Dragon’s Valley
“You came without fear. I commend you.”
“You told us to come, didn’t you…?”
The Dragon God, with only its head visible, still exuded an air of superiority, surrounded by the Dragonfolk. Among them, a few Dragonfolk draped in what looked like cloaks gathered around Anima. Perhaps they were arranged in order of rank. But really, who cares? The first issue at hand is whether this is a trap set by the Dragon God. If he’s plotting something, I’ll unleash my sword with added effects and cause a ruckus this time.
“Then let us proceed.”
“Tch, why do we have to invite these humans to our village…”
“Kushion, be quiet. There’s no need for conflict anymore.”
“I won’t accept that I lost! If I go all out, next time I’ll win! Hey, girl! Let’s settle this right now!”
“…Kushion.”
At the Dragon God’s growl, the plump yellow Dragonfolk Kushion hurriedly swallowed his words. Despite his appearance, the Dragon God was indeed feared. I mean, even just his head could probably unleash a breath attack, so he’s not entirely helpless. But looking at the downcast Kushion, it seems there’s something compelling the Dragonfolk to obey the Dragon God.
“Hey, girl. How does it feel to have a dragon as your partner? Let me tell you, that one is a Cursed Child. Kekekekeke.”
“What do you mean by Cursed Child? If you’re trying to insult Kurinka, I’ll get really angry.”
“Ooh, how scary! I’m not as foolish as Kushion. I’m not stupid enough to pick a fight with the one who did that to the Dragon God. A Cursed Child is…”
“Enough, Hardis.”
“…Yes.”
Just when it seemed I might learn something, the slender green Dragonfolk Hardis was silenced by the Dragon God. I’m curious about what he was going to say, but if it would upset Kurinka, maybe it’s better not to ask.
“The Dragon Village we’re heading to is uncharted territory for you humans. Do not speak of it to anyone. If our peace is disturbed, a full-scale war with humans will be unavoidable.”
“Coming from you, that’s rich…”
It’s quite hypocritical to say that when they were the ones who came here first. I could sulk about it, but I mounted Kurinka’s back and took off with the other Dragonfolk. When I was fighting the Dragon God, I was too focused to notice, but the view is incredible. Unlike the scenery seen from the window of an Airship, here I can feel the air of the sky with my entire body.
From the borders of Kashiram we passed through, I could see the surrounding terrain clearly. I guess the Kingdom of Avangarde isn’t visible from here. That large castle over there must be Kashiram Castle. Rather than a castle, the flat white structure resembles a temple more than anything else.
There aren’t many flat stone buildings; instead, houses that look like they’re covered with cloth stand out. It has a completely different atmosphere from the Royal Capital of Avangarde. Once I catch my breath, I want to visit that Royal Capital too.
“We’ll land here. We’ll walk a bit from there.”
As Anima waved her hand down, the Dragonfolk landed all at once. It appeared to be a deep valley, dark enough that the bottom was invisible. The surroundings were filled with large cracks and cliffs, making it impossible to reach by simply walking. Moreover, it’s a dungeon with a Danger Level exceeding 100, and no one has ever ventured deep inside, right?
As Kurinka accelerated towards the ground, the darkness of the valley began to clear. What awaited us as we landed one after another were indeed dragons.
A Kaiser Dragon has appeared! HP 42200
A Crystal Dragon has appeared! HP 26000
“Wow, this is amazing.”
Dragons worthy of a Danger Level 100 were present. But after the Dragon God, they seemed less intimidating. The dragon covered in white, transparent metal and the armored dragon bared their fangs even in front of the Dragonfolk.
“Stand down.”
The moment the Dragon God glared, the dragons trembled all over. Their tails tucked between their legs, they fled in a panic. The dragons crushed the rocky ground beneath them as they sped away into the valley’s darkness.
The Kaiser Dragon has fled!
The Crystal Dragon has fled!
“Truly impressive, Dragon God. I apologize for troubling you.”
“It’s lamentable that such mindless beasts still roam my territory. They’re useless as pawns; perhaps I should just eradicate them.”
