Aran exhaled as he lowered his glass onto the bars countertop. He couldnt help but glance around the room. Although he didnt personally know anyone, he still knew them. Who amongst the adventurers in Fuselage couldnt recognize the big nas? Chad from The Black Hounds. Tina from Swirling Wind. How many bigshots were here? It was rare to see any of them in Fuselage, but now, they were gathered like common weeds.
There was a screeching sound as the stool beside Aran was pulled back. A woman with ice-blue hair sat down and glanced at Arans weapon, a large red sword resting against the countertop. Thats a big sword, the woman said and smirked before glancing at the lower half of Arans body. Her eyes shifted upwards to et Arans gaze. You must be Aran, the leader of the Red Blade Adventurers. She placed her hand on Arans thigh. Ive heard a lot about you.
Aran stared at the woman with a blank expression. Even though he didnt like how she was touching his body, he didnt dare show any displeasure on his face. Anyone who could receive the Edward familys auction invitation wasnt soone he could offend. He mightve received an invitation too, but it was his first ti coming here. You are?
The blue-haired womans eyes widened. You dont know ? she asked and touched her chest with her hand. Her mouth hung open for a bit before she burst out into laughter. Its understandable you dont know . Im Chelsea Edward. Without , you would be back in Fuselage, eating crabs or whatever it is you adventurers eat these days.
Aran nodded. It was a really good thing he hadnt shown any displeasure. Thank you for your invitation, Miss Edward.
Oh, theres no need to thank , Chelsea said. She withdrew her hand from Arans leg and grinned. My friend and I are having a little wager. She recently ca into the possession of a basilisk and has been going on and on about it nonstop. I was tired of hearing about it, so I told her any adventurer from Fuselage could defeat it without breaking a sweat. She didnt believe . As such, youre going to kill that basilisk for . Itll be even better if you do it in one attack.
Aran furrowed his brow. A basilisk grows stronger with its age, he said. How old is it?
Am I an animal researcher? Chelsea asked and rolled her eyes. How would I know? Regardless, if you dont kill that basilisk, its going to kill you.
Aran relaxed his expression. And if I refuse?
Then you can take your party and get off my island, Chelsea said and smiled. Dont even dream of coming back. She giggled. Of course, its not like Im making you work for for nothing. I know how you adventurers love rewards. She ran her finger down the flat part of Arans sword. If you win in a satisfactory manner, Ill get you a new sword just as large as this one, one with a blade completely made of orichalcum.
Its just a basilisk, a gruff voice said from behind Aran. What are you hesitating for? If you dont accept her offer, I will.
Aran turned his head. His eyes widened, and he grabbed the hilt of his sword. The person behind him was wearing what looked like a dress made of large scales. Although the outfit looked a bit comical, Aran didnt dare laugh. Not everyone could wear armor made completely out of dragon scales. Honestly, he wasnt even sure why. Dragons were huge. Killing one would provide enough scales to outfit over a few dozen people. Youre
Joseph, the man said and grinned. Leader of the Dragon Slayers. He shifted his gaze onto Chelsea and smiled. His mustache and beard glistened with grease from his previous al. Ive heard a lot about you from the other adventurers, Miss Chelsea. He placed his hand on the countertop between Chelsea and Aran, his arm blocking both their views of each other. How about you and I get to know each other better?
Chelsea snorted and climbed to her feet. Aran, ignore this brute and co with .
Aran slung his sword on his back and ignored Josephs ugly expression. The leader of the Red Blade Adventurers reached into his pocket and placed a few gold coins on the countertop before following after the blue-haired woman. No one here was good to offend, but his pride as a man and a leader wouldnt let him bend his knees before another party leader. If he was going to obtain the favor of one party and offend the other, hed much rather gain the favor of the party that regarded him highly.
Red Blade Adventurers, eh? Joseph asked as Aran walked past. You better pray you dont bump into in Fuselage. Even your mommy wont be able to recognize you when Im done.
Arans eyes narrowed, but he ignored the mans words. He caught up to Chelsea and asked, Where are we going?
Didnt I already tell you? Chelsea asked and crossed her arms. Her heels clicked loudly as she stomped on the stone walkway. Were going to see my friend, and youre going to kill her basilisk.
Aran furrowed his brow. He wanted to ask if this friend of hers really was a friend or not. He really wanted to know. Maybe they were truly best friends, and maybe nobles enjoyed killing each others pets. Maybe they were rivals, and Chelsea was just using friend to describe their relationship. However, upon seeing the look on Chelseas face, Aran decided it be best to keep his mouth shut.
After a few minutes of walking, the two arrived at a large courtyard. Here we are, Chelsea said to Aran. She pointed at the tal gate. Cut it down.
Aran blinked and drew his sword. So far, it seed like the relationship between Chelsea and this friend of hers really wasnt that good. Aran grunted, and fire seed to coalesce along the blades edge. He swung downwards, and the gate split in half, molten iron threatening to drip from where the sword had passed. He raised his foot and kicked, causing the gate to swing wide open.
Good, Chelsea said and nodded. She kicked the other half of the gate and nearly fell over from the action, only managing to stay on her feet thanks to Aran catching her arm. She huffed and brushed his hand away before fixing her dress. Then, she marched past the broken gate and into the courtyard. Jocelyn, Im here! I hope youre readyshe turned around a corner while speakingforoh? Who are you?
Aran turned the corner as well and flinched. There was a massive basilisk, one that was easily the size of a baby dragon, lying on its back. It mustve been over two hundred years old. On top of its exposed belly, there was a shirtless man. He was sitting with his legs crossed, and he seed to be rubbing the creatures belly as if it were a large puppy. On the ground, there was a noble lady lying face down in the grass. Judging by the large bump on her head, she was knocked out by soone. The shirtless man raised his head, revealing a pair of golden eyes. Their irises were slit, shaped like a dragons.
? the man asked. Im Vur.
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