I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 180

The dragon seemed to grit its teeth at the sight of us casually conversing, as if we were leisurely discussing the weather rather than facing a formidable opponent. I wasn’t feeling leisurely, I was merely holding back my anger.

“You…!”

The dragon emitted an even more intense murderous aura, its body swelling in size. What looked like a human upper body expanded, ripping through its clothes, and scales began to emerge on the now-exposed flesh.

Was it trying to revert to its true form?

“Step back, Tess.”

It was clear that this dragon had a particular disdain for the devil. Or, if not just this one, perhaps all dragons shared this sentiment?

If Tess were to harm or even kill the dragon, it might complicate things. While there are records of humans killing dragons without leading to the annihilation of humanity by dragons, perhaps if a half-elf like me were to kill one, the outcome would be similar?

If it comes to it, I should be the one to kill the dragon.

Preparing for the worst-case scenario, I stepped in front of Tess and began to speak in as respectful a tone as possible.

“O dragon, I truly did not intend to intrude into your domain.”

“That may be so. But I cannot overlook that ominous power.”

The dragons I had encountered were willful but still open to dialogue; this one seemed to have its ears firmly shut.

“Dragons are supposed to maintain neutrality.”

I seized the moment of the dragon’s hesitation to try and persuade it.

“Isn’t it a dragon’s role to uphold the rules that exist in this world?”

Recounting the story as told by the Fairy King, the dragon hesitated further.

“Ensuring that all beings adhere to the world’s rules is the duty of dragons. Therefore, O dragon, please allow us to leave.”

“Devils are entities that break these rules. Thus, they deserve death.”

As he made his decision, the dragon grew larger and soon casted a shadow overhead.

Even looking up, the dragon’s massive form as a supreme being of this world, seemed towering and distant.

“Euseniel.”

Tess stepped forward to shield me. Magic power so black surrounded me.

“You mustn’t stand in front of me.”

Tess spoke with his usual tenderness, but I could sense the anger simmering beneath. His gaze was fixed on the dragon’s belly.

“To think you’d dare try to kill Euseniel, you’re nothing but a creature that should be eradicated from this world.”

His voice was soft, but the keen-eared dragon caught every word.

“You dare…!”

“How funny that something less than a bug is getting angry now.”

Oh, Tess.

How formidable must your combat ability be to provoke the dragon that much?

“Exactly, daring to swing at Euseniel makes you less than those monsters. You truly lack any sense, don’t you?”

I couldn’t help but think about the dragon’s perspective, even though it had suddenly invaded its territory.

I held back what I wanted to say and tried to figure out how to deal with it

….No matter how I pondered, it seemed like either Tess or the dragon would have to perish for this conflict to end. Therefore, it would seem the dragon must be the one to fall, but how could we ensure there was no harm later?

“You filthy devil!”

The dragon, initially a light green, began to darken into a deep green as its body swelled with potent magic that seemed to be bubbling as if boiling.

“Though I dislike that you fancy Euseniel, the thought of killing you is equally distasteful.”

Tess still mused, even as the situation grew tense.

With a sudden move, the fully enraged dragon, seemingly losing all reason, swiftly swung its massive paw down at us.

I quickly retreated, creating as much distance as possible, while Tess merely stepped back a few paces, ready to confront the dragon head-on.

Though the dragon’s strike should have produced a thunderous sound as it hit the ground, Tess countered it effortlessly. Despite the ground caving underfoot, using just the sheath of his sword, he pushed back the massive beast.

“Such a pitiful creature!”

As the dragon prepared for another strike, its green magic intensified. It meant an imminent explosion of magic from the dragon’s feet.

What to do?

If Tess could fend it off, so could I, but slicing through it seemed daunting. Simply blocking would only prolong the standoff. The dragon with more stamina would have the advantage.

Meanwhile this was the domain of the dragon, a place that was hostile towards Tess.

I stood unfazed, yet around Tess, a faint green magic swirled. It was there even before the dragon unleashed its magic and was attacking like a tangible force.

Delaying would only worsen our situation.

It seemed the only option was to kill.

The stomach. Focus on a single point and strike.

Despite the urgency, I took a deep breath and eyed the dragon’s paw. It would have to dig through the cracks in the scales as hard as steel.

While it was distracted by Tess, it was my turn to attack.

I made my decision and waited for the right moment.

The dragon, who was seated with legs folded, lifted its right paw. The left extended forward to his chest, leaving no gaps.

It was coming.

I tensed, ready to leap at the perfect moment, when suddenly,

Whooom. A deep, unusual rumble vibrated through the air.

The dragon’s front paw I intended to slice was already on the ground.

“Stop, Hills.”

A familiar voice cut through the dust.

The person who lightly pressed down on the dragon’s transformed paw was someone I knew well. With his familiar green hair and slim figure and always speaking in a cheerful tone.

“Bernaldi!”

“No need to shout, I can hear you just fine.”

Ber appeared as casual as if we had said goodbye only yesterday and met again this morning.

“You’ve grown a lot, Euel.”

“I look the same as the last time you saw me.”

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