From his tone, it was clear that the dragons were not the Dragon God’s subordinates. Despite being surrounded by enemies, it’s remarkable that they can continue to live here. I, on the other hand, was just trying to find a safe spot to rest in the Abyss Cave.
“They fled just from a glare…”
“Yeah, I envy that. If I could do that, it would save me a lot of trouble. I wonder what kind of skill that is.”
“Ha, hahahaha…! What a foolish girl. It seems you possess such power yet are unable to utilize it.”
It wasn’t just the Dragon God; the Dragonfolk laughed heartily as well. Did I say something strange? I have no idea. I felt my face flush with embarrassment. Why do I have to be ridiculed like this?
“Considering Kurinka’s situation, I’ll explain it to you once we arrive at the village.”
“Seriously, did I really lose to such an idiot? I can’t accept that.”
I wanted to kick the condescending Anima and the mysteriously grumbling Kushion. They all lost to me, yet they act like this.
Dragonkin Village
Surrounded by circular cliffs, there were multiple cave openings. In the center was an excessively large hall-like space where numerous Dragonfolk lived. Some sat on the ground, cooking something in pots hung over a campfire, while others enjoyed music with instruments.
On the other side, there were fierce sparring matches taking place. Their lifestyle was quite different from ours—wild, one might say. And free. Each person was lost in their own pursuits, yet it was peaceful. I had thought all Dragonfolk were like Anima, so this was quite a surprise.
“The level of civilization here is considerably lower compared to the human world.”
Anima spoke as if she could read my mind. Upon closer inspection, the Dragonfolk living here had a sturdier physique than Anima and her companions. Do these Dragonfolk not engage in battle?
“Even so, we are satisfied. There was a time when our ancestors ruled the continent with pride, but ultimately, they could not withstand the fierce resistance of humans and were defeated in the end. Since then, we have lived in places like this, but it’s quiet and nice. There’s no conflict here. There’s nothing to tire us out. There’s a river, and we can catch fish. If we want meat, we just need to venture a little further.”
“…Even though you’re so strong, you lost to humans?”
“Hey! Watch your mouth!”
“Be quiet, Kushion.”
Once again, Kushion sulked in dissatisfaction. He was still mumbling something, but no one paid him any mind. I regretted speaking up a bit, but I voiced my thoughts. At least with Anima and her companions’ strength, it seems that all the humans on this continent would struggle to match them. Yet, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that they lost to humans in the past.
“In war, individual strength is but a drop in the bucket. Humans had the advantage in numbers; that’s all there is to it.”
“Is that so…”
“Even if we had won, humans would inevitably challenge us again. If that happens, we would have to fight without rest. We would tire and eventually be overwhelmed. Their reproductive capabilities are truly remarkable.”
“That’s how humans have driven many species to extinction. Elves, dwarves, demi-humans… How many species have been eradicated that could rival me? What right do you have to speak to me, human girl?”
The Dragon God spoke heavily, overlapping Anima’s words. Before I knew it, the Dragon God had been lowered to the center of the plaza. Several Dragonfolk, presumably attending to him, were bustling around, wiping his head and moving about restlessly.
“Dragon God! What has happened to you?!”
“What… what is the meaning of this? Our God has been…!”
“Anima, what happened?!”
Before long, Dragonfolk gathered, astonished at the sight of the Dragon God. Anima managed to calm the agitated crowd with a firm voice. If they knew the one responsible for the Dragon God’s current state was right here, I’d probably be in for a beating.
“Is that a human over there?! Anima, why have you brought a human here?!”
“I will explain in due course. I understand your feelings, but please calm down.”
In a calm tone, Anima soothed the Dragonfolk who were ready to pounce. If they explain in order, I’m sure I’ll end up being resented by these Dragonfolk.
“Listen well. And do not panic or make a fuss. This is an order. Understand… I have been defeated by that human girl over there.”
“What…?!”
“You’re joking!”
“I said do not make a fuss! It may take some time, but I will definitely regenerate my body. You need not worry about that.”
Despite the commotion caused by so many people, they fell silent in an instant. What kind of relationship do the Dragon God and these Dragonfolk have?
