A little clue about where Cale is.

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Happy reading, hope this chapter was satisfying! (❁'◡'❁)
PS. Your comments make my day, thank you all the more *bow

[Few years later]

[Raon Miru's POV]

Raon Miru stared at the moving fingers.

These human fingers ... so small.

Blue eyes then caught his reflection in the mirror and widened when he saw the human form displayed there.

Unconsciously, those sky-blue eyes glazed over. There, was a familiar face. Short black hair above the shoulders, a pair of blue beads slit with a sparkle like seawater, pointed ears like an Elf, milky white skin that contrasted sharply with his hair, and the strong body of a healthy child.

Raon was stunned at the resemblance between his face and that of his human's, who has been missing for four years.

He was already 11 years old, passing his first phase as a teenage dragon, and thanks to Eruhaben's guidance, he was able to reach the level of transforming into a human.

"Donsaeng!" Raon snapped out of his reverie, looking back, seeing his noona, On and his hyung Hong, smiling smugly. They were also in their human form.

"Your face is just like Father's!" Hong exclaimed enthusiastically, holding his brother's cheeks, amazed at the obvious resemblance to their father.

"Yes. Very similar to our Father," On replied with a gentle smile. The now 17-year-old stroked her youngest brother's hair.

"Human forms of Dragons usually follow the memory of Mana. Seeing that you have a face similar to him... congratulations, Raon." Eruhaben's words curled the black dragon's tongue.

"Raon-nim." He looked at the powerful Choi Han, seeing the black-haired human giving the same teary smile.

"Strong Choi Han...," the youngest whispered through sobs. Choi Han began to kneel and opened his arms. Without waiting long, Raon ran to his Father's knight and hugged him tightly.

"I-I did it! I-I have become like a human, strong C-Choi Han!" Raon exclaimed with a trembling voice in Choi Han's arms. He could feel the other human nodding with a smile.

"Yes. You've done great, Raon-nim," he replied with an equally trembling though smaller voice.

"W-would Human be proud?" Hearing that small voice like a pained whimper, On and Hong quickly approached the youngest and joined in the hug.

"Of course, Ra. He'll always be proud of you," On said as she nuzzled her brother's dark hair.

"Yes! He'll always be proud of you, donsaeng!" Hong's hands took turns ruffling Raon's black hair.

As Raon disentangled himself from the embrace, he stared at the faces in front of him one by one.

"Hehe," grinned the little dragon with a big smile and beautiful blue eyes. Suddenly, everyone smiled at him.

"Excuse me, Raon-nim," everyone then glanced at Ron, the Henituse butler, standing at the door of their villa. There was a garment in his hand. Along with Beacrox who came to bring breakfast.

On the old man's face, there was a rare little smile.

"Congratulations on your achievement, great and mighty Dragon-nim." A sense of arrogance soared, making the old boy twirl his waist with a pompous snort.

"Humph! This kind of accomplishment is a piece of cake for the great and mighty Black Dragon like me," Ron nodded, still with a small smile.

"If the great and mighty Dragon-nim wears his clothes, then he will become very wise and dignified."

The room suddenly became silent.

Everyone suddenly looked at Raon and realized the little dragon was completely naked.

"... humans wear clothes, right?"

"Aaaaa! Give clothes to Raon!" On exclaimed blushing a little. Hong automatically closed his eyes. Choi Han trembled with laughter and Eruhaben snorted while shaking his head.

"Let this Ron help you, Young Master Raon."

10 minutes later, Roan stared in awe at the reflection of himself in the simple clothes he was wearing. A white shirt, dark brown blazer, knee-length black pants, brown socks and black shoes.

"These were Young Master Cale's clothes when he was the same age as you," Ron said in a soft voice. There was a light nostalgic look in his eyes as he adjusted the decoration on his chest.

"Really?!" Exclaimed the little Dragon excitedly. The butler nodded.

Raon then smelled the scent of his clothes and smiled smugly as he sensed his familiar human scent.

He was wearing his human's clothes!

Raon jumped with joy, calling out to his siblings in an enthusiastic voice, not forgetting to drag Choi Han along.

"This Ron remembers what Young Master-nim used to say." Raon turned to Ron, giving him full focus with a wide gaze.

"He intends to give the clothes he used to wear to Young Master Raon. Hmmm some new clothes have also been prepared," Ron said with a playful thinking face.

"Young Master has also prepared Young Lady On's debut outfit." Ron glanced at On whose eyes widened with surprise.

"And also training clothes for Young Master Hong." Then Ron finally gazed at a stunned Hong.

"Since Young Lady On will be making her social debut, Young Master Hong will be starting training soon and Young Master Raon has achieved his human form, would you like to take a look at your wardrobe?" Choi Han, Eruhaben and even Beacrox held back their smiles as they watched the three children tremble and nod with teary eyes (for Choi Han).

"Of course we will!" The three exclaimed swiftly.

"But first, eat your breakfast, Young Masters and Lady."

Gifts from Father are always the best!

