Chapter 4 (1/2)
Translator: Luk2048
In an instant, she annihilated the eerie flock of birds above the city. But just as I started to feel relief, when I s.h.i.+fted my line of sight a little, from the other direction the white-faced eerie birds were almost infinitely gus.h.i.+ng out.
When one looks at the real strength of Rēko, who slaughtered that horde of birds in one strike, they aren't a significant threat. The worrying factor is that Rēko will overuse her magic and cause the depletion of her stamina just like before.
”Hey Rēko, powerful moves are fine, but have you thought about pacing yourself a little bit? Once it becomes difficult, you know its fine to go down and get a short break, right?”
”However, these people in the city will eventually become the Evil Dragon Lord's followers. I cannot let the number of victims grow by leaving the monsters idle. I will save as many as my power allows me to — so that one of these days they will die meaningfully while being useful to the Evil Dragon Lord.”
”You, I've no idea whether you're kind or not.”
We flew to the centre of the town enclosed by circular walls. If we glare at the eerie birds and keep them in check, the attacks on citizens will probably lessen. Although, the one who decided that and is making me fly was Rēko.
Or so I thought, but a warrior in armour commanding the battleground below screamed.
”A new one! A new monster appeared! It's a dragon possessing a sinister and tremendous magic power! Ei, do not falter everyone! Let's somehow counterattack with the greatest strike possible—”
That magic power isn't mine, its Rēko's. This child is emitting aura dangerous enough for them to call it sinister. I've expected it though.
”Shoot!”
Warriors standing on the walls let loose their attacks simultaneously. Light magic bullets, flame vortexes, wind slashes released from swords, arrows drawing phantasmagorical trajectories, javelins tearing s.p.a.ce apart. Just the pure sense of intimidation caused by the released certain kill strikes of brave warriors with their long military service almost made me lose consciousness.
Well, I've lived for a long time, there aren't many things I regret either — Just when I was saying my final prayers.
Rrrooooooaaaaaaaa——————!
On my back, Rēko roared.
It wasn't an agonal scream. Or rather, it was no longer a human's voice. If I didn't know Rēko was on my back, I'd have probably misunderstood that an unthinkably strong wicked dragon is roaring nearby.
Moreover, it wasn't merely a terrifying voice. The dreadful roar carrying a physical impact spread in a spherical manner, just like an expanding barrier, which flawlessly nullified all the incoming attacks.
”You pathetic ruffians. You intended to harm the Evil Dragon Lord with just these trivial powers?”
Rēko's voice was echoing loudly across the night sky. And it's hopeless already. This is clearly a villain's entrance.
”Hey Rēko, wait a minute. You, did you forget what we talked about? I'm not an evil dragon, but a simple worthless dragon. And you're not my kin, but a normal dragon taming sorceress. So from now on do your best to correct this.”
”… That is, right. I am, sorry. I, understand, and will, do my, best.”
It was a speaking pattern of a poor ventriloquism act. Despite her wrong impressions being intense, it seems she's no good at acting something out with self-awareness.
”I misspoke everyone. I'm a sorceress of righteousness with a very pure heart. Here is a dragon which doesn't have any merit, but is very meek, harmless and easy to get attached to. Since the town seemed to be burning gravely, I came to save you. I'll be pleased if you'll welcome us.”
Silence fell over the night. Only the crackling sounds of burning buildings were heard, just like a carefree bonfire.
”… What do we do?”
”Well it really stinks, but if we fight do we've any chances?”
”Yeah, that previous attack was scattered with one roar.”
”Even if it's a trap, for now let's play along.”
”Ye, I don't really mind if they stab us in the back while playing allies.”
”Alright. For now let's treat them as allies. Though there's no way I trust them.”
”Then it's decided.”
”It seems you're whispering this and that. Do you believe you'd be able to fool our ears with hushed voices?”
By the way, I couldn't hear anything.
”Alright! We welcome you! Come down slowly just as you're. The wall artillery is missing, just land there.”
The one who replied was the commander. The black wings controlled by Rēko lowered the flapping force and we descended gliding down. When I landed on the artillery s.p.a.ce, there was a reception of adventurers overflowing with bloodl.u.s.t. I wanted to go home already.
”We all probably have our own motives. However at least here, I'll think of you two not being our enemies as our good fortune.”
There was just one person lacking bloodl.u.s.t. Or he might be good at hiding it. It's the commander-like armoured warrior. While approaching us holding a long broadsword, he put it into a sheath on his back and took off his helmet. Then, vibrant red hair gently fell all the way down to her waist.
It was a woman. For a woman to be acting as the commander of these brave warriors, I wonder how great her strength must be.
”I'm called Ariante. Please fight with us to save this city.”
She even politely took of her glove and wanted to shake Rēko's hand. As one would expect she doesn't come near me. In any case, we won't be able to shake hands with our different sizes.
”Please treat us well.”
In contrast to the knight Ariante who boldly sought a handshake, Rēko held out her hand while s.h.i.+fting her gaze. It'll probably only be regarded as suspicious behaviour, but it just makes it look all the more shady.
”I'm Rēko. And here's the one I serve, the great Evil Dragon Lord… That's wrong, just a normal dragon.”
”Say, aren't you doing it on purpose?”
”I would not even think to go against the Evil Dragon Lord's order.”
”There you are calling me evil dragon again.”
”Sir Dragon. What could be your name?”
When Ariante inquired, my eyes grew wide open. I don't have a name. In exchange for the longevity of our species our population is scarce, so there isn't even two or three of us in one habitat. That's why as a matter of course, we don't need names to distinguish individuals.
However, there came surprising information from an unexpected direction. Namely from the adventurers behind me, who weren't trying to conceal their agitation.
”Hey, those black scales and azure eyes… Is that not the Evil Dragon Rēvendia wors.h.i.+pped by the southern village?”
”I've seen his wanted poster at the guild. There's no doubt.”