We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
And so the warrior’s trial begins.
The long winter in the forbidden territory has ended, and the lively spring has passed in the blink of an eye.
And then, the short summer arrives.
As the summer sunlight began to pour down on the Dragon Peaks, where steep mountains stretched endlessly from north to south.
“Well done for gathering from all parts of Dragon Peak. We wholeheartedly wish for the success of the future warriors. However, you are still inexperienced. Therefore, I shall now perform the trial of the warriors!”
At the opening words of Dragon King Sleny, those gathered at the high altitude let out spirited war cries.
“It’s really starting now.”
I spoke to Mistral next to me.
“Yes. It really is starting now.”
Mistral said, letting out a small sigh.
Mistral never seems to have a moment’s peace from worries. However, on this occasion, perhaps I and the rest of the Ys family feel the same.
I re-focused my attention on the Dragon Race members gathered at the high altitude, because.
“You will now undergo a trial. However, first, keep in mind that this trial is different from any other in more ways than one.”
The aspiring Dragon Race warriors, full of vigor, were seen suppressing their excitement while looking at each other’s faces.
The ages of those undergoing the Dragon Race warrior’s trial vary greatly.
There are young people, not much different from us, and some who are as old as two hundred years.
The average lifespan of the Dragon Race is said to be around three hundred years.
It is a life far longer than we humans can imagine.
Therefore, it seems people of the Dragon Race experience many turning points in their lives.
Some who were not interested in the role of warrior when they were young may change their values as they age and suddenly aspire to become warriors.
The oldest participant in this trial, a Dragon Race woman, had previously traveled the Dragon Peaks as a traveler, but she decided to aim to become a warrior after becoming interested in this trial.
And, as Sleny-sama said, this trial will be different from previous ones.
The people who gathered from all over Dragon Peak, aspiring to be warriors, had received a herald last winter.
“The villages that will bear the role of serving the next generation, enshrining the Dragon Altar and the new Ryūhōken in the Dragon’s Mausoleum. Warriors will be selected to protect those villages.”
This was an important duty that was once carried out by the Dragon Race people who were the father of Orta.
However, unfortunately, their clan was wiped out during the tragic war of the past.
This is the first step towards reviving that destroyed clan and its duty.
Applications for warriors to protect the village were taken alongside the Dragon Race warrior’s trial.
Perhaps that’s why.
Apart from those aspiring to be warriors, there were also people with the aura of stout warriors gathered at the high altitude.
Those aiming for higher aspirations; those drawn to the noble duty; those related to the clan that was wiped out, and those who wish for its revival. These Dragon Race people have gathered at this high altitude for a purpose separate from the Dragon Race warrior’s trial.
Oh, and yes. The high altitude where we and the Dragon Race people have gathered is located around the middle of the Dragon Peaks, which stretch north and south.
It is a dangerous place where rugged mountains pierce the clouds, and many habitats of not only dragons but also monsters and magic beasts are scattered.
Of course, this high altitude is also above the clouds.
So much so that you can see a landscape where the sea of clouds fills the distant ground like a fluffy carpet.
First, simply reaching this place is the first step of the trial to become a warrior.
Many among those aspiring to be Dragon Race warriors have already dropped out without being able to reach the assembly point.
Therefore, it can be said that those gathered at this high altitude already possess considerable ability.
Perhaps that’s why.
Even though Sleny-sama has been explaining the trial, there are some people who keep glancing towards us, the supervisors, aren’t there?
Their gazes and attention seem to contain something closer to fighting spirit or hostility than mere interest in us.
Or rather, I can see it.
“This trial was planned at the suggestion of the messengers of the Dragon God. Listen well, all of you. You will now pursue the legend of the Dragon Princess to achieve your objectives!”
Finally, everyone gathered tilted their heads, asking, “What is the legend of the Dragon Princess?”
It is a fairy tale passed down only within the Dragon Race, so it is not surprising that the Dragon Race people do not know it.
However, that is the crucial point.
To know the legend of the Dragon Princess, which we have no memory of, contact with the Dragon Race is essential.
For the Dragon Race living in Dragon Peak, dragons are an indispensable and important relationship.
