Chapter 3 – Draconic Surprise
Edric's POV
"Greetings human."
The dragon in front of me said. Excellent! More talking dragons. Since when can dragons speak? Every dragon I've encountered has tried to burn me alive. Or in the Dragon God's case, turning me into a stain on the ground with one punch.
"What you want?" I replied to the dragon.
"Now. Why the lack of courtesy? I believe you humans greet each other before interacting." The dragon said in a mocking tone as he circled me, I started to follow his steps, always keeping him in front of me.
I didn't take my eyes off the dragon and the dragon didn't take its eyes off me, I kept the Dragon Bone Smasher up and ready to strike the dragon.
"Sorry, but I'm not used to talking dragons." Said to the dragon.
"Oh! And why is that?" the dragon asked with amusement and curiosity in his voice. Was this conversation just a means of entertainment for him?
"All the dragons I encountered before were nothing but beasts; they burned and devoured everything they came across."
"So you've never really met a dragon." The dragon responded with a little irritation in his voice.
"Let's get straight to the point! Why are you here?" I demanded of the dragon.
"Good question. Why am I here? Maybe I'm hungry and ended up finding an appetizer? Maybe I'm bored and I'm looking for something to have fun? Or maybe…" The dragon paused.
"Maybe..." I asked the dragon.
"Maybe I and most of the magic-sensing beings in Midgard felt a great source of power appear out of nowhere. Perhaps this source of power exudes the scent of something ancient but powerful. Perhaps if I devour this source of power I will reach a level that no dragon has ever reached before."
The dragon said as he gave me an imitation of a smile, his physiology preventing him from performing such an expression correctly, it only served to display all of his razor sharp teeth.
"My scent? What do you mean by that?" So this dragon wants to devour me? I need more information. Let's see if I can get him to talk some more.
"As I said before, you give off the scent of something ancient and powerful, something demonic. One of God's creations perhaps? I don't think so, your scent, the scent of the Watchers and that flower are different, but similar in a way. Both are creations of a higher being, made to destroy the world, but somehow you got that power for yourself." The dragon then stopped in front of me and started to approach.
"I've fought God's creations, did you know? You humans call them angels or demons, but we dragons call them puppets, we dragons were also created by god, but we rebelled against him, God wanted our total obedience. As if we members of the proud dragon race were ever going to debase ourselves! The power you possess! I want it! Give it to me!" The dragon demanded.
"Don't think it will be easy. I don't intend to give up without a fight." I said as I placed the Adjudicator's Shield on my back, its enchantment still in effect.
"HAHAHA! I wouldn't expect to be otherwise, we black dragons are the greatest warriors of our race. I would be disappointed if you surrendered without giving me a challenge."
With a mighty roar the black dragon came towards me.
On a plain on the outskirts of Cathedral City
Cathedral City had recently been attacked by the Intoner known as Zero, but luckily One and her sisters managed to repel Zero away from Cathedral City, but the events were not over, as near Cathedral City a fight was taking place. A fight between a black dragon and a slayer of demons.
"RROOOAAARRR!" The black dragon let out a roar as it charged toward Edric.
The dragon opened its mouth trying to bite Edric in the upper part of his body to split him in two. Edric rolled to the right dodging the blow, then grabbed his Dragon Bone Smasher with both hands and swung it towards the dragon's jaw, the dragon seeing this raised its head allowing the blow to pass under its chin.
The dragon then raised its right wing and tried to crush Edric to the ground, Edric rolled backwards, the dragon's wing only hit the earth, Edric tried to swipe at the dragon's wing, but with a flap of wings the dragon leapt back, Edric's blow ended up hitting the air.
"Interesting, this weapon is too big for a normal human to lift. The result of the power you acquired?" the black dragon asked.
"Why don't you come here and find out?" Edric replied to the dragon.
"HAHAHA! With pleasure!" The dragon ran toward Edric, its head low to the ground, aiming at Edric like a bull.
Edric used his Silver Catalyst and cast Cloak, the dragon seeing that Edric had disappeared started to sniff the air, the dragon then swung its tail like a whip, and something flew through the air and hit the ground raising a cloud of dust.
