Shortly before the incident…
Land of Dragons
(The Drakonids are an ancient race, regarded since primordial times as one of the most powerful races in this world. They are capable of transforming into human form, yet even in that state they possess extraordinary physical strength. Their true form is that of a colossal dragon. Drakonids are a ranked race: at the pinnacle stand the King or Queen, followed by those of General rank. The rest are considered standard warriors. Among Drakonids, strength is law, courage is virtue, and the strongest warriors are revered as living totems. They despise weakness and are distinguished by their long lifespans.)
Farnak (Dragon General):
—I will enter Averlion.
Valdor (Dragon General):
—Why would such a thought suddenly cross your mind, Farnak?
Farnak:
—This empire already stands on the brink of destruction. Even if we do not attack, demons or their own kind will eventually wipe them out. At least dying at the hands of a noble race like ours would be an honor for them. (He laughs sinisterly.)
Valdor:
—I know exactly why you want to go there, Farnak.
Farnak:
—Oh? Then speak. Don't hesitate.
Valdor:
—You seek the throne. You want to prove yourself to Queen Nexella. That is your true aim.
Farnak:(laughing mockingly)
—And don't you wish to become king as well!? We have no king. According to our laws, the Queen may choose one who is strong and worthy. Do you not desire that? I act only for the sake of our race.
Valdor:
—No matter how convincing your words sound, you are mistaken. We have never waged war against those who bear us no hostility. That violates our laws!
Farnak:
—You are merely jealous because you did not think of it first. I know you love Nexella.. But what can be done? She will be mine—just like the crown. (He smiles slyly.)
Valdor:(shouting)
—You have crossed the line!!!
As Valdor lunges at Farnak, a crushing aura pins them both in place. Queen Nexella approaches, and both generals immediately kneel before her.
Queen Nexella:
—Do you believe two generals who seek to kill one another are worthy of their rank?
Farnak:
—My Queen, I merely followed our traditions. Valdor was the one who overstepped.
Valdor:
—This is madness! Since when has attacking those who are not our enemies become a tradition!?
Nexella:
—Silence. I have heard enough. Farnak, the Dragon Domain will not attack Averlion.
Farnak:
—But my Que—
Nexella:
—However, if you choose to attack alone, I will not stop you. Their emperor is weak, and his weakness has driven his people into misery. Remember this well: you will receive no aid. Even if you die, no vengeance will be taken. If you accept these terms, your path is open.
Farnak:
—Thank you, my Queen. I will prove myself worthy.
Nexella:
—You have nothing to prove to me. Leave.
Day of the incident — Capital City of Averlion
Lukas:
—Goddess Lisa, quickly! This way—it's dangerous over there!
Lisa:
—The people are in danger! They must be helped!
Carl:
—Goddess, your life is what matters to us. Their warriors have abandoned them—we can do nothing.
Mary:
—Please, my Goddess, we must retreat!
Lukas:
—This is a Dragon General. It's already too late. We must leave at once!
Approaching the scene, Aeth witnesses the dragon from afar—and the warriors fleeing instead of fighting.
Aeth:
—So there truly is a dragon here. What a ridiculous world… Still, the terror I spread among humans in my own world was far worse. Pathetic creature.
Enraged, Aeth charges straight toward Farnak. Everyone present becomes a witness to that moment.
Lukas (thinking):
That's not the incompetent emperor… What is he doing? Does he want to die!?
Lukas:
—Hey, you—
Before Lukas can stop him, something unbelievable occurs before his eyes.
Aeth leaps forward and drives both long swords straight into the dragon's snout. The dragon roars in agony and snaps its head upward. Aeth grips the swords tightly as they are torn free, and he is hurled into the air. Spinning once midair, he stabilizes himself and crashes down upon the dragon's head, plunging both swords into it.
Though the dragon thrashes in pain, Aeth remains firmly planted He pierces the dragon's right eye with the sword in his right hand, then plunges the sword into its skull. With his left-hand sword, he gouges out the left eye. Blinded, the dragon is struck again and again until it is slain on the spot.
At that moment, a memory surfaces in Aeth's mind—the dream of the former, powerless emperor.
Aeth (thinking):
I will fulfill your dream. Rest in peace.
Standing atop the dragon's head, Aeth raises his sword high and roars with a voice that shakes hearts:
Aeth:
—"LONG LIVE THE CHAOS EMPIRE!"
Aeth (thinking):
Strangely enough… fulfilling that dream has brought peace even to my own soul.
Everyone watches in shock and terror. A Dragon General—slain effortlessly by a human. Even legendary heroes had failed to accomplish such a feat.
Lisa (thinking):
This cannot be real… This cannot be Aeth. How did he do this!?
Lukas (thinking):
What… just… happened…?
Voices erupt from all around:
—He killed a Dragon General…
—That was the Emperor…
—He's a legendary hero…
—Impossible…
—Wasn't he weak…?
—That can't be the Emperor…
—No one has ever seen his face…
—He must be a legendary hero…