Talat’s Combat Prowess
Alright, now that we've got a handle on the production capabilities of Talat’s Spider Silk, the next issue is his combat abilities.
Even though Plum said, "It's pointless to even try measuring it," I still want to gauge it to some degree.
I had the idea to have Plum spar with Talat, but Plum declined, saying that their powers were too far apart to make a proper comparison.
So, I asked Melanie to look into any monsters that might serve as a worthy opponent for Talat.
However, it turns out that at this time of year, there are no monsters stronger than a Plain Earth Dragon in the vicinity.
The Grand Death Worm that used to feed on Plain Earth Dragons was already defeated by pre-evolved Talat and Plum.
Even the Plain Earth Dragon wouldn’t be a challenging opponent now.
Hmm, what could be a suitable match...?
"Lily, if you’re having trouble finding an opponent, I might have just the thing.”
"Eh?"
According to Melanie, about five days northwest by carriage from this town, near a volcano’s crater, there’s a dragon—specifically a dragon from the mythical beast side.
Apparently, dragons come in two forms: regular monster-type dragons and mythical beast dragons, which possess intelligence far surpassing that of humans.
This dragon resides in the mountains there.
This country—or rather, the former country now, I guess?—anyway, the Adventurers’ Guild here has a test for those aspiring to become Gold-ranked adventurers.
As part of the test, adventurers challenge the dragon, and if recognized, are given one of its scales.
I’m no Gold-ranked adventurer, but since Plum’s combat abilities are above that level, if even Plum can’t serve as a suitable opponent, then we’ll have to rely on this dragon.
This plan has become grander than expected.
With no better option in sight, we set off with the Lumite Grand Wing toward the mountain where the dragon resides.
A five-day journey by carriage takes less than a day with the Lumite Grand Wing, and we arrived at the base of the mountain before dusk.
From there, however, we had to climb on foot, so we camped for the night and set out early the next morning.
There’s a faint trail leading up the mountain, likely due to adventurers heading to face the dragon.
The slope wasn’t too steep, making the climb relatively easy, but nearing the summit, the path became much steeper.
Now, where’s the dragon...?
(Who dares trespass upon my territory? A new challenger, perhaps?)
Whoa!?
A dragon just descended from the sky!
It’s far larger than a Plain Earth Dragon!
"Um, you’re the mythical beast dragon that resides here… right?"
(Indeed. I am the guardian of this mountain, accepting challenges from adventurers.)
"I have a request..."
(A request? Speak.)
"I’d like you to fight my familiar. The Adventurers’ Guild said they couldn’t measure its strength."
Upon hearing this, the dragon burst into roaring laughter.
Was it really that funny?
(Hah! Ridiculous. For an Adventurers’ Guild to be unable to measure a mere human’s familiar… has the Guild’s standards fallen that much?)
"I don’t think so. It’s just that my familiar is apparently too strong..."
(Alright, alright. I shall humor you with a light sparring, so as not to cause too much harm.)
Oi!
Don’t make fun of Talat!
Talat, feel free to give the dragon a little frostbite!
What do you think about this chapter?