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[Choi Han's POV]

"Come on strong Choi Han! I want to go around in this shape suit! Then we'll show off to the Cookie Prince! Aunt Tasha! Good Mary! Umm then smart Rosalyn! Gentle Lock too! Then the whale tribe! Harris Village! Then Father's younger siblings! Then-" Choi Han glanced at the tiny hand dragging him with a gentle smile on his face.

Raon's jet black hair seemed to glisten under the sunlight. His hand also did not stop dragging Choi Han where his human feet went, circling the capital of the Roan Kingdom.

He was currently accompanying the youngest who wanted to tell all his colleagues, acquaintances, relatives and the kingdom about his new achievement. On and Hong wanted to join, but were hindered by the classes they had. Both On with her debutante classes and Hong in the knight class with Young Lady Lily.

This leaves Choi Han as the only candidate capable of accompanying Raon to explore.

Lost in thought, the owner of the hand Choi Han was holding was silent. Just as the dark-haired man was about to ask, he paused to look at Raon who was now staring fixedly at the statue of Young Master Cale in the center of the capital. Choi Han found himself smiling at the statue.

It has been almost 4 years since the hero statue was erected and it is still as clean as when it was first unveiled to the public. Even the thin hood over the statue's head was still just as beautiful and had a strong magical aura. All the citizens of Roan and the world respected Cale that brought warmth into Choi Han's heart.

"Human... what are you doing out there?" murmured Raon in a voice full of longing. Making the black-robed knight smile wistfully. His hand moved to ruffle tweens jet-black hair.

"Must be trying to find a way home, Raon-nim," Choi Han replied in a confident tone. The black dragon, currently in its human form smiled slightly.

"Really?" Choi Han nodded.

"The Cale-nim we know, must be looking for a way home. Besides," Choi Han knelt in front of Raon, clasping the two tiny hands tightly with an affectionate smile on his face. "Cale-nim always said that he wanted to see Raon-nim grow up well."

Blue eyes widened at the trajectory of various emotions then began to well up with tears that did not spill over. Instead, the little boy smiled cheerfully and grinned brightly.

"Then, let's go to Cookie Prince!"

Glancing one last time at the statue of the hero Cale Henituse, the determination in Choi Han's heart continued to be strengthened.

Wait for us, Cale-nim. We'll bring you back home.

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[Alberu Crossman's POV]

The pile of documents in front of Alberu repeatedly made him think about running far far away.

Feeling, why are they multiplying and piling up every day?! Also, why do so many people want to move to his beloved Roan?! Building a business or selling Cale as a business?! Shit! Alberu wants to take a vacation to a tropical island!

"Nephew," called the voice of his savior and tormentor at the entrance. Along with sweet Mary, who had been a source of solace for Alberu lately.

"Auunntttie.... Maryyyyy" whined Alberu with no dignity pertaining his monarch status. His aunt Tasha, who was carrying another pile of documents in her hand, smiled sweetly. She could feel her nephew's sanity cracking and disappearing. Mary, on the other hand, opened the robe covering her head and gave a concerned smile.

"I-this..."

"From the outskirts. There's a problem with the fort there." Alberu's face became serious for a moment. The outskirts, which meant one of them was the region where his donsaeng-

"Henituse?" Tasha was silent. Meanwhile, Mary shook her head. Making the serious face fade back into a whimper.

"Auntie, if you're working with me as a secretary, why does it feel like it's piling up?!" Alberu complained even as his hands kept moving to sort out the documents.

"And where's the resident business administration?! Why does it have to be me? Poor Mary has to bear it too!"

"It's been almost four years but why does it feel like these documents haven't changed?!" the pile of documents was almost scattered by him, if only the door hadn't been knocked. There were only few people who dared to do this, as ordinary citizens needed another intermediary to come to them.

"Cookie Prince!"

"Ho! Raon-nim! Come... in?" Alberu's tongue felt heavy at the sight of a very familiar face entering the room. Despite having different features, that face... Alberu would never be able to forget it. Slit sea-blue eyes almost curved into a smile at the sight of the gaping Emperor.

"I have achieved my human transformation!" exclaimed the little dragon, earning an admiring look from Tasha. Choi Han, who accompanied him, chuckled. Sharing the little dragon's enthusiasm.

"Oh wow.. you.. you look a lot like donsaeng, Raon-nim." Alberu's words practically made Raon smile even wider and happier.

"Really?!" Emperor of Roan ignored his tiredness and nodded with a gentle smile of his own. Raon approached Mary and hugged the female Necromancer with a soft grin.

"How about good Mary?" a hand veined with dead mana stroked the little dragon's black hair with a gentle smile of her own.

"Very good, Raon-nim. Very similar to Young Master Cale." The little dragon hummed happily then turned to look at the blond-haired man. Unmoving from the embrace, blue eyes stared at the pile of documents with a small hiss.

"Quite the pile of work, Cookie Prince," Alberu, who was still immersed in memories chuckled with teary eyes. A hand rested on his chin as his heart beat with longing and Raon's human face felt like a cure for him.

"Hm. If Cale is back, he should get ready to become my Prime Minister." Raon gave a very cute protesting face.

