Strange Combination of Travelers (10)
It was three Black Dragons. Just like Ergaduk, they had six wings and three tails, spewing long trails of acidic mist as they hurtled through the sky at terrifying speeds—the strongest species on land.
Legendary dragons that only appeared in history books at the level of wild tales were showing up right in front of me again...? What kind of prank was this... no, Goddess? Are you messing with me?
"Erg, what the hell is that?"
"I told you I escaped my habitat, right? They're the ones chasing me down."
"Hmm... so what now? Talk them down, or settle it with fists?"
"No idea. But they won't give up until they drag me back to the habitat."
Ergaduk glanced back at me as he eyed his kin.
"Boss, you should bail here. This is Black Dragon business—I'll handle it."
By then, the dragons had closed to a distance where they could communicate, hovering in place.
「Ergaduk, we finally meet.」
One of the Black Dragons spoke in a deferential tone.
「What in the world is that form? Have you been walking around polymorphed like that this whole time?」
「Yeah. Dodges detection magic, no hassle from humans—convenient all around.」
Ergaduk replied matter-of-factly, like it was no big deal.
What...? Did they have ranks or hierarchy among themselves...?
The Black Dragon that had been silent spoke up.
「You've had your fun—now come back. Ergaduk. The Lord and elders are worried.」
「You don't seriously expect me to say yes to that, do you?」
「Ergaduk... the Lord...」
Ergaduk cut the Black Dragon off firmly.
「Go back and tell my father: forget about me, Ergaduk. I have no interest in becoming Lord, and I'm sure as hell not returning to the island.」
Lord? And he had a father?
Another Black Dragon spoke.
「But Ergaduk, what about Siliapari? You don't care about her at all?」
「My fiancée, you mean?」
Well, well... he had a fiancée too...?
Listening from the sidelines like a third wheel was pretty entertaining.
「That engagement was decided by the Lord and elders without even asking me. Why should I worry about her?」
「Because... Siliapari crossed to this continent searching for you, Ergaduk. She split from us midway and went a different way—are you really going to leave her wandering this unfamiliar land?」
「That's not my problem.」
「Even so, Siliapari loves you, Ergaduk...」
Ergaduk declared in a stern voice.
「Go back—all of you! Tell them my will and make sure no more pursuers come to this continent.」
Now that I thought about it, the Black Dragons' conversation was far more dignified and polite than most humans'. Dragons were supposed to be savage, brutal brutes with no manners whatsoever.
If these had been normal dragons, they'd be hurling insults and breaths at each other by now, causing total chaos.
The three Black Dragons glanced at one another while flapping in midair.
「Ergaduk, when we left the island, we were ordered to bring you back by any means necessary. If words fail...」
「You mean to drag me by force?!」
The roar shook the air with fury, making the Black Dragons tuck their tails and retreat.
「You think three of you can take me?! Dare to challenge Ergaduk?!」
The Black Dragons could only exchange uneasy glances, saying nothing.
At that moment, my vision flashed blindingly white, and I felt my body stretching endlessly.
I opened my eyes to find us standing in Mideronde's research lab backyard.
"Kyaaah!"
The spectators screamed and scattered around us.
It wasn't me—they were fleeing Ergaduk.
"Boss, got any spare clothes?"
His polymorph had shredded all his clothes.
"Both of you, over here."
Mideronde beckoned from the front yard.
She summoned clothes for Ergaduk to wear—black garb matching his hair and eyes. It really screamed "polymorphed Black Dragon."
"Goddess... no, where'd Piana go? That blonde slacker from earlier."
"No clue. She vanished mid-teleport here. Who the hell was she?"
"Hmm... dunno. Not sure if I should say. Anyway, why'd the teleport take so long if you were gonna do it?"
Mideronde replied with a slightly offended look.
"Four Black Dragons weighed down the mana field like crazy. Extracting just you and Ergaduk was no small feat."
"Well... glad it worked. How far are we from there?"
"Far enough to seriously throw off any pursuit. They could backtrack the mana traces, but it'll be tough."
Relief finally washed over Ergaduk's face.
"Thank you, Elf mage. I'll be safe from my kin for a while now. They were all familiar faces—I worried I'd have to kill them."
Ergaduk cleared his throat and asked politely.
"Anyway... could I trouble you for a sip of that delicious drink? My throat's parched after all that."
"Oh? Sure. Hey, Mideronde—me too. Apple wine."
She frowned at my casual demand.
"Sorry, Balder. That lazy blonde drank all the fermented apple wine she prepped."
"What...? That jerk... Next time I see her, I'm saying something. Total freeloader."
Well, she is the Goddess, so of course she'd freeload...
"This is the last of it."
Mideronde poured half into two glasses each.
"So, Boss—how do you hold your own against a Black Dragon true form as a human?"
"All thanks to my ancestors."
"Ancestors...?"
"One of them was so strong, you wouldn't think he was human. That power's been passed down the line."
I didn't say something lame like, The Holy Sword would've ended it in one swing. The Holy Sword operated outside the world's rules anyway—not relevant here. Though only I could wield it.
"Speaking of ancestors, Erg—you a dragon prince or something?"
"Ah, yes... the Lord thing. Yeah..."
Ergaduk explained calmly.
Unlike other dragons, Black Dragons formed communities, so they needed leaders—called "Lords." The position passed to heirs like human kings, tied to a specific bloodline like the Kings of Revenge.
"So that's why those three Black Dragons couldn't do anything to you despite ganging up."
"Yes. What shocked me was fighting you, Boss. No brag, but as Lord's blood, I'm way stronger than average kin. And yet you..."
Hmm... so Ergaduk was off-spec like me. The strongest even among Black Dragons, dragons of dragons.
Makes sense—he took all my hits without flinching and kept coming.
"Anyway... I wanted to see it through to the end, but circumstances say no, Boss."
"Can't be helped. Situation's the situation. So what's next?"
"Now that my kin's crossed to the continent, staying put's risky. Thinking of grabbing Liana and heading out right away."
"Smart move."
We downed the apple wine and ported back to the inn together.
Back at the inn, Ergaduk briefed Liana and packed immediately. As constant travelers, they were ready to go in seconds.
Liana pouted, eyeing the inn and Lurtjog's head.
"It's a shame, Ergaduk. This inn was so nice."
"No choice. Can't stay forever."
"True, but..."
Idwild approached giggling.
"Hehe... Liana... bye... was fun few days..."
"Take care, Idwild. Stay healthy."
They tried hugging... but it was awkward. Both had massive chests, making it kinda weird.
Ergaduk offered a handshake.
"Thanks. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
"Become a lord for sure. Duke if possible—hook me up."
"Will do."
Mideronde, watching, spoke up.
"You said you're heading to Tarda Kingdom?"
"Yes. East from here, cross the border."
She snapped her fingers, opening a dimensional gate.
"Gate to Tarda Kingdom. Two teleports in a row should make tracking near impossible for your kin."
"Ah, how to thank you..."
"The spectacle was thanks enough. My spatial distortion magic getting wrecked bruised my pride, though."
Ergaduk and Liana bid us all farewell and stepped through the gate.
A Black Dragon prince fleeing his habitat to become a lord... probably the first of his kind since the world began. Hope he makes it—might score some benefits.
The gate closed, and we dispersed to our tasks.
As I headed inside, someone entered the yard and called.
"Excuse me, sorry. Could I ask you something?"
Turning, I saw a pale woman with jet-black hair and eyes looking at me.