I Am Not Goblin Slayer

Chapter 278: When the Sun Descends

After making this judgment, Gauss subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.Although true dragons and drakes differ by only one character and are both born from dragon mothers, they can almost be considered two different species.

True dragons are intelligent races, while drakes are more like powerful beasts with dragon appearances.

The former possess extremely high intelligence, capable of philosophical thinking, language mastery, and casting complex various magics. Everything humans can do, they can do too, and in most cases, they might do it even better—the only difference being whether they're willing to invest time.

The latter's intelligence resembles that of cunning beasts like wolves or tigers, with their behaviors primarily controlled by biological instincts—predation, combat, territory guarding, and so on.

In terms of magic, drakes might possess some innate breath abilities like fire breathing, acid spitting, or ice breath, which are more like physiological capabilities. Generally, their intelligence isn't sufficient to support learning more profound magic.

But true dragons are natural spellcasters. As they age, even if they spend most of their dragon lives sleeping, they'll naturally master numerous spells, from trivial cantrips to powerful magics capable of destroying cities.

How could Gauss make such a judgment about the creature before him?

Because its displayed behavior didn't resemble a true dragon—both its roaring sounds and movements seemed like those of a wild beast with little intelligence.

If it was a drake, all previous confusions suddenly made sense.

Why were so many goblin-like creatures gathered here? Why were these wild monsters so docile and disciplined? Why were the goblin-like creatures continuously mining ores and smelting them? All because of this drake's presence.

Goblin-like creatures worship true dragons due to bloodline reasons.

Therefore, they would almost inevitably worship a drake too.

At the bloodline level, drakes still flow with dragon blood in their bodies. This bloodline causes monster species like goblin-like creatures, who carry dragon bloodlines, to instinctively revere and worship them.

No reason needed.

Moreover, for goblin-like creatures, how many opportunities do they have in their humble monster lives to encounter true dragons?

Almost none.

The existence of a drake is, to them, a reachable "king" or "god."

One could say they're extremely fortunate.

Furthermore, beyond spiritual worship, a drake located within the tribe can bring more tangible benefits.

It's an absolute authoritative leader that can unite the entire goblin-like creature tribe, and even the lowest-level goblin-like creature miners engaged in the most arduous digging work would find sweetness in their labor.

This is the charm of dragons.

Additionally, although drakes aren't equal to true dragons, they're still creatures possessing dragon blood and powerful dragon physical talents. Their combat power remains extremely formidable among peers.

Drakes can effectively deter many other predators, providing security for the tribe.

Moreover, drakes can subtly enhance the strength of the goblin-like creature tribe they reside in.

Even just staying near the dragon mother long-term, the goblin-like creatures' bloodlines have a probability of becoming more refined under the influence of dragon aura.

Some blessed individuals might even awaken special bloodline abilities.

Furthermore, if it were a drake, its presence here would be somewhat more explainable.

For true dragons, especially chromatic evil dragons like red dragons, these defective products without awakened inheritance and dragon race wisdom are like shameful existences. Therefore, true dragons often abandon them after confirming their drake status.

If not for some principle preventing filicide, some irresponsible dragon mothers might even tend toward personally eliminating them.

Or perhaps for other reasons?

After all, the only famous one in this surrounding area seems to be the Green Dragon Queen;no other adult red dragons have been heard of.

Anyway, the probability of encountering a lone juvenile drake is higher than encountering a true dragon.

Just as Gauss was pondering.

His vision suddenly went black.

The visual feed was cut off.

Gauss's thoughts returned to his main body.

Gauss shook his head.

"What's wrong? Any discoveries?"

Aria and others noticed the momentary change on Gauss's face.

"Deep in the goblin-like creature nest, there's a dragon."

"Dragon!!?"

Everyone present was startled.

This target was undoubtedly too lofty for the vast majority of mid-to-low-level adventurers.

"To be precise, it should be a drake, probably with red dragon bloodline."

Gauss shared his speculation with his teammates.

His companions' reactions upon learning his reconnaissance results were identical to his initial response.

Some tension, some excitement, and some feeling at a loss.

After all, dragons' power is deeply rooted in most people's hearts in this world, whether through various legends, folk songs and poetry, or stories about evil dragons in books.

