Tale of the Red Dragon Without Dragon's Might-Chapter 15 - Crisis

The Black Ridge Mountains within the Empire's map belong to the Luge Province, but in the eyes of other countries, the mountains have always been an inherent part of their territory. As for the sparsely numbered indigenous people living there, the Black Ridge Mountains belong to no one... The only exception is the Red Dragon, who now claims dominion over the Black Ridge Mountains, an outsider who has made no such pronouncements of ownership.

The Black Ridge Mountains are truly barren: the terrain is rough and uneven, resources are scarce with no mineral deposits, and the occurrence of Alchemy Herbs suitable for gathering is rare. In such a desolate place, where even birds do not bother to leave their droppings and animal resources are scant, it makes perfect sense for the Red Dragon to occupy the area unchallenged despite everyone verbally claiming their rights over it.

To be sure, the indigenous people would have something to say about this, but they are too few in number and too weak in strength. Their voices are so diminished that no one hears them.

Even so, the situation is still better compared to the perpetually icy and snowy Great Glacier where people still reside; naturally, there are Human settlements such as Grey Mountain Town.

At this moment, Grey Mountain Town, not too far from Dragon Nest, is welcoming a group of visitors from the heartland of the Empire, its most elite region.

Sir Rogle, the local noble, oversees the important affairs of Grey Mountain Town and naturally is the one to receive these guests.

First comes the indispensable small talk and pleasantries, followed by discussions of serious matters.

"Does the Sir know the purpose of our visit?" asked a blonde woman among the guests, taking the lead.

"Because of that imperial fugitive, right?" Sir Rogle has his own sources.

"Our spy says he's currently working under the Red Dragon in the Black Ridge Mountains," the black-haired man spoke, "You've lived here for generations. You truly didn't know about this?"

Sir Rogle remained silent for a long while before answering, "I didn't know... Although this is the territory of our family, we do not reside here most of the time in a year."

The black-haired man did not press the issue further; after all, they did not come for this purpose. Changing the topic, he said, "Then, do you know more information about that Red Dragon?"

Sir Rogle was slightly prepared and spilled the information readily: "That Red Dragon arrived in the Black Ridge Mountains nearly two years ago, launched an attack on Grey Mountain Town that resulted in 50 casualties. After a unified effort to drive it back, it has remained quiet since..."

Questions and answers went back and forth, and after approximately half an hour, their discussion concluded.

The talk was over, but obviously, the matter was not so easily resolved. Soon after, the town's only tavern catering to adventurers posted a notice. After all, Sir Rogle had done some homework, but only a bit.

...

...

Cole was a native of Grey Mountain Town and also an adventurer, but not the kind of low-level adventurer found everywhere. Skilled with his profession's characteristics, he actively seeks out crises involving vicious wolf packs, giant spiders, evil Cultists, and bloodthirsty Ghouls.

"Investigate the explosion, and the Red Dragon?" Cole murmured, holding an empty bottomed glass, "The reward is quite generous... The location of the explosion, the instigator of the explosion, the origin of the Red Dragon, the temperament of the Red Dragon, the strength of the Red Dragon's followers—claim the reward for any information known?"

"Marus! Salamander!" Cole glanced over the notice, "We've got work."

Two men stood up from a corner and slowly made their way to the notice board. One of them, passing by, casually patted the large backside of a female server and asked, "What's the job? What does it say on the notice?"

Cole relayed what he had seen, and the man known as Salamander immediately shook his head, "Investigate the Red Dragon? Are you out of your mind?"

"We don't have to directly confront the Red Dragon," Cole said.

"No shit," Marus said loudly. "If we could directly challenge the Red Dragon, what are we doing here as adventurers?"

"That's an adult Red Dragon." Marus exclaimed, swinging his arms dramatically, "When it attacked Grey Mountain Town before, everyone worked together and barely managed to drive it away. Iron Hand died, he was slapped against the wall by the Red Dragon and that was it... How could he dare, that's a Red Dragon, not a Manticore, not a Peryton."

"I'm not going," the man nicknamed Salamander shook his head.

"Me neither," Marus said, "I need to provide for my family."

"If you don't go, I will. It's just an investigation; I'm a Ranger and I'm not afraid." Despite his companions' objections, Cole remained resolute.

Marus tried to persuade him but stopped seeing Cole's stubbornness.

Cole was quick to act, returning home after finishing his drink to pack his things. First came his weapons and equipment: dagger and shield, bow and arrows, and then a variety of adventurer props, from Healing Potions to poison, as well as basic rope, grappling hooks, Rock Nails... The Eternal Torch emitted magical light, never extinguishing, and a telescope, an adventurer's essential.

Cole started his mission the next day, taking an entire day to approach the Dragon Nest. Considering the exceptional eyesight of the Red Dragon, he proceeded with utmost caution until he spotted a baby dragon.

The baby dragon was not too large, not quite the size of a lion or tiger, with beautiful crimson scales shining more brilliantly than Rubies.

If he killed the baby dragon and stripped off those scales, they could easily be sold as Rubies, a single scale possibly fetching one Gold Coin.

Cole was truly tempted.

As for the investigation task, what of it? The sudden emergence of a task to investigate the explosion and the Red Dragon must have its significance; he had not considered the consequences of delaying matters of great import.

Could he withstand the wrathful pursuit of a Red Dragon grieving the loss of its young? He never considered that even a Red Dragon lacking in familial affection could not be indifferent to the killing of its child.

Do not expect too much thoughtfulness from a mere adventurer, after all, even if the world itself is just a grand stage of actors and scenario.

At the same moment, Leon had no clue that he was being watched.

That was normal; a Ranger skilled in wilderness survival isn't so easily detected without prior warning.

In any case, he was merrily trotting around the woods on light-footed steps.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

Yes, at first glance, the True Dragon with its muscular body, long thick neck, a head with horned or frilled, fanged maw, and a sinuous tail resembles a reptile, like a large lizard. In truth, a Dragon's physical features are more akin to those of a feline; it walks by stepping its hind feet into the spot of its front feet. Elegant.

He found it—a rabbit hole. Just a little digging and he'd have rabbit to eat, since eating fish every day had grown rather monotonous. Leon was happily digging away, oblivious to the approaching danger.

Cole had confidence. He couldn't handle an adult Red Dragon standing as tall as a two-story building, but a baby dragon hardly as tall as his thigh was an easy feat.

A mere baby dragon.