Dragon {2}
[Chapter 19: Saw A Dragon (2)
“You two are kind of amazing.”
“Something like this is a piece of cake.”
On was saying it was easy, but Cale could see On’s nose twitching in joy.
Cale, Choi Han, On, and Hong crouched around the location that the black orb, officially known as the Mana Disturbance Tool, was located, and looked toward the cave entrance that was 50 meters away, as well as the Viscount’s villa that was farther away.
“You remember the plan?”
Cale had explained the plan on their way over. Realistically speaking, there wasn’t much of a plan.]
“Did you really think it was wise to charge in without a backup plan?” Tboah Bud asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically.
Tcf Cale shrugged nonchalantly. “There was no need for a backup plan. The first plan was already solid, and I trusted my companions to execute it perfectly. They didn’t let me down.”
Hearing those words, the individuals who had been part of that mission couldn’t help but smile.
Tcf Choi Han’s lips curved upward slightly, his usual seriousness softened by pride. “Cale-nim always believes in us. That’s why we never fail.”
On and Hong wagged their tails happily, their eyes bright.
“Cale trusted us to do our parts, and we did!” On declared proudly, puffing up her chest. “Because we are amazing!”
Tcf Cale let out a small sigh, patting On’s head. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
But his words only made On’s tail wag faster, and the others continued to smile, their spirits lifted by Cale’s quiet confidence in them.
[“There are a total of 6 people on guard at this time.”
Cale recalled the information he read in, ‘The Birth of a Hero.’ The Black Dragon was smart, like most dragons. It had been gathering information for the four long years it was held captive, and there was a reason it attempted its escape two days later at around this time.
There were, approximately, a total of 30 people residing in the villa. Originally, there were close to 100 people, but it slowly went down as they realized during the last four years that nobody really came to this area.
Of course, among the 30 people, there were 3 high-leveled knights at the Vice Captain’s level, as well as 7 mid-leveled knights. There were also soldiers, the torturer, and random laborers. The number of people here showed just how much attention the Marquis has been putting onto this location.
However, Cale had Choi Han. Choi Han was someone who could take down the strongest knight in the Roan Kingdom in 10 moves. Someone like that was on their side.
“Let me explain one more time. There is one high-leveled knight and two mid-leveled knights at the cave entrance, as well as two soldiers. Inside the cave, there is just one high-leveled knight, and the torturer is at the end of the cave.”]
The word torturer flashed on the screen, and the room’s atmosphere grew heavy, suffocating. The tension was palpable as the story unfolded.
The little dragon in Tcf Cale’s arms trembled, his wings curling around himself as if to shield against the memories.
“Do you want me to stop this chapter?” Tcf Cale asked softly, his hand gently stroking Raon’s head in a steady, calming motion.
“You don’t have to force yourself, Raon,” he added, his voice warm and reassuring.
“N-no! I’m the great and mighty Raon Miru! I can handle anything!” Raon declared, his small voice trembling despite his attempt to sound confident.
There was a pause.
Tcf!Cale frowned slightly, tilting his head as he observed the little dragon curled in his arms, avoiding his gaze.
Raon shifted uncomfortably before mumbling, “I… I want to know how you saved me.” His voice was soft, almost hesitant, as a faint blush crept across his cheeks. “How my weak human managed to rescue me…”
Cale’s expression shifted, a quiet warmth replacing his usual calm demeanor. He reached out to gently pat Raon’s head, his voice steady and reassuring.
“Alright,” he said with a small smile. “But remember, Raon—you’re not alone anymore. If it’s too much, just let me know. I’ll stop anytime you need me to.”
“That novel was surprisingly vivid in this section.” Tboah Roslyn commented
[Choi Han flinched after hearing the word torturer, but Cale did not care. Cale did not care to know about the things that were going through Choi Han’s mind right now. The important thing was that the black orb will activate soon, and that they needed to move quickly in response.]
"He said he didn’t care what Choi Han-nim thought, but he still made sure to explain things clearly, just enough to prevent Choi Han-nim from overthinking. Young master Cale really has a habit of making himself seem like a bad person,” Tboah Queen Litana remarked with a frown.
Tboah Queen Litana let out a small sigh. “It’s frustrating, yet… I can’t help but believe in him.”
[“The magic recording devices located from the villa to the cave entrance will not work for 40 minutes thanks to the black orb that On and Hong buried. That is the same for the alarms, magic traps, and anything else. Nothing will work for 40 minutes.”
