NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33 - Astra 2
Chapter 33 – Astra 2
—–CROW—–
The pillar of light slammed into the ground.
Startled by the blue flash and roar that tore through the night’s curtain, everyone looked up at the night sky, and they saw it.
Astra was falling.
Swept away by the direct hit from the pillar of light, she fell from a height of tens of meters like a meteor, unable to even flap her wings, and crashed into the ground.
-Boom!
The garden was crushed, and a cloud of dust billowed up. The earth-shaking impact momentarily halted the fighting that was taking place throughout the mansion, and the Antagoras hovering in the sky focused their attention on the ground.
Then Integra cried out.
[Master! It’s too heavy!]
“It’s not like it takes any effort anyway!”
[Even so!]
Luther’s right arm. The drone, which had combined with the nanosuit to form the barrel, had separated again and returned to its independent form. A combat drone, enlarged in both size and output by combining with the backpack.
Luther was holding the drone’s body with his right hand, and the drone, with precarious—no, desperate—flying, was slowing Luther’s fall.
[Master’s total weight, including the nanosuit, is well over 100kg.]
[In other words, it’s too heavy for small and fragile me.]
[If I get crushed by Master, delicate little me will be squashed like a flower!]
There were many things to retort, but the ground was already close.
Luther released the drone he was holding and landed steadily on the ground.
[Astra’s life reaction is extremely weak.]
[She was hit by the Buster Cannon, but the fall damage seems to be significant.]
Luther agreed. As a Wyvern, Astra’s durability was weaker than that of Balboa, a land dragon. A light body was essential for flying.
But Luther didn’t let his guard down. Even though she was dying, his opponent was a Dragonmancer—a Dragonmancer of Hekatonchires, no less.
Astra’s gaze, fixed on him as she lay dying, was full of killing intent.
Astra.
The boss of Chapter 2.
The one who attacked and mortally wounded Annerose after she defeated Balboa, and who also massacred her companions.
But not now.
Luther drew the sword he had sheathed at his waist. Astra lifted her head in a last-ditch effort, but Luther’s movement was slightly faster.
The spinning blade of the sword tore through Astra’s neck.
“Gua-“
Unable to even scream properly as blood gushed from the gash, Astra, who had barely managed to raise herself, collapsed again. The killing intent in her eyes disappeared along with her focus.
[A large amount of combat data acquired.]
[Astra’s life reaction has disappeared.]
[Master’s victory!]
Mini Integra, appearing on the drone, said while making a V sign with her hands.
Luther gently touched the drone as if stroking her, then looked up at the night sky.
“Kiaaa!”
“Kia!”
The Antagoras, looking at each other and shouting something, fled the skies of Venus City as if escaping. With Astra, their leader, dead, there was no reason for them to continue fighting.
‘They probably don’t have any particular loyalty to uphold.’
Dragonmancers possessed the power to control young dragons who had inherited dragon factors. From the perspective of the Antagoras conscripted by Astra, there was no reason to risk their lives fighting Luther.
[The alpha individual is leading the group.]
[The young dragons on the ground should be manageable with just the city guard and Annerose.]
Luther nodded as he watched the dark red alpha individual leading the Antagoras away.
And truthfully, even if he wanted to join the fight, Luther no longer had the strength.
[The Buster Cannon consumed 94% of Master’s total energy.]
[Master’s second core—Balboa’s Dragon Heart—is entering a dormant state to prevent overheating and overload.]
The Buster Cannon, used by combining with Integra—or rather, the drone. It was a technique that consumed an enormous amount of energy, befitting its tremendous power.
‘It truly is a super finishing move.’
A slightly childish, but nevertheless smile-inducing phrase.
As a smile spread across Luther’s lips, Mini Integra also smiled faintly and said,
[You seem to like it?]
“Of course I do.”
[Mmm, I understand. It’s a man’s romance, right?]
At Integra’s words, Luther finally laughed out loud.
[Master?]
“Nothing, just… you’re cute.”
At Luther’s words, Integra blushed and hummed as usual, and Luther chuckled again before composing his expression.
“Anyway, I don’t think this is the time to be laughing and chatting.”
