Thou Dragon

Mmh... Morning already?

Hey. Sleep well?

Yeah. It's nice sleeping under the stars like this.

Glad to see ya lookin' so calm. Means I won't have to worry about ya in the field. Which is good, since we'll be divin' deeper into the unknown today.

Heh, well, it may be my first time on this island, but I'm no stranger to uncharted territory.

...Quite the view, ain't it? This's the first time I've come so far from base, but...guess that's why I can finally admit it. I thought this island was a tiny speck in the sea, but now that we're here...I realize just how big it is. And how far we have to go.

This land is so vast.

It's home to a giant, mysterious weapon and a threat bigger than anyone can imagine. A threat that needs to be eliminated. It's an adventure just waitin' to be had. And I gotta say, it was worth comin' all this way for.

This is where I become a legend. It's the perfect backdrop for my story.

Most people would be terrified of a monster like that, but...you almost seem happy about it.

Why wouldn't I be? Ya know what ya need to become a hero, don't ya?

Uh... Strength?

Wrong! What every hero really needs...

Is a nemesis. And a powerful one at that.

Huh. I never thought about it like that...

Good morning. It looks like we're all here now.

Morning. Did you all just get up?

Hah! Don't be ridiculous, Aldo. They've been awake for ages now.

They have?

I just finished my daily training regimen.

I made breakfast!

And I tend to do my best thinking in the early hours.

I'm impressed. I'm not much of a morning person, but I guess that's obvious...

You needn't worry about it. There's no rule stipulating how we must spend our mornings. You merely chose to spend yours sleeping. And that decision comes with its own merits.

I guess you have a point... Thanks, Cerius.

"Let sleeping Hell Hounds lie," as they say.

I told you; no one says things like that.

Now c'mon, let's have a quick breakfast and get a move on.

We should take our time and eat our fill. There's no telling what we'll encounter in these wilds. We might even run into another dragon. So we need to proceed with caution, but if we win... we'll have another dragontear to show for it.

Then we can fortify another weapon which'll come in handy if we run into another one of those roadblocks.

Ah, before I forget, I should give you these. Some of our friends back at base had them sent over.

You can use them and the dragontear we found yesterday to craft a weapon. These are all we have, though, so use them wisely.

Got it. That'll be a big help on the road ahead.

Now then, from here on out, we can take the expedition one of three directions. But I'll leave that decision up to you folks.

Not much will change no matter which direction we choose. After all, we haven't information on any of the routes, so each currently poses equal risk. That means we must make a baseless decision, which is...less than ideal.

What're you poutin' about? We're gonna go get that information you love so much right now!

And since we don't have any facts to go on, we'll just have to let intuition guide us, Aldo's intuition, to be exact!

M-Mine?

Mmhmm! After all, you're a seasoned adventurer, so your intuition's probably the sharpest among us. And I don't like choosing. I don't want to be responsible if anything bad happens...

So I have to be responsible now?!

Don't worry about it. You're just choosin' 'cause no one else is.

So go for it!

Well, if you insist... I'll let my intuition guide us.

Whew. Looks like everyone's asleep. Guess I better head to bed too.

What about you, Flaudia? I'm surprised you're still awake. Thought ya were the type to save the deep thinkin' for morning.

I usually am, but...once I've started on a thought, I have to finish it.

Must be quite a thought to keep ya up this late. So what is it?

...You.

M-Me? You're gonna have to give me a little more to go on than that. What about me?

I told you about my friend, didn't I? All that talk made me think of the past and...that's when I realized it. You're a lot like her, Wryz.

I am?

She was stubborn and reckless. There was fire in her eyes, and she was always pressing forward, no matter what anyone said. She was full of mettle, and willing to do whatever it took to make things better. ...Just like you.

Well, I've never met her before, so I can't say for sure...

I have, and I'm saying you two were cut from the exact same cloth.

So does that mean...

Does that mean I'm fillin' the gap? I know no one can take her place, but...am I at least fillin' the gap she left behind? Earlier you told us...you wouldn't let your friends be swallowed by the flames. Does that mean...we're more than just comrades in arms? We're friends?

Of course we are. I wouldn't have said that if we weren't.

Y'know...I'm thankful. To everyone. But you especially, Flaudia, for bringin' me here. Back home, I was a failure. I never could've imagined fightin' on the front lines like this, and havin' people respect me. I feel like my life's finally begun.

And it's all thanks to you, Flaudia. That's why... it'd make me happy if I could be a friend to you too.

You are. Like I said, my life's better now.

