To catch up with Simone, who had departed for the Dragonkin Village, we added the Thunder Dragon Vinessa to our group.
With Vinessa as our guide, she and Eselda transformed into their dragon forms, allowing us to climb onto their backs and take to the skies once more.
「It’s going to be a rough ride, so brace yourselves.」
「Got it.」
I’d expected as much from Vinessa’s personality, but her flying style was far rougher than Eselda’s or Simone’s. This time, we split into two groups. Vinessa carried Martina, Charlotte, and me, while Kiara and the others rode with Eselda. Unfortunately, Charlotte and I were already close to our limits.
Martina, on the other hand,
「This is so fast! Amazing!」
was absolutely ecstatic.
Definitely the type who’d love roller coasters.
But while I could manage for now, Charlotte looked like she was on the verge of losing more than just her composure, so I asked Vinessa to slow down a bit.
「Tch, if you’re struggling at this speed, I don’t know how you’ll manage what’s ahead.」
「We’re not going there to race, you know.」
「True, but you’re not just sightseeing either. There’s a good chance we’ll run into a fight, so you’d better be ready.」
「…!」
She was right.
Vinessa herself had a combative nature, and with the Dragon King Selection Battle underway in the village, there was always the risk of getting dragged into the conflict.
「I’ll guide you to the Dragonkin Village, but don’t expect me to guarantee your safety. Even I might get challenged to a fight.」
「If that happens, we’ll figure out a way to protect ourselves.」
My grip tightened on the handle of the Tree God Sword.
Thinking back, in every desperate fight we’d faced, Simone had been our ace in the hole. But this time, she wouldn’t be here to save us.
「Don’t worry, Bale-dono! If it comes to it, I’ll protect you!」
「And I shall support everyone with my magic!」
「Thanks, you two.」
Despite the anxiety they must’ve felt, Martina and Charlotte stood strong.
Their resolve gave me strength.
I couldn’t falter. We had to make it back to the Dungeon Farm safely—everyone, together.
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