treated frantically and glanced up at the night sky.

"What, you don't recognize my Doombolt? Oh, right. I've never used it in front of you. Well, whatever."

High above the sky was a single hovering dragon. An ancient dragon – but not just any ancient dragon.

It was a zombie ancient dragon.

And atop its black skull was me, pointing my Blood Dragon Sword at the pale, disbelieving Bradley Kreuger.

"Sorry for the over the top and dramatic appearance," I remarked with a grin. I wondered if the black ancient dragon zombie that I summoned could eventually become a symbol of destruction that inspired awe in all those that saw him.

Nah, it would just inspire laughter. That said, I should do this more often. Sneak up on people with a gigantic Ancient Dragon. People would finally recognize me as a Tactical Genius. I mean, seriously, who else would be able to Scout..I mean sneak up on the enemy with a gigantic Ancient Dragon the size of a Titan?

"Why..?"

Lilith stared at me in disbelief, amazed yet unable to understand what had just happened.

"I'm sorry for being late, Lilith-san. I heard the circumstances from Doctor Dorden."

I smiled at her gently. However..

"Not that! I did not intend to get you involved anymore!"

She let out a sorrowful cry.

"Why did you come?! Even though you're hurt..even though you're just an outsider..!"

Evidently Lilith still felt guilty over me getting injured when I protected her, and how I exhausted myself during the mission. Not only that, she knew how I was someone from another world, and wasn't involved in all these internal politics of her own kingdom.

That was why she gave me the sleeping medicine and attempted to fight in the duel alone, all by herself..

"I'm no longer an outsider. I'm your friend."

With that simple statement, I jumped down from my Ancient Dragon zombie and landed in front of Lilith, shielding her from the three remaining doppelgangers of Bradley Kreuger.

"I'm Tomoyuki Tanaka, a participant of this duel. It's a little late, but I will now enter this battle. There should be no problem, right?"

Declaring in a voice full of determination, I raised my Blood Dragon Sword and pointed it at Bradley Kreuger.