Chapter 3: A very big surprise
Several days have passed. I'm sitting outside the cave, watching the Nasca Empire shine in the distance under the midday sun. I've been living with Velgrynd for two weeks now, and little by little, I've been earning her trust. At first, she merely tolerated me, but now things have changed. She even lets me snuggle against her scaly body when the cold of the night seeps into the cave. She's warm, comforting, like a living stove. But that trust comes at a price: I am now her personal cook.
A few days ago, we made a contract—one that she proposed with that proud tone of hers. She protects me from any danger—including giant wolves—and in return, I cook for her and only for her. A fair deal, I suppose. It's not like I have many options in this forest full of creatures that want to eat me.
A gust of wind pulls me from my thoughts, making my white hair and the cloak I'm still wearing flutter. I look up and see her—Velgrynd, in her majestic dragon form, soaring through the sky with that serpentine grace that takes my breath away. Her crimson-red scales gleam like liquid fire under the sunlight, and the golden lines running along her body shine like lightning. But what really catches my attention is what she's carrying.
In her claws, she holds a pair of animals: a Tempest Serpent and a Black Spider. I recognize these creatures instantly—they're from the world of Tensei Shitara Slime. The Tempest Serpent is a massive snake with black scales and venom that could kill me in seconds if it weren't already starving for something decent to cook. The Black Spider, on the other hand, is a giant spider with a tough shell and sharp legs, but I know its meat is surprisingly tender if cooked properly. Perfect for a meal worthy of a True Dragon.
I perk up instantly, jumping to my feet and bouncing like a little kid as I shout:
—Velgrynd! Velgrynd! You brought food! You're the best, the most amazing, the queen of the skies!
As I wave my arms excitedly, I notice something curious: her scales seem to flush slightly, a lighter shade of red spreading across her dragon face. Is that even possible? A dragon like her, blushing because of my cheers? I smirk mischievously, storing that detail in my mind. I'll tease her mercilessly about it later. For now, I focus on the dinner about to land in front of me, courtesy of my scaly protector.
This is going to be fun.
I'm sitting in front of a massive bonfire crackling fiercely, the flames licking the air as the heat envelops me. With the mithril sword in hand, I cut the Tempest Serpent and Black Spider meat into small pieces, both for myself and Velgrynd. Today, I decided to try something different: cooking her miniature portions. Large chunks of meat take forever to roast, and while she doesn't mind waiting, preparing my food always takes longer. But Velgrynd is patient; she always stays there, silently watching me until my portion is ready, and then we eat together. It's almost a ritual between us now.
I skewer the small pieces onto sharp sticks I found in the forest and place them over the fire. I'm no expert chef—the only thing I really know how to make is simple grilled meat—but over time, I've learned to season it with some herbs that grow near the cave. The aroma begins to fill the air, and my stomach growls in anticipation. As I turn the sticks to cook them evenly, I glance at my hands. The wounds I got from climbing up to this cave two weeks ago have already healed, but my palms are rough, worn, marked with cuts and embedded dirt. They're not the delicate hands of a noble like Eidel Veylthorne used to be, that's for sure.
Velgrynd, lying a few meters away, lifts her head slightly. Her golden eyes watch me with that ever-present air of distant pride, but there's a certain undertone in her voice when she speaks, as if she's trying to sound indifferent but doesn't quite succeed.
—Human, those hands of yours have seen better days —she says, her tone haughty but tinged with curiosity—. Do they still hurt? Not that I care, of course. I'm just wondering how someone so fragile keeps functioning with such pathetic claws.
I smirk at her comment, turning another skewer of meat as I reply without looking up.
—Hurt? Nah, not anymore. They're a trophy of my great escape, you know? Besides, not all of us can have elegant claws like yours, oh great Velgrynd. Some of us have to make do with dirty human hands and work with what we've got. But look, I'm still alive and cooking for you, so I can't be that bad, right?
She huffs, a small puff of smoke escaping her nostrils, but she says nothing more. I continue with my task, feeling her gaze on me as the fire crackles and the meat begins to brown.
