We Live in Dragon’s Peak – Chapter 10

We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.

The Dragon Princess and the Magic Beast

As usual, I begin with meditation to feel the Dragon Veins.

Meditating in the Moss Garden allows me to quickly recognize the great river of Dragon Veins. Moreover, I can now feel the Dragon Veins even without meditating, simply by being conscious of them.

After meditation comes practice.

I draw in the Dragon Veins and channel them into my body. This is still difficult, and I can’t do it as I wish.

What I channel into my body from the Dragon Veins is apparently called Dragon Energy.

When I channel Dragon Energy into my legs, I can jump higher and run faster than usual. When I channel it into my eyes, I can see distant objects more clearly.

Isn’t this similar to the physical ability enhancement through sorcery, or the “Ki Arts” that an expert uses by circulating their internal energy?

I, who have neither the sorcery of a sorcerer nor the Ki of an expert, am reproducing the same effects using Dragon Energy.

And it’s not just these things that Dragon Energy can do.

I condense the Dragon Energy drawn from the Dragon Veins and gather it in the palm of my hand. Then, I can refine the Dragon Energy, which glows emerald, on my palm.

I convert the refined Dragon Energy into the shape of an arrow and throw it at a distant target.

When the Dragon Energy arrow hits the target, it shows unexpected power of destruction.

However, this is significantly more difficult than anything else, and I still haven’t mastered it.

Outside the Moss Garden, it’s a technique I still can’t succeed at.

Once the training of Dragon Veins and Dragon Energy is complete, it’s time for dance practice.

The dance has forms, and I only recently became able to perform them all.

Even so, I can only follow the motions, and my precision is extremely low.

Old Man Sleigsta points out every detail: the way I lift my legs, swing my arms, turn, and move my gaze.

I try desperately to correct myself, but in reality, my body doesn’t move as I intend.

While I was practicing with all my might, Mistral returned at some point and was watching my dance.

When I noticed his gaze, I instantly felt embarrassed and blushed.

Dancing as a man, it’s strange, isn’t it? It’s creepy, right?

Until now, only Old Man Sleigsta watched my dance, and since he’s my master, I wasn’t embarrassed. But being watched by a beautiful woman like Mistral makes me unbearably shy.

However, Mistral was amazed by my dance.

“Old man, is that, by any chance, the Dragon Sword Dance?”

To Mistral’s question, Old Man Sleigsta nodded with satisfaction.

“Indeed. It is the Dragon Sword Dance.”

Apparently, what I was being taught was the Dragon Sword Dance.

“No way. He can perform that sword dance?”

“He is still clumsy, but he will surely master it someday.”

Mistral’s voice filled with surprise and Old Man Sleigsta’s voice full of conviction.

I wonder if the Dragon Sword Dance is something amazing.

I was just taught by Old Man Sleigsta and practiced desperately.

“Excuse me, but could I trouble you for a spar, suddenly?”

For some reason, Mistral chose a suitable branch from the firewood and faced me.

“Whaaat? Why all of a sudden?”

I was confused, not understanding what was happening.

Even if I sparred with Mistral, who is of the Dragon Race, there’s no way I could be a match for him.

Furthermore, he’s someone who can injure an Ancient Dragon Species with his immense strength.

Impossible, impossible, impossible.

This is no match.

However, ignoring my growing anxiety, Mistral swung at me, using the branch as a sword.

Uwah!

Instinctively, I blocked with the branch in my right hand.

It was a heavy blow, but it didn’t have the destructive power I expected.

Perhaps he was going easy on me, considering the durability of the branch and my own strength.

Still, I was confused, not understanding why I had to suddenly spar with Mistral.

Mistral continued his pursuit without hesitation.

Flustered, I used my makeshift dual-wielding to block Mistral’s attacks.

I thought Mistral was a user of the One-handed Club, but he’s quite skilled in swordsmanship too.

Or rather, maybe I’m just too weak.

After all, I only practiced meditation during the martial arts class at school and never learned swordsmanship.

I was completely on the defensive.

Suddenly, Mistral stopped attacking and tilted his head slightly.

“Why aren’t you dancing?”

Dancing? What was he talking about?

Confused, I also tilted my head.

“Hahahaha, Mistral, don’t ask the impossible. I haven’t told Elnea that what I’m teaching him is the Dragon Sword Dance, nor that it’s a sword dance for actual combat.”

To Old Man Sleigsta’s words, both I and Mistral felt a surprise that we couldn’t count how many times it had happened today.

“I see, so that’s how it was.”

However, Mistral quickly understood Old Man Sleigsta’s words and apologized to me.

“I’m sorry for suddenly proposing a spar. I had no idea it was like that. Are you injured?”

To Mistral’s apology, I hastily replied that I was fine.

I’m not injured, but still, it doesn’t make any sense to me.

What does it mean for the Dragon Sword Dance to be a sword dance for actual combat?

“Hmm, since the introductions between Mistral and you are complete, I will add some supplementary information here.”

Old Man Sleigsta urged me to take a break.

Mistral brought me a vivid red fruit, heavy with juice, from the pile of fruits and handed it to me.

“The culmination of swordsmanship lies in dance. Do you know of the Sword Saint?”

I nodded while biting into the fruit I received.

Sword Saint.

It’s a title like Hero or Dragon Princess.

But it’s not a title given to those who are qualified; it’s a title that exists solely for one woman.

Kensei Faruna.

A woman who has mastered the sword.

She is said to be of the Human Race.

Lady Kensei Faruna was praised for her mastery of the sword and granted eternal life by the Goddess.

Throughout the long history of the continent, the name of Kensei Faruna appears countless times. The most frequent subject in Kyōgeki performances is also the story of Kensei Faruna.

She is a living legend, still alive today. In a sense, she is a being who exists on equal footing with Old Man Sleigsta, an Ancient Dragon Species.

She is a woman and a title known not only to those who aspire to the sword but to everyone, young and old.

Of course, I know of her.

“The Sword Saint’s swordsmanship is said to be a dance. Her sword strokes and body movements are admired by all as a dance, and her elegant fighting style is like that of a dancing maiden performing a dance tune. The Sword Saint uses various dances depending on her opponent and the situation, one of which involves the use of Dragon Energy.”

It’s often said that the sword dances performed in Kyōgeki and other forms are reproductions of Kensei Faruna’s fighting style.

The swordsmanship that resembles Kensei Faruna’s dance was, of course, famous.

“If it’s a sword dance that uses Dragon Energy, wouldn’t it be possible for the Dragon Race, who are accustomed to using Dragon Veins, to master it? That’s what some members of the Dragon Race thought in the past. Those who studied under the Sword Saint and mastered it over a long period created the Dragon Sword Dance. However, those who could reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship or the ultimate of Dragon Energy are rare, and the technique has now fallen into disuse. It remains only in my memory.”

Old Man Sleigsta closed his eyes sadly, but I felt chills run down my spine from the shock.

I was being taught something incredible.

A technique with no users today.

In other words, a secret sword technique of the Dragon Race.

To teach such a thing to a human like me, who simply wandered into the Moss Garden.

From now on, I feel I won’t be able to dance it, feeling it too sacrilegious.

“Hmph, don’t worry about it, just keep dancing. Being able to wander here, and remembering the Dragon Sword Dance after seeing your clumsy dance, it’s all destiny.”

Is that so? Am I really alright for this?

“Don’t hesitate to learn. An opportunity like this is rare even for the Dragon Race.”

That’s precisely why I think it would be better for the Dragon Race to learn it rather than humans.

“The current mainstream of the Dragon Race is strength-based techniques. Look, even the Dragon Princess uses blunt weapons.”

At that, I looked at the One-handed Club Mistral wore at his waist.

“Technique is also necessary for the One-handed Club, you know.”

Mistral gave a wry smile.

“There’s no need to mind. The current Dragon Race that neglects swordsmanship has no right to learn the Dragon Sword Dance.”

“Your Highness, I feel reluctant to say this, but I believe Old Man is right. Therefore, please, master the Dragon Sword Dance.”

With Mistral also urging me on, I finally felt I could dance again.

“Hmm, since we’ve come this far, let’s incorporate some actual combat.”

With Old Man Sleigsta’s decision, I began practicing the Dragon Sword Dance with Mistral as my opponent from then on.

And at the suddenly increased difficulty, I let out a scream.

The hand movements are different. The footwork is different.

Old Man Sleigsta’s scolding flew.

The gaze is different. The body movements are different. My movements are slow.

Whenever Mistral found an opening, he attacked me mercilessly.

And to feel the Dragon Veins, refine Dragon Energy, and incorporate it into techniques while dancing was extremely difficult.

Before I knew it, it was noon, and my empty stomach now screamed.

“Let’s take a break.”

“I can’t anymore. I’m exhausted!”

“Your dancing is as clumsy as ever.”

“Old man, that’s rude to someone trying their hardest.”

“That’s right! My body and soul are both battered because of Grandpa.”

While having such a conversation, I lay down on the mossy ground.

The soft, moist moss felt comfortable.

Since it’s already summer, even though the canopy of Spirit Tree branches hides the sun, it’s still a little hot.

Wiping the dripping sweat with my jacket, I took a breath.

Ah, I’m hungry.

“I didn’t expect this to happen, so I only gathered fruits today. What should we do?”

Hearing my stomach growl, Mistral looked troubled.

“Why don’t you hunt in the forest? You should be able to hunt prey easily.”

Nodding at Old Man Sleigsta’s advice, Mistral urged me to come along.

“It’s easy to catch, but we can’t butcher or cook it here, so let’s have a meal outside.”

I see. It’s not good to defile the sanctuary with blood, is it?

I recall Old Man Sleigsta bleeding from a single blow, but I guess that was an exception.

I headed into the Ancient Tree Forest with Mistral.

“Hoho, a rendezvous already?”

Mistral shot a death glare at Old Man Sleigsta’s unnecessary remark.

S-scary.

I walked alongside Mistral through the Ancient Tree Forest, searching for prey.

Surprisingly, many animals inhabit the Ancient Tree Forest.

However, Mistral paid no attention to large animals like deer and boars.

“If it’s just what we need for lunch, small animals are fine.”

Indeed, that’s true. As a member of a race protected by the forest’s guardian dragons, he probably avoids unnecessary killing in the forest.

I also walked, looking around for small animals.

And looking at Mistral walking beside me again, I felt he was an unsuitable companion for me.

He’s of the Dragon Race, a Dragon Princess, and incredibly beautiful. I even feel hesitant to walk beside him.

“Don’t worry too much about what Old Man says. Like old men, he just likes to fuss over things.”

Perhaps sensing my feelings, Mistral said apologetically.

“No, no, it’s I who should be sorry.”

I averted my gaze from Mistral, giving a bashful smile.

“Putting aside the marriage proposal, I will also join you in training the Dragon Sword Dance, so please do your best.”

Mistral smiled kindly, showing concern for me.

He’s truly a good person. I bet he’s incredibly popular among the Dragon Race, not as a Dragon Princess, but as an individual woman.

As I was thinking this, Mistral stopped walking.

“Found one.”

In the direction Mistral pointed, there was a rabbit. Mistral then, with a speed so fast it was imperceptible, moved in front of the rabbit and grabbed it.

Ah, so bows and arrows or traps aren’t necessary.

I was simply astonished by his unexpected physical prowess.

After that, Mistral expertly prepared the rabbit and, once cooked, handed it to me.

The seasoning was just spices, but with fresh meat and my hunger, I enjoyed it immensely.

While resting after the meal, I remembered the Magic Beast.

