464. Engraved 3

『Y-you! How do you know that?!』

The dragon bellowed, not the Chief but probably the Elder; apparently no longer interested in having its claws and horns carved. Seems like one question in particular is something not even the Chief is aware of; only the Elder, the one entrusted with the issue.

『That matter should only be known to a few trustworthy members of the clan. No human could possibly know about that…』

Of course, many humans would be informed about the ruins investigation. The other elder dragons should also know since they approved of subcontracting the demons and beast-men to work for them.

So the Elder is most likely referring to the question after that, about the “invasion from another world.” No, it’s possible that the dragons involved have given everyone else a good enough excuse and is keeping the true reason a secret…

「It’s not what you think! I just pieced it together from circumstantial evidence.
Three times, we have witnessed what appeared to be a dimensional rift; the evil cult summoning ritual, the dwarven village mines, and while investigating the Alban Empire.
There are also the new species of monsters we’ve encountered and subjugated.
As well as the ancient civilization that created a mural depicting peace and harmony; but then left behind war machines—not like, Gundam or whatever—but golems whose only merit was its durability, designed for defensive battles. Oh, there were many different types but only the simplest and sturdiest survived the ages.」

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Sure, the golems have a complex core which controls all their functions located at the center of their bodies; but the rest of their body are very simple in design, so their repairs only requires a minimal amount of effort and materials. Especially for Rock Golems and the like. Since the Scavengers are merely used for logistics and are quite nimble, they rarely get into fights and can deftly avoid total destruction. Their occasional malfunction can be easily repaired by themselves or by their fellow Scavenger, again without requiring much materials.

Those that require special components for repairs were left alone. Scavengers were unable to procure the rare resources due to their previous restrictions. And, even though they can work around the restrictions; if they try to gather raw materials forcibly, the humans will retaliate and start subjugating them, rendering their previous arrangements moot. It was inevitable—the deterioration of complex defense structures and equipment. As time passes without routine maintenance and repair, eventually, their gears will grind to a halt. Ceasing all operations. Forever.

However, that certainty has all but vanished… Now that Mile have lifted their restrictions.

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『Wha-…』 The Elder was shocked still.

No wonder. That knowledge has been secretly passed down through many generations of Elders. This was so critical that even an insurance was created; the duty given to a “Hidden Elder,” whose sole purpose is to make sure that particular knowledge is preserved in case the Elder dies before passing it down. The intel that was secured with such a clandestine tradition, shrouded in layers of secrecy, unknown even among the entire elder dragon clan… Was casually inquired of by a short-lived creature, whose race had long since forgotten its roots.

『Gugugu…』 The Elder dragon groaned and answered Mile’s question.

『…There are a lot animal-eared lolis in the Beast-men’s village, but you wouldn’t find any in this area…』

「「「That one?!」」」

Reina and the others perfectly played the straight man… With Mile looking disappointed in the background.

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For the elder dragons, this classified intel—their true history—remains undisclosed to the ordinary citizens of the clan. Of course, the other races wouldn’t know about it too, except for a few individuals. Although, if this secret was NOT leaked but uncovered, the Elders would NOT interfere or even think about killing just to keep the secret. Well, in the past, there must have been people who knew or figured out the truth. Hearing that brought Mile some peace of mind.

Going back to the conversation—『If a person already has a general grasp of the situation, then it’s fine to divulge more information instead. On the contrary, if a close but slightly wrong interpretation were to spread, then that would be a problem.』 The Elder thought that it would be better to reveal the truth.

Moreover, if a partial ‘fact’ is to be passed on to the ruling class of humans, it could lead to disaster; a recurrence of the ‘Great Demi-Human War.’ It’s only reasonable that the Elders would decide to give away a certain amount of information. Then, the Elder started to recite a story.

