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Chapter 72: The True Intention of the Exile

~Dragonewt Village, Fafnir’s Perspective~

「Chief, did you call for me?」

「Yeah, take a seat.」

Two days after Drake was banished, I was summoned by my father, the village chief, and was told the whole story behind the match to decide the next village chief.

The subject was so disturbing that I couldn’t hide my discomposure, but I also found out why Drake couldn’t perform at his best.

「Fafnir, there is actually something I have to tell you before you become the next village chief. What I’m about to tell you must not be revealed to anyone else.」

「Understood. So what is this regarding?」

「First, it was I who mixed the weakening potion in Drake’s food.」

「!! What do you mean!? It was supposed to be a sacred match! Then Drake was too…」

「That’s right. But in order to follow the tradition, I had no choice but to do so.」

「What tradition?」

From there on, my father spoke of a legend that was passed down only to the village chiefs of the Dragonewt tribe.

「Do you remember the story of the Great War between humans and demons 2000 years ago which I told you about when you were a child?」

「Yes, you had both Drake and I listen to it. In the end, the Demon Lord, who is said to have set up the Great War between Humans and Demons, was sealed away. The aftermath of the magic at that time changed the topography of the continent.」

「Yeah, but there’s more to that story.」

「What kind of…」

「”When the ravages of war come again, the Black Dragon will clad itself in ice and guide the light.”」

「…D-Drake?」

「Drake is the only person who has been able to transform into a Black Dragon after the Human-Demon War.」

「!! Then why was he exiled?! If that’s the case…」

「Do you know what Drake’s attributes are?」

「It’s Wind! What does that have to do with this?」

「Yes, it’s just Wind. Dragonewts have two attributes since the day they are born.

And the reason why he was exiled… Before the ravages of war come again, Drake must acquire the ice attribute and challenge the ice dragon trial in order to evolve.

For that, the cooperation of other races is essential… It would’ve been impossible for him to meet reliable companions had he remained in this village.」

「E-Evolve!?」

Since I was a child, I have been taught that the dragonewt race cannot evolve. Drake must be thinking the same too.

「The dragonewt race… can evolve. However, Dragon Emperor Quereble-sama is the only one who has evolved so far…」

Quereble-sama… A dragonewt who is said to have lived 2000 years ago. So that legend truly existed?

So that means, Drake was banished in order to acquire new powers and encourage his evolution…

I felt deep anger.

It’s not because the sacred match ended like that, or that the village chief didn’t trust me to defeat Drake without the weakening potion.

(There must have been another way! Why didn’t you tell Drake the truth! Drake respected you…)

I’m so frustrated that my tears are overflowing. My younger brother, who has been burdened with such a duty, was kicked out of the village without knowing why and he has to figure it all out on his own.

And there is nothing I can do for him…

「Why didn’t you tell Drake the truth…」

「If he knew, he wouldn’t have noticed his own weakness.

Those who do not experience setbacks and defeats cannot become strong.

I am burdening you with this task too, Fafnir. It’s okay even if you don’t forgive me for choosing this method. But just that, the next time Drake comes, help him out.」

I can understand what my father said.

The reason I’ve become so strong is because I’ve lost to Drake many times.

By knowing defeat, you can learn about your own weaknesses and broaden your horizons. Those who have never lost can be taken down by targeting their weakness.

「Okay. I swear I’ll definitely help Drake.」

More importantly, I wonder if Drake will really come back…

Drake was more considerate of others than anyone else in the village.

He had many friends and was liked by children and the elderly.

I’m sure he’s much better suited to be a village chief than I am.

However, since he has never been defeated in a battle and had a very high pride, I don’t think he will come back to the village on his own.

I just hope he hasn’t fallen into despair…

(Aaah… I’m really worried. Father probably feels the same.)

I don’t know where you are right now, but if the time comes where I can be of help to you…

I’ll definitely do my best.

Cause Drake, you will always be my precious little brother.