The dragon that Kousuke and the others intentionally let go was not a dragon-type monster, but a so-called dinosaur-type one.
To be more precise, it was a pterosaur type, which is said to have lower combat capabilities compared to dragon types.
However, such comparisons are meaningless to ordinary humans, and dragons are formidable opponents in their own right.
Moreover, this dragon was a Leader Species with the combat ability to command the Great Flood, making it an undoubtedly formidable existence for humans.
Indeed, when Riku and the members of “Flame Wolf” arrived at the scene, dispatched by Mitsuki, many adventurers and soldiers were lying around, and those with healing abilities were desperately rushing about.
“Tch…”
Seeing the scene, Riku involuntarily clicked his tongue, but Mitsuki, who was the only one to hear it, lightly slapped him on the head.
“Calm down. Getting angry here won’t improve the situation.”
“…Ah. That’s right.”
Heeding Mitsuki’s advice, Riku took a deep breath right there.
While Riku and the others were regaining their composure, the attacks from other adventurers and soldiers continued.
However, those present did not seem particularly skilled in attack, and their attacks did not seem to be very effective against the dragon.
Nevertheless, they were trying to stop it there to protect the town and its residents behind them.
If Riku and the others lost their composure and charged in, it would only lead to the same result.
When defeating monsters, one must have strong willpower but never lose their composure.
This was a lesson that Riku had been thoroughly taught by Kousuke and the women in the management layer.
Once the members of “Flame Wolf” had properly composed themselves, Gereon, the tank, first landed a powerful blow on the dragon.
As expected, the dragon’s scales were not easily penetrated, and it was not possible to inflict a serious wound.
Nevertheless, they succeeded in drawing the dragon’s attention, diverting it from the direction it had been focusing on.
Seizing this opening, Riku cast his gaze around.
“We’ll draw its attention! While we do that, get yourselves in order!”
As Riku’s words echoed around, the faces of those who had been attacking in despair began to regain their vitality.
Those who were already energetic began to identify areas safe from the dragon’s attacks and drag the injured to safety.
Reassured by the sight, Riku refocused his attention on the dragon.
Already, the party members, excluding Riku, were attacking the dragon.
It was clear to anyone that their offensive power was one or two levels higher than before.
The dragon seemed to recognize this as well, ignoring its surroundings and completely identifying “Flame Wolf” as its enemy.
Having succeeded in drawing the dragon’s attention, the members of “Flame Wolf” fully transitioned into combat mode against the dragon.
A single blow from the dragon’s attack normally possesses power that is unbearable for humans.
Gereon, the tank, endured many of these attacks.
Of course, this was not solely Gereon’s strength; it was also amplified by Kari’s magic, which she cast just before.
However, even with repeated attacks, the magic effect would eventually wear off, forcing Kari to reapply it multiple times.
As a result, she could not find an opening to unleash her powerful magical attacks.
However, they knew from their extensive combat experience that they should not panic.
Meanwhile, those wielding weapons were trying their best to get their blades through the dragon’s tough scales, but it was not easy.
It was undeniable that they lacked decisive power, but they could not give up now.
Most importantly, they knew that Mitsuki, whom they couldn’t see at the moment, would surely be watching somewhere.
They knew she would lend a hand if they were completely overwhelmed, so Riku and the others were desperately trying their best.
Meanwhile, Riku could be seen giving instructions to his companions, attacking himself, and helping those who had fallen.
Miraculously, unlike their initial impression, there seemed to be no one who had lost their life.
It was as if Mitsuki had timed her arrival to bring them here for this very purpose.
However, considering the timing of the communication from Kousuke and Mitsuki’s arrival and the timing of her bringing them here, they knew it was just a coincidence.
The unit that had been attacking the dragon had only been engaging in a diversionary tactic and had not pursued it further, thus preventing any fatal outcomes.
While thinking about things unrelated to the battle with the dragon, Riku looked around and showed a relieved expression.
While Riku and the others were engaged in combat with the dragon, the fallen were no longer anywhere near, and the others were watching Riku’s battle from a distance.
Furthermore, those who remained were only the minimum necessary force for emergencies, with the rest heading to assist in other areas.
It was unclear whether Mitsuki had contacted the local commanders or if the remaining individuals knew of Riku and the others.
However, this situation was convenient for Riku and the others.
“Gereon! Just distract it, don’t take hits! Kari, I need a powerful one!”
The companions, who had heard the same instructions many times, instantly understood what Riku intended to do.
It wasn’t that complicated of an instruction.
The goal was for the entire party, except for Kari, to draw the dragon’s attention, not just Gereon.
This would reduce Gereon’s burden and create an opening for Kari to unleash a powerful spell.
They had not employed this tactic before because they had refrained from doing so, considering the presence of people other than their own members.
“Sorry to keep you waiting!”
With those brief words from Kari, the “Flame Wolf” members who had been drawing the dragon’s attention while attacking it simultaneously withdrew from the dragon’s immediate vicinity.
And in the next moment, countless visible wind blades descended from the sky, striking the dragon.
“Gyaooooooo!”
The attack seemed to have been effective, as the dragon let out a scream-like cry.
The damage to its wings, in particular, seemed to be severe, rendering it completely unable to fly.
With the loss of its aerial advantage, the dragon was now completely at the mercy of “Flame Wolf.”
The scales still resisted their blades, but the bleeding from its wings significantly hampered its movements.
This allowed them to easily evade its attacks and to land their spells with far greater accuracy than before.
Approximately two hours after “Flame Wolf” began its battle with the Leader Species dragon, the dragon finally became completely immobilized.
“…Did we get it?”
Eddie asked, still on guard, and the others finally had the semblance of composure to calmly observe the dragon.
Of course, they had not completely lowered their guard.
Rather, they were so stunned that they couldn’t believe they had defeated the dragon that they remained frozen in place for a while.
As if to dispel the atmosphere, Mitsuki, wearing a mask, approached the dragon in a casual tone.
“What are you all doing? We defeated it properly.”
Saying that, she tapped the dragon’s snout.
Seeing this, the members of “Flame Wolf,” who had finally come to their senses, let out a roar of triumph at their first major success in a long time.
Riku joined in the celebration, and the two women cheered more reservedly.
Then, with a slight delay, cheers erupted from those who had witnessed the battle of “Flame Wolf” in its entirety.
Thus, on the land of the South Continent, a pair of heroes was born.
Zero casualties from the Leader Species!
What a convenient turn of events.
If Kousuke and the others hadn’t weakened it initially, one or two people would have likely been casualties.
