[A few hours ago...]
[Rawr! Rawr!]
I chuckle as the baby [Sapphire Dragon] climbs onto my head when I take out another [Roasted Boar] for him to eat. "Hey! Hey! I get that you're hungry, but don't climb on my head to get it!" I am quickly greeted by his licks instead. "Oh, come on! That tickles! Hahahaha!"
It has only been 2 hours since I started both [Quests]. So far, the dragon's flying progress is now at 90% and while he has a few bruises from some falls I missed catching him on a few occasions, his [HP] remains at 100% thanks to a few potions and food I've given him during breaks. If he keeps this up, he'll be able tofly by himself at no time. Of course, that would mean he'll have to leave once Bai Hu comes back with his mother. I want him to have a good life with his mother. But at the same time, I might not see him again for the whole game. It hurts to let him go. But I know he's better with his dragon friends than being stuck with me.
[Rawr?]
Oh... I've been so lost in my thoughts that I almost threw the [Roasted Boar] in the other direction. "Sorry about that. Here." I give the boar to the baby dragon, and he enthusiastically accepts it. "You've been an awesome student, little guy. A little more and you'll be flying to the skies in no time."
[Rawr...]
To my surprise, he whines in dismay. I can tell from his face that he might also be sad once he reunites with his mother. I can share his sentiments as I gingerly stroke his head. I might as well assure him without knowing whether or not I might not see him again. "Don't worry, we'll see each other again. At least from the sky..." The dragon whines again. I groan, realizing that might've been a poor choice of words. "Sorry. Honestly, I'm not sure if we will see each other again. But I promise I won't forget you. We didn't have pets back home because of Dad's allergies and when I met you, I felt like you're the pet I wanted for so long. At the same time, I knew that would mean taking away from your mother and friends and I don't want that to happen. It hurts, but I would rather let you become a dragon with the freedom of the sky than be a pet owner who yanked you away from your home."
[Rawr...]
It hurts telling him the facts, but that's what I think about being a pet owner. I'm okay with pet shops and stuff. But if it means being an owner who forced a family apart, then I can't say "yes" to that offer. At the very least, I feel like that's what he wants after the [Quests] are done.
[Rawr! Ra-aw?] Suddenly, the dragon looks up to the sky and grows angry. [Grr... Rawr! Rawr!]
Huh? Has he detected another monster? Strangely, there's no rustling or growling behind the bushes. So how...
[ROOOOAAAAARRRRR!!!]
That's a bit deeper and louder than this little guy. Did Bai Hu come back with his mother? I quickly look up and see a red blur coming towards us like a meteor.
"Spirit of Sylph, I ask for your aid. Grant me the power of the wind to outrun and defeat my opponents! [Bluster Speed]!"
Without uttering another word after the buff spell, I grab the dragon and charge out of the open area before the blur crashes into the ground, creating a large crater that it occupies. If I hadn't buffed myself before it hit us, both of us would have died back there. I don't know how it happened, but I know that "monster" ain't the baby dragon's mother.
[ALRIGHT! WHERE ARE THEY?! I SENSED A LARGE MANA COMING FROM THIS LANDMARK!]
Huh? Did that dragon...just talk by now? No... I noticed a new notification as soon as he "talked".
[NOTICE]
[Your [Ancestry Skill], [Symbol Speech] has been activated.
You can understand the monster's speech.]
So it's the same thing as with Bai Hu. Looking at this dragon now has given me warning signs such as ringing in my ears. I can tell from the baby dragon's fearful expression that his species might have a beef against them.
[IT DOESN'T SMELL LIKE IT'S COMING THAT OLD CAT, BUT I KNOW IT'S COMING FROM ONE OF MY KIN!]
Old cat?! I doubt Bai Hu would like to hear that insult. I would have sneaked away with the baby dragon to another area with the risk of getting caught. But even if I were to do that, there's a chance he might mess up the forest in Bai Hu's absence. I can't let that happen!
[QUEST NOTICE]
[You have received a new [Urgent Quest].]
[Urgent Quest: The Ill-Tempered Dragon ****
The [Great Ruby Dragon] has come to challenge a new opponent. Yet it seems like he mistakenly sensed the little [Sapphire Dragon] instead. Clear up this misunderstanding. However, there's a chance you can't avoid a battle against the [Great Dragon].
Condition: If you die during this event battle, all of your current [Quests] in <Tested Wilds> will be counted as failures.
Recommended Party: 4]
[You currently don't have a party. Do you accept this [Quest] regardless?]
[YES] [NO]
Do you have to ask, Mr. Window? I don't know if I can beat him alone at my current level. But I made a promise to Bai Hu and I'm not going to break it because of that big bully.
"Stay here, little guy. And come out unless I say so." I gently put the baby dragon down and after tapping [YES] on the window, I rush out from my hiding place and right behind the [Great Ruby Dragon]. "Hey, Mr. Big Dragon!"
