Chapter 79

Once again, I looked at the enormous dragon that had appeared before me.

It was really huge, the largest among all the dragons I had ever encountered. The largest dragon in our guild, "Dragon First," is Chris, a Phoenix type, which is classified as medium-sized.

This dragon was about three times the size of Chris.

"I've never seen this type before."

"It's called the Jörmungandr type."

"Jörmungandr type... I've never heard of it."

I rolled the name I had heard from Chris on my tongue while looking up at the large Jörmungandr type dragon.

The dragon was surprised by its own appearance.

"Why...? I have a body..."

"Huh?"

My eyebrows twitched. The aura around the dragon in front of me was different from before.

"Hey, you're the dragon I was talking to just now, right?"

"Yeah... but..."

The Jörmungandr type dragon turned to me. Its eyes wavered, clearly agitated.

"Your personality seems quite different from before."

"Oh..."

Pointed out by me, the Jörmungandr type dragon was taken aback.

"I, I am... ah, umm... that is—"

The Jörmungandr type dragon tried to cover it up, but it didn't seem to be going well, and it was panicking.

"Take it easy, you can take your time."

"Um, um— I am... I am... um, what was it again?"

It was so panicked that it was becoming incoherent. Since it didn't seem capable of having a proper conversation, I gave up on asking directly and turned to Chris.

"What's going on?"

"Heeheehee, this one is the guardian of this place."

"Guardian?"

"He was acting like a guardian."

"Oh... so you mean he was playing a role to fit his position?"

"Yes, that's right."

"...Huh?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Is a human talking to a dragon?"

"Yeah— didn't I just talk to you?"

"I can talk to intruders because I'm the guardian here."

"Oh..."

I nodded. That's right.

I recalled Jeanne, who had disguised herself as an intruder. That was a "gimmick" based on the assumption that we could communicate.

"I see."

"Why is that?"

"I can talk to dragons. ...It's a natural ability."

"No way, that's impossible..."

The Jörmungandr type dragon was surprised. Despite its massive size, it spoke in a rather deflated manner, making the contrast with its previous demeanor a bit awkward.

Awkward, but...

"Your current way of speaking suits you better."

"Huh?"

"Your current way is more natural and less forced, which is more relaxing to listen to. It's probably because this is your true way of speaking."

"..."

The Jörmungandr type dragon looked at me with a surprised expression.

"By the way, what kind of dragon is the Jörmungandr type?"

"What kind?"

The Jörmungandr type dragon tilted its head in confusion. ...Given its massive size, calling it a "small" tilt was a bit of a stretch.

The question didn't seem to get through, but that was because it was our first meeting. Chris, who was not a first-timer and was well-informed, answered for it.

"Heeheehee, the Jörmungandr type is skilled at transportation."

"Transportation... like Colette?"

"More like a relative of the Midgardsormr type."

"The one most commonly used for Dragon Carriers, right?"

"Yes. The girl, open the 'hump.'"

"Huh? Okay, I understand."

Despite being taken aback by Chris's sudden command, the Jörmungandr type dragon complied.

First, it lay down. Then, a large "hump" on its back became clearly visible. The hump—opened. It opened like a mouth, as if it was designed to open from the start. Inside was a vast, open space.

"I see!"

I understood. Knowing about the Midgardsormr type and Dragon Carriers, I was convinced.

A Dragon Carrier is a dragon that carries many small dragons to the battlefield.

The most popular type is one that carries a large number of Smey types like Emma and deploys them in battle.

The benefits include the Smey types being able to rest and maintain their energy until the last moment, and not having to expend energy on travel.

Sometimes, they are called "battle dragon carriers," drawing a parallel to ships. This was the first time I had seen a Jörmungandr type and a Dragon Carrier.

But I understood.

"I see, this can carry ten to twenty small types."

"Heeheehee, it's very convenient."

"Indeed."

"Um..."

"Hmm? What is it?"

I looked up at the Jörmungandr type dragon, who was speaking hesitantly.

"Can I... have this body?"

"Sure, of course. It was made for that—"

"There are conditions."

"Chris?"

I was surprised and looked at Chris. What kind of conditions?

"Yes! I'll do anything."

"No, not anything—"

"Join the Heart Friend guild and work for Heart Friend. Then I'll give you this body."

"Understood!"

Oh, oh?

It seems the Jörmungandr type's guild membership was decided without much regard for my opinion.