Chapter 88: The Country of Dragons and the Dragon Slayer

“And so, we have arrived. This is the country of Dragon Knights, Dragonia.“

For the sake of Jairo and the others’ training, we came to Dragonia, a country known as the sanctuary of Dragons.

“So this is Dragonia… It’s surprisingly normal,” Norb remarked.

Indeed, at first glance, Dragonia looks like a normal country. However, Dragonia has a feature that no other country has. It is a mountain range that juts out like a bed of needles, clearly visible even from here on the distant border.

“Dragonia’s defining feature is the Dragon Peak, Ronride, visible over there. It’s home to so many dragons that it’s called the Sanctuary of Dragons. And that is where our training will take place.“

“We’re really going to fight dragons…“

Liliera stared at Ronride with a distant look in her eyes.

“It’ll be fine. On the outer perimeter of the peak, it’s mostly just Green Dragons. At worst, maybe a Blue Dragon will show up.“

“That ‘level’ is already not normal…“

No, no, Green or Blue ones are basically just flying lizards.

“The Dragon Peak is the land where dragons live, but for the Dragon Knights, it has a different meaning.“

“A different meaning?“

“That’s right. In that mountain range, Dragon Knights fight one-on-one with a dragon they have chosen. By winning, they earn the right to ride that dragon. That is the Rite of Dragon Selection to become a Dragon Knight.“

Since we were in a land related to dragons, I decided to talk about Dragon Knights to kill time until we reached our destination.

“Before undergoing the ritual, a Dragon Knight is treated as an apprentice, no matter how strong they are. Only after succeeding in the Rite of Dragon Selection are they allowed to call themselves a Dragon Knight.“

“Then, are you a Dragon Knight too, Big Bro? Since you can beat dragons easily?” Jairo asked a simple question.

“Good question. But unfortunately, I’m not a Dragon Knight. To become a Dragon Knight, it seems you have to perform a ritual that has been a secret tradition among Dragon Knights for generations.“

Yeah, although I learned the Dragon Emperor Style Aerial Spear Arts from a Dragon Knight acquaintance, I wasn’t taught about the ritual until the very end. I was told that since I was a hero, I didn’t need to become a Dragon Knight.

“I see. So there are things even you don’t know, Big Bro.“

“I mean, Dragon Knights are like fairy tale beings, so it’s natural not to know, right? If anything, it’s amazing that Rex knows this much.“

“Ah, well, I guess so. My sense of reality was getting paralyzed,” Mina admonished Jairo.

Hmm, someone else told me that before, but what’s this about Dragon Knights being a fairy tale?

“Well, besides, although the ride is a bit rough, if you get on its head and force it to fly to your destination, you can ride a dragon without becoming a Dragon Knight.“

“No, that is not what ‘riding’ means.“

Huh? For some reason, everyone denied it. It’s a method often used by people who can’t use Flight Magic to go to distant or high places, though.

◇　◇　◇

Having crossed the border, we arrived at the town of Tatsutoron, which is closest to the Dragon Peak, Ronride.

“Welcome, welcome! We have Land Lizard Dragon-Yaki!“

“We also have Fly Snake Breath-Yaki!“

Along with the spirited calls from the stalls, a savory smell wafted through the air, stimulating my stomach.

“Oh, it’s a lively town.“

“Yeah. Even though dragons live nearby, no one is scared.“

Meguri agreed with Jairo‘s impression.

“That is true. Why are the townspeople so calm even though the dragons’ nest is so close?“

Norb seemed to have the same question as Meguri. As they said, despite Ronride being close, no one in Tatsutoron seemed to care.

“That’s because there’s no worry about dragons attacking, lads.“

The one who answered Norb and the others’ question was the stall owner right next to us.

“What do you mean by that?“

“…“

In response to Norb‘s question, the shopkeeper pointed to the skewers lined up at the stall. I see, so that’s it.

“Mister, six skewers, please.“

“Hey, thank you! Six Land Lizard Dragon-Yakis coming right up!“

“Gyuu Gyuu!!“

Oops, I shouldn’t forget Fluffy‘s share.

“Sorry, add one more.“

When we bought the skewers, the old man started talking as if a gate had opened.

“Dragons are basically creatures with a strong sense of territory. So, basically, they rarely leave the Dragon Peak.“

Yeah, since dragons are animals, they value their territory.