"How did you find me?" Edric asked as he stood up.
"It is impossible not to notice such a unique smell." The dragon replied.
"Good to know, that serves as a lesson for me."
The black dragon then took off, and began to glide in the air, an orange light formed in the dragon's mouth, and then he spat a blast of fire towards Edric with the intention of turning him to ash.
Edric seeing that there was no time to dodge cast Water Veil, a spell meant to reduce damage taken by fire, Edric then raised his Dragon Bone Smasher as a shield and used it to protect himself from the flames, and let them envelop him.
The dragon watched the sea of flames that formed in the clearing.
"Looks like it's over I expect more from someone with so much power... AAAHHH!" The dragon screamed in pain as one of its wings was pierced by a blue bolt that shot out of the flames.
That blue bolt was followed by several that pierced him through his wings, chest, and neck, but that wouldn't be enough to defeat someone like him. Focusing his vision the dragon saw a figure amid the flames; it was Edric with his catalyst pointed at the dragon. The dragon couldn't help but smile; it had been a while since he'd had a good fight.
Edric took from his bag a Full Moon Grass, eating the grass Edric had most of his wounds healed, Edric put away his Dragon Bone Smasher and took from his bag his Sticky Composite Longbow, Edric then took it out of the quiver at the back behind his waist a rotten arrow, a type of arrow that causes poisoning.
Carrying the bow with the arrow, Edric took aim at the dragon and released his arrow, the arrow flew through the air, hitting the dragon in the chest, but it didn't seem to bother him, the dragon let out a roar and launched itself towards Edric, trying to crush it with the weight of its body.
Edric rolled to the right dodging the attack, when the dragon hit the ground Edric fired two more arrows, which were stuck in the dragon's right wing, the dragon then turned its body with its mouth open trying to bite Edric, Edric rolled back and with his catalyst cast Poison Cloud towards the dragon's head.
"COUGH! COUGH! What sorcery is this?" The dragon said while coughing.
"An soul art, a spell made with the soul of a demon." Edric replied.
"My interest in you only increases human." The dragon flapped its wings, dispelling the cloud of venom and taking off right away.
The dragon flew across the clearing, spitting several fireballs towards Edric, Edric in turn started to run dodging the fireballs while shooting arrows at the dragon, a fireball collided with the ground next to Edric, he was sent away by the blast, and the dragon taking its chance flew towards Edric with its mouth open, ready to devour him.
Edric took three poisoned kunai out of his bag and threw them towards the dragon's face, the kunai stuck in the dragon's face, disorienting him; Edric then moved out of the way allowing the dragon to crash into the ground, taking advantage of this opportunity Edric fired more poison arrows towards the dragon.
Edric then drew his silver catalyst and pointed it towards the dragon, but before he could cast a spell the dragon recovered from its fall and bit Edric on the catalyst arm.
"AAAHHH!"
Edric screamed in pain as his arm got caught between the dragon's teeth, the dragon lifted Edric off the ground and began slamming him repeatedly against the ground, with each blow Edric's armor was dented and blood flew out.
With the catalyst still in his hand Edric conjured Poison Cloud into the dragon's mouth; the dragon's eyes widened as tears streamed down them, a green cloud of poison began to come out of the dragon's nostrils, suddenly the dragon began to sweat profusely and stagger, then the dragon vomited, and with a wave of vomit Edric was freed from the dragon's teeth.
"But... But... what is this?" The dragon asked disoriented.
"Looks like the poison took effect." Edric responded as he equipped the Dragon Bone Smasher in his right hand.
"Poison? HAHAHA! Apparently you are full of tricks, you fought well for a human, but I believe it is time to end it." The dragon responded as it struggled to its feet, flames starting to form in his mouth.
"I agree." Edric replied as he braced the Dragon Bone Smasher on his shoulder.
Edric started to run at full speed towards the dragon, the dragon opened its mouth ready to shoot a wave of hellfire.
"FIRE!"