After a few hours of waiting, the dishes are finally ready. Simple yet delicious grilled meat, with an aroma that makes my mouth water. The small pieces are perfectly seared, juicy, and ready to eat. Velgrynd, who has been watching me from her reclined position, blinks curiously, her golden eyes narrowing as she examines the portions in front of her.
—Is this all? —she asks, her voice tinged with disbelief—. These are tiny portions, human. This wouldn't fill me up in a century. What are you trying to accomplish with so little food?
Unbeknownst to her, a mischievous smile spreads across my face. My plan is working exactly as I hoped. I turn to her, holding up one of the skewers like an offering, and say in a casual yet deliberate tone:
—Well, Velgrynd, I had an idea. Don't you have, I don't know, a human form or something? I made these small portions because they cook faster, and I thought it would be more practical for you. Besides, wouldn't it be fun to eat together as equals?
She huffs, the hot air from her breath causing the flames of the bonfire to flicker, and shoots me a look that is equal parts annoyance and resignation.
—Tch. Of course, I have a human form —she says, as if it were obvious—. I'm not some primitive beast that only exists as a dragon.
—Perfect! —I exclaim, clapping my hands excitedly—. Then transform and let's eat together. Come on, it'll be much more comfortable than having you looming over me like some untouchable queen.
Velgrynd lets out a louder huff, clearly irritated by my insistence, but says nothing more. Suddenly, a golden glow envelops her, so intense that I have to cover my eyes with my hands. I let out a dramatic cry, exaggerating as always:
—Ah! My eyes! Too much majesty for a mere mortal like me!
When the glow fades, I lower my hands and stare in awe. Standing before me is a breathtaking woman, a vision of power and elegance. Her long, sleek hair is a dazzling sky blue, tied into two high buns adorned with black ribbons, while the rest cascades down her back like a waterfall. Her eyes, deep and golden, shine with the same intensity as in her dragon form, radiating natural authority.
She wears a scarlet-red imperial dress, form-fitting, made of a shimmering fabric that looks like silk, highlighting every curve with effortless grace. The edges are adorned with golden details that reflect her affinity with fire. Draped over her shoulders is a long, lightweight cape with swirling flame motifs that seem to dance with her every movement, an echo of her draconic power. Her hands are clad in black leather gloves that give her a sophisticated air, and her high boots, also black with golden accents, complete the look—making her seem like a queen straight out of legend.
I stare at her, blinking, before letting out a low whistle.
—Well, Velgrynd… —I murmur, still smiling—. If this is how you look in human form, I don't know how you haven't conquered the entire world with just a glance.
This dinner just got a whole lot more interesting.
Now that she's in her human form, the blush on Velgrynd's cheeks is much more noticeable—a soft pink hue that contrasts with her pale skin and majestic demeanor. She averts her gaze, lifting her chin with that characteristic pride of hers, as if my words were beneath her attention.
—Don't be ridiculous, human —she says, her voice firm but with a slight tremor that betrays her façade—. Your empty flattery doesn't affect me. I'm only here to eat what you prepared, nothing more. Don't get any absurd ideas.
I chuckle softly, shaking my head as I place the skewers of grilled meat in front of us.
—Of course, of course, oh great Velgrynd. Don't worry, I won't say that you look adorable when you blush. Now, sit down and let's eat. Dinner is served!
The atmosphere turns more relaxing as we sit near the bonfire. The flames crackle gently, and the rich scent of grilled meat fills the air. I take a piece and bring it to my mouth, chewing slowly. But something feels off. Even though I'm eating, I don't feel the satisfaction I should. There's no pleasure that usually comes with a good meal—just an unyielding hunger, like a void that won't be filled. It's strange, but I decide to ignore it for now. Shrugging, I take another bite, trying to push the feeling aside.
Suddenly, Velgrynd breaks the silence, her voice cutting through the air with a mix of curiosity and something else.
—Are you really feeling alright, Eidel? —she asks, tilting her head toward me—. Your hands tremble slightly when you bring the food to your mouth. Those wounds… they don't seem as insignificant as you pretend.
I glance down at my hands, noticing the slight tremor she mentioned. My rough, scarred palms shake a little, but I laugh to brush it off.