They needed to domesticate this dragon, the greatest magic using creature in the world, but they could not ask any mages for help. That was why Marquis Stan chose to fill this area with magic items instead. The reason that there were only a few guards around the entrance was also because they trusted their magic items.
That was why the dragon had no choice but to cause a mana explosion to escape.]
Alberu Crossman couldn’t shake his growing curiosity. Who had written <The Birth of a Hero> the book that Cale Henituse had read? It seemed far too detailed to be just a simple novel.
The more Alberu thought about it, the more the book seemed like a guide rather than a work of fiction.
The author went out of their way to include precise information about the people in the Villa, their ranks, and their roles. It was as though the book was designed to warn and prepare someone like a transmigrator for the challenges they would face when rescuing the little dragon.
Alberu’s curiosity sharpened. What secrets were hidden within the five volumes the transmigrator had read? How could anyone know so much about the events and people of their world?
The more he pondered it, the clearer it became his book was no ordinary novel, and Cale Henituse was no ordinary man.
[‘An eye for an eye, and money for money.’
Since the Marquis used money, Cale used money as well. Cale patted the magic bag on his waist. This was a magic bag that allowed you to store a lot of items. Inside this bag were all sorts of magic items, useful tools, and objects.]
"Seriously, how much does the count give his son for an allowance”
"Do you even buy anything for yourself with it?" Tboah Alberu asked, a skeptical tone in his voice.
"Of course I do," Tcf Cale answered, unbothered.
The people closest to him just exchanged knowing glances, shaking their heads in disbelief.
Tcf Alberu Looked at his counterpart and mouthed ‘No’ while shaking his head.
[“I just need to take out the guards?”
Naturally, Choi Han would be doing the battling. Why would Cale even try to fight when such a strong person was next to him? Cale thought paper-cuts hurt a lot, so he didn’t want to even think about getting cut by a sword.]
They glanced at Kim Roksoo, his eyes lingering on the man's scars. There were so many, it seemed like only his face remained untouched.
"Yeah, sure. But now I'm starting to wonder about his pain tolerance," Tcf Valentino mused.
Looking at the reactions from all of Cale's companions, it was clear the man wasn’t avoiding the subject he’d wanted to steer clear of.
"I still think his pain tolerance is off the charts. When he talks about paper cuts being painful, he probably just finds them annoying," Tcf Alberu chimed in, shooting a fond look at his lover.
The prince had witnessed how Tcf Cale would wince at every injury, but the annoyance would disappear almost immediately once his ancient power healed the wound.
"Or maybe he just doesn't like the idea of his body being marked with scars," Tcf Alberu added with a smirk.
"Really? A paper cut?" Tcboah Cale raised an eyebrow, giving Tcf Cale a disbelieving look.
"Yup. I hate pain, so I avoid dangerous situations," Tcf Cale said with a pout, clearly not comfortable thinking about it.
"Then why did you use your shield and cough up blood?" someone asked with an incredulous tone.
"Seriously, a paper cut is too painful for you? Then why the hell did you use Instant all the time?" Kim Rok Soo Ah yelled in frustration.
"I didn't use it all the time. Only when necessary," Tcf Cale responded, defensive but calm.
"What’s Instant?" Lock asked, clearly curious.
“It’s an ability that allows him to move through time faster than anyone else. But the cost of using it is severe,” Kim Rok Soo explained, the worry in his voice still present.
"Human! That’s the ability you used when you went through the bears and broke the monster statues— the one you almost died after using!" Raon shouted, his voice tinged with panic.
“WHAT?” A chorus of shocked exclamations rang through the room.
"Almost died? Is that what you were recovering from when Lock brought you the cintamani?" Kim Rok Soo asked, now clearly concerned.
"Yes, but as you can see, I recovered just fine," Cale reassured them all, though his face tightened slightly as he recalled the ordeal.
"Haaaa. It seems like our list of things to talk about just keeps getting longer," Tcf Alberu remarked with a grin that sent a chill down Cale's spine.
Cale decided to ignore the unsettling comment and instead focused on the children who had gathered around him, Raon flying towards him when he heard "Instant" mentioned. They all wore frowns of disapproval, clearly concerned about the danger Cale kept putting himself in.
Alberu, standing next to Cale, gently reached for his hand, offering a quiet but supportive squeeze.
[[]
“Good, I’ll leave it to you.”
Cale patted Choi Han’s shoulders, before handing him the voice changing device. It would be bad if he had to talk during the fight and they recognized his voice.]
“You really came prepared for everything,”Tboah Alberu complimented, his voice filled with admiration.
“It’s always better to be over-prepared than caught off guard in an unexpected situation without anything to rely on,” Tcf Cale replied, his tone casual.
Some nobles, despite their vast wealth, were too greedy to spend their money on anyone but themselves, let alone on someone they didn’t even know. But here was a noble, using his own fortune to help those in need, without hesitation.
There was a quiet warmth that spread among those present as they watched Tcf Cale, going to such lengths to save a life he had never encountered before. His actions spoke volumes about his character, showing just how deeply he cared for others, even strangers.
[“It’s expensive, so don’t break it.”
“Got it. You do not need to worry about it.”]
Tboah Alberu, standing nearby, couldn’t suppress the grimace that spread across his face as he mentally added up the cost of each item Cale was casually pulling out. The Henituse family certainly didn’t hold back when it came to their eldest son.
He looked at his counterpart who was looking back him who just had a knowing look.
‘Do you see how expensive he is, Yeah I love him but I will go broke’ Tcf Alberu thought with none of his true feelings shown on his face.
[Cale then looked toward the kittens. Cale responded to their wagging tails, that seemed to be asking for something.
“I will give you meat once it is over.”]
“You were supposed to praise us, you know,” Hong grumbled, clearly irritated. He and On exchanged a glance, both thinking, Cale is as dense as a rock.
Tcf Cale noticed their stares and raised an eyebrow. "What’s with the look? Are you two hungry or something?"
Hong scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Just because we ask for food doesn’t mean we want it all the time when we’re working."
On sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. “He’s dense. Don’t mind him,” she muttered, clearly frustrated.
Raon, perched on Cale’s shoulder, couldn’t resist chiming in. “He’s so awkward,” he said, his voice full of playful annoyance.
Tboah Litana attention shifted as Hong mentioned working. She wasn’t entirely sure how old the two were, but it was clear they were still young.
“Wait, did Cale make you two work so young?” Tboah Litana asked, her curiosity slipping out before he could stop it.
On quickly corrected him, her voice soft and understanding. “Not quite. Cale likes to make himself seem like the villain. He’d say we had to earn everything we got, that we were only useful to him because we worked for it, but really? He just wanted us to feel like we had a purpose. He wanted us to feel valued.”
Hong nodded in agreement. “Noona’s right. We used to think we were just a burden, that the tribe only let us live to suffer and realize how useless we were. So, when Cale said we were useful and trusted us with tasks, it made us feel really good. It was the first time someone made us feel like we mattered.”
Tboah Litana chest tightened at their words. She knew all too well the weight of feeling useless, and it made sense that even small responsibilities could lift their spirits.
Tboah Litana then heard a quiet voice from behind her. “Cale's always trying to downplay things. He makes himself sound like the bad guy when he’s not.” It was Roksoo, his voice full of understanding.
Tcf Cale turned to Tcf Alberu, their eyes meeting. A quiet, wordless connection passed between them. Alberu’s small, reassuring smile was all Cale needed—he didn’t have to speak for Alberu to understand him. He didn’t need to say anything out loud; Alberu always knew, and that silent bond was enough to make Cale feel at ease.
[That did not seem to be the right answer, as they snorted and turned away. Cale didn’t think much about it, instead verifying the time with his watch.
‘Five minutes left.’
The sky had already gotten dark, and it was night time.
Cale then recalled the conversation he had with Billos.
‘The magic items that have been influenced by the Mana Disturbance Tool will instantly stop working, and most of them will turn off to prevent it from blowing up. However, the highest quality magic items will start beeping to signal that they are broken. It isn’t like alarm magic, instead, it is more like a clock alarm.’
‘It will probably be loud?’
‘I don’t know where you plan on using it, but it should be loud enough for the enemy to hear.’
Billos started to smirk and continued on.
‘However, if there are a lot of magic items in the area, it will probably get chaotic with all of the alarms going off at the same time.’
Chaotic was enough for Cale.]
“You really know your way around magic tools, Billos,”Tboah Alberu remarked with a raised eyebrow, a hint of respect in his tone.
Tcf Billos smirked, clearly pleased with the compliment. “It’s only good business sense to understand the products you deal with,” he said, his voice confident.
“Can’t say he’s ever truly happy unless there’s some kind of chaos involved,” Tcf Archie muttered to Tcf Witria, his eyes narrowing as he observed Tcf Billos and Tboah Alberu.
TcfWitria laughed softly, leaning toward Tcf Archie and Tcf Paseton. “That’s not entirely true. He’s also happy when he’s taking down bad guys.”
Her Counterpart watching her with sad eyes but still happy that at least her brother was alive even if it was not in her world.
Tboah Shickler is watching the Tcf Verison of his children with teary eyes ‘ Oh how I have missed seeing them like this’ he was happy that he got to see his son again even if it was from a far.
“And, of course, when he’s showing off his shiny golden plaque,” Tcf Alberu added with a teasing smile, leaning in toward his lover, Tcf Cale, who was standing beside him. Cale’s eyes narrowed slightly, but there was no mistaking the fondness in his expression as he exchanged a glance with Alberu.
Alberu’s hand gently brushed against Cale’s, and Cale gave him a quiet, knowing smile no words needed between them.
[“Get ready.”
The kittens also covered themselves with charcoal to cover the color of their furs. They then left Cale’s side and disappeared into the darkness, such that Cale could no longer see them. The two of them would not be showing themselves in front of the enemies today.]
“You’re such a great father, making sure your kids are safe,” Tboah Rosalyn remarked with a warm smile.
Many who had been uneasy about the children being involved in the frontlines visibly relaxed, relieved that the cats wouldn’t be putting themselves in harm’s way. They exchanged looks, silently appreciating Tcf Cale’s protective instincts.
Meanwhile, the two cats were happily devouring their steaks, completely oblivious to the conversations around them. Their carefree enjoyment of the meal only seemed to reinforce the sense of safety and security that had been promised. Tcf Cale glanced at them briefly, a quiet satisfaction settling over him.
[[]
The seconds hand of Cale’s watch slowly approached the set time.
And finally, the last click.
“Let’s go.”
At Cale’s order, Choi Han followed the plan and ran ahead quickly, while On started to create fog in the area. Cale was at the center of the fog, making it difficult to see him. At the same time,
[]
Starting now, it was a battle against time.
Choi Han was already fighting against the knights in front of the cave.
‘Scary bastard.’]
Kim Rok Soo and Tboah Cale exchanged a knowing look, both silently agreeing that Choi Han no matter what world was terrifying. And that was never going to change. Period.
Tcf Choi Han, noticing their unspoken agreement, pouted, clearly hurt. He turned to Tcf Cale, a frown tugging at his lips. "Cale-nim! I'm only fierce with my enemies. I promise, I won’t hurt you! I just beat them up, cut them down, and destroy them—nothing to be afraid of!"
TcfCale raised an eyebrow, deliberately ignoring Choi Han’s attempt at reassurance. “What terrifying thing is he talking about?” he muttered, as though the conversation wasn’t even worth acknowledging.
Kim Rok Soo and Tboah Cale both shuddered in unison, their expressions full of unease. No matter what Choi Han said, they knew better. His version of "not scary" was a level of terrifying no one would ever forget.
[In that short amount of time, the soldiers already had injuries on their arms and legs, and were knocked out on the floor.
“Who are you? How dare you come to this place!”]
“Honestly, why even ask in the first place?” Tboah Bud muttered, rolling his eyes. “Who in their right mind would pause their attack just to introduce themselves and explain what they’re doing?”
He crossed his arms, shaking his head in disbelief. “It’s not like we’re all out here for tea and pleasantries. If you’re in a fight, you fight. No one’s going to stop mid-battle for a conversation—especially not when lives are on the line.”
He glanced at the others, clearly irritated by the question. “Some things are just common sense.”
[Choi Han easily dodged the attack of the high-leveled knight. He then took a step forward and made a deep cut on the side of the knight. He then avoided the blood spurting out of the cut, and used his elbow to attack the knight’s back, followed by the back of the knight’s neck. The knight fainted instantly.
“Shit! What the hell is going on?!”]
As Cale Henituse had already thought, Choi Han was truly terrifying.
Choi Han had taken down all the villa guards without breaking a sweat, despite their higher ranks. The most unsettling part was how effortless it seemed—like he wasn’t even trying.
Both Tboah Cale and Kim Roksoo were more certain than ever that when Choi Han had beaten them senseless, he had deliberately restrained himself from going any further. He could have easily ended their lives if he had wanted to.
What amazed them even more was that Choi Han had spared them, even after everything they had said about his village.
