The Dragon Slayer Who Regressed After 1,000 Years - Chapter 57

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Dragon Slayer Regressed After 1000 Years – Episode 57
As magic advanced, so too did the art of healing, leaping forward in extraordinary bounds.
While disease remained beyond cure, reattaching a severed wrist was now within reach.
A broken leg, likewise.
The price, however, was steep.
“Ugh…….”
“All done. The bone has knitted well, but don’t overexert yourself today. Though I must say, however did you come by such an injury?”
Faced with Grokus’s murderous glare, the elderly mage wisely held his tongue.
Fortune had smiled upon him in one regard—quick intervention meant the severed wrist had reattached and the pain had dulled—but his pride remained shattered beyond any healing spell’s reach.
‘Damn it, damn it, damn it!’
Limping on an unsteady frame, Grokus made his way toward a tavern.
With nowhere to direct his fury, drowning it in drink seemed the only recourse.
Creak—
He claimed a suitable corner table and ordered beer.
One glass, two, three.
No matter how much ale he poured into himself, the flames of his rage refused to die.
‘That bastard…… how could he dodge every last one of my attacks?’
A muscular frame and imposing build didn’t necessarily mean sluggish movement.
Not when that body was honed through rigorous discipline, and Aura wrapped around it besides.
‘But he dodged them all. Effortlessly, no less.’
As though he’d already traced the trajectory of every strike beforehand, he’d evaded each one with minimal motion.
And then offered some casual advice to boot.
‘It must have been carelessness. There’s no other explanation.’
How could two defeats to another Sword Master—defeats so thoroughly one-sided—be possible?
Even when he’d fought the vice-captain, it hadn’t been this lopsided.
‘That bastard…… I’ll kill him for certain.’
He’d received a warning not to show his face again, but he couldn’t retreat like this.
His plan was simple: wait until his body healed, then seize any opportunity to end him.
Though he hadn’t worked out the specifics yet.

* * *
“Hey, hey.”
Grokus snapped awake at the sensation of a shoulder being shaken.
“Who the hell are you!”
“Wake up, Grokus.”
Lifting his head, he found Commander Yandre regarding him with utter contempt.
“How much did you drink? Passed out cold, unable to even stand.”
“…… Unless you’re paying the tab, get out of here.”
“I’ve already settled your bill. The proprietor recognized your face and contacted the Knight Order. With all the other patrons gone and you sprawled here like this, well—that’s why I’m here.”
Now that he thought about it, there wasn’t another soul in the tavern besides him.
“How…… what time is it?”
“Dawn’s breaking soon.”
“Damn.”
He’d slept through an entire day solid.
Yesterday’s events were a blur in his mind.
Yandre, seated across from him, let out a heavy sigh.
“You weren’t even permanently expelled from the Knight Order, and yet you’re taking it this hard?”
“Don’t waste your breath on nonsense.”
“Fair enough. I was leaving anyway. We’re swamped with dragon subjugation duties.”
“A dragon? You’re finally taking it down?”
“We have to. The Order needs results.”
“Ha! How perfectly timed—the moment I step down, something big stirs.”
Grokus flexed his wrist.
“If you’re thinking of asking for my help, don’t bother. I’ve not the slightest interest in aiding the Order that cast me out.”
“I wasn’t planning to. We have a Sword Master to replace you, after all.”
“Who are you talking about—”
In that instant, that bastard’s face flashed through his mind.
Grokus’s eyes hardened.
“Don’t tell me…… ?”
“That’s right. Cain Asel has agreed to join the subjugation corps.”
Bang!
The glasses on the table rattled.
“Are you joking? You put a recruit into the subjugation squad? He has no qualification for this!”
“No qualification? He’s a Sword Master and carries the title of Dragon Slayer.”
“Still, he’s nothing but a recruit who knows nothing…….”
“Recruit or not, he’s a member of the Imperial Knight Order. There’s no reason not to use him.”
Grokus bit his lip.
“But it’s too hasty! If that bastard actually slays a dragon…….”
“Then wouldn’t that be good?”
Grokus’s brow twitched.
Good, my foot.
“He shouldn’t be given the chance to make a name for himself. A rude upstart like that deserves——”
“Enough. The decision is already made. Don’t resent the recruit for earning distinction.”
Yandre rose from his seat and spoke one final words before departing.
“You should head home now as well. Clear your head a bit. We’re leaving at once, so we won’t see each other for some time.”
Until Yandre disappeared through the door, Grokus stared into empty space without moving.
The drunken stupor had long since evaporated.
‘That bastard…… is participating in the subjugation squad? Today, no less?’
The anger that had welled up inside him suddenly froze cold.
An idea worth using had just flickered across his mind.
“Yes. That will do.”
Grokus rotated his wrist to assess his condition, then stood.
A dense killing intent gleamed in his eyes.

