Episode 373: Those Waiting on the Runway
As they cleared Australian airspace, the rear hatch of the aircraft opened.
Akito and Yuma, who had been flying in the sky, approached the aircraft and attempted to enter through the rear hatch. First, Akito, riding Gae Bolg, entered, followed by Yuma, who had reverted from his Black Dragon form to his “Metal Armor” appearance, landing with his Ancient Dragon wings.
After confirming that the two had entered, the aircraft pilot closed the rear hatch and increased the aircraft’s speed.
“What, not a single Dragon came? I was hoping to take down two or three hundred. Oh well, what a shame, what a shame.”
Akito rotated his arms while looking around. Dozens of crew members applauded, welcoming Akito and Yuma.
Akito strode cheerfully and sat in a seat at the front of the aircraft.
Yuma followed, and as he was about to sit down, Rui, who was already in his seat, thrust out his fist.
“Good work.”
“Yeah.”
Yuma bumped fists with him and sat down in his seat. He fastened his seatbelt and leaned back against the hard backrest. This aircraft had seats lined up along the sides of the fuselage, so the seating comfort was quite poor.
“It seems like the Dragons didn’t attack,” Rui said.
Yuma replied, “Yeah.”
“I don’t know why, but not a single one approached.”
“Well, you were transformed into a huge ‘Black Dragon.’ The other Dragons were probably too scared to get close. But hey, it’s a good result,” Akito said, picking at his ear with his little finger.
Certainly, the Magical Power of the “Black Dragon” was tremendous.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the other Dragons were wary.
Thinking about this, he looked around and saw many crew members sitting huddled together on the floor in the center of the aircraft.
Originally a transport aircraft for housing tanks and the like, it seemed unsuitable for carrying many people.
–Well, I can’t complain.
Eighteen hours until they arrived in America. Yuma closed his eyes and decided to sleep for a while.
◇◇◇
Los Angeles International Airport —
Under a clear sky, Albert stood on the long runway. He had not brought any subordinates and was acting alone.
He looked around and let out a sigh.
“There’s no damage to the runway. It looks like there won’t be any problems landing.”
Albert looked up at the sky. If Mitaka Yuma and the others were returning, it would be by submarine or aircraft. If it were a submarine, it would enter San Diego Naval Base, but Albert did not think they would return by submarine.
–It’s unlikely that the submarine would be undamaged, and with Mitaka’s abilities, they should be able to scatter the Dragons in the sky. If it’s just them, they should be able to return by aircraft.
Albert had entered Los Angeles a few days earlier and had been waiting for Mitaka and the others to return.
The Yellow King’s power was growing stronger day by day, and it was becoming difficult for even Albert’s Seeker Clan “Prometheus” to counter it.
“It’s pathetic, but I have no choice but to rely on them. Well, expecting them to return was just a faint hope…”
Albert smiled wryly as he continued to look at the sky.
“It seems my thinking was correct.”
In the sky that Albert was staring at, two aircraft were approaching. In this day and age, ordinary people would not be using aircraft.
There was no doubt that Mitaka and the others were on board.
More than anything, Albert felt an overwhelming amount of “Magical Power.”
–This ominous wave of “Magical Power”… it far surpasses the previous Mitaka. If so, then the Tartarus conquest must have been successful.
The two aircraft landed safely and proceeded down the runway, using reverse thrust and brakes.
They passed in front of Albert and stopped more than a hundred meters away. After a while, the rear hatch opened, and the crew members began to disembark.
He saw the familiar figure of a soldier, Captain Brace.
Albert smiled slightly and walked towards the people.
◇◇◇
The rear hatch of the aircraft opened, and the crew members disembarked one after another.
Many people seemed happy to be returning to their home country. Yuma also got out, following the crew members, and looked around.
A little over a month after being defeated by the Yellow King, he had another chance to fight again.
But, Yuma thought.
–I’ve heard that the Yellow King is getting stronger day by day. Will my power really be effective?
As he was feeling anxious, Akito, who was next to him, exhaled deeply.
“Haa~ We’re finally back. Let’s quickly defeat the Yellow King and go back to Japan this time, not America! Right, Yuma?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Akito’s ever-positive presence was appreciated. Thinking so, as he walked along the runway, he saw Captain Brace talking to someone a little further ahead.
A tall, blond man. Yuma immediately realized it was Albert.
“Albert-san!”
As Yuma started running, Rui and Akito followed.
“Hello, Mitaka-kun. I’m glad you’re safe.”
Albert turned around, giving him his usual smile. When they got closer, Akito frowned.
“Old man, why are you in a place like this? What about the Yellow King!”
Albert chuckled and looked at Yuma and the others.
“Don’t worry, I’m keeping a close watch. It seems he’s currently wandering around South Dakota.”
Yuma gave Albert a serious look as he said it as if it were nothing.
“Albert-san, Australia is now controlled by Seekers who have rebelled. Can’t you send support from America?”
“I heard about that from Captain Brace. We’re also thinking about how to get to Australia safely. However, for that purpose–“
Albert paused and looked into Yuma’s eyes. He immediately understood the meaning of that gaze.
Yuma took a breath and looked back at Albert.
“You mean… I have to defeat the Yellow King.”
“That’s right. Unless you defeat the Yellow King, America has no future. We can’t even go to Australia.”
Of course, he knew that. Yuma clenched his fist tightly.
The smile disappeared from Albert’s face.
“The Yellow King is getting even stronger. Are you still confident you can win?”
Yuma, who was asked, slightly raised the corner of his mouth.
“I’ll just fight with all my strength. Take me to that guy!”