The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

Book 3: Chapter 22

Its strange to be on a continent where adventurers arent a thing, Tafel said with a sigh as she pulled towels and other miscellaneous items out of a portal. The group had been given two rooms: one for Mr. Skelly and Vur, and the other for Tafel, Alice, and Alora. But Tafel had switched with Mr. Skelly, and Alora tagged along because she thought Alice smelled funny. It didnt matter though because everyone gathered in Vurs room anyway to discuss their next course of action. I wonder how their society is set up.

Its simple, really, Mr. Skelly said, still wearing his full plate armor. The empress is on top. Below her, theres her vassalsthe nobles. Below the nobles, there are knights, and below the knights, there are the commoners. Thats how things were run back in the north way before that dragon filled with worms arrived. Adventurers rose up from amongst the commoners because the knights were a bit overbearing. Im guessing the noble who escaped to this land was a purist and quashed all adventurers.

Tafels brow furrowed, and Alice smirked, nudging the demons side. Are you considering overthrowing the empress now? Alice asked, her voice smug. Look at her oppressing the common people and preventing them from moving up the social ladder.

Well, thats not really the empresss fault, you know? Tafel asked. She inherited a faulty system, and she might not have the power to implement a change.

Alice sighed. Im not sure why youre so adamant on defending her, she said before shaking her head. You

Youre pretty adamant on starting a war, Tafel said, cutting Alice off. Dont forget about our agreement.

Alice clicked her tongue. I wont. I look forward to the day that I become the leader of this party, she said. Then it could finally display its true potential.

Oh? Tafel raised an eyebrow. Are you saying I dont know how to lead a party? I dont want to hear that from someone who was isolated from her previous one.

Youre really going there, huh? Alice asked, her face darkening. Is that how you want to do this? Shall I nitpick your faults as well, Ms. Dependent on Vur?

The cup that Tafel had taken out of the portal shattered as grip tightened. I am not!

Vurs gaze went back and forth between the two women. Alora poked his side and whispered, Something creepy is happening.

Tafel and Alice both whirled around to glare at the polymorphed dragon. How are we creepy!?

Alora blinked. Eh? I wasnt talking about you two though? She pointed at the only window inside the room that was opposite the door. A curtain was covering it. You dont feel that?

Feel what? Alice asked, furrowing her brow as she walked over to the window. If theres something right outside this window thats going to try to scare me when I open the curtain, Im going to kill it. She spoke in a loud voice towards the window, You hear that?

Tafel rolled her eyes. Dont be stupid, she said as she grabbed one end of the curtain and flicked the whole thing to the side. There was nothing there. A faint red glow illuminated the horizon, coming from above the fortress walls. Tafel shuddered as her rune, that was previously hidden, materialized on her forehead, flickering twice. Emile!? Her brow furrowed. Wait, no, thats not him. Its not Susan either.

Vurs head appeared by Tafels shoulder. Is there a dragon? he asked, staring at the red glow in the distance. It feels like theres a dragon.

Alice frowned at the two before squeezing next to Tafel and pressing her face against the glass. Now I feel obligated to say something like theres a lion out there, but I really dont feel anything. Thats probably not a normal festival bonfire light, right?

Perhaps something sketchy is happening, Mr. Skelly said. Theres no good reason to turn undocumented people away from a fortress unless the inhabitants of the fortress are doing something that can only be seen by certain people. He nodded. Lets go take a look.

Yeah, Tafel said, walking away from the window, lets go. I want to know what this feeling is.

Alice sighed as she followed after Tafel. Guess were going then.

Alora and Vur stared at each other as the three left the room. They really dont treat you as the leader, huh? she asked. She slapped his back. Have some more self-respect. If youre a dragon, you have to be in control! Unless youre the lazy kind who likes letting other people do things for him so you can sleep for longer. Oh my god, thats it, isnt it? Youre just like my dad.

Vur blinked as Alora rushed out of the room, leaving him all alone. He lowered his head and tapped on the rose tattoo on his chest. Is there something wrong with wanting to sleep for longer?

Only when you sleep for days at a time, Stella said in return, her voice weary. Vur, do you know how hard it is to lock this stupid genie up? He struggles too much! And he keeps on looking at me with these eyes that say, tie the rope harder. If you dont make your wish soon, then Ill really feed him to the dragon in your head.

Vur sighed and turned towards the open door. Maybe Alora was right. He wasnt respected as the leader of the party because he didnt act like one. Then all he had to do was get to the glowing red light first and then his party would realize they shouldve followed him there instead. He opened the window, stepped onto the windowsill with one foot, and leapt outside, transforming into a dragon as he soared through the air. On his way up, his tail accidently destroyed a part of the building they were staying in, but he didnt seem to notice.

But the guards down below did. They screamed and shouted, causing lights to pour out of the previously unlit buildings. Men rushed out of the barracks but froze in place upon seeing Vur fly overhead. They exchanged glances and agreed to pretend they hadnt seen anything without even saying any words, retreating back inside. There were a few guards who rallied together, including the guard captain, but at that moment, a second dragon appeared in the middle of the fortress without warning, destroying multiple buildings as it stumbled around in surprise. Then it roared before shouting, Vur, wait for me! and flew into the air, leaving behind a group of terrified guards and three baffled people.