Chapter 22

It comes with a bonus! w

The preparation period for the dragon slaying was one month.

By paying a considerable amount of money that the village had earned so far to the Adventurer's Guild, over 130 elite adventurers gathered.

During this month, we continuously trained, including coordination.

The vanguard drank stamina potions like water, the middle guard focused on support and recovery, and the rear guard attacked with magic or explosive arrows. We also didn't let the auxiliary magic run out.

All the adventurers who could use bows, including rangers, repeatedly practiced with explosive arrows.

In the training where we used a large rock to simulate the dragon, there were instances where explosive arrows hit allies, but we reviewed and resolved all such coordination issues.

"The most frightening thing is the breath attack. I'm counting on you, Craft."

"I'll do my best."

My role is to create a wall with magic to block the dragon's breath.

I tried various experiments, but only I could instantly create a wall large enough to block the breath of a giant dragon.

"Craft, listen. You absolutely must not participate in the attack. No reckless actions are allowed. No matter what sacrifices are made, you must not save anyone."

"…I've heard this many times."

"Your role is to block the breath. If you fail, it could lead to a total wipe."

"It's fine. I understand."

"Relax. You can use healing potions freely. And this potion doesn't cause addiction, right? Leave it to me; no one will die."

"I will definitely block the breath."

"Alright. I'm counting on you."

The responsibility is heavy, but we absolutely cannot fail.

How can I not use the experience I gained as a mage here?

I've done my job as an alchemist. Then, how can I not contribute with the magic I can use?

"I will absolutely not let anyone die!"

"Of course!"

We repeated this training over and over.

◆

The adventurers were all gathered.

They were all a bunch of characters with unique personalities.

And confidence radiated from every one of their expressions.

Adventurers generally do not like large-scale battles.

There are several reasons for this, but at the core, they want to monopolize the profits.

Rare materials, treasures, or legends.

They want these to be the glory of their own party.

However, the fame of slaying a dragon is not diminished even if hundreds of people cooperate to do it.

Just by participating in the dragon slaying, how much fame can be gained?

Furthermore, this time, not only do we have detailed information about the enemy, but we also received a month's worth of money from the village to train, which is unprecedented for adventurers who are usually treated as expendable.

They are fully prepared.

Their confident expressions showed that they were needed and were ready to respond to that need.

I know.

The joy of being needed and being able to respond to that need.

"Mr. Craft."

Early in the morning, Kyle arrived with Mina and Alphard, and Reifan was with them.

"Although I finally approved this plan… are you really going to proceed?"

"Yes. It was a bit forceful, but it's necessary."

If the purpose was only to treat Kyle, I would never have approved it, but knowing that this land is in danger due to powerful magic, there was no choice but to agree.

"I won't stop you, but please come back safely."

"Yes, I promise."

"Craft, don't do anything reckless, okay?"

"It's fine. Take care of the village, Reifan."

"Okay…"

This time, Reifan is staying behind with Alphard.

I can't take the guild master of the village. Considering his combat abilities, he is best suited to defend the village. With Alphard, he can handle most troubles.

Also, we hired adventurers who haven't reached mithril equipment, so there is no worry about the village's defense.

"…Cla…ft. Come back… safely…"

Mina grabbed my cloak and mumbled.

I can't always hear her, but I never misunderstand her.

"It's fine. I will definitely come back."

"…Okay."

Maybe it's not the right attitude for a noble, but I ruffled Mina's head.

"Alright! Let's move out!"

With Raidock's command as the appointed leader, the expedition team started moving… no, they started moving at a considerable speed.

"…Everyone, please come back safely."

◆

"It's… huge…"

"Even from this distance, it's quite something, right?"

"Look closely, it's about the same size as the large rock we used for practice."

"Maybe, but the impression of a large rock and a dragon is completely different."

On the day they reached the planned wide plain, the expedition team finally saw the dragon's imposing figure.

They were still far from the target, but the pressure was overwhelming.

"It's just as the scouts reported. It seems to have noticed us, but it hasn't moved yet."

Raidock squinted and glared at the dragon.

"Alright, move according to the plan! Formation! Crane Wing!"

