Chapter 421 - 420: Rooftop Struggle
The White Dragon gained altitude, then folded its wings, using gravity and the wind to dive toward Ale.
Its vertically-pupiled eyes were locked onto the distant target, completely oblivious to the figure hiding behind the bell tower—the only mortal in the entire village who dared to challenge it head-on—and the electric glint flashing in his hand.
Having finished his Casting, Colin watched the White Dragon flying in mid-air.
To him, the White Dragon’s flight was much slower than before, making it considerably easier to aim.
Colin raised the glass rod in his hand, aiming at the enemy in mid-air.
CRACK!
The bolt of lightning tore through the darkness, racing toward the root of the White Dragon’s wing.
The White Dragon’s body spasmed violently. It began to twist and writhe, but its clumsy frame stood no chance of dodging the swift bolt of lightning.
A powerful current instantly pierced the root of the White Dragon’s wing.
The wing on that side convulsed, throwing the entire dragon’s flight off-balance.
The massive creature struggled to maintain its speed as it continued its dive toward the Church.
The shrill sound of the White Dragon inhaling reached his ears.
Without hesitation, Colin dropped to the other side of the roof, using the high, central ridge for cover.
With a clattering sound, several tiles were dislodged and slid to the ground below.
Lying prone on the roof, Colin quickly ran the numbers in his head.
’A Dragon Species’ breath weapon isn’t unlimited.’
’Generally, a White Dragon can only use its breath five or six times in a row. That thing probably used it three times by the walls. Including this one, that makes four.’
The next moment, an endless white mist surged over the top of the ridge.
Colin could clearly see the water on the tiles crystallizing into intricate patterns of frost, which spread outward inch by inch.
When the dragon’s breath subsided, he gripped the hilt of the sword at his waist and slowly rose, entering his [Sword Dance] state.
The White Dragon stood at the other end of the ridge, watching him with a detached air. In that posture, it looked just like a panther.
Colin carefully observed his frenzied opponent.
Unlike the Brass Dragon he’d seen before, this White Dragon’s eyes held almost no glimmer of intelligence; it was perhaps only slightly more cunning than a wild beast.
Just like in the bestiaries, the White Dragon had short horns, but what stood out more was the bony crest on its head.
Its limbs and neck were much shorter and thicker than those of other Dragon Species, giving it a powerful appearance. A dense ruff of spines grew around its neck, resembling white fur.
In contrast to its thick, short limbs, the White Dragon’s body was perfectly streamlined. Rainwater beaded up on its white scales, constantly being shaken loose with its every movement.
Colin glanced at the result of his attack.
The root of its right wing was scorched black by the lightning; it likely wouldn’t be flying anytime soon.
Just then, the White Dragon slowly straightened, looming over the mortal before it. Its immense weight caused the tiles under its feet to shift and buckle, emitting a continuous, crisp cracking sound.
Facing the Giant Dragon, Colin felt as if a high wall had been erected before him.
The dragon’s maw opened slightly, a low voice rumbling from within.
"Aisethorne knows you. Aisethorne remembers you. And lightning... Aisethorne does not like lightning."
The dragon’s Common Language was so broken that it took Colin a moment to understand what it was saying.
He didn’t respond, just silently sized up his opponent’s posture.
The White Dragon let out two guttural laughs before speaking again. "Aisethorne freeze your head, eat your head. Smart Wizard head is good..."
ROAR!
The words had barely faded when an earth-shattering roar erupted from the White Dragon’s mouth.
The creature pounced directly at Colin without warning; its words had likely been nothing more than a feint to put its prey off guard.
Colin took a deep breath.
Aided by [Haste], the White Dragon’s movements seemed to slow down considerably. He activated [Defense in Attack], channeling all his focus into his Defense.
There was no way he could block a direct hit from such a massive creature.
Colin advanced with his sword, smashing it against the White Dragon’s broad shoulder.
The blade and Dragon Scales collided, creating a shower of sparks in the rain.
Colin gripped his sword tightly, using the recoil from the impact to twist his body and leap to the left.
Having missed its pounce, the White Dragon reacted quickly.
It lowered its body, gouging its right claw into the roof.
To claws that could tear through glaciers, the Church roof was as fragile as a leaf. Tiles shattered and flew like waves with a deafening crackle, and a gaping hole was instantly torn in the roof.
The White Dragon used the purchase to stabilize its massive frame, its short, thick snout snapping directly at Colin.
[Silver Light Sharp Words]!
The surrounding Magic Net and his sword blade resonated in a silent symphony, and the Spiritual Light of Magic permeated Colin’s entire body.
He danced with the music, elegantly leaping back out of his opponent’s attack range and landing steadily on the roof, as if the slippery ice and moss beneath him didn’t exist.
Even as he moved, Colin swung his sword in a backhand motion.
He flung a [Flaming Arrow] at the dragon’s head.
The White Dragon snapped the [Flaming Arrow] out of the air, then opened its maw again, the sharp, shrill sound of its inhale ringing out once more.
Colin began casting another spell.
The Flame of his [Emerald Flame Sword] instantly wreathed his Elf Giant Sword, and he brought it down fiercely on the White Dragon’s head.
A cloud of white steam exploded on impact. A blackened wound instantly appeared on the crest on the White Dragon’s head, and the residual fiery energy continued to wreath the blade, aiding its master against his foe.
The White Dragon paid it no mind.
The next instant, a blast of deadly frost erupted from its mouth, instantly enveloping Colin.
[Winter Wolf Necklace]!
With a thought from Colin, the Magic Power in the necklace stripped the chill from the White Dragon’s breath, leaving only a raging gale.
In that instant, he was reminded of the fierce winds at the entrance to Snow Deer Valley.
Colin had to stab his Giant Sword into the roof and lower his center of gravity to avoid being blown off.
In the midst of the snow-white gale, he saw the flying Cultists converging from all directions in his peripheral vision, attempting to join the fray.
Just then, a golden [Flaming Arrow] shot up from below, striking a Cultist out of the air.
’Looks like Ale didn’t leave after all,’ Colin thought, a small smile touching his lips.
He had only ever seen a [Flaming Arrow] of this color from one person.
The howling, cold wind before him slowly subsided.
Desperate, hoarse cries echoed from all around, drowning out the patter of rain on the tiles.
"The hero on the Church is still fighting! Charge!" "I’ll die with our men!" "Get out of our homes, you damned monsters!"
The roads near the Church were filled with simply-clad women, elders, and children. Wielding wood-cutting axes and rakes, they were charging toward the city walls.
Anyone could guess what would happen when these women, children, and elders faced the Cultists. They themselves knew it best of all.
But they did not hesitate, nor did they retreat.
Because over there were their sons, husbands, and fathers, who were still fighting to the death despite the overwhelming odds.
This was a battle from which no one would retreat.
Colin looked down at the crowd below, his heart beginning to pound in his chest.
Humans who could survive in the Supreme Forest were no cowards. The will to protect their homes burned in their chests—a fire that not even the breath of a White Dragon could extinguish!
The White Dragon, which had also been watching the street below, raised its head. Its scarlet tongue slowly licked the sharp fangs protruding from its maw.
Colin used the hilt to push himself up, pulling the Giant Sword from the roof with a loud SHING.
He gripped the sword with both hands and gave it a flourish. "Turn around," he said, his voice level. "Your opponent is me, you stupid beast!"