"No way! Father hates being a minister! We promised to farm in the Dark Forrest!" Alberu burst out laughing. Cale's dream had always been one of the emperor's funniest jokes.

"Don't laugh, Cookie Prince! You're so annoying, ugh!"

"Aahahahha! I'm sorry, Raon-nim. B-but, isn't Cale very suitable to be a minister? He can help me, after all~" Alberu made a sad face with his trademark silver tongue that began to activate.

"My poor self, drowned by this pile of deadly documents. However, only the hero of Roan, Young Master Silver Shield, Cale Henituse can help me-"

"Aaahhh stop, Cookie Prince!"

"Well, that didn't work, huh!? Ha ha ha!"

The interaction between the two brought smiles to the faces of Tasha, Mary and Choi Han as they watched.

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[Rosalyn's POV]

Work at the Magic Tower was busy as usual.

While her research regarding the magic that could connect them to Young Master Cale was left to Glenn and Harol, Rosalyn had her own responsibilities to fulfill. Not to mention her status as the Magic Tower's Liege. The blind calls from all directions almost made her knees buckle with exhaustion.

"Archmage Rosalyn, there's a call from the Whipper Kingdom-"

"-ah no! If you arrange it like that it will all explode-!"

"-lyun! Orders for mana stones are increasing!"

"Aaaahhh the production team has collapsed!"

Moreover, they had launched many magic aids since last year. And now it was suddenly popular in the market and orders were booming. Even the Main Tower was unable to match these orders, let alone the Branch Towers.

"Wow... looks like smart Rosalyn is very busy," a familiar voice interrupted the irritated woman's thoughts. She hastily stood up from her seat at the Head of the table and was about to kneel down to greet the Dragon.

However, there was only silence on the face of the small black-haired child. Slit blue eyes that proved to be of noble descent, pale skin contrasting with his shiny black hair, elf-like pointed ears with a familiar mischievous fanged smile.

"Raon-nim?!" the little boy nodded and waved his hand. On the other hand, it was strange to see the same face as the greatly missed figure so cheerful. However, it somehow brought a gentle smile to the mage's face.

"I see. You've achieved your human transformation, hm?" Raon who came with Choi Han nodded cheerfully.

"Yes! And I want to tell everyone! After the smart Rosalyn, I'll tell Lock then the Whale Tribe, the Queen of the Forest, Harris Village-!" her exhaustion was forgotten as she listened to the cheerful chatter of the little dragon. Choi Han, on the other side of the door, waited with a calming presence.

If only Young Master Cale were here... Rosalyn could imagine that the young man would also be listening intently, giving apple pie in between explanations or reprimanding the little dragon if it crossed too many lines that would end in a swat to the head.

"-how are things going with the inter-dimensional portal, Rosalyn?" Choi Han's voice interrupted the red-eyed woman's reverie of a lost future. Although their project was progressing slowly, it did not mean there were no results.

"It's 73% complete, Choi Han. We're making rapid progress. Especially with the help of all the kingdoms making their donations. It won't be long before we find the light," Rosalyn explained honestly, bringing a smile that was so wide and sweet on Raon's human face.

"REALLY?!" Rosalyn nodded with a small chuckle. Joining in on the fun of the black dragon who was now doing a little dance with Choi Han who was also laughing.

"At the end of our journey, let's go to Goldie Gramp's place, strong Choi Han!"

"Okay, Raon-nim!"

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[Lock's POV]

The leader of the Blue Wolf Tribe smiled sweetly while waving at the children in the orphanage.

Thankfully, all the orphanages under Young Master Cale's care were running without a hitch. Walking freely in the Kingdom's capital was also as easy as breathing. The people's perspectives and their discrimination regarding beastmen or other tribes had changed entirely after the wars.

Lock's heart swelled with warmth and adoration for Cale Henituse, the figure who gave him and his family a home and a place to depend on when others turned their faces away.

Thanks to Young Master Cale, the average discrimination has also undergone a great change. The dark elves can be seen walking around freely in the broad daylight in the Roan capital.

"Gentle Lock?" Lock's wolf ears perked up at the sound of the little dragon's voice. He turned around to be welcomed with the sight of his usual dragon form, but it was now a 11-year-old human boy.

"Raon... nim?" The same blue eyes, like the blue sky, watery like the clear waters of the sea, slit like a dragon, curved with a joyful smile.

"Look at me, gentle Lock! Aren't I a genius?! The great and mighty Raon Miru has already achieved his human transformation! Goldie Gramp calls me a genius who appears once every thousand years!" Choi Han, by Raon's side chuckled.

"Isn't that what you said yourself, Raon-nim?"

"Hush, strong Choi Han. Let this great and mighty dragon do his glorious deeds without hindrance!"

"Whoa... Raon-nim! You look so much like Young Master Cale!" exclaimed Lock, almost feeling his eyes tear up at the sight of a face so familiar and longed for the last 4 years, appearing in front of him.

"Really!? Hehehe," grinned the young dragon as he rubbed his nose smugly.

"Of course it is, I'm his genius dragon!" Lock nodded, still amazed at the resemblance between Raon's human face and Young Master Cale's.