Those who aspire to be warriors and those who aim to revive their clan and its duty must now properly contact the Dragon Race and pursue the legend of the Dragon Princess.
Sleny-sama explains this to the Dragon Race people who are tilting their heads.
The people who learned that contact with the Dragon Race is essential are turning pale or trembling.
While we feel close to dragons, many of the Dragon Race still regard them as “terrifying predators at the summit of Dragon Peak.”
“If any of you think this is impossible upon hearing my explanation, then honestly withdraw here. Understanding when to retreat is also important for a warrior. However, if you still have the will to proceed after hearing my explanation, then show me that you can overcome this trial splendidly!”
At Sleny-sama’s words, no one withdrew.
The war cries of those who renewed their determination resounded in the high altitude air.
However, a peculiar voice arose from there.
“Dragon King Sleny-sama. I have been made to realize anew the uniqueness and severity of this trial.”
However, at that point, one man directed his straightforward gaze towards us, the supervisors.
He is the man who has been directing a hostile aura towards us since a while ago.
“Messengers of the Dragon God. I know of the exploits of her esteemed Eight Dragon Kings, Elnea-sama, and all of you. That is precisely why I, who aims to become a Dragon King, wish to know.”
“Know what?” The Dragon Race man declared his declaration of war to us, under the curious gazes of those around him.
“My name is Rivabeag. I am a disciple of Dragon King Jura, and someone who aims to become a Dragon King in the future. When it comes to fighting, I am confident that I am on par with Jura-sama. That is precisely why I wish to challenge you. What are the abilities of the messengers of the Dragon God!”
Oh dear, oh dear, this is problematic.
None of us, including myself, expected someone aiming to be a Dragon King to offer a test of strength.
Upon hearing Rivabeag’s declaration of war, Dragon King Jura laughed heartily in the line of supervisors.
It seems that only he knows his disciple Rivabeag’s personality and anticipated this outcome?
Considering he knew this and did not warn him in advance, Jura-sama probably does not consider this situation a problem.
However, similar to Jura-sama’s thoughts, we did not consider Rivabeag’s bravery to be much of a problem either.
Why is that?
“Oh, you dare to pick a fight with me, the Dragon Princess?”
Mistral stepped out from the line of supervisors without hesitation.
Her right hand was already resting on her jet-black Katatekon.
“Fundamentally, a Dragon King is inferior to a Dragon Princess.”
“Fundamentally, you are inferior, not even having become a Dragon King yet.”
“Sister, do not provoke her.”
Sefina, looking troubled, is stopping Yufilia and Nina, who are both telling Mistral to “go ahead” as if to say “do it.”
However, I inwardly agree with what they are saying.
Mistral, who holds the title of Dragon Princess, is a title that requires her to be at least stronger than a Dragon King.
Even Dragon King Jura, Rivabeag’s master, should not be a match for Mistral.
Mistral used to say, “There are some among the Dragon Kings and Dragon Race warriors who are stronger than me in terms of fighting alone.”
However, through the experience and practice accumulated over time, we are confident that Mistral has become the strongest of the Dragon Race.
Therefore, I believe that Rivabeag, who can fight to a level comparable to Jura-sama, will not be able to defeat Dragon Princess Mistral, let alone compete with the messengers of the Dragon God.
I, who was observing the situation calmly and somewhat as an outsider, thought.
“Yes. It would be meaningless for me, the Dragon Princess, to step forward. Well then, Ruiseine, I’ll leave it to you, won’t I?”
“…Huh?”
Even with my Dragon Eye, which can see everything, I could not foresee such a situation.
Me, facing off against Rivabeag?
“Mist-san?”
“Oh, isn’t that good? Show them your abilities.”
“B-but…?”
I often spar with the warriors from Mistral’s village. Therefore, the warriors from the village know my abilities.
However, in reality, not many of the Dragon Race know that I possess the Dragon Eye.
Perhaps that’s why. When Rivabeag realized that the chosen representative was me, he directed a slightly mocking gaze at me.
He probably thought, “Even though she is a messenger of the Dragon God, she is still human. She is merely Elnea-kun’s companion.”
