Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
However, as a blue dragon that could live to adulthood, Bryant was not only overconfident but also very cautious in his personality.
Most imprudent dragons would have perished before adulthood.
They were not like metal dragons; their mothers would not indulge them. As soon as they entered adolescence, they would be driven out of the dragon’s lair, and the mother dragon would continue to seek new mates and lay new eggs.
Why was there a bard competition being held near Dragonflame City just as he arrived?
Why hadn’t it been held before, and why specifically now?
Could this be a trap set by cunning humans?
Had those humans already discovered his whereabouts and invited powerful fighters?
For a time, Bryant mulled over many possibilities, the purple dragon eyes flashing with intelligent light.
The Thunderflame Bat leader was unaware of its master’s numerous concerns. It initially thought that it was just a bard who hadn’t attracted the blue dragon’s attention. Then, it remembered that the first prize in the bard competition was something, but what was it?
Looking at the blue dragon’s scales, intricately patterned and resembling exquisite gemstones, the Thunderflame Bat leader belatedly recalled what the reward was.
It said to the blue dragon, who was still lost in thought:
“Master, the first prize for the bard competition is a sapphire as large as a round table!”
A sapphire as large as a round table?!
Bryant’s draconic eyes immediately locked onto the statement.
The vertical pupils in his purple eyes seemed to transform into the shape of sapphires.
He had never seen such a large sapphire in his life!
How dazzling would it be to make a crown out of such a large sapphire and wear it on his head?
At that time, wearing such a crown, he would go back to find his green dragon sister, and perhaps his green dragon sister would change her mind and leave that dragonless red dragon!
How powerful could those humans possibly invite as combatants?
Bryant considered every angle. Even if two Champion Knights and Source Mages came, he had the ability to directly snatch the bard and the sapphire and escape. He could then hide in a deep mountain forest for half a year or so, and the dragon slayers searching for him would eventually give up.
“This is worth a shot!” A sharp glint flashed in Bryant’s draconic eyes.
All his caution and thoughts of sinister plots were completely cast aside. All he cared about now was the most talented bard and the beautiful sapphire.
At this moment, Bryant had already conceived of the title he would earn.
He would call himself the Blue Enchantress!
Wearing a giant blue gem crown and possessing the most talented bard, he would be worthy of such a title.
“You, continue to scout Dragonflame City. Report any new information immediately!”
Bryant glanced at the Thunderflame Bat and found that his subordinate was already on its last legs, completely without the strength to get up.
“Useless!” he cursed inwardly.
It couldn’t handle being hit twice.
The Thunder Lizard leader was much more resilient, able to withstand over a dozen of his blows.
As his subordinate, a monster like the Thunderflame Bat was too weak and did not befit his status as a powerful blue dragon.
But there was no other choice. The Thunderflame Bat leader was still useful for now, at least in helping him gather information about Dragonflame City.
Bryant crawled in front of the Thunderflame Bat leader and patiently dripped a drop of blue dragon essence blood onto its head.
This drop of essence blood would not only heal the Thunderflame Bat’s current injuries but also enhance its bloodline, making it more resilient!
After a while, the Thunderflame Bat, covered in crackling electricity, got up from the ground again.
Its body size had increased, and its originally thin, leathery wings had grown some pale blue scales.
“Master, I feel full of power!” the Thunderflame Bat roared, striking a muscular pose in front of Bryant. Its voice had become much rougher, like a groundhog in heat.
Bryant stared expressionlessly at the preening Thunderflame Bat leader. He silently took out his electric mosquito swatter and fiercely struck it against the bat.
He roared, “If you’re full of power, then go to work for me!!”
“Bang!”
The Thunderflame Bat leader cried out in pain and was blasted out of the dragon’s lair for the third time.
However, this time, its thicker armor allowed it to quickly get up from the ground and, wagging its tail, lead a group of subordinates towards Dragonflame City.
…
Meanwhile, inside Dragonflame City.
Rumors about the bard competition were spreading like wildfire throughout Dragonflame City.
In less than two days, even the neighboring towns knew about it.
“Hey, have you heard? Dragonflame City is holding a bard competition. The Lord of Dragonflame City will select the most talented bard and award a sapphire the size of a round table!”
“A gem the size of a round table?! Good heavens! Where did the Lord of Dragonflame City get such a large gem?”
“It’s said that the King of Winter kindly sponsored it…”
Various discussions erupted in the tavern.
At this moment, a man hidden in a cloak suddenly stood up.
All eyes turned to him.
The man had golden hair, an imposing figure, and sapphire-blue eyes as gentle as the sea.
What drew the most attention were his two neatly trimmed golden goatee, which actually shone under the dim tavern light.
He wore a black wool sweater, a gray fur coat, and a cedar pocket watch hung on his chest. His appearance alone exuded an artistic temperament.
The man lightly brushed aside some stray hairs from his forehead, exuding an elegant and noble aura. He announced loudly, “The champion of this bard competition will undoubtedly be me, William Shakespeare!”
An aura of confidence emanated from the man.
Just then, a waitress carrying a tray walked by and was instantly smitten.
For a moment, she failed to notice a hindrance on the ground and tripped, spilling the wine on her tray all over a bald strong man standing before her.
“Based on what?” A young man emerged from a corner of the tavern.
He was short in stature with handsome features and long, snow-white hair tied into a ponytail. He wore a sharp suit, followed by an elderly butler with graying hair, looking like the young master of some great noble family.
“To claim the championship already, you might be a bit too arrogant,” the young man said with a playful smile, his voice laced with mockery. “Have you asked for my opinion, Yu Baiyao Guo?”
Two elegant young men clashed in the tavern, sparks seemingly flying from their gazes as they made eye contact.
The tavern patrons didn’t know who William Shakespeare was, nor did they recognize Yu Baiyao Guo, but this didn’t diminish their immense interest in the bard competition. Some bards who were initially unenthusiastic and lacked confidence also secretly mustered their courage.
The fervor was completely ignited by the declaration of war between these two seemingly mysterious and noble bards.
And this scene was observed by a Thunderflame Bat hanging upside down from the tavern’s eaves.