In various artistic works with artistic embellishment, you can find dragons being morally corrupt, even arrogant and foolish, but there's basically none saying true dragons lack strength.

From the moment true dragons are born, they're destined to become regional powerhouses as long as they grow up healthily.

"Drake... are those the fools among true dragons?" Aria confirmed again.

"If my judgment isn't wrong." Gauss nodded.

Everyone simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

In terms of strength, drakes are definitely weaker compared to true dragons.

They only inherit the true dragons' bodies but not the more precious spells, talents, and dragon race inheritance.

"What growth stage is it in?" Aria asked a crucial question.

As everyone knows, true dragons' strength is closely related to their age—they enhance their abilities as they progress through growth stages.

Naturally, it starts with the dragon egg form. In this state, they're usually near the dragon mother, their threat level almost zero, but ordinary people almost cannot reach them.

Next is the wyrmling state after hatching from the egg. Upon birth, wyrmlings possess at least challenge level 2.

Size equivalent to a horse, wyrmlings generally have challenge levels between 2-5.

After developing for several years to a decade, they enter the young dragon stage, commonly called juvenile dragons. At this point, the dragon's body enters a rapid development period.

Some powerful young dragons can even reach sizes comparable to adult elephants, with strength rising accordingly.

Generally possessing challenge levels of 6-10.

Meaning, any normally developing true dragon, just by staying with the dragon mother through the most vulnerable wyrmling stage of dragon life, can naturally advance to the commander-level monster stage.

Just hearing this makes one feel what a terrifying race this is.

After that come young adult dragons with challenge levels between 11-16. At this stage, dragons are fully physically mature, each considered regional overlords with high intelligence, mastery of numerous spells, multiple magical and physical resistances, and they've already begun gathering numerous followers, developing their own formidable dragon nest forces.

After young adult dragons, there are adult dragons and ancient dragons. That level of power is no different from gods to ordinary people and mid-to-low-level adventurers.

"Should be in the young dragon stage." Gauss briefly described the drake's size he saw to his companions.

That drake's size had definitely moved beyond the wyrmling stage, but among juvenile dragons, it wasn't outstanding either, since it hadn't reached adult elephant size yet.

"So it's at least a level 6+ monster, but not particularly high-level, say level 9 or 10." Aria nodded.

"And, it's still a drake." Serlandul added.

Everyone understood the subtext in his words.

At the same size, drakes are definitely weaker than true dragons.

"But, if I remember correctly, red dragons should be the strongest among the five chromatic evil dragons, right?" Albenia also raised her hand to add.

Yes, even among chromatic dragons, the five chromatic dragons have strength differences.

Red dragons are recognized as the strongest, white dragons are recognized as the weakest.

As for the middle three, blue dragons might have some advantage, while green and black dragons are similar.

Drake, not too large in size, made everyone slightly lower their strength assessment, but the red dragon blood somewhat compensated for its intensity.

"What do you say?"

Gauss looked at them.

Although they had accepted this commission, before accepting it, Gauss had frankly told the Gold-Silver Town guild leader that they would decide based on the specific situation. If it exceeded their capabilities, they might terminate the commission.

Therefore, there was no situation of going down one path to the end, even knowing they couldn't win, they'd have to stubbornly proceed.

Just...

Dragons, even a drake, are precious treasure.

Aria swallowed her saliva.

She didn't speak, but Gauss could already see the excitement on her face.

No adventurer could remain completely unmoved by a dragon/young dragon or similar juvenile dragon species.

Shadow shrugged.

"I'm fine with either."

Serlandul didn't speak, his gaze fixed on Gauss's face—whatever Gauss said, he'd listen. During such important decision moments.

Because based on current intelligence, whether continuing exploration or terminating the commission, many reasons could support either choice. Therefore, this was just a choice, with no inherent good/bad or right/wrong.

"Lord Gauss, we might give it a try."

Instead, Albenia was the first to give her opinion.

Gauss raised an eyebrow.

He thought Albenia would choose temporary silence, first listening to their opinions.

"If it's really the size Lord Gauss described, that drake might not be that terrifying." Albenia's face showed only excitement facing enemies, without much fear.

