Volume 5 Chapter 24 [Ratis SIDE] Unable To Do Anything Against The Dragon
The monsters in this dungeon usually don't attack the ship first.
Even if the raft looks poorly made, they don't immediately try to sink it to destroy it.
However, sometimes the people on the ship do something—like responding to or deflecting a monster's attack—that causes the monster to hit the ship directly.
Of course, since they're in the middle of the ocean, protecting the ship is absolutely essential. But some people just don't get that.
If someone got angry because a monster rammed into the raft in this dungeon, 'Ferl, the Jeweled Ice Sea Domain,' their complaint wouldn't make much sense.
It's not about anyone specific. It's just an example.
But speaking of that example...
In the first place, being able to complain about failure in a dungeon while ignoring your own mistakes is only possible because the enemy held back or the dungeon's design was lenient.
However, when facing a truly powerful opponent, what can you do?
That's when the true skill of fighters and swordsmen is tested.
"...Well then, come at me from anywhere."
Zethar smiled, cracking his knuckles.
He's nearly 180 cm tall with a well-built physique, and his physical strength is almost perfect.
Seeing someone like that—especially as an enemy—the first thing to do is stay alert.
"Tch, you're underestimating me. I'm the strongest swordsman of the Order of the Sealed Dragon. With me holding a magic sword, are you seriously planning to fight without even using a weapon?"
That kind of carelessness in a situation that demands caution shows a lack of awareness.
Honestly, it's dangerous to appoint someone like that as a team leader, but there's no point worrying about it now.
"Does it matter if you use a weapon or not? What counts is whether we win or lose. If I can win without a weapon, there's no problem."
"I see, that's true. But it's fools like you who end up dead!"
Ratis, holding the magic sword Duran, approached Zethar and unleashed a high-speed slash.
"...For a human, your swordsmanship is top-tier."
"What!"
Zethar pinched the sword between his fingers, looking disappointed.
As he said, Ratis is undeniably a top-tier swordsman.
His physique is lean and optimized for swordsmanship. His muscles, bones, and nerves are all perfectly suited for it.
"But you're still human. Facing a dragon with just a magic sword doesn't mean you're ready to handle it."
"Y-You're human, right!"
"...Huh? Haven't you realized yet?"
"Realized what!"
Ratis tried to push the magic sword with both hands, but it didn't budge in Zethar's grip.
Ratis probably never had to focus on his swordsmanship because his talent was too great. He's still able to talk normally, so he's never fought seriously.
No, the ability to "go all out" requires significant talent, so it's not really his fault.
However, without observational skills, it's useless.
"Don't you understand? I am the 'Hoardspirit Dragon Zeth Halcon,' the true body."
"...Huh?"
"You all understand, right?"
"...Yes. That's correct."
Zethar looked at the unsure members of the Order of the Sealed Dragon behind him.
The Order, located in the demihuman territories beyond the Western Mountain Range, is an organization where humans—lacking claws, fangs, scales, and poison—oppose dragons through sealing techniques. They maintain balance by gaining the upper hand and act as guardians of human society.
This is necessary, and even Horace—or perhaps Zethar himself—would acknowledge that.
But the members of the Order look almost human, and they see the dragon without reacting. Saying they understand nothing isn't even an argument.
"Then, I should be able to use sealing techniques!"
Ratis channeled magical power into the magic sword.
He has almost no talent as a swordsman, but sealing techniques must have been drilled into him. His movements were smooth.
However, the sealing magic that touched Zethar through the sword dispersed instantly.
"N..."
"Did you think your sealing techniques could work on me?"
Hoardspirit Dragon Zeth Halcon.
One of the 'Four Source Maidens' Keystone Dragons, he made a name in human history a thousand years ago. Sealed by the Glasha family, ancestors of Horace, he was known for destroying a super-giant nation.
Yes.
He's not an ordinary dragon.
He is an extraordinary being with overwhelming strength, unafraid of adventurers and capable of destroying nations.
Such an opponent wouldn't be affected by cheap sealing magic.
"Guh, ha, let go!"
"...Here."
Zethar released the sword he was holding.
His face showed great disappointment, but he also recognized the opponent's level.
Their power levels were too different.
"Well, you alone can't handle it. Try with your comrades."
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