Woodland Drake
A drake whose main habitats are forests and woods. These drakes possess the ability to control the vegetation around them through their mana, aiding in their growth and nurturing them when damaged; in return, vegetation will listen to their commands, fighting alongside their protector against the forests foes. The wood and moss growing off the body is actually its shell and loose-hanging scales respectively, giving this physically hardy dragonkin even higher defenses. Rank C
My eyes burnt and a sense of competition awoke inside my soul as I eyed the giant erald-scaled komodo dragon-shaped monster, towering over at around the size of a mammoth with a lizards length adjusted to its extra size. If I were to compare it to my own dragon form, then I would be only slightly shorter, since I was a dragon and he a drake
The biggest difference between a dragon and a drake, according to the evolution descriptions I read when I had the option to evolve during my earliest days in Belzac Forest, was the fact that drakes were built entirely for land traversal due to a lack of wings. Using the drake in front of as a reference, I could conclude that a drake had a sturdier, bulkier fra compared to my more lean, serpent-like form. Of course, this might not be true for future encounters.
Nevertheless, seeing this drake, no, Cernust evoked a desire to test my strength against him, to see who was the apex predator in this area. Thoughts like this is my territory, or arrogant ones like why havent you lowered your head were circling inside my head without any reason. My reasonable side had no idea where all of this was coming from. It was as if my instincts were going haywire again.
And the worst part about all of this was this creeping feeling of [Battle Frenzy] rearing its head. I wanted to fight, I wanted to fight Cernust right now, right here. To unleash flas upon anybody who hasnt bowed their head or tucked their tails between their legs yet. It was suffocating and sohow, I had a feeling Cernust understood this.
Kr-Krauuuuuu?! Without checking on how Severa was, Cernust not only reciprocated my roar but was now in a pose suggesting he was wary of . His antlers were directed at like a buck.
Krriiihaaaaaaaaaa, I hissed at him for so reason.
At this point, I was sure that my body was taking over my actions once again, and I wasnt even sure why. Cernust clearly wasnt showing any hostility towards , so it couldnt be self-defense, right? The last ti this happened was after Shiternos stupid decision to bless with his title, and, if I could count it, was when my [Battle Frenzy] reached the moderate phase.
It was partly because of those two events that I decided upon the sunfang dragon as my evolution choice since it was described as a relatively calm, albeit prideful, dragon in the description. So why was I acting up like a bitch having a hissy fit?
Lady Hestia. Sothing cold suddenly touched my shoulder, cooling down my fired-up body. Ever since I was reborn as a dragon, I havent exactly been a big fan of the cold; cold water and our attempts to make ice cream may have tasted good, but I still preferred warm food. So, normally the cold would have been annoying, but this felt comforting, like putting the AC on the lowest temperature after a warm, sumr school day. Please, calm down. Its alright, its alright. The whispers were like a lody.
Yeah, yeah, calm down. Cool it down. Nothing is wrong. I wont let my body go berserk again, and hurt everybody.
I slamd shut my eyelids and slapped my cheeks until they felt like they were burning, preventing this aggressive feeling from growing any further, before roaring into the sky to release all this negative feeling. I dont know how long I scread, but once I was finished, my throat felt sore and dry, a sign that I strained my voice far too carelessly.
As I huff-puffed to fill up my lungs again, a finger tapped my shoulder, making turn my head towards the person. It was Tasianna, who was holding a cyan-colored cup filled with water. She was the one who cald down.
Thank you, I told her before accepting the cup of water made using her new catalyst. Im sorry for the scream.
There is no need, my Lady. I am here to serve you. Besides, I managed to activate [Air Shield] in ti so my ears didnt explode. Hie hie. Hearing Tasianna giggle was like music to my ears.
Once I was done drinking, I handed her the cup back and turned to Cernust, who looked like he was confused at what was happening. Sohow, I was able to understand his expressions despite the clear lack of facial movents on his dragon head.
Cernust, sorry for that, uhm, I-We can handle this matter later. How about you check on your girlfriend first? The situation was too awkward for . Never would I have thought Id et a drake here and now. It would be better if I had my dragon-to-dragon talk later.
However, before this would be possible, there was sothing that I had to resolve first. A young man in armor covered with dirt was shaking in his boots as he pointed his sword at the beast standing before him. His eyes showed a fire to fight back his opposition, but his trembling arms werent fully complying to his wish.
