Second World

Jack and Darmos were up on a balcony of the highest room in the palace. Jack had a good view of the entire capital of Thereath from that balcony.

"That room behind us was the place where I fought Themos," Jack said to Darmos. "There used to be a big hole in the ceiling caused by Tiemezzys. It has been fixed now."

"Great," Darmos said. "So, if I make another hole, it is fixable, isn't it?"

Jack gave the draconian a hard stare.

"I'm kidding, kid," Darmos said. "… Maybe."

"I will be heading out to Hydrurond again tomorrow. This time with an army," Jack said.

"How bad is the situation?" Darmos asked.

Jack told Darmos what had happened in Hydrurond, about how the Hydrurond was pushed to resort to a final stand at their capital.

"I will need to get our army there before the enemies break through Messphyria's defense," Jack said. "If we can do that, we can work together with the Hydrurond army. We will then have a chance to defeat the enemies."

"With Eoranth guarding Messphyria, they won't be able to breach through," Darmos said.

"You know Eoranth?" Jack asked.

"I know every prominent dragon that is still alive, kid," Darmos answered, before quickly correcting, "I meant true dragons, of course."

"I heard Eoranth is called the king of dragons," Jack said.

"Lord of dragons," Peniel corrected.

"Yeah, lord. So, this Eoranth, he's stronger than you?" Jack asked Darmos.

"I said before I'm not the strongest dragon, didn't I? Yes, Eoranth is stronger than me," Darmos answered.

When Darmos saw Jack's impressed expression, he added, "But make no mistake. If he saw me, he will still bow his head to me in respect."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Didn't I tell you before? Because I'm the greatest dragon there is. I used to mentor Eoranth when he was still a hatchling."

"Hatchling? How old are you? Do you mean you are older than the lord of dragons?"

"The lord of dragons is the title you mortals give," Darmos said. "We, dragons, never truly see our relationship in that sort of hierarchy. What affirms our respect for one another are strength and age. None of us see the need to be served by our kind."

"I see… By the way, I heard before that all true dragons despise the other races. Why the Eoranth, the strongest dragon is willing to be Hydrurond's country guardian?"

"We do," Darmos answered. "I look down on everyone. I am the greatest dragon there is, but I still become your country guardian. Why is that?"

"Uh…," Jack almost blurted out because I tricked you into service, but fortunately, he held himself.

"We might look down on most, but once in a while, there are mortals who deserve our respect. If the mortal turns out to be a country's sovereign, we might offer ourselves to form a protective bond. The forefather who built the Hydrurond Dominion was one such mortal. Just as how I formed a bond with you."

"And I truly appreciate that," Jack said to Darmos. "I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that I might call you to aid me during my campaign into Hydrurond."

"Is it just to pose around like the last time?" Darmos asked.

Jack rolled his eyes without answering Darmos' question.

"Do you think Master has secured a country guardian replacing Syndrillis?" Peniel asked.

"I don't know…," Jack answered. "But I have a gut feeling the coming battles won't be easy. I will need all the help I can get."

"Even if I want to, I can't just join any battle," Darmos said. "Only if the enemy summons their country guardian or a being with equivalent power to a country guardian, then only can I come to your aid. Additionally, even if your enemy does indeed have a country guardian, with Eoranth there, you still won't be able to summon me. The enemy will have to summon two country guardians, then only can I join and help Eoranth in leveling the field."

'The balance rule of this world system,' Jack thought. Sometimes he was glad for this rule, sometimes he hated it. If he could summon Broidrireg when the enemy still not yet had a country guardian, then he would be able to win the battle easily.

Jack said, "I somehow suspect Master to already have a country guardian or something that can match the power of one. He surely knows about Eoranth's existence. There is no way he goes ahead with this invasion if he doesn't have something to counter Eoranth. The question is whether Mistress also has one. If it turns out she has, then my hunch about needing your help will be proven."

"I will be ready, kid," Darmos said. "Do not hesitate to call me."

"Thank you," Jack said. He was sincere about it.

Darmos appreciate the sentiment. He knew many past rulers just treat their country guardians as war tools. Many forgot the bond that had been forged once the guardian agreed to enter the country's services. Jack didn't seem to be that kind of a ruler.

"Okay. I will have to resume my meeting with Thaergood. I will leave tomorrow morning to join the marching army," Jack said.

Darmos nodded. "You do what you have to do, kid," he said.

"Before that, can I ask a favor?" Jack said.

"Mm…?" Darmos turned to Jack.

"Can you please tone down your pranks in this castle? Many people have been complaining."

"I'm bored, kid. You are rarely here to play with me."

"Sigh… Didn't you say you like lakes? Have you gone to the one near Heavenly Citadel?"

"Yeah. Nothing special there. I did find a tiny dragon turtle in that lake that I played with. But after that first time, that dragon turtle just stays inside its lair whenever I come to visit. How rude. I wonder why."

Jack didn't need to wonder why. "Anyway, just try your best to not annoy the people in this castle too much. Can you do this as a favor to me?" Jack asked.

"All right, all right. I will reduce my pranks… a little," Darmos answered.

Jack guessed that's the best he could do about Darmos for this time. He headed back down to resume his meeting with Thaergood.