Dances with the Dragons (されど罪人は竜と踊る)

Tsevellen Year 223.

Using the Event Induction Computer,

humanity successfully creates its first space-time bubble.

The fundamental rules of physics within the bubble are altered,

breaking the law of conservation of energy,

including the Planck constant, causing the emergence

of matter derived from quantum field instructions.

The hyper-physical phenomenon that allows matter to be

extracted at will from vacuum fluctuations

forms the basis of the system of technology

that will soon come to be known as Jushiki.

And now, we find ourselves in Imperial Year 497.

What was once called "magic," and thought of as

the domain of dragons and other abhorrent creatures,

has been correctly identified as the power

that humans have gained through Jushiki.

Therefore, dragons and the abhorrent

are no longer the subject of awe and fear,

but enemies to be hunted down and slain by humankind.

Those who specialize in eliminating these foes

by weaving attack Jushiki

are referred to as Offensive Jushikiists.

Don't look at me like that.

This might be the buffer zone between us and the dragons...

...but if you're gonna eat people,

then you leave us with no choice but to kill you.

So...

Bit late for apologies.

This is our job.

We are Offensive Jushikiists.

It still sucks.

But fighting the dragons

is the highest honor there is.

I'm okay with it.

Well, sure, honor's really important to you.

I mean, you're one of the fighting race.

But not all of us are

the noble Gigina Jardi Doruk Meleios Ashley-Bufh.

If you're so smart, then what was that sad excuse for an Aini?

What do you mean?

You didn't generate enough to cover the distance

between you and the target.

If I'd gotten there a fraction of a second later,

you'd be dead right now.

Yeah, but--

I just figured it'd be a good idea

to buy us a little time, that's all.

I totally knew you'd be there to back me up.

Come on, Gigina.

Any dragon killer with half a brain

would expect his loyal Draken to--

Don't speak of my kind.

You aren't worthy.

I mean it.

All right already!

You're such a pain in the ass.

Are all your people this touchy?

I knew we wouldn't get off that easy.

The report said we were looking for a pair of dragons.

And they're 500-year class,

so they're gonna put up a good fight.

Well, at least we know what we'll be up against.

A black dragon!

Looks like an 800-- no, 900-year class!

An Altar!

--This is excellent! --This is bad news!

Arsh Modai, huh?

Let's break through!

Gayus!

Wait, is that Proke?

It's even stronger than we were expecting.

Healing Jushiki.

This is my first Altar.

You think we can win?

How should I know?

I've never fought one of these either.

Should be fun though--

Your kind is so messed up.

Either way, we can't breach that barrier head-on.

We need a plan.

Okay. Let's go!

What part of "we need a plan" don't you get?

It's dead... right?

So typical.

You had to make sure you were the last one standing, huh?

If I was weak enough to fall before you do,

I'd kill myself.

You're supposed to be

the Viscount Gayus Levina Soleil!

Now start acting like it!

Or is that big title just for decoration?

Sorry, Chief Sutherland,

but as the third son, I'm technically a Vice Viscount.

So, yeah, it is.

Well, after this catastrophe, I don't need to tell you

that you won't be getting the compensation you requested.

Huh?

What the hell?

It was an 800-year!

A black dragon like that could turn into an Altar!

You're wasting public funds!

Listen, Chief!

I've heard enough, boy!

Go learn how to be decent human beings.

Till then, I want you out of my office!

I should see if there's a Jushiki

to make his hair fall out.

That'll teach that old windbag.

People like him only care about protocol,

and, of course, covering their own asses.

But still...

I'm glad I beat that thing... even if it was a semi-Altar.

Makes me think I can slay a real one next time.

I think that blow to the head might've rattled your brain.

'Cause next time,

you're dead.

As long as you and I are partners, we can never lose.

Uh... I mean, yeah, sure. You're right.

Most of the time we're unstoppable. I'm just saying...

Hm.

May the sword and the moon bless you.

As I said,

the Alsok territory is not our main concern.

We must keep coexisting

with the Seven-City Alliance of Lapetodes!

You mean surrender our territory?

And to that pathetic nation?

Lapetodes would say the same of us.

It's better to avoid conflict.

Give them an inch, and they'll walk all over us!

I agree!

Compromise is out of the question!

It seems like this quarreling will never end.

How impudent of you, Cardinal Mouldeen.

Quite unfitting of the Oujes Emperor's proxy.

In that case, what do you think?

Enlighten us, Queen Xenobia of Ilm.

I think between the fight for the Alsok territory,

and the prevailing dragonkind Vaisen, as well as the Kenryu,

we've got multiple headaches to contend with.

I understand that you're taking action,

but there's one strategy that'll solve all our problems

in one fell swoop.

Although not everyone will be fond of it.

Assistant Administrator Guzreg

of Joint Staff Headquarters?

Not so fast, dear cousin.

Tread more carefully.

There are rumors one of the military factions

has gotten in bed with the hardliners from the church.

They must really hate us.

I'm reluctant to say whether or not the feeling is mutual.

Your Grace. I have news.

The Wise One wants to speak with you, quick as you can.

Pardon me.

Hello there, Jokanne.

You're wearing an adorable outfit today.

I look adorable everyday.

Anyway, listen close.

Something fun's happening.

Such nerve, to bring that up at a time like this.

Send word that our meeting location has changed.

Changed?

Where to, sir?

I think I know the perfect place.

The far city of Eridana, where Jushiki and the conspiracies

of countless nations run wild.

Once again, it's the wrong person.

Now for more on the matter

of the Ninth Holy Land War.

The Seven-City Alliance is still in talks

regarding the Alsok territory.

However, the discussion appears to be deteriorating,

with hardliners and moderates

still unable to find common ground on the subject.

Elder Orkentius, the hard-liner official from the church,

is expected to call for the deployment

of the imperial military any day now.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Mouldeen,

the moderate representative in the assembly,

doesn't seem to be offering up any response.

Guess it's time to head off to work.

What's up, Horton?

Business as usual?

Gayus! Long time no see!

Yeah, we're slow as ever.

How 'bout you?

You really think I would be having breakfast