[That’s true.]
Fighting was still going on throughout the estate. Right now, Annerose was swinging her sword at the Cateradons near the main gate.
[Then let’s proceed.]
[I’ll send the drone to confirm Count Glasston’s survival and the status of the Spirit Gem.]
“Okay.”
It was a good choice. As the drone flew towards the damaged mansion, Mini Integra, who had moved from the drone to Luther’s shoulder, continued speaking.
[Master is currently out of energy and unable to engage in combat.]
[So, wouldn’t it be best to secure the Dragon Heart first?]
Astra’s Dragon Heart.
Luther glanced towards the main gate and immediately nodded. Since he couldn’t participate in the fight anyway, it was a rational choice to secure the spoils of war first.
‘I’m actually a little excited.’
What kind of functions could he develop if he obtained Astra’s Dragon Heart? The Buster Cannon, used in combination with Integra, was a technique newly developed by Integra, not present in Star Savior, which could be considered the original work.
Reality, not a game. Therefore, more freedom for growth.
[Master’s heart rate per minute is increasing.]
[Are you looking forward to growth?]
Responding to Integra’s question with a grin instead of words, Luther walked towards Astra’s corpse.
* * *
[Energy absorption is estimated to take 5 hours, 12 minutes, and 59 seconds.]
Since he had more energy left compared to when he fought Balboa, Luther cut open Astra’s chest and extracted the Dragon Heart.
The Dragon Heart, the size of two fists combined, emitted a bright red light in Luther’s palm.
[Master, I’ve confirmed Count Glasston’s survival.]
[Circumstantially, the Spirit Gem is also presumed to be safe.]
“Okay.”
Although his initial objective had been to protect the Spirit Gem, Luther was currently more interested in the Dragon Heart than the gem.
Integra, seemingly feeling the same way, immediately resumed talking about the Dragon Heart.
[There probably won’t be enough energy to activate the third core.]
[But since it’s an energy source on par with Balboa’s, Master’s output will increase significantly.]
Perhaps worried that Luther might be disappointed, Integra spoke in a deliberately cheerful voice.
Luther smiled faintly and nodded in response to Integra’s comfort.
‘I expected as much.’
Both Balboa and Astra were the lowest-ranking Dragonmancers. Since they were of the same rank, and the Dragon Heart was also of the lowest rank, Luther hadn’t expected the third core to be unlocked just by defeating Astra.
‘But it’s still a Dragon Heart.’
One on par with Balboa’s, at that.
Luther stared at the Dragon Heart as it began to be absorbed into the suit, then spoke.
“Integra.”
[Yes, Master.]
“Can this Dragon Heart be invested in the drone?”
[The drone?]
“Yeah, I want to allocate it to the backpack. The drone and the backpack combine for combat support anyway, right?”
[You mean equipping the drone with a powerful energy source?]
“Right. If the drone’s output is enhanced, it can provide better combat support than now, can’t it?”
Like a drone that uses energy guns or flamethrowers, not just simple body slams or electric shocks.
At Luther’s words, Integra’s expression turned thoughtful for a moment, then she smiled faintly and said,
[That’s a good idea.]
[If it’s installed in the backpack instead of the drone’s main body, it can also be used as an energy source for the nanosuit normally.]
[If we run a ‘Twin Drive’ with Balboa’s Dragon Heart, the power of the Buster Cannon will also increase compared to now.]
“And the drone’s output will increase too.”
[Yes, it might even be able to carry Master.]
As Integra smiled first, Luther smiled back. He definitely preferred the current Integra to the stiff Integra of the original work.
[Then I’ll proceed with information gathering from the Dragon Heart, along with the ‘Twin Drive’.]
[There’s a possibility of acquiring new techniques, like the Heavy Flamethrower.]
[Astra’s scales, claws, and teeth might also be useful, so please collect samples.]
“Okay.”
Nodding, Luther deactivated his faceplate and looked towards the main gate. The battle led by Annerose and the city guard was nearing its end.
* * *
“Kiack!”
The Rumblon, its tongue severed, roared with its bloodied mouth wide open, but it was merely a struggle.
