NOVEL ONLINE FREE Ch57 - The Dragon and the Sorcerer
Chapter 57: The Dragon and the Sorcerer
In order to take down the handsome sorcerer, the adventurers launch a long-range attack with all their might.
The warrior’s [Slashing Wave], the spearman’s [Long Spear], the martial artist’s [Throwing] Chakram, the fighter’s [Spinning Staff], the archer’s [Wind Bow], the magic swordsman’s [Lightning Sword]…
The deafening roar of their attacks echoed through the forest, loud enough to reach Lachelle.
Luca’s lightning momentarily blinded the adventurers, but Lily, with a subtle application of [Black Fog] only in their area, ensured their vision remained clear. The seamless cooperation of the Magic Eye duo was truly impressive. Blinding the enemy and surrounding monsters while preserving their own sight was a significant advantage in battle.
The adventurers glared at the area enveloped in pale light and dust. Luca’s voice was grim.
“…The enemy completely blocked all attacks with a barrier! Be prepared for a counterattack!”
He immediately repositioned his magic sword.
“Tch! What a guy…! Those who can cast barriers, protect the mages and the Dryad sprout! Leave the fighting to the specialists. Alright, everyone! Let’s launch another attack!”
“Yeah!”
“…The light and dust will clear soon. The enemy wasn’t blinded, having used their dark magic to maintain vision. The dragon will be momentarily blinded and will likely thrash around. We can use that to our advantage.”
“Thanks, bro. …Alright, I see the pretty boy! Let’s go! [Slashing Wave]! [Slashing Wave]!”
“So you’re just chilling behind a barrier, huh!? [Throwing]!”
“You dare defile the forest… I won’t forgive you! [Barrage]!”
Once again, multiple attacks flew towards the sorcerer, but…
“‘Thou shalt not enter the domain of darkness’… [Shadow Hole], expand.”
“!?”
As the sorcerer calmly chanted the special incantation with crystal inscription, the dark barrier protecting him expanded several times over, its radius now about 4 meters, large enough to easily encompass even the dragon. The adventurers’ attacks slid harmlessly off the barrier’s surface, deflected into the forest behind. The sound of falling trees and the death cries of unfortunate monsters caught in the crossfire echoed. The sorcerer had perfectly defended against every attack.
Let’s explain crystal inscription. Only those with exceptional talent who had mastered specific magic or skills could add crystal inscriptions to their spells. It was named “crystal inscription” because of the “sparkle” (晶晶) created by the surplus magic power during the chant. While it consumed significant magic power, the additional effect was immense. Even the ability to use a single crystal inscription could easily earn one a position serving the nation directly. For example, adding a crystal inscription to [Flame] could incinerate an entire area, charring trees to cinders. With [Aqua], it could cause torrential rain and floods.
The sorcerer remained unfazed. The new receptionist muttered, “How cool…” with a serious expression, suggesting he’d chanted without changing his expression. Rest assured, she wasn’t making heart eyes in this dangerous situation. The sorcerer had skillfully controlled the barrier’s expansion. It was unlikely he’d used a crystal inscription just for this. This limited effect demonstrated the power of crystal inscriptions. Incidentally, Sylphine’s spirit barrier was the result of crystal inscriptions layered over centuries.
The adventurers, realizing the futility of their reckless attacks, stopped and cautiously observed their opponent. Their expressions were frustrated. Under the intense scrutiny of their gazes, the sorcerer slowly lowered his hood. …Damn, he was handsome!
▽The adventurers’ rage intensifies!
The sorcerer’s smooth, low voice was chillingly calm, devoid of emotion.
“So…that’s the Maiden of Wind and Water, Sylphine? Spirits take forms similar to humans. Hmm. Interesting. Or perhaps, her spirit essence has faded due to her fallen state.”
The sorcerer, with short dark green hair and sharp black eyes, tilted his head, observing the healing Sylphine intently. His gaze wasn’t lecherous, but rather like that of a scientist studying a specimen.
Ignoring the adventurers before him, a warrior angrily confronted him.
“Hey, you’re the one spreading curses in the forest, right? …What’s your purpose in doing such a cruel thing!?”
“Hmm. You want to know my purpose?”
The sorcerer, his gaze fixed on Sylphine’s sister, answered flatly. His speech, due to his mentally accelerated maturity from his Gift, resembled that of an elderly person.
“Since I came all the way to Anees, I thought I’d do some sightseeing. My main reason was to see the spirit Sylphine. But they say spirits are invisible to evil, right? So, I conducted an experiment to see what would happen if she fell. I’m glad it worked. Even I, a dark magic user, can see Sylphine. A truly fascinating phenomenon. Learning that spirits are vulnerable to taint, that they can fall, and that they look just like humans…it’s very satisfying. In other words, it was an act driven by intellectual curiosity.”
What was with the “in other words”? This sorcerer seemed to have zero interpersonal skills. Conversely, he was incredibly talented at making infuriatingly nonchalant remarks. The adventurers’ temples throbbed.
“Oh, is that so…? So, now that you’ve seen Sylphine-sama, you’ll leave this place immediately? That’s what you’re saying, right?”
“I said ‘main reason’ earlier, stating I wanted to see Sylphine. I have one more objective. Or rather, I should say, ‘I’ve accomplished it.'”
“Tch! You fiend…! Something to do with that rotting dragon?”
“No. I prepared that just to sic it on you. As a distraction. I have no interest in creatures whose ecology is already known. How dull. Discovering the unknown workings of the world is what’s truly enjoyable.”
“…”
What a detached way of saying “enjoyable.” The adventurers were taken aback by the sorcerer’s eccentric reasoning. He was a researcher in the worst sense of the word. Left unchecked, he would undoubtedly cause more trouble. …They had to deal with him here. The high-ranking adventurers’ gazes sharpened.
The sorcerer, seemingly losing interest in both Sylphine and the warrior, looked away. He glanced at the dragon, which was groaning in pain, its eyes damaged.
“I’ll release you. Rampage to your heart’s content.”
“Grrrr…”
“!”
The warrior had been stalling for time with conversation…but that was over. He glanced back, relieved to see the makeshift barrier his comrades had erected around the Dryad sprout. Now they could fight without worrying about stray projectiles, dust, or skill aftershocks.
“Well, all that’s left is for us to take down the dragon and beat up the sorcerer…! Nothing’s changed from what we expected. Hmph. Fine. Let’s do this!”
“Yeah!”
The battle began, the dragon unleashed, and the adventurers’ fury unleashed!
▽The dragon’s furious roar!
▽The dragon’s preemptive attack: Sweep!
The dragon, its massive, 6-meter-tall body, tried to scatter the humanoids. Its thick, spiked tail swung around, striking several people and inflicting significant damage. The dragon seemed enraged at the sorcerer who cursed it and the other humans. While the adventurers were collateral damage, if it attacked, they would fight back. The tail should have hit the sorcerer, but the shrunken dark barrier deflected the attack.
“…Let’s coordinate! [Earth Split]!”
▽The adventurers’ counterattack!
The warrior slammed his axe into the ground, opening large holes at the dragon’s feet. The dragon stumbled, its forelegs caught in the holes.
“Skill: [Binding Bow]!”
“Skill: [Lightning Bow]!”
The archers’ arrows, aimed at its legs, struck the dragon, piercing the exposed flesh where scales had fallen off. Dark blood gushed out, filling the air with the stench of decay and burnt flesh.
This taint would also negatively affect Sylphine. With each drop of blood that soaked into the ground, the maiden gasped in pain, and the elderly mages frantically cast [Purification Purge]. The younger Sylphine also looked pale and unwell.
They couldn’t afford to fight without injuring the dragon. The Phantom Black Dragon was a formidable foe, even for high-ranking adventurers. They decided to defeat it quickly, then call for more purifiers later. Luca, the only adventurer who could use [Purification Purge], deftly dodged the dragon’s attacks while purifying the most blood-soaked areas of the ground.
The dragon’s deafening roar echoed through the forest. The scout from Lachelle shouted.
“…This is bad! The Phantom Black Dragon uses Dragon Breath! The makeshift barrier might not hold…! Someone, do something!”
“Lily, please. I’m going with high magic power… Skill: [Inspire]!”
Lena gave Lily a concise instruction. They were in perfect sync.
“Understood, Master! Like this, right? Skill: [Magic Absorption Barrier]!”
The dragon opened its massive jaws, revealing sharp fangs, and unleashed a powerful breath attack! The intense beam shot forward, grazing and melting the top of the makeshift barrier! But…Lily’s [Magic Absorption Barrier] was layered over it at the perfect moment. The breath, which would have also hit the Dryad sprout, was sucked into the barrier.
“…I won’t lose!”
Lily’s barrier held for several seconds, successfully blocking the breath attack! The adventurers cheered, and the dragon shook its head in frustration.
The remaining beam, not absorbed by the barrier, dissipated harmlessly into the sky. The breath attack had been weaker than usual due to the dragon’s weakened state. Perhaps thanks to Lucky. Forced to use its breath while affected by the Corruption Curse, the dragon’s throat festered. It wouldn’t be able to use its breath again in this fight.
The sorcerer watched the battle impassively from the edge of the clearing. He raised an eyebrow slightly when the Butterfly used [Magic Absorption Barrier], then returned to his indifferent expression. His gaze then shifted to the Butterfly’s master.
“…Quite the spectator you are!”
“…”
A spear struck the sorcerer’s dark barrier with a clang. Despite the powerful [Ultimate Thrust] skill, the barrier didn’t budge. The spearman clicked his tongue in frustration and continued attacking with [Triple Thrust] and [Spinning Thrust]. The martial artist and boxer joined in, trying to break the barrier with their skills, but the enemy’s ironclad defense remained unshakeable. The sorcerer’s emotionless face simply observed the adventurers’ desperate efforts without a hint of mockery.
“This is becoming a nuisance.”
“!?”
The sorcerer flicked his expensive-looking magic rod, and the three attackers felt a sharp pain in their arms. Several black needles were embedded in their flesh.