But both were interrupted by the rain of arrows that came their way. Edric used the Dragon Bone Smasher as a shield blocking some of the arrows; the dragon used one of its wings to protect itself.
Looking around, Edric and the dragon saw that they were surrounded by soldiers from Cathedral City, their fight on the outskirts of the city didn't go unnoticed, on the contrary, it ended up drawing the attention of all the remaining forces in the city.
The soldiers wore full armor, they carried swords, shields, halberds, spears, there were archer's further back with their bows ready to shoot, among the soldiers there were also wizards, red magic circles formed around them, and they were ready to cast their spells.
As if that wasn't enough, a roar could be heard in the distance, the dragon Gabriel approached even wounded from its previous fight, the dragon's madness forced it to keep fighting no matter what.
"Well, that's an unpleasant surprise." Edric said in a monotone tone, the black dragon didn't share the same sentiment.
"How dare you! Interrupting a duel between warriors! I will devour each one of you! You human pests!" The dragon screamed as it staggered from side to side, the poison in its body still kicking in.
"This is not a good time to be angry, we are at a disadvantage, and we need to get away." Edric said to the dragon.
"SILENCE! As if I would stoop to such a degree! Run away from a bunch of pathetic humans! My pride as a dragon, the greatest of all races would not allow it!" The dragon responded angrily.
"Listen, we're in no condition to fight. And there's one more dragon coming. Do you really think you can win this fight?" Edric asked the dragon.
The dragon began to think about Edric's words as he looked at the soldiers surrounded him and Gabriel approaching.
"GRRR! If the other dragons know what happened here I'll be a laughingstock for the rest of my life, I'll be laughed at by everyone, especially that red dragon! Very well human! What do you suggest to get out of here?"
Edric looked around, soldiers formed a circle around him, to his right was the path leading to Cathedral City, to his left was a forest in the distance.
"Perhaps I can get an opening, and then we can flee towards the forest."
"Hmm! I don't like the idea of running away."
"You can stay here and die if you want. I'm more worried about what might happen to me."
"Well, put your plan into action."
Without answering Edric put away his Dragon Bone Smasher and withdrew his God Talisman, suddenly Edric started running towards the part of the circle of soldiers that blocked the way to the forest.
"He's approaching!"
"Stop him!"
The soldiers screamed as they raised their spears towards Edric, trying to pierce him, but Edric didn't stop, when he was already close to the group of soldiers Edric cast Wrath of God, a powerful shock wave sent the soldiers flying through the air their formation had been broken.
"HAHAHA! I am impressed human!"
The black dragon said surprised, with unnecessary cruelty the dragon made sure to kill as many soldiers as possible as they fled some of them were torn apart by bites, others flew through the air when the dragon used its tail as a whip, there were those unhappy enough to stay in the dragon's path as it ran towards the forest and ended up being trampled.
Edric, seeing the dragon pass by him, grabbed the dragon's tail with all his strength and let himself be carried towards the forest.
"Let me go human!"
"I don't like it as much as you do, but now is not a good time."
And it really wasn't a good time as arrows and spells flew through the air towards Edric and the dragon, Edric cast Anti-Magic Field, the spells dissipated in midair, but the arrows continued, and ended up hitting the dragon and Edric, even so they managed to disappear into the forest.
TIMESKIP
Edric's POV
I can't hold it anymore, I'm getting sick, I thought as I was shaken up and down on the dragon's tail, we had already been running away for a few minutes we lost the soldiers, but there was still the dragon problem I faced in the city.
Suddenly the black dragon stopped running and fell to the ground, sliding a little forward due to its speed; I ended up being thrown, passing over the dragon and landing a few meters ahead.
"AAAHHH!" I screamed as I flew.
With some difficulty I managed to get up, and started to check my condition, my guard was burnt, dented, slightly melted, with the bite mark of a dragon and covered in arrows, I'm sure I have some broken bones and internal injuries. Better take care of it soon.
