A five-meter-tall, human-shaped demon rose from the tornado.
Unlike a normal human, he had squared-off ears, a long, thin face, and charcoal-gray skin. Oh, and four arms. He looked bizarre, almost like a six-limbed anteater. The demon wore simple armor marked with intricate symbols, and flashy jewelry that glinted in the sunlight. He was covered in rippling muscles and armed with a staff, a shield, and two scimitars. The tornado whipped around his legs silently, lifting him into the air.
Sutekh was a mid-tier demon who annihilated his enemies with powerful gusts of wind. I figured that, as another wind elemental, he’d be more than a match for the Dragon Lord.
Sutekh opened his golden eyes and glared at the Dragon Lord. Light and wind surrounded him.
What is this embodiment of spirit energy? Is this… is this one of the spirit gods?!
As he collided with the wind-shrouded Sutekh, the Dragon Lord’s voice boomed through my head once again. A sonic boom erupted, followed by a massive blast of air. Sutekh met the Dragon Lord’s claws with his scimitars, and a shower of sparks rained down, accompanied by an awful, metallic screech.
The two combatants broke apart for a moment before clashing again, sending out another burst of air that rattled my bones. They broke off a second time, each resorting to long-distance attacks to keep the other from getting too close.
Sutekh was clearly powerful enough to hold his own against the Dragon Lord. Unfortunately, even if they were a match for each other, I could only keep the demon here for so long. I needed to get the upper hand fast.
It was time for the ace up my sleeve.
The game’s highest class, Paladin, had only four fighting skills: Executioner, Savior, Guardian, and Prophet. All the skills were incredibly powerful, almost on the level of weapons of mass destruction. However, not only were they mediocre when it came to normal combat, they took at least half a day to recharge. They also used incredible amounts of magic, so I’d probably only be able to get three attacks off.
I figured that Savior, an earth-elemental attack, would be most effective against the Dragon Lord. It would also reach him high in the air.
Another gust of wind blasted me as I watched Sutekh and the Dragon Lord slam into each other.
Using Savior was a huge ordeal in-game, and I had no idea what it would actually do in real life. The battle between the demon and Dragon Lord was already devastating the environment. If I invoked Savior, the destruction would likely double. However, I was out of options.
I lifted my sword and focused my energy on opening a gate. Just then, a wolf made of water appeared below the grappling wind elementals and let out a thunderous howl.
Chiyome flew out of the forest, executing a beautiful midair flip and landing in front of me without a sound. She looked at the sky and shouted, “I implore you, Dragon Lord! Please, put an end to this fight!”
She must have run here in record time. Once again, I was impressed with her ninja prowess.
The Dragon Lord’s eyes narrowed. However, he didn’t stop fighting.
Your body… Those clothes… Are you one of Hanzo’s followers?
It suddenly occurred to me that, if the dragon had known Hanzo, he was at least six hundred years old.
Chiyome nodded, clearly taken aback by the Dragon Lord’s response. “I am Chiyome, one of the six top fighters of the Jinshin clan, founded on this very spot by Hanzo. I am honored to be in your presence.”
I see that you have been entrusted with a spirit crystal, even at such a young age. Hanzo’s once-great clan has truly let its standards go.
Surprise washed across Chiyome’s face as she looked up at the massive Dragon Lord, his voice still echoing in our minds.
Another familiar voice chimed in. “Dragon Lord, heed my words. This man is here with us. I am Ariane Glenys Maple, one of the elves living deep within the Great Canada Forest. Please allow me to apologize for this man’s rashness, and to explain why we are here.”
Ariane ran out of the forest, her white hair whipping in the wind kicked up by the Dragon Lord.
“Kyii!” Ponta, perched on her shoulder, let out an uncharacteristically cheerful cry, its tail wagging without the slightest hint of fear.
Ariane spoke in a much more formal and polite tone than I was used to. She glanced in my direction, her eyes shooting daggers, before kneeling.
At that moment, Sutekh faded away into mist. Apparently, he’d run out of time.
The Dragon Lord’s desire to fight had evidently vanished as well. He landed on the ground, folding his massive wings.
I returned my sword to its sheath.
Ah, the clan from the forest beyond the mountains. My name is Villiers Fim, and I accept your apology. Now, I would like to hear the rest of your story.
The Dragon Lord snorted, blowing the dust from the area. He sat back on his haunches and listened quietly as Ariane explained all that we’d been through. After a moment of silence, he let out another snort.
I see, I see. So, as a sign of appreciation to this armored man assisting on your travels, you are leading him to the spring to partake in its powers. Yes?
Ariane nodded. “That is correct.”
The Dragon Lord focused his reptilian eyes on me.
Ponta had hopped over to its usual place atop my helmet, and was now spinning in excited circles, wagging its tail. I couldn’t help but sigh inwardly at how it picked the strangest times to be brave. As I reached up to scratch Ponta under the chin, it purred, rubbing its nose against my hand.
This scene caused Villiers Fim’s eyes to narrow even further. He cleared his throat. Hmph. Well, I suppose I’m not entirely blameless here, either, considering that I abandoned patrolling the treetops in favor of a nap in the grass. I apologize for jumping to conclusions.
I couldn’t blame him for getting angry. Anyone would be upset if they woke up to a knight stepping on their back.
I bowed my head. “I apologize as well. I was too focused on the torii, and I transported myself here without regard for my surroundings.”
Ariane spoke up again. “Villiers Fim, I would like your permission to partake in the power of the spring near the Lord Crown.”
As long as you don’t plan to mess up my forest, you need not ask my permission for such things. Do as you please.