“They clearly weren’t prepared for an attack like this,” Tcf Amiru noted, her voice tinged with disbelief.
“They got complacent,” Tcf Cale explained. “They let their guard down because nothing had happened for so long, and they relied too much on their magic tools. They assumed they were invincible, that no one could touch them.”
Tcf Amiru agreed with a slow nod. “That overconfidence was their biggest mistake.”
Tcf Cale remembering the wreckage left behind by Choi Han, thinking about how quickly the tide had turned.
[The high-leveled knight inside the cave soon showed up as well.
“Poison.”
Cale spoke through the voice changing device. The fog surrounding him started to expand, and Hong started to stealthily move around and spread the poison to paralyze the enemy. The fainted individuals would not be able to move for a while, even if they did wake up.
Cale then made eye contact with the high-leveled knight and said one word.
“Cover.”
Choi Han instantly stood in front of Cale and darted toward the cave entrance. Cale followed behind him.
“Block them!”]
“Scary bastard…” Tboah Alberu Crossman muttered, a grudging admiration in his voice as he reflected on how Cale Henituse had orchestrated the daring mission to release the dragon from that cursed place.
While Choi Han’s strength was undeniable and terrifying, it was Cale’s ability to remain calm and meticulously plan everything that left a deeper impression. Cale’s precision and understanding of every situation made him even more formidable than Choi Han in some ways.
“The four of you work so seamlessly together,” Tcf Alberu commented, his tone thoughtful.
Tboah Glenn, unable to shake his curiosity, asked, “From what we've gathered, there wouldn’t have been time for any rehearsal. How is it that you all seem so in sync, like a team that has worked together for years?”
Tcf Choi Han nodded, his voice firm with confidence. “It was a simple plan. Cale-nim laid everything out for us before the mission, making sure each of us understood our role and the dangers ahead. I trusted him completely. I knew no one there would be able to trouble us.”
The other Choi Han, hearing this, raised an eyebrow. “How could you trust him so easily, so quickly?”
Tcf Choi Han met his other self’s gaze. “Why wouldn’t I? Cale had never given me a reason not to trust him, and the fact that we were saving a child spoke volumes about his character. That’s all I needed to know.”
Listening to this exchange, Tboah Choi Han couldn’t help but agree. His faith in Cale, built on shared experiences and clear actions, was well placed.
Tcf Cale had done more than prepare them with magical items but he had also taken the time to understand the strengths and abilities of each person under his command. The three of them moved confidently, executing their parts without hesitation.
When Tcf Cale spoke, they didn’t need further instructions. A single word was enough for everyone to immediately understand their task and what needed to be done. The efficiency with which they worked together was a testament to Tcf Cale’s leadership and his uncanny ability to bring out the best in those around him.
[[]
“Ugh!”
“Guuh!”
‘...He just needs one hit per person.’
Cale could not hide his amazement as he crouched behind Choi Han and continued to move. At that moment, they could hear some ruckus from far behind them.]
Laughter spread through Tcf group as Tcf Choi Han, looking every bit like a proud puppy, beamed at the compliment about his skills. His posture straightened, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips as he basked in the praise.
It was a rare sight of Tcf Choi Han, usually so serious and focused, now clearly enjoying the recognition. His sudden shift in demeanor made the others chuckle even more, as they couldn’t help but find his transformation amusing. Despite his fierce nature, it was moments like these that showed a different, lighter side to the usually intense warrior.
[[]
Choi Han made them faint before quickly rushing toward the charging high-leveled knight and swinging his sword. Cale used that opening to go through the cave entrance. Even while he was doing that, he made sure the mid-leveled knights who called him an assassin saw the six stars on his outfit before fainting.]
“Hm, how very strategic,” Tboah Alberu commented, his tone tinged with intrigue. “To think of using the outfit to mislead the enemy with false information—impressive.”
As he observed, both Lilys were captivated by the scene, their eyes wide with admiration. One look at Choi Han, and they both silently agreed on one thing: “Swordsman.” The younger Lily, in particular, was determined to grow stronger and faster, hoping one day to match Tcf Choi Han’s skills.
Cage, still chuckling, added, “Actually, that’s kinda adorable. Now I can’t stop picturing a bunch of tiny Cales, shields in hand, running around in little homemade outfits.”
“That would be the cutest thing ever,” Rosalyn said with a smile. “Now I want to see that for real!”
“ Right that is such an Adorable image wouldn’t you agree” Tcf Trasha said turning her gaze to Tcf Alberu who was looking away from her.