Following Raidock's command, the adventurers spread out to the left and right as they had practiced.

It was a modified crane wing formation.

In the center were Raidock's party and a few adventurers with strong defensive capabilities.

I was positioned in the center.

The left and right wings were the explosive arrow units and their direct support.

"Craft, we'll move according to the plan. Are you ready?"

"Yes, no problem."

"Alright! We'll initiate the first phase of the plan! Got it! If this fails, retreat immediately! Absolutely do not continue the battle!"

The first phase of the plan.

This was the key to the dragon slaying, and if it failed, there would be no chance of winning. It was also a test.

"Alright! Move forward!"

The expedition team, in a wide crane wing formation, slowly approached the green dragon.

With each step, the pressure felt like it could crush them.

The high morale from this morning was gone, and the march was suffocating.

The dragon was as large as a noble's mansion, and the pressure was completely different from a large rock.

However, no one fled or suggested a retreat.

Everyone clenched their teeth and took one step, then another, toward the giant.

◆

"Got it? The plan is like this."

It was the night before the decisive battle. The final confirmation of the plan they had repeated many times.

Raidock placed several pieces on a tactical map and confirmed with the leaders of each squad.

Of course, everyone understood the plan by this point, but they all listened intently to Raidock's words.

"The formation is crane wing. In the center, the first squad, including me and Craft. We will approach the dragon while maintaining the formation. When we enter attack range, the first squad will start the attack, which will be the signal to begin the plan."

The squad leaders nodded silently.

"At this point, other squads are strictly forbidden from attacking. Don't let fear make you attack."

The gathered adventurers chuckled softly.

It was a given in the military, but they were adventurers, so it needed to be thoroughly understood.

"After that, only the first squad will continue the attack. Craft, you know, absolutely do not participate in the attack."

"I understand."

"Maintain a moderate distance while continuing the attack. The dragon will likely get frustrated and use its breath attack."

The sound of gulps echoed from all around.

Dragon breath.

It was a terrifying attack that meant certain death for any living being. Even other creatures that use breath attacks are a death sentence for adventurers. The power of a dragon's breath is unimaginable.

"Got it? This is the key to the plan. When the dragon uses its breath attack, Craft will activate the defensive magic. You've seen it in training, right? It's a magic that creates a semicircular wall. By creating this wall to completely surround the dragon's head, we can block the breath and obstruct the dragon's vision."

Everyone nodded, tense.

"If we can't block the breath at this point, the left and right squads will retreat with full force. The first squad will buy time and act as the rear guard. At that time, there's no need to help us. Retreat with all your might."

This was a plan they had discussed and decided on many times. No one had any complaints.

"If we can block the breath, we will move to the second phase of the plan. At my signal, we will fire explosive arrows. Don't miss the timing. Simultaneous attack is crucial. At this point, the use of attack magic is forbidden."

The reason not to use attack magic is to conserve the mages' magic power.

"Once the effect of the explosive arrows is confirmed, we will move to the third phase of the plan. The first squad will attack again to draw the dragon's attention and maintain this state until the dragon uses its breath attack again. Then we repeat this process."

And Raidock concluded with this:

"Basically, we provoke the dragon, make it use its breath, and throw explosives. That's all. It's simple, right?"

The atmosphere relaxed, and a calm laugh echoed.

Without a doubt of victory.

I smiled calmly but was determined inside.

Absolutely.

I will protect everyone.

◆【Bonus】◆

It was the morning of the decisive battle, during breakfast.

The hunter Jitaro noticed that Soral, a ranger in Raidock's party, was being watched.

I grabbed Jitaro's shoulder and pulled him over.

"Are you in love with Soral?"

"Wha… What? How did you know!?"

"Well, it's pretty obvious."

"R-Really…?"

"Yeah."

Jitaro isn't a bad guy. He's a skilled hunter. If he decides to make a move on Soral, I might even support him.

But that was my mistake.

Jitaro's next words shocked me.

"I'll confess to Soral when I return safely!"

I punched Jitaro without a word.

Stop it… stop it!

And, where did the dialect go!?

Where did the dialect go? \(^o^)/