The breath of fire cascaded them, yet they stayed still. Not one of them flinched at the monstrous flare enveloping their very beings. The largest of them, raised his greatsword and with a single swing, dispersed it all. There were 3 of them. One was a short fellow doused in a mysterious cloak. The second one was tall and well-built, his body encased in a dark, gleaming armour. The third was slim and lean, wearing armour that could have been passed off as plain steel were it not for its shine.
“Woah, looks like this dragon thinks its hot shit or something”, the steel armoured man snickered as he swept away the remaining embers. He turned around to face the huge, looming figure behind them. Sheathing out his sword, he pointed it straight at its eyes.
“Okay, listen up, you good for nothing, over-sized lizard. It seems today must be the unluckiest day of your life, for now you have to face me, the gallant and valiant Matthias. I shall end your pathetic existence with a single swipe of my blade. Forsake those treasures of yours and I may just spare your life!”
The dragon roared. Fire lurched from its mouth, dousing him completely, yet the man hardly seemed threatened.
“Hahahahahaha, is this the mighty draconian breath that everyone fears? How pathetic! It’s no hotter than steam from a water bath.” The man stood there, sneering with a smirk plastered all over his face. The short one sighed. Ever since they had come to this world, his ego had gotten even bigger.
“Yea but that’s all because you wished for an armour that’s immune to all damage.”
“Shut up! My talents are more than just this armour I wear.”
“Sure sure, then why don’t you face this dragon without it. I’m prettttyyyy sure you can just equip normal armour and fight like a normal knight.”
“What! Are you stupid? Do you realise how much of a disgrace it would be to the gentle Miss Clara if I threw away this gift she granted me?”
Huge, blistering winds bellowed through the cave and threw away the two bickering comrades. They turned around to face the dragon. It was now flapping its wings, getting ready for flight. Both of them looked at each other and realised it would become a nuisance once it got into the air. The tall one, seemingly exasperated at his comrades’ actions, sighed.
“Listen, if you two are done with your banter, lets finish this before it gets messy. Gaius, secure him before he gets even higher, I’ll end it with one strike.”
“Gotcha.”
The man known as Gaius started a chant. Two earth arms emerged from the ground and started to extend, heading towards the dragon. The arms gripped the dragon’s wings and started to bring him back down. The dragon started to struggle, flapping its wings but it was no use.
“Oh, you’re not going anywhere, my friend.”
With a burst of energy, the two earth arms crashed the dragon to the ground. The dragon was not given a single second to raise its body up, as the large man rushed forward, the greatsword glistening amongst the dust and earthen debris. With a leap, greatsword held high above his head, he brought it down.
————DragonSlayer Art 4: Reverent Strike———
A burst of light surrounded the greatsword and with a single strike, the dragon was beheaded.
“Nice KO my dude”. Matthias gave a thumbs up to his dark companion.
“Ah, it was nothing. Though, it doesn’t feel good doing that. I guess a living monster is different from an rpg monster after all.”
“I worry about that attitude of yours. Dude, WE ARE HEROES. Ultimate warriors. Look at us, we hella hypeeeeeee.”
“Ugh. I get it. No need to shout like that. Keep your excitement to yourself. And maybe spend less time preaching to the enemy about your might and prowess.”
The three traversed through the cave. They had heard of a legendary dragon, guarding immense wealth. Not being able to contain their excitement, they rushed off immediately.
“Woooooaaaaaaahhhhhhh. LOOK AT ALL THIS GOLD.”
The two watched as Matthias ran forward and jumped into the heaps and troughs of gold in front of them.
“You know Gaius, sometimes it seems hard to comprehend all of this. I still wonder if I’m actually in a coma imagining all of this.”
“I get you man, but if this is some dream, I hope to never wake up. You should take a page out of Matthias’s life and chill more. Geronimoooooooooo.”
He watched Gaius jump and join Matthias.
“Well, I guess pondering the mysteries of our existence is a lower priority than swimming around in gold. Hold up, you guys.”
And with that, the three of them basked in the gold, living their lives to their fullest.
Laying around in the gold, a thought occurred to Gaius.
“Oh yea, don’t you guys think that _____________ would have arrived by now?”
“Pffffffffffftttttttttttt, oh I completely forgot about that guy. Oh my god, I can’t wait to see his dumb ass. We totally have to find him.”
“How are you so sure that he even made it?”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out. Ohhh, I can’t wait to mess him up. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Come on, let’s pack up here and get moving. Let’s head to the central city. We’ll know for certain if he’s here. It’s gonna be so much fun seeing his dumb face.”
____________________________
His black hair swayed in this wind. An average build with an average height. A perfect nose. Or so he had been told by his Grandma. Cyrus had set off on his journey. With his trusty companion dragon Tya and a gun that could obliterate anything, he had a goal.
To defeat the demon lord.
To be able to return to his world.
What a noble quest, it was indeed.
Which was why he was robbing a traveller of his belongings.
Truly a just hero.
“That’s right, hand me half of all your rations and all your travelling gear.” Training the gun on him, I made sure he was incapable of any sudden actions. “Make any sort of movements and I won’t hesitate to obliterate you.”
“Please sir, I’ll gladly split my rations with you but if you take away my equipment, I’ll be completely lost.”
“Shut up, I didn’t ask you for any comment. Just hand over your stuff if you don’t feel like dying.”
Tya was resting on a tree branch, watching this all play out. She couldn’t help release a dismal growl at her master’s actions. Seeing her master act so despicable was really unbearable. She was disappointed in him. She would keep in mind to reprimand him later through her nips.
“All I have is this compass and map. Here you go, just please spare my life!”
Sigh. Dealing with this guy was making me more depressed. Somehow seeing him whimpering and begging me for his life was making me feel like I’m the bad guy. Oh wait. I am the bad guy here, huh. I felt some guilt as I took the stuff from the guy. I remembered Miss Clara telling me how she would teleport me at a temple near the central city. Yet somehow, I had ended up in this prairie field. I had no idea where I was either. Ahhhhhh, couldn’t luck just be on my side for once. Would really appreciate it ya know, O Mighty One in the sky.
“Hmmmm, looks like everything’s good. Well then, you have about 10 seconds to get out of my sight.”
“YESSSSSSSIRRRRRR!!!!”
I watched him bolt off. Wow, I guess the flight of fright reaction is a pretty crazy thing. Looking around, I decided to head towards the forest. It will be safer to relocate before taking a look at that map of his.
“Come on Tya, let’s get a move on.” Tya leapt off the tree, stretching her wings, smoothly glided on to my shoulder. “Let’s try to go a little deeper in the forest. Not too deep of course, just enough so we can’t be spotted by anyone directly–––Ah!” All of a sudden, Tya rushed at me and clamped down on my shoulder.
“Hey, that hurts! Ouch stop it! Not another one! Okay okay I get it, you’re mad about the guy I robbed right? Wait don’t nip me again! Is that a yes nip or a no nip? Ah–Stop with the nips already! I know that what I did was––– God not another one! At least stop biting at the same place! Fine I promise not to do it again. That’s good enough right?!? Ouch what was that one for! I apologised now right? You’re just enjoying biting me now aren’t you!”
Tya released a contented growl, seemingly satisfied with her discipline. Leaving my shoulder, it seemed she was in the mood to fly for a while. That little devil. Rubbing my sore neck, I decided that we had walked deep enough to be by ourselves. Sheesh, she really didn’t hold back with the bites. I’ll have to keep in mind to not upset her too much in the future.
Resting on a tree stump, I decided to examine the stuff I got from that wimpy traveller. The rations he had given were basic. A few bread rolls, a piece of cheese, some biscuits and dried fruit. A flask of water alongside the map and compass he had mentioned. First things first, let’s examine that map of his. I remembered some of the basic blessings that Miss Clara had given me. The ability to read and speak this world’s languages was one of them. I crouched down, spreading the map on the ground.
