Chapter 8: Fighting a Dragon Part 1
I held my breath, awaiting the encounter that was approaching with every second. It came faster than I expected as I noticed the advent of several shadows from the forests. My curiosity would be satisfied just a moment later as they emerged into the open.
They were... humans.
Bummer.
"Oi. Are you being for real? How can you be so quick to judge?" Phaidra was somewhat confounded, half expecting a more positive reaction. But can she blame me? I am quite disappointed.
"I was expecting another mythical creature or something. Like a minotaur or a phoenix." I told her truthfully. If dragons exist here in Elara, surely then others I can think of would right?
"I'm speechless..." Phaidra seemed just as disappointed as I am except hers was directed at me. Don't look like that at me. It's bad enough as it is.
"Well, cheer up. While I am a little bummed, this is still a pleasant surprise." It hasn't been long since I last saw a fellow human but it definitely doesn't feel that way. Perhaps it's because of all the crazy experiences I've had as of late. They've taken a lot out of me.
Anyways, it seems my suspicions are right once again. Way to go me! Why am I saying that? Just one look at the fellows that have recently entered the stage tells me a lot about this world, details I have figured out to a certain degree.
For starters, their outfits strike me the most. The party of 5 is all wearing armor of sorts with varying degrees of coverage. They also all have a weapon, a sword, a large shield, a staff, and... another staff. How are you going to fight with a staff made of wood?
That's right. Fight. They have all arrived intending to fight the injured Cerise. Each of them has taken some sort of fighting stance, and none of them was surprised in the slightest facing a dragon as towering and imposing as Cerise. They are experienced with this kind of stuff, that much I can understand with my short observation.
"So this is the fortunate opportunity you were talking about, Phaidra?" I asked her, aware of the answer. A needless question on my part but confirmation in case of any other unexpected upcoming encounters would be appreciated.
"Indeed. You won't get a chance to watch anything remotely close to this battle for years to come." She responded. "On such an occasion, what better to go with the show than some snacks and a comfy pillow?"
Her personality really shine through during moments like these
She even bothered to get me some.
"Help yourself. It will be just as breathtaking as anything else you've seen, if not more!" She exclaimed, stuffing her face full of hand-picked snacks.
"Don't mind if I do." I might as well indulge myself. Who knows when I'll be able to taste the treats of my homeland ever again?
I sat down on the pillow she prepared me and took a comfortable position.
"Almost forgot about this," Phaidra said as she snapped her finger, encasing us in a barrier of sorts which I could initially see before it camouflaged into our surroundings as if they were never there, to begin with.
I kept my eyes peeled with abated breath once more for the eventual confrontation.
Cerise has been exceedingly calm throughout all this but surely he wouldn't stand still when humans were preparing themselves to attack him. Injured as he may be, a dragon is nothing to scoff at. For the party down there to be able to act so confidently, just how powerful must they be?
I would soon find out.
-------------------------------------
A few days prior... In a room a fair distance away from the confrontation.
"We'll accept this request." A commanding and firm voice resounded clearly in the guild master's office. He spoke only a few words but the weight they carried was enough to shock the youth accompanying him.
"Are you out of your mind, Audar?! You do realize what we'll be getting ourselves into right?!"
Countless youths try their hand at being an adventurer with all the glory and wealth that comes with being a high rank. But reality hits harshly as not even a tenth of those newcomers make it through the first few weeks. Being an adventurer takes a lot more than many would believe. Those who come into this business careless and uninformed should expect to lose a limb or two at the very least.
Despite that, there are a few exceptions that appear once in a while.
Soravita Avan. A prime instance of such exceptions. She is a highly praised young talent whose name has been going around the adventurer's guild-like wildfire for their recent achievements.
She has crossed no small number of obstacles to get to where she is now. Death was the least of her concerns oftentimes but rather her disappointment at herself for being weak. This drove her beyond normalcy.
She is now well-regarded despite her strong-headed personality that made matters complicated for others. The reason being is her abnormal willingness to complete whatever she started. She has accomplished a lot despite her recent admittance into the adventurer's guild.