"Drakes, even red dragon drakes, after all, aren't true dragons. Besides that formidable body, they only have some flame breath."

"I'm confident I can withstand it." Albenia smiled as she spoke.

Gauss examined her for a moment, able to tell her confidence wasn't feigned—mostly quite assured.

Seemed to faintly confirm Gauss's previous speculation about her strength.

She wasn't simply a level 6 professional.

Ordinary level 6 professionals facing such a drake commission where they'd also be at risk definitely couldn't remain so calm and composed.

Moreover, Gauss himself actually leaned more toward continuing exploration.

Although he was currently level 4, his attributes exceeded same-level standards, he possessed numerous talent bonuses, and he had mastered 3rd-circle spells in advance—his strength had already reached master-tier adventurer level.

And when necessary, he still had a trump card.

That was activating [Sturdy Scale Bloodline] while simultaneously initiating [Ghost Form].

In his perception, he could achieve this.

But he vaguely felt that activating two states simultaneously would place great burden on his body.

Whenever he wanted to try, his body would transmit warning-like feedback, as if his body would suffer damage after state stacking, which was why he hadn't used this method yet.

But if truly at critical moments, even risking it, he'd use it—at most spending some time recuperating.

Plus there's Shadow's innate ability.

"Then we'll tentatively decide to continue executing the commission."

"Okay!"

Aria and others quickly nodded in agreement.

Hearts pounding faster.

All feeling like warriors in stories who had accepted dragon-slaying commissions, bearing some sacred mission.

Ultimately, the word "dragon" alone could make adventurers' blood boil with excitement.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many dragon-slaying warriors, dragon knight stories and legends.

Whether killing dragons or becoming dragon partners, both are legendary.

Before setting out on this commission, everyone had prepared to encounter powerful enemies. Now they were just replacing the nest's master from goblin-like creature commander to a drake, that's all.

After adjusting their moods, the group discussed specific subjugation plans, unified opinions, then continued advancing.

With the shared visual memory from the earlier clay spider, Gauss moved very smoothly within the cave.

Not long after.

The group stopped.

"Aria, Serlandul, Albenia, as discussed earlier, you three wait here first."

Gauss spoke.

"Shadow and I will enter the goblin-like creature nest. I'll release a fireball spell, detonating it in the goblin-like creature town. The moment the explosion activates, Shadow will take me away from the nest, returning here."

Due to that unknown barrier's presence, the squad wanting to silently infiltrate the interior was almost impossible.

What he needed to do was release a massively powerful fireball spell inside the nest, causing heavy casualties while also creating chaos.

He had observed that the nest space was extraordinarily large, and all directions were reinforced—even fireball spell would find it difficult to completely collapse it.

However, one fireball spell could definitely create sufficient destructive power.

He locked the target on the smelting area, where numerous flammable materials were stacked—an ideal detonation point.

And since it was an important area, the number of goblin-like creature elite warriors around was more dense.

As long as the explosion occurred there, it could deal a heavy blow to the goblin-like creature nest.

As for why not directly implement decapitation tactics against the drake, smashing fireball on its head.

On one hand, execution difficulty was too high—the drake's perched "dragon nest" was located deepest in the cave, far beyond fireball spell's casting range, unless Gauss could penetrate deep into enemy territory.

Secondly, he felt fireball spell's effect on that red dragon drake might not be ideal.

Fireball is an area attack spell—its area of effect is large, but considering it's only a 3rd-circle spell, it inevitably cannot cover everything.

It also has shortcomings—lack of lethality against truly powerful creatures.

The vast majority of commander-level monsters already have terrifying skin defense.

And red dragons naturally control fire, corresponding fire element resistance is also very outstanding.

Meaning, fireball spell's damage against it would be further weakened, very likely causing half the result with double the effort.

The earlier group discussion result was that they must eliminate the drake's goblin-like creature minions.

One drake VS Gauss squad, in 1V1 fair competition, Gauss even felt they were at an advantage.

It's just that its followers would inevitably intervene after combat begins, breaking the balance, even fearlessly protecting the drake.

So before they launched suicide attacks, better to deplete their main force first, preventing them from intervening in the final decisive battle.

"Shouldn't affect this area."