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“Now, let’s see here……….” The central city was located clearly, on the western side. Earlier, I remembered seeing a sign post indicating a town called Glendall. Now to find it on this map. It took a while, but I managed to find it. Lucky me. Glendall was east of the Central City. Meaning, once I reach Glendall, it should be a straight-forward journey towards this Central City. Hmmmm, what about distances though? Nothing was mentioned on this map. “Oh well, it seems like Glendall is the first step to go.”
It seemed the sun was starting to go down. There’s no point of travelling at night and this place seemed safe enough to camp for the night. Looking around, I found it. A perfect tree. Tya watched her master hoist himself up the tree. She watched him fall down a couple of times, wondering what was he after. Did he realise how comfortable trees were? She released a squeal of joy. After all, there wasn’t a single human she knew who could truly appreciate the wonders of the tree.
“Hah hah…, what are you so excited about Tya?” Finally, managing to climb the tree, I looked at the happy-go-lucky dragon in front of me. How convenient, must it be to fly. It was too dangerous to sleep on the floor. Who knows what sort of beasts might lurk around in this forest. I managed to find a tree with sturdy branches, strong enough to support me. I could never have imagined I would end up sleeping on a tree. I looked below, wondering how much it would hurt me if I fell off during the night. Tya landed directly on my stomach. Oof, you could give a little warning, you rapacious beast. It seemed my discontent didn’t bother Tya one bit. Releasing a yawn, she decided to curl up and prepare for sleep. Well, this works, she gets a cozy bed and I get this bundle of warmth and fluff. Not a bad deal, at all. Looking at the sunset, I wondered what else awaited me. Oh well, better get some rest.
The night past by peacefully. After indulging myself on some of the rations and watching Tya hunt down her meal of sparrows, we were all set. Tracing back my route, I came out of the forest and headed towards the sign post. It had a clear arrow, pointing towards the left with the labelling “Glendall”. According to the compass, Glendall appeared to be towards North. Checking with the map, the direction matched up. This took away the presumption of a tampered sign. I realised I was taking too much energy and time on needless precautions. Hiding in woods, sleeping on trees, double checking everything. But in a world like this, I’d rather be safe than sorry. I ain’t gonna be no noob who falls into some dumb trap in volume 1.
“Let’s go Tya. Our destination is the town of Glendall.”
“Errpphhhhh”
With Tya’s valiant cry, we set off on the path.
____________________________
In the pub known as Twisted Branches, two companions were discussing a matter over their meal.
“Hhhheeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy”
“Matthias keep your lousy arms to yourself”
“Liisssteeeennn maaannnnn, the hellll is up vit this. Dat ass haznt even shown up. WHAT THE HELLLLLLLLLLLLL!”
“First of all, quiet down! You’re making a scene for no reason”
“But bububut buttttttttt I was so excited to meet him. I had made so amny plans to mess with him. But he dididmt even show up. ITT SUCCCKSKS”
At this point, people had started to look at them, Matthias’s loud booming voice was one thing, but it seemed due to his previous ventures in the pub, people had already started to dislike him. The only reason he was allowed was because of his wealth and status.
Gaius, pulled Matthias by the ear and forcefully made him sit down.
“Listen here, I’m not going in to get caught up in your messes. Just quiet down. If you don’t shut up, no more alcohol you GOT IT?”
“Fine finifffe fineeeeeeeeeeee but why are a you so okay with it? I thought you were looking forward to him.”
“I was. But I’ve also got a life. I’m not gonna cry and lose myself like you. So what, he probably got his ass handed to him. He probably met a bandit or a goblin and shit himself.”
“Hahahhahaha, that’s so true. That guy totally would just shit himself. He acted so big online, criticizing everything but he’s nothing more than a giant baby in real life.”
“You mean like you are if someone takes away that enchanted armour of yours.”
“Huh, what yous say sumthing?”
“It was nothing. Just looking around at some stuff.”
“But maannnn, I really wanted to screw with him. Thisi sucks soooo muuuucccchhh. I had planned to make him pay fur everthing he said. That ass…. All thddat bullshitit talking he did, all those insults at mer waifus, I’d planencd to make him pay so mjuch.”
