[Vol. 7] Chapter 190: Don’t Say I’m Bullying You
"Boom!!!"
With a loud tremor shaking the ground, a massive frost-blue figure descended from the sky, landing near the [Dragon Gate] and the black-haired girl. The giant vertical pupils of the dragon clearly reflected its uncertainty and hesitation.
After the intense battle just now, the blue dragon had suffered a number of scratches and bruises, but overall, it seemed mostly unharmed.
After all, as the strongest of the mythical races, a dragon was not something that could be easily defeated. Even with Little Fang and Lucas working together, without Violet joining the fight, bringing it down completely would likely take a very long time.
Of course, this was also because Violet had given a strict order: "Do not kill it." This meant they had been unable to use their most destructive, killing techniques. However, to achieve such a feat with only the power of a pseudo-god, the strength of the dragon race is undoubtedly undeniable.
"Boom! Boom!!!"
As the Ice Dragon landed, two more figures quickly followed, a golden-armored warrior and a ferocious beast, both dropping down to stand on either side of their master. The intense, overwhelming aura they emitted seemed powerful enough to shake the heavens and earth.
Compared to the minor injuries on the blue dragon, Lucas and Little Fang were completely unharmed. Their presence remained as powerful as ever, making it obvious that while the Ice Dragon had managed to hold its ground, it was in an absolute disadvantage throughout the fight.
Especially considering the perfect teamwork between Lucas, a nearly indestructible tank, and Little Fang, a ferocious attacker, their combination had left the dragon with no chance of turning the battle around.
"......"
A surge of blue light flowed across the dragon’s body, rapidly healing its bleeding wounds. Its majestic eyes lingered on Violet and the floating crimson crystal beside her for a long moment before it slowly straightened up.
Shifting from its four-legged stance, the dragon adjusted its posture, rising into something closer to an upright stance, while its massive wings folded inward.
Sensing the dragon’s movement, Little Fang immediately let out a low growl, preparing to launch an attack. But before it could move, a clear, bell-like voice interrupted it.
"Wait a moment."
“My lord...?”
The beast glanced back at its master, clearly surprised.
However, without hesitation, it obediently stopped in its tracks.
Standing beside it, Lucas, who understood dragons even better, also lowered his greatsword slightly, giving a brief explanation.
"Lord Little Fang, for dragons, standing on all fours is their usual battle stance. However, when they stand upright on their hind legs and fold their wings, it makes them look taller, but it usually means they have no intention of fighting. This dragon is asking for a truce."
"Mm, that does seem to be the case~"
Smiling, Violet nodded and stepped forward. The [Heart of the Red Dragon], which continued to radiate flames and heat, seemed almost alive, floating naturally beside her.
"If my guess is right, this gate probably has two ways to open it. One is by defeating the guardian, and the other… it likely requires holding a specific item and meeting certain conditions. Looks like we got lucky."
The girl tilted her head, gazing up at the towering ice-blue dragon, which was also silently studying her. She tapped the bottom of her staff against the ground twice, producing a soft "tok tok" sound.
"Hey, big guy. Can we have a proper conversation now?"
However, the Ice Dragon did not respond as she expected. Being a mythical dragon of its age, it should have intelligence and the ability to speak. Yet, instead of answering, it simply stared at her with its deep, ancient eyes, as if assessing something.
Finally, the giant dragon retreated step by step, withdrawing into the blizzard that the [Heart of the Red Dragon] failed to influence. It once again lowered itself onto all fours, raised its broad and powerful wings, but did not roar, as if it was expecting something.
"Ah… I see. Well, that makes sense. Dragons respect strength above all else."
Muttering to herself, Violet nodded, then stepped forward. Ignoring the protective stance of her two loyal followers, she directly faced the dragon’s fully unleashed aura without hesitation. She casually waved her elegant priest staff.
"Alright. I accept your challenge. Give it your all."
"My Lord...?"
The loyal golden-armored warrior hurriedly stepped forward, determined to fulfill his duty as a guardian. Beside him, Little Fang tilted its head, clearly puzzled.
But Violet simply shook her head calmly.
Her clear voice, though soft as a whisper, cut through the howling blizzard, reaching every living being present, including the Ice Dragon, which was once again shifting into a battle stance.
"It wants to test if I’m worthy. I will give it the chance. This will be a one-on-one duel. None of you are allowed to interfere."
"That…"
Lucas hesitated.
But the ferocious beast, who had once suffered a brutal defeat, only to later endure endless training from a mysterious senior, accepted the order immediately.
With no hesitation, it flopped down onto the ground, shrinking into its harmless golden-furred form and lazily waving a paw.
"Alright, since our Lord has decided to fight personally, there's no suspense anymore. We just need to lie down and wait for the victory."
"...A-Alright... but, Master, please don't be careless. This Ice Dragon is not like an ordinary giant dragon—it might be a Dragon King."
Hearing the serious warning from the guardian behind her, Violet turned her head slightly, a bit surprised. She then nodded thoughtfully.
A Dragon King... so it’s basically a true demigod, huh?
Not much of a difference.
She left the [Heart of the Red Dragon] near the [Dragon Gate], entrusting it to her two followers for safekeeping. Then, she stepped forward alone, walking into the frozen wasteland beyond its influence.
The Ice Dragon watched the black-haired girl in silence, its deep blue slit pupils fixed on her.
Even though their size difference was as vast as that of a human and an insect, and it seemed like it could crush her with a single slap, its gaze grew sharper and more focused.
Precisely because it was strong, strong enough to be considered a Dragon King, it could sense the terrifying, destructive power hidden within this seemingly small and fragile body.
But dragons never retreat in the face of a powerful opponent.
Violet stood still and looked up at the Ice Dragon.
"Alright, let’s do this. And don’t say I’m bullying you... Big guy, I won’t move from this spot, and I won’t use any magic above the eighth tier. You can attack however you like, if you can make me take even half a step back, you win. I’ll turn around and leave immediately. How about that?"
"ROAR!!! ROAR!!! ROAR!!!"
Perhaps it was her overwhelming confidence, the way she spoke as if she was looking down from above, or maybe just the fighting spirit that naturally flared up when facing a powerful opponent. But the Ice Dragon let out three earth-shaking roars, like a ritual before battle.
It raised its enormous wings, blocking out the sky, as pure blue energy surged across its colossal body.
Every single round, solid scale glowed as if it had been polished to shine, and blazing lightning sparked between its massive warhammer-like horns.
Mystical power wrapped around its entire form like armor, and with a force and speed far greater than before, the dragon soared into the air, then dove straight down, aiming to smash into the small figure on the ground with full force!
This was not a complex attack.
But for a dragon facing a powerful enemy, its own body was always the strongest weapon.