“Besides, rumor has it there’s a leader deep in the Dragon Peak who controls all the dragons living there. If you do anything selfish on the boss’s home turf, you’ll be in big trouble.“

Any creature living in a pack has rules. That applies to dragons too.

Also, this Land Lizard Dragon-Yaki is quite delicious. It looks like wild roasted meat, but unlike simple salt-grilling, the sauce is sweet and salty and tasty. Hmm, maybe I should buy another one.

“Old man, give me another one!“

“Me too.“

“Kyuu!!“

“Coming right up!“

Just as I was thinking that, Jairo and Meguri ordered seconds. Yeah, I’ll order one too. Also, who pays for Fluffy‘s share? Eh? It’s the owner’s duty to feed their pet? Yes, that’s right.

“Well, that’s why, unless it’s a stray with a rough temper, they don’t come to town. And those strays only appear once every few decades.“

“Then what do you do if a stray appears? Do the rumored Dragon Knights defeat it?” Jairo asked the shopkeeper while biting into his third skewer.

“Dragon Knights? Wahaha! Don’t joke around, lad. Dragon Knights are just fairy tale beings nowadays!“

The shopkeeper laughed loudly and denied Jairo‘s question. Hmm, why does this old man also treat Dragon Knights as a fairy tale?

“Eh? Dragon Knights don’t exist?“

“Ah, well, there’s a Dragon Knight Order as knights who protect the Royal Capital, but they’re just normal knights in name only. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s impossible to fight a dragon one-on-one and make it obey you in the first place.“

“…“

Liliera and the others stared at me silently, but in my previous life, they were quite common…

“Um, then what about the Golden Dragon that the Dragon Knight King rides? It is said that the strongest dragon with wisdom lives for thousands of years.“

“That’s definitely a legend. Rumor has it that the boss ruling the Dragon Peak is the legendary Golden Dragon, but no one has ever seen it. After all, there’s no reckless fool who would want to enter a dragon’s nest!“

“…“

Liliera and the others stared at me silently again. But in my previous life, there were tons of people who walked into the Dragon Peak and defeated dragons. To the point where hunting restrictions were imposed so dragons wouldn’t decrease too much. Hmm, Dragon Knights are just knights, and no one has seen the Golden Dragon? What happened to this country while I was dead?

“Um, then haven’t you heard of the Dragon Emperor Style Aerial Spear Arts?“

“Hmm? Ah, you mean the spear technique used by Dragon Knights in fairy tales. Well, sometimes self-proclaimed Dragon Emperor Style practitioners appear, but they’re all fakes.“

Hmm, even the Dragon Emperor Style Aerial Spear Arts is treated as a fairy tale? What is going on? Could it be that in this era, both Dragon Knights and users of the Dragon Emperor Style have perished? No, no, there’s no way those people would perish.

“Hey, what’s that?“

At that moment, someone pointed to the distant sky with those words.

“What is it?“

People around also looked in the direction he pointed.

“…What is that?“

As if lured, many people turned their gaze to the distant sky, towards the Dragon Peak.

At first, what we saw was a small green shape floating in the blue sky. But its form grew larger in the blink of an eye. No, that’s wrong. It’s approaching us at high speed. The town began to buzz loudly.

“Th-that is… don’t tell me!?“

What was initially a green dot had approached the town to a considerable distance. And once it was that close, its true identity was clear to everyone’s eyes.

“…It’s a dragon.“

Those words were the signal. Screams erupted from all over the town, and people ran everywhere. People heading for the town exit, people fleeing into buildings that caught their eye. Some ran in the direction the dragon—yeah, it’s green, so it’s a Green Dragon, not that strong—was coming from, perhaps because their house was in that direction.

“Still, this is chaotic…“

The knights protecting the town were shouting to calm the panicked townspeople, but it didn’t look like they would make it in time before the Green Dragon arrived. Even if the opponent is a weak Green Dragon, it’s a sufficient threat to townspeople who have no power to fight.

“Ah, maybe that’s it?“

Maybe it means the knights of this town can easily defeat a Green Dragon approaching now? That’s why they are letting clearly inexperienced people handle the evacuation of the townspeople, right? Normally in times like this, you would use amplification magic to make a loud sound and calm everyone down.

I see. This must also serve as practical training for rookies. Experienced knights surely plan to support them if push comes to shove. Then it’s safe.

