Erza sat on the train, gazing out the window at the lush green mountains and winding rivers, her thoughts surging like the tide.
Recalling the past, growing up with those lovely companions, the times they laughed, cried, and struggled together—these scenes played back in her mind like a movie, every moment a precious memory.
Now that she had a mother and father who loved her, she had no more regrets in life.
She unfolded the ss-class mission in her hand, read it once more, and rested her chin on her left hand in thought.
Although this mission involved dragons, she could sense that the dragons weren't the main focus of this task.
Because her mom said this mission was absolutely safe, and fighting dragons was clearly not safe, then the problem was... "Dragnof Kingdom..."
Erza murmured softly; this might be a very important opportunity for her to truly understand her parents.
Just then, a gentle voice interrupted her thoughts: "Hello, are these your companions?"
Erza looked over to see a gentle and dignified flight attendant, and behind her were Natsu, Happy, Gajeel, and Lilly, all motion-sick to the point of rolling their eyes.
Happy pounced over in surprise: "Erza!"
Erza caught Happy, a helpless expression on her face: "I knew you guys would definitely come."
Those two were already obsessed with dragons; even if the Guild Master strictly forbade it, they wouldn't listen.
As for why Wendy didn't come, it could only be said that she was more obedient—a good child.
Natsu lay on the floor, shakily reaching out a hand: "Save me, Erza..."
Erza nodded: "Understood!"
With one punch each, she knocked the two of them out, then grabbed their clothes and tossed them onto the opposite seats.
Lilly watched in utter shock. Was this the kind of help Natsu and Gajeel wanted? If he'd known, he could have done it himself.
Happy, however, was unfazed. Since Irene hadn't come, this was Erza's standard operating procedure when going on missions together in the past.
He looked at the mission in Erza's hand and asked curiously, "Are we really going to slay a dragon?"
Erza looked at the scenery outside the window and said softly, "Perhaps..."
...Dragnof Kingdom
In the palace hall, a man clad in black armor sat on the steps below the throne, surrounded by purple magic power, his entire being exuding a terrifying aura.
At that moment, a tall man stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Number One, the plan is proceeding as scheduled. The people believe the prophecy without a doubt."
The man in black armor nodded slightly: "Number Eleven, you've done well. Ensure the people are prepared. Next, as the Guardian General of the kingdom, I have been gravely wounded by an Evil Dragon and am on the verge of death; I will no longer appear."
Number Eleven's gaze lowered, and he said somewhat reluctantly, "Are you really prepared? This kingdom is..."
Number One frowned slightly: "There is no need to question my resolve. You only need to obey!"
"Remember, I have waited four hundred years for this moment. Anyone who disrupts my plan will not be forgiven, and that includes you!"
"Understood!"
...Three days passed in a flash. In the shimmering light of dawn, Erza and the others finally stepped into Dragnof Royal City.
The interior of the royal city was very prosperous, with people coming and going, vendors shouting on the streets, and a dazzling array of gourmet shops. Not far away were many classically beautiful Magic Guild buildings, sparkling brilliantly under the morning sun.
The royal palace was the tallest building in the entire city, towering above the Magic Guilds and reaching into the clouds like a guardian deity standing in the rear.
The three humans and two cats walked down the road, watching as Mages in ornate clothing passed by from time to time. Everyone's faces were filled with confidence and pride, as if showing the world the kingdom's prosperity.
Natsu didn't see the prosperity; instead, he looked at the clothes of the passersby with a face full of confusion: "Their clothes are so retro, it's like they're out of touch with the times."
The clothes here weren't at all like the novel styles of other kingdoms; instead, they had a conservative elegance of a classical style.
"Not only do the buildings have an ancient style, but even these magic runes look like they've stepped out of history."
Surprise showed in Erza's eyes as she reached out to touch the complex magic runes carved on the city walls; every stroke contained profound ancient power and wisdom.
Gajeel, who preferred to act after planning, had inquired about this kingdom before coming and explained, "It's said that this kingdom doesn't even have a king, which is why they don't like communicating with the outside world."
"The person currently in charge of the kingdom is known as the Number One Dragon Slayer General. As for why he hasn't claimed the title of king, it remains a mystery."
Gajeel said seriously, "The most important thing is that the Number One Dragon Slayer General is very likely an ancient being who has lived from four hundred years ago until now, living in the world since the Dragnof Kingdom was founded."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was shocked: "Lived for four hundred years?"
What kind of existence could possibly have such a long lifespan?
Gajeel nodded: "It might just be a rumor, but historical records show that the supreme ruler of this kingdom has always been the Number One Dragon Slayer General."
Erza was curious: "Maybe every generation of rulers inherits the title."
Everyone fell into thought; this conclusion was the most plausible. It was truly hard for them to imagine someone living for four hundred years.
Natsu laughed and said, "Since he's called the Number One Dragon Slayer General, he must be a Dragon Slayer Mage or someone who has eliminated a dragon. I definitely have to test my strength against him."
Erza gave him a punch to the head, driving Natsu straight into the ground, and cautioned, "Don't be rude when we meet that lord. Even if he's called a general, his status is essentially the same as a king."
She was here for a mission and didn't want to be thrown into prison for offending such a high-ranking figure.
Happy pulled Natsu out of the ground with all his might and vowed, "Let me keep a good eye on Natsu!"
"That promise isn't very convincing," Erza said, curling her lip.
This guy was cut from the same cloth as Natsu; otherwise, why would they hang out together every day?
Gajeel suddenly asked, "By the way, did you check what the mission reward is?"
Erza said, "The reward is 1 billion Jewels, plus the ability to make any request of the kingdom."
Natsu laughed loudly. "Any request? That's too exaggerated. Isn't he afraid we'll ask for the whole kingdom?"
Happy said excitedly, "I want ten thousand fish!"
Gajeel snorted in contempt. "What kind of crappy wish is that? I'm going to pack up and take all the iron in the kingdom!"
Lilly asked, puzzled, "Is iron really that delicious?"
"Fish is what's delicious!"
"Fire is delicious!"
"Iron is the most delicious!"
The two humans and one cat instantly broke into a scuffle.
Hearing their argument, Erza also felt it was a bit exaggerated and mused, "Perhaps there are some unstated restrictions. We'll find out when we see the Number One Dragon Slayer General."
She kicked the two humans and one cat away, shouting in anger, "Quiet down, you bastards!"
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