The silence stretched as we all stared, wide-eyed, at the Drakonian standing before us. His scales shone in hues of emerald green, and his wings folded behind him with a sense of ease that made his towering presence somehow both majestic and intimidating. For a long, tense moment, no one dared to breathe, let alone speak.

He glanced at each of us, his gaze settling on me with a sharpness that could pierce steel. “I’ve been looking for the person who killed the five Earth Dragons,” he said, his voice like distant thunder. “Who here was it?”

Nobody moved. My friends and Corti’s team all took one unified step back, leaving me awkwardly exposed as their silent answer. His gaze sharpened, locking onto me.

But then, to everyone’s surprise, he broke into a broad, toothy grin. “Incredible! Absolutely fascinating!” he boomed, giving me a firm slap on the shoulder that nearly sent me flying. “How did you manage to pull it off? The way you took them down! Was it brute strength? Magic? Sheer charisma?”

“Uh, well… I, um…” I fumbled, glancing nervously around as he started firing off a barrage of rapid questions.

“So, how did you get the first one?” he asked with intense interest, practically bouncing on his feet.

“Uh… hit it with a sword?”

“A sword, yes, yes! Classic choice!” He nodded enthusiastically. “But what about the second one?”

I looked over at Kael, who was already suppressing a smirk. “Well, that one… kind of got in the way,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant. “And… I hit it with a sword too.”

“Amazing! A stroke of genius!” he crowed. “And the third?”

“I, uh, hit it… with a sword,” I repeated, trying not to cringe. “Are we noticing a pattern here?”

The Drakonian laughed, his voice booming through the clearing. “Consistent, bold, effective! I like it! Bravo, Bravo!” He clapped his hands together, causing Mira to jump in surprise.

By now, my friends looked more baffled than afraid but Corti and his friends still seemed very cautious, the Drakonian suddenly seemed to notice. He took a step back, giving an apologetic half-bow. “Ah, forgive me for startling all of you,” he said, a little sheepishly. “I suppose I have that effect on people. Can’t imagine why.” He gave us an exaggerated shrug that sent Kael into chuckles

Clearing his throat, the Drakonian continued. “Anyway, I haven’t even introduced myself! From Arkos of the far South, I’m Eregor Hyrrad, Drakonian emissary and—dare I say—the world’s friendliest dragon-man!”

Based on that speech, he sounds like a multi-level selling employee.

We exchanged a few looks, trying to gauge just how much of that statement we could trust. He seemed to pick up on the skepticism. “Oh, I get it,” he said with a sigh, waving a dismissive hand. “We Drakonians have… a bit of a reputation or rather infamy, don’t we?”

“Well…” Kael drawled, scratching the back of his neck. “There was that whole period of you guys waging wars and terrorizing villages’ peace a while back.”

Eregor’s face fell. “Yes, yes, I know. Not our proudest moment,” he admitted. “But a century ago, we decided to change! We Drakonians want to show the world that we’re more than just fire-breathing lizardmen. We’re fire-breathing lizardmen with hearts!” He thumped his chest dramatically.

“So you’ve been traveling around just to, uh… improve Drakonian PR?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Exactly! Even though I don’t know what PR is” Eregor sighed. “But it hasn’t gone well. People see me and start throwing things—tomatoes, stones, some even launch fire spells! Which is kind of rude, really, because—” he grinned, “—fire spells just tickle.”

Kael let out a snort, Mira was visibly holding back a laugh, and even Kaldor managed a grin. But despite his attempt at humor, Eregor looked genuinely sad, and something about his story struck a chord with me.

I knew what I was about to say would make everyone go crazy, but I still said it anyway.

"I think we should help him."

As expected, chaos erupted around me.

“Duke, are you actually serious about this?” Sylas asked, staring at me as if I had lost my mind.

“There’s no way you can do it,” Mira added, her arms crossed, worry clear on her face.

Kael, who had been leaning against a tree, narrowed his eyes. “Don’t forget our main purpose, Duke. We need to go home.”

Corti, the leader of Woodenring, scoffed. “Kid, I know you have a kind heart, but this kindness of yours has gotten too far.”

I clenched my fists. I understood their concerns. I really did. This wasn't just about picking up a stray or helping a wounded traveler. This was about a Drakonian—a race feared and hated by nearly every kingdom. People believed they were monsters, warmongers, destroyers. But I didn’t see a monster in front of me.

I saw Eregor.

A man who carried himself with dignity despite the scorn thrown at his race. A man who had probably endured lifetimes of discrimination just because of his blood. Back in my old world, racism was just as horrible—perhaps even worse because people pretended it didn’t exist. At least here, it was obvious. Raw. Cruel. Blatant.