...Ah, right. I want to give you this.

Is this...a bracelet? Made of wood?

My friend made it for me. We swore on it that we'd leave the village together. I didn't want to risk losing it in battle, so I always kept it hidden. It's the only memento I have of her, but I think it's better off with you. With someone...just like her.

Wh-What?! No way! I can't accept this!

It's a keepsake, isn't it? You've gotta hold onto it!

Haha. That's a refusal if I ever heard one. Alright then. I'll hold onto it. Sorry for comparing you to a total stranger.

You don't have to apologize. I don't mind, really. In fact, it makes me feel like you recognize me. It's nice.

But I still won't accept your memento!

Now I'm headin' to bed. G'night!

Goodnight. ......

Alright, everyone. Time for another day of explorin'!

Yeah. After hearing everyone's stories, I really feel like I've gotta give this my all.

Is there anything you might be hiding from us, Aldo? Why did you say you came here again?

To save the people on the mainland from the dragons.

That may just be the most honest reason among us.

The reasons aren't important. What matters is wantin' to slay that monster of a dragon! So let's get goin' and make some headway today...

Before then, I'd like us to return to base.

What? Why?

I want to transport some supplies here. If we upgrade the facilities a bit, we'll have ourselves a nice second base. That'll make the first base much safer. Isn't that what you said, Wryz?

Now that you mention it, I do remember sayin' that, but...

Turning the camp into a full-fledged base'll make it easier for us to get even further.

Exactly. And it'll go much faster with all of us working together, so let's go.

Hm...

I mean, making medicine, aiming for immortality, it's all about scoring opportunities. Medicine hands out chances like candy. And more chances are always better, don't you think?

I think I can say that now is better. I'm not struggling for food like before, and I have freedom.

Most importantly, I have companions.

Accomplishin' my goal is more "precious" to me than my life. I wanna slay that dragon and go down in history as a legend.

My allies came here with faith and pride, with hopes of moving forward.

"The largest Slimes have the smallest thoughts." Though I speak loftily of logic, I am the simplest of all. Merely running from my past...

No. Faith and pride are tied to emotions. And I am not worthy of those. So I will remain this way, living solely within the realm of reason.

You can proceed in different directions from camp. Explore areas you haven't been to before.

Well, well. If it ain't my favorite shock troops! Welcome back.

We're an expedition team now, Utpalaka. Can't imagine you forgot that.

Hahaha! Sure didn't, but I bet that hasn't changed your style one bit. So how goes it? Well, I hope!

As well as it can. We've got a pretty decent grasp on the plains now.

No kiddin'! You're doin' even better than I imagined. Hope you didn't run into too much trouble out there.

We did. And lots of it...

Hahaha! Well, you've still got the energy to complain, so I'd say you're doin' just fine!

Our strength has been sufficient in getting us this far. That much is objectively true.

That's great news, Wryz!

Looks like all that complaining was worth it.

There's gotta be a nicer way to say that! Besides, I was tryin' my best, y'know!

For a commanding officer, you sure don't get a lot of respect around here, do you, Wryz?

Don't get me wrong. I say it that way because I respect her. And it really is great news. We're all here to slay that sleeping giant, after all.

We've been waiting a long time to take the next step forward. A real long time.

Guess it's nice knowin' I wasn't the only one...

Alright, alright. Let's just be glad you two aren't enemies and move on, shall we?

Right. We want to transport some supplies to camp and could use some help. Taking on that dragon is still just a far-off dream right now, but...

We're making strides toward it, and getting closer every day. Once we're all ready, let's head out. We'll establish a second base, and take half of this island while we're at it!

Yeah!

All of your high-ranking retainers have been defeated. Though I imagine that matters little to you.

Indeed. Leave their corpses to rot and another will sprout from the remains. What matters to me now are the ones who laid them low. I can scarcely contain myself. The outsiders have done well to make it this far. I am delighted to see they have surpassed my expectations.

......

I suppose that means you will finally visit them yourself. I pity those in your sights, Veilis. That which you consider mischief is nothing short of disaster to your victims.

Disaster? No. It is merely a way to pass the time.

I disagree. You take far too much pleasure in it to be a mere pastime. You obsess over ways to make your prey suffer.

Pleasure is meant to be pursued. I am not like those inferior beings who think otherwise. And there are few species out there who react as vividly as humans. So why shouldn't I enjoy it? It is the very reason I live and breathe.

Hah. And just how many lives were lost in the pursuit of your pleasure? You are as diabolical as they come. Well, play if you must. It will only serve me in the end...

