Chapter 16， Dragon Graveyard A Teleporter's Paradise

The remains of a Drake. It's where dragons seek their final rest when their lives come to an end. Thus, for adventurers, it serves as a treasure trove filled with valuable dragon materials.

"Actually, the remains of the Drake are connected to the Primordial Forest by a teleportation circle," she explained. In the time when the Central Kingdom thrived, adventurers would use this circle to travel from the Primordial Forest to the Drake's remains and gather materials to take back with them.

...Isn't that grave robbing? It's surprising that the dragons overlooked it for so long. More importantly, how does Ava know this?

"I gathered some information before coming to AIWOn."

Hmm, was this mentioned on some AIWOn strategy site?

"Hey, you keep talking about AIWOn and the real world—are you referring to another world?"

"Yes, that's correct. You'll hear that term come up more often, but don't worry about it too much."

"Isn't there usually just one name for a world? Your world is strange..."

For Trinity, the idea of their world having multiple names must seem baffling.

"Returning to the topic, using the teleportation circle at the Drake's remains will save us a lot of time, but the issue is... the running Drake."

"Right, we did end up bringing it along like this, which isn't really fair to the West Yolpa Beast Guild."

We had signed a contract for a few days' rental, but with the current circumstances, it felt like we might be regarded as thieves. I asked Miba and the others, who were returning to the Water City, to pass a message to the Beast Guild, but who knows how accommodating they'd be?

"Haha, by the time we get back to the capital, we might find ourselves wanted for theft," I joked.

"That's not funny. And in that case, wouldn't Trinity also be implicated?"

"Ugh, that's a good point... I suppose I'd have to handle everything with the Thieves' Guild on my own...?"

It sounded like she was considering something troubling. While we were exchanging these thoughts, we arrived at the remains of the Drake.

To be clear, it wasn't overrun with dragon corpses; there were just a couple of dragons that seemed almost asleep, while the rest were merely bones or fossilized remains.

"In a way, this is quite a sight," I remarked.

"I wonder how much the Thieves' Guild would pay for intel from here..."

"Over this way."

Ava led the way, guiding us to a discreet transfer magic circle hidden behind some rocks. We stepped onto the circle and were instantly transported to the Origin Forest, where the Apostle of Beginnings awaited us.

Surrounded entirely by trees, the forest felt eerily similar to the Drake's nest we had just left behind.

On our way to the "Apostle of Beginnings," we were naturally ambushed by monsters lurking in the primordial forest. However, they were swiftly dispatched by Ava's magic and Trinity's rope-attached shortsword, all while I clung to the back of the running Drake.

As for me? My only long-range attack was a basic spell, so I stayed tightly fastened to Ava's waist.

By the way, the monsters popping up in the primordial forest were all lowly creatures like kobolds, goblins, ogres, and giant spiders; it was hard to believe such weak foes could exist in the presence of an elderly Drake. They weren't worth collecting materials from, so we left them be.

After running the Drake a little further, we arrived at a clearing. The ground was covered in short, grass-like blades, and the area was as vast as a Tokyo Dome. From above, it likely looked like a gaping hole in the forest.

At the center of this clearing lay a colossal Elder Drake—"Apostle of Beginnings: Start"— sprawled out across the grass.

As we approached the Apostle, it seemed to sense our presence, awakening from its slumber and looking down at us.

"You've come well," it rumbled. "Those who dare challenge the trials. I am Eldidial, the Apostle of Beginnings, presiding over the Angel Quest."

Oh, it spoke! Although it's common in fantasy for an intelligent dragon to talk, Trinity is surprised since she lacks that knowledge.

"I'm here to take on the Angel Quest. To enter the world of Arcadia, where the gods dwell, I need to collect the 26 Apostles' seals. To do that, I must demonstrate my strength to you, the 'Apostle of Beginnings'. Is that right?"

I dismounted from the running Drake and looked into the eyes of the Apostle of Beginnings.

"Exactly. This is merely a trial, not a battle to eliminate me. Therefore, you won't be defeating me; you'll be proving your power. However, accidents can happen, and you must be prepared for the possibility of losing your life. Do you possess that resolve?"

"No problem at all. I've been ready ever since I came to this world. But you better not complain if we accidentally defeat you."

"Haha! You speak boldly. A mere human dares to challenge an old Drake? Such a person has the potential to become a hero, truly worthy of venturing to Arcadia."

Hearing the word 'hero' reminded me of Miba. But wait... if I kept watching her, I might believe she could actually take down the old Drake!

"Excuse me, but we'll be challenging you as a trio. In that case, what about our qualification for overcoming this trial—the seal of the Apostle S?"

"Indeed, in that case, each of the three will undoubtedly receive the Apostle's Proof of S. Of course, individually challenging it is also an option. In that scenario, only the individual who takes on the challenge would receive the proof."

I see. Ava's point is entirely valid. If the three of us tackle this together but only one proof is obtained, then it serves no purpose at all. Ultimately, only one of us would reach Arcadia.

"Now then, if it's alright, shall we begin the trial for Angel Quest: Start?"

"Yeah, let's do it."

To avoid being caught up in the battle, Drake pushes us out of the plaza while we ready our weapons.

