Chapter 13 (1/2)

Vernon roared and crashed to the ground like a meteor. His knees bent and absorbed the impact; the soldiers he landed on screamed and scattered.

“Sera, we should leave now,” he said as he swiped his tail and knocked over a company of a dozen soldiers. Sera was surrounded by burning buildings and clouds of ash hung in the air. Soldiers encircled the town, trembling as they watched the two dragons. Sera snorted and flew up into the air, breathing a frigid air filled with icicles at the soldiers one last time. Vernon spread his wings and leapt after Sera.

“They’re starting to respond now; it’ll be dangerous if we continue,” Vernon said, “Grimmoldesser’s already heading back.” Sera didn’t respond, but she continued to fly south; blood dripped from her body and a few scales were missing. Below them, the plain’s previous green and brown appearance had transformed into a sea of ashes and scorched earth.

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“Dustin, why don’t they kill all the dragons?” Tafel asked.

“That’s impossible,” Dustin said.

“But why? Couldn’t we kill them if every SSS adventurer went?” she asked.

“Dragons aren't stupid,” he replied. “They’d just fly over and burn our capitals to the ground while the adventurers are still traveling through the wilderness trying to get back. There’s not that many groups strong enough to fight against a dragon. Besides, everything in the wilderness is hostile towards us. It wouldn’t be easy to get to the dragons with a large group.”

“What if we teleport?”

“Too much mana,” Dustin said and shook his head, “believe me, the adventurer’s guild has thought about it many times.”

“But-“

“No buts; besides, the dragons keep the scary things in check,” Dustin said.

“Aren’t the dragons the scary things though?” Tafel asked while tilting her head.

“Nah, dragons usually don’t bother us; it’s only in the past few years they’ve been acting up,” he replied. “Something must’ve made them angry.”

Tafel nodded. “Never make a dragon angry,” she said then paused and asked, “What’s the scary thing then?”

“Maybe you’ll find out when you’re older,” Dustin said with a smile as he ruffled her hair.

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