Chapter 35: Catastrophe (3)

Boom.
The black and red dragon's landing created a large crack on the icy surface.
<Halmut> was a neighbor of planet Willarv. This planet was covered with thick ice instead of land,
and underneath was a dark sea of unknown depth. Although this planet was inhospitable to humans,
it was not a problem for Tak.
Come on out, Utpala!!!!
Humans would be unable to hear him. However, to any sura on this planet, his booming shout
would be loud enough to be heard completely around its surface. Tak was fine in such an
environment, but Ian wouldn't be. Exposure on this planet for even a moment would freeze her to
death. In the old days, when Utpala was blinded by jealousy, he would even kill nastikas outside of
enemy clans, so the odds that he caught Ian and brought her here safely were slim.
What if Utpala had already killed her?
What if he tread on her corpse the same way he tread on the corpses of nastikas?
Could I keep my promise to Utpala?

"No matter what you do, I will forgive you, Utpala."

The promise from the distant past resurfaced. No matter how long ago he made it, it was still a
promise made to kin, and Tak would never go back on his word. But Ian was a human he'd only
recently met, wasn't even kin, and was certain to die within 1,000 years, a mere speck of dust
compared to Tak's lifetime.
Following his own principles, he should definitely forgive Utpala, who had previously done even
worse things than this, yet Tak forgave him every time. Breaking the promise over an insignificant

human was no joke.

......
But an emotion such as anger did not abide by such calculations.
When he found Ian lying silently on the cold ice, Tak's mind went completely blank.

The Finite Chapter 35: Catastrophe (3)

WhooshTak hurried to her side, but stopped when Ian disappeared like a mirage. He then backed away.
As if on cue, the ground where Ian had been lying broke apart, and seawater gushed up. After
coalescing mid-air, the water glowed blue and formed into a dragon smaller than Tak.
The source of blue light surrounding his body appeared to be two blue-gray horns, curved into
majestic shapes. His entire build was held up by black wings adorned with red marks. In
comparison, his weak-looking limbs seemed unfit for a ground environment, but it didn't matter in
flight. He had a lean, curved shape, mostly black with many parts covered by red carapace. There
was no doubt that it was a red and black dragon.

You found me very quickly... Well, this is the only advantageous location for me, however slight
the advantage may be.
Where is Ian?
Aren't you curious as to why I'm here?
Where is Ian?
Long time no see, huh? I did tire of all the trouble-making, when you wouldn't look at me...
Utpala!!!
Tak's impatient shout shattered the ice all the way to the horizon. Only then did Utpala stop talking
and looked at him.

Where. Is. Ian?!

......
Is she dead?
......
After a brief silence, Utpala flapped his wings and tilted his body. He then spoke.

What if I did kill her?

......
What would you do if I did?
......
The planet went silent as the atmosphere around Tak shifted.

You remained indifferent to all news about me, yet here you are now because of a mere human.
Taksaka, when did you become such a romantic guy?

......
Well, a lot of time did pass for both of us, for us to change so drastically...
......
Consider this logically. She was only a human, living and dying in a single moment...
Utpala, who was the only one speaking, was quickly silenced with a fierce glare. Tak appeared
before him at a speed that seemed impossible for such a gigantic being.

Taksaka, wait....
Utpala tried to say something, but he didn't have time.
Tak knew that his opponent couldn't be killed by simply twisting his neck. With his exoskeletonlike armor-clad arm, he grabbed Utpala by the neck and hurled the other dragon toward Halmut's
sky.

Taksaka!!!
......
Utpala appeared to shout something in despair. But Tak didn't seem to hear anything.

This place where Ian was killed...

Begone.
With one word from Tak, Halmut's entire icy crust was smashed into pieces.

To be continued.