After dropping off Nina and teleporting back to my room, I make my way to Ilina's and Klaus's room. After a few moments post-knocking, Ilina opens the door with a smile that looks somehow both tense and genuine.
She's wearing her standard outfit and weapon, but also has a simple pack like mine slung over her shoulder. Klaus emerges from the room after her and closes the door behind him. He seems to be similarly equipped.
Klaus flashes a cool smile at me.
"Hey, Mizuki, good morning! Despite some bold statements of yours last night, I've got to admit that I'm pretty excited to finally see this big reveal." (Klaus)
Yeah, maybe I was unnecessarily hard core with them.
"Well, my apologies. I just wanted to be direct with you both, but I guess that came off a little intense and maybe even threatening. However, let me reassure you…" (Mizuki)
I turn my gaze to Ilina and give her warmest smile I can manage. She seems shocked by the friendly reception. I continue while making eye contact with her.
"…if you follow my instructions, and you don't attack the dragon, I promise you that no matter what happens you'll return here safely." (Mizuki)
Ilina seems to study my expression for a while when I speak, but then sighs in relief and smiles.
"Glad to hear it, Mizuki, please lead the way." (Ilina)
I nod at them, and then we make our way to the forest's edge south of the city. There, I stop and turn around to face them, and they raise their eyebrows at me expectantly.
"Alright, so I'm sure you're both wondering, one, how we'll find the dragon, and two, how we'll get all the way there in this massive forest the same morning." (Mizuki)
They both nod, like 'obviously'.
"Well, it was quite a lot of effort to prepare for you yesterday, so I ask that you don't tell anyone about it. Seriously, nobody. The answer to both questions, is this…" (Mizuki)
I dramatically reveal one of the worthless blue marbles that Percivil gifted me. While they're inspecting it, I shoot a quick message to Nina.
[Hey, Nina, we'll be arriving in a minute. Show time!] (Mizuki)
After, I continue with my explanation.
"This is a one-of-a-kind magic item that will instantly teleport us to the nearest Elder Dragon." (Mizuki)
Both of their eyes go wide in shock, and Ilina's mouth is agape. I can't help but chuckle internally. I bet the truth would shake them even more. I'm thoroughly enjoying my acting career, though.
"Now, there are two Elder Dragons in this forest, so while I can be sure that we will be teleported to one of them, obviously this doesn't guarantee it will be the dragon of earth. However, based on historical records of encounters with them, I think the earth dragon nests closer to Elmesia than the dragon of wind. So, this item should take us to it. In the unlikely event that I'm wrong, we just ask the dragon of wind where the dragon of earth is and hike there." (Mizuki)
Klaus is shaking his head in disbelief with an exasperated smile. Ilina seems to have recovered, but she is eyeing the marble intently. I'm not sure if it's suspicion, interest, or both, but I'm glad I told Nina to back me up. Klaus responds first.
"Wow, in the unlikely event you're wrong, huh? You sure seem confident about a coin toss." (Klaus)
I shoot back a good-natured smile to him.
"Well, you know, I'm not very good at being calculating like that. I prefer wild optimism." (Mizuki)
Ilina snorts loudly at that statement. She's wearing an expression that says, 'bullshit'. So, you're not buying it, huh?
"That aside, teleporting is unprecedented, Mizuki. Are you absolutely certain this is safe?" (Ilina)
She gives me a very serious glare, but I hold her gaze with a confident smile.
"Yes, as long as you follow instructions." (Mizuki)
She sighs deeply, looks at Klaus, then returns my gaze.
"Okay, so what do we do now?" (Ilina)
"Whenever you're ready, get as close to me as you can, make sure we're physically touching, and don't move until I teleport us there with the item." (Mizuki)
Klaus immediately walks over and throws his arm around me like he's congratulating me. I look for Ilina, and I am startled to see her standing in front of me. She makes eye contact nervously, then steps in and hugs me. I think I see her cheeks turning red, and Klaus gives a surprised smirk.
"Okay, Mizuki, go already!" (Ilina)
Ah, right, that threw me for a minute. I hold up the marble in my free hand and say my fake incantation, then focus on teleporting us to Nina's location.
We arrive at the clearing, and Ilina speaks first. Her head is still buried in my chest nervously.
"Mizuki, is it over yet? Is it safe for me to move?" (Ilina)
I suppress the urge to laugh. That's so cute…she was terrified of the spell.
"Yup, we're here, take a look for yourself." (Mizuki)
Ilina and Klaus both step away from me, and Ilina's face is quite flushed. She won't make eye contact with me either.
Shortly after, Ilina looks to the clearing and her eyes go wide in amazement. She's noticed Nina in her dragon form.
As Ilina observes her, Nina stands up and focuses her gaze on us. Suddenly, I feel a cold sensation down my spine, and my connection to Nina is telling me…she's pissed. I mutter 'shit' under my breath.
[I am Nedonera, the Elder Dragon of earth! Explain your presence in my territory, creatures, or perish!] (Nina)