"Ah, Lock, any news from the orphanage?" Choi Han asked, eyes glancing at the documents in Lock's hand. The Wolf Leader smiled shyly and nodded.

"How is it so far?" The wolf's ears twitched happily.

"So far the news is good, Choi Han-hyung! The donation is still going smoothly and there aren't many internal problems. All the workers are well selected and have good backgrounds. The children also look happy. Many families are willing to adopt and we also provide a lot of evaluations for families who want to adopt-" explained Lock. He started to ramble but because it contained so much pride and joy, Raon and Choi Han listened with smiles.

Happy that Lock found his place.

"Aah, I'm sorry. Am I rambling again? Ugh, this habit of mine is a bit hard to change," Lock muttered shyly, reciprocated by a compact shake of the head.

"That's okay, Lock! I'm glad you got this job!" Choi Han nodded in agreement.

Cale himself had sent Lock to be the head of the Orphanage's management before the last war. Thanks to the help of Hans and Ron who taught him the administration and how things worked, Lock quickly became a respected leader of the association. Moreover, with his wolf nature keeping the pack safe both physically and mentally, the children found suitable families willing to adopt them.

"Eheheh, gentle Lock is so cool now~!" Raon hugged the wolf tightly. Lock smiled embarrassedly and patted his head.

"Thank you, Raon-nim! I hope Young Master Cale is proud of me." Choi Han nodded with a gentle look.

"Of course he would be proud, Lock. Cale-nim himself appointed you as the head of the orphanage. His choice can never be wrong." Lock's grey-blue eyes widened and filled with tears.

"Thank you, Choi Han-hyung." The black-robed knight's hand moved to pat his donsaeng's head.

"You're welcome, Lock."

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[Third Person's POV]

"Aaaahh! Noona! Stop drinking! Lady Cage! Stop making my Noona drink!"

"Tsk tsk tsk. This Paseton. Why so outdated, huh? You should imitate this Noona of yours! Look at her! Still going strong after one bottle!"

"Hmph. This human drink is no match for me, the leader of the Whale Tribe. Ho ho ho~"

"Wahhh, Lady Witira is great!"

"Aaaahhh! Don't praise her, Lady Amiru!"

"I guess that's enough..."

"Listen to Young Master Eric! Noona!"

"I think in the past month, tourists at Amiru Sea Tourism have increased dramatically. We've also been quite busy lately. So, your visits and gifts really help us relax, Marquess Taylor, Mr. Bud."

"Really? Glad to hear it then, Young Master Gilbert. Here, take another sip."

"If that's the case, shall we discuss other areas of potential tourist attraction, Young Master Gilbert? Gluk gluk gluk-"

"You've made him very drunk, Mr. Bud."

"Ah, really? I'm sorry, Your Majesty Litana... but this wine is the Henituse family's new release. Very good eheheh..."

"Even you yourself are already drunk it seems."

"Paseton! Where's our Young Head Mistress! Why did she run away during the meeting with the elders!"

"Archie-hyung!"

"Buahahah! Who wants to fight with me?! Let's bet on who can finish one more bottle of this shit!"

"Me, Toonka! Me! Shit! This wine is so good!"

"Ugh... Toonka, pls stop..."

"Poor Harol."

"Why are you here again, huh?! You have a job waiting for you, don't you? Bud also WHY ARE YOU HERE!"

"Hooo~ relax a little, man! You almost screamed!"

"Blah blah blah! Relax a little, Glenn! I'm fighting with this young lady!"

"Eheheheh, Witira-nim. I'm young she says~"

"You are indeed young, Cage-nim~"

That was the atmosphere that greeted Raon and Choi Han when they arrived at one of the balconies of the Ubar family's sea villa. Unexpectedly, Raon's visit which was originally to see the whale tribe, became one when he saw his father's other war comrades relaxing and partying lightly.

Still having some enthusiastic energy left, Raon teleported in the middle of the balcony.

"HI EVERYONE!!!"

The commotion that had erupted became instantly silent.

All eyes suddenly focused on a little boy around 11 years old standing there. His hair was jet black, almost pale white skin, contrasting with his hair and clothes. An aristocratic face, softened by baby fat, a small nose, and lips tucked with small fangs. However, the pair of slit blue eyes identified who the little boy was.

"Raon-nim?!" exclaimed Paseton as he broke the silence. Greeted by the little dragon's mischievous laughter.

"Yes! Welcome me! The great and mighty Black Dragon, Raon Miru!"

Silence returned but it only took five seconds for Cage, Bud and Toonka to exclaim in excitement.

"Whoah! The Little Dragon has turned human!" shouted Toonka, rising from his seat to sling Raon over his broad shoulder. Harol on the other hand began to tremble. Huh, the Mage's love for dragons was below the level of the elves.

"That's great! You look a lot like Young Master Cale!" said Cage, smiling softly. Raon, who was treated so excitedly and affectionately, laughed cheerfully.

"Like twins but younger!" chuckled Bud with a bright red face. Glenn sighed on his side but had a smile on his face.

