第８９７堀：山頂にあるもの (Part1)
### Chapter 897: What Lies at the Summit
**Side: Riel**
"Hmph, to think that such puny humans would dare to set foot in this sanctuary. You have quite the nerve."
The one who appeared while saying this was a small, black dragon.
Hmm, it doesn't seem particularly strong.
According to my appraisal, it’s around level 300—barely half the strength of the wyverns in Weed’s Wyvern Corps. It’s even weaker than the new hatchling at Amanda’s place.
Yet, I have no idea why it’s acting so imposing.
Ah, maybe it doesn't have an appraisal skill, so it can't gauge our strength?
No, perhaps it’s actually hiding its true power. We do that too, using concealment to make our stats look lower.
...Still, it just doesn't look strong at all.
While I was thinking that, Mauve-san continued the conversation.
"Wait. It’s a misunderstanding. I apologize for trespassing, but I’ve brought this."
He held up the jewel he’d been entrusted with by Queen Seraria.
Since we were told that this would serve as proof to gain entry to the Dragonfolk village, it should have been enough to let us pass, but...
"What is that? Do you think showing me such a trinket excuses you for stepping foot on this land? Did you really think such a mere, oversized gemstone would earn you forgiveness for your insolence?!"
The black dragon gathered magical power in its maw, flames began to overflow, and it started preparing a breath attack...
"Wait, what!? That’s not what we agreed on!"
"I shall praise you for reaching this far as a human. Now, consider it an honor to be incinerated by my flames!!"
*Whoosh!!*
A massive torrent of fire was unleashed directly at Mauve-san.
The range of the flames was wide, reaching even us, but...
"...Hmm. A bit underwhelming."
"Not very strong, is it? Ahaha..."
"...I think it's still just a dragon child."
Flames of this level couldn't even breach our magic barriers. We were blocking it without feeling even a hint of heat. The only thing it was actually effective at was obscuring our vision; it made for a decent smoke screen.
While we were leisurely evaluating the attack, the intensity of the flames finally died down.
"Fuhahaha! Humans are fragile after all! To be burned without a trace—wait, what?"
The black dragon let out a cry of surprise.
Standing where the direct hit had landed was Mauve-san, completely unharmed.
"Man, you startled me. I’m used to fights where getting hit once means 'game over,' so I really thought I was a goner."
Mauve-san said this while smoothly drawing his sword.
Right, right. In our training with Yuki-san, firearms are the standard. Because of that, getting hit even once counts as a death, so it’s incredibly strict. After doing that kind of training every day, you don't exactly expect such a pathetic flame attack in a real situation.
"Wh-why?! Why are you still alive after taking my flames?!"
The dragon was visibly shaken to see us unscathed.
However, neither we nor Mauve-san are kind enough to answer such questions.
*Slash!! Thud!*
Before I knew it, the dragon’s wings had fallen to the ground.
"Wh-what!? Gyaaaaaa!!"
A beat later, the dragon let out a scream, finally feeling the pain of its wings being severed.
But if it had time to scream like that, it should have just run away while it had the chance.
*Click.*
"I told you to wait, but you attacked anyway. You were prepared for the fact that you might get hit back, right? I think I’ll take your head next, unless you’d prefer otherwise?"
As he said this, Mauve-san already had his sword pressed against the dragon’s throat.
Yes, it was Mauve-san who had sliced off the dragon’s wings.
"W-wait!?"
"Are you an idiot?"
Ignoring the dragon’s plea for mercy, Mauve-san swung his sword down.
It was only natural. We don't show mercy to enemies. If we did, we wouldn't be able to protect ourselves. That is what it means to live.
*Crack!!*
"Ouch!?"
That said, the dragon’s head didn't actually fall off. Mauve-san had only struck its neck with the blunt side of his blade.
"Geez, are you ready to listen now?"
"A-ah, yes."
"I’d normally kill you, but we have business at the Dragonfolk village. If you explain things and guide us there, I’ll let you live. Well? Oh, feel free to refuse. I’ll just lop that head off instead."
"Wait, wait! I’ll explain, and I’ll guide you!"
Good, now we have a guide.
Normally, we would have killed it, but we’re on a job this time.
Ah, if it had tried to attack Yuki-san, it would have been an instant decapitation, no questions asked. It’s only because it’s Mauve-san that it ended this way.
"Good, lead the way. Don't even think about flying off. I’ll chase you down and slice you up if you try."
"How could I fly with my wings cut off? Damn it, my balance is... wait a second."
The black dragon suddenly began to glow, shrinking rapidly as its silhouette shifted from dragon to human form...
"Damn it, my wings really are... why did it come to this..."
A black-haired boy stood there, muttering regrets.
"What, so it was a brat after all."
Yeah, just as Kaya said, it was a dragon child. That explains why there was no sense of intimidation. If it had lived a bit longer and gained more experience, it might have had some presence, but it didn't seem to have even that.
"I'm not a brat! I am of the proud Dragonfolk clan!"
"Hmm. So the Dragonfolk really do exist."
"Yes, this is my first time seeing one. I’d heard rumors, but this is the first time I've seen the real thing."
The dragon boy was puffing his chest out, but we ignored him and gathered around to observe. As Raiya-san and Curse-san said, it’s our first time seeing one. So the Dragonfolk weren't just a legend.
"I’d heard they were similar to Lizardmen, but the base is almost entirely human."
"Indeed. The wings... well, they’ve been cut off, but aside from the tail and the horns on its head, it looks like a normal human."
It’s true. Aside from the tail and horns, he looks like an ordinary person. If anything, he looks much more human than a Lizardman.
...I wonder what it feels like to touch them?
"Hey, you."
"What is it, cat-girl?"
"I'm Riel. What's your name? Also, can I touch your horns for a second?"
"Huh? Are you stupid? Why would I let someone like you touch my horns?"
Oh? This one’s got a bit of an attitude.
"Alright, I’ve decided. I’m going to teach you your place. You don't have the authority to ignore my requests."
"Why are you acting so high and mighty? The one who defeated me was that man over there, not you! Do you really think someone like you could beat—"
"Of course I do. Yuki-san taught us that when someone gets confused about the hierarchy, it’s best to knock some sense into them."
Yes, this is what we call "tough love" in the form of discipline. It’s the duty of an older sister to train a child who lacks manners.
"Sigh, try not to go too easy on him."
"...Try not to bully him too much."
"Don't worry, don't worry."