Chapter 3

In the midst of time running short, I’m writing this in a rush without much revision. I know there are many typos, but I will make corrections as I go, so please bear with me.

When I opened the door, I found myself in a passage about five meters wide. The passage extended into darkness, and the torches on the walls, lit up to about ten meters ahead, illuminated the surroundings with a warm glow.

I raised my heels, ready to run at any moment, and moved forward step by step. As I advanced, the torches ahead gradually lit up, illuminating the way. It must be some kind of magic. I walked nervously, the sound of the flames crackling making me even more uneasy.

After walking for a while, I came to an open area. Similar to the passage, torches were set at regular intervals on the ground, lighting up the surroundings. The area was wider than the passage, perhaps twice as wide. In three directions other than the one I came from, the darkness stretched out, and the depths were invisible.

If I’m lucky, I might find a staircase leading back up by following these torches. I walked with a faint hope.

Rumble—

Rumble—

A low sound came from ahead. It sounded like an animal’s cry, but even if I were attacked, I should be fine since I have plenty of elixirs. With this thought, I continued forward. Soon, I saw something that looked like a small hill floating in the darkness, and I could smell something burnt.

I moved as quietly as possible, inching forward. As I got closer, the full form of the object ahead became visible. Oh my!

It’s a dragon!

A huge dragon!

The dragon, with a body like a giant lizard and wings like a bat’s, had sharp claws that could tear through iron and a powerful jaw that could crush steel. From its large mouth, it could breathe fire, burning everything to ashes. Its entire body was covered in scales harder than iron, and a trivial attack wouldn’t even scratch it. It is said to be one of the strongest beings in the world, bringing destruction to all who encounter it.

I had always dreamed of becoming an adventurer since I was a child. I wanted to be a hero who could slay dragons, but I never imagined I would encounter a dragon like this.

I chose the wrong path. The opponent is too formidable.

I turned on my heel and headed back the way I came.

I moved cautiously, being careful not to make any noise.

My mouth was dry from tension.

I put strength into my trembling legs and moved forward.

Splash!

I tripped over nothing and fell flat on my face.

It always happens. When I think I absolutely can’t afford to make a mistake, I do.

Tears welled up in my eyes at my own pitifulness. I quickly got up and turned around to see the hill-like giant body starting to move.

“Grrrrrrrrrrrr!”

The dragon’s roar shook the air around me.

I felt as if my heart had been gripped by a hawk. My legs, paralyzed by fear, tangled as I tried to run back to the passage.

I managed to return to the passage and looked back. The dragon, due to its massive size, couldn’t fit into the passage.

I’m saved!

But my relief was short-lived. At the entrance to the passage, I saw the dragon’s huge face. Its mouth opened, and flames swirled inside.

It’s a dragon breath!

I had heard that high-level dragons can breathe a deadly breath from their mouths.

I felt my strength drain away, and I collapsed on the spot. My legs trembled, and I couldn’t stand up.

I tried to run, but my legs were too weak...

The swirling flames from the dragon’s mouth slowly approached me.

I’m done for...

Just as I thought that, an idea flashed through my mind.

If I can store elixirs, maybe I can store the dragon’s breath too?

I extended my right hand and tried to store the dragon’s breath.

It worked!

The flames were disappearing at the tip of my right hand.

But as time passed, the temperature became unbearable due to the missed flames and the heat convection.

I tried pouring elixirs over my head with my left hand. It was hot and painful, but I managed to stay alive. My clothes burned away, and all my body hair, including my hair, was incinerated. Each breath felt like my chest was being burned. I struggled to keep my consciousness as I waited to be freed from this hell. After what felt like an eternity of suffering, I was finally released.

I collapsed on the spot.

The dragon’s footsteps grew distant.

Did I survive?

I waited, holding my breath, until the dragon’s footsteps completely faded away. Then, I stood up without making a sound and slowly made my way back to the room with the elixir spring.