Earth Dragon Dungeon Side Story 10

Side Story 10: VS Accurate Crow; pledge of the Eld Desert

Zuuuun!
The huge Accurate Crow crashes to the ground.

『Haa… Haa… Haa…』

Ann was gasping for air as she watched the creature go down.
That was really reckless of me.
No matter how much I evolved, it is still a King-class monster.
I couldn’t believe I’m still alive after all of that.

In order to catch the Accurate Crow off guard, Ann had to pretend she was fighting alone.
And it works.
Accurate Crow got its throat bitten and thrown off to the ground.

It was her victory.

『Finally… It’s over….』

――――That’s when she realized.

Its magical power, the magical power of Accurate Crow isn’t disappearing.

『What’s the meaning of this?』

She felt a sudden chill.
She turned to look behind.

Standing behind her was the Accurate Crow.
It was breathing heavily, and the magic wavelength was unstable.
Lots of blood coming from the wound created by Ann.

Despite so, it is well alive.

『Haa… Haa… I never thought I could be done by an insect like this…』

The Accurate Crow glares at Ann.
Ann tightly gripped her sword.
However, it didn’t do anything.
Its eyes are fixed on Ann.

『I’ll admit it, head of the black ant. You are―――― strong.』

There’s not a hint of pride contained in its eyes, only the dignity of an absolute king that recognizes his enemy’s strength.

Suddenly, the Accurate Crow’s magical power explodes.
And its whole body engulfs in flame.
A blazing flame.
Ann got burned by the heat coming from the flame that could burn the life itself.
Still, she didn’t look away.

『What is your name, head of the black ants? 』

It was a calm voice.
A calm but intimidating voice as opposed to a burning flame.

『Ann… My name is Ann. It was bestowed upon me by my Lord, and it’s my only name.』

Accurate Crow nods.

『Ann, that’s a good name. Therefore, I shall introduce myself. My name is Heleb. The leader of the Accurate Crow of this Eld Desert.』

Ann was surprised at the remark, but at the same time convinced.
It’s clear now that the Accurate Crow is the leader of the flock.
No wonder it has an extraordinary amount of magical power. 

『I’ll be using the greatest skill I have from now on. Well, aren’t you going to run away, Ann?』

Says Heleb provocatively.
As a favor for what Ann said earlier.
She already made that decision a long time ago.

There’s no answer.
But she holds tightly to her sword.
Heleb laughs at her silent treatment.
Then, so be it.

He flaps his wings as he burns in flame.
Tornadoes engulf the flames and become a giant bright red maelstrom.
It was a figure reminiscent of a Phoenix from the myth.

―――――It’s beautiful.

As she thought without realizing it.
Her breath was taken away by the divine scene.

The Accurate Crow strongest special attack, 『Flame Armor (Kagura)』.

It is a mixture of violent fire and wind which burns even one’s own body.
A Pope-class power.
A flame that burns the body, the bone, and even the soul of the target.

And it’s a secret skill used only to show respect to the enemy that the Accurate Crow considers to be on equal footing.
That’s right, Heleb acknowledged Ann.

『Let’s end this once and for all, head of the black ant!!』

『Fine by me!』

Heleb burns brightly.
On the other hand, Ann’s tactics are simple.
The sword and the cloak of the earth dragon.
Just pour the magical power into both of them.
Similar to the cloak, the sword blade will sharpen from the magical power it received.

Ann also coats herself with her own saliva.
The same saliva that was used to strengthen the wall of the dungeon.
A small fire protection.

In the first place, Ann has no means of long-range attack other than acid solution.
Both acid bullet and acid spear are less effective against Heleb that has become a mass of fire and wind.
She has to get closer for her attack to hit.
But how can she do so, when her eyes will be reduced to ashes the moment she get close.
That’s where the coating comes in.

『Here I come!』

Accurate Crow charges.
Ann also ran forward.

The antlings watch the scene while holding their breath.

The distance between the two instantly disappears.

And just before they clash, they were enveloped in intense light.
An explosion broke out.

『What?! 』
『What happened?!』

Both Ann and Heleb are surprised.
There’s explosion and shatters rock everywhere.
The moment it happened, the antlings evacuated into the dungeon through the hole they had dug earlier.

Ann didn’t know what had happened.
I can feel Heleb magical power. But the explosion was not caused by him.
There was some intervention.
But by who?

Suddenly, there was a voice.

『It’s so noisy here…』

As opposed to Heleb, it’s a clear and calm voice.
A thought call.

Slowly, the surrounding clears up.
I was able to confirm the appearance of Heleb.
However, he’s now back to his original form, no longer wrapped in flame.
Heleb is again furious as he looks up.

Ann also looks over the sky.

And what she saw was a flying White Wyvern.
With the sun behind its back, it shines ever divinely.

『It’s been a while, head of the black wings.』

The same calm voice resounded again.
Which belongs to the White Wyvern.

Ann now clearly sees its figure.
Like Heleb, it is much larger than the other White Wyvern.
Its magical power is also completely different.
Obviously, it is an individual who is different from others.