"Eheheh, of course! I'm his son!" his comrades-in-arms all laughed and smiled ruefully. There was emotion in their eyes, the longing when they saw a face that was so similar to the figure that had disappeared 4 years ago.

"Congratulations on the achievement, Raon-nim." Taylor clapped his hands with an indulgent smile.

"What does this Little Dragon want as a gift?! This great queen will provide it, you know~!" called out Litana with the black panther purring happily at her side.

"Want a villa, Raon-nim?" asked Gilbert drunkenly, to which Eric agreed and Amiru laughed.

"Let's fight, Raon-nim! Aw-! Why did you hit me!" grumbled Archie rather sullenly at Paseton who was giving him a very scary look.

"Raon-nim is 11 years old and you're ASKING him to fight?!"

"Aahahahah! My little brother is already very great and brave, isn't he?!" exclaimed Witira off-kilter with thunderous laughter.

"I, Raon Miru, will gladly accept all gifts AND fights! COME AT ME EVERYONE~! AHAHAHAHAHAH!!!" the Little Dragon tried to give an evil laugh that fell adorable in everyone's ears.

"AHAHAHAH! LET'S GO TO THE WHIPPER KINGDOM!"

"Toonka! Stop spinning around, YOU'LL MAKE RAON-NIM SICK, MUSCLE SHITTY HEAD!"

"WHOAH! HAROL SWEARS! LOOK BUD!"

"MUST GO DOWN IN OUR HISTORY! NAH, YOU MUST DO THAT TOO, GLENN!!!"

"Ugh. How... pathetic."

"AHAHAHAH!"

Choi Han watched the commotion joyously. Seeing Raon so cheerful and loose among Cale's companions warmed the young man's heart. And how they were so accepting despite Raon's status as a dragon was also greatly appreciated. Regardless, Raon was treated like a real child.

"Sit down, Choi Han-nim. Enjoy this glass of wine with a beautiful view of the sea." Invited Litana, who was sitting nearby, patting a chair. There was a relaxed smile on the face of the Jungle's leader. The black-haired man nodded.

"Thank you, Litana-nim." The woman grinned cheerfully and handed him a drink. Laughing out loud as Gilbert was already high in front of her. Taylor was also already on the verge and pensive himself.

"Taking the little dragon for a walk?" asked Litana, her golden eyes not leaving Raon who was still playing among others. Choi Han nodded as he sipped his drink.

"Raon wanted to show off the human form to everyone," explained Choi Han, with a small laugh.

"It is indeed worth showing off. Moreover, he is very similar to Young Master Cale." Litana nodded, earning an approving purr from Ten.

"Thank goodness," Choi Han muttered, getting confused looks from Litana and Taylor.

"Why, Choi Han-nim?", Taylor inquired at his side.

"Everyone can still smile like this," the Korean whispered in a voice full of melancholy. There was a small, grateful smile on his young face.

"Oh, of course, Choi Han-nim," replied Witira who was suddenly present at the table with a wide smile. Her cheeks were bright red from alcohol.

"We must not show a sad face when we meet Young Master Cale later!"

"It really is as Noona said! We don't want Young Master Cale to be sad!"

"That's right. Especially since the sea villa hasn't been used at all yet. Gotta put on a cheerful face," Amiru said, earning cheers from Cage and Toonka.

"Cale is the reason we can smile. Doesn't that mean we should keep smiling and enjoying everything so as not to burden him when we meet later? Uhhh... this hyung misses you... uhuhuhu, Cale-!" The drunken Eric began to cry. Amiru and Paseton tried to soothe him by rubbing his back and shoulders.

"Then, we also have to keep things strong! Young Master Cale has put in all the effort and we must not step on the fruits of his efforts with useless grief!" exclaimed Archie with strength starting to come out.

"Wow... Archie has suddenly become wise," Cage whispered in a tone full of mock admiration. Witira also pretentiously nodded with a serious face.

"S-shut the fuck up! Why are you guys-!"

"AAHAHAHAH! I CAN'T BE SAD! MY FRIEND WILL BE SAD TOO!"

"FOR YOUNG MASTER CALE!!" everyone grabbed their wine glasses and cheerfully raised them into the air at Bud's exclamation. Eyes then looked at Raon who was holding his own apple juice. The little dragon grinned sweetly then raised his glass up.

"FOR HUMAN, MY FATHER!"

"CHEERRSS!!!"

For the umpteenth time, Choi Han laughed again that day.

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"Are you tired, Raon-nim?"

"Ehehehe! No! The party was awesome, strong Choi Han! Playing games with Cage and big Toonka was so much fun too! Glenn was terrible though, losing so fast. Poor Paseton, had to drag his Noona and Archie into the sea. It's a good thing the Queen of the forest helped them even though the panther had to get wet, hihihi." Choi Han laughed at Raon's babble on his back.

"It's good that Raon-nim is happy."

"What about the strong Choi Han? Aren't you happy too?" the sword master carrying the small child nodded cheerfully.

"Poor Young Master Gilbert, he's been so drunk from the beginning of the party."

"How funny! Eric and Amiru should drag him along too!"

