Trait Hoarder

Dragons and Fleece – Part 2

I responded calmly.

“[Yes. I spoke.]”

What was the big deal about Dragon Tongue?

I squared my shoulders and continued walking in a straight line.

Even as the overwhelming presence of the dragon bore down on me, even as waves of searing heat radiated outward, I remained unfazed.

The Golden Dragon simply watched me.

It was in a dragon’s nature.

They never attacked first when faced with someone who spoke their language.

“[A peculiar being.]”

I stopped a hundred meters from the dragon and sat down.

Even at this distance, if the dragon wanted, it could swallow me whole.

It only had to lower its head.

‘It could kill me, but there’s no need to.’

The Golden Dragon was on par with the Nephilim from the Great Labyrinth.

A bit tricky to handle, sure, but not impossible to defeat.

And the rewards were plentiful—dragon scales, tendons, bones, horns, even the heart.

But I wouldn’t get the Golden Fleece.

Because if I fought and killed the Golden Dragon, it would destroy the fleece out of spite.

The Golden Fleece could only be obtained through the great success route.

No matter how many dragon materials I collected, none of them could compare to the fleece.

“[What business does a talking insect have in my nest?]”

The Golden Dragon shifted slightly.

Angling its body just enough to block my view of its nest.

Typical dragon behavior—guarding its treasure.

I chuckled.

“[I came to give you some advice.]”

“[Ha! Advice? From an insect? How arrogant!]”

The Golden Dragon let out a furious roar.

Then, it breathed fire.

Golden flames erupted into the sky, scorching the heavens.

Naturally, the village behind me fell into chaos.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

The emergency bell rang furiously.

The holy barrier stacked layer upon layer, turning so opaque that the village was barely visible.

That was how terrifying the Golden Dragon’s presence was.

Not that it intimidated me in the slightest.

[Master of the Sword] [Nephilim’s Sword] [Thor Cultivation Technique]

[Dragon Tongue] [Adamantine Body] [Mana Soul]

Instead, I gathered my strength.

Black and white energy flickered across my body.

The Nephilim’s Sword manifesting in my flesh.

A feat possible only because of my Adamantine Body.

It burned an immense amount of mana, but for a brief moment, I could sustain it.

“[That power…]”

The Golden Dragon tensed, halting its flames.

A mere Swordmaster could already cut through dragon scales.

But Nephilim’s Sword?

Even a dragon could tell it was a mythical force from a bygone era.

Underestimating me would be a grave mistake.

I smirked at the Golden Dragon.

“[Well? I think I’ve earned at least a conversation, don’t you?]”

“[Hmph. Arrogant for an insect.]”

It grumbled, but its posture softened.

The dragon extended its long neck, lowering its head toward me.

Like a giraffe stretching out, its massive skull loomed over me.

“[Speak. What is it you wish to say?]”

It still refused to call it advice.

I didn’t care.

After a brief pause, I answered.

“[You know, you’ll never become a Dragon Lord if you keep sitting here.]”

“[What?! You dare?!]”

“[Think about it. You’ve been here for over two thousand years since the Gigantomachy, right? By now, you should have at least reached Elder Dragon level. And yet, even though your scales and bones have hardened, your heart remains unchanged.]”

Why was the Golden Dragon guarding the Golden Fleece?

Why had it built a nest atop the gold mines and remained there for centuries?

To grow stronger.

To become an Elder Dragon, and eventually, a Dragon Lord.

The Golden Fleece was a treasure imbued with the power of immortality and resurrection.

For two thousand years, the Golden Dragon had been absorbing that power.

“ROOOOAAARRR!”

The Golden Dragon let out a furious howl.

Even in Dragon Tongue, it carried no meaning—just pure rage and frustration.

I stared up at it.

“[Am I wrong? You know the truth better than anyone. You don’t need the Golden Fleece anymore. You drained all its power centuries ago. Staying here any longer is pointless. While other dragons are becoming Elder Dragons and challenging for the throne of Dragon Lord, you’re just sleeping.]”

“[Insolent insect! What do you know?!]”

“[I may be smaller than you, but I know more about dragons than you do. For example, I know how you can become an Elder Dragon.]”

“[…What?!]”