With my talisman I cast Recovery, a powerful healing miracle, then I started to pull the arrows out of my armor, they were mainly on my shoulders and back, finally I took out a whetstone of Ed, this stone serves to repair the damage to my armor and equipment, I have no idea how a whetstone can do that, but it's still useful.
"COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!" I heard someone coughing next to me, it was the black dragon. I think I better get this over with.
I equipped my Dragon Bone Smasher, grabbed it with both hands and approached the dragon, stopping in front of its head, I raised my sword and prepared to deliver the final blow, the dragon's eyes opened and he stared at me, I couldn't help but notice the dragon's condition.
Its body was covered in arrows and wounds from our fight and the soldiers' attack, green goo was seeping along with its blood from the poison that must still be working, the dragon's eyes were a sickly red color and blood was seeping from its blood mouth. Don't worry; I'll get you out of your misery.
The dragon closed its eyes accepting its fate, but before it could kill it, I heard a flap of wings and a large shadow passing over me, looking up through the dense foliage I saw the dragon from before, I believe its name is Gabriel, still hasn't noticed me, looking around I realized there was a cave on my left, I kept looking between the dragon and the cave. I will probably regret this.
I pointed my catalyst at the dragon and cast Cloak making the dragon invisible, then ran into the cave and waited for Gabriel to leave.
TIMESKIP
It's been a few hours, dark clouds were forming in the sky, soon it will start to rain, as if reading my thoughts a drop of water fell from the sky, and then another, and another, and another.
It was raining, a heavy but pleasant rain, unlike the raging storms of the Shrine of the Storm, it's so strange, I'm so used to the gloomy surroundings of Boletaria that seeing the rain makes me uncomfortable. I could see the outline of something in the rain, it was the dragon that I had made invisible, the outline started to rise, the dragon was getting up and coming towards the cave, I believe didn't realize it was invisible.
When the dragon entered the cave the effect of the spell ended and its form was revealed, it looked better but still gave the appearance of being sick, the dragon passed by my side without looking at me, it went deeper into the cave where there was more space rotated its body and then returned to the cave entrance lying down beside me.
"I felt you putting a spell on me. What was that?" the dragon asked me.
"Cloak, a spell to make you invisible and hide you from the approaching dragon." I replied to the dragon.
"That was more of a Daemon than a dragon, if that thing was once a dragon then it must have forgotten a long time ago." The dragon replied.
Just one more demon to kill.
"Why did you help me?" the dragon asked again.
"I don't know, maybe I'm not used to killing rational beings, or maybe I prefer to kill when you're able to defend yourself."
"Hmm! Human, you are a warrior, you take pleasure in facing strong adversaries, beings that can give you a challenge. Like me."
"I won't deny it, I like a good fight." I replied while smiling under my helmet.
The dragon let out a weary laugh, strangely that laugh reminded me of my father.
"Hahaha... I think I'm getting old... A human managing to give me trouble... hahaha..."
"You're not the first dragon I've faced."
"Oh! And who would be the first dragon that had the pleasure?"
"A red dragon, a blue dragon and the Dragon God."
"A dragon calling itself God?! I've met many arrogant dragons, but never one so arrogant. Including the self-proclaimed strongest dragon in the world, that white-scaled brat, I've never bothered to learn his name, I'd like to face him for the title of strongest. But I'm getting off topic, where are the dragons you fought now?"
The dragon asked curiously.
"Killed by my hand."
The dragon was silent for a few seconds.
"Tell me, did the red dragon speak to you?"
"No, the dragons I faced didn't seem to be anything more than animals, they acted on instinct, the only one I knew who should have been able to speak must have been the Dragon God, he wasn't very interested in talking, but rather in crushing me with a punch."
"A punch? A dragon with hands?"
"Yes, a mountain-sized dragon with six glowing red eyes, two rows of teeth, humanoid arms and legs, and two gigantic wings protruding from its back."
"I think you better stop talking human, I'm just getting more excited at the thought of facing such a creature."
"Unfortunately you missed your chance."
"Unfortunately, if I achieved such feat, all the dragons in the world would bow to me... what a wonderful dream..." The dragon replied tiredly, it looked like he was going to sleep.