Her efforts paid off when she was scouted and accepted into 'The Wild Fang,' a prominent adventurer's party filled with well-known and skilled individuals. She was thrilled to be given such a fortunate opportunity when she is still lacking.
However, Soravita is now facing the greatest crisis in her life since she ran away from home. Her party leader, Audar was told by the receptionist that the guild master was looking for him. Since the others were dealing with their own business after they finished the recent request, she was the only one with him and as an official member, she was also invited to the discussion.
Little did she expect that it was a formal request commissioned by the empire. Just the kind of missions she loathes the most. Not to mention it was regarding a dragon of all things. Talented as she was, Soravita knew her limits, especially when the other party in question was a mythical creature from legends.
"Don't be so rude to your own party leader, Avan." The man next to her berated softly.
Audar was a giant of a man. Standing several heads taller than the young lady. He is a gifted adventurer with 10-plus years of experience under his belt. Renowned as a competent individual with great leadership skills, he is well-regarded and trusted by many. He has been personally supervising the upcoming rookie and newcomer to his party.
"But this a dragon we're talking about! That very same dragon said to wield the elements as naturally as the spirits themselves! They are legendary creatures of substantial intelligence and as old as time. They are capable of wiping kingdoms off the map in a matter of days at the minimum! Who would be foolish enough to accept such a ridiculous request?!" Soravita cried out with vigor.
"Me. Now be quiet for a moment Avan." Audar smacked her on the head lightly but his strength was more than enough to shut her momentarily due to the pain.
"Now, now you two. No need to get so agitated. I still haven't explained the full story yet." An elderly but robust voice attempted to calm them as he guided them to their seats and prepared some tea.
He had a build no smaller than Audar's with a head full of white hair. He was dressed rather formally, at great odds with the adventurous outfits the youths before he wore.
"No need for the tea. We'll be off soon anyways." Audar commented as he sat down on the couch prepared for him, Soravita just next to him in a foul mood, refusing to maintain eye contact.
"Please, it'll be a long story so be at ease." The guild master smiled and set the tea before them as well as some sugar at the side.
"...If you insist." Audar gave in and put his greatsword aside, taking a sip of tea while easing himself into his seat.
Although reluctant, seeing as though they weren't going to be leaving any time soon, Soravita poured several spoonfuls of sugar into her tea before doing the same.
Delighted that they were a tad less tense after the sudden revelation, the guild master set his cup aside for a moment.
"I was rather hasty. I do apologize. I was just in an official meeting with the emperor so I hope you understand my sense of urgency." The guildmaster apologetically told them only to receive a sympathetic gaze from Audar.
"My condolences, guildmaster." Audar responded, understanding his plight having been there himself.
"It's fine. I deal with it all the time. Besides that. how did your previous request go?" He decided to indulge in some small talk before getting to the heart of the matter too abruptly once more.
"There were some incidents at the beginning but nothing we couldn't handle. The subjugation went smoothly thanks to Avan. We're fortunate that we managed to recruit her in time for the request or it would've been quite troublesome." Audar complimented her, patting her on the head which she quickly removed.
"Haha! It seems I made the right decision recommending her to your party. I hope you can help further develop her talents. She has great room to grow, enough to surpass me." The guildmaster explained surprising Soravita who didn't know he had a hand in matters.
"I can see what you mean." Audar agreed
"You recommended me, gramps? I could've gotten into the Silver Fang on my own, without your help!" Soravita exclaimed, evidently disturbed that she wasn't able to properly prove herself.
"Manners, Avan! The guildmaster has helped you to no end. Where is the respect that is due?" Audar reproached, vexed that she is acting so childish in front of the man he admires most.
"Relax, Audar. I'm used to her antics by now and I'm sure she would've been able to do the same even without my help. I just helped progress the eventual process of things."
"You're much too lenient, guildmaster. But, since you said as much, I won't push it any further." Audar gave in once more. Although he still believed that Soravita was behaving inappropriately, if her foster father was letting her act as such, he wouldn't take the matter any further.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Yevera
Yevera Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone