Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Screeeech!

Three wyverns that had been drawing a large circle in the sky suddenly descended vertically toward the ground as if they were competing to see who would go first.

Evade!

With a scream resembling that of a startled horse, knights scattered in all directions. They had realized what the three wyverns were aiming for.

Screeeech!

The Centipede, which had emerged from its burrow and become agile, tried to hide its body between the densely packed trees of the primeval forest. However, the sturdy talons of the wyverns prevented it from doing so.

The battle between the four giant beasts, each stretching several meters, was so fierce that even the valorous knights couldn't help but stare in awe.

The Centipede twisted its body to strangle the neck of a wyvern.

Another wyvern caught the Centipede and hurled it toward a rock in mid-air.

As the Centipede tried to regain its senses, the three wyverns each ripped at its head, belly, and tail.

The bodies of the wyverns were corroding due to the Centipede's poison, and some even had torn wing membranes.

But is there any creature that would be afraid of its food just because it struggles?

Rather, the wyverns became more aggressive, attacking the Centipede with powerful wing flaps and sharp talons.

Screeeech!

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After about twenty minutes of a bloody fight, the outcome was disappointing.

The exhausted Centipede was carried once again into the sky by a wyvern, and after a quarrel among the other wyverns over dividing the prey, the giant Centipede was torn into three pieces in the sky.

Whoooosh!

The Centipedes blue and dense blood poured down to the ground.

Although the knights and Dominic were covered in splashes of blood, it seemed that unlike saliva, the blood was not poisonous.

...Did you know?

"Know what?

That wyverns prey on centipedes.

Maybe about half?

Ian asked Dominic, but there was no definitive answer.

To risk everything on a fifty-fifty chance. Should we call it good luck?

Whether the wyverns would eat the Centipede was fifty-fifty. But it was almost certain that if they found the Centipede, they wouldnt leave it alone. So it's not luck, its skill and wisdom, you know.

How can you be so sure?

Other knights had also gathered around.

Even the knight who had pointed a sword at Dominic while he was casting fire magic was there.

Didnt a knight say earlier that the wyverns are here in the mountains because its their mating season?

Could you explain it in simpler terms?

It seemed that these knights were quite ignorant about animal behavior.

Gathering in a specific area during mating season means they are preparing to give birth and raise their young in that area.

Is, is that so?

Any of you married with a child?

I have a daughter. She just turned two.

A lovely age, indeed. Now, Sir Knight. What would you do if a strong, violent, and dirty creature lived near your young daughter?

Hmm.

Of course, being the honorable knight you are, you would try to civilize it, right? But what about wyverns?

...They would try to kill it.

Exactly.

Even if the wyverns did not eat the Centipede, Dominic was certain that the wyverns in mating season would definitely attack the Centipede.

By the way, will you compensate for the magical items used in the battle later?

Now that the big task was over, it seemed that thoughts of compensation had begun to surface.

***

After completing their mission, the knights and Dominic received applause and cheers from all directions.

"Can't we rest for a bit?"

But having pushed themselves to the limit mentally and physically, they filled a full day with sleep and rest.

Once the knights' fatigue had somewhat eased, the lords called them back to the command tent. They needed more specific information.

"...So everyone watched the end of the Sentinel with their eyes wide open."

"There's no doubt that many people would have suffered if it weren't for you!"

"Exactly! Have you seen its outer shell? If such a massive creature stirred the mountains, it would have been inevitable for smaller monsters to come out and attack humans."

"..."

For a moment, Dominic thought Ian might be more ambitious or power-hungry than he'd initially believed.

"The Silver Medal is awarded to those who made a major contribution."

"Yes, yes. It's an honor."

Dominic still responded indifferently.

But Ian didn't care about Dominic's reaction and continued speaking.

"The Silver Medal, awarded to the one who has made the greatest achievement, also serves as a sign that you will receive the most valuable thing captured in battle as a prize."

Thump.

Upon hearing that, Dominic dropped the pouch filled with gold coins onto the floor.

"It looks like you finally understand."

"Well, then..."

"That outer shell of the centipede. That means it's now your possession."

"Lord, may you live a thousand years!"

"Tsk."

The once-muted historical drama dialogue popped out again.

**

Although forces remained to clear residual monsters, Dominic, who had completed even the extra mission, returned to Evergreen with the Lord's permission.

And then several utterly peaceful days passed by.

Just the kind of everyday life Dominic had hoped for.

Whooosh!

Dominic, preparing a rural-style meal after a long time, stoked a strong fire in the stove.

On the cooking table were already prepared ingredients, piled up. Squid, shellfish, conch, shrimp, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, and fresh bamboo shoots were in abundance.

"I should stir-fry some pork here too."

Sizzle, sizzle.

Spicy pepper and pork started to fry in the large wok, followed by seafood and vegetables.

"Ah-. Lard is different, even the smell!"

The lard, which turned transparent in an instant upon meeting the heat, generously coated the lavish ingredients, filling the entire cooking area with a tempting aroma.

"Fire!"

Dominic stylishly exclaimed, as if chanting a magic incantation.

In reality, he was just sprinkling some high-proof alcohol to create a large flame and remove any fishy smell, but the onlookers spontaneously applauded.

"Wow! Impressive!"

"Typical Dominic! Powerful!"

Two middle-aged, well-matched burly men.

Calron and Lord Theodore Sinclair.

The jjamppong was nearing its final stages.

Dominic added red pepper powder to the ingredients, then poured in the seafood-based broth he had prepared since morning.

"Are you going to taste it first?"

"Of course!"

Dominic brought out four bowls, neatly arranged the noodles, and generously poured the red soup and ingredients over them.

One for the two middle-aged men, one for Ian, and one for himself.

"Done! My special seafood and pork jjamppong."

"Wow!"

"But are you sure you're okay? Jjamppong is really not good for gout."

"What do you take a Swordmaster's physique for!"

"...I did warn you clearly, right?"

Dominic sighed softly and handed a bowl to Lord Theodore as well.

"But why are you eating here when you're staying at the resort? Our resort food is quite good."

"I've been eating it since before you came, and I'm already sick of it. Ah! This is great! Men's food! It's got a kick, haha!"

Dominic saw the thick sweat on their foreheads and their panting lips. They were clearly finding it spicy, but they put on a bravado until the end.

"When are you going back? You can't stay here forever."

"Well, I have to see the auction of your outer shell at least. They say it's going to be a big festival?"

"There's still quite some time until it happens, you know?"

"Hehe, what I have in abundance are strength and time."

Wearing a floral embroidered shirt, long-term resort guest Lord Theodore strolled around the village leisurely.