Arc | Chapter. 24: The Hermit (Patreon)

Chapter. 24: The Hermit

The Dragon of Flames barely managed to use [Blink] in time as he heard the explosion beneath him. Looking down from the clouds he saw a completely broken mountain. All his hoard, all the wealth he had accumulated for centuries was gone, all at the hands of a hero.

Rage exploded within him as he resolved himself, it didn’t matter if she was SS Tier, or just an S Tier individual. Nothing mattered for…

He was going to kill her!

In an instant, he dove down, he was the Creator of the First True Flame, his strength would always be part of history, just because he was an S Tier monster it didn’t mean he couldn’t touch upon the next Tier! All he had to do was⁠—

[My Fire, My Heart, My Soul. Unleash an⁠—]

His maw shone, as he chanted inwardly, facing down upon the mountain his rage exploded as he screamed.

“[Everlasting Purgatory]!”

And at that moment, he fired.

* * * * *

Ceylon and Rory had made their way outside, only to see a glinting star in the sky, then they saw the flapping of its wings, and their eyes grew wide.

“Wait, that’s⁠—”

And a booming voice resounded.

“[Everlasting Purgatory]!”

And the judgment from heaven struck. A beam of death. The mountain exploded into an inferno of flames, molten lava flew; rippled across the land the earth itself shook, and all Ceylon could do was take a very deep breath as Rory forcefully pulled her away.

Arc what have you done…

* * * * *

This was it…

I felt scalding pain from standing in the middle of my spot, the ground around me was melting, my skin was actively burning, and that feeling, that small jump in my heart I felt was everything I wanted and perhaps more.

A grin spread across my face as I realized that the dragon was intent on killing me, and as I looked into the sky and saw its flying shadow I couldn’t help but feel excitement. My life was in danger, it was something; a challenge.

I lived for these challenges, these life threatening fights are what made me who I was today, without moments like these I wouldn’t be what I am now.

And I wasn’t going to back down.

I muttered to myself, using my skills to be stronger.

“[Deft Agility], [Blessing of the Ice God], [Gift of Frost]—”

And I jumped towards the dragon.

* * * * *

He flew on the sky for a few moments.

He must’ve gravely injured her, the Dragon of Flames was sure of it, even if she was an SS Tier opponent, they normally wouldn’t be able to come out from that attack without grievous injuries. The reason was simple, the gap between SS Tier and S Tier was a rather minuscule one in terms of stats and levels.

But even then, the Dragon of Flames desired it, because when that point was reached a unique advantage was given; a boon. He had heard rumors of SSS Tier skills being given, of great protections and blessings, unique items, or even a set of SS Tier skills. However, even among SS Tier advantages, those that could save the Heroine of Ice from his wrath were close to none, they were just an advantage not a cheat.

An SSS Tier skill would take minutes to cast, the items if too powerful were too conditional, and more than anything, learning skills of a Tier required to level up in that Tier, unless she was nearing the ultimate Tier she wouldn’t have many SS Tier skills. There was a reason why this was no longer called the age of oblivion, leveling opportunities were no more.

But now there was an opportunity⁠ right in front of him…

The dragon’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the billowing smokes and darkening skies.

… and he was going to take it⁠!—

A shadow appeared next to him, his eyes widening as he saw a gigantic ice hammer.

“Impossible⁠—”

And she swung.

His body; his bones; his being nearly broke as he was thrown at ballistic speeds towards the ground. The Dragon of Flames spun through the air, watching the now burning forests, the flaming mountain and smoking air in confusion and pain.

He had hit her with the skill had he not⁠—?!

He hit the ground with an explosion of dirt. The Dragon of Flames could taste the flames in his mouth, he could feel the fuel in his lungs, his mana was missing. He hadn’t held back and yet⁠— his [Danger Awareness] went off.

“[Cradle of Flames]!”

A red barrier of flames exploded around him, solidified flames that could withstand any blow. In the history of his life ever since he had learned this skill, nothing had truly broken through it and today was no exception.

At that moment, the ground around him rocked and the Dragon of Flames saw the whirling orange barrier bulge, slightly crack, which only confirmed one thing.

An SS Tier skill.

But it wasn’t enough, not just one or two would be enough, or even three. And now, he could recover for his next move, one where he would bet his life all to achieve, all to succeed, and all in the name of revenge.

Another skill hit the barrier as the cracks spread, but the Dragon of Flames paid it no mind.

“For now, I will focus on gathering my mana⁠—” And another skill hit, one that spread further cracks.

The Dragon of Flames paused for a moment raising his brow in strangeness as yet another skill hit the barrier.

“She shouldn’t have that many SS Tier skills⁠—” And it hit again, this time the crack much larger. “Wait, that shouldn’t be possibl⁠—”

“[Everlasting Glaciation]!”

And the barrier shattered. The Dragon of Flames was sent flying as his entire body froze over, his claws, his scales, his breathing⁠— it all came to a stop as he crashed through the trees, his brain panicked; he couldn’t make sense of what was happening, and at this rate; at this rate he was going to die!