The Golden Dragon’s eyes widened in disbelief.

A long silence.

Then, slowly, it muttered:

“[You claim to know the path to Elder Dragonhood?]”

“[That’s right. I do.]”

“[Ha! And yet I do not?]”

Its voice trembled with disbelief.

But both the dragon and I knew one undeniable fact—

One cannot lie in Dragon Tongue.

The language itself carried power.

It compelled absolute truth.

And any words spoken in Dragon Tongue had to be upheld.

The Golden Dragon clenched its claws.

An unconscious reaction.

The gold ingots beneath its talons crumpled like paper.

Slowly, the dragon leaned in closer.

Its massive eyes filled with an emotion it could no longer suppress—

Desire.

“[Then tell me. What is this method?]”

“[It’s simple. You’re a Golden Dragon, correct?]”

“[Unless you are an otherworldly being from beyond the Great Rift, that much should be obvious. Stop speaking nonsense and explain yourself.]”

“[Golden Dragons possess both earth and fire attributes, correct?]”

Technically, it was closer to metal than earth, but close enough.

“[That is true.]”

“[Over the centuries, you’ve absorbed more than enough earth attribute from the Golden Fleece and the gold mines. You’ve consumed vast amounts of mana—enough to become an Elder Dragon or even a Dragon Lord. But there’s a problem. You’re lacking something.]”

The Golden Dragon’s pupils narrowed.

“[Lacking? What am I lacking?]”

I smiled.

“[Fire.]”

“[…Hmph. Fire? You claim I lack fire? Are you blind, insect?!]”

The Golden Dragon unleashed a torrent of fire.

Golden flames erupted brilliantly, spreading outward.

But I simply shook my head.

“[This is how it should be done. This is fire!]”

[Hellfire] [Thor Cultivation Technique] [Mana Soul]

[Mana Core] [Mana Recovery] [Deep Breath]

Fwoooosh!

I abandoned Dragon Tongue entirely and activated Hellfire.

Like a living flamethrower, I spewed fire into the air.

Right next to the Golden Dragon’s golden flames.

As the infernal blaze surged forth, the Golden Dragon’s eyes wavered.

Why?

Because my fire looked stronger than its own.

Worse, Hellfire was spreading—consuming the golden flames and even creeping toward the dragon’s own throat.

“KRAAAAAAH!”

It let out a long roar.

I quickly reactivated Dragon Tongue to translate.

“[Impossible! An insect—an insect like you?!]”

Well, of course.

Right now, the Golden Dragon was using Dragon’s Flame.

A formidable fire attribute ability, but not top-tier.

It couldn’t compare to Solar Flames, Hellfire, or Darkflame.

The Golden Dragon thrashed in disbelief for a long while before finally regaining its composure and looking down at me.

No—this time, it lowered its head to meet my gaze.

A similar posture to before, yet different.

Now, it acknowledged me as an equal.

“[Are you saying that to become an Elder Dragon, I must strengthen my flame?]”

It was catching on.

I nodded thoughtfully.

“[That’s right. You already know about Dragon Sovereign Fire, don’t you?]”

Dragon Sovereign Fire.

An advanced form of Dragon’s Flame.

It was also a key ingredient for Extreme Flame and Supreme Flame.

“[Dragon Sovereign Fire… Yes. My mother wielded that power.]”

“[Exactly. Now think about the other Golden Dragons. Or even the Red Dragons. Where did they build their nests? Did they settle in mines like you? No. Only Earth Dragons make their nests in mines.]”

“[Grrr…!]”

The Golden Dragon let out a low growl.

“[Then should I relocate my nest immediately?]”

It glanced back at its hoard with clear reluctance.

That wouldn’t do.

Simply moving the nest wasn’t enough.

It wouldn’t matter to the Golden Dragon, but I had a problem—

It would take the Golden Fleece with it.

If I wanted to secure the great success route, I had to choose my words carefully.

“[Moving to a volcano would work. But you’d have to absorb volcanic heat for at least a thousand years. Can you wait that long?]”

“[A thousand years? I could, but that’s too long.]”

“[Exactly. By then, new Dragon Lords would rise, and a whole new generation of hatchlings would have been born.]”