That’s right, this is the Dragon Forest, and there was a Magic Beast that was chasing me in the forest.

It’s always targeting me, and it’s dangerous and scary.

Perhaps Mistral could defeat the Magic Beast.

Thinking this, I told Mistral about the Magic Beast.

“I see, a Magic Beast. Since Old Man isn’t moving, it means there’s no damage to the Dragon Forest itself, but it’s causing you trouble.”

Mistral listened to my story earnestly. I felt he was beautiful, kind, and honest.

“Then, let’s go subjugate it now.”

Eh?

Go now?

I mentioned the Magic Beast, but I never expected him to go subjugate it immediately.

Mistral took my surprised hand, pulled me up, and began to move without further ado.

“It’s better to handle these things quickly. There’s no guarantee you’ll be safe if you’re attacked again when you’re alone.”

That’s true, but the forest is vast, and I didn’t think it would be an opponent easily found.

In response to my question, Mistral pointed to the ground.

“Follow the Dragon Veins. Magic Beasts also use Dragon Veins. The fact that there are no reports of other witnesses besides you suggests that they usually hide within the Dragon Veins. For the Dragon Race, following the Dragon Veins to find a target is easy.”

Saying this, Mistral strode forward without hesitation. I followed him deeper into the forest.

“It seems the Magic Beast has also noticed that there’s an opponent targeting it.”

After walking for a while, Mistral suddenly stopped and began to scan the surroundings.

“It doesn’t make any noise.”

Mistral nodded at my observation.

“Magic Beasts use magic. It’s probably using magic to silence the sounds.”

Mistral and I stood back-to-back, on guard.

The sounds of animals and birds that had been audible until a moment ago had disappeared.

“It’s close, be careful.”

Right after Mistral said that. A gigantic wolf-shaped Magic Beast suddenly burst from the ground in front of me and lunged.

The Great Wolf Majū jumped high and approached me in a single stride.

It was so sudden that my body froze, unable to move. But—

“Ah!”

Just before its front paw could strike me.

The Magic Beast was struck.

It was swatted away by Mistral as if swatting a fly.

With a heavy, dull sound, the Magic Beast was blown away and embedded in the ground.

With a single blow, the Magic Beast was subdued.

I-it’s terrifying.

Looking at it, Mistral’s hands were bare. He had taken down the Magic Beast with a single open-handed slap, not even using his One-handed Club.

“I held back. It shouldn’t be dead.”

Mistral walked towards the Magic Beast and ground its face with his foot.

Well, that’s not the kind of behavior I’d expect from a beautiful person…

Eventually, the Magic Beast regained consciousness and cowered when it saw Mistral.

“Now, let’s ask why you attacked Elnea-kun.”

Mistral threatened it, without lifting his foot from the Magic Beast’s face.

Can he even converse with a Magic Beast?

Ignoring my doubt, Mistral and the Magic Beast exchanged glances. The Magic Beast’s eyes were filled with absolute fear.

“I see. I understand very well. However, if you ever attack him again, I will not forgive you.”

Saying this, Mistral lifted his foot. As soon as the weight on its foot was gone, the Magic Beast hastily retreated and disappeared from the scene.

Did he understand just from exchanging glances?

Confused by the inexplicable situation, I tilted my head.

“High-ranking Magic Beasts can speak human words. While the current Magic Beast cannot speak human words, I, having trained as a Dragon Princess, can communicate with it.”

Oh, is that so? Mistral is indeed superior to ordinary Dragon Race members.

“So, I read the Magic Beast’s intentions. Apparently, it seemed to find it amusing that you initially escaped, and then it kept chasing you and attacking, only to disappear right at the last moment.”

Mistral said with a wry smile.

“The Magic Beast didn’t seem to intend to kill you, so I’ll let it off this time. Is that alright?”

Thanks to Mistral, the problem was resolved so easily, and I also understood why I was always being attacked, so I sincerely thanked him.

I truly met an incredible person, I thought, deeply moved.