An incredible battle was taking place in front of me.

　A Crimson Dragon raged against Second-dono, who was facing it holding a sword and clad in a seven-colored aura.

　I've already learned 《Dragon Horse Archery》and Eko has learned 《Dragon Horse s.h.i.+eldmans.h.i.+p》 too. As we always faced them 3 to one, be it an Emerald Dragon or a Crimson Dragon, they never posed a threat to us. It might be good to say it was all thanks to the abnormally accurate advice from Second-dono.

　Second-dono also say he had already learned 《Dragon Horse Archery》. Then, why is he fighting right now? The reason is, for learning 《Dragon Horse Swordsmans.h.i.+p》.

　Since we're here, I'll try to solo it―― with just those words, he walked up to the Crimson Dragon as if he was simply going out for a walk.

　And so, the battle started.

　If I had to use one word to describe it, it would be ‘beautiful'.

　Second-dono's movements, which appeared to be refined to the very limit, relentlessly a.s.sault the Crimson Dragon.

　How to efficiently and safely kill―― I feel there's no exaggeration to say this was the very epitome of these two points' ultimate form.

　Just how much study, how much practice, and how many risks must one face to reach such heights? I can't even begin to imagine.

　I stared at this sight as if I was eating into it. Carefully, so as to not miss any move, any moment. Both Eko and I were silent, just watching.

　And after a while, the Crimson Dragon fell.

　The obvious result. Second-dono kept hitting it with 《Rook Swordsmans.h.i.+p》 at the highest efficiency without receiving a single blow.

“OK, I learned it. Let's go home.”

　Looking back, he said so in a matter-of-fact manner.

　It was his usual expression. Like when he takes the corner room at the inn, or when he discovers something delicious at the bar, or when he buys something and the total is exactly 10,000 CL. It was a face like that.

　I can't help but to hear it as one's presence of mind. Although I don't think I can do away with just explaining it as such.

　There are many people in the world who can defeat a dragon. But, is there really someone else who can defeat a dragon as easily as breathing?

　So far, I've caught many glimpses of his various anomalies, however, I've never felt them as deep as today.

　Furthermore, I admire him deeply. I too want to be like that.

　And even if I knew there was no way I could stand next to him, I couldn't help but to chase after that incredible figure.

“Hoomeeー“

　Eko lined up next to Second. And thus, we arrived at the return road.

　And as we walked the road, I then heard the sounds of a sword clas.h.i.+ng.

“Second-dono.”

“Yeah, someone's at it. You wanna go see?”

　It's quite rare to meet people inside the Dungeons. And it is even rarer for uncaptured Dungeons such as Metio. That's because, depending on the ability of the person, just entering such a place can be a matter of life and death. In any case, this is very rare.

“It's swordsmans.h.i.+p. And what's more, it looks like a single person.”

　Second muttered.

　Surprisingly, it was a blonde man who was fighting the dragon. A woman could be seen behind the man. Looking at how she wasn't doing anything, it seemed like rather than support, she was a healing magician. One thing that bothered me was the fact that the woman was, for some reason, wearing maid clothes. Does that mean the man is a n.o.ble from somewhere?

“Ohh, strong? “

　Eko said while slightly tilting her head.

　Well, certainly, he's strong. You could see he was overpowering the Amber Dragon alone.

“Ohh, he knocked it down. Looking at the damage, it looks like his attacks were stronger than mine.”

“What……? “

　Is he stronger than Second?　In other words, isn't he some ridiculous monster?　That's why I said that partic.i.p.ating in the t.i.tle Champions.h.i.+p was a little…… umu, it's so sudden I can't believe it.

“Oh, looks like he's engaging again. This time, it's an Emerald Dragon.”

　The blonde man challenged an Emerald Dragon soon after the previous one.

　Driving his swordsmans.h.i.+p into the poisonous-looking scales, even the Emerald Dragon was as overwhelmed as the Amber Dragon was.

　……Strong. Strong, but…… umu, I see. I finally understood the strange sensation I was having.

　His was not ‘beautiful'.

　He seems to be doing okay against the rush, the breath, the crush attack and even the tail, countering, striking and avoiding. However, the difference is like heaven and earth when compared to Second-dono's battle from a little while back.

　There is too much unnecessary movement. There are huge gaps when he attacks and defends. Moreover, he has a fewer number of attacks when compared to Second-dono, and he's always in a dangerous spot.

　The difference between him and Second-dono is so obvious that it's a pity to compare them.

　If he and Second-dono were to fight, it's easy to tell who'll be the winner. No matter how much his status is higher than Second-dono's, as he is now, there's a huge difference between the two of them to overturn that.

“…………! “

　It was then when I noticed it. I have grown, I've grown enough to understand the ‘decisive differences'.

　If it was the former me looking at Second-dono or the blonde man, I would just get carried away, feeling excited like that time when I saw a t.i.tle match for the first time.

　But now it's different. The beautiful movements reveal the difference. Now that I've grown along with Second, I might notice something else if I were to look at a t.i.tle match. No, I'm sure that's the case.

　I no longer felt interested in the blond man's fight, and my thoughts were about the t.i.tle match that would eventually come.

“I hope he doesn't die if he runs into the Rainbow Dragon. Even a Golden Dragon might spell trouble.”

　Second-dono said while looking at the blonde man.

　If he's correct, it might be bad for that man. Should I go advise him?

　The moment I was having those thoughts, the man and the woman in the maid dress left the place. Although imperfect, that man is a talented one, so he might be aware of his own skills.

“Alright, us too, let's go back. We'll join Yukari and tomorrow, we'll go see the luxury mansion together.”

　Second-dono left the Metio Dungeon in high spirits, holding hands with the skipping Eko.

　Not like I'm a stranger to that feeling. As a matter of fact, I too am grinning.

　My skills' column has the names 《Dragon Horse Archery》 and 《Dragon King Archery》 in it, a large sum of money is waiting for us, and I'll be able to live with Second-dono in an incredible mansion. So far, it's been smooth sailing. It's kind of scary.

　Eko didn't change that much since she was happy as long as she could be with Second-dono, but Yukari's joy was quite remarkable. As the Proline Dungeon clears progressed, the corners of her mouth rose little by little, and at the end she was smiling normally. And we're speaking of ‘that' expressionless-as-ghost Yukari.

　But what scares me is that she might be plotting something behind the scenes. U-Umu, I need to stay alert……

“Hey, Silvia, we'll leave you behind.”

“Ahh, sorry, I'm coming! “

　At any rate, I'll aim for the t.i.tle match by raising Dragon Horse and Dragon King as I was told.

　It wasn't a mistake to follow Second-dono. Today this became quite clear.

　Nodding to myself, I ran to that large, hateful figure who tried to ruthlessly make me enter a dragon's den.

Thank you for reading.

＜Status Details＞

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

Swordsmans.h.i.+p

s.h.i.+eldmans.h.i.+p

Archery

They use the “Form” or “step” system of martial arts. From lower to higher.

From lower to higher, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade.