kscans

Chapter 157 - Moonshadow Stone and Rainbow Stone

From the cliff above, the Ice Dragon shot a piercing glare. The moment its eyes met theirs, their bodies froze, unable to move.

No, a cold wave was actually surging up from the ground, binding their bodies with ice.

"Tch, what a pain." Darius changed his sword to the fire attribute and swept it in a circle along the ground. With a 'jyuu' sound, the ice melted, and their bodies were free once more.

"Don't fight it. Just put it to sleep."

"Roger."

However, the Sleep Orbs wouldn't pierce its scales. The two naturally stood back to back, glaring at the Ice Dragon.

The Ice Dragon let out a voiceless roar. The next moment, countless chunks of ice flew at them like bullets.

"Kuh...!" Leonhard also changed his sword to the fire attribute, burning away the ice and desperately maneuvering within a space that seemed enveloped in light. It was fantastical, but life threatening.

"Where should we aim?"

"She said to take its head... Should we shove one down its throat?"

Darius used the wind attribute to create a whirlwind, pushing back all the flying ice chunks at once. In that opening, Leonhard readied a Sleep Orb.

"Let's do this!" Just as the Ice Dragon opened its great mouth, about to unleash its breath.

"Now!"

Leonhard's Sleep Orb pierced deep into its throat. The Ice Dragon's movements slowed instantly. At the same time, Darius's sword swept across its neck.

The massive body collapsed, and the ground shook with a deafening roar. The space that had been filled with light was plunged into pitch blackness.

"Tch...!" Darius threw up a defense for both of them, weathering the impact. When the shaking finally subsided, they could see a small light twinkling on the top of the cliff.

"...Something the Ice Dragon left behind?"

As they approached, they saw a Moonshadow Stone glowing on the cliff's edge. It shone with a faint blue light and was cool to the touch.

"It's a famous stone. You find them after they've bathed in the light of the moon and stars. It's even set in the royal crown. Its stone language is sincerity, purity. The name of the Moonshadow Teahouse also comes from this."

"I see... In that case, this will be perfect. She's sure to be happy if it's the origin of the Moonshadow Teahouse's name."

Watching Leonhard carefully excavate it, Darius also looked around. It was quite dark. It would be impossible to do any more work.

"We'll have to dismantle the Ice Dragon tomorrow..."

"But isn't that the Ice Dragon's lair? Since we're here, let's take a peek inside the cave before we head back." Leonhard knew that Darius was searching for a gem to give to Ariel.

If it was anywhere, that would be the last chance, right?

The two of them stepped into the Ice Dragon's den. Its lair was in the cave from which it had just emerged. A cool breeze flowed in, and the rock face was freezing to the touch.

"I guess there's nothing here after all..."

Just as he said that, Darius's fingertips touched a crack in the cave wall. He felt a faint flow of mana.

Not a monster. This is...

He shattered the gap with his dagger, and a rainbow colored light overflowed from within.

"...A Rainbow Stone?"

When he picked it up, it looked like a pale blue Moonshadow Stone at first glance. But from the chipped parts, a rainbow colored light shimmered, swaying mysteriously.

"I've never heard of a stone like this."

An unknown, unheard of stone. The nobility might laugh at it. But Darius knew instinctively.

This is what is truly fitting for her.

"...It suits Ariel. It's just like Ariel."

Muttering this, Darius clutched the Rainbow Stone to his chest.