At that moment, Tcf Cale, already feeling the heat of the situation, simply decided to block it all out. He wasn’t going to entertain the thought of tiny Cales running around with shields. His sanity depended on ignoring that mental image.
[[]
“Why, why?! Why is the Magic Crystal Ball not working?!”
The Magic Crystal Ball that the torturer held onto was one of the emergency backups that Venion had prepared in case something went wrong.
“D, don’t come here! Do you know what is in here?!”
The torturer was shaking violently while looking at Cale. He had no choice but to be scared. If the torturer received an attack higher than an average person’s strength, he would instantly blow up.
It was one of Venion’s safety measures as well. The strength of the blast would make the prison key and the prison itself blow up with the torturer as well. Naturally, the torturer knew about this.
“If you come, everyone here will die!”]
“That bastard deserved a much worse fate,” Tboah Cage muttered, her anger seething. She would never forgive Venion and the Stan family for what they did to Taylor.
Looking at Taylor alive in the Tcf dimension, a bitter smile crossed her face. Despite the gods’ blessing, Cage didn’t care about their mercy—no divine power could undo the pain of what had been taken.
She envied the changes fate brought to others, knowing the gods would demand a price for their involvement. But if it meant saving Taylor, she would make any deal, just as Cale Henituse had for his loved ones.
[Tsk. Cale waved his hand while looking at the shaking torturer. Once he did, fog started to form in the air and headed for the torturer. On, the owner of the fog, was hidden in the shadows of the cave and still hidden.
“A, aaaaaah! Go away!”
The sounds of battle from the cave entrance. The approaching fog. Of course, the inside the fog was completely filled with poison. The paralyzing fog quickly surrounded the torturer.
“Just what, ugh, p, poison...!”
Ugh. The torturer’s body started to shake as he fell to the ground. The torturer looked so terrible, being unable to speak or move as he forcibly shook on the floor. Cale approached the torturer and rummaged through his clothes.
If you could not attack him, you just had to hit him with poison. Either that, or make a deal with him to hand the key over. However, he didn’t want to use the latter method.]
“That’s more like it. No hesitation, no second thoughts—just looting him straight away. That’s exactly how scum like that should be treated,” Tboah Rasheel commented with a grin, clearly impressed by the ruthlessness. His eyes flicked to the others, waiting for their reactions.
“Exactly. You can’t afford to show any mercy to filth like that. They get what they deserve, no more, no less,” Tboah Eruhaben chimed in, his voice calm but heavy with conviction. His approval was clear, a nod of encouragement toward Cale’s actions.
Kim Rok Soo, however, added a more pragmatic note, his voice steady. “There’s no point in making a deal with someone like him. He’s a torturer. A person like that doesn’t deserve leniency, not after everything they’ve done.” His words lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the kind of people they were dealing with.
He then turned his gaze to the small dragon beside him, who was distractedly watching the screen. There was a softness to the dragon’s focus, a sharp contrast to the intensity of the situation. Kim Roksoo’s eyes softened slightly as he shifted his attention to Cale Henituse, considering him for a moment.
Tcf Cale, who had been listening to the exchange, seemed unfazed by the harsh words and looked at the group with an understanding that came from experience. Despite the violence that had unfolded, it was clear that, to him, the choice was simple: no mercy for those who had crossed a line.
[‘Here it is.’
Cale grabbed the key and closed the eyes of the torturer, who was starting to lose consciousness from the poison. Cale wondered if they had used too much of the poison, but didn’t really care.
‘I don’t think he will die, but if he dies, oh well.’]
Tboah Rasheel smiled widely as he realized what Cale Henituse was thinking.
Cale Henituse was nothing like the other humans. He wasn’t just strong—he had a presence that set him apart, and Rasheel could see that. On top of that, he was surrounded by a group of powerful yet unpredictable individuals. Rasheel had already decided that once things settled down, he would make frequent visits to Cale, just to see what else this intriguing man was capable of.
Tboah Rasheel knew that if things went wrong, he wouldn’t hesitate to bring chaos to the gods. And he wasn’t foolish enough to think he’d be alone in that he knew Cale’s allies would be right there with him, ready for whatever came next.
[Cale snapped his fingers. Two little black bundles fell from the ceiling almost instantly. It was On and Hong. Once they came under the torch that Cale was holding, he could finally see the two of them clearly.
Cale verified that On and Hong were safe before heading to the farthest corner of the cave.]