Sir Antonio, stand down! I called him out.
S-Stand down?! A d-dragon has sneaked into Artorias! Lady Shrine Maiden, even if you are a servant of the Goddess, I do not care for what you have to say! T-This is not Loatryx! We do not revere these beasts here! Antonio snapped at . It was likely that fear was controlling his actions right now.
Honestly, if I were a normal person and suddenly a giant lizard were to appear right in front of , towering over by quite a few heads, then I would probably also act unreasonably. I couldnt bla him for what he was saying. However, what I could do was calm him down.
I activated [Benevolent Aura]. It was still at a low level, but it was better than nothing.
Benevolent Aura
An aura that sends out the users inner nature in the form of an aura. People affected by the aura are soothed by the users good-natured spirit, calming them down from ntal and emotional burdens. Higher levels increase the efficiency of curing ntal and emotional status ailnts
Sir Antonio, please, this isnt trying to preach to you about Loatryxian culture or anything. In fact, I couldnt care less if Cernust were a drake or not. Please, calm down, and think of this more reasonably. As a knight, you have a duty to assess situations with a clear mind, correct? It was the sa argunt we had before but, this ti, I really had to convince him to drop his sword. Why did Cernust reveal his secret here? Wasnt it to rescue your sister who was in danger of being attacked by four wild monsters? You can see tree branches having slain them over there, the handiwork of Cernust here.
I pointed at the grizzly and three wargs hanging off in the corner, even showing that Saori was guarding Severa at this mont before continuing. If Cernust actually was a kidnapper, then why did he save your sister? He had a good opportunity to flee when we all moved to save your sister. Even now, in his current form, why isnt he rampaging? With the ability to control and accelerate the growth rate of vegetation, it would be desirable for him to keep fighting here, as you should be aware from your earlier battle with him.
Then explain to why did he run away with my sister, my Lady?! Antonio shouted. I gave him the opportunity to surrender! Yes, I might have acted too impulsive as a knight, but it still does not change the fact he kidnapped a noblewoman! I will ask forgiveness from Goddess Erithia and Sir Yeostar later in church; however, I do not believe I acted unfairly here! This ma-drake is a criminal!
He is not a criminal! That shout wasnt from , but from soone who could explain this situation better than . Severa, supported by Saori as it seed that she injured her leg, ca forward to reason with her brother. He did not take away by force, brother Antonio. The decision was mine alone, I wanted to run away from ho. Cernust was my opportunity to free myself from everything.
Severa?!
I-I will explain everything, so please, sheathe your blade. Look, even Bornelli isnt willing to fight. She was right, the aggressive hippogryph was still glaring daggers at Cernust but was showing none of the bloodthirst from before. Honestly, hippogryphs must really hate dragonkins if it wasnt scared or shivering before Cernust, despite being a rank below him.
Thankfully, after that, Antonio reluctantly sheathed his sword and cald down. He gave Cernust a look of wariness as he stared at his drake form, but stopped as he wanted to help his sister. Cernust nodded his head at and a blue mist appeared from his body.
The mist started to disperse, revealing Cernusts form, however, it was different from the form Id seen before. All his bull features were now completely gone as traits of his drake form took over. Instead of bull horns, he had antlers. Green scales covered his arms and legs, and he had thick, sharp claws on his fingers and toes. A moss-like fur was growing from his neck down to his shoulder, although, if the description of his drake form was correct, this moss should be part of his scales too. He also had a long, lizard tail now instead of his bovine one. He wasnt a bovline anymore; he was a dragonewt.
It seems he only had his pants on. Considering our situation, I would hazard a guess that only his pants were made from mana threads, while the rest of his equipnt probably exploded after he transford. Its a sha about the gauntlets, honestly.
As he ca closer, Cernust suddenly kowtowed and tucked his tail between his legs, before speaking in a subservient tone, I apologize for not recognizing your scent earlier, your highn-UHWARGHHHHHHHHHHH!
For so reason, Cernust was sent flying into the distance.
KYAAAHHHH! SHUT UP! Oh, thats right, its cause I kicked him.
Lady Hestia?!?!?!
Ahhhh! Verdammt, Im sorry, Cernust!
Still, how did he know?