“Just take another quest. Who cares about him. This world is so awesome, you can do so much. So go another quest man”
“There’s no point”
“Huh?”
“After all after after all AFTER ALL, THAT PRINCESSS STILLL WONNNT ACCEPTP MEEEEEE”
“What dude, quiet down! People are seriously looking at us now. I’m sorry guys hahahaha, seems like my buddy had a little too much to drink!”
A large, burly man came over. Gaius groaned at who it was. The pub owner. Muscles popping out of everywhere, with the shine of his bald head, he truly looked like the ultimate macho man.
“Yeah, it seems like your buddy has had too much to drink. Strange, considering how much he was shit talking my drinks last week.”
“Well you see uhhhh”
“2 minutes. Get your friend and his drunk ass out oy my pub. No one here can stand his bumbling cries anymore. Either we have to listen to his tall tales of his adventures or his dumb cries for attention.”
“OHHHHH well uif aint mista baldy talkiinn. Dududue should feel honoured I EVEN COME TO THIS SHIT CREEK. HWO YO think tUMMMMFFF”
Gaius used both his hands to cover Matthias’s face. “I’m so so so sorry for this idiot’s words. We will leave immediately––––”
“Oh don’t worry you’ll leave alright.” Picking both Gaius and Matthias up in each arm, the pub owner flung them through the open door. A huge crash was heard as the two bodies collided on the pavement.
“Don’t ever show your sorry asses here again.”
Gaius groaned from the collision. What the hell. Due to him being in the same party as Matthias, his reputation was also starting to drop considerably. This absolute moron. Ever since they had come here, he had gotten over his head. He would brag about himself to no end, hit on any woman he fancied, act like a total prick. And since they were chosen heroes, they had gotten everything they wanted. Aristocrats allied themselves with Matthias, entertaining him to use him in their politics, women swooning over him just for his fame and money. It had all built up his ego to no extent. Gaius wondered what the future held in store for him at this rate. The only person who would tell Matthias to his face how much of an idiot he was, was the second royal princess. She was the only one who condoned his actions and refused to get along. Of course, Matthias only saw this as a challenge. After all the countless light novels he had read and animes he had watched, he only thought of her as the stubborn princess who would fall in love with him over time. And that did not seem to be the case any time soon.
“Imma head too Eden. You commess too?”
“No, I’m not going to that brothel. You do realise that the only reason they entertain you is to drain of your money, right? And in your current drunkness, they’re gonna end up bleeding you dry.”
“Who careeeeeezz. Iz awesome ther. Sooo many baabezz. Hehehehe, Iamaam swimmm in breastzzzz”
“Suit yourself. I’m going home.”
But his companion wasn’t paying attention. He was already staggering in the direction of the high-end district.
Gaius only sighed and went the opposite direction, towards the housing district.
“But still, I didn’t think ___________ would kick the bucket so early. I thought he was a smarter guy.”
____________________________
Cyrus was feeling great. He had finally gotten some luck on his side. On his journey to Glendall, he had stumbled onto a caravan heading towards there. The farmer and his grandson had offered to take him with them and even going as far as to offer them lodging for the night. The grandson, Jay was proud of his town, telling me all about it on the way there.
“Here we are Sir Cyrus. This is the peaceful town of Glendall.”
“Huh, looks like just one of those stereotypical opening towns in JRPGs.”
“What do you mean Sir Cyrus?”
“Oh, it’s nothing, don’t worry about it”
I was still uncomfortable with that title. Turns out, only royals and high-level officers would have pet dragons. Seeing Tya, they had automatically assumed I was a high-level officer. Well, it made explaining a lot of stuff easier for me.
Going through the town and meeting people, Glendall turned out to be a little, humble town hosting a small group, engaged in their daily lives. After reaching the farmhouse and taking a much-needed bath and dinner, it was time to bring up my plan to go to the Central City. I joined Old Man Jerry and Jay sitting around the fireplace.