[Huh?] The dragon turns around and glares at me with his yellow lizard eyes. [Who dares to call out the great <Rudra>?!]
"I do!" I shout out. "You're crossing Bai Hu's territory and if you're only here to fight, then I suggest you flap your wings somewhere else!"
[Ho? And what makes you, a measly [Insignis] child, have a right to kick me out? There is no way that old cat would assign a child while he was gone.]
Measely?! Okay, now he's really making me angry! I take out the charm Bai Hu gave me and shout, "I may not be a temporary guardian like Bai Hu, but I'm his friend and I won't tolerate you bad-mouthing him any longer!"
I let him take a closer look at my charm. Hopefully, it's enough to prove my connections with Bai Hu.
[HAHAHAHAHA!!!!] Whoa... That laugh is enough to make an earthquake around <Initio>. I almost fall from the shake, but maintain my balance with my staff. Thank god we're not there right now. [I have to admit. I'm surprised when you show me that vine charm that old cat made all the time. But what makes you think it's enough to change my mind?]
Before I can show him, I feel another shake on the ground. I look up and gasp to see a red barrier start to surround the whole crater. Apparently, there is a battle coming thanks to that [Quest] description, but I hadn't expected this dragon to be able to create something like a [Mana Shield] this big. At least it might be enough to protect the baby dragon for the time being.
"What is all this?!" I shout while pretending to be shocked by the barrier.
[I told you. That small trinket isn't enough to sway me. According to my kin's traditions, you must show me proof of strength.] Rudra chuckles as I slowly back away. [That is... If you survive.]
ROAAAAAARRRRR!
[WARNING]
[You have been challenged by the [Great Ruby Dragon, <Rudra>]!]
[Great Ruby Dragon, <Rudra>]
[HP: 1450/1450]
Well, that did it! I guess there's no backing out now!
"Energy waving around the elements around me. Gather to me and create the force against my enemies! [Mana Blast]!"
I fire a white energy blast at the dragon. But to my shock, it simply bounces off from his scaly skin. In that case...
"I call the lightning from above to pierce through my foes' defenses!" I wave my staff around to form dark clouds above us. "[Thunder Lance]!"
I toss the lance-shaped electricity from the clouds to the big bad dragon. Thanks to his barrier, I'm free to use my [Plasma Staff] to deal double damage on that jerk. I watch it collide with his body as I slowly back away from the collision. Hopefully, it's enough to weaken him...
[HP: 1397/1450]
Seriously?! I thought my [Minor Thunder Affinity] was enough to increase my spell's damage! This guy must be on the same level as the [Tempest Frigate]. He might not share the same weaknesses as that bird, but he might be too much for me alone.
[HAHAHAHA!!! Is that all of your magic, little [Insignis]? It's not enough to scratch my scales!]
Okay... Now he's mocking me... But I need to keep fighting if I want to prove myself...
[Rawr!]
Wait... Was that the baby dragon? Why does it sound like he's nearby?
[Rawr! Rawr!]
What the?! Just as I turn around, the dragon jumps into my arms without warning. And right in front of the big dragon!
"Hey! I told you to stay put until I take care of this bully!"
[Rawr...]
Huh? Is it because he's worried about me?
[Oh... A baby [Sapphire Dragon]. I'm surprised you of all [Insignis] have one with you.]
Oh, no...
"Wait, it's not what it looks like!" I try to explain myself while waving my hands. "This little guy got lost and I'm here to guard him..."
[BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!] The dragon explodes in laughter. [Don't lie to yourself! One of his parents is here in the <Tested Wilds>, right? So that means I have to beat you and that old cat to challenge them. Now this is another reason I want to finish this fight in my victory!]
He's not letting me finish my sentence. Or listening to me! Do I really need to beat him so he can listen for once?!
"D-Dude... Is that...?!"
Wait, that voice...
"A BFD! A BIG-FAT DRAGON!!!"
I quickly turn around and gasp to see not only Wind behind the barrier but also Arthur and Razul with him. Did he already get his [Familiar] and meet up with them afterward? Talk about bad timing...
"Uh... I can explain, guys..." I stammer while trying not to break my concentration from the [Great Ruby Dragon].
[Oh? We have more guests here. Two humans and an [Elf]. Although I sense the same [Mana] from that green [Human].]
"Don't tell me that dragon is talking about me..." Wind grumbles.
"Huh? What are you talking about, Wind?" Razul asks.
"Yeah. All we're hearing are roars and growls from that BFD," Arthur finishes. "Don't tell me you understand dragon language?"
Huh... Razul and Arthur don't seem to understand what Rudra is saying, but Wind does. I guess that either the charm is still with him or his [Symbol Speech] might be activating due to him being [Half-Insignis].
But there's no time to make story theories! They don't know about the barrier yet, so I need to put it down before they can join me. The required number of party members is 4 and I seriously can't deal with this big guy with my current skillset.