Everyone smiled, admiring how Tcf Cale always made sure the children were well taken care of first. It was a gesture that showed his deep care and responsibility.
“Cale-nim really is a kind person,” Tcf Lock whispered, his thoughts drifting back to the time Cale had given him and the others a safe place, something they had never expected.
On and Hong nudgedTcf Cale’s legs, clearly delighted by the attention he always gave them. They could feel the warmth in the way he treated them, making them feel truly valued.
“That’s so thoughtful of you,” Tcf Tasha remarked, her voice filled with affection as she watched the scene unfold. “Taking care of your children before anything else—such a good example of leadership.” As Alberu’s aunt, she had witnessed many things, but seeing how Cale placed such importance on those he cared about made her respect him even more.
[Once he arrived, he could see a curled up black existence inside this now-useless magic prison. It was the dragon. The thing that shocked Cale more than the dragon itself was the blood covering the dragon and the scent of blood in the air.
Cale quickly approached the prison.]
The room was filled with an oppressive, murderous aura. Growls and curses echoed in the air, a tension so thick it seemed to suffocate everything around it.
Raon instinctively huddled close to Tcf Cale, while On and Hong nestled next to them, their eyes sharp and their bodies taut with readiness. The atmosphere grew darker, the weight of unspoken threats looming over them.
The little black dragon, sensing the danger, pressed closer to Tcf Cale, who immediately wrapped his arms around it, gently rubbing its back. On and Hong, sensing the fear, jumped up to nudge the youngest, offering their silent comfort.
Tcf Sheritt’s world seemed to shatter before her eyes as she read the words. Her knees gave way beneath her, and she collapsed onto the floor, her gaze frantic as she shook her head, her body trembling violently. "M-My son... No... please..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if trying to convince herself it wasn’t true.
A hand shakily reached to her lips, the tears blurring her vision as they began to fall, unbidden and relentless. The agony in her chest was overwhelming, a raw, visceral pain that left her unable to speak, unable to breathe, as the crushing realization hit her. Her son, the one she thought safe, the one she believed to be hidden away, was alone in the darkness, enduring horrors she couldn’t fathom. She sat there, unmoving, as her heart shattered into pieces, each tear another piece of her soul breaking apart.
[The dragon continued to keep its eyes closed, even as Cale approached. The dragon was probably in a state of chaos right now.
Cale put the key into the lock and opened the door.
Click. It unlocked with a light noise. Cale slowly opened the iron gate, and entered into the prison.
It was pretty large to be called a prison. There were whips and other torture tools, as well as the luxurious couch that Venion sat on to watch. Cale headed to the corner of the prison.]
The dragons were filled with a seething anger, each one silently vowing to make the bastard responsible for the pain and suffering that Raon had endured pay dearly for their actions. There was no forgiveness in their hearts, no mercy. They would ensure that the torment this person had caused would not go unpunished. The weight of their fury was palpable in the room.
Tcf Eruhaben, Tcf Rasheel, Tcf Mila, and Tcf Dodori all felt an icy chill creeping down their spines as they listened to Tcf Sheritt's voice tremble with anguish. The silence that followed her words was heavy, thick with the shared rage and sorrow that filled the room.
Even those who weren’t connected by blood to Raon’s family could feel it an intense, unrelenting fury that burned in their veins. How could anyone stand by and allow such an atrocity to happen?
Sheritt had already lost two of her children at the hands of the White Star two children who were meant to grow up and live peacefully, but instead had their lives stolen from them. One had died before it ever had a chance to hatch, and the other had been forced to endure unimaginable suffering, isolated and tortured for four long years.
The thought of it was enough to make even the most composed individual lose their breath. Her pain was a wound that would never heal, and it echoed within the hearts of everyone present.
Tc Mila, her chest tightening with grief, struggled to keep her composure. She couldn't even begin to imagine the heartbreak of watching her own child endure such agony. She turned her gaze to Dodori, her own kin, her heart raw with empathy for Sheritt’s suffering.
The fierce, protective instincts of a dragon swelled within her, and she snarled in anger. No creature should ever have to endure such things, she thought, her body tense with the desire to exact justice.
"The humans have grown far too bold," Tboah Rasheel’s voice cut through the silence, a low growl slipping from his throat. His fangs flashed in the dim light, and the air around him seemed to crackle with the intensity of his fury.