And I couldn't stand it.

"We're just gonna leave him here? Let him wander, alone, knowing he'll be attacked just for existing?" I asked, my voice calm, but my emotions anything but. "Is that the kind of people we are?"

Mira bit her lip. “Duke, it’s not that simple…”

“It is,” I interrupted, turning to look at all of them. "You all saw it back in town. People hate Drakonians, and they don’t even know why. They just follow what they've been told. That kind of blind hatred—doesn't it disgust you?"

Kael sighed and rubbed his temple. “Look, I get it. I really do. But we have a goal. A home to return to. We can’t just get involved in things way beyond us.”

His words hit hard.

Because he was right.

We had our own battles to fight, our own future to think about. But at the same time, could I really just walk away?

Before I could even answer that question myself, I caught sight of Eregor’s face. His golden eyes, sharp and draconic, widened in pure disbelief. It wasn’t just a surprise. It was hope.

Finally, I have decided.

“Eregor, I have decided to help you from now on.”

“Really? You’d do that?” he asked, his voice almost trembling.

I forced a smirk. "Umm… I will try my best." I shrugged. "Though I can't promise people won’t throw things at us."

That got a chuckle out of him.

But before we could seal the deal, a deep voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"Not happening."

Corti stepped forward, towering over Eregor with his massive sword resting on his shoulder. His expression was dark, filled with suspicion.

"He’s trying to lure us into a trap," Corti declared. "These beasts aren’t to be trusted. He’ll wait until our guard is down, and then he’ll kill us all."

I narrowed my eyes. “That’s insane. Look at him—does he look like he’s about to slaughter us?"

Corti didn't budge. "I’ve seen his kind before. They always put on a show of innocence before striking."

Eregor let out a sharp exhale, raising his hands in surrender. "You’re making a mistake." His voice was steady, but there was a flicker of frustration in his eyes. "I don’t expect you to trust me, but at least use some logic. If I wanted to ambush you, why would I let myself be surrounded first?"

No one answered.

Eregor continued, voice firmer. "I’ve done nothing but talk, yet you’re ready to kill me because of what? My scales? My horns?" He scoffed. "If I were human, you’d at least hear me out, wouldn’t you?"

His words carried weight, but they only made Corti tighten his grip on his greatsword. "Enough. I won’t fall for a monster’s tricks."

Eregor’s jaw clenched. "Unbelievable." He glanced toward me as if gauging whether I was about to attack too. I held his gaze but didn’t move.

For a second, I thought maybe—just maybe—this would end in words.

Then Corti gave the order to attack.

Arrows and fireballs shot through the air as Fyroe and Worte stood firmly from afar.

On the other hand, Rugne and Corti charged in with the leader’s greatsword sweep an upward slash and his companion raised his nicely polished claymore up.

Eregor sighed.

And in less than a minute, it was over.

The four of them were lying in a pile of broken pride and bruises.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

We all just… stared.

Kael, usually the calm one, actually blinked in genuine shock.

Mira whispered, “Did… did he just throw them like garbage?”

Sylas let out a low whistle. "Damn."

Eregor dusted off his hands as if he’d just finished stacking logs instead of flattening four trained adventurers in under a minute. His movements were calm, unhurried, almost lazy—as if he wasn’t the least bit concerned about the fact that he had just single-handedly crushed a full adventurer party.

And now, he was walking toward us.

A sharp chill ran down my spine. I forced my breath steady, but my instincts screamed at me to move, to run.

Suddenly, Eregor vanished in a second and then immediately appeared right infront of us. His golden eyes stared right into my soul.

Mira and Sylas clung to each other, their trembling obvious. Kaldor and Kael immediately reacted, leaping backward, hands hovering over their weapons.

I was the fastest one to fight back as I raised my sword in my right hand. The tip hovered near Eregor’s throat, my other hand gripping my saber, aimed at his ribs.

He stopped. Eregor tilted his head slightly, his sharp golden eyes locking onto mine. His mouth curled into something that wasn’t quite a smirk, but not a snarl either—just something in between, something unreadable.

"You’re brave," he murmured, voice low and calm. Too calm. "Or maybe just foolish."

I didn’t respond.

"Do you understand what you’re doing, human?" His tone was almost amused, but there was something dangerous lurking beneath his words. "You step forward, offering kindness to a Drakonian—one of the most hated races in this world. Do you know what that makes you?"

I didn’t flinch. I met his gaze head-on. "...Someone who won’t stand by and do nothing."

Eregor’s expression flickered, but then he leaned in slightly, his presence suffocating like a beast sizing up its prey.