He wasnt able to end his sentence before I kicked him away, but I was sure he was about to say sothing about royalty or sothing, and I just instinctively kicked him to stop him from saying that. My gut told to do it, I swear.
After apologizing to Cernust about what happened, I whispered to him to keep quiet for now about everything. After I healed Severas sprained ankle, Antonio found a place for them to sit. anwhile, my party was inspecting the monsters who attacked Severa when we noticed that they had collars and so scrap armor equipped on them. Since Saori had just beco a tar, she presud they were so tars monsters, which ant we might face so problems later on. Then again, we acted in self-defense, so whatever, not our problem.
We then settled down and gathered around Severa, where she told us the truth behind this whole affair. In short, Severa left the house cause she fell in love with Cernust.
What! Absurd! How can a Lecartiglio noble have feelings for this-this dragonkin! Antonio exclaid. Beside, Severa, as a noble you cannot just mix your blood with a commoner! There is a place for everything, but this action will not benefit our House at all! What will Father and Mother say when they hear this. Antonio slapped his forehead, looking anxious as he contemplated his parents reactions to the news.
See! This is why I left ho, for this exact reason! How is it taboo for a Lecartiglio noble to marry a beastman, excluding arvisians, simply because they are the descendants of beasts? I knew you would not agree and neither would Father and Mother. That is why disappearing from your life was the best way for this to resolve peacefully for our lives! Severa scread at her judgental brother. I would leave Artorias behind and move to Loatryx with Cernust, where we would live our lives in peace. Where all the stress of becoming a better mage just to uphold our houses honor would be gone.
Antonio winced. I-I understand you would feel distressed considering our bloodlines lackluster mana growth, but that still doesnt an you can disappear without saying anything to your family! Have you no idea how worried Father and our eldest brother were? Not to ntion Mother and our sister! You cannot just run away like this just to marry so commoner dragonkin from Loatryx after only knowing him for a few months!
Sorry for chiming in, but Im actually from Kargryx and, while we dont have an actual feudal society with a class system, all true dragonkins like dragons, drakes, leviathans, and adamantoises are considered like nobility by the lesser dragonkins, dragonewts, and levianewts, Cernust explained. Oh yeah, I havent introduced myself properly, right? I am Cernust Gaia Kurnistus. I am a drake and my ancestor was the forest guardian, Kurnistus. In terms you humans would understand better, my family would be similar to a schwertnoble.
What? Antonio let out with widened eyes.
That is beside the point, brother Antonio. Even if Cernust was an actual dragonewt or bovline, I wouldnt have cared and gone with him anyways! Severa vehently made her stance clear. This isnt so maiden fancy as you would like to believe! Cernust might have a rough speaking habit, but that is because he only learned Common after he left his ho two years ago. He isnt so vagabond who sweeps in to steal away hearts, but an actual good man!
Antonios story on how his sister t Cernust was true, confird by Severa herself. The only differences were the details needed to actually make sense of the story. Severa t Cernust during a routine outing around House Moreschis fief to inspect the land and its serfs. Cernust was there to fulfill a Quest from the hunters guild to hunt down so mole-type monsters infesting the local farmland.
Severa stumbled upon him and saw his earth magic, causing her to feel envious as her own magical abilities were subpar, a common trait among schwertnobles, but not for viscount houses. House Moreschi was on the border between a viscount and baron when it cos to magic potential, which has been a constant reason for stress for each of their House Heads.
According to Severa, nobles in the military-focused Lecartiglio had to provide sothing be it magical or martial to help a house gain more fa. She explained to us that since the Lecartiglio duchy was the ho of the White Talon Knights Order, having tad a hippogryph and making them a mount was considered a norm for martial houses and potential knights of this duchy.
While that was the case for her two older brothers, Severa had to either train her magic abilities or beco a marriage tool for a house alliance. It was very similar to Ellaines situation in a way. So, as Severa couldnt accept this, she wanted Cernust to teach her in secret, thinking it would be good to improve her earth magic outside the royal academy.
But, that was when her family learned about Cernust and forbade him from staying in their territory. The two would continue eting each other coincidentally in Cedarraile and Gransromus, and from there they bonded with each other.
Flowers? I asked.
Cernust nodded. Yeah, herbology. As a woodland drake and alchemist, I need to collect herbs and seeds for my own usage, which ans my backpack is always full with them. I was planting so herbs to grow for personal usage when Severa snuck up on . She said she used to like managing the rose garden in her estate, but couldnt personally plant seeds and fertilizer since she was a noble, so she was interested in what I was doing and we talked for quite a bit on that day. Honestly, she would make a better alchemist or herbalist than a mage, ha ha!
Insolence! My younger sister is capable enough to beco a powerful mage, instead of a lowly alchemist! Antonio snapped. And it is Lady Severa for yo-
Sir Antonio, dont ruin this, I spoke up to silence him for his unhealthy expectations. I wont scold him for having a positive opinion of his sister but expecting too much from sobody was just bad.
Severa thanked and continued, So, although it might be true that Cernust did steal my heart away, it isnt true that he is a kidnapper! It was my idea the whole ti, Cernust rely aided !
Antonio frowned as he heard this, swiping his hand over his face to calm himself down. That still does not an you can just leave like this, Severa. You might be an adult, but this does not an you are allowed to drop all your responsibilities as a daughter of a viscount and go away just because of your heart!
Then tell , would you accept Cernust after what he revealed? He is a drake, a C rank drake at that, and his family is considered similar to a baron family by dragonewts? Or, is the re idea of choosing my own partner, a drake at that, so abhorrent for you? Severa questioned her brother, unafraid of him.
Here was where I raised my hand. Pardon , but it would be nice if I could get so information. I know the Lecartiglio duchy isnt very receptive of beastn-
Pah! Cernust scoffed.
...As I was saying, beastn, in general, arent liked in the Lecartiglio duchy, but I heard arvisians are very well-liked due to being related to griffons and hippogryphs. Does that an arvisians can be accepted into a noble house?
Yes, that is the case. Since our royal family are arvisians, specifically born from griffons, the Lecartiglio duchy treats arvisians like any other human, Severa stated. Otherwise, our duchy has been unwilling to adapt like the other duchies have, unable to shed the culture of our past when we were still part of the Leosfalt Kingdom. Most nobles think beastn are below humans, still. Elves arent welcod either, while dwarves are only accepted if they are either blacksmiths or adventurers.
In other words, a bunch of racists. Glad to hear this from an actual inhabitant of Lecartiglio, this ti. She is very critical of her own ho.
It was unpleasant for to hear, especially after knowing how Greenveil worked, but it did give an idea on how to solve this problem of theirs, ThenCernust, you have sothing like [Beastialize] correct? I pointed out, rely guessing.
When he nodded, I continued, Then wouldnt it be alright for you to change your beastman form to an arvisian?
He looked at confused and tilted his head, showing he didnt understand my question. Dont you know, Pr-Hestia. You decide which beastman sub-race the mont you activate [Beastialize] for the first ti. The System sends you a notice showing all the options.
O-Oh, really? My innocent and well-crafted plan was just destroyed. Nevertheless, I beca a bit curious at what he said. Then why did you choose a bovline?
When I decided to leave ho cause I was bored, my parents had decide on which humanoid form transforming skill I wanted, and I chose beastman. I wanted a form that was strong in hand-to-hand combat, but that wasnt as slow as a rhinocerum or hairy like an ursine. If Im not in my dragonewt form, a beastmans weak magical abilities was a problem, but I prefer being a pugilist anyways.
That would explain why his plant growing abilities were slower when he fought as a bovline than when he transford into a dragon.
Hold on, are you telling that more dragonkins are hiding among us? Antonio asked with a face of horror.
Huh? Nah, dont worry. Dragons and drakes are so uncaring of the outside world and would prefer just staying in Kargryx rather than going outside. I just went out when I was considered an adult at nineteen since it was boring there. Wanted to sightsee around the world, Cernust laughed without a care of the world.
So, does this an I am a teen or adolescent when I reach five? Or that dragons consider each other adults when they are nineteen? I dont know. However, considering that he didnt ntion this adulthood pilgrimage dragons did to gather knowledge on the world outside that Farron ntioned, should I presu this stuff is actually top-secret knowledge? Would make sense to prevent dragons from getting hunted.
Damn you! Stop laughing! Urgh, so my commanders were right when they said dragons were nothing more than lazy, arrogant beasts sitting on the laurels earned by their dragon god. Honestly, what the hell were they doing in Lecartiglio, indoctrinating people like this. I an, dragons couldnt be that bad, right?