『 Why did you disturb us, head of the silvery white! Have you forgotten our pact?! 』

『If you mean our non-aggression pact, well of course, I remember. 』

『So, why did you interrupt our fight?!』

The White Wyvern replies to the furious Heleb nonchalantly.

『I also have a business with her and it’ll be a problem if she dies.』

『What do you mean?』

Then, the eyes of the White Wyvern shift to Ann.
Ann was staggered by its non-clouded eyes.

『I believe this is the first time we met, head of the black ants. My name is Gwyve. I am the head of the White Wyvern.』

『I’m Ann…』

Ann also said her name.

『Fumu. That’s a good name.』

She smiled broadly knowing that the name given by Jiryuu was praised.
But the next word  it said was quite unexpected to her.

『So, Ann, how’s your master doing right now?』

『Huh?』

『I came here to see your fight with Heleb. Will your master be joining you? I mean your master, the earth dragon, will he not be attending?』

『How did you?!』

Ann was shaken from that sudden question.
And that was her answer.

『Fumu, so he won’t. I didn’t expect that rude child from before to have grown this much already. This is why the world is so interesting.』

『Do you know him? 』

I will say nothing.

『Indeed I do. And I can feel the earth dragon magical power flowing inside you. That’s how I found out you were his subordinate, you see?』

It said the truth.
Ann sincerely answers.

『Yes, my master is the lord earth dragon. But, how are you related to him?』

Ann holds the sword in her hand.
I will not hesitate to fight.
Even with my tattered body, I’ll not show mercy if you’re his enemy.

『I see. Don’t rush to conclusions, Ann, head of the black ants. I have no intention of taking your master away. Well, I did use my breath once on him for his mischief, hahaha.』

Says Gwyve happily.

『Then, what did you come here for, head of the silvery white?! Why did you interfere with our fight?!』

Says Heleb.
It seems that he can’t stand it anymore.

『Fumu, cut to the chase—I’m here to make a pact with her master.』

Heleb was surprised at that statement.

『What did you say?! Why do you want to form a pact with him?! Tell me!』

Heleb yells, but Gwyve lightly fend off the question.

『I’m sorry but, what is a pact in the first place?』

It was Anne who asked the question.
Gwyve answers.

『To put it simply, it’s a ceasefire treaty. We do not attack each other. Unless both parties agree, no fighting is allowed. The pact will also require you to help your allies if they are under attack. Pretty much that’s all.』

Heleb and I already made a pact, says Gwyve.

『But, why would you want to make a pact with my master?』

Ann question it again.

『Because of a promise.』

『A promise?』

『Yes, I was asked by a certain someone to take care of him until he grew up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t contact him since he went underground. 』

My thought call can’t pass through the ground either, continues Gwyve.

『Besides, he’ll be safer there anyway. That’s why I didn’t bother him…』

Gwyve looked at Heleb.

『I came to stop the fight because he can easily get nervous. 』

『Hmm…』

It was Heleb who avoided the gaze this time.
I wonder if these two have some kind of connection, thought Ann.

『What about it? Ready to make a pact with me?』

『About that, I need to ask Jiryuu-sama first. 』

I sent a thought call, but apparently Jiryuu-sama is still sleeping.
He didn’t pick it up.
Gwyve groan upon hearing so.

『How about you personally make a pact with me, Ann?』

『Huh?! Are you being serious, head of the silvery white?!』

『Of course, I do. I liked her. She always holds her head high and above all, isn’t afraid to challenge someone stronger than herself. I really respect that.  Judging by your Flame Armor before, I guess you also thought the same, don’t you? After all, besides me and that adventurer, she’s the third person you used that skill on.』

Gwyve looks toward Heleb while grinning.
Seeing that look, Heleb turned his face away from it.
Gwyve look back at Ann.

『So, what will it be, Ann? Will you form a pact with me?』

Ann is a little hesitant.

『I understand, I’ll form a pact with you.』

She agreed.
In the first place, there is no disadvantage to this pact. There’s nothing better than not fighting with each other.
Ann felt that the White Wyvern won’t betray her.
I don’t trust others right away, but I don’t think this White Wyvern is lying.
Also, I don’t want to fight in this place. It’s not an opponent that I can win against in this state.
Still, I need to report and apologize to Jiryuu-sama later for doing this without his permission, thought Ann. 

『Wait…』

Then, it was Heleb who spoke out.

『Ann, make a pact with me….』

『『Haaaa?』』

Ann and Gwyve voices overlapped perfectly.
What is this crow suddenly saying?
It was so unexpected that both of them hardened into ice.

『I acknowledged you…. I can’t believe that you’re forming a pact with Gwyve only.』

This crow, what are you talking about?
Ann and Gwyve thought so, but didn’t put them into words.
Maybe because of his pride. I decided to think so.

『However, there are conditions.』

『Ha?』

『Ann, when you completely recovered and got stronger, I want you to fight with me again. In one-on-one fight. Such poor fight isn’t what I want. If you agree to it, I swear on my pride, not only me, but also my entire kin, will not attack you or your dungeon ever again.』

Heleb looks straight into her eyes as he said so.
Ann doesn’t look away either.
She had already decided.