—This? Bah, I don't care —I say with a dismissive gesture—. Just battle scars, Velgrynd. Nothing a brave cook like me can't handle.
She frowns, clearly not amused by my response. Before I can say anything else, she closes the distance between us with a swift and elegant movement. Now that she's in human form, she's taller than me, even while sitting, and her presence is effortlessly commanding. With surprising gentleness, she takes my hands in hers, her gloved fingers brushing over my wounded palms. She examines them in silence, tracing the marks with a delicacy I never expected from her. Her golden eyes linger on the scars, and for a moment, she seems lost in thought.
I let out a nervous chuckle, trying to lighten the moment with a joke.
—Wow, Velgrynd, who would've thought you cared so much about a mere human like me? What's next, are you going to bandage my hands and give me a kiss on the forehead? You're sweeter than you let on!
I notice that faint blush on her cheeks again, that subtle pink creeping beneath her golden eyes, but she doesn't reply. Her hands remain wrapped around mine, warm even through her gloves, and the silence between us feels heavier—more intimate—than I expected. My joke lingers in the air, and for the first time, I'm not sure what to say next.
Suddenly, Velgrynd breaks the silence with a question that catches me completely off guard.
—Tell me, Eidel, do you remember anything from your previous life?
Her voice is calm, but there's an edge of curiosity in it that nearly makes me choke on the piece of meat I just swallowed.
I cough, patting my chest as I try to avoid her gaze.
—W-what? My previous life? —I stammer, laughing nervously—. I don't know what you're talking about, Velgrynd. Are you referring to… I don't know, my childhood or something? Because, uh, it's not very interesting, ha ha.
She looks at me seriously, her golden eyes piercing through me as if she can see right through my excuses. The air feels heavier, and a shiver runs down my spine. I can't dodge her this time.
—Don't lie —she says, sighing with a hint of impatience—. I heard you clearly that night when you were begging for your life. You said you woke up in this body. I'm not as oblivious as you think, human.
I sigh in resignation, my shoulders slumping. I glance down at my hands, still in hers, and murmur:
—I thought you hadn't heard that… How foolish of me.
I lift my gaze to her and see one of her eyebrows raised, waiting for my answer with a mix of curiosity and authority. I sigh again, deeper this time, deciding there's no point in hiding it anymore.
—Alright, I'll tell you everything —I say, my voice trembling at first but gaining steadiness—. I'm not… I wasn't Eidel Veylthorne, not originally. In my previous life, I lived in a completely different world. There was no magic, no dragons, no empires like this one. It was a much… simpler place, I suppose. One day, I just died—I don't know how, I can't remember it well—and when I opened my eyes, I was in this body, in that mansion, living a life that wasn't mine. At first, I thought it was a dream, but it wasn't. Everything was real: the forced marriage, the escape, the wolf, you… Everything. I don't know why I'm here, but I am. And that's all I know.
I pause, looking into her eyes.
—So yeah, I guess I'm some kind of… reincarnated person. I didn't want to tell you because, well, how do you explain something like this without sounding insane? But here I am, and I have no intention of going back to that noble life that was waiting for me. I'd rather be here, with you, grilling meat and annoying you.
When I finish, I notice something that makes me blink—Velgrynd's fingers are still intertwined with mine, her black leather gloves brushing against my rough skin. A mischievous smile creeps onto my lips, and I decide to take advantage of the moment. I lean in a little closer, my voice turning playful and flirtatious.
—Well, Velgrynd, holding my hands while I pour my heart out? —I tease, lowering my voice—. This is getting pretty romantic, don't you think? Is my story so touching that you just can't let go of me? Or maybe… you were just looking for an excuse to get a little closer, hmm, my favorite dragon?
Velgrynd's face instantly turns crimson, the red rising up her cheeks to nearly match the color of her dress. With a sharp motion, she pulls her hands away from mine and stands up, pointing a finger at me while shooting me a furious glare.
—Insolent! —she exclaims, her voice wavering between anger and embarrassment—. How dare you insinuate something so ridiculous, you shameless human! Don't get the wrong idea—this means nothing! Nothing!