"Regardless... Looks like Kazu is in danger and we may need to step in fast!" Wind says as he draws his bow and arrow.
But Arthur quickly grabbed his shoulder and said, "Are you nuts?! You seriously think 3 of us plus Kazu can beat that humongous lizard?!"
Wait... Maybe that's enough to let them join.
"But still... that dragon..."
"...is not powerful enough to beat me, my brother, and his powerful friends!" I interrupt quickly. "Heck, my brother might cut you down with one hand behind his back while his friends follow up with their eyes closed!"
The whole forest grows silent. The great dragon freezes as soon as I make my declaration while Wind, Arthur, Razul, and even the baby dragon look at me with their eyebrows raised and Arthur's jaw drops.
[...Huh? What makes you think those two [Humans] and an [Elf] would beat me with you?]
"B-Because... I'm not that strong on my own. While I beat a [Tempest Frigate] on my own, I beat other giants more ferocious than the bird! Plus, my big brother, Wind defeated some mean baddies and monsters alone and Arthur and Razul defeated thousands of soldiers with their sword, shield, and [Magic Artilery]! I promise they will beat you if I sacrifice my life to stop you from destroying <Tested Wilds>!"
"Kazu, what are saying?!" Wind shouts. "Are you trying to make that drag-"
[Interesting...] Rudra interrupted while growling under his breath. [I am curious at that [Human's] unique [Mana]. It would be too boring to fight a mere [Insignis] child mage.]
The great dragon suddenly lets out an echoing roar as I cover the baby [Sapphire Dragon's] ears. Suddenly, he swings his tail to Wind and his friends and flings them inside the barrier to near my feet.
[Alright! Show me if what the child said isn't mere fiction! Do not blame me if you can't handle my power!]
I help them stand up from his attack while Arthur glares at me. "What are you thinking, Kazu?! Are you trying to get us all killed here?!"
"I'm sorry, guys. But if I go head-to-head alone, I might not be able to protect this guy as part of my [Hidden Quest] and Bai Hu's promise!" I let them see the baby dragon, who is hiding behind my back. "Besides, I feel like he's fighting with me because he thinks his parents are nearby."
"Wait, back up!" Wind interrupted. "You're risking your virtual life over a misunderstanding?!"
I chuckle sheepishly. "Uh... To be fair, I tried to tell him..."
[ROOOOAAAARRRRR!!! ARE WE GONNA FIGHT OR WHAT?!]
Again?! He's more impatient than Arthur!
"Okay, I see what you mean!" Razul winces.
"Tell me about it! Even I don't have listening issues!" Arthur remarks.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Arthur!" Wind adds. "Alright, we'll help you out! Just don't do anything reckless while I'm around, Kaz."
I nod. "I only need to protect the baby dragon. If his [HP] goes below half of it, it's game over for my [Hidden Quests]."
"Well, that leaves me as a tank! Leave that big guy to me!" Arthur takes out both of his weapons and rushes in front of the great dragon. "Hey, you big-fat dragon! Why don't you fight me first?! [Provoke]!"
He slams his shield on the ground loud enough to gain attention from Rudra.
[Ah... The reckless warrior. Just what I want,] Rudra grins with his fangs bared. [Let's see how strong your shield is.]
I gasp as I see him raise his claws over Arthur, forcing me to raise my staff and aim it to Razul.
"Spirit of Sylph, I ask for your aid. Grant me the power of the wind to outrun and defeat my opponents! [Bluster Speed]!" I chant before I cast the said buff spell on Razul.
"Thanks, Kaz!" Razul quickly used the buff I gave him to rush behind the dragon and aimed his pistol at his neck. "[Stone Burst]!"
I watch him fire a brown [Mana] bullet from his pistol as it hits the back of Rudra's neck. [Huh?! Who dares?!]
"Hey! You said you want to test all of us, right?" Wind calls out as I cast a few buffs on him. "Well, you better be careful what you wish for! If you mess with my brother, you mess with all of us!"
"You said it, bro!" I raise my staff to the dragon. "So what are you waiting for? Bring it, you big lizard!"
Okay... That might not be the best I have. But with Wind and friends by our side, we're now ready to face Rudra!
Don't worry, little guy! We're here to protect you no matter what!
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Current Quest: Guard the Young Sapphire Dragon! ***
Type: Urgent
Status: In Progress
Party Member(s):
[Kazu]
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Current Quest: [A Dragon Who Dreams of Flight] **
Type: Hidden
Status: In Progress
Progress: 90%
Party Member(s):
[Kazu]
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Kazu's Masteries
[Arcana] Level 21
[Thunder] Level 18
[Wind] Level 17
[Alchemy] Level 18
[Magecrafting] Level 17
[Magical Affinity] Level 20
[Scribe] Level 23
[Earth] Level 10
[Sign Creation] Level 1
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