『From time long since… In world of yore, humanity hath erected a civilization highly advanced— 』

「Wait! Why are you suddenly talking the old-fashioned way?」

『Well, it is an old story…』

「Oh, I see…」

The Elder unwittingly sidestepped Mile’s tsukkomi and continued…

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A long time ago in this world, there used to be people that have developed a highly advanced civilization. However, they were ravaged by a certain catastrophe, from which they survived; but that survival came at a price, almost everything they’ve built were reduced to ruins. If that catastrophe were to happen once more, they were doubtful that they can withstand it again. Left with no other choice, some survivors escaped this world aboard a flying ship that can soar beyond the heavens; leaving behind a number of people…

For the sake of those who were left behind, remained here were the Seven Sages, the last bastion of humanity.

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Prepare.

Protect.

A newfound power.
A newfound friend.

「I entrust to you, wisdom and power.」
「Perrot-chan. Protect the children.」

An ancient promise.

A vow.
A duty.
A raison d’être.

Forgotten knowledge…
Ruined civilization…
Mankind adrift…

And the destruction
that will come anew…
Invaders…

「Perrot-chan. Protect the children.」

「Perrot-chan. Protect the children.」

「Perrot-chan. Protect the children.」

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「Perrot-chan is…」

『Perrot-sama, is one of the “12 Primogenitors.” The elder dragons’ earliest ancestors.』 The Elder said, answering Mile’s question.

「「「「… … … …」」」」

This is not myth. But reality.

A world-ending disaster.

Evidenced by the fact that, except when provoked, the elder dragons does not actively harm humans. They do not act unless there is extensive destruction of nature or a genocide attempt against another race.

「”Primogenitor,” which means—nobody else before it.」

『… … …』

『You cannot say that with certainty, you were not there when it happened. Well, neither was I, but that knowledge was passed down to me with purpose, according to tradition.』

『… … …』

Although the other girls couldn’t catch up with the conversation, Mile somehow got the gist of it.

Mostly because the story told was practically identical from the information Mile obtained from that “Resource-saving Type: Autonomous Simple Defense-mechanism Controller, Auxiliary Apparatus. 3rd Redundancy System.”

「Have you ever heard of the “Ultraman 1/7 Project” or the “Super Soldier Serum“?」

『No, I have not heard of either.』

「Is that so? Well, I do know of those two.」

Yeah, having 1/7th Humans and a super soldier sure sound interesting…

「Aren’t you relieved?」

『Relieved about what?』

「I was sure you’d feel better with that load off your shoulders. Now that you’re no longer the only one who has to deal with this matter.」

Not counting the Elder, there are now 8 elder dragons here that have heard the truth.

But the elder shook his head at Mile’s words.

『I am sure you realize this, the time will come that we must announce our purpose. And we will make certain that everyone will recognize that purpose. If we reveal this in times of peace, the other elder dragons might find it unacceptable. Some may even be foolish enough to prove otherwise and try to dominate the humans. But in the first place, we elder dragons were…』

He didn’t say much more, but Mile already knew what he was about to say.

(…created by humans…)

Next: 465. Engraved 4
TBA

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Table of Contents

No Next and Previous buttons. Sorry about that.

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T/N

1. Gundam. Original was “Bimu-heiku.” Beam weapons are heavily used in mecha anime like Gundam and NGE. Beam Saber from Gundam Fandom.
2. Going back to the conversation. Yeah, the author skipped dialogue and went right into the middle of the conversation.
3. “Resource-saving Type: Autonomous…” You know the one. I only rearranged it so it should almost sound right.
4. Ultraman 1/7 Project. Reference to an episode of the old-timey Ultraman show where humans were shrunk to 1/8th of their original size. Read more at Ultraman Fandom.
5. Super Soldier Serum. Used on Captain America to turn him into a Super Soldier. Read more at Marvel Universe Fandom.

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Heya, it’s been 3 months since the last update, so I’ve decided to make this my pet project for the summer. Hope you like it!

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Original Author: FUNA
Original Published: March 31, 2020
Syosetu link to original work

Translator: Oπ
Published: May 31, 2021