I laugh, leaning back against the rock as I watch her take a few steps away, clearly flustered. Her reaction only makes my grin widen, and even though she doesn't say anything else, the air between us feels different now—charged with something neither of us is quite ready to name.
A few minutes pass in silence, the crackling of the fire filling the air as Velgrynd gradually calms down. She's now sitting a few steps away from me, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the flames as if trying to regain her composure after my joke. The blush on her cheeks has faded, but there's still a faint pink hue that refuses to disappear completely. I decide this is a good moment to change the subject and satisfy my curiosity. I lean slightly toward her, resting my chin on my hand, and speak in a softer, more genuine tone.
—Hey, Velgrynd —I begin, watching her with interest—. I already told you my story, weird as it is. But what about you? You're a True Dragon, a living legend. What is your life like? Don't tell me you just spend your time sleeping in caves and scaring wolves, because I won't believe you.
She glances at me from the corner of her eye, her golden irises gleaming under the firelight. She sighs, as if debating whether answering me is worth the effort, and finally speaks, her voice carrying that ever-present natural pride.
—My life? —she says, lifting her chin—. I am Velgrynd, younger sister of Veldanava, the Star Dragon. My existence predates any human empire you could imagine. I have soared through endless skies, witnessed worlds being born and fading into nothingness, and fought in battles that would shatter your fragile mortal mind. I do not 'sleep in caves,' as you so crudely put it. My power is a primordial force, and my will has shaped destinies.
I make an impressed face, nodding slowly.
—Wow, that sounds… epic. So you're like a time-traveling goddess or something? What were you doing before you ended up in this cave? Fighting other dragons, conquering kingdoms, or just flying around being awesome?
She huffs, but this time there's a hint of nostalgia in her tone.
—Before… I was by my brother's side, Veldanava. We were the first, the strongest. He created this world, you know? I followed him, supported him. But after his death, things changed. My other siblings, Velzard and Veldora, went their own ways. I… chose to wander, to watch. Sometimes I intervene, sometimes I don't. This place —she makes a vague gesture toward the cave— is just a temporary refuge. I am bound to nothing and no one.
I stay silent for a moment, processing her words. Then, with a gentle smile, I say:
—Sounds lonely, doesn't it? All that power, all those years, and here you are alone… well, until I showed up, of course. Don't you miss having company? Someone to share those endless skies with?
Velgrynd stares at me, and for a second, I think she's going to growl at me again. But instead, her expression softens—just a little.
—Solitude is a small price for freedom —she replies, her voice quieter—. Mortals are fleeting, and bonds with them break easily. I don't need company. I survive alone, as I always have.
—Hmm —I murmur, leaning back—. Well, you've got me now, whether you like it or not. I'm not as fleeting as you think. I'm going to stick around for a long time, Velgrynd! So you'd better get used to it.
She lets out a huff, but this time, there's not as much hostility in it.
—You're insufferable —she says, though her lips curve into a faint, almost imperceptible smile—. Do as you please, human. But don't expect me to soften up because of your words.
I chuckle softly, satisfied with her response. She doesn't say much more, but the fact that she shared something about her life is already progress. I lean back against the rock, watching the fire, and think that maybe—just maybe—this dragon isn't as alone as she believes now that I'm here.
A few more days have passed, and the routine has settled in like a familiar dance: I cook for Velgrynd, tease her, and she responds with huffs or half-hearted threats that I no longer take seriously. But today, as I watch the fire crackling in front of the cave, I feel a different kind of exhaustion. Not physical, but mental. Doing the same thing every day is starting to bore me, and suddenly, a grand idea lights up my mind.
I jump to my feet, spinning toward Velgrynd, who is lounging in her human form, lazily flipping through a book we found in the forest a few days ago.
—Velgrynd! —I exclaim, running toward her with a huge grin—. I have a genius idea! Train me! Teach me how to fight, how to use this sword properly. You're a True Dragon—you must know everything about combat, right? Please, please, please!
She doesn't even look up from the book, her voice coming out in a dry, uninterested tone.
—No. Why would I waste my time teaching a clumsy human like you? You have neither the grace nor the strength to learn anything from me. Forget it.
I cross my arms, frowning, but I don't give up. I step closer, leaning toward her with a mischievous smile and a playful tone that I know gets under her skin.
—Oh, come on, Velgrynd, don't be so harsh —I say, lowering my voice with a teasing lilt—. Don't you want to spend more time with me, your favorite human? Imagine it: you, the mighty master, and me, your devoted student, training under the sun. It would be just like one of those epic stories you love. Besides… —I bat my eyelashes dramatically— don't you think I'd look absolutely adorable trying to impress you with a sword? Come on, you can't resist this.
Velgrynd finally looks up, her golden eyes narrowing as she studies me. A faint blush tints her cheek, and she lets out a loud huff, snapping the book shut with a sharp thud.
—You're unbearable —she growls, standing up—. Fine, I'll train you. But don't expect me to be gentle. If you're going to do this, you'll do it right or not at all.
—Yes! —I cheer, clapping excitedly—. I knew you couldn't say no, my favorite dragon!
...
Now I'm standing in front of her, gripping my mithril sword with both hands. The sun shines high in the sky, and the clearing outside the cave has become our makeshift training ground. I try to strike her, swinging a clumsy slash toward her side, but Velgrynd dodges it with insulting ease, barely shifting her foot. Her scarlet dress flutters slightly as she moves, and a smug smile curls on her lips.
—Is that all you've got, Eidel? —she says, her voice dripping with amusement—. You look like a puppy waving a stick. Where's the technique? Where's the precision? All I see is brute force and sloppy movements. If this is the best you can do, that wolf would have eaten you in seconds.
I growl in frustration and swing again, this time harder, aiming straight for her shoulder. She dodges once more, spinning with an impossible grace, and taps me lightly on the back with the back of her hand, making me stumble forward.
—Hey! —I protest, turning to her with my face red from effort—. Not everyone can be perfect like you on the first try! Cut me some slack, I'm trying!
—Trying isn't enough —she replies, crossing her arms as she watches me with that lofty gaze—. If you want to survive in this world, you'll need more than enthusiasm. Your movements are a mess. Relax, use your head, not just your arms. Again.
I take a deep breath, adjusting my grip on the sword, and charge at her once more, even though I know I'll probably end up stumbling or getting mocked again. But deep down, I can't help but smile.
This is exactly what I wanted—something new, something exciting, and Velgrynd as my relentless teacher.
Hours have passed, and I'm still fighting in front of Velgrynd. On the outside, I don't look that tired—my stance remains firm, and my sword is still raised with determination. But inside, I'm exhausted. My muscles scream with every movement, and my breathing is a ragged pant that I try to hide. Velgrynd, on the other hand, hasn't stopped mocking me all day, her voice ringing with that sarcastic tone I'm starting to get used to.
—Was that an attack or a spasm, Eidel? —she says as she dodges another of my slashes with an elegant twirl—. You look like a headless chicken running around. Where's the grace you bragged about? Oh, wait, I think you left it in the cave along with your dignity.
—Shut up! —I growl, launching another strike, which she evades effortlessly, spinning around me as if she were dancing—. I'm doing the best I can, you arrogant dragon!
—The best you can? —she laughs, resting a hand on her hip—. If this is your best, then that wolf should have been embarrassed to chase you. Come on, human, at least make it worth watching!
I'm about to retort when I attempt another slash, this time with more force. Velgrynd dodges as always, but suddenly, my eyes widen in surprise. In her hands, between her gloved fingers, a small ball of fire glows, floating with an orange radiance. She's aiming it right at me.
—Wait, wait, wait! —I yell, taking a step back—. Don't tell me you're actually doing that! I thought this was training, not a human barbecue!
She nods with a mischievous smile.
—Just a little incentive —she says, and before I can protest further, she hurls the fireball at me.
Instinctively, I raise my mithril sword in front of me, trying to block the attack. The fireball hits with an explosive impact, the scorching heat burning the grass around me, sending a gust of hot air that makes me stagger. But then, something strange happens. Velgrynd's eyes widen slightly in surprise, and though I don't notice it, a faint silver aura envelops my body for an instant, glowing softly. The fireball suddenly extinguishes, as if an invisible force had snuffed it out, and I collapse to my knees, exhausted, my sword stabbed into the ground to keep me upright.