I can't believe these supplies are so heavy...

Of course they are. Why wouldn't they be?

It would have been more logical for us to make a cart first...

F-Flaudia! Help...!

What happened?!

Is everything okay? Are you hurt?!

The camp...was destroyed... It was a power...like no other... We couldn't defend it... We're so sorry...

Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong. You were right to run! Can you make it back to base? You have to get away from here, now.

Y-Yes...

I sense a sinister presence... It's even worse than anything we've fought so far!

It seems we've been targeted by quite the formidable enemy.

Oh no... What do we do?

For starters, we have to regroup at base...

We've gotta head to camp and see who's responsible for this.

But that's dangerous.

And? Are you really okay with just tuckin' our tails and runnin' without knowin' who did this? If we do...everythin' we've done until now will be for nothin'!

Good grief... While your argument is purely emotional, it is not without reason. "Even the greatest wave cannot harm a Flasmelk." One must know thine opponent to have a shot at victory.

...I know that. A leader who loses her cool over seeing injured comrades isn't much of a leader.

L-Let's, uh...try not to die then. Okay?

We're gonna be careful this time around. Right, Wryz?

Right. Now let's go!

So that's the culprit, huh. It's definitely in a different league than all the others.

There are still people here?! We need to get them outta here...

Ah, I see we have company. And what perfect timing. I was beginning to tire of the humans here. They flee before I can even get a glimpse of the terror on their faces. I was hoping to find a way to better extinguish the hope flickering in their eyes, so I scratched one on the leg... And to my delight, others stayed at his side! How very convenient human emotions are.

You fiend!

To borrow Wryz's words..."the stronger ones are smarter," yes? It appears intelligence and character regrettably do not come in equal measure.

What use have I for something as trifling as character? The only thing that matters in life is pleasure. You won't run now, will you? Not with this injured warrior here.

Sorry, but we ain't here to play your little games!

We'll take care of the dragon, so get as far away from here as you can!

What a pity. Had you left them as bait, more humans would have come to their rescue. ...But I suppose it matters little. Not when the most fascinating humans on this isle have graced me with their presence.

Y-You know who we are?!

Indeed. I witnessed your adorable little efforts through the eyes of my retainers. You traveled the isle and built a nest for yourselves here. You thought you were in control. It was all so precious.

So I watched and waited ever so patiently until the time was right to reduce your dune to dust.

Tch... You're saying you did all this, hurt those people, just to spite us?

Hah! So there are clever ones among you! Yes, indeed. Spiting others is my greatest pleasure in life. And humans are my favorite playthings. They're so emotional, so fragile, the slightest twist in your bones brings you agony!

So this...this is all a game to you?

What a foul creature you are. But thanks to your lengthy speech, we were able to get into formation.

Before we got here, Wryz said if we were up against a strong dragon, we could buy time by getting you to talk.

Yeah. You thought you were so damn smart, but you're nothin' more than a big dummy.

We've never lost in this formation! Now, Cerius!

Cerius!

Fools. Did you truly think I would not notice such an obvious ploy? You arranged yourselves to protect the bowman, did you not? How utterly adorable. Now the number of injured grow, and I know you would not dare leave him behind. It is time to face your fate.

You bastard!

I gave you hope only to take it away, and I must say...it was worth it. That look of despair is simply...delicious. There is truly no finer plaything than a human! Now come! Show me more!

Wryz! We have to fall back!

He's right. Our strategy failed. It's time to retreat.

But then...we'll have to start all over again. And we've come so far! I don't have any more time to waste!

Everyone, retreat! That's an order!

Hmm... I see. So you would tend to your wounded. How utterly dull. You there, fiery lancer. Will you run too? Do you not wish to claim my life for what I've done?

Don't fall for it, Wryz!

But Aldo!

I told you, didn't I? I can't watch you throw your life away.

Dammit!

Hmph...

Are you okay, Cerius?

My apologies. I was careless. I never expected that beast to ignore the imminent danger to target me... It defies logic.

It was almost like it knew what would upset us. I can't believe such a monster really exists...

Hmph...

Let's get some rest, then head back. We'll beat that fiend this time for sure.

Your emotions are getting the best of you once again. Just how do you plan on beating it "this time"?

...I'm sure I'll come up with something.

Well, you aren't going anywhere until you do.

What? Why?! If we let that dragon live, we'll be back at square one, holed up in the base, never to leave again! And you'll tell me it's too dangerous to go explorin'!