Annerose, facing it head-on, didn’t flinch, but instead thrust her lance into the creature’s open mouth, piercing its throat.
And ignition.
As the Rumblon thrashed, its insides burning from the flames erupting from the tip of the lance, Annerose released the lance and pulled out a mechanical crossbow from behind her back.
Using a giant divine bow like her master, one meant for giants, was impossible, but a mechanical crossbow was a different story.
After repeatedly shooting bolts into the Rumblon’s exposed white belly as it thrashed and collapsed, Annerose waited for a moment, and when the Rumblon, the last remaining young dragon, went limp, she finally lowered the crossbow and breathed a sigh of relief.
“Phew…”
Although she had experienced battles with young dragons several times already, this was the first time she had fought without her master.
A sense of accomplishment and relief at having survived made her heart pound.
And then, cheers erupted.
“Woohoo!”
“We won!”
“We won!”
The city guards who had participated in the battle began to cheer with joy.
Annerose, startled by the sudden shouts, flinched, then smiled brightly.
And then, people approached her.
“Thanks to you, we’re alive.”
“Your skills are amazing. Are you a dragon hunter?”
“Does that matter? You saved us. By the way, you’re really beautiful.”
They were the guards whose lives Annerose had saved.
As the flustered Annerose only blushed and couldn’t answer immediately, more guards gathered around her, making her even more flustered. And the guards continued to praise her.
“Your swordsmanship is extraordinary.”
“Your spear skills were amazing too. You use multiple weapons simultaneously.”
“But isn’t she really beautiful?”
“She’s so young, yet so amazing.”
“She’s cute.”
“Hans, that guy, is completely smitten.”
A girl in a short white skirt and partial armor, albeit heavy armor. Moreover, she was as beautiful as a girl from a fairy tale book she had read as a child, so it was natural for the young guards to be captivated.
But fortunately, or unfortunately, they were guards, not mercenaries or adventurers.
When the captain of the guard yelled at them to stop the chatter and check their numbers, they quickly dispersed and began to form ranks.
“My apologies. If you tell me your name, the guard will express our gratitude formally after the situation calms down.”
As the captain, injured in the shoulder, spoke in a dignified tone, Annerose was flustered once again, but then she straightened her posture and replied,
“Annerose Tantalot.”
“Annerose Tantalot. Alright, thank you once again for your assistance.”
The captain, expressing his gratitude with a fist to his chest, moved towards the interior of Count Glasston’s estate with the other guards. It was to ensure the safety of Count Glasston and the servants.
Annerose, finally coming to her senses, retrieved the lance deeply embedded in the Rumblon’s throat and turned towards the mansion. Circumstantially, it didn’t seem like Count Glasston had been harmed, but she couldn’t be sure until she checked.
But just as she was about to take a step…
“Count Glasston is safe. He’s a little shaken, but it doesn’t seem like he’s injured.”
At the unfamiliar man’s voice, Annerose turned her gaze.
And she involuntarily widened her eyes. It was a man she had seen for the first time today, but a man who had made a strong impression.
The man who had been fighting before she arrived. The master of powerful magic who had defeated the dark red Wyvern, seemingly the leader of the young dragons, with a single blow.
Involuntarily swallowing her dry saliva, Annerose looked at the man’s face with slightly nervous eyes.
Black hair and purple eyes. And a handsome face. Looking closely, he was also tall and seemed to have a great physique.
Who was he? What kind of person was he?
As curiosity sparked in Annerose’s red eyes, she felt a strange hostility from the small metal object flying next to the man.
Startled, Annerose blinked.
“I’m Luther Light Seeker.”
The man, having stepped closer, said while extending his hand as if offering a handshake.
She could still feel hostility from the small metal object, but the handsome man’s face was full of goodwill.
And the man’s large hand.
After a moment’s hesitation, Annerose took the man’s large hand and looked up.
Facing the man’s face directly, she replied in a slightly trembling voice,
“I’m Annerose Tantalot.”
The protagonist of Dragon Hunter Origin’s Western Arc. One of the future Seven Great Heroes.
Luther responded to Annerose’s greeting with another smile.
—–CROW—–