Hey, Antonio suddenly looked at Cernust, this ti with an expression unrelated to anger or hatred. You said you ca to sightsee. What is your opinion on our kingdom as a whole?
As a whole? Pretty fun, really. Better than a bunch of sleeping dragons guarding treasures or whatever they are hoarding, honestly. Nothing bad about my ancestry and family, but guarding a forest for my entire life sounds like a bore. You only see the sa plants every day, I want to see and et more! More seeds! Cernust said with great enthusiasm, looking jovial as he showed the many seeds inside his pouches.
Were they warming up, I wonder?
Hey, are you interested in returning to Kargryx? Antonio asked, still not willing to use Cernusts na.
Unfazed by this, he answered, Nah, definitely not right now. Drakes are long-living, so I want to experience as much as I can before becoming bored and going back. However He then looked at Severa. I dont think I will have my fill of fun for a while.
I see, Antonio nodded before looking at Severa. Sister, regardless of the situation, you still should go back to father and mother. We have been your family for seventeen years now, so at the very least, you owe them a proper goodbye.
Return to be imprisoned the mont I enter our houses fief? Forget it, I am not naive, Severa rejected her brothers suggestion without contemplating it. The mont I return and you give a report, Cernust will beco hunted in our duchy. I would rather make a new life for myself.
Please, trust that I will speak with Father and our brother. I have a plan, he approached Severa and whispered into her ears, telling her whatever he had planned.
She initially looked annoyed, but her expression slowly beca less strained as she looked more intrigued. After Antonio was done, she spoke, I honestly think you are a selfish and conniving person to think of sothing like that. Cernust wouldnt want that, even if it becos possible.
How about you speak to him about it? Antonio replied.
Jeez, I cant believe we got ourselves in a family squabble.
As Severa was about to explain what her brother told her to Cernust, a loud scream ca from the woods. Saori, quick to determine the source of the scream, pointed and directed our eyes northwest from our current location.
-----p. Help us! Soone! Adventurers! Guards! Monsters! Anybody, please! It was a young womans voice, filled with not only desperation but also fear.
As I peered into the distance, a young woman in a magicians robe was running through the woods while carrying sobody unconscious over her shoulder. She lacked a catalyst of any kind, no staff, orb, or rings, and her appearance looked terrible. It was as if she had to crawl herself out of a cave or sothing, seeing as how ripped and dirty her robe was.
Wait, that red hair doesnt it look a bit like a rooster head?
The person she was carrying had red hair styled similarly to a rooster, reminding of sobody. The girl also reminded of sothing with her green hair, sticking on her sweat- and tear-drenched face.
Hold on, wasnt there a green-haired girl with a magicians hat in the hunters guild? There was one who looked two or three years older than Wait! Hold on!
Roosterhead?! I shouted out as I had an epiphany. I couldnt rember the girls na, but there was no way in hell I would forget a boy with dark-red hair so wild, it looked like a roosters head. I an, I dont rember his na, but still.
What are they doing here of all places?!
That was when my [Detection Sensor] warned of more approaching signals. A horde.
Kobolds and goblins. Ard with armor and weapons, riding on wargs, chasing down the girl as she cried out for help so desperately.
Saori! Tasianna!
By your will, Lady Hestia! Ice daggers began to materialize from Tasiannas catalyst, levitating around her as she began to cast spells.
Hai, Hestia Oujo-sama! (Yes, Princess Hestia!) Saori pulled out her daggers and tanto before cladding herself in a robe of shadows. Her shadow stirred, causing her to lt into it while her eyes emitted a red mist.
I think we found those tars.
A note from AbyssRaven
Just a reminder, Roosterhead was the young adventurer who didn't like Hestia since he thought she got special treatnt compared to the rest of the hunter's. Nobles shouldn't be treated better was a rule, so he didn't like she was made D rank.
If you guys want to support , Hestia and "A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale" (or just read up to 15 advance chapters any Patreon-only chapters) please check out my Patreon: Rawr!
If you guys enjoyed this chapter then, please follow the story. If you guys want the story to grow, then giving it a rating or a favorite will do wonders: Rawr
Thank you for reading this chapter.
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