Then we'll never reach that giant wyrm! And I'll never accomplish my goal! So why?! Why won't we keep goin'?!

Because people's lives are at stake!

Flaudia...

I told you before that I refuse to lose my friends ever again. I like it here. I like the people. And I want to defeat that dragon, believe me I do, but not if it means losing anyone! That's why I want to make sure we're absolutely ready to take on that dragon before we do. Even if it takes years!

Y-Years...

B-But I...I don't...

What's that? You wish to fight the giant dragon of the isle?

It's here!

It followed us!

How could I resist? I knew that just hearing my voice would send tremors down your spine. But I did not think you would be so desperate to fight that colossal beast. If that is what you desire, who am I to deny you the pleasure? Allow me to give you a taste of its true power.

A taste? What are you...

Wh-What's going on?!

I never miss my mark. Heh heh... I look forward to seeing your delectable faces as you drown in despair.

The ground is shaking...

It can't be... That dragon... It's moving!

Was that...what I think it was?

I can't see a thing... And why am I all wet?

No... This is...

Sazanca! Quick!

R-Right. But I...

Wh-What...

It's warm... This is...blood.

Her back is badly burned... There's nothing I can...

No...

Noooooo!

Is everyone...alright...?

We're...fine. But you two were hit directly by the aftershock...

Flaudia... What were you thinking? Were you...tryin' to protect me?

......

B-But why?

I'm not worth it!

I told you... I don't want to lose...anyone else...

But still! Ya should've let me take the hit! I mean...I'm gonna die anyway.

I've only got one year left to live...

Wh-What?!

I'm sorry... I should've told ya. If I had...you'd still be okay. It'd be me on the ground, not you!

...No. You're wrong.

What do you mean?

Even if I knew...I would've done it. Because I wouldn't want to live...without you. Because you're...you're a dragon, Wryz.

I...am?

Sometimes powerful warriors...are called dragons. But you're not the type...to just lie down and rest. So I want you...to kill that beast...

Why me? I'm reckless. Hopeless! All I do is cause trouble for everyone.

But...it's not a fight without you. So promise me...promise you'll slay that dragon. Even if you don't have much time left... you have to. You're going to be a legend...aren't you?

Flaudia... No. No!

You can do it... I know you can. So promise me...

I...I promise. So just promise me you won't die!

Hah... A selfish kid...until the very end... I'm so glad...I could have friends like you...

This has been...the greatest adventure...

......

F-Flaudia...?

......

This can't be happening...

Sh-She's...gone...

And I couldn't do a damn thing!

Ungh...

Wh-What do we do now?

...We must return to base. The others deserve to know, so they may mourn her as well. I trust you have no qualms, Wryz.

Yeah...

This is awful...

To think the damage would stretch this far...

Wryz! There you are! Thank heavens you're safe. Things got pretty rough here, so we could only imagine what it was like for you folks...

Is everyone okay? Where's Flaudia?

W-Well, she...

Allow me.

I can't believe it. Flaudia's gone...

And here I thought we'd all made it out alive...

It's all my fault. I...

That's not true. The rest of us couldn't do a thing...

What're we gonna do now? A lotta folks really lost heart when that dragon started movin'.

We...we had no idea what we were up against, what it would mean to fight a dragon of that size. That thing's no ordinary monster. It's a disaster on wings.

Well...we should all get some rest. This day has been hard on us all.

Especially... No. It's nothing.

R-Right... I think I wanna be alone for a little while...

I'll tend to the wounded!

I must be with my thoughts for a moment.

Maybe it's time we cut our losses...

What do we do now? Our opponent is too strong, and everyone in Arcadia is exhausted...

But...if we give up now, that monster'll head for the mainland. And more people will get hurt. I don't wanna see that happen. But at the same time...

I can't believe this is happening... I was such a damn fool with my head in the clouds. It was stupid of me to even think we could kill that dragon without losin' anyone.

If we keep up the fight...will more people die? Cerius? Sazanca? Utpalaka and Aldo? ...Everyone? Flaudia made me promise I'd kill that dragon, but I...

I have no need of emotion. And yet...I cannot deny the restlessness inside of me.

But...this may be a good thing. Maintaining my composure as always would be disrespectful to Flaudia's sacrifice. We should all be mourning her death now.

Sometimes powerful warriors...are called dragons. But you're not the type...to just lie down and rest. So I want you...to kill that beast...

...No. This is no time to get emotional. Right now, what we need most is logic. If we are to truly respect her wishes, we must keep the organization alive and slay that dragon.

And in order to do that, I must stay true to the path of reason.