They talked happily all the way back to Super Rock Villa.

"Where are you visiting tomorrow, Raon-nim?"

"Hmmm~ how about the vampire's place?! The cake! I miss vampire's cake! Let's take Noona and Hyung too! Then we'll go to Goldie Gramp's place to check on our project!"

"Arasso, arasso. Then, Raon-nim should sleep well tonight." The young dragon nodded enthusiastically.

"I'll wear father's pajama! Eheheh!"

"You will look very cute."

"No! I'm handsome, strong Choi Han!"

"But, cute is also handsome, Raon-nim."

"...really? Why does it feel like you're lying, strong Choi Han? Hmmmm-"

"Ahahaha!"

"Don't laugh!"

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[Eruhaben's POV]

Look at this little dragon.

Ravaging the nest with the vampire at his side.

"... why did you invite that creature here, again?" asked the golden dragon. Could feel his head begin to throb painfully with the flamboyant exclamations of Duke Fredo who was feeding cake to the black dragon and the two cats.

"Because Vampire King wanted to visit and help too! Didn't you?!"

"Ohohohoho! Raon-nim is very understanding of this Vampire King!" exclaimed Fredo loudly. The vampire subordinate looked at the ancient dragon grimly. Looking just as headache-stricken as Eruhaben. Slit golden eyes then glanced at Choi Han who immediately looked away.

"Don't you have anything else to do?" The human with warped time smiled sweetly. Already getting good at putting on a sincere and businesslike face. Cale's frightening influence.

"Of course I do, Eruhaben-nim. I'm working to oversee that everything runs smoothly and properly."

Smoothly and properly your ass.

"How's the project going so far, Mr. Eru?" The golden dragon gave Fredo a sardonic look.

"... don't call me 'Eru', damn it." Why else would he allow these creatures into his lair?

Ah, damn yeah.

It had been determined that his territory would be the place to build their Interdimensional project that had been running for over three years. The golden dragon felt like swallowing acid whenever the outside of his lair was filled with various races. Be it humans, elves, dark elves, tiger tribes, wolf tribes, whale tribes and many more.

Eruhaben had to admit. The sight of the various races mingling without scorn and discrimination almost brought tears to his tired old eyes. Not like he wouldl ever admit. Cale, with his simple command was able to unite them under one goal, which turned from business partners to friends.

The golden dragon sighed, picked up one rune array and walked towards the semi-temple (?) buildings built so grandly with portals inside them.

"Ah, Jack," greeted Eruhaben, rather softly to the young man who was now 20 years old. With his high position in the Church of the Sun (which had been purged of corruption), the boy gave off the aura of a dashing young man who could be relied upon.

"Eruhaben-nim!" greeted Jack, smiling softly, making his golden eyes shine ugh... beautifully. Eruhaben was sure, this young man was capable of making many women fall in love with him just with his smile.

"How's the purification going so far?" Jack nodded with a serious expression.

"Hmmm still manageable, Eruhaben-nim. The amount of foreign mana surrounding the portal is somehow increasing." the old dragon began to smirk.

"It can be said that our project has reached 81%." Jack's golden eyes widened in surprise.

"That drastic?" The golden dragon nodded in satisfaction.

"That means we're nearing our destination. Because the more foreign mana that comes, it means that our portal has reached that far. In other words, it's like we've entered the layer that contains that mana-" explained Eruhaben who began to be noted by the local researcher and Jack.

"Judging from your explanation, that means we just need a trigger to connect the portal with that world? Since you said we've already reached it." Eruhaben nodded briefly at Fredo's opinion, who was now present behind him and was followed by Choi Han as well as the children.

"That's right. We need something that can connect with Cale."

"Hmmm an example, nya?" asked Hong curiously. Fredo smiled sweetly, making his eyes curve like crescents.

"Like Young Master Cale's blood or hair." Silence engulfed the room. Then, all eyes looked at Eruhaben who sighed but nodded reluctantly.

"Yes. Blood is better than hair." Raon's face paled slightly at that. So did Choi Han. The only unfavorable memory of Cale was always about that man vomiting his blood.

"But, we don't have Father's blood," On said with a sad face. Hong nodded at her side with the same sadness but his face brightened as he remembered.

"If it's Father's hair, there's still some when we trim it at the Villa," Hong said softly. Eruhaben nodded.

"Better to have some than none." Then, the slit golden eyes looked at all the residents sharply and seriously.

"Everyone, call each head researcher here. If you are unable to attend, contact via the communication ball and keep the communication uninterrupted. We must maximize the project to 95% this time." Everyone nodded.

"How about combining the rune in your hand with mine, Mr. Eru?" Fredo, with an unceremonious arrival approached with a smile that was still just as wide.

"... explain," replied the golden dragon reluctantly.

"This rune is one of the relics of the Endeable Kingdom's Mage back in the day. I think, this rune has the same pattern as yours, it's just that it has been added with a Cross-Rune like this. Hmm it's a bit the opposite of yours, but the similarities..." Golden eyes glanced between the two ancient sheets and nodded in agreement.

