Chapter 95

Losing sight of Yugan, the Fang Dragon wandered through the Volcanic Dungeon, seeking new prey.

After all, he was a puppet created from a corpse by the Enormous Fire Dragon.

He was destined to decay in a few days.

If possible, he wanted to kill at least one adventurer before his end.

As he roamed the dungeon, he found just the right targets.

The Fang Dragon turned on its heel and hurried towards them.

Monica was watching the battle between the Crescent Moon Knights and the White Wolves with her Hawk's Eye.

(Thank goodness. It looks like Yugan will manage to get back to town.)

Although Roland had told her to keep her distance to avoid getting caught up in the battle between the alliance and the thieves, she was worried that Yugan might be in danger.

Even though they were from a different guild, they had fought together before.

No matter what, she wanted him to be safe.

(Still, the thieves are stronger than I expected. To corner Yugan to this extent... They don't have any standout classes, but they're used to fighting each other. I should probably report this to Roland.)

As Monica was about to switch the perspective of her Hawk's Eye, she saw a shadow approaching at high speed.

(Huh? What's this?)

Monica tried to track the shadow, but it was too fast for her to identify.

(An incredibly agile monster! It's coming this way.)

Monica turned to look at Leon and the others.

They had just finished their training and were taking a break.

Their stats were completely drained.

If they were to fight now, they wouldn't stand a chance.

"Everyone, quickly gather your things. A powerful enemy is coming!"

Monica and the Dawn Shield, along with the Pegasus Arrow, hurried down the mountain.

"Damn it. What's going on all of a sudden?"

"Wasn't the battle between the Crescent Moon Knights and the White Wolves supposed to be on the other side of the mountain?"

"Yes, it was... But an unknown monster is approaching. It's not on the Volcanic Dungeon's monster list."

"Is the enemy that strong?"

"Yes, it's likely to be an A-class monster."

Monica checked the enemy's position with her Hawk's Eye.

(No good. We can't shake it off. At this rate, it will catch up to us.)

"Monica, can't we fight it?"

Hans asked.

"Huh?"

"Your combat skills are well-known. We've also grown stronger through the past few days of training. Even if it's a powerful enemy, we should be able to handle it, right?"

Monica looked at the members.

(Indeed, everyone has become stronger through Roland's training. They're at a B-class level. But... we don't have a commander! I'm the only A-class member, and everyone is exhausted. Can we fight in this state?)

Monica hesitated for a moment.

But there was no other choice.

"Alright, let's fight."

(We can't avoid an encounter anyway. We need to make up our minds quickly.)

Monica and her group chose a place suitable for battle and set up their defenses.

They formed a narrow path with a slope on the right and a steep cliff on the left.

The plan was to shoot at the enemy as it approached along the path.

"Listen up. The enemy is an extremely agile monster. If it gets close, it will be troublesome. Fortunately, we have five archers. We'll give it a damaging shot as soon as we encounter it and take control of the battle."

As Monica spoke, she had doubts about her own plan.

(What if it dodges the first shot? What do we do then? Is this really the right way to fight an A-class monster?)

But there was no time to think about it now.

"The enemy will appear from the other side of the path soon. Everyone, nock your arrows. Those equipped for melee combat, form the rear guard."

Soon, the Fang Dragon appeared, kicking up dust as it approached.

"What is this thing? I've never seen it before."

"Is it a wolf? No, a dragon?"

Jeff and Claire, who had used their Far Sight to spot the enemy early, were puzzled by the appearance of the Fang Dragon.

"It's in range. Everyone, shoot!"

Five arrows were fired simultaneously.

However, the Fang Dragon increased its speed, dodged all the arrows, and ran down the cliff.

(Fast!)

The Fang Dragon then used the underbrush at the bottom of the cliff to circle around behind Monica and her group.

"It's coming from behind! Get ready!"

Everyone was stunned.

Hadn't the enemy just run down the cliff?

What was Monica talking about?

"Move!"

Monica pushed Elio aside and moved to the back.

Soon, the Fang Dragon ran up the cliff and jumped into the group from behind.

(Arrow... no time to nock it!)

The Fang Dragon opened its mouth to bite.

Monica instinctively let go of her bow and crossed her arms in front of her face to defend herself.

The Fang Dragon's fangs sank into Monica's arms.

"Ugh!"

The Fang Dragon pushed Monica down and, in a tussle, they rolled down the slope.

"Damn it!"

Monica kicked the Fang Dragon's belly, causing it to fly into the air.

(Why is it so light?)

The Fang Dragon landed and immediately accelerated again.

Monica quickly got up.

Blood flowed from her arm.

"Huff, huff."

(Strength... not that high. Specialized in speed. It's like a monster born to catch agile adventurers...)

Monica winced in pain from her arm.

(I managed to defend myself, but my stats... have been reduced.)

Monica looked around with her Hawk's Eye.

The area was a flat plain.

(I've been lured into an open area. The agile one has the advantage, I guess.)

"Monica! Are you okay?"

Hans called from the top of the cliff.

"Stay there!"

Monica stopped Hans and the others from coming down.

"Send me a bow! Hurry!"

Hans threw a bow to Monica.

(I can't command. I need to think of a way to fight alone.)

Monica confirmed the Fang Dragon's position.

It was a bit away but heading back towards her.

(Hitting a speeding enemy is difficult. But, it seems hard for the enemy to change direction at that speed. Cut the flesh to save the bone. I'll have to take damage, but if I shoot when it gets close, it might work...)

The Fang Dragon approached at high speed.

Monica tried to block its path.

However, at that moment, a piercing cry split the air.

(No way!)

A group of Fire Dragons appeared in the sky.

One of them was about to release a Fire Breath.

"Damn!"

Monica turned and shot down the Fire Dragon.

However, the Fang Dragon took advantage of the opening to slash Monica's shoulder with its claws and run away.

"Ow!"

Monica stumbled but managed to stay on her feet and tried to counterattack.

However, by then, the remaining Fire Dragons had retreated into the mountain shadows, and the Fang Dragon had disappeared into the underbrush.

"Monica, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

Despite her words, Monica's face was pale.

She was protecting her shoulder and had an unsteady gait, barely able to stand.

Jeff gritted his teeth.

(Damn it. Can't we do anything? But if I interfere, I might just get in the way. Damn it.)

Monica analyzed the enemy's attack.

(They attacked from the air and the ground in coordination. They must be communicating and working together. That new species is definitely a dragon. But what should I do? I can't take a Fire Breath. If I stay here, I'll just be worn down. Think. What would Roland do?)

Monica glanced at Leon and the others.

(If Roland were here, he could command and coordinate with them. Roland...)

The Fang Dragon and the Fire Dragons attacked again in coordination. Monica ran towards the Fire Dragon.

(I'll take down the Fire Dragon first!)

The Fire Dragon aimed at Monica.

Just as they were about to exchange fire, Monica paled.

(Lie. I can't raise my arm.)

The Fire Breath was released.

Monica closed her eyes.

At that moment, a blast of wind erupted above Monica, dispelling the Fire Breath.

"Huh?"

Monica blinked in surprise.

"Wow, that's amazing, big brother."

"Yeah, this staff is really powerful."

Two new figures had joined Leon and the others on the cliff.

Both were dressed as mages.

They were Will and Rana.

(Are they... mages? They have weapons from the Spirit Factory. Reinforcements?)

Will traced the emblem of the Spirit Factory on his staff.

(A staff designed for anti-Fire Dragon aerial attacks. To have this much power without being silver...)

(The Spirit Factory's alchemy skills are real.)

"Who are you?"

Claire asked hesitantly.

"I'm Will. This is my sister, Rana. Roland sent us to join your training."

"Didn't expect to find you in such a battle."

The Fire Dragons, angered by the interference, headed towards Will.

"Big brother, the Fire Dragons are coming. Let's take them down with a Blast Wind spell."

"Hmm. That's a good idea, but if I hit them from this position, I might hit the archer girl. Nicola, can you handle it?"

"Sure thing. Excuse me."

Nicola, a bard with a harp, appeared from the back.

Immediately, a mysterious "Dragon Sound" melody was played.

The Fire Dragons calmed down and returned to the mountain top.

"The dragons are leaving..."

Everyone watched in disbelief.

(Roland, you've made such amazing equipment again. You always surprise us.)

Hans chuckled in amazement.

The group was relieved to be out of danger, but before they could catch their breath, the Fang Dragon approached Monica, kicking up dust.

"What about that one? The Dragon Sound didn't work?"

Will narrowed his eyes in confusion.

"It might be an A-class dragon. This harp can only control B-class dragons."

"Rana, can you do something with your support magic?"

"Sure, I'll try."

Rana cast a "Crust Magic" spell.

The ground between Monica and the Fang Dragon rose up.

However, the Fang Dragon climbed the raised ground almost vertically.

"What incredible leg strength! The Crust Magic is useless."

Will looked around.

(Damn. Everyone's long-range equipment is specialized for aerial attacks. If we engage in melee combat, it's too late to go down there now.)

(But, with my Hawk's Eye, I can track the enemy's movements from the other side!)

Monica calculated where the Fang Dragon would climb and, with her last strength, nocked her bow.

The Fang Dragon reached the top of the raised ground and carelessly jumped towards Monica, floating in the air for a moment.

