It was an unbelievable story.
A monster on the same level as a natural disaster being near Snowlake...
If the town were attacked, the damage would be catastrophic.
In the worst case, it could be completely destroyed.
“Wait, huh?”
Then, I realized something.
“Horn, you encountered the Purgatory Dragon quite a long time ago, right?”
“That's right. It must have been decades ago by now.”
“Decades ago?”
I found that a bit strange.
Could such a creature have been around all this time without causing any harm to Snowlake?
Sensing my doubt, Horn responded.
“It's thanks to Nonoka.”
“Nonoka?”
“You could say she got one last hit in... In the end, she sealed the Purgatory Dragon. Right now, it’s sleeping deep within a certain dungeon.”
“I see...”
To be able to seal the Purgatory Dragon—how incredible.
Incredible isn't even a strong enough word—it was truly amazing.
As expected of Licorice’s friend, I suppose.
Nonoka must have been extraordinary in many ways too.
“I came to Snowlake to fulfill a friend’s wish. All the requests I’ve taken until now have been in preparation for that.”
“I see... Wait.”
If he's going to fight the Purgatory Dragon, that means breaking the seal...
And if they can’t defeat it, the Purgatory Dragon would be released.
Would that mean Snowlake would become its target?
“It’s alright.”
Horn seemed to pick up on my concern and spoke gently.
“The creature is sealed in the deepest part of a dungeon. It's not just sleeping—it's locked inside a giant cage. Due to its massive body, it can’t escape, but we humans can go in and out freely.”
“I see.”
In that case, even if the subjugation fails, the Purgatory Dragon won’t be released.
I felt relieved...
But then I panicked—wait, no, this isn’t right!
“T-This is crazy!”
“What is?”
“Fighting the Purgatory Dragon is absolutely insane! You might not come back...!”
“That’s true.”
Horn seemed to understand everything.
That his sword might not even reach the Purgatory Dragon.
And that certain death awaited him.
Still, he remained calm and composed.
“Then why...?”
“There are times when a man must act.”
“...Ah...”
“Fate, if you're a man too, then you understand how I feel, don’t you?”
“...”
I couldn’t say anything back.
It might seem like foolish pride.
Some might laugh and say, “That’s just like a man.”
But still...
As Horn said, there are moments when a man simply has to act.
“Besides... I’m getting old. I’m still an adventurer, but who knows when my body will stop obeying me. That’s why, while I still can, I want to take revenge. I want to live a life without regrets.”
“I...”
With that, I couldn't object anymore.
To Horn, Nonoka must have been that important—a cherished partner.
To avenge her—
That’s only natural. I had no right to stop him.
“I’m glad I got to meet Nonoka’s friend at the end. It's become a good memory.”
Horn intends to die.
To face the Purgatory Dragon alone—it's utter madness...
But if he goes in with the resolve to die taking it down—maybe, just maybe...
But still...
“…Could you let me help as well?”
Before I knew it, those words had slipped out.
Horn’s eyes widened in surprise.
“…I’ll gratefully accept the sentiment alone.”
“Is that a no?”
“This is my battle. I cannot involve Fate, who has nothing to do with this.”
“I’m not someone unrelated.”
“Hm?”
“I’m Licorice’s friend… or rather, I consider myself family. And Nonoka is Licorice’s friend. So, we’re connected.”
“That is…”
“Besides, the seal won’t last forever, right? It might break due to some trigger. So, subduing the Purgatory Dragon is very important for Snowlake. It’s a battle to protect our home.”
“Hmm…”
I kept speaking without thinking, blocking Horn’s chance to back down.
Though the words came out on impulse, they seemed fairly convincing, as Horn wore a bitter expression.
“And also…”
“Also?”
“I don’t want to run away.”
I couldn’t just leave everything to Horn and pretend nothing happened.
That was absolutely not an option.
As a man and as a human being, I could say with certainty that this was a moment to take up the sword and fight.
After a moment, Horn let out a small sigh.
Then, he extended his hand toward me.
“I’m counting on you.”
“Ah... yes!”
I firmly grasped Horn’s hand in return.
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