"Recklessness is their downfall, but they won’t escape the consequences of their actions." His thoughts darkened with an unspoken promise—he would make them understand the true meaning of wrath. They will feel the weight of a dragon’s fury.
Meanwhile, Tcf Pendrick stood in the background, his face drained of color. He had been caught off guard by the sheer intensity of the moment, and as the realization of the cruelty Roan had suffered settled in, his disbelief turned into rage. "How could this happen to a dragon?" His voice shook with indignation, his fists clenched at his sides. "How dare they!" His fury only heightened as he realized the depths of the tragedy.
The room had gone from solemn to electric with anger. Each dragon present could feel the weight of what had been done to Sheritt and her family. It was no longer just a matter of justice it was a matter of vengeance. The humans responsible for this would learn that the dragons were not to be trifled with. The fires of their wrath were about to be unleashed, and no one would be spared from the reckoning that was coming for them.
[A small figure about 1 meter long was laying on a stack of hay in the corner. The inner eyelids of the dragon were shaking as it laid there with its eyes closed. There were chains on all of its limbs, and the mana restriction chain was on its neck, making it unable to use any strength.]
The room grew tense as all eyes instinctively turned to the little dragon, nestled securely in the embrace of their father and siblings. Despite the weight of the horrors on the screen, the dragon remained resolute, watching the painful images unfold without flinching. The others could see the quiet determination in their eyes, an eerie calm that contrasted with the rage simmering in the hearts of the adults around them.
The sight of such a young soul, so unyielding in the face of past torment, was a stark reminder of the strength they all carried within them. This little dragon had endured unimaginable suffering, and yet here they were, unwavering, focused solely on the task at hand. It was enough to push the flames of anger to unbearable heights.
As the room simmered with quiet fury, Tboah Mila spoke up, her voice smooth but laced with a chilling undertone. "We need to ensure every detail is perfect. When we face our guest, we can't afford to miss anything. We can't risk disappointing him by leaving out even the smallest of details."
Her words were a clear signal to the others, a promise of what was to come. The air grew thick with anticipation and the desire for retribution. With the little dragon at the center of their resolve, they would make sure no stone was left unturned when the time for judgment arrived.
[“Hey.”
Cale crouched in front of the dragon. The dragon did not open its eyes even after Cale called out to it. Cale verified his watch. It was time to leave. He continued to speak to the dragon.
“Let’s leave.”
Cale used the key he had obtained from the torturer to undo the chains.
The dragon opened its eyes at that moment. Cale started to smile after looking at the dragon’s eyes.
It was still a very strong gaze. It had not lost its will to live just yet.
It was not the dying gaze that Choi Han had run into in the novel. It was still a gaze with a strong desire to live. That was why it was filled with energy, anger, and resistance.]
A collective breath of relief filled the room. The tension that had held everyone captive for so long seemed to ease as the weight of the situation lightened, if only slightly.
The presence of Tcf Cale, with his unwavering resolve, had been the key to ensuring that a life so nearly lost could continue to burn brightly.
His timely intervention had been the difference between a flickering flame of hope and one that had been snuffed out too soon.
The others couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. They knew how precarious the situation had been, how close they had come to losing something precious. But Tcf Cale had been there, steady as ever, to safeguard that spark.
In that moment, everyone was reminded once again of Tcf Cale's unique strength not just in combat, but in his ability to protect and nurture those around him. And that, more than anything, was what allowed them to breathe a little easier
[It was the gaze of a dragon.
“What a nice gaze.”
Cale lifted the dragon into his arms.]
Raon’s heart warmed as the memory flooded his mind. The first time his father held him had been an overwhelming moment—one of both fear and comfort. He hadn’t been able to fully enjoy it then, too young and too uncertain, but now, every moment he spent in his father’s arms was a treasure.
He smiled softly as he recalled how his human had struggled to carry him back then, his hands shaking from the effort of supporting his growing form. Yet, not a single word of complaint had escaped his lips. His father, though frail in some ways, never let his weakness show when it mattered.
And even now, as Raon lay comfortably in his father’s lap, feeling the gentle pats on his back, he noticed the faint tremor in his human’s leg.
It was small, almost imperceptible, but Raon knew it was there. His father was tired, his body still bearing the weight of all the battles they had fought, but he never let that stop him from giving Raon the comfort and love he needed.
"My human," Raon thought, his heart swelling with affection. Despite the weakness, despite the trembling hands and legs, his father was strong in all the ways that mattered. And that was enough for Raon. He smiled, content and at peace.