『I understand. When the time comes, I’ll fight you again. 』

I really didn’t want another fight, when she already had agreed to it.
The Accurate Crow promise not to touch Jiryuu-sama and the dungeon.
I have no choice but to agree.

『Ann, can you tell the earth dragon about this pact, too?』

『I’ll do.』

Ann nodded.
Gwyve looks over everyone and declares.

『Then, a new pact has formed between us. On the name of the White Wyvern, I swear not to break this newly formed pact.』

『As the head of the black wings, I swear.』

『On behalf of the lord earth dragon, I swear.』

Thus, Ann’s battle was over.
Her body is all battered but everything works great for her.
As she dragged her body, Ann returned to the dungeon.

 

Ann’s point of view.

Then I headed deeper, dragging the tattered body.
I think I should tell him directly instead of using a thought call.
About the adventurers, the Accurate Crow and the pact.
There’s a lot of things I want to talk about with him.

When I arrived at the deepest part of the dungeon, Jiryuu-sama seemed to have woken up.
His eyes slowly lay hold of me.

『Is that you… Ann?』

Asked Jiryuu-sama slowly.

『Yes, it’s me.』

Immediately after that, Jiryuu-sama suddenly stood up and came towards me at a tremendous speed.

Eh, what? Too close!
His face is too close! Very very very close!
It’s not like I hate it. I don’t hate it at all!

『Ann?! Is that really you, Ann?! What about the miso-flavored fishnet tights?! No, where’s the goblins?! What happened to the goblins?! What about the grilled chicken?!』

Jiryuu-sama was in panic.
Goblins? I know, so he meant the adventurers from before.
So, grilled chicken is…. I see, it’s the Accurate Crow.

I get it now.

As I thought, Jiryuu-sama knows what happened.
It only looks like he’s sleeping, but in fact, he already knows everything
And he knows we can handle it.
He’s really a broad-minded person.

『Don’t worry, Jiryuu-sama. I have handled it.』

Besides being bound by the pact with the Accurate Crow, everything went well.

『I see… Oh, what a relief…』

Jiryuu-sama heave a deep sigh while worrying about us.
Just that thought alone warmth my heart.

However, his next action was completely beyond the scope of my understanding.

Touch Touch

『Huh?』

Touchy-touch, Touch Touch Touch

『!!!!』

My head went blank.
Instantly became hot as if it was boiling.

『What a relief. You’re really Ann, right? You’re not a beautiful girl with black hair, but the usual ant Ann. Thank goodness~』

Jiryuu-sama touched me!
I’ll say it again.
He to- to- to- touched meeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

What? Yes! Haha!

I didn’t know what happened.

After all, being touched by Jiryuu-sama is something that I always dream of, except that, I never imagined it’s going to- to- to- be my whoooooole body!!

My confusion peaked.
Una saw it! And she looked shocked in disbelief.
Still, she looks cute even at times like this.
What I’m saying, that’s not important right now.

『Jiryuu-sama, what’s the matter? No, of course I don’t hate it at all, I actually welcome it!』

What else should I say?
This is bad. I can’t think of anything to say.

『No, it’s fine… everything’s fine. I’m just relieved. There’s no way you can shoot a beam out of a skewer…  Oh, you’re injured. Here, take some magic stones. Heal your wound and rest. I’m going to sleep too.』

I received the magic stones.

『Y- Yes! Goodnight, Jiryuu-sama!! 』

『Un, goodnight~』

Jiryuu-sama went to sleep again.
MunchMunchMunchMunch!
I immediately ate the magic stone he gave me.

UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I ran up to the top with all my might.
The wound didn’t hurt at all.
It didn’t matter.
All I wanted to do now is run.

And I arrived at the surface.

I shouted from the bottom of my heart.
I don’t know what I shouted.
But I’m sure it’s a shout of joy.

I’m grateful I became his subordinate.
I’m glad I did my best.

Jiryuu-sama! Jiryuu-sama!

I will go… I will go wherever you go!!

I renewed my determination to sink my burning body.

 

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Author’s Note:

Next chapter will be about the Prime Minister.
And after that, we’ll enter the first part of chapter three. After so long….

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Supplement
About Gwyve the White Wyvern.
The mischief Jiryuu had done can be referred to in chapter six.
Jiryuu and Ann had thought that the White Wyvern was furious, when it was just scolding a child… The scale is ridiculous.

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Random Supplement

A synopsis of Jiryuu’s dream.

It was during the Sengoku period (warring states period).

The world was caught in a fierce struggle between the goblins of the mackerel miso fishnet tights and the orcs of the crab miso fishnet tights. In the midst of that, an earth dragon (the main character) was born in a small grilled chicken shop downtown. 『A dragon can never make a good grilled chicken!』For the most perfect reason, he spent everyday life sulking without polishing his skill.

Until one day, Ann, a black-haired beauty (ant) holding a job offer flyer, came to his shop.

『Excuse me, are you the manager of this place?』

It was an encounter between a beauty with a legendary skewer, Excalibur, that can grill all kinds of ingredients deliciously without burning, and an earth dragon who can only complain….

Author:

While I was writing this synopsis in high spirits, it suddenly came to me, 『Am I tired?』
Maybe I am.

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