—What the hell was that?! —I exclaim, comical tears welling up in my eyes as I glare at her—. You almost killed me, Velgrynd! That wasn't training—that was attempted murder! My hands are shaking, my body is dead, and you decide to throw fire at me! What's next, an entire volcano?!
She crosses her arms, looking down at me with a mixture of amusement and disdain.
—It wasn't that bad —she replies, shrugging—. It was just a simple fireball. Barely enough to destroy a small city. You should be thanking me for not using something bigger.
—Thank you?! —I screech, stumbling to my feet and shaking a fist at her—. You threw a fireball the size of my head at me, and you say it wasn't that bad?! I could be charred to a crisp right now! You're a terrible teacher—a sadistic dragon! I should sue you for cruelty! Or at least demand a raise in my cooking salary! This is abuse!
Velgrynd lets out a low laugh, clearly enjoying my theatrics, but she says nothing more. Her golden eyes glimmer with something I can't quite decipher, and though I keep ranting between gasps and exaggerated gestures, I can't help but wonder—what was that flicker of surprise on her face when the fireball vanished?
...
I keep complaining to Velgrynd, my voice ringing with indignation, but now I'm submerged up to my neck in a crystal-clear lake deep within the forest. The cold water envelops me, soothing the heat and sweat of my exhausted body after training. My protests come out in broken phrases, drowned by the splashing water as I scrub my arms and legs to remove the dirt and soot from the fireball.
—I can't believe you threw that at me! —I shout, though my words sound more like a gurgle—. I could be dead, Velgrynd! Dead! And you're just laughing like it's a game! You're impossible!
Velgrynd sits at the shore, her back to me, gazing at the trees with that proud posture of hers. She doesn't look at me, but I can hear the mockery in her voice when she responds.
—Are you still whining about that, human? —she says, chuckling softly—. Your complaints are so childish I almost feel sorry for you. What did you expect from a True Dragon? That I'd pat your head and teach you to wield that sword like a toy? Get over it, Eidel. You're a disaster, but at least you're an entertaining one.
I let out a frustrated growl, but the sound gets lost in a stream of bubbles rising to the surface. I sink a little deeper into the water, leaving only my eyes and nose exposed, glaring at her from my position. Then, she tilts her head slightly, still not looking at me fully, and her tone shifts to something more serious.
—Hey, human… What was that silver aura that surrounded you earlier? —she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity—. When you blocked my fire, there was something… strange. It wasn't just you and that sword.
I freeze in the water, surprised by the question. Before I can answer, I decide to step out of the lake to speak to her face-to-face. I stand up, water dripping down my body, and walk toward the shore. I'm half-dressed, with only a makeshift cloth covering the essentials—a torn shirt barely shielding my chest and waist, soaked and clinging to my pale skin. My white hair drips in messy strands over my shoulders, and the water slides down my legs, leaving a glistening trail under the sunlight filtering through the trees.
—Silver aura? —I say, confused, as I approach her—. I have no idea what you're talking about, Velgrynd. I just—
She turns her head to reply, but the moment she sees me standing like this, her words abruptly cut off. Her golden eyes widen, and a deep crimson blush spreads across her cheeks, as red as her dress. She immediately snaps her head away in a sharp motion, stumbling over her own words as she scolds me.
—W-What the hell are you doing, you shameless human?! —she yells, her voice trembling between fury and embarrassment—. Cover yourself this instant! Have you no decency?! This is unacceptable! Don't just stand there like it's nothing, you insolent fool! Get dressed right now!
I stand still for a moment, blinking, before bursting into laughter. Crossing my arms, making no effort to cover myself further, I respond with a mischievous grin.
—Oh, come on, Velgrynd, don't be so dramatic. It's just a little water! Besides, aren't you a millennia-old dragon? What's a little human skin to you? Relax, I'm not going to bite you… unless you ask me to, of course!
She lets out a sharp huff, the blush spreading to the tips of her ears, and refuses to look at me, keeping her gaze fixed on a tree as if her life depended on it. My laughter echoes through the forest, enjoying far too much how I've once again managed to throw her off balance.