Chapter 24: Zen VS Underwater Dragon King [STAR]

Rose and I rushed as fast as we could towards the sacred ceremonial site. Even from afar, I can see the Underwater Dragon King resting atop of a stone building. He is certainly huge. Perhaps at least double or triple in length size as compared to his surface brethren. He lowered his head as though he wanted to see something. I hope they are trying to stall him as much as they can until I reached the site.

As we got closer, I heard argument happening between the Underwater Dragon King and someone. Only the Underwater Dragon King’s bassy voice could be heard from this distance. Is John arguing with the Dragon King? I seriously hope that he's not that foolish. You really shouldn’t incur his wrath when his mood is already this sour.

Woah hey!! What the hell is this?! Some strong water currents suddenly appeared and is trying to prevent us from getting closer! Damn it, I might be able to mitigate the damage with my dragonhide cloak but Rose won’t be able to get in without getting sliced apart. I told her to wait here as I try to find a way to disperse them from the inside. As I prepared myself to dash in, Rose tugged on my cloak. She looked really worried that I might die trying to get inside. I gave her a smile and petted her head to assure her that all is alright. I covered myself as much as I could with my cloak and dashed through the water currents.

Yeouch! It freaking hurts but I’m alive, somehow. I gave a quick body checkup to make sure there were no serious injuries. Alright, seems like just some minor scratches so far. I’ll deal with that later. This dragonhide cloak is starting to be worth the investment. I’m liking it so far.

Looking up ahead, I can see many guild members battling the Underwater Dragon King. Are they even harming him in the first place? It looked as though he was having fun gliding around cheerfully.

Woah! Someone just punched the Underwater Dragon King on the face! It must be a Blitz Knight as I can see some electric effects from where he was punched.

Yikes! That person was bitch slapped by the Underwater Dragon King’s tail and fell on some ruins up ahead. Perhaps I can save this person. Time to move.

Wait a minute— what are you trying to do there Mister Underwater Dragon King? Why does it look like you are charging up some kind of attack spell? Are you seriously trying to kill this fella with some kind of flashy attack? Isn’t that way too overkill for just punching you?!

I seriously need to be faster now if I wish to save that person in question. C'mon, focus your mind, focus on what need to do. Breathe— breathe….

I ran as fast as my feet can bring me as I focused on my breathing. I noticed when I ran at full speed, everything around me felt as though it is moving in slow motion. Is this perhaps something similar to using Concentration? No time to think about that for now. I need to save this courageous Blitz Knight who is strong enough to punch the Underwater Dragon King on the face.

I reached the Blitz Knight in question who fell into the ruins. Yikes, half of the body was under the rubbles. I hope this person is still alive. What do I do, what can I do?

Argh, no time to think about it. I swung my gauntlets and smashed the rubbles aside with my gauntlets and it flew aside surprisingly easily. Wow, I didn't know these gauntlets improved my strength at all. Or maybe it is so durable that I can use it to punch things without hurting my fist.

Alright, the rubbles are cleared. Time to rescue this person quickly. Oh shit! The Underwater Dragon King is using some sort of breath that looks like some high speed water pressure. And it is heading this way at full speed! Move my body, move faster!!

BOOM!!!

Geez, that was close!! I managed to saved this knight by the hair! Good thing this person was light enough for me pull him aside one-handed. Time to get out of this ruins falling apart.

Damn it, visibility is horrible with all these dirt particles floating around me. Have to get clear. I hope there isn’t another one of his breath attack waiting for me the moment I get out of here.

Phew, made it! Alright, time to check out the situation properly. Let's see, it would appear that the Elemental and Viking members are fighting the Underwater Dragon King. Now where’s John? Hmm— oh there he is! He is charging towards the Underwater Dragon King. What is going on? Is that— smoke coming out of him? I hope he's ok and didn't get electrocuted by one of the Elemental guild members.

Alright, a moment of rebreather for me. Come to think of it, I have not updated my quest log in such a long time. About time I updated it now.

Side Quest Unlocked: Help out my potential long lost cousi—

“Zen?”

Hm? Oh right. I forgot I was carrying someone since this knight was so light. I didn't even realised I was carrying this knight princess style! I hope it’s not a guy. Please don't be a guy.

Wow, it’s an elf lady. A very beautiful one at that and slender to boot. Wait, did she just called me by my name?

“Is that you?” she asked me.

