Volume 7 Chapter 35 Papa Wade's Practical Exam
After 3 days of practical training, it was finally the morning of the exam with papa. Papa and Roman stood before a large crowd and presented the results of their 3-day search for Ridge.
"So, to conclude, they ripped off the 'entrance transfer' magic from this base. As a result, the abduction route we tracked down is useless. The other side of the door is an empty shell."
The entire atmosphere was filled with despair. "But," papa continued.
"With the Ajna Chakra, or rather, the form of the magic trace of the door that was connected to my abnormal magic, I remembered the shape of the magic trace of the door. So, I checked a few doors on the map that still have traces, and this is the result."
"Spread out, map."
Following Roman's chant, a large map spread out on its own and showed the results. A part of the territory on this map has the magic trace checked.
"We're assuming that they're using some kind of magic that randomly connects doors in this area. So, if we just smash down all the doors in this area, we'll eventually find them."
"But isn't it possible that the real escape door is outside the area?"
In response to Lord Birk's question, papa shook his head.
"No, it seems that's difficult, Lord Birk, judging by the form of the magic. Even the door-changing magic in this base requires a contract to use a specific door."
"Magic must follow the laws of God. If it's random, the binding is Weak, but if it's intentional, a stronger contract is required. And the 'Oath' camp doesn't have the connections or credibility to do that."
In response to Roman's explanation, Lord Birk nodded in understanding, "I see, thank you."
"So, from here on out, it's going to be a battle of endurance."
Papa announced his strategy to everyone.
"Using Lord Birk's name and the activity funds we got from Alex, we're going to go around and smash down all the doors in this area. First, we'll ask for permission from the residents who answer our calls and destroy them, and then we'll pay them later. It's a non-combat job."
Next, papa said.
"Residents who don't answer our calls. The response from here on out will be limited to those with combat power."
In other words, me, Roman, Windy, and other Silver-rank or higher people, papa said.
"Smash the door down without hesitation. Pay the residents a reward and evacuate. If they resist, subdue them. If it's a ruin, just destroy the door and leave it. Now, the important thing is..."
A beat. Papa takes a breath and narrows his eyes.
"If you draw the winning lot."
The atmosphere tenses.
"If you find the base of the 'Oath' camp, run away immediately. At the same time, use the artifact, the 'Calling Ring' given to you by Lord Birk, to contact me."
Papa gives instructions, "The content of the report is the location of the base and your whereabouts. I will rush there immediately. And..."
And so, the gathered members disperse. The local collaborators that Roman had gathered beforehand were the main force for the first half. For the second half, only strong people like Papa and Roman would be needed.
As he watched the people come and go, Papa stood next to Moruru and said,
"Just to be sure, I'll ask again. ... If you're scared, you can quit."
"No. Moruru wants to save Ridge. So, I'll make Papa recognize me too."
"Ohhh~! You've learned to talk back, Moruru~! Papa is proud of your growth~!"
The tense atmosphere suddenly changed, and Papa hugged Moruru and stroked her hair, causing her to relax completely. She let out a cheerful cry, "Kyaa!" as always.
"Then, it's a test. Let's have fun."
With a big smile, Papa takes Moruru's hand. Then, Echidna approaches and says, "I suppose a judge is necessary?"
"Yeah, we could use one."
"Thank you, sensei!"
"No, I wanted to see Wade's strength with my own eyes. Also, the immortality of an ancient dragon is so-so. If you kill it, it will die. I will probably be the one to judge that."
The word "kill" comes out, and Moruru's body stiffens. She looks at Papa, who looks down and nods, "Yeah, I guess so. It would be terrible if I got too excited and killed Moruru."
The tension returned to Moruru's heart. Echidna placed a hand on Moruru's shoulder, and Moruru turned to look up at her.
"Moruru, don't let your guard down, even with your father. You must never underestimate an ancient dragon or a human. Understand that you are fighting someone far superior to you. Your father is..."
Echidna said with a stern expression.
"...one of the strongest beings in the world."
Moruru swallowed hard.
The wind swept across the plains.
A rustling sound filled the air. The grass swayed in the breeze, and the cloudless blue sky stretched out refreshingly above.
In the center of this vast plain, the 3 of them stood together.
At the center of Moruru's vision stood her papa, stretching languidly. "Ah, nature is still the best. I've been wandering around the city lately, so this feels great."
Then, papa spoke.
"I'll explain the rules of your test."
"Okay."
"Let's hear it."
The 2 ancient dragons obediently listened to the human's words. There was no one present to challenge this.
"Moruru and I are currently standing about ten meters apart (�33 feet). Moruru can use any means necessary. You will pass the test if you can get 20 meters away from me (�66 feet)."
"...That's it?"
"Yeah, that's it. Easy, right?"
It sounds easy. To an ordinary person. Moruru is fast. Ten meters is practically a single step for her (�33 feet).
"The only conditions for failure are if you become unable to move or if your spirit breaks. In other words, if you are somehow unable to resist, you will fail. Moruru will not be considered a combatant in this test."
Papa turned to Echidna and asked, "Do you understand?"
"Yes. I will stop either of you if it reaches that point," Echidna nodded.
"Then, Echidna. Please give the signal to start the test. And at the same time, we will begin moving."
"Okay."
Echidna agreed, and Moruru and papa locked eyes.
Moruru thought. What should she do first? Maybe she could just ignore papa's actions and put distance between them, as ten meters (�33 feet) is nothing.
When she trained with Echidna, she realized that ancient dragons are incredibly powerful creatures. Compared to them, humans are really fragile.
Echidna told her a lot of things, but the truth is, she's never seen her papa fight.
If she had to say, it was only a few months ago when she was smaller, and Windy helped her. But even then, she was sent back home by Sandra just as her papa suddenly appeared and clashed with Windy.
After that, a lot of things happened, but she doesn't really understand them. All she knows is that everyone was panicking. Before the war, she was playing with Ridge, and during the war, she was at Lord's mansion.
The phrase 'one of the strongest in the world' sounds really cool, but it's not that impressive when she think about it.
However, Echidna's words also made her realize that she needs to be careful. She may not feel it, but it's probably true. Her excellent brain can process all this in just half a second.
Her conclusion is to 'escape first and observe her papa's movements.' If she can escape, she won't get hurt too badly.
Besides, she's become strong enough to dodge Echidna's attacks. She's not as weak as she was three days ago. In fact, she's become so strong that she might be able to reach the gods in just a month.
She's not weak anymore, and she wants her papa to know that.
She wants him to praise her a lot.
"Then, let's do it normally..."
Her thoughts are clearing up thanks to Echidna's words. Her confusing thoughts are disappearing, and she's focusing.
She's not hesitant. She'll escape while staying alert, ready for anything. That's the best thing to do right now. Her body is ready.
Echidna says,
"Let's start!"
At the same time, she dashes off in the opposite direction of her papa.
Her physical abilities are high, and she can transform into a powerful body. She's become stronger and can output more power.
She's standing ten meters away from her papa in an instant. It's easy. Too easy. So she turns back to her papa, expecting praise. But then she hears her papa's voice from the side, and she freezes.
"Moruru, you still don't understand what fighting is about."
He says,
"The key to fighting is to always use your strongest firepower. You need to hit the enemy where it hurts the most. What you should do is breathe dragon fire at me first."
She feels a strange sensation in her legs. She looks down and realizes that her legs are gone.
"Echidna taught me that ancient dragons can revive unless they're killed. So, you can take any attack except a fatal one. If not, Moruru might get killed by the enemy."
Papa then says,
"Let's do this seriously. Don't give up, and do your best."
She's lying on the ground, her legs cut off.
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