“Skill: [Corruption Curse].”
The adventurers’ fingers and hands began to darken and fester. Left untreated, their fingers would rot away. Groans of pain filled the air.
“[Corruption Curse] can normally only be cast through contact. But this staff allows for ranged casting. It’s a fine item, isn’t it? I have an acquaintance who’s skilled at collecting magic tools.”
“…No one asked! I don’t care!”
“So quick to anger. Truly short-tempered.”
One felt like giving him the title “Master Provocateur.” The sorcerer glanced at the fierce battle between the dragon and the giant sheep. Hamaru, with Slime Guard activated, was locked in a headbutt contest with the charging dragon. Slowly but surely, Hamaru was being pushed back. The difference in species and level was significant. It was easy to forget, given Hamaru’s…unique personality, that Sheep Monsters weren’t naturally combat-oriented.
Their master, cheering for Hamaru and the slimes, had her back to the sorcerer. Luca, who had been occasionally glancing at the sorcerer and reading his thoughts, suddenly shouted at Lena.
“Lena! The sorcerer is targeting you…!”
“…What!?”
The sorcerer’s thoughts, enhanced by his [Parallel Thinking] gift, were difficult to read. By the time Luca sensed Lena’s danger, the sorcerer was already moving. Luca tried to intercept, but the wind-wreathed sorcerer was much faster. He even used [Shadow Bind] to immobilize Luca’s feet! How much magic could he wield!?
Hamaru and the slimes were stuck. Lily, exhausted from her previous [Magic Absorption Barrier], desperately flapped her wings but couldn’t catch up.
The sorcerer appeared beside Lena, his presence overwhelming. He created a [Shadow Hole] just large enough to enclose them.
“Title: [Popular Handsome Man] set.”
Then, he casually equipped a seemingly frivolous title. Why? Lena stared up at the tall sorcerer with apprehension. He plastered a dazzling smile on his face and spoke to Lena in a cheerful, slightly higher-pitched voice.
“I want you to be my traveling companion. Won’t you come with me?”
The title’s effect was “Attracts attention, increases attractiveness by 30% (compared to before).” The new receptionist, witnessing his radiant smile, let out a blissful moan and fainted. Even the male adventurers who accidentally looked at him blushed momentarily before crying out in anguish, “Why am I reacting like this!?” What a terrifying title.
As for Lena, the target of the Popular Handsome Man’s attention, she thought, “Ugh, how creepy…” His unsettlingly intense, lifeless gaze and forced, bright smile created a disturbingly unbalanced effect.
Lena’s maidenly qualities were closer to those of a mother. Besides, she was used to seeing handsome men, beautiful women, and adorable children. Frankly, her son Mothra was more handsome in both appearance and aura! …She was her usual doting self in her thoughts. Luca, unfortunate enough to glimpse her thoughts at this moment, clutched his stomach, trembling with suppressed laughter.
Seeing Lena’s lack of reaction to his ikemen charm, the sorcerer tilted his head, but continued speaking.
“Before, when I sent the cursed Tzutsuki, you spoke as if Sylphine herself was there. And a strange wind blew, protecting you and deflecting the attack. I became intrigued, thinking you might be a special human who can see spirits. I have a feeling that having you around would make for a meaningful journey. So, come with me. Then I’ll leave this place.”
The sorcerer’s deepening smile sent a chill down Lena’s spine. Ivan, the sorcerer, had taken an interest in her. He was a man capable of any cruelty to satisfy his intellectual curiosity. He’d apparently picked up Lena’s quiet mutterings with the wind magic [Wind].
…What should I do!? Lena panicked. She absolutely refused to go with him. She desperately racked her brain for the best response.
“I don’t mind waiting. But if this drags on, your familiars won’t last. Well, I don’t really care if those monsters are crushed or not. I’d prefer you take my hand willingly. Dragging you would be quite troublesome.”
Unable to speak, overwhelmed by his dark gaze, Lena’s eyes teared up. She wanted to retort, “Don’t be ridiculous!”, but…! Was there anything she could use in this situation…? Lena’s lips parted slightly.
“…Titles: [Onee-sama], [Crimson Queen] set.”
“Oh?”
▽Here we go!
These titles allowed Lena to (forcibly) express her inner thoughts with assertive words. The unfamiliar titles and the concept of this seemingly weak girl being a queen piqued the sorcerer’s curiosity, momentarily halting his actions.
Despite being looked down upon by his impertinent gaze, the [Onee-sama] and [Queen] within her awakened. A regal air filled her large, bright eyes, and she dramatically swept aside the hem of her red robe with a flourish. The corners of her lips curled into a confident, beautiful smile as she extended her right hand to the sorcerer. Surprised, he said, “I see,” with a hint of disappointment, then, with a satisfied expression, extended his left hand.
The moment their hands touched…
Slap!
Lena swatted his hand away. Her sweet, girlish voice took on a haughty tone.
“Just who do you think you are…? How dare you!”
The temperature plummeted. Luca finally burst out laughing, and the familiars cheered, “Long live the Queen!”
▽Next: The Queen’s reply.