Monica didn't miss this moment and finished off the Fang Dragon with a "One-Hit Kill."

Amidst the falling flesh and bones, Monica plopped down on the spot.

After the intense battle, she felt a sudden loneliness and wanted to be hugged by someone.

The group from the top of the cliff came down to encourage and praise Monica, but it didn't comfort her much.

Monica smiled weakly.

(I really need Roland. Roland, will you hug me?)

The White Wolves, who had returned to town before Yugan and his group, were already back.

"Damn. We missed the Double S, Yugan."

"Well, we completed the request from the Dragon Blaze."

They had been asked by the Dragon Blaze to wear down the Crescent Moon Knights' equipment as much as possible.

They had certainly exhausted the Crescent Moon Knights.

This meant the Crescent Moon Knights would have to rely on the Dragon Blaze again.

At the Dragon Blaze, Raul was confronting Medes.

"Hey, what's going on? Why am I demoted, and Edgar becomes the Crescent Moon Knights' handler?"

"Raul, as I said before, this isn't a demotion. It's a change in handlers. I judged that Edgar is more suitable for this mission."

"Only I can repair Yugan's magic sword."

"I know. Being a handler just means being the point of contact. You can continue to maintain the magic sword as usual."

"But..."

"Raul, this is a decision. I won't allow any more arguments. You should focus on alchemy."

Medes dismissed Raul.

"Damn it."

Raul punched the wall in frustration.

Yugan visited the Dragon Blaze to have his damaged equipment repaired.

Edgar greeted him.

"Sorry, Yugan. Unfortunately, we're out of ore right now."

"I'm really sorry, but I can't take the request."

"Again? Can't you do anything?"

"Really, I'm very sorry."

Edgar continued with a smug attitude.

(According to the information, the Crescent Moon Knights plan to explore the dungeon three times. That means they need to come to us one more time. I'll squeeze them for all they're worth. Three times, four times, five times, six times... however many times they challenge the dungeon, Yugan-chan.)

"Where's Raul? I want to talk to him..."

"Raul has been removed from the negotiation role. I'll be handling it from now on. What do you think? If you can prepare the ore like last time, we can start immediately."

"Let me think about it for a moment."

Yugan walked down the corridor of the Dragon Blaze, thinking.

According to his deputy's report, the ore procurement rate was 70%.

If they provided it to the Dragon Blaze, they would have to start over.

Could they mine ore and defeat the Enormous Fire Dragon in their last dungeon exploration?

(No way. The Enormous Fire Dragon still has hidden tricks. The White Wolves will also have better strategies next time.)

"Damn it."

The situation was getting worse.

(Is there... any other way?)

"Excuse me, sir."

"Huh?"

A man approached Yugan, who was at a loss.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Gilbert, a member of the Northern Adventurers' Guild, the Hail Knights. Excuse me, but are you Yugan of the Crescent Moon Knights? If you're having trouble with ore, I have a good offer."

"What? What kind of offer?"

"The Dawn Shield and the Pegasus Arrow."

"The Dawn Shield and the Pegasus Arrow?"

"Yes. They have a lot of ore stored in the town's warehouse. If you defeat them in the dungeon and take them hostage, you can get a lot of ore."

Yugan looked skeptical.

(The Dawn Shield and the Pegasus Arrow? I've never heard of them.)

"Hey, do you know anything about the Dawn Shield and the Pegasus Arrow?"

Yugan asked a local guild member who was with him.

"Yes, I know of them, but they're a small, insignificant guild. It's hard to believe they have that much ore..."

"Just a small guild, huh? What's going on, Gilbert? Your story doesn't match."

Yugan said, getting angry.

"Well, they will definitely become a threat to the Crescent Moon Knights. They're notorious for theft, betrayal, and bribery."

Yugan frowned.

(What's with this guy? He's changing the subject. He's suspicious.)

"You might not know, but running a gang on this island can be quite profitable. They can have a lot of ore."

"Uh-huh."

Yugan felt a certain danger from Gilbert and decided not to get any closer to him.

He also told his deputy not to listen to the axe-spear man.

After that, Yugan tried to procure ore in town but had no success.

(There's no choice. In this case...)

Yugan made a decision.

Late at night, when everyone was asleep, the Crescent Moon Knights quietly loaded the ore they had procured onto a ship at the port.

Then, they left the island on the first ship in the morning.

(Defeating the Enormous Fire Dragon is impossible. It's better to leave than to be toyed with by the Dragon Blaze and the White Wolves. We haven't met the guild's quota, but it's better than returning empty-handed.)

People were momentarily stunned by the Crescent Moon Knights' sudden departure, but by the end of the day, the crescent moon flag was removed from the inn.

The islanders were once again disappointed by the visiting adventurers' guild.