"Here." Said to the dragon while handing him something.
"What is it?" the dragon asked as he studied the object with one of his eyes open.
"A Nobleman's Lotus is used to cure poisoning."
The dragon stared at the red lotus in my hand, he opened its mouth and I put the lotus inside. The effect was instantaneous, the dragon already looked better.
"Receiving charity…from a human… what have I become?" The dragon then fell asleep.
While the dragon slept I watched the rain fall, I didn't feel tired, I absorbed so many souls that it was hard to feel tired, sleepy or hungry, wounds that should kill normal people are just an inconvenience to me. I think I stopped being human a long time ago, but I won't let it get to me, there are still demons to slay, when I'm done I'll find a way home.
Cathedral City
In a room in Cathedral City and Intoner known as One was lying face down on her bed, at the moment he was suffering from severe back pain due to being crushed against the floor by something unknown, her sisters were in her room trying to comfort her.
"What is the status of Cathedral City?" One asked her sisters.
"Not very good, a lot of the guards were killed and there was a lot of damage to the city's infrastructure." Three replied coolly.
"And the unknown knight?" One asked again.
"He managed to escape, according to the guards' report; the knight was facing a black dragon, before they were surrounded. I asked the guards who survived Zero's attack if any of them knew who that knight was. The response was worrying, no one knows who he is, as if he just appeared out of nowhere." Four replied to her sister.
"Hmm! Let's leave things as they are for now, we need to rebuild our strength and take care of the damage done, but I want you to keep an eye out for any new appearances of Zero or the knight." One replied to her sisters.
"You can count on me dear sister." Four replied as she smiled at One.
"Do you mind if I do some experiments on him first?" Three asked with disconcerting joy in her voice.
"Three..." One said as she faced his sister.
The conversation between the three was interrupted by Five and Two, who entered the room, almost knocking the door down.
"Dear Sister One, I prepared your dinner!" Five said as she walked into the room carrying a bowl of soup filled with a bubbling purple liquid.
Due to her heightened senses One could smell the soup even from the distance Five was, One's face contorted and started to turn green, the Intoner had to hold back the urge to vomit.
"Thanks...Five..." One said while trying not to throw up.
"And I'm going to give your back a massage to help ease your pain!" Two said as she ran towards One.
The eyes of all the Intoners but Two widened at this information, Two was the physically strongest of all the Intoners, she was also known for her lack of delicacy.
"TWO NO!" All the Intoners screamed.
But it was too late, when Two's hands came close to One's back all that could be heard was a noise and a scream.
CRACK!
"AAAHHH!"
Meanwhile, rain falls outside Cathedral City.
UNKNOWN LOCATION
In a forest in the middle of the rain, Intoner Zero carried something in her arms, it was a baby dragon with white scales, and a lightning bolt fell from the sky scaring the baby dragon. Zero held the baby closer to her chest.
"Don't worry Mikhail, we'll be home soon."
POV Unknown
Report Number 1: Today Intoner Zero attacked Cathedral City, everything seemed to be going as it should, but something abnormal happened, a large power spike was detected in Cathedral City, while investigating the source of the power spike, a knight was found who identified himself as Edric, this knight came into conflict with Zero and the other Intoners, he demonstrated great physical strength and unknown magical power, his magic does not match any of Midgard's.
Upon further investigation it was not possible to identify the origin of the knight; he is clearly not from this branch, but his branch of origin remains unknown, further investigation is needed to determine whether or not Edric is a threat to the branch.
End of report.
END OF CHAPTER
Hi, thanks for reading this far, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Leave your reviews about what you thought of the chapter, suggestions or tips to improve the story.
Before you leave, I just want to clarify something.
I'll be basing Black Dragon/Legna's personality on Drakengard 2's. I prefer Legna who has personality and a goal than Legna from Drakengard 1 and Drakengard 1.3 where he's just evil and wants the world to be overtaken by chaos.
I know there is a debate about whether Drakengard 2 is canon or not, but I think it's okay to use some elements from the second game.
For now that's it.
Until the next chapter.