* * *
With the entire Knight Order assembled, Yandre took his place before the members.
The operational briefing began.
“The 2nd Reconnaissance Squad has confirmed a Silver Dragon on the Mandras Plateau in the Empire’s north. Reports of villagers being devoured in the surrounding area have been verified. Accordingly, we are forming a subjugation squad and deploying today. I will now announce the personnel. For the combat division: Squad Leader Asiloph Gargon, Vice-Leader Ebolt Valet…….”
He called out the roster from the 1st Squad through the 2nd Squad in order.
Those called forth stood with resolute eyes, unsurprised.
The principle was that the entire Knight Order was to be mobilized for dragon subjugation.
Everyone expected their names to be called.
The 3rd Squad was the exception, however.
Those of 3-Star rank and below, the Sword Beginners, were never dispatched for dragon hunts.
The inexperienced were only a hindrance in dragon slaying.
But the commander said something unexpected.
“Next, the reconnaissance division: Cassius Drake from the 2nd Squad and five others. Reserve squad: Asolon Violet from the 1st Squad, Marcus Kelton from the 2nd Squad, and Cain Asel from the 3rd Squad. That concludes the list.”
The moment Cain’s name was called, Valenticius turned to look beside him.
“M-Master, was your name just called?”
“Yes.”
Cain’s expression was calm.
“Did you know…… that you’d be selected for the subjugation squad?”
“I did. I requested to be included.”
Valenticius was not alone in his shock.
The entire Knight Order was murmuring and casting glances at Cain.
The 3rd Squad had never entered a dragon subjugation squad in recorded history.
Reading the unusual current in the room, Yandre added explanation.
“Recently, the Empire’s dragon subjugation record has plummeted. This dragon has harried us for a long time, so this time we must capture it without fail. To do so, we need one more strong warrior, if possible. Cain Asel is a recruit, yes, but a 7-Star Sword Master. With ample dragon-slaying experience, he was selected for the reserve squad. I will entertain no objections. Those whose names were called are to gather your equipment and assemble at once. Now.”
The members filed out in a rush.
Cain gave the bewildered Valenticius a light tap on the shoulder.
“Keep the Order in good stead while I’m gone. I’ll return.”

* * *
Anaktrass the Silver Dragon regarded himself as a noble and merciful being.
He viewed humans as potential partners, even collaborators.
So when Alton’s subordinate came to call, he smiled with satisfaction, assured that his judgment had been sound.
[So the Empire’s subjugation squad will be here soon, then?]
“Indeed. It would be wise to relocate the Lair at once.”
[We’ve only been in this Lair for fifty years, and already I’m to move again…… Ah, it’s laughable, having to flee from humans constantly.]
“It is not fleeing. Think of it as avoiding vermin, if you will.”
Anaktrass knew it well.
That humans had grown fervent in their campaign to slay dragons.
If his followers hadn’t warned him in advance, he himself would have suffered considerable losses.
[Humans are a petty race. They’ve snatched a few of us, and now they come swarming with their blades drawn.]
Truly contemptible behavior.
Beneath dignity.
[That’s right. I avoid filth because it’s filthy, not out of fear. So where am I supposed to go now?]
“I’ve found us a new lair, my lord. I’ve had considerable treasure moved there already. Please, let us depart at once.”
[Where is it?] Anaktrass’s tone turned glacial.
Alton’s subordinate, who had flinched at the question, pressed on while still bowed.
“It is the northeastern lair where you once dwelled, my lord. The one from fifty years past.”
[Ah, that place.]
Anaktrass nodded, his gaze settling on the small human before him.
[Thank you, food.]
“Pardon—?”
Before the man could finish speaking, Anaktrass’s enormous jaws snapped shut, swallowing him whole.
[Insolent creature. Tastes absolutely foul.] He spat out bone fragments.
He had no taste for eating humans normally, but ill-mannered ones he made a habit of consuming down to the bone.
[The audacity—thinking treasure alone would move me. Did you imagine I would stir for such pittance? I, who am noble?]
Anaktrass muttered to himself, his expression darkening as he exhaled twin plumes of smoke from his nostrils.
[Still, for the effort shown, I suppose I must relocate. And I confess, I’m curious what treasure they’ve gathered.]
Fleeing from humans felt beneath him, yet moving his lair was necessary all the same.
Alton Drake—he owed it to that human’s earnestness to at least see what he had prepared.
[Besides, all I need carry is the treasure itself.]
He enveloped the lair’s hoard in his magic, lifting it skyward.
Mountains of gold and silver floated up behind him like a procession of wealth.
By the time human knights arrived, the lair would be bare.
He had just emerged from the cave mouth when—
[Hmm?]
A spirit of emerald green blocked his path.
[I took you for a spirit, but… a kinsman?]
The figure offered no greeting before unleashing Polymorph.
The small spirit grew, expanding its form in a burst of light.
It swelled larger and larger, until it rivaled Anaktrass in size.
[Greetings. I am Beratus of the Green Dragon Clan.]
The abrupt arrival of another dragon displeased Anaktrass immensely.
[So. What brings the cunning Green Dragons to this place?]
[I… I apologize.]
[Apologize for what, exactly—]
Anaktrass never finished.
A tail whipped through the air, its impact tearing across his face.
The precious hoard he’d held aloft scattered to the ground in a shower of gold and silver.
His concentration shattered.
Fury ignited in Anaktrass’s eyes.
[You… what do you think you’re—]
[It’s an order!]
Beratus’s tail lashed out again, striking Anaktrass across the skull.
[Please understand! This is how we protect the dragons—how we prevent Ruin!]

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————