“[Insect—no, human. You must have a method. That’s why you sought me out, isn’t it?]”

The Golden Dragon’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Sharp.

I smirked.

“[Of course. If you offer me proper compensation, I’ll help you become an Elder Dragon.]”

“[Proper compensation?]”

“[The Golden Fleece.]”

I pointed confidently at the nest.

The Golden Dragon screeched.

“[WHAT?! You thieving rat! You dare covet my treasure?!]”

“[Then forget it. Stay here forever, clutching your hoard and sleeping away the centuries.]”

“[You think I won’t force an answer from you?!]”

The Golden Dragon unfurled its wings.

Its mana flared to its peak.

Condensed and nearly tangible, the sheer pressure rattled the sky.

Thunder boomed. Sparks crackled through the air.

But I wasn’t the least bit afraid.

I casually rested my hand on the hilt of the Black Tiger Sword and asked,

“[Want to test me?]”

“[Ghhhhh…!]”

The Golden Dragon let out a deep, forced cough.

If we fought, I would win.

The dragon didn’t know that for sure.

But after seeing the Nephilim’s Sword earlier, it at least understood that I wasn’t some bug it could crush underfoot.

“[Hmph! Hmph! Very well. If you turn me into an Elder Dragon, I will grant you my treasure.]”

“[Let’s be precise. I can’t instantly make you an Elder Dragon. But I can show you how.]”

“[Human! Do not play games with me!]”

“[It takes time. Time. What I can do is evolve your Dragon’s Flame into Dragon Sovereign Fire. After that, you’ll need to go to a volcano and drink magma for about ten years. That will balance your fire and earth attributes, allowing you to evolve into an Elder Dragon.]”

The Golden Dragon was Level 7. Elder Dragons were Level 8.

For reference, Dragon Lords were Level 9.

“[Ten years… Ten years, huh?]”

The Golden Dragon lowered its head in contemplation.

“[Make your choice.]”

I waited in silence.

Would it wait a thousand years in a volcano?

Or would it trade the Golden Fleece and shorten it to ten years?

The answer was obvious.

Then, the dragon’s eyes shifted.

For a brief moment, a flicker of cunning crossed its face before disappearing.

Of course.

It was a dragon.

Would a dog stop chasing bones?

Would a dragon easily part with its hoard?

I pretended not to notice and remained patient.

At last, the Golden Dragon spoke.

“[Fine. I accept your proposal. Human, I shall grant you the Golden Fleece. But you must provide the precise method. If you deceive me, you will face my wrath!]”

“[I have no intention of deceiving you. We’ll finish everything today. You’ll gain Dragon Sovereign Fire, head for the volcano, and I’ll take the Golden Fleece. Deal?]”

“[Deal. Give me Dragon Sovereign Fire, and I will give you the Golden Fleece.]”

An absolute contract bound by Dragon Tongue.

Neither of us could break it.

I rose to my feet.

From my golf bag, I pulled out materials and tools.

Good thing I carried random junk everywhere.

If I hadn’t, I would’ve had to fly to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, to buy supplies.

“[What are you doing?]”

“[I’m replenishing your mana.]”

“[My mana is boundless! Higher than the sky, vaster than the sea!]”

“[It’s not enough.]”

I set up a magic brazier and placed a cauldron on top.

A magic cauldron for cooking.

I ignited the fire using a Mana Core.

A Level 5 Mana Core I obtained after defeating a magic golem in the Gunslinger Ruins.

‘Never thought I’d be using it like this.’

Good thing I hoarded everything—eventually, it always found a use.

I poured in a generous amount of Phoenix Fluid into the magic cauldron.

A catalyst used to enhance Phoenix Flames. I had bought it from the Sun Mage Tower just in case.

Right now, it was just broth for a mana stew.

As the Phoenix Fluid began to boil, I added a Magic Ruby.

Then, I ground up Hell’s Gold into a fine powder and sprinkled it in.

For the final touch, I placed a Level 7 Mana Core—a relic from the guardian of the Gunslinger Ruins—on top, like a garnish.

“[Hmmm.]”

All I sensed was intense fire-attribute mana.

But the Golden Dragon’s reaction was different.

It sniffed the air, twisting its massive body with anticipation.

