#776 The Strongest Dragons' Battle (Upper)

Yo, it’s the one and only great farm dragon Veil.

What’s the story today?

...

Ah, it’s about the Proto-Geyser Dragon? 

She did make an appearance at the recent wedding ceremony, after all.

Of course you’d want to know how everything led up to that event.

You’ve always ‘bean’ so attentive, Master.

Oh, but that princess and that winged woman are more than enough to handle real beans.

Anyway, judging from what happened, Typhon, the Proto-Geyser Dragon, got thrashed by Alexander, my elder brother, and is now under his control.

Victory and defeat mean everything to dragons.

From Master’s perspective, all you saw was that beast reviving in Mt. Eternity and then flying straight to where Alexander was.

But I, as a diligent dragon, saw everything that transpired after.

So, I can share the tale of how that foolish Typhon, without knowing her place, challenged Alexander and got soundly beaten.

If you want, I can tell you the story with all the dramatic flair it deserves.

After all, there’s nothing I wouldn’t share with you, Master.

Hmm, alright then.

Lend me your ears.

***

It all goes back to the day when you and I ascended Mt. Eternity.

The Proto-Geyser Dragon said to be the progenitor of all dragons, was in a deep slumber within the mountain. But for some reason, she woke up. As for its cause... Dunno, but anyway, it was a mess.

Actually, what made her awaken?

...Huh? I don’t need to remember?

If Master says so, then it’s not of any importance. I’ll toss that memory into the sea of oblivion.

But let’s get back to the main story.

Freshly awakened from ancient times, she was looking for an opponent to prove that she was still the strongest in this era.

And the only worthy opponent would, of course, be Alexander, my brother.

Unfortunately, I may have inadvertently informed her of this, which made her all the more determined.

I had no choice but to chase after her lest people think I was the one who set that cannonball loose.

That’s when you last saw her, Master.

Now, the main part starts here.

Upon arriving at Alexander’s dungeon, The Mountain of the Sacred White Maiden, as expected, my brother was there in his usual recluse fashion.

He greeted us at his palace atop the mountain and said...

“Ah, Veil. Did you come to hang out today? Hmm? I don’t recognize the dragon with you. A new friend?”  

“Well, uh…!”

My brother mostly stays in his human form, appearing as an old man with gray hair.

While greeting us, he was holding something, which made me curious.

I had to ask what it was. It wasn’t because I was trying to change the subject, I swear!!!

“Alexander, what’s that unfamiliar thing you’re holding?”

“Ah, sharp eyes, Veil! Have you become more observant since living on the farm?”

My brother seemed openly delighted when I brought it up.

As for the crucial item he was holding... it appeared to be some sort of stuffed animal.

Fluffy, furry, and quite round.

Seeing a white-haired old man (in appearance) holding something so out of place, I just had to inquire further.

“Is that... a stuffed toy? Or maybe a monster?”

At first glance, it looked like a mere toy. But upon closer inspection, its tiny limbs were twitching and its eyes darting about.

Clearly, it was alive.

“Exactly! It’s a monster I’m planning to use in my dungeon. A formidable one at that!”

“Really? It doesn’t look the part.”

It’s so tiny that I mistook it for a stuffed toy.

It doesn’t look like it could pose a threat to adventurers.

If anything, it’s so adorable that I want to take one back for Junior...

“Why not experience its strength for yourself? Meet Flatterfuzz, who might become a default monster of my dungeon!!!”

Alexander put the toy-like creature on the ground, and it wobbled over to me, its small steps further amplifying its child-like nature.

Looking up at me in my dragon form, it exclaimed...

“You’re big and amazing!” And began showering me with praises.

“Th-Thanks...?!”

“Good on you for showing gratitude!”

Did it just praise me again?!

What’s with this monster?! It’s like... It’s warming my heart or something!

“You see? This is the power of Flatterfuzz! It praises even the tiniest thing its opponent does!”

“And how is that useful?!”

I mean, getting praised feels great, but...

What does that have to do with dungeon raids or defense?!

“Think about it. Adventurers venturing into dungeons are always in danger. They risk their lives, and if they return without success, they won’t survive. Their hearts are probably dry and devoid of joy.”

“Um... okay...?”

“And that’s where this little guy comes in! If I produce many Flatterfuzzes and place them all over the dungeon, they’ll praise every move the adventurers make! This should bring some warmth back into their ruthless lives. I want those who raid my dungeon to never lose their kindness!!!”

My brother, ever so passionate, was making his point while that weird praise-machine of a monster was complimenting him, saying, “Thinking about others is really commendable!”

Is this the same thing Alexander tried during that dungeon raid competition?

He’s been trying to make a practical use out of it...? It gives me the shivers thinking about his direction.

“But I wanna take one of these back for Junior. Can I have one?”

“It’s still a prototype. If I’m to gift it, it should be a finished product. Wait till I’ve refined it.”

“Okay, but I hope it gets refined fast. Human children grow up so fast.”

Master said something similar once.

That kids go from being into action shows to reading manga, and before you know it, they’re in their awkward teen phase.

Junior’s time playing with stuffed toys might end sooner than we think!

Time is of the essence!!!

“Hey, you two! Stop ignoring me and chattering away.”

And then, I remembered someone.

The Proto-Geyser Dragon, Typhon, floating in the air, annoyed.

“I came here hearing there’s the strongest dragon of this era, but all I found was an old geezer. Don’t underestimate me, the progenitor of all dragons, the cause of all disasters, Proto-Geyser Dragon, Typhon!”

Wow... She’s picking a fight with Alexander? Is she brave or just foolish?

Watching Typhon, the praise-machine monster said...

“You’ve got guts! Impressive!”

Even this little guy’s got nerve!

Typhon, glaring, said, “How dare such a lowly creature address the primordial dragon like that... You deserve to vanish as an apology!!!”

And she spewed a breath attack!

Ahhh! That’s dangerous!

Why are you going after the innocent plushie?! I immediately rushed out to shield it, but then I quickly realized something.

I didn’t need to intervene.

Sure enough, Alexander effortlessly deflected Typhon’s breath attack, not letting it harm the stuffed creature one bit.

It then continued its praise, “Thanks for protecting me.”

“It might need some improvements. I should teach it not to approach those with ill intent.”

“Grrr... To deflect my fierce breath that easily... indeed, you’re as they say!”

She doesn’t even realize she just crossed a dangerous line.

“Come, let’s determine who the true strongest dragon is!”

“Strongest?”

Holding the stuffed creature, Alexander replies, “The strongest, huh. That’s one of the most pointless things in the world. Does it matter who’s stronger? If you want to claim that title, go ahead.”

“What?!”

“There are far more important things in this world than figuring out who’s the strongest. A countless number. And it’s sad and foolish not to realize that. It’s about time you woke up from your pointless dream.”

It’s always so cool when he casually says things like that.

This is where Attack on Brother Alexander begins!!!

----------

official v15 of the light novel will be out on the 25th!