Chapter 322
Chapter 322
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 322
Chapter Title: Chapter 8-1. Reillysa, Land of the Dragonkin
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Story 15. Reillysa.
Reillysa, the nation of dragonkin transformed into a scorched land by one of the fragments that fell from the heavens in the past—Requiem—still carries on its legacy.
Though it has weakened significantly compared to its former mighty power, the surviving dragonkin and other races migrated eastward and resettled beside the massive mountain range known as Dragon's Valley.
Just like in the old days, Reillysa remains a reclusive country, little known to humans. Not even the Mage Tower could establish a presence there, and adventurers were barred unless they were non-humans. Yes, unless a human has some extraordinary circumstance, they should absolutely avoid heading there.
Over the long years, the dragonkin's hostility toward humans has softened somewhat, but it's only softened—they still don't like humans. Some even harbor outright enmity.
However, unlike with humans, they are extremely generous to other races. Using their formidable magic and robust physical abilities, they readily exterminate the monsters plaguing neighboring lands. They also enchant dwarven armor and weapons, or elven and fairy-made garments, with intricate and highly effective spells that even skilled mages can't easily replicate, turning them into treasures beyond mere luxuries, which they gift away.
Rumors spread whenever clothing or gear enchanted by dragonkin appears at auctions in human empires or kingdoms, drawing nobles and tycoons with vaults overflowing with gold coins.
This is just about the only solid information known about the dragonkin nation, Reillysa.
Since humans can't go there themselves, all knowledge comes from compiling reports from other races—mere speculation at best.
Among the info shared by other races, it's said that Reillysa houses temples to the Holy King Yophiel of the Celestial Realm and the Demon Lord Xian of the Demon Realm side by side. Apparently, the two temples even face each other across a single street.
Though the Holy King and Demon Lord are polar opposites in opposition, their priests don't fight or condemn each other. On the contrary, come evening, you can often see them clinking glasses together at taverns. Occasionally, a priest of the Holy King will visit the Demon Lord's temple, or vice versa, to give a lecture.
Haha, what nonsense.
But perhaps in the dragonkin nation, it's just taken as normal culture.
The First Monarch, Xian, is said to be the origin of the dragon tribe. And there's the tale that if an imperfect dragonkin catches Xian's eye, they can be reborn as a true dragon tribesman.
Of course, actual dragon tribesmen wouldn't take kindly to such stories.
Oh, speaking of dragon tribesmen.
This is pure rumor, but...
True dragon tribesmen are said to wander the streets of Reillysa. No one knows who or where, but with luck, you might encounter one.
+ + +
Though they walked without a set destination, the party's steps were light. Trading the scorching desert sands for soft, vibrant earth, and stifling air for fresh breaths—it was only natural.
In high spirits, Arhil hummed a tune a step behind, her clear voice carrying a surprisingly addictive rhythm that nearly made him unconsciously hum along to the repeating part.
Matching his steps to her humming, Iris—walking beside him—suddenly remembered something. She pulled a notepad from her pocket and scribbled, then quickly held it out to Judah when he glanced over curiously.
-What will you do when we reach Reillysa?
"...In Reillysa? Hmm, not sure."
Beyond escorting Selion there, he had no specific plans.
'All there is to do in Reillysa is buy gear and supplies, right?'
From what he recalled, everything sold there—gear, clothes, ingredients—boasted exceptional quality.
So, he planned to pick up new equipment and check out enchanted accessories.
Of course, he wouldn't forget stocking up on street food, water, spices, and various edibles in the <Bag>.
With gold overflowing, he could spend freely. One blessing of this game-world setting was the uniform currency everywhere.
Copper, silver, gold coins.
Even if the reverses bore different kingdom or empire emblems, their value and specs were standard, making purchases hassle-free.
Raking in gold through gambling in Uruun had been a godsend.
Now, visiting kingdoms or empires meant obligatory buys: famous foods, portable lunches, ingredients, clothes.
Beyond that, what else in Reillysa?
'Really, what was there?'
He had no immediate answer for Iris. Judah gave a troubled look.
"Not sure. Nothing comes to mind right away. Besides buying clothes, gear, and ingredients there, no other plans. Not much is known about Reillysa anyway."
-Yeah. It'd be nice if there was something fun to sightsee and relax with.
Judah nodded, lost in thought. Was there really nothing special to do in Reillysa?
There was. But saving Esther Selion had nullified it.
Originally, killing her granted a consumable heart item boosting magic power by 5 to nearly 10, plus the necklace and earrings called Dragonkin Legacy.
They had survived Requiem's flames unscathed; Selion still wore them.
Showing them to the dragonkin guarding Reillysa's gates would grant immediate passage to the palace. Meeting the current king and handing them over yielded fitting rewards and a quest for a somewhat helpful ally in Dragon's Valley.
But with her alive, the magic-boosting heart was off the table.
The necklace and earrings—Dragonkin Legacy—she wore herself, and since he was saving rather than killing her, rewards would come easily without hassle.
Maybe even treasure-grade items; worth some anticipation.
'Anything else...?'
Judah pulled up the <Memo> window to check. With memory fuzzy beyond standard quests, nothing major seemed pending.
'Ah, right.'
Just some traits or skills. Companions too, but ones Judah deemed unnecessary.
No fragments.
Not just Reillysa—Synops, the beastkin kingdom guarding the vast Dragon's Valley lands, and Jin had none either. No need to head there post-Reillysa.
Companions available, but redundant now. With top-tier unexpected allies Arhil and Esther Selion alongside Iris.
If Lime left later, maybe recruit a mage, but conquering the Iron Labyrinth in the Black Lands made it unneeded.
Nice to have, but fine without.
Quests for stat boosts or hefty gold rewards existed, but again, skippable.
Scrolling down the <Memo>, Judah's eyes stopped.
'Ah. This one.'
-Help the Dragon Tribesman.
A quest helping a dragon tribesman visiting Reillysa for fun. Completing it granted useful buffs for entering the next fragment site, Dragon's Valley.
Game reward only, so he'd sidelined it as non-essential here.
But reconsidering, seeking and aiding this dragon tribesman seemed worthwhile. Unlike the game, in this real world, it'd likely yield more than buffs—indirect aid or useful items, probably.
'Now I've got one thing to do in Reillysa.'
As he thought that, Arhil behind him looked at Selion.
"Um, Selion?"
Selion, who smiled brightly at Judah, turned to Arhil with a slight frown at her name. Her sharp gaze and eyes felt intimidating.
'Better than completely stone-faced like Iris, at least.'
Seeing the frown made Arhil second-guess if she'd offended her somehow. With no response despite starting the talk, Selion tilted her head.
"What's up?"
Her voice brimmed with cool intensity, laced with power—nothing like how she spoke to Judah. Arhil gave a wry smile.
"If it's okay, could you tell me what Reillysa was famous for in the past?"
"Famous for?"
"Yes."
Judah, Iris, and Lime perked up too, listening in.
Selion hummed thoughtfully as she walked. Though fragment-enchanted for over a century repeating the same loop, her past memories weren't fully erased.
Trying to recall, bits surfaced.