Chapter 21

"Who the hell dared to ransack my dungeon!?"

Suddenly, a large lizard with wings flew down from the sky.

While I was working in the fields, and Plat was, as usual, busy concocting potions inside the hut, the loud voice startled her, and she hurriedly rushed out of the hut.

"What the heck is that!? Could it be... a dragon!?"

Is it really a dragon!?

The appearance left no room for doubt. Its body was covered in reptilian scales, with a lizard-like head and limbs. However, those reptilian scales shimmered silver, and wings, which no reptile should have, spread from its back.

Its size... was incredibly huge.

"Let me ask again. Was it you guys? Who slaughtered my monsters in the dungeon I control?"

"Ahhhhhhhhhh...!?"

Overwhelmed by the dragon's presence, Plat was on the verge of wetting herself. I had to step forward and protect her.

"Your dungeon? You mean that one?"

I pointed in the direction of the mountain where we had hunted the horned boars the other day.

"Indeed, that King Dragon Mountain is my territory. Only I am allowed to do as I please within it."

"Another grandiose name...!"

But more importantly, is it okay to just casually converse with this huge lizard?

...It is a dragon, after all.

In a fantasy world, this is probably common. I'll just think of it that way.

"Even if a few Squareboars die, it doesn't matter to the great me, but if I let rats run rampant in my territory, it would damage my reputation. That's why I've come to kill the troublemakers."

"Indeed, we did hunt a lot of those horned boars...!"

I can't help but wonder how they found out.

"Are you saying you're the master of that dungeon?"

"Exactly! To ravage the dungeon ruled by the Glintzeldragon Veil is the act of those who know no fear!!"

So, that dungeon really had a master!?

Plat said that dungeons with masters are rare, but so far, every dungeon I've encountered has had a master! What's going on!?

Is it just that my luck is too strong!?

"Um, we didn't know that dungeon had a master. It was indeed wrong of us to ransack your territory. Can you forgive us if we promise never to do it again?"

"No, I won't forgive you."

It seems there's no mercy.

"Lowly inferior beings. Did you think the great me would consider the convenience of insects like you? If I were to leave annoying flies in my sight, other dragons would look down on me."

Is it the same in every industry that being looked down upon means the end?

"That's why I will erase you completely! Repent for your sins as you die!!"

The dragon took a deep breath, its chest swelling like a balloon.

Then, with a roar, a massive flame burst from the dragon's mouth.

Goooooo!!

"Aaaaahhh!? I'm going to dieee!?"

Plat screamed beside me. This flame breath was on a scale that could incinerate Plat and me entirely and turn my cultivated field into ashes.

But of course, I wouldn't allow that.

"Haa!"

I drew the holy sword from my waist and swung it in a swift, iai-like motion. The flame breath was cleanly sliced in half and vanished without a trace of embers.

"What!?"

The dragon was shocked by the entire scene.

"Impossible!? A mere human split my lethal breath!? No, not only split it, but completely annihilated it without a trace!?"

Good.

It seems the field was unharmed, not even a single leaf caught fire.

"I'll say it again. I apologize for ransacking your dungeon without permission. I'm sorry."

I bowed my head.

"I will apologize, but I'm not willing to give up my life as compensation. If you insist on more than necessary, it will be a fight. I will protect what is important to me and kill anyone who tries to kill us."

I pointed the tip of the holy sword at the dragon's nose.

"Master of the dungeon. Are you prepared to fight for your life?"

"Grrrr...!?"

The dragon took a step back, trembling.

...I hope it gets scared and leaves.

I used strong words, but of course, I didn't mean them seriously.

Peaceful resolution is the best, so I hoped to scare it off. The more someone cares about their reputation, the more cowardly they are at heart.

"Let's call it a day."

Huh!?

While we were staring down the dragon, a third voice suddenly echoed. And this voice was familiar.

This raspy, deep voice that seemed to come from the depths of the underworld...

The master of the cave dungeon, the No Life King's 'teacher'.

Why is he here!?