The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

Book 2: Chapter 6

Vur yawned as he stretched his arms above his head. Beside him, on a fluffy down bed, Tafel was beginning to awaken as well. They were inside the cave that the fishmen had given them to spend their time. The fishmen had insisted on the two staying until their master artisan had finished refining the leviathan skin and scales into armor as thanks for treating them to leviathan flesh. Their future generations would be stronger thanks to Vur and Tafel as the leviathans mana was incorporated into their bodies. The beasts bones could also be used to imbue artifacts with abilities. Tafel had been fascinated and was a bit upset she couldnt summon her sword to have it improved, but Vur didnt care since Lust had been broken and never replaced.

The pearls hanging from Tafels neck glinted as she sat up and cracked her neck. When she asked about them, the fishmen had called them sunrise pearls. They heated up when the sun rose, and provided a warm light to start the day. Other than that, the fishmen hadnt discovered any other function for them. They said the armor would be done today, right? Tafel asked and nudged Vur who was still bleary-eyed.

Vur yawned again. Mhm.

You sound so excited, Tafel said and frowned. She pinched his cheeks, causing his eyes to widen. Leviathans should be close to wyverns and phoenixes in rank. Do you know what that means? She released Vurs cheeks and placed her hands on her hips.

Vur rubbed his face. Theyre weak?

Tafel sighed. Youre an adventurer who doesnt care about getting good equipment. Im almost ashamed for you. She scratched her nose. It means were getting top quality armor that rivals what people in Fuselage wear. Do you know how expensive that kind of armor is? I could only afford a nice sword and a decently made robe after a decade of hunting. And I couldnt even bring them here because someone botched my teleport. She sighed. Theres also the cost of mana potions, health potions, accessories, repair bills, lodging fees, dismantling fees, storage fe

Vur placed his hand on Tafels shoulder, causing her to fall silent. He stared her in the eyes. You can borrow stuff from Grimmys hoard. He has a lot. Vur nodded before standing, leaving Tafel with a blank expression on her face.

Thats different! Its not earned, Tafel said and furrowed her brow. I could raid my kingdoms treasury and buy myself top-class gear, but theres no satisfaction in doing that. Being an adventurer is about the journey, not the end result: Killing rare beasts, gathering materials yourself, finding someone to make your hunted items into armor. Thats like the number one reason why people become adventurers.

Huh. Really? Vur asked as he slid on a pair of pants. I thought it was for the money?

Well, maybe. But the people who arent in it for the money are in it for the adventure, Tafel said. And you definitely dont need money. Didnt you want to go on an adventure with me because of the adventurer lifestyle?

I wanted to try new food, Vur said and glanced at his stomach. Oh, and because you asked me too. He nodded at Tafel who sighed.

I dont think Ive met anyone who adventured just for the food, Tafel said and pursed her lips. Well, the fishmen worked hard to create that armor for us. You should accept it, alright?

Okay, Vur said. Ill use it even if its not as good as the clothes Auntie makes. He paused. I wonder what shes doing anyways.

Shes watching over the three kingdoms because both of us are irresponsible, Tafel said and dressed herself. She wasnt sure what material her clothing was made out of, but it was comfortable and soft to touch. Its because shes there that Im confident in leaving the continent whenever I want.

Vur tilted his head as he exited the cave. But I thought she knitted all day?

Dont let her hear you say that, Tafel said as she squinted her eyes due to the light. The pearls by her collarbone seemed to increase in temperature once again.

Ocean crossers!

Vur and Tafel turned their heads. Carl waved at them and gestured behind himself towards the cluster of fishmen before saying, We were just on our way to deliver the armor to you. Theyre Johnsons highest quality works hes ever created.

A fishman with gray gills stepped forward and laughed. Its because you two provided me with such wonderful materials to work with, he said and waved his hand. A few children ran forward, holding a package in their arms. Theyre as light as cloth, yet they are slash resistant. The scales also provide high resistance against piercing blows and some moderate resistance to blunt weapons, but thats not even the best part about the armor. His eyes glinted. Try inserting your mana into them.

Vur slid on the armor first. It was like a skintight piece of blue film that merged with his skin. If it wasnt for the fact that he had just put it on, he wouldnt have believed he was wearing anything. He focused his mana into the armor. Blue scales made of mana formed a layer around him, causing him to nearly double in size. A translucent blue tail extended from his rear, elongating and flattening into a blade at the tip. It swished a few times as Vur turned his head to inspect it. I could already do that.

Tafel shushed him and put on her armor. It was similar to Vurs, and her transformation after inserting mana was also the same. She wasnt as adept at controlling the tail though.

Well? Johnson asked, stroking his gills with one hand. What do you think? Its definitely comparable to the dwarves orichalcum plate armor. Itll allow you to breathe underwater as long as you keep inserting mana, and you can even manipulate the shape of the barrier to improve your swimming speed.

I love it, Tafel said. Thank you so much.

Its alright, Vur said as he deactivated the armors barrier. Thanks.

Johnson chuckled. Im glad you two like it. Im a bit ashamed I couldnt make it more useful for land combat, he said and sighed. But leviathans are beasts of water. It only makes sense that their materials improve your underwater capabilities.

No worries, Tafel said, her eyes shining. Just by their defense alone, theyre comparable to the higher quality armors back home.

Vur scratched his head. He didnt know Tafel felt that strongly about equipment. Maybe he should raid Grimmys hoard for her and give her a shiny weapon as a birthday gift. Grimmy had a lot of those lying around.

One of the elder fishmen, who acted as a judge a few nights ago, cleared his throat. I dont suppose you could spend any more time here and hunt a few more leviathans?

Tafel blinked at Vur. Wow, usually strangers want you to leave, she said, recalling her honeymoon with Vur. Has anyone sincerely asked if you wanted to stay longer before?

Vur shrugged before glancing at the fishman. We wont be staying. Ive already tried everything there is to eat here, he said with a nod.

Ah, a shame, the elder said and stroked his chin. I wish you well on the next steps of your journey.

Thanks, Vur said.

A few fishmen children ran up to Tafel and handed her seashells. Bye, big sister! It was nice meeting you.

Carl and George stepped forward, handing two bundles over to Vur. Here are some provisions we prepared for you. It should be enough to last a week. Take care, Vur. Tafel.

Tafel and Vur stared blankly as the fishmen retreated just as quickly as they came. Tafel glanced at Vur, seashells in her hands. I guess they didnt want you to stay after all.