“Haha looks like you got some spunk back in ya sonny.”
“Yes sir, a bath and a warm meal was what I needed to get up again”
“That’s good to hear.” He offered the bottle to me. “Dis is good ol’ merrywine. Freshly brewed here, ya ain’t gonna taste anything like it.”
“Thank you for the offer sir, but I don’t drink.”
“Dats dere a shame.”, he muttered as he took another swig.
I looked across to see Tya and Jay playing together. They were playing a game of fetch and every time Tya managed to successfully catch the ring Jay would throw, he would reward her with a sugar cube. Of course, that greedy furball would entertain the boy for food.
“You should be careful, Jay. If you feed her too much, she’ll get too heavy to fly like that.” It only took a second for Tya to cannonball herself into me. Oof, what the hell! I guess the species doesn’t matter when it comes to women and weight. Placing Tya in my lap, I turned to Old Man Jerry.
“Sir, I’m thankful for your hospitality but I have a journey to complete. You see, my destination is the Central City. Could you tell me the quickest way to get there?”
Both Old Man Jerry and Jay looked at each other. Did I say something weird? Jay looked at me, with a perplexed expression.
“Sayyy Sir Cyrus, you’re really not familiar with this area, are you?”
“I can’t really say that I am.”
“But still…. You should at least–––”
“Jay, pipe down now. You’re being rude to our guest. The Central City you say? Ya know Sir Cyrus, I don’t mean to offend ya or anything but you say you’re an officer but you aren’t exactly wearing their uniform or even carrying their badge. So what I’m tryna say, is dat you aint exactly really assuring.”
……What do I do know? I managed bullshit them and make them believe that I was a high-level officer but now they needed proof. I looked down to see Tya giving me a disapproving glance. Well I bullshitted my way here, it’s time to bullshit some more.
“Actually you see, ummmm originally I was with my squad and due to an accident…..we got separated. When I woke up, I was uh stripped of all my belongings. Most probably, some bandits came across my unconscious body and robbed me. That’s why I don’t have anything on me right now. Umm it seems when I fell, I hit my head a bit and I still feel kinda fuzzy so if I say something weird, please don’t mind it.”
Holy shit. That was bullshit level 10,000. There’s no way they bought that made up excuse. It’s so inconsistent and full of holes. Actually, this might be bad for me. They might even turn me over to the guards. I glanced at Old Man Jerry to see if he had bought it. He scratched his head and looked as if he was trying to make sense of what I just said.
“Hmmm Hmmm I see. That really is unfortunate. I’m sorry for doubting ya.”
What.
“Yea yea and why didn’t you tell us about your head injury. We would have taken you to the town doctor.”
“Oh well, I didn’t want to trouble you guys. You know, since you guys did so much for me. Plus, I’m pretty sure I’ll feel better after a good rest. Haha, yep, that’s all I really need.”
“Oh-okay if you so Sir Cyrus”
Holy shit. It worked. Never expected things to go so smoothly. Is this what it feels like to be one of those low tier protagonists that have the plot always work in their favour?
“So, what’s the best route to get there as fast as possible? I would prefer to get there in around 2-3 days, but even a week-long journey is all-right with me.”
Again, the two exchanged an awkward glance amongst themselves. Just what did I say to cause such a response. It was Jay that responded this time. He sheepishly scratched at his arm as he spoke.
“Sir Cyrus, I think it’s good if you show yourself to the doctor. Your injury might be more serious than you think.”
“Wha-What makes you think that? Have I said something that truly weird?”
“Well, I mean you journeyed all the way from the Central City to here with your squad, right?”
“Yes, I suppose I did. What’s that got to with anything?”
It almost seemed like he was embarrassed for my sake with the way he was responding. They were looking at me as if I had gotten something very basic messed up. As if someone like me, should never have been able to make a mistake like this! Wait a minute, did I screw up somewhere??? Jay looked straight at me with an apologetic smile.
“Well then, you should obviously know that a trip from Glendall to the Central City is 3 months long.
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Mother******.