"I am the Apostle of Beginnings, Start. Those who seek the pinnacle of the divine, show me your strength before me. Only those I acknowledge will grasp the proof to ascend to the divine."

◇　◆　◇　◆　◇

The three of us confront the Apostle of Beginnings. However, Trinity doesn't have the attacking power to damage the Apostle, so she'll take on a support role.

Ava takes on the shield role, using her blessed weapon to draw the Apostle's ire, while it's clear she possesses both the equipment and skill for the task.

I'm responsible for delivering damage, waiting for the openings created as the Apostle is drawn towards Ava. ...Well, I wouldn't call my damage output impressive, but it must suffice.

"Graaaaah!!!"

Right from the start, the Apostle of Beginnings unleashed a fiery breath in the form of a fireball.

Even in an open area, spewing flames in a forest could easily start a wildfire, but unlike the less intelligent fire drakes, the Apostle had some sense—surely it wouldn't overlook the consequences.

We scattered in three directions to dodge the incoming fireball, but it split into three parts, each hurtling toward us.

Wait! I've never heard of a seeking firebreath before!

In a split second, I cast the water spell and doused myself, raising my mithril wood shield to withstand the oncoming fireball.

Of course, the shield couldn't block everything, and the residual flames left me scorched. Fortunately, my dragon leather armor and the water lessened the damage significantly.

Ava was slicing through the fireball with her aquamarine sword, likely a water attribute blade, which was highly effective against fire.

But the real concern was Trinity.

Like me, she soaked herself with water and swung a rope to create a gust of air to deflect the fireball. I figured it was a technique from the Ruf=Grand Rope Sword Style, but the rope she was using was just an ordinary one sold at stores, lacking any magical enhancement.

While she managed to disperse some of the flames, the fireball reduced the rope to cinders and struck Trinity directly.

"Dammit!" I hurriedly ran toward Trinity, but as the smoke cleared from the explosion, there she stood, completely unharmed.

"Ha! Don't underestimate me! I have my own defensive measures for emergencies!" In her hand, she held a small stone-like object. Later, I learned it was called a Charge Ava-tem, capable of sealing one spell and releasing it whenever she wanted. She had sealed the Material Shield, a spell that could block any physical attack for three seconds.

I realized then that I didn't need to worry so much. I refocused my attention on the Apostle of Beginnings and drew my sword. Ava raised her blue sword—the Infinity Ava Subblade—and unleashed a multitude of ice swords toward the Apostle.

"Graah!" The Apostle retaliated with a sweeping breath attack, melting the incoming ice swords without causing collateral damage, expertly targeting only the swords.

Seizing the moment, Ava closed the distance and unleashed a flurry of strikes with her left and right swords. "Four-hit combo!" Both blades flashed, easily slicing through the Apostle's scales.

I couldn't leave everything to Ava; I too rushed in, preparing my own sword technique—Slash. If I had mastered the ultimate move of the Gale Thunder Flow, "Instant," I could close the distance in a heartbeat and strike with such speed that even an ancient Drake would suffer significant damage. Unfortunately, all I could manage now was to close the gap using basic footwork.

Between my attacks and Ava's, Trinity is providing support with throwing knives, but honestly, it's not doing a single millimeter of damage. In this situation, Trinity is nothing but a burden dragging us down. However, that's exactly the impression we want to give.

I slice with my sword, keeping my distance, then exploit openings to strike again in a hit-and-run fashion. The "Apostle of Beginnings" seems to see Ava as the real threat, as my attacks are hardly concerning it. Ava, on her part, is locked in a serious fight with the Apostle. Well, considering she's going toe-to-toe with the old Drake, perhaps "serious fight" isn't the right term at all.

As long as the Apostle is focused on Ava, it's to our advantage. I, for my part, am pouring all my strength into this battle. For now, I cast an adapted version of Ava's spell, which has proven effective against the wind Drake. I chant the incantation, envisioning bullets as I conjure ice.

With a spin, I launch the ice projectile toward the Apostle. "Ava Sabrit!"

With a crisp sound, the ice bullet easily piercing through the Apostle's scales. "What!? Is that a basic spell that can break my scales!?"

It didn't fully penetrate, but it carved a gaping wound into its body, causing blood to splatter. The Apostle of Beginnings was astonished by the damage inflicted by a low-level ice spell.

Realizing it couldn't ignore me any longer, the "Apostle of the Beginning" moved to attack. However, Ava skillfully intervened. Despite the vast difference in size, she wielded her icy sword with precision, effectively binding the Apostle in place.

"Too nimble for your own good!" it growled. "Not many can move like that. You must be quite powerful indeed!"

"Why, thank you! But there are many stronger than I," Ava replied with a charming smile.

"Hah! No one can surpass you!" it roared, spinning its body and unleashing a sweeping tail attack aimed at Ava.

Ava used her icy sword as a springboard, launching herself into the air. Taking advantage of her distraction, the Apostle unleashed a spell directed at me.

"Homing Bolt!"

This was a magic that released an automatic, homing projectile. I deflected the incoming bolts with my sword and shield. Trinity also joined in, throwing knives to intercept it. Still, several bolts struck me, inflicting significant damage.

"Damn it! Here's some payback! Ava Split!"