not end without significant danger. The Kraken trusted its instincts.

-...This is dangerous!

It hurriedly tried to release its tentacles, but to its shock, Manun gripped the bundle of tentacles even tighter.

Then Manun's chest swelled as if it was about to burst.

-...!

Suddenly, a flash of light shot out from Manun's mouth.