“Oh dear, oh dear, this is problematic. But I have no choice but to accept, don’t I?”
Mistral is also being mischievous by specifically nominating me, isn’t she?
Those who know me are grinning for some reason.
Among the Dragon Kings, or rather, even Jura-sama is grinning.
It seems that the master’s strategy is to break Rivabeag’s self-assessment down a notch here.
It saddens me to be used in this way.
However, I cannot escape the role I have been given.
“Then… could someone lend me a long stick?”
Unfortunately, my beloved Naginata is still entrusted to Sleigsta. So, reluctantly asking for a substitute, Rivabeag let out a deliberate sigh, saying, “It’s not a weapon you’re familiar with. You’re underestimating me.”
“Muki! How insolent to speak to a miko like that! Ruiseine, go ahead and do it.”
“Madeline-sama, the Dragon Race people are not followers of the Temple Religion, you know?”
I was handed a club as long as my Naginata, as if it had been conveniently prepared, by Jura-sama. Then, I stepped out from the supervisors’ line to replace Mistral.
“Please, don’t hold back.”
“I won’t need you to tell me!”
Rivabeag’s weapon appears to be a Katatekon, like Mistral’s. And he is holding it with both hands.
Perhaps it is a typical example of a “modern Dragon Race warrior who prefers a fighting style that relies on brute force,” as Sleigsta-sama would say, emphasizing destructive power.
Even so, if he has strength on par with Jura-sama, I cannot afford to be negligent.
The surrounding people moved away so as not to interfere with the match between Rivabeag and me. And they all formed a circle, which became the stage for the match.
“Both sides, are you ready? Then, begin!”
Is it my imagination that Sleny-sama, who was acting as the announcer for the trial, is now officiating the match? I don’t have time to digress like that.
Rivabeag was at full power from the start.
As soon as the match began, Rivabeag transformed into his human-dragon form.
Black scales appeared on his skin, and a thick tail grew from his hindquarters.
And with a spirited war cry, he charged at me!
I evaded by shifting my weight to the right.
“Too slow!”
At that moment, Rivabeag, who had closed the distance in an instant, swung down his two Katatekon with all his might!
“Oh my, oh my.”
However, in the next moment.
Rivabeag collapsed onto the ground.
Rivabeag, whose thick tail was stepped on by me, lost his balance and fell face-first into the ground.
“Wha!?”
Does he think that he was attacking me just a moment ago?
Unfortunately.
I saw through Rivabeag’s weakness as soon as he transformed.
It seems Rivabeag transformed to intimidate me and show off his strength to those around him.
But he was still immature.
Not only could he not control the dragon energy that rapidly increased with his human-dragon transformation, but he did not seem to properly recognize his tail as a part of his body.
Then, using my Dragon Eye to anticipate Rivabeag’s movements, I led him into a trap, stepped on his tail, and as you can see.
“Hahahaha! You didn’t even let Ruiseine swing her club! And you call yourself a Dragon King? You need another hundred years of training.”
Id-sama is laughing mercilessly.
The Dragon Kings also seem troubled by Rivabeag’s pathetic state.
Rivabeag, perhaps embarrassed by his ignoble fall, remains motionless with his face on the ground.
Nevertheless, I believe he understands.
That he lost without even being able to “fight.”
The Dragon Race participants who had been watching the match between Rivabeag and me with interest, unlike the Dragon Kings, had contorted faces.
“I-is this the power of the messengers of the Dragon God?”
“Rivabeag, who is reputed for his combat skills, couldn’t even lift a finger…”
“It wasn’t even a match.”
“S-so strong… I didn’t even know how to fight, let alone a winning strategy?”
“Terrifying child, Ruiseine.”
Is it my imagination? There are some inaccuracies in my evaluation.
However, has this proven that we have sufficient ability as “messengers of the Dragon God”?
“Rivabeag-sama, are you injured? I am a miko, so healing is my true duty. If you are injured, please do not hesitate to tell me.”
I extended my hand to the fallen Rivabeag.
“A healer with that much power! Scary!”
For some reason, Rivabeag trembled and stood up, then fled from me at full speed.