“You thought you were different from us humans… is that right?”
“Huh? N-no…”
“We are the same. The Dragonfolk here and you humans.”
“W-wait… what?!”
“Tracing back to our origins, your ancestors and the ancestors of the Dragonfolk are one and the same. That is what I am saying.”
“N-no way?!”
Once again, the Dragon God spoke something utterly outrageous.
“The reason I called Kurinka a Cursed Child stems from this. Are you willing to listen?”
Kurinka and I nodded silently. The Dragonfolk had quieted down, but their gazes remained fixed on us. Their stares were not merely curious; they were laced with a palpable killing intent that felt almost painful.
“Long ago… hundreds, perhaps even over a thousand years ago, there was a human who dabbled in Forbidden Arts.”
“Forbidden Arts?”
“Please do not interrupt. Remain silent and listen to the Dragon God’s tale.”
“I’m sorry…”
“This cruel, arrogant, and cold-hearted human, driven by greed and curiosity, involved many others in his experiments. The Forbidden Art in question was the fusion of life. It was an act of creating new beings by combining humans and monsters, a deed that even the Divine Being would fear.”
Could I even comprehend this with my mind? So, they were mixing humans and monsters to create different beings. Yeah, no, I can’t picture that at all. But looking at Kurinka’s gaping mouth, it’s clear she understands and is shocked. This is bad; I’ll need her to explain it to me later.
“Many humans became test subjects and sacrificed themselves. This human created fusion beings… Chimeras, and held battles between them, hosting a twisted feast. However, such beings could not live properly. Those forcibly created would die young and could not survive for long. Only a few successful specimens remained…”
“The fusion beings of humans and dragons, that is us Dragonfolk.”
“Uh-huh. Wait, what?”
“Lua-chan, focus…”
I could feel smoke rising from my head. Everyone was looking at me with expressions of disbelief. They were misunderstanding me; I did understand, just a bit slower than others.
“Kurinka, you too are a descendant of those successful specimens born in that era. You carry the blood of both humans and monsters, a fusion being known as a Chimera…”
“N-no way! But I was born in Ikana Village, and both my parents are human!”
“I do not know the detailed circumstances. However, is not your current form proof of that?”
Perhaps it was too persuasive, as Kurinka had nothing to retort. Still, even though there are some differences in appearance, if the Dragonfolk here are indeed those Chimeras, then the Dragon God’s words ring true: I and the Dragonfolk are the same. Created long ago by the selfishness of humans, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disgust towards this. The way the Dragon God spoke of breaking the taboo suggests it is indeed something unforgivable. To be created without consent and then killed off—such a thing cannot be allowed. I felt an unusual anger rising within me; I wanted to go back in time and punch that human.
“Lua-chan, calm down…”
Kurinka’s words snapped me back to reality, and I realized I had struck the ground with my foot. Cracks spread from the center, and I must have stomped down quite hard. When I looked around, it was already too late. Even Kushion, who had been so lively before, was now stroking his chin with a puzzled expression.
What on earth happened to me? This has never happened before.
“Now, let’s put aside the tales of the past and discuss controlling your power… Starting tomorrow. For today, you will stay in this village. Also, I shall teach you about the ‘Skill’ that repelled the dragon, little girl.”
The Dragon God’s snide remarks barely registered as I was overwhelmed with too many thoughts. Honestly, I didn’t want to sleep in a place like this, but it couldn’t be helped. I would endure it for the sake of learning.
Monster Compendium
Kaiser Dragon HP: 42,200
A species that ranks among the highest of dragons. Those who have witnessed it leading other dragons in a march claim it resembles a nation in itself. It is said that no weapon or magic can harm it, and records of its defeat are nearly nonexistent, only achievable by chosen humans.
Crystal Dragon HP: 26,000
An upper-tier dragon said to be a close aide of the Kaiser Dragon. Its scales are made of a special metal that completely reflects magic. Because of this, it commands an exorbitant price in the market. There are tales of nobles who, captivated by its beautiful transparent shine, invested their entire fortunes into forming hunting parties and ended up bankrupt.