Simply put, it is a type of war fought between dragons and dragons, as well as the people who serve them. However, unlike an ordinary "war," it also carries the meaning of a struggle for possession, and it has clear rules.

Its origins date back to ancient times.

According to legend, it all began when two dragons fought over a single treasure. At first, it was merely a trivial dispute between dragons, nothing more than a petty quarrel. However, it gradually escalated, drawing in others, and eventually expanded into a great conflict that engulfed the entire world. This war nearly destroyed half the world, and in response, both the other dragons and the world itself felt a mixture of anger and fear. Thus, a pact was formed between the dragons and the world.

It was decreed: "When dragons, or their people, engage in conflict, clear regulations, a set time, and a designated location must be established. Furthermore, no harm shall be inflicted outside these parameters. This must be sworn upon the world."

This was the outline of the Dragon Slayer War that that dragon had spoken of. And for some reason beyond my understanding, that bastard lizard's declaration yesterday had been recognized and accepted by the world. The official proclamation I received this morning was the visual confirmation of that fact.

A war created for dragons and the people who serve them...

Once the Dragon Slayer War is declared and accepted, it cannot be ignored or revoked. Even if we were to refuse, that bastard lizard would lead his nation and trample over this kingdom as he pleased, resulting in countless unnecessary deaths.

In that case, resisting this war was the only path that could save the most lives. In the end, there had only ever been one choice from the start.

—This is utterly ridiculous…!!

"Tch!!"

Even knowing this, I couldn't accept it. As I listened to the explanation of the Dragon Slayer War, my thoughts were once again consumed by rage toward that bastard lizard. The killing intent that naturally overflowed from me was immediately noticed by those around me.

Under normal circumstances, displaying such an attitude before the king would have resulted in immediate execution by the elite knights standing nearby. However, before that could happen, a voice reprimanded me.

"I understand your feelings, but know your place, Clay. Besides, if you think about it, not all the conditions are unfavorable."

"Tch—… Yes… I apologize, Father."

My father, Zeke, spoke in a voice as cold as ice water poured over my head, instantly restoring my calm. Seeing this, the knights around us also relaxed. Zeke, usually not one to exude such a heavy atmosphere, acknowledged the situation and continued.

"Now that the Dragon Slayer War has been declared, war with the Empire is inevitable. However, the Shadow Dragon, who looks down upon this world, said this: 'Try and take it from me.' Furthermore, the detailed declaration in the official proclamation states—'The Empire shall confront the Kingdom's advance at the Zaraam Plains, located near the border shared by both nations, establishing a defensive line to prevent the capture of the Blood Princess.' It also states that 'should the Kingdom show no intent to fight, the war conditions will not apply.' This means we are the aggressors, and the victory conditions are clearly defined. This is not a situation to despair over."

As expected from a high-ranking commander of this nation's military, he was assessing the situation with cold precision. Even with his beloved daughter taken by a dragon, his judgment remained unshaken. The king nodded at Zeke's words.

"Indeed. Just as the Empire serves the Shadow Dragon, we of Chronostaria also serve a higher being."

"A higher being…?"

At the king’s words, I tilted my head in confusion.

The ruler of Chronostaria serves someone? That made no sense. He was the leader of this nation. The entire premise seemed flawed. Ignoring my growing questions, the conversation continued.

"Due to certain circumstances, this individual cannot reveal themselves openly, but they have acknowledged the gravity of this matter and entrusted us with their guidance."

"Oh!"

"Could it truly be…?!"

Unlike me, everyone else in the room seemed to understand the meaning behind the king’s words, their voices brimming with hope. Then, King Lycas fixed his gaze directly on me—the only one still in the dark.

"Claym Bradley, the one recognized by the Shadow Dragon and named the true guardian of the "Blood". I ask you—"

I alone knew nothing. I alone could not comprehend. The atmosphere in the room was so abnormal that I felt completely lost.

"Do you truly have the resolve to rescue your imprisoned sister from the Shadow Dragon?"

"What…?"

The once steady tone of Lycas's voice turned heavy, pressing down on me.

It felt similar to something from my past life. Back then, it had been when I was about to be executed in the town square. While the circumstances now were vastly different, the weight of the moment felt eerily familiar.

"Are you prepared to accept everything for that purpose?"

I had no idea why I was called here. I had assumed it was merely because I had been named by the Shadow Dragon, making me an involved party. But from the way everyone here perceived it, that assumption was completely off.

"Well, Claym Bradley?"

"I…"

The suddenness of it all left me at a loss for words. Seeing me hesitate, the king and those around him pressed on, urging for an answer. I searched the room for help, but no one offered any. The sense of alienation gnawed at me, but then I realized—the king’s question was not something I should even be hesitating over.

—Calm down…

"Haa—"

Taking a deep breath, I fixed my gaze on the man seated on the throne before me.

My second life had been full of inexplicable events. Nothing had ever gone the way I expected, and when it did, it was only to drop another impossible challenge in front of me. The world clearly despised me. And yet, I had survived.

Perhaps—no, almost certainly—this moment was a turning point. Complaining about why it always had to be me was pointless. But even so, it infuriated me.

"—Of course. If it means I can kill that bastard lizard, I am prepared to throw everything away."

My answer had been decided from the beginning. No matter the circumstances, my goal remained unchanged—I would kill that damn lizard.

"I see—"

Hearing my response, King Lycas closed his eyes with a sorrowful nod.

"Then I shall now relay the message entrusted to me by our lord—the Dragon of Time, Rievenkroktas—to you, Claym Bradley, guardian of the "Blood"."

And with those words, I would come to learn the truth of this kingdom.

"Our lord—the Dragon of Time, Rievenkroktas—has summoned the guardian of the "Blood" to the Summit of Time. There, he shall reveal all truths and offer guidance for overcoming this ordeal."

"—What?"

"You are to depart for the Summit of Time immediately. Chronos shall accompany you as your guide."

"Wait, hold on—"

"Time is of the essence. We will make all possible preparations for the war while you are away. We are counting on you, Claym Bradley."

"But—!"

The king had just said something truly outrageous, yet there was no time for debate. Without addressing my confusion, the audience was abruptly dismissed. King Lycas stood from his throne, the heavy atmosphere in the room slightly lifting.

"Alright, let's go, Clay."

"Wha—Wait, Your Highness, I still—!!"

Still unable to fully grasp the situation, I was dragged away by Prince Chronos.

I had sworn that I would do anything to save Alice, but even I hadn't expected things to unfold like this. And now, I finally understood why I had been summoned here.