Chapter 4: The Dragon and Safiya

“Owens, from this moment forth, you are in command of the other four men. In battle, I expect you to organize them effectively. Of course, I will be the one to give the final orders,” Count Draxel instructed.

Owens bowed respectfully in response. “As you command, my lord.”

With that, Draxel rallied his group. “Alright, let’s muster our strength and venture deeper into the mountain range!”

The men nodded in unison, their voices echoing their leader’s determination. “As you command, my lord.”

The mountain range before them was lush with an array of fruit trees, each adding to the vibrant tapestry of life that flourished there. The air was rich with the sweet scent of ripe fruits, a fragrance that seemed to encapsulate the very essence of the forest. The temperature was just right, complemented by the presence of crystal-clear springs that dotted the hillsides. 

On a continent ravaged by war and chaos, this pristine sanctuary stood out as a beacon of peace and tranquility.

In future years, poets would often liken these Abyssal Mountains to a veritable paradise. Draxel thought their comparisons hit the mark, though they might have even downplayed its splendor.

[Evaluation: You sure are sentimental. You came here to ride and slash, yet here you are, admiring the scenery.]

‘Shut up, shut up, you boring system,’ Draxel retorted in his mind.

Suddenly, by a spring, Draxel’s gaze fell upon a young maiden. She stood there with her elegant, willowy figure, her innocent face framed by delicate features, all of which were accentuated by the graceful green dress she wore. She was the very embodiment of beauty and ethereal grace. That was what went through Draxel’s mind.

[Task Completed]

[Character Acquaintance: Safiya]

‘What the heck? I came here searching for a dragon, and they think they can sidetrack me with a beautiful woman? Also, where’s my reward for completing the task?’ Draxel grumbled inwardly. 

‘System, please give me an explanation,’ he said.

[Please continue playing the game]

‘Fantastic. Just fantastic!’

Having taken a moment to compose himself, Draxel slowly made his way toward the young lady.

‘So her name is Safiya, huh? What a beautiful name, indeed.’

Safiya was a war orphan who had the good fortune of being adopted by the dragon clan in the Eastern Abyss Mountain Range. From a young age, she lived in harmony with the proud and untamed ancient dragons.

However, there were no other humans in the mountain range, and though she longed to explore the world beyond, her attempts to leave were always thwarted by the dragons. They lived in peace and solitude, not wanting to expose her to the chaos of war and armies that might follow her back to their sanctuary.

Safiya was full of spirit and mischief, and she had even thought of sneaking away. However, the mountain range had only one entrance, visible only to those with dragon blood, whether human or animal. So, Safiya had never managed to leave the maze-like mountains. Without the system’s guidance, even Count Draxel wouldn’t have found this place.

“Hello, Miss. My name is Draxel,” he said.

Safiya, who hadn’t seen another human for over a decade, was overjoyed and began to dance around excitedly.

“Oh my God, a person. How is this possible? Where did you come from? How did you get here? What are you doing here?”

She chattered away, not giving Count Draxel a chance to answer. Seeing him blush and stand awkwardly, Safiya laughed and slowed down.

“I’m sorry. I got too excited. It’s been so long since I’ve spoken to anyone. My name is Safiya.”

“That’s a beautiful name.”

“So, Draxel, where are you from?”

“I am from the 21st cent– no, scratch that. I’m from Uxkhal.”

[System prompt: What? Can’t think straight when you see a beautiful woman? Tongue-tied?]

‘Go away, don’t disturb my thoughts,’ Draxel mentally admonished the system.

Hearing this, Safiya instinctively stepped back, fear flickering in her eyes. She hadn’t brought her bow and arrows, not even a dagger.

Safiya suddenly noticed that, not far from her, there were several new recruits in tattered clothing.

Sneaking another glance at Draxel, she realized something else. His attire might not be extravagant, but the inherent aura of leadership he exuded, coupled with the unfamiliar banner rising behind him, signified to her that he must be a noble.

But what unnerved her the most was the sword hanging at Draxel’s waist, still stained with the blood of bandits.

“Um, are you… from the Kingdom of Swadia?”

“Don’t be afraid, I won’t harm you. To be frank, I am a Count from the Kingdom of Swadia, and Uxkhal is my domain.”

She would forever remember that fateful afternoon in her hometown, the village of Nomar. The orchard in the village brimmed with vitality. Farmers joyfully called to one another as they pollinated the fruit trees. The squeaky noises of wooden pumps, the calls of livestock, and the flowing water from the meticulously maintained canals all contributed to the village’s prosperity.

Then, abruptly, a cavalry troop from Swadia shattered the village’s tranquility. They pillaged, burned, and murdered without any semblance of humanity. Her parents had died under the knights’ swords.

Later, she discovered that the troops belonged to Uxkhal, intent on conquering her village. At that time, the young and energetic Lord of Uxkhal was none other than Count Delinard, the very man recently assassinated.

Her childhood trauma and terror reawakened, Safiya grew increasingly anxious and called out for help from the dragons, “Don’t come near me! Rollins, come save me now.”

Rollins, the legendary black dragon of the Eastern Abyss Mountain Range, was also known as the Black Reaper who had sent countless lives on the path leading to hell. 

Radiating an intense heat, capable of spewing flames that could devastate the heavens and the earth, it had adopted Safiya. This was the Black Reaper’s sole instance of compassion and pity toward humans.

At this moment, sensing a deep connection, Rollins began to rouse from its slumber not far away, taking flight at a blistering speed. As it violently flapped its wings, a tremendous wind was unleashed, causing the entire mountain range to tremble. Its body exuded an intense heat, nearly setting the forest ablaze.

Draxel and his troops were toppled over by the overpowering vibrations, falling to the ground, incapacitated.

‘Damn, dragons are frighteningly powerful,’ Draxel couldn’t help but think. Humans were so insignificant in its presence.

In an instant, Rollins had flown before the gathered crowd. Seeing Safiya’s terrified expression, its draconic face contorted with a volatile rage. It let out a roar that tore the sky.

“Who dares lay a hand on my child Safiya?” Rollins demanded.

“No one has touched your child,” Draxel replied.

“Roar? You can understand my speech?” Rollins asked, surprised.

“As you can see, I indeed understand. My name is Draxel.”

“Roar… Only the prophesized chosen one among the Dragon Clan can understand our language. Hmm, Draxel…”

“It appears I am that chosen one,” Draxel stated.

“Roar. Don’t be so sure of yourself. I can still throw you into the ocean to feed the crocodiles,” Rollins warned.

“I stand corrected. I shall hold my tongue,” Draxel acquiesced.

Safiya was stunned by the scene unfolding before her eyes. She had lived here for over a decade, usually discerning Rollins’ intentions through its expressions and eye movements. She had never understood its speech. Yet, here was this Count, capable of not only understanding but also conversing with the dragon.