Gauss combined usual fireball spell practice experience and earlier nest space scale investigation, made this judgment.

"Don't worry, I'm here." Albenia patted her chest and guaranteed. "If accidents happen, I'll activate the shield."

She possessed an ability—after activating the shield, starting from her, a sturdy shield space would generate, protecting everyone inside.

"Then it's up to you."

Gauss nodded.

As usual, the squad began following the procedure.

Aria and Serlandul began applying buffs to both.

After everything ended.

Gauss and Shadow exchanged glances.

"We're leaving first."

Soon, both Shadow's and Gauss's bodies were enveloped by shadow, then merged into the ground.

"Stop here first."

Shadow wrapped around both entered the goblin-like creature nest.

This place was outside the barrier, relatively hidden, with straight-line distance to the smelting area relatively closer.

As for him now, he was in the shadow-wrapped state, unable to cast spells.

To begin spellcasting, he must remove this abnormal state.

"Wait a moment. There's a goblin-like creature patrol passing nearby." Gauss reminded.

"Understood."

Both patiently waited for the goblin-like creatures to move farther away.

"Huff—"

"Take me to the edge closest to the barrier."

Shadow continued rapidly moving along the ground.

Finally stopped before an invisible barrier. Through the hazy scene ahead, they could faintly see the blurred goblin-like creature nest inside.

Both emerged from the shadow.

"Huff—"

"Alright?" Gauss looked at Shadow.

Carrying an extra person increased her consumption.

This was why Gauss had Aria and the other two stay outside first.

"I'm fine, just need to catch my breath." Shadow simply calmed her breathing, expression calmly said. "Need to hurry, before other goblin-like creatures notice here."

"Mm."

Gauss didn't continue with pleasantries.

The current urgent priority was delivering a spectacular explosion to this monster nest.

"Keep watch for me."

Gauss drew the white wand tied to his thigh.

He took a deep breath, powerful mana surged within his body.

Deep in his consciousness sea, the cup symbolizing [Magician] and the pure white small sword of [Sword Soul] both began shining.

His body slowly floated up, rising from the ground.

His robes fluttered without wind, flapping loudly.

His gaze penetrated through the hazy barrier.

Normally, he should be unable to perceive the interior's specific positions.

But...

His mind currently held a clear map.

That was the brain map unlocked by the earlier clay spider's path.

Therefore, he could vaguely overlap his spellcasting range limit with the target position.

His pupils slowly changed from emerald green to flowing gold.

The white wand tip swung forward.

A strong mana fluctuation then gathered at the wand tip, shining!

"Boom!!"

Air began distorting.

Even the invisible barrier not far away responded accordingly, edges faintly showing distorted ripples.

Inside the goblin-like creature nest.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

A goblin-like creature craftsman was swinging its hammer at the red-hot iron ingot before it.

Its heart filled with excitement and joy.

Just thinking about contributing a fire attribute magic crystal to the great Red Dragon Majesty made it too excited to control itself.

Although dedicating everything for Red Dragon Majesty was already immense honor as goblin-like creatures, if on this basis, they could receive small rewards, naturally better.

Reportedly, soon this batch of goblin-like creature craftsmen would be able to meet Red Dragon Majesty face to face, receive baptism, then master more powerful strength.

Thinking of future scenes, its hammer-swinging arm gained more strength.

To serve Red Dragon Majesty, it must exhaust all efforts in labor.

Manufacture more weapons, obtain stronger bloodline power, follow the king to step onto the surface, plunder everything for the king.

And it could also gaze upon the king's glory in this process.

What a beautiful future.

In its longing gaze, not far in the air, a blazing white sphere was rapidly condensing.

Meanwhile, the detection barrier enveloping the entire nest began violently twisting and shaking!

"Roar! Roar! Roar!"

Outside, uneasy goblin-like creature roars shattered the fantasy.

Some incomprehensible and unsettling anomalies were occurring.

Many goblin-like creatures came to the clearing, uneasily raising their heads to gaze at the violently shaking barrier.

And that...

Continuously releasing intense light, a sun-like dazzling point of light.

At this moment, all present goblin-like creatures seemed to see the long-lost blazing sun once again.

The sun had descended!