"It makes you a target." His voice was a whisper now, but it carried weight—a promise of consequences. "For every noble who thinks you’re meddling in affairs beyond you. For every kingdom that wants us erased. For everyone who’s too much of a coward to stand for what’s right."

I gritted my teeth. I knew all of that already. But hearing it from him, from a Drakonian who had lived through it, made it feel even more real.

Sylas shifted behind me, uneasy. "Duke, maybe we should—"

"No." I cut her off. I clenched my fists, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "I don’t care about being a target. I care about what’s right."

Eregor studied me for a long moment, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. Then, he let out a quiet chuckle.

"...Heh. Interesting." He pulled back, no longer pressing his presence down on me like a mountain. The danger in his gaze faded, but there was something else now—curiosity.

"Then let’s see if you can handle what comes next, human."

Behind me, my friends were whispering, their voices barely above a breath.

"Do we… fight?" Mira muttered.

"Not a chance," Kael answered quickly. "You saw what he just did."

Kaldor said nothing, but I could feel his unease.

Then—

Eregor's serious expression vanished.

His lips curled into a grin.

"Relax," he said, tilting his head with an infuriatingly casual tone. "I was just messing with you. But, that reaction speed was crazy good, Duke! Who did you learn it from?"

Silence.

I blinked.

"...Huh?"

"YOU BASTARD!" Sylas shrieked.

Eregor barely had time to react before Sylas and Mira snapped.

"YOU THINK THAT’S FUNNY?!" Mira howled, summoning a wind spell.

Sylas’ wand crackled with magic, her eyes glowing with fury. "DIE, LIZARD!"

Eregor laughed—actually laughed—and started running in circles as the two girls chased him down, hurling spells his way.

I sighed.

One moment I was ready to fight for my life, and now this idiot was playing tag with my party. What am I even looking at?

Kael and Kaldor walked up next to me patting me on my shoulders as they enjoyed the 3 jerks in front of me chasing each other. “... Do what you gotta do, Mr. Babysitter”

I felt a bit uncomfortable with that nickname but decided to play along with it.

"Alright, enough!" I called, stepping forward and grabbing both Sylas and Mira by the collars. They flailed, but I held them firm.

"Let go! He deserves it!" Sylas yelled.

"Just one fireball!" Mira whined.

"No fireballs. No killing. And no traumatizing the guy we just agreed to help," I said, dropping them both unceremoniously onto the ground.

They landed with a thud, grumbling as they crossed their arms like scolded children.

Eregor dusted himself off again, his grin not fading in the slightest.

"You guys are fun," he mused.

I sighed again, rubbing my temples.

What have I just gotten myself into?

I turned to Eregor, my expression serious. "I need the truth. Everything about the Drakonian race. No sugarcoating."

Eregor studied me for a long moment before he nodded. "Fine. Ask away."

And I did. I threw every question at him—questions about the war, the reason for their exile, why they were feared. Some answers were what I expected, others were… unsettling.

By the end of it, I sighed. I still wasn’t sure what to believe.

"I need proof. Like, real-life to actually believe you." I muttered.

Eregor frowned as he pinched his forehead. "Hmmm… fair point."

Before anyone could say more, a massive shadow passed over us. We looked up to see ten Earth Dragons circling above, their scales glinting under the sun. A collective groan escaped our group; after everything, none of us had the stamina left to even run.

Eregor, however, seemed completely unfazed. “Oh, don’t worry about them!” he said cheerily, spreading his wings. “Watch and learn.” He gave me a wink, then launched himself into the air, soaring up toward the dragons. He floated in front of them, meeting their eyes with an intense stare.

Sylas sidled up to me, whispering, “Is he… intimidating them with a staring contest?”

“Looks like it,” I replied, unable to look away.

To our amazement, the Earth Dragons left out low rumbles, then turned and flew off, leaving us in peace. When Eregor returned to the ground, we all let out a collective sigh of relief, our fear melting into something like admiration.

I guess most of us have no more suspicions about Ergor anymore.

“How did you do that?” Mira asked, her jaw nearly dropping.

Eregor grinned. “Ah, we Drakonians share a special bond with dragons. You could say it’s… telepathic,” he said with a proud puff of his chest. “They wouldn’t dare attack me. They’re practically family.”

“Oh sure,” Kael teased, “just a normal family with three-meter-tall scales and teeth like swords.”

“Hey, family’s family!” Eregor said with a wink.

“You said that they are your family, but when you see the dead dragons, why won’t you be mad at us? You even praised Duke for doing so. If you say they are your family, don’t you care about them?” Sylas suddenly said with a strong voice

“Calm down, little girl. Though they are our family in a fight, there will be one to be killed and in this fight, it was the dragons. Besides, the population growth of dragons are high so five of them dead doesn’t really matter.” Eregor replied with a firm voice

Hearing that, Sylas doesn’t say anything. I know she doesn’t have any hatred towards him but it was because she cares so much about family.

