A Sword of Regret and a Dragon's Summons
I laughed. "It's so weird."
I just couldn't wrap my head around Haring, who was sobbing her eyes out in the corner of my nest. The treasure vault was piled high with all sorts of treasures I'd hoarded over my 300 years of life—and even some from before that. Among them were national treasures from entire kingdoms, divine relics, legendary weapons. She wasn't blind; if she'd just picked one decent thing, she could've passed for a hero. But no, she chose a random training sword out of all the ones scattered around.
I'd given her multiple chances to swap it out, but her resolve was rock-solid, so I let her take it. "My legendary... my legendary sword, give it baaaack..."
And now here she was, whining to trade it. Hilarious. I watched her bang her head against the nest wall, then turned my gaze to the heroes battling the golem. She'd figure it out and start training on her own eventually.
When's that reply coming, anyway? Even if it was late, it should've arrived by now...
"She didn't die, did she?"
[Is the weapon AscentGaller got from the hidden quest any good?] (69)
Author: HiddenJobPlz (Screenshot of Ancient Dragon Sword stats)
AscentGaller, who returned after 3 weeks, got this as a hidden quest reward. Is it good? Attack is nearly epic max, but the sub-options look kinda meh and plain. The dragon sword design is cool though... I figured it'd be at least unique. Hmm...
+AscentGaller vibe was trash lol
[Analysis of the sword AscentGaller got] (128)
Author: Evan (Screenshot of Ancient Dragon Sword stats)
Pure specs-wise, yeah it's good for an epic. Attack is only ~5 off max, all-stats up, resistance series are solid. Fine for 'newbie' stage. But around level 20 you'll get better gear. Proper epic with 3 enchants hits 50+ attack easy, stats covered by other slots. If it were accessory or something maybe, but as a single weapon? Trash. Recommend using till you upgrade.
"Haa..."
Haring closed the gallery app and stood up. For about two days, she'd been extremely regretting her choice, trying every trick to swap for a legendary weapon. But every time, the answer was 'nope.' The ageless little dragon girl had zero intention of trading. If anything, she smirked like it was a joke.
Adorably punchable brat. Haring's hands trembled, but there was nothing she could do. Only one option left.
Golem.
The thing most heroes in the nest were challenging. Land a solid hit, get a one-time treasure vault pass. Clutching the Ancient Dragon Sword, Haring boldly challenged the golem.
Woooong.
The golem that had knocked out countless heroes, proudly raising its arm. Normally, she'd never even touch it, but Haring was different now.
Letter delivery quest had leveled her up nicely, and she'd done her 2nd job change on the way back. With 3 titles and the sword's all-stats boost, her raw specs were near double-digit ranker level!
Haring dashed faster than anyone in the nest, striking the golem's right arm.
And.
"Guhk!"
She got punched and flew.
"Knight Commander."
"Can't meet today either?"
"Yes."
"It's urgent. Make sure His Majesty knows."
"Yes. But he said to wait."
"...Understood."
Legion Kingdom's villa—more like a full castle. Here lived the world's hero, retired former emperor.
Adella visited daily to see him, but today, like always, she had to turn away for some reason.
This is bad. Need to deliver that letter ASAP.
From the exalted Flame Dragon Lea, it had to be important. Tied to the kingdom, maybe the world. Had to deliver and get a reply fast.
But meeting the retired emperor wasn't easy, no matter Adella's efforts.
'Retired' meant no interest in kingdom politics or world affairs. Just peacefully passing his days.
"Haa..."
Clack clack.
"Knight Commander, why so many sighs?"
"I feel like I'm failing due to my shortcomings."
"Really? Seems like you're doing fine to me."
"...If so, I wouldn't be standing here twiddling my thumbs."
If Adella could push a bit more. Burst in claiming urgency and face the former emperor.
But Adella had lived 26 years strictly by the rules. Obey discipline, uphold knightly duty, banish non-sword thoughts.
How could she kick down the door to his villa? Forbidden.
Hmm...
"Is that so? Your grandma's grandma was pretty bold, as I recall."
"...?"
"Climbed too high too young, whipping yourself now. I'll put in a good word. No one'll dismiss you."
"...Pardon?"
Adella finally turned. A white-haired elder walking the long palace corridor with her.
Legion Kingdom's former emperor, world-saving hero Bahamut Legion.
Adella broke into cold sweat, kneeling hastily.
"Y-Your Majesty!"
"Up, up. What formalities for this old retired fool."
"I-I was blind and rude! Behead me!"
"Tsk tsk. Old man jokes once and you talk beheading? I'd get it from Iri."
Bahamut chuckled heartily, patting the knight commander's shoulder. Stooped back, but frame still massive as any knight.
Adella swallowed, rising carefully.
"So. What's up?"
"Flame Dragon sent a letter."
"...Lea?"
"Yes."
Adella offered the carefully preserved letter. Managed meticulously since Haring, but folded like a kid's prank. Sloppy, rude for an emperor.
But Bahamut took it naturally.
"Familiar shape."
Flap.
Dead?
If not dead, manage the heroes. They keep coming.
Goddess seems senile, ask her why she did this.
Got long stuff to say? Too lazy to go, so you come.
Started biting. No fluff, straight to point.
Bahamut burst laughing at the word choice, unseen in ages.
"This old man's no manager. Next gen's job."
Even if he could, shouldn't.
"Senile... Blasphemous, but not wrong."
Too many heroes now. Unmatched to his era.
Current emperor and talents discussing policy; it'd settle fine. Heroes' immortality and fearlessness would help future fights.
Up to here, familiar—and oddly normal(?) for her.
Bahamut thought so, reading the last line.
"......"
"...?"
"Puhahaha!!"
"Y-Your Majesty?"
"Heh... Ah, driving me mad at my age."
I laughed.