“And it seems the opponent isn’t just a dragon. It was small and hard to see earlier, but a flock of Wyverns is following behind it.“

Yeah, Wyverns are a subspecies of Dragons, but Green Dragons often use Wyverns as minions.

“Rex!“

Amidst this, Liliera called out to me. Not just Liliera, Jairo and the others were also staring at me.

“At this rate, the town will be attacked by the dragon. We have to do something!“

“That’s right, Big Bro! Let’s lightly beat up that dragon!“

It seems Liliera and the others intend to fight to protect the town. Hmm, I think the knights would protect the town even if we left it alone…

“Jairo, how can you be so carefree…“

“Wh-what are you saying, Norb! We have Big Bro with us!“

Norb showed a weak attitude, but Jairo seemed carefree. Yeah, thinking about it, this might be a good opportunity.

“Alright, let’s protect this town together!“

“Yes!“

“As expected of Big Bro! That’s the spirit!“

“Haa, it can’t be helped.“

“Well, Rex is here, after all.“

“Y-yes, that’s right. Rex is here.“

Since the two were full of enthusiasm, Mina and the others also resigned themselves and readied their weapons, preparing for battle.

Yes, yes, it’s good that everyone is full of motivation.

“Okay, then let’s intercept that Green Dragon and the flock of Wyverns. I won’t be fighting, though.“

“Got it, Big Bro! Leave the small fry to me!“

“Yes, we will support Rex… wait, eh?“

Liliera and the others looked at me with faces that said, What did you just say?

“I won’t be fighting, so do your best to defeat them, everyone.“

So I told everyone. That I won’t fight. Yes, for everyone’s training!

“H-huuuuuuuuuuuuh!?“

◇　◇　◇

“Wait!? Seriously, Big Bro!?“

Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise at my declaration of not fighting.

“Yeah, seriously. I won’t participate in this battle. You guys defeat them alone.“

“But the opponents are a Dragon and Wyverns! We can’t win by ourselves!“

Mina screamed that it was impossible, but I didn’t think so.

“It’ll be fine. Everyone has trained a lot until now, right? Wyverns are nothing to worry about. And Liliera.“

“Eh? Me?“

“Yeah, I want Liliera to defeat that Green Dragon alone.“

“…Huh?“

Liliera looked at me with a dumbfounded face.

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect the townspeople. Everyone, just focus on defeating the enemies.“

After all, fighting while worrying about the surroundings during a first dragon hunt is tough. I’ll support that part.

“W-wait, are you serious, Rex?“

“Yup, serious, serious. Isn’t it just right for everyone’s training?“

“Training…“

We came to this country for everyone’s training in the first place. It’s just that the schedule was moved up a bit. Because the original plan was to start training at the Dragon Peak!

“Now, Jairo and the others, take care of the Wyverns! They aren’t great enemies, but there are many of them, so be careful!“

“U-understood, Big Bro!“

Receiving my instructions, Jairo and the others moved out.

“Wait, Wyverns are B-Rank monsters, right!?“

“It’s fine, it’s fine. You guys can defeat them.“

Mina is such a worrier.

◇　◇　◇

“Kuh, I have no choice but to do it!“

Steeling her resolve, Liliera activated her Ice Attribute Enhancement, freezing the ground around her thinly. She then slid gracefully on the ice blades she created on the soles of her feet, confusing the Green Dragon. As Liliera slid on the ice, the ice under her feet scraped against the surface, causing glittering ice shards to dance around her.

“Beautiful…“

One of the women watching the scene involuntarily leaked a voice of admiration.

“GYAOOOOOO!!“

The Green Dragon couldn’t keep up with Liliera‘s speed as she moved vertically and horizontally at high speed, and it was simply being toyed with.

“Hah!!“

Conversely, Liliera struck accurately at the Green Dragon’s openings. The spear made from Blade Wolf materials easily sliced through the Green Dragon’s scales.

“GUOAAAAAA!!“

Just then, the Green Dragon, having taken hits in succession, let out a roar of rage. And high-density magical power began to swell in its throat.

“Watch out, everyone! The Green Dragon is going to breathe fire!“

“Breath!?“

It was the townspeople, not Liliera and the others, who reacted more sensitively to my words. Oops, I have to protect them from the breath.

“Breath Guard!!“

I protected the townspeople with magic specialized against breath attacks. Immediately after, the Green Dragon exhaled its breath. A lump of high-density magical power attacked the residents while melting the ground.

“Hiii!?“

Screaming, the townspeople curled up into balls.