Then Eregor turned to me with a smirk. “So… do you believe me now?”

"...Alright," I finally said, stepping forward. "I'm in. I’ll help you."

Eregor's eyes widened slightly before a smirk played at the edges of his lips. He reached out a clawed hand, and after a brief hesitation, I clasped it with my own. His scales were rough, his grip firm—there was strength behind it, but no hostility. Just mutual understanding.

"Then it is decided," Eregor declared. His voice carried a weight, like he was making an oath before the heavens themselves. "From this day forward, the guy with brown hair and two swords, you shall be known as—"

He paused for dramatic effect.

"—THE FIRST LIZARDMEN'S FRIEND!"

The title echoed in my head like an overly grand proclamation. My brain momentarily short-circuited.

"...Huh?"

But wait, the guy with brown hair and two swords? OH right, I forgot to give him my name… all of us forgot

I blinked. My friends blinked.

Kael choked on air. "The what now?"

Sylas rubbed her forehead. "Oh gods, this sounds ridiculous."

Mira groaned. "Please tell me that’s not an actual title."

Kaldor scratched the back of his head. "Does this mean Duke's a… lizardman now?"

Eregor chuckled, clearly enjoying our reactions. "Oh, I finally got to know your name. Duke… And No, no. It is a sign of honor! A mark of trust between Drakonians and our allies. You are the first outsider to receive it!"

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Duke Caddel. But Eregor. Look, man. I appreciate the gesture, but do we have to call it that?"

"Of course! It is tradition!"

"...You just made that up, didn’t you?"

Eregor grinned, fangs glinting. "Perhaps."

I groaned. This guy was impossible.

As he spoke, his eyes landed on the stash of weapons and treasure we’d gathered. His eyes widened, and he looked back at us. “Aha! So that’s why the dragons were grumpy. They thought you were after their hoard!”

Mira shifted nervously. “W-Well, it’s technically a fair prize…”

“Of course! Every dragon-slaying hero deserves treasure!” Eregor beamed, gathering up the weapons and setting them down before us. “Please, take it! And if anyone questions you, just tell them Eregor said it was all yours.”

We pulled out the treasure inside the Earth dragon’s nest, laughing and thanking Eregor. Kael nudged me with a grin. “Your new friend’s pretty handy, huh?”

“Not bad for the world’s friendliest dragon-man,” I replied with a smirk.

Eregor then turned to me, his expression growing serious again. “Now, about your offer to help us… it would be an honor, but… I have to warn you.” He gave me a solemn look. “People may not be kind to you for it. There could be consequences.”

I thought for a moment, then nodded firmly. “Consequences are worth it if it helps.”

Eregor smiled, pulling something from his bag. “Here.” He handed me a silver ring, simple but warm to the touch. “A Drakonian relic. Think of it as a token of our friendship.”

I slid it on, feeling its weight and wondering what it might do. “What’s it for?”

He just grinned. “Ah, it’s a surprise. You’ll appreciate it more if you discover it on your own.” He gave me a friendly slap on the back, launching me forward a few steps. “Goodbye, for now, Duke! But I have a feeling we’ll meet again!”

“And now, Mister world’s friendliest dragon-man shall carry his duty of cleansing the Drakonian’s reputation.” He said with a loud and serious voice

“Farewell, Bwahahaha”

With a powerful flap of his wings, he rose into the air and flew off, leaving us staring after him in awe.

Kaldor shook his head, chuckling. “You just made friends with a dragon man who talks like he’s your long-lost uncle. Only you, Duke.”

We all shared a laugh, shouldering our new treasures and saying goodbye to the other adventurers before continuing on our way.

“But what should we do to them?”

I turned my back to Mira pointing at Corti’s fainted body on the top of his members.

“Uh, about that, we should wake them up.” I used the blunt end of my sword and hit it slowly to Corti’s head and he finally woke up.

“Wha-huh? Where’s is that dam Lizard?” Those were his first words after waking up.

I then took some more time to explain and prove to them about Eregor. Mentioning and somewhat exaggerating about how he saved us from the Earth dragon.

Corti looked dumbfounded but he was still somewhat skeptical. In the end, after waking up his members, he agreed to keep this a secret.

“So what are you guys up to?”

“We would rest for a while with these treasures and then embark on more adventures, conquer more dungeons, and build up the name of Woodenring as the best adventure party,” Corti said while looking at his members.

“Then, wish you the best of luck” I replied

As for our journey, we want to escape the forest as soon as possible, mainly because we don’t want to encounter these monsters again,... or creatures like Eregor.