The situation was strangely calm…
Before me stood a man I was supposed to call my commander… a creature believed to be extinct… and a torn sky above.
I truly felt that I no longer understood anything.
That was Raym's voice inside his own head.
Vice-Commander Leo and Commander Seroh exchanged words between them. Raym caught fragments of their conversation—among them, Leo's words:
"This is the boy I told you about…"
Commander Seroh turned his gaze toward Raym, yet said nothing...
Only his expression spoke...
A voice echoed inside Seroh's mind:
You must find that certain person… You will recognize him the moment you see him… His presence among us is a treasure.
Seroh's thoughts scattered for a moment—then he regained his focus, walked past Raym, and spoke in his imposing voice:
"You, boy… You are to report to me as soon as you recover. There are matters I wish to discuss with you… and among them, one more important than the rest."
(His gaze shifted toward Lonz.)
With slow, confident steps, Seroh walked away from them...
Everyone was beginning to recover.
Lyra finally woke up...
Raym smiled—without realizing that he was staring at her.
"I'm fine, as you can see, you idiot… Take care of yourself and that deformed arm of yours."
Lyra said this with embarrassment filling her face...
Raym quickly realized his situation. The group prepared themselves to return without wasting time or effort on further questions… while Seroh walked alone ahead of them.
Leo stepped in front of him once more and said mockingly:
"You really do love to always appear strong."
Seroh looked at him in surprise but said nothing...
Leo continued:
"Who would have thought that a commander capable of killing a dragon with a single strike existed… even if that dragon was 'the worst among them all.'"
Seroh smiled and replied calmly:
"Hm… You know more than you should."
Leo smiled and went on:
"Do you think it would be wise to do that again???
That blade… it's a truly vicious one."
Seroh looked at his blade, tightened his grip around it—without a word...
Then he spoke to Leo:
"In your opinion, Leo… do you think there is a traitor among us???"
Leo's expression instantly turned serious.
"That is what I fear… I tried to deny it… but he has indeed made progress. He has begun feeding us false information."
Seroh said calmly:
"So you've already realized it… Choosing you for this position was my best deci—"
Seroh suddenly fell silent, shock written clearly across his face.
Leo was equally startled and said in a sorrowful voice:
"Yes… you're right."
At last, everyone returned to the camp.
Vail was watching Daniel, who seemed to be fine—well, in the end. He was the type you wouldn't worry about from injuries like these.
They gathered with Arvela and Irene, telling everyone what had happened.
All expressed admiration for Raym.
Then Vice-Commander Leo interrupted:
"This is not a place to exchange stories. Return to your training now."
Everyone dispersed in fear.
Leo ordered a meeting of the current battalion commanders in his room—along with Raym and Lyra.
Raym had fully recovered by then and was practicing a new stance, recalling the sight of Commander Seroh standing proudly before the dragon… and how Vail, Daniel, and Lyra had placed themselves in front of him.
His thoughts were interrupted by Leo's voice:
"You there, shining boy… the commander wants us all with him. And he wants you too, once we're finished."
Raym had expected this. He went without hesitation.
Everyone was already waiting for him… including Commander Seroh...
Their eyes never left Raym...
In his rough voice, Seroh spoke:
"Leo!!!"
Leo looked at him in disbelief.
"Why is it always me??? Do you see me as a teacher or what!??"
Seroh stared at him seriously, forcing Leo to stand up...
"Ah, fine… I know this sounds unbelievable, but yes—what you faced was a real dragon. I know this confuses you… Dragons truly existed… but they vanished suddenly. The return of one means there are more."
Everyone looked at one another in silence.
Leo continued:
"And be aware… the dragon you encountered belongs to the weakest category—
'Ordinary Dragons.'"
Whispers spread through the room.
Raym and Lyra exchanged fearful glances. Raym's hands trembled.
Leo went on:
"Yes… there are two other categories. And the difference between each category… cannot even be measured."
Yet Raym showed no reaction. Instead, he interrupted:
"Excuse me, Sir Leo… I was told this meeting was for those who faced the dragon. Then where are Zak and Sir Lonz???"
Shock spread across everyone's faces.
Leo sighed...
"In that case… there is no need to delay any longer...
Lonz and Zack… are both suspects—
as traitors..."