Chapter 118: 118. ColdFire (2/2)
'Interesting, I'd really like to see it. I wonder if it's anything like the infamous Smaug... Hehe...'
He did not know if their information was true or false, but if it had lived all these years, it should possess a surprising intellect. After all, it was able to live in a region ruled by one of the great five and had still managed to not only survive but claim a large territory for itself. If he could capture it… He should be able to strengthen the defense on the castle.
Tyler pieced together a hazy image of what he thought the monster looked like in his mind based on his impression of the word drake.
With a name like ColdFire Drake, it was most likely a beast with a similar shape and appearance to a reptile or maybe it was something like a serpent instead. The fact that he also had no idea what dragons in this world would look like irked him a little. Then again perhaps this world had all the kinds and types of dragons.
Just as Tyler's imagination was about to run wild picturing the various shapes of a creature that may already be extinct, Dohel called out to Nadine again in a flighty tone:
”Well then, if we complete this mission perfectly, I wonder if my lovely lady Nadine will develop any affection towards me.”
Nadine didn't seem to have heard him though, as she simply focused on driving the carriage while keeping her guard up as Tyler had instructed which may have damaged Dohel's confidence.
Dohel put on an exaggerated look of shock, but nobody seemed to really care about it as Kylyra was still busy with her snacks and the twins were on the other side of the carriage and couldn't see him. Larut seems to smirk at Dohel's bad timing which may have been a product of his growing nerves.
Seeing Larut's smirk, Dohel quickly recomposed himself and they proceeded on their way. With his nerves finally calmed he was able to initiate a conversation as everyone chatted casually as they moved under the sun that had finally won its battle against the thick ashen clouds.
The path they took was only lightly covered in snow and the carriage could easily move on the uneven surfaces. While the sun shone brightly for the first time over the past few days, the cold in the air still remained the same and the group was only fine because they had equipped cold resistance gear.
However, this did not reduce the effort needed to travel in the snow, and the more they walked, the more sweat Tyler saw on their faces and as the cold wind hit. He could clearly see their perspiration rapidly evaporate, chilling them even against the effects of their cold resistance gears.
As he watched everyone breathing slowly get heavier, he was glad his body had evolved over the years he was asleep underground. While he was seated on the carriage and not slaving away amongst the party, he was sure he would not feel fatigued from that much labor.
Only Dohel remained energetic and cheerful, talking and laughing with the others, who were marching in silence:
”You guys don't have to be so tense... We have the all-seeing Larut on our side and with my amazing reflex, I'll be able to react the moment something happens, just leave the rest to Larut.”
”Why on Neron are you bragging on my expense.”
”What's wrong, didn't you say you were the best ranger in Sentro, why are you backing off now.”
”I only said I was the best ranger currently in Winged city, don't escalate my words without my permission.”
”Aine thinks Larut is good enough to rank at the top of all the rangers in Sentro.”
”Yeah, yeah, Anne thinks so too.”
The twins nodded in unison as Larut chuckled dryly at the pressure they were placing on his shoulders.
Chuckling softly at Larut's predicament, Dohel decided on changing the topic: ”So, sir Lix, by any chance are you and the lovely miss Nadine dating?”
”Hey! don't ask such personal questions, what's wrong with you.”
Contrary to Tyler's expectations, it was. Kylyra who spoke up from behind after being silent the entire trip. Her harsh tone had even startled Dohel who scratched his head awkwardly as he had wanted to start a light-hearted conversation to distract everyone from their growing nerves.
”Ahh yes my bad... I apologize for my insensitivity.”
Tyler chuckled and responded briefly as it seemed Nadine had tunned out the sounds coming out of this man's mouth and hadn't heard anything he said. Her expression was still serious as she concentrated on her surroundings.
”It's fine, there's no harm in wanting to know more about the people you're traveling with. However, I'll advise you to please don't ask unnecessary questions Mr. Dohel.”
Dohel's mouth was forced closed as he felt a sudden chill even though he was not perspiring and the cold should not be able to overcome his cold resistance.