Infected by the simultaneous eruption of magic power from the three Dragon Kings, the tens of thousands of dragons in the sky and on the ground roared in response—a truly terrifying spectacle.
Bahamut didn't immediately answer the Wind King Dragon's invitation. Instead, it glanced back at Chase with its peripheral vision.
Like when it had been inside its own Netherworld Domain, able to summon infinite dead dragons, even now—facing such overwhelming odds—this monster still wore a smile.
There was no fear in his eyes. Only an intense, burning desire for battle!
Was it faith in these so-called "comrades" that had suddenly appeared? Some trump card capable of handling ten thousand dragons? Or was he simply a madman who wanted to fight without caring about consequences?
Bahamut couldn't figure out the reason. But in that moment, it made up its mind. No more hesitation. If you're not afraid, then I'll follow you to the end—even if it means death!
"Fight if you're going to fight. Keep running your mouths, Ragnarok, and I'll rip your rock head off and use it as a ball!"
Magic power erupted, forming a surging Nether River that clashed against the three Dragon Kings' aura torrent, making its stance clear.
The three Dragon Kings—especially Ragnarok, who had been singled out—turned cold.
"Haha! Good resolve, Little Ba."
Chase, who had remained silent throughout, finally spoke, clearly pleased with his new subordinate.
Bahamut: "..."
Boss, calling me that in private is one thing, but in front of all these dragons, in this tense atmosphere—could you at least give me some face?
As expected, at the mention of "Little Ba," the three Dragon Kings wore expressions of sheer disbelief.
Gasps rippled through the dragon horde. They thought their ears were playing tricks on them.
Little Ba? That was Bahamut the Nether Dragon King—ruler of half the continent, famous for his savage brutality!
BOOM!!
A magic storm exploded, cutting through the dragons' shock. A dark golden pillar of light shot from Chase's body, connecting sky and earth.
Waves of energy rippled outward, covering the entire heavens!
"Fairy Tail mages have always loved peace. I'm only targeting dangerous individuals who seek to exterminate humanity. So I'll give you one last chance."
Wind whipped his hair wildly. Bathed in golden light, Chase stood in midair like a majestic god, addressing the dragon horde with authority. "If you know what's good for you, leave. I won't stop you. But if you choose to stay and join the fun—"
"You. Will. Die."
This continent was opposition territory. The dragons before him were likely the second wave—after Motherglare and the others—that would pass through the Eclipse Gate and destroy the future world in the original story.
Though some among them might harbor goodwill toward humans, their numbers were too great. Chase couldn't screen them one by one. So he issued this warning instead.
Perhaps sensing Chase's goodwill, or smelling death in that dense divine power.
After the golden light swept over them, some dragons began to beat their wings and quietly retreat from the battlefield that was bound to run red with blood.
Among them were the first wave of dragons that had survived the earlier explosion.
These dragons who had witnessed Chase's power firsthand split into two groups: the cowardly, self-preserving faction led by Zirconis, and the conversion faction led by Atlas Flame.
Of course, only a small number chose to leave. The vast majority stayed, their crimson eyes blazing with rage, fixed on Chase.
Deep-seated racial superiority and the greedy desire to dominate the future world drove them to near madness. They would not back down.
Again: ten thousand against a few dozen. No matter how powerful the humans were, they couldn't overturn such an overwhelming numbers gap!
"Those cowardly traitors will be dealt with later. For now—"
Chronos the Wind King Dragon cast a cold glance at the departing dragons, then spread his massive wings, tearing the air. "Crush these arrogant wretches into pieces!!"
The dragon roar echoed across the sky. At his command, dragons—whether hovering in the air or crouched on the ground—opened their massive maws, gathering energy in their throats.
HUM HUM HUM HUM!
The sight of hundreds of dragons charging their roars simultaneously was horrifying. Multicolored magic light lit up the sky and earth, converging into a devastating wave of destruction from all directions, aimed directly at Chase and his Card Spirits!
Chase had anticipated this. Focusing all his magic power, he traced a finger through the void, activating the Trap Card he had set in advance: Mirror Force!
Holy white light wove together, forming a hemispherical barrier that enveloped everyone. The dragon breath arrived in that instant.
BOOM!!
The superimposed explosions were deafening. Shockwaves shattered the earth, as if even space itself would be destroyed!
Before the dust had settled—barely a moment after—a sudden burst of white light tore through the smoke and flames, striking the dragon horde in a wide-area counterattack.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!
The nearest dragons didn't even have time to react before they were torn apart by Mirror Force's reflection, trailing black smoke as they plummeted.
The dragon horde was thrown into chaos. The three Dragon Kings, who had blocked the white light, looked even more furious.
Across from them, the barrier faded. Bahamut, who had been protected, stared in shock at Chase. "You really are a complete monster..."
It had seen Mirror Force's effect before. But now the number of dragons roaring was several times greater—and Chase had just fought a bloody battle with it.
Despite all that, he had reflected it without breaking a sweat?!
"See? You made the right choice," Chase said with a smile.
Though he appeared calm, that single wave had nearly drained all his magic power.
If not for the Heart Magic continuously replenishing him, he'd have collapsed by now.
And this was only the beginning!
ROAR!!!
Dragon roars echoed one after another. Far from retreating, the recovering dragons grew even more bloodthirsty. They beat their wings and charged in an overwhelming wave.
Chase's smile faded. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
As he slowly lowered his hand, the Card Spirits—who had been waiting eagerly—responded, shooting forward as streaks of light.
The distance between them closed rapidly. The moment they made contact, lightning, flames, beams—all elements exploded violently.
The final full-scale war of the Dragon King Festival had begun!
***
Dive deeper into the story with 30+ advance chapters, available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/CNBLUE
If you're enjoying the novel, please consider leaving a review. Your support is crucial and helps the story grow immensely. Thank you!