chapter 41

"Seems like they've learned their lesson," Cyd said, wiping sweat from his forehead. He felt a sharp clarity, a rare moment of total focus.

"They look half-dead," Medea said, unable to look at the two foam-spitting Khalkotauroi on the ground.

"That's why I asked you to bring the healing potion," Cyd shrugged. "I was worried they might actually die."

"I thought you might need this," Medea muttered, pulling out two bottles of magic potion from her pack for Cyd.

The nearly dead Khalkotauroi quickly revived under Medea's magic potion, with signs of their flames reigniting.

Without warning, Cyd suddenly brought his hand down hard on the heads of the Khalkotauroi, knocking them down again.

"What are you doing?" Medea exclaimed, startled by the sudden noise.

"Continuing their education," Cyd said, pulling off the cloth and letting the memory of their fear sink in. "Just in case, did you bring more of your magic potions?"

"I brought plenty," Medea replied, touching her pack. She had anticipated that Cyd might need extra potions.

"In short, we'll educate them until we run out," Cyd said with a devilish grin.

After half an hour, Medea used her last bottle of magic potion on the foam-spitting Khalkotauroi.

"They should be smart enough by now," Cyd said, observing the trembling Khalkotauroi. "Light up."

The Khalkotauroi ignited their flames immediately.

"Good. Now extinguish," Cyd commanded.

The flames vanished.

"Impressive," Medea said, curling her lip. Her father had used countless methods to keep them in line.

"One last step," Cyd said, holding up the cloth that the Khalkotauroi feared. "Smell this."

The Khalkotauroi recoiled in terror, spitting foam and kneeling.

"What a remarkable effect," Cyd said, raising an eyebrow. He felt the Khalkotauroi now feared Jason's scent more than his own.

"They endured a lot with that cloth on them," Medea said, feeling a bit sorry for them as she looked at the scattered bottles.

"Don't worry, it's not like they can tell water from potions," Cyd said, tossing an empty bottle to Medea.

"Did you have to be so rough?" Medea pouted as she caught the bottle. "Even if Jason can control these Khalkotauroi, it's useless. The Dragontooth Warrior can easily tear him apart."

That is a bit troublesome. What do you suggest?" Cyd asked, walking slowly towards the nearby coliseum. "Right, we should clean up. Your father will notice the cowshed being destroyed and the Khalkotauroi's bad temper."

"We'll deal with the Dragontooth Warriors," Medea snapped her fingers, and the ground began to repair itself. She nodded and followed Cyd.

"How?" Cyd opened the coliseum door.

"A spell to make them fight each other," Medea suggested, raising her hand.

"But what if your father suspects something?" Cyd observed the spacious coliseum and nodded. "They're supposed to be Dragontooth Warriors. Why would they rebel?"

"My father wouldn't think of that," Medea said softly.

"So, we'll make the Dragontooth Warriors appear normal but savagely attack Jason," Cyd opened his arms. "The more vicious they are, the more your father will be convinced. Can you do that?"

"It's simple to enhance their aggression with magic," Medea replied, tapping the ground with her wand, causing purple-red magic to flicker. "But are you sure Jason won't be killed?"

"Of course," Cyd said, pulling a bottle of purple potion from Medea's pack. "This is the key."

"What's this?" Medea asked, puzzled by the potion Cyd had her make.

"This will help Jason overcome the Dragontooth Warriors," Cyd said, uncorking the bottle.

"I thought you wanted to see Jason get minced," Medea smirked. "This potion only covers the coliseum floor with acid for a couple of days."

"You'll have to trust me," Cyd patted Medea's head. "If I win, you'll make me more potions and trinkets."

Even though he didn't usually need treatment, there were times when he did, and he lacked the skill to make items himself.

"If I win, you have stay here!" Medea said with a mischievous smile.

"Deal. I can't lose," Cyd handed the bottle stopper to Medea.

Even if the potion didn't do much, it was better than nothing. As long as the Dragontooth Warriors grew from the dragon teeth, the acid potion would be unbeatable.

"Fine!" Medea said, adding a powerful incantation. The Dragontooth Warriors would be twice their normal size when they appeared.