Wait, who is this person? I feel like I know her but something feels different. Can it be? I noticed her fringe had a hint of emerald colour on her silver hair tips. Her eyes were practically sparkling looking at me.

“L— Lily?” I asked her to be sure.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

“Yes, it’s me. You saved me again,” she smiled brightly.

Thump thump

“I— guessed I did. What happened to your glasses? You looked really different without it,” I tried my best to hide the fact that my heart was beating fast.

“Oh, that? I stopped wearing it a long time ago. The elves had found another way to help with vision without needing glasses,” she answered.

It took me a short while to snap out of the dream like effect and focused on what's happening around me. Damn, seems like John was right. Lily is certainly more beautiful than I can ever imagine. How many male’s heart had she murdered with her beauty? Even I am trying so hard not to kiss her. My heart is still thumping like crazy right now.

Lily stood on her feet and checked her body for any injuries. Seems like she was fine. The rubble did not crush her body but was more like preventing her from escaping. And this damn Underwater Dragon King was trying to kill her? That is not acceptable!

I gripped my hands together and told Lily to stand back. Lightning was sparkling between the gauntlets. I pulled them apart and the lightning was streaking in-between them. Ho ho— I think I can get used to this.

Time to test out on what these gauntlets can do. You’re going to be my guinea pig, Mister Underwater Dragon King. I can hear Lily being shocked that I'm able to use a Lightning spell. I will explain it to her later.

First up, let’s test out the first hidden spell. I lifted my right hand above my head and gathered power to it. It was actually more like the gauntlets that was guiding my hand to cast the spell. A streak of lightning came from above and struck onto my right hand. Geez, that was loud and not to mention intense! I can’t believe it was able to reach all the way down here underwater. So much power at the tip of my fingers. It felt as though my right hand were getting hugged by ten thousand lightning bugs.

I glared at the Underwater Dragon King who was starting at me with full attention. Seems like my little lightning action gained his attention. Time to let you feel what real lightning is. This is for trying to kill Lily!

SMITE!

Hang on, I can’t say that. Completely different universe. Hm, let’s see— Ah ok, “Lightning Strike!”

I swung my right hand towards the Underwater Dragon King. Huge streaks of lightning flew from my right hand towards him. It was even larger than the lightning that slammed on my hand earlier. The gauntlets must had amplified the lightning further before releasing it. This will certainly make a dent on him. As far as I know, this is possibly the only “magic” aside from our common fortification magic that I discovered throughout my journey. No other spells that I know in existence can be thrown like that.

The lighting struck the Underwater Dragon King’s head instantly. I can see his body convulsing after being struck by such a strong lightning. He even made an “Ahhh” in a sexy low toned voice. Did that just tickled him or something? I can see dark smokes appearing from his body. That should had roasted him somewhat.

The water currents that were imprisoning us was finally dispersing now. Good, Rose should be able to join us in this battle now.

“Who is this? I must see this worthy contender,” said the Underwater Dragon King as it swam towards me.

“Well well— what do we have here? Someone worthy enough to carry two celestial beings? But— you don’t look like you’re part of the Elemental guild. Let’s see— a member of the Dark guild, but capable of using Lightning spell? Now that is unheard of. You intrigued me, little one,” said the Underwater Dragon King. Damn it, stop insulting my height!

“You tried to kill my friend here. That was payback for earlier. If you’re willing to let us go, then we won’t have a reason to fight any further,” I said to the Underwater Dragon King.

“Nay, I need to make sure that this new Viking Lord candidate is capable of rallying humanity for the incoming war. The whole world’s fate depends on his capabilities,” said the Underwater Dragon King.

“I'm sorry, but what war are you referring to? There is nothing capable of inciting a full scale war on the world. The Demon King is dead and so are his armies,” I answered.

“Naive! There is going to be an all out war in the near future. Sadly, it is muddled in my foresight but I know for sure that it involves humanity at the forefront. I will keep my promise to the first Viking Lord in helping out humanity any way possible. Making sure this new Viking Lord is ready to lead is my way of keeping that promise,” said the Underwater Dragon King.

“That is very noble of you, Mister Underwater Dragon King lord sir. But how does killing us accomplish anything? Isn't it better for you to let us go so we can start preparing for war,” I questioned him.

“In every war there will always sacrifices. I am showing this Viking Lord candidate that he needs to learn leadership or more of his subordinates will die,” answered the Underwater Dragon King.

“If you wish to fight then I will be your opponent. Let me show you what the Viking Lord’s subordinate is capable of, in the face of the Underwater Dragon King,” I glared at him.

“Ho ho, you really intrigued me, little one. I commend your courage to face me head-on. Very well then, show me what you got,” he smirked.

I tossed a potion of mermaid’s breath to Lily and drank one myself while still wearing the bubble helmet. Good thing the helmet does not pop when I put my hands through it. Now, the moment of truth. I removed the helmet and took a deep breath through my mouth. Good, air is flowing in instead of water. I can officially confirm that my potion indeed worked even at the bottom of the ocean. From what I timed previously, it should last for at least half an hour. I will need to drink another one mid-way if the battle drags on longer than that.

Both Lily and the Underwater Dragon King were surprised that I removed my helmet and was breathing without it. It was probably unheard of, huh? I still got more tricks up my sleeves.

“You are certainly something else, little one. Not even the elves were capable of breathing underwater. And yet, here you are removing your helmet. I wonder what other surprises you can show me. Come, show me your capabilities, little one! I am excited from your potential!” said the Underwater Dragon King.

Rose came over and stood at my side. Seemed like she had drank the potion as well. I nodded to her and she understood what I wanted her to do. She proceeded to head towards the other guild members to pass them my potions so that they can fight with their full potential.

I rushed towards the Underwater Dragon King and leaped at him. He was ready and roared with might. The whole surroundings shook from the roar. I was almost deafen by it but quickly swerved myself towards the ground. Mid-way downwards, I swung Inazuma on the Underwater Dragon King’s body.

Ping!

Holy! His scales are tough. It is like hitting diamonds. I doubt using Shadow Strike would change a thing. Time for plan B then. Sorry Inazuma but, I wish to try the capabilities of Tengu-kaze with such a strong opponent. I sheathed Inazuma back into its scabbard. I can feel it rattling on my hips. Kirin must be furious now but I ignored him. Let’s see what Tengu-kaze can do.

I leaped a few metres back to gain some distance from the Underwater Dragon King. The potion is really doing it’s job. I don’t feel like I'm underwater at all. The only thing I can do here is jump higher if I put more strength into it. Uh oh, the Underwater Dragon King is charging up his breath again. I need to dodge it!

“Just swing Tengu-kaze and all will be fine” spoke Byakko through my mind. I hope I can trust him.

The Underwater Dragon King blew his breath towards me at high speed. Nothing to do now but swing it till I wing it, I suppose. I swung Tengu-kaze downwards with all my might. A strong wind pressure sliced through the high speed water pressure apart. I was stumped. Is Tengu-kaze actually stronger than Inazuma? Oh boy, it's rattling even more now. What a fickle.

I ran towards the Underwater Dragon King once more. Let’s see how Tengu-kaze fares against the scales of the Underwater Dragon King. I saw Lily leaped from the cliff I was standing on earlier and punched the Underwater Dragon King’s face again. Her gauntlets must be amplifying the strength of her punch. Who knew that Lily would end up as a brawler when she was so timid last time. And it would appear that she had taken the potion that I’ve given to her, seeing that she no longer wears her bubble helmet. She quickly steered clear after punching to avoid getting slapped by the tail again.

Now’s my chance, I swung Tengu-kaze against the scales of the Underwater Dragon King. Loud screeching sound was heard when I made contact with it. But even with all that wind pressure and the blade itself, it couldn’t make a dent or even a scratch at point blank range.

I leaped back quickly as his tail swung towards me. I dodged and quickly took cover. What are my options now? I cannot be spamming Lightning Strike alone. I only have five charges and now I'm down to four. I would like to avoid using all the charges in this battle alone when I still have no idea on how to restore it.

I heard footsteps and people shouting approaching closer to where I am. I guess Rose has finished giving all the other members the potion. They should be able to fight more effectively now that they have free mobility. While they occupy the Underwater Dragon King’s attention, I should consider my other option and prepare myself.

Rose came and crouched next to me. She was panting a little. I supposed she ran around passing all the potions that I've given her. Truth be told, I'm not sure if there's anyone here that is capable of damaging the Underwater Dragon King in the first place. I doubt Rose could do any damage with her rapier when even my legendary weapons could not. Lily’s punch might had some effect but the Underwater Dragon King was still unfazed after the many punches she delivered to him. I guess I should not hold back then.

“Rose, cover me,” I said to her.

She nodded and took point. I prepared my gauntlets by gripping it together once more. Time to unleash the second hidden spell.