"Hmmm. It's reversed, but obviously the flow is the same. The symbols are also not-"

"-I have the same opinion, Mr. Eru. If these papers are combined into one and bring them before the light-"

"Jack-"

"Ah, wait a minute-"

"Just as I thought, Mr. Eru! Look! The union of these two papers creates another rune line. We can see the Cross-Rune have one other path here-!"

"Raon, try using your vision magic-"

"It's getting clearer. Did the mage from your kingdom use paper specialized for runes? Where did he get it from-?"

"Eheheh, Interkingdom Secrets, Mr. Eru~"

And 3 hours later, the project room was filled with the head researchers of various departments alongside their representatives.

Like Rosalyn who was the Chief Researcher of Interdimensional Space Magic. The Archmage had worked hard to study the magic around the portal and had produced very satisfactory results. Together with Mary, Hannah and Jack as her representatives. Mary and Hannah detect which mana is dead or foreign and work with Jack as the purifier to get rid of it.

Then there were Bud, Glenn and Harol as well as Princess Jopis who became the Chief Material Provider. With Bud's extensive connections, Glenn's and Harol's sensitivity to magic, as well as Princess Jopis's spiritual powers , it helped the project run fast and materials to be always there if they are needed. The other tribes also helped in this department with their closeness to nature.

There was the Chief Rune Researcher consisting of Eruhaben himself along with several dragons affiliated with Cale and the surprising Duke Fredo, as the Vampire had a vast stash of magic runes and documents of his own.

And finally the Chief Sponsor who provided the money as well as the place to fund the project was led directly by Alberu Crossman, the First Emperor of Roan Empire. Along with Leaders from other Kingdoms such as Mogoru (who had changed status), Caro, Whipper, The Jungle, Breck, even foreign ones such as Norland and Askosan as well as reluctant ones such as Paerun.

Western Continent fully supports this project.

"How is it, Eruhaben-nim?" Alberu, forgetting all about his busy schedule, soon came to the research site, smiling politely at the other staff mages before facing the Ancient Dragon with a serious face who was discussing something with Rosalyn and Fredo.

"So far it has increased to 91%." Whatever the annoying vampire was bringing up was obviously very helpful. It went from 73 to 91 in portal accuracy.

"So, what touch can make it go to 100%?" For a moment, the atmosphere around him fell silent, making the side of Alberu's lips twitch.

"Umm... we should have something related to Cale, Your Majesty" Bud said from his communication ball with an awkward smile.

"What. Is. That?" the Emperor emphasised in an annoyed voice.

"We need Young Master Cale's blood." All the newcomers' eyes widened at Rosalyn's answer. Alberu sighed, looking instantly exhausted.

Of course, if it is the knowledge of runes it would always be related to blood.

From everyone's expression, it was clear no one had it. All the memories of Cale coughing up blood or getting injured were thrown away because it was just a trauma for them.

"Umm, I think, I know who has it," an unexpected voice spoke up. On who was sitting awkwardly on one of the chairs in the room said while raising her hand.

"Who is it, On?" asked Choi Han softly. It must have been nervous to be stared at by all the eyes in the room.

"... Clopeh Sekka of the Paerun Kingdom," said On shyly.

A deafening silence engulfed the room. Hong began to snuggle closer to On and Raon who was not far from them tilted his face in confusion.

All had such cold, oppressive faces with a frightening aura. Duke Fredo also had the same aura although the man only smiled. Even the one from the communication sphere had terrifying expressions.

"... very good thinking, On." Eruhaben broke the silence with a serious nod.

"Choi Han, Raon. You've done enough to fetch our guests here, haven't you?" asked the Golden Dragon, being the only sane one among the others.

Except... he was the most abnormal one among them with a small smile on his face.

********

Clopeh Sekka was discovered by Raon when the crazy bastard secretly built a monument to Cale's statue in the middle of the Norland Kingdom's path.

Not forgetting Choi Han destroying the Cale statue or Raon burning it, Clopeh was unceremoniously dragged into the center of the research room.

"AH! WAS I FINALLY GIVEN PERMISSION TO MEET MY LEGEND AGAIN?!"

"Shut the fuck up." The oppressive magic of the Golden Dragon made some of them, especially Clopeh, cower.

"Get on with it." Eruhaben crossed his arms with a condescending look.

"Where did you hide Cale Henituse's blood?" the Sekka sedge heir's green eyes widened in surprise.

"H-how do you know-?!" his hands reflexively closed, refraining from revealing his treasure further. Judging from the room's increasingly oppressive atmosphere.

"Damn. You're fckin' disgusting," muttered the Golden Dragon, not hiding his disgusted and disturbed face. This Paerun's obsession with the unlucy bastard, his son, was not healthy.

"Hahhh... there's no need to waste time. I give you time to bring everything here in 5 minutes."

"B-but! My Cale-nim's blood! I need it to fuse in my veins-!" Jack was already muttering a prayer. Suddenly wishing that whatever possessed this crazy bastard's soul would disappear immediately.

"Choi Han. Keep an eye on this dipshit."