“It’s okay now.“

I called out to the frightened people.

“Eh?“

Thinking they were doomed, the people looked up when the destruction that was supposed to burn them to nothing never came. And they widened their eyes at the sight before them.

“W-what is this!?“

What the townspeople saw was the dragon’s breath stopping right in front of them as if blocked by a wall, and then diverting upwards.

“This is magic for countering dragon breath, Breath Guard. It can easily block the breath of a lower-class dragon.“

“E-easily… but it’s a dragon!“

“Yes, it’s merely a Green Dragon.“

“Merely!?“

Huh? Why is everyone surprised? In Dragonia, where dragons are plentiful, I think Breath Guard for breath countermeasures is basic. Actually, even ordinary knights and mages who protected Dragonia in my time could use it, and I don’t think magic of the level of Breath Guard would disappear even if Dragon Knights were gone.

“Ah, it’s about to end.“

“Eh?“

Looking over, the battle between Liliera and the Green Dragon was reaching its climax.

“Taaaaah!!“

With a flash of spirit, Liliera‘s attack pierced deeply into the Green Dragon’s forehead.

“Freeze! Freeze Lance!!“

Liliera channeled ice magic through her spear, freezing the Green Dragon from the inside.

“!!?“

The Green Dragon, having its head frozen from the inside, had no way to defend itself and died with its head encased in ice.

“…I-I won.“

Having defeated the Green Dragon, Liliera exhaled deeply and collapsed onto the Green Dragon’s forehead.

“Good work, Liliera. That was a magnificent Green Dragon subjugation.“

“I-I never thought I could defeat a dragon alone…“

Liliera looked like she couldn’t believe it, but I believe that with her ability, she could have defeated a Green Dragon ages ago.

“Dammit, she beat me to becoming a Dragon Slayer…“

The one acting frustrated was Jairo. He didn’t seem injured, and it looked like Jairo and the others had successfully defeated the flock of Wyverns as well.

“As Big Bro’s disciple, I wanted to be the first Dragon Slayer.“

“Good work. It seems Jairo and the others defeated all the Wyverns too.“

“Yeah! Wyverns are no big deal when I’m handling them!“

Jairo pointed confidently at the piled-up Wyvern corpses. Looking closely, Meguri was silently dismantling them.

“He says that, but honestly, there were quite a few dangerous moments. You stick out too much.“

“Ugh.“

Receiving Mina’s retort, Jairo looked like he had bitten a bitter bug.

“Don’t let your guard down, Jairo.“

“…Yes.“

“By the way, where is Norb?“

I was concerned that I hadn’t seen Norb for a while, so I asked just in case. With Norb‘s ability, I don’t think he would be beaten by the likes of Wyverns.

“Ah, Norb is treating the townspeople and guards who were injured during the initial attack.“

Ah, I see. Norb is a Priest, after all. Still, to go help people first thing in a situation like this, Norb is a good Priest. A huge difference from the greed-covered fake priests I met in my previous life. I should help Norb too, however little I can.

“Liliera, let’s help treat the townspeople…“

But when I turned my gaze to Liliera, who was resting on top of the defeated Green Dragon, I noticed something strange was happening.

“Sh-she defeated that dragon…“

“A Dragon Slayer…“

“And she’s holding a spear…“

“A maiden spear-user who can defeat a dragon… could it be…“

The townspeople were muttering something while looking at Liliera.

“Eh? What? What is it?“

Liliera was also confused, not understanding what was going on.

“No mistake! That person is the successor of the Dragon Emperor Style Aerial Spear Arts, the legendary Last Dragon Knight, the Dragon Princess!!“

“Haa!?“

“The Dragon Princess really existed!!“

“So that was the legendary Dragon Emperor Style Aerial Spear Arts!“

“The Dragon Princess was sparkling and beautiful when she was fighting!“

“Dragon Princess!!“

“Eh? Eh? Eh? What does this mean!? What are you talking about!?“

While the whole town was wrapped in excitement, only Liliera was dumbfounded, unable to understand the situation. Yeah, we don’t get it either.

“Well, anyway, it’s a commemoration of Liliera‘s first dragon kill, so let’s celebrate too. Congratulations, Liliera!“

“Congratulations!“

Caught up in the moment, Jairo and the others also congratulated Liliera.

“Stop it! I don’t really get it, but don’t worship me, don’t pray to me, and Rex, don’t join in!!“