“[An unusual scent… It smells delicious.]”

“[Then eat it.]”

“[Eat it?]”

“[Yeah. I made it for you.]”

As if waiting for permission, the Golden Dragon snatched up the cauldron in one gulp.

I meant for it to drink the stew, but it swallowed the entire cauldron.

My precious magic cauldron!

I could buy another, sure.

But maybe because I grew up poor, wasting money always stung a little.

“[Cough! Cough!]”

The Golden Dragon let out small coughs.

Each time, golden flames flickered from its mouth.

Originally, the mixture was used to create Phoenix Flame, an enhancement catalyst.

As a medicinal dish, it greatly amplified fire-attribute traits.

Particularly effective for dragons.

Whoosh!

I extended my hand and released Hellfire.

The scorching red flames surged forward, bathing the dragon.

An internal stimulus followed by an external stimulus.

“[Grrrrrr!]”

The Golden Dragon threw its head back.

Its wings flared open, spreading wide.

Its four legs went completely slack.

A posture like an old man soaking in a hot spring.

“[Ahhh, this is wonderful!]”

Of course, it felt good.

To the dragon, it must have been like having a hot bowl of ox bone soup followed by a sauna session.

Even though it was Hellfire, after consuming the Phoenix Mana Stew, it was nothing more than a relaxing heat bath.

I gave it everything I had.

Just using Thor Cultivation Technique and Mana Soul wasn’t enough, so I resorted to the effects of Potion Dependency and Potion Addiction for the first time in a while.

I grabbed a handful of High-Grade Mana Potions from my golf bag and chugged them without hesitation.

Gulping them down, I continued to unleash Hellfire.

“[Ahhh, this feels amazing!]”

Oh yeah?

Meanwhile, I was dying trying to maintain Hellfire and Dragon Tongue at the same time.

I was effectively using five trait slots just to keep Hellfire going.

If I swapped out Dragon Tongue, a single word from the dragon could crush my mind.

So I had no choice but to endure.

After relentlessly pouring out Hellfire, a change finally occurred.

“[Hmm?]”

The Golden Dragon tilted its head.

Then, it began gagging—like it was about to vomit.

Almost there.

I pushed myself harder.

Summoning every last ounce of strength, I unleashed one final surge of Hellfire.

Whoosh!

Then, it happened.

At the center of the Golden Dragon’s chest—

Where its dragon heart resided—

A fire bloomed.

Brighter than the sun.

Hotter than magma.

Dragon Sovereign Fire.

I finally stopped spewing Hellfire.

Switching to Adamantine Body and Immortality, I purified my body.

I drank Healing Potions, Mana Potions, and Holy Water to restore myself to peak condition.

Because I knew exactly what was coming next.

“KUOOOOHHH!”

The Golden Dragon unleashed a breath attack.

It was no longer golden.

A deep, pure blue flame.

A fire supreme in both magical and physical attributes.

The Golden Dragon, now brimming with confidence, gazed down at me.

It held its head high, as if it had already become an Elder Dragon.

“[You have my gratitude, human. I shall keep my promise.]”

Whoosh!

The Golden Fleece flew toward me.

I removed my Iron Fist gauntlets and reached out with both hands.

The Golden Fleece split into two strands and coiled around my hands and wrists.

The traits it carried—[Immortality] and [Resurrection].

[Immortality] granted temporary invulnerability.

[Resurrection] functioned like a rechargeable elixir.

Even compared to Etherealization or Gold Measure, this was superior.

[Immortality] provided absolute invincibility, much like the Massacre Empress’ Untouchable State.

[Resurrection] didn’t even require recharging—just a cooldown period before it could be used again.

“[Hehehe…]”

The Golden Dragon chuckled darkly.

“[Foolish insect. Do you realize something?]”

Its tone had reverted to how it sounded when we first met.

“[I only promised to give you the Golden Fleece. I never said I wouldn’t take it back… or that I wouldn’t attack you!]”

Of course.

Even on the great success route, this was part of it.

The Dragon Slayer Route.

The path where I took not only the Golden Fleece but also dragon materials.

The idiot Golden Dragon had no idea this was exactly what I intended—

As it bared its fangs, ready to strike.

–TL Notes–

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