5 minutes later and everyone stared reluctantly at the hand-sized bottle of blood in front of them. My God, how did this bastard collect it? On and Hong were already pale at the sight of their father's blood in a bottle while Raon couldn't hold back his magic due to rage.

"Kick him out or lock him up. Don't let this bastard near us-"

"NO! I WILL WITNESS THE RETURN OF THE LEGEND! O GREAT CALE-NIM! WHAT A SERVANT LIKE ME-!" Alberu immediately distanced himself as the Paerun bastard began to pray and linked hands with a flushed face that had a pervert-like smile.

He politely asked the nearest person to cover the children's eyes.

After the disturbance disappeared, everyone watched solemnly and expectantly as Eruhaben and Fredo began to arrange their latest runes around the portal. Along with Rosalyn and the rest of the Mage troops who were ready to charge, Mary and Hannah who were prepared for dark or foreign magic, and Jack and the other priests who were ready with purification magic.

There was a certain magic that thickened in the air when the rune was properly installed. Making all the encircling carvings gradually glow golden as a strange cracking sound was heard.

"Mage." Rosalyn nodded, beginning to channel the magic she had learned over the years, with her companion supporting from behind.

They watched as the portal began to emit a kind of dark (?) glow from each of the symbols surrounding the rune that coalesced in the center of the circle.

"From this side, Jack." Mary's mechanical voice pointed at any part that threatened to emit foreign mana.

"Damn, there's a lot of it," Hannah muttered starting to sweat as she tried to manage the foreign power from escaping. Jack by her side also had the same expression.

"How is it so far?" Glenn, who was behind their surveillance device nodded. There was an expectant smile on the man's face.

"So far so good, Eruhaben-nim." The Golden Dragon nodded.

"Vampire, now." Fredo nodded. He carefully began smearing blood on the Cross Rune formula they had created. The blood then began to glow golden along with the phosphorescence which began to spin ferociously and had a dark blue color, cosmic purple with star spots.

"The accuracy is still increasing rapidly! It's already at 100%!" Glenn exclaimed, gulping nervously.

Then, all eyes saw the glow emit a deafening buzzing sound and a terrifying crack.

"Keep going! We've reached the boundary with the world Cale's in," Eruhaben exclaimed through gritted teeth. His golden eyes shone determinedly and sharply at whatever greeted them later beyond the portal.

"My m-magic!" Clucking, the Golden Dragon channelled the power of his own and the other entrusted dragons did as well. Together with Raon and the Vampire himself acted to make the crack even more obvious.

"Th-there's something blocking us!"

Everyone could feel it.

Alberu who was standing not far from the portal, close to On and Hong, could see that there was an eye and a huge existence behind the darkness. Choi Han reflexively grabbed his own sword along with the others at the ready.

There was a blue screen, appearing suddenly and imprinted with a blurry presence in the center of the portal. The writing moved into what they recognized as the Roan language.

[' ■o■■i■n ■x■s■te■■e' ■s l■■k■ng a■ t■e '■■re■■n ■ar■a■■es']

"Who are you?! Why are you blocking us!" growled Eruhaben at whoever was blocking them, easily stopped the attempt to stay connected.

"NO! DON'T-!" Raon broke away from Eruhaben and Choi Han's side, starting to approach the portal with tears in his eyes. Staring directly at the owner of the presence behind the portal with a heart filled with longing and hope.

"-LET ME MEET MY FATHER!"

"HUMAAANNN!"

At this cry, the foreign presence that was so oppressive stopped for a moment. For a few seconds in the deafening silence, they could feel a light shift of regret that turned back to cold.

[■ S■ig■■ h■s b■e■ u■ed ]

And their strength just stopped. Dismissed like an insignificant light breeze. Rosayln was already kneeling in exhaustion, who was immediately smothered by Lock. Meanwhile, Mary, Hannah and Jack were already shouldering each other tiredly.

"Who was it?" Alberu's murmur echoed in the room and the communication sphere. Eruhaben snorted, fixing himself with Choi Han who was trying to calm Raon who was crying in his arms.

"Apparently, the 'Authority' alluded to by the God of Death in that world." Cage, who was silent in the communication ball with Taylor nodded.

"S-so scary," Hong whispered in fear.

"Did we fail?" asked On with a disappointed look on her face. Eruhaben was silent for a moment before glancing at Fredo who began to smile.

"Our efforts were not too unsuccessful," said the vampire in a soft, lilting voice, making Raon stop and look over with eyes wide with tears.

"We managed to create a 'crack' between that world and ours. Like, we managed to establish our power? So, you could say we were very successful in this crazy project," Fredo explained, starting to clap. Eruhaben nodded, giving a small, vicious grin.

"Humph. Of course we're going to succeed."

While the others began to chime in, Raon's blue eyes did not leave the portal with mild confusion in his heart. His mind wandering back as he cried out his heart's longing, Raon could feel the unfamiliar presence pause and send 'regret' to him.

What was it?

Why was the stranger sorry?

Did the man behind the portal know his human, Cale Henituse?

But... how?

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.
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Yep. As you can see, this Interlude is related to what happened in the previous chapter

I hope the storyline is still stable ψ(._. )>