He couldn’t let it happen…

From within his heart, he called⁠ as numerous skills were triggered. And finally, he used a preservation skill.

[Core Warmth]!

His body heated up by several hundred degrees as he broke through the trees, and the ice⁠— didn’t melt. It stood resilient as the Dragon of Flames panicked. At that moment, he realized that he’d have to execute his plan, whether his attack would hit or not⁠— it didn’t matter.

It was everything he had⁠!

[Consumption of the Crimson Flame]...

At that moment, his body exploded, it became a mass of red flames as the ice instantly melted. It wouldn’t last long as he felt his mana and his being rapidly being consumed; muscles tearing, scales shattering, limits… breaking! In just a single moment he became an SS Tier being.

[Blink]!

In an instant, he appeared behind the white haired woman already swinging his claw upwards⁠— [Torrent of Suppresive Flames]! And with that, she sent the annoying hero into the air, suppressing her abilities, as he reeled back, his rear claws digging into the earth as he took aim.

[Let My Soul Be The Fuel, Let My Mana Be The Wind, And Let My Being Be The⁠—]

The flames cleared as he saw the hero’s shadow as he finished his chant.

“[Flames of Destruction]!”

A red beam of light hit his target. And at that moment, the world was silent before a grand explosion engulfed everything. The trees in the forest ignited ablaze, the air extinguished, the sky became pitch black as every monster in the forest died at that moment.

He was the Creator of the First Flame, the Herald of Crimson, one of the Grand Dragon Elders, and more than anything he was the Hermit, a god-like existence to humans. And right now he was…

The Dragon of Flames collapsed.

Tired…

He had used all of his mana, he felt like he could die at any moment, his whole body felt like death, but he had done it. It was his strongest skill, it was his everything. All the power he was proud of had been used right then and there, but at least, he would get those level up notifications at any minute⁠—

And something crashed in front of him.

What was it…?

The cloud of dust slowly cleared as a figure rose from within the smoke, and as soon as he saw her pale⁠— now bloodied ⁠— skin he froze. He saw as her body seemed to partly fall apart in chunks of ice, part of her skin mildly burned as blood came from her mouth, all while she had a crazed smile.

His heart nearly stopped.

“H-How…?” He forced himself to stand. “Y-You⁠— what Boon did the system give you?!”

His entire body hurt, but the Dragon of Flames knew he had to stay away, no matter what. He⁠— she, she was⁠— he had no chance against her. The white haired hero tilted her head in confusion.

“Boon?” And after a second of thought. “Oh, all of my skills are SS Tier.”

“A-All…?”

Then she shook her head, and grinned once more. “Well, what are we waiting for, let’s fight for our lives!”

The Dragon of Flames immediately shrieked.

“N-No!”

He backed off as much as he could, it wasn’t possible. Her existence wasn’t possible. No hero, no rumor ever existed about such a powerful boon. There wasn’t⁠—

And she walked forward.

“S-Stay away!”

She stopped. “Are you… not willing to fight me anymore?”

“W-Why would I ever?!”

* * * * *

I paused looking at the lumbering figure cowering underneath a carbonized tree. The Dragon of Flames had been so imposing earlier, so powerful. Both of his attacks had hurt, and the second one, I was certain of it, but it had the capability of killing me. I couldn’t avoid it either, [God Step] or do anything, all I had been able to do was protect myself.

And so, I couldn’t help but ask.

“Why?”

“W-What do you mean why?!” The dragon said in a panic. “You’re a monster! I never stood a chance, w⁠-what kind of hero only has SS Tier skills on their arsenal?”

“Don’t… all of them?” I asked in confusion.

“No! Not in the age of oblivion, not now, not ever!” He shook his head. “I cannot, I do not have the capability to fight you, so please spare me! I’ll help that person, your companion!”

I felt a mild annoyance knowing that the fight was now over, however I had more important things to ask.

“How will you help her?” I asked, raising my brow. “You’re strong, but we are looking for the Hermit, doubt you can blend with the humans.”

Then I frowned, feeling aches and realizing that this was just some dragon and not the person I was looking for. The same dragon that had pulled out of the fight when it was finally getting interesting.

“My whole body hurts, I’ll make you repay in some other way later. And if you can't, then I’ll just beat you up until I’m satisfied.”

The dragon shivered. “I am the Hermit, I’ll repay you, I’ll help your companion to the best of my abilities!”

I paused, as the flames around us extinguished and the tense atmosphere vanished. My mood became light as I realized that all the problems had been solved in a single moment. Ceylon’s crystal hadn’t shattered either, so she was certainly safe.

“Oh, that’s great.” I smiled. “So I assume you have a human form?”

The dragon slowly nodded as his entire body was engulfed in a crimson glow, and it slowly shrunk, taking a human form until finally, I saw a white bearded old man on red robes. He shakily stood up, he had blood trailing down his forehead and looked to be on the verge of collapse.

“This is my human form,” he spoke softly. “Let’s go see your companion.”

“Right,” I nodded and expanded my senses. “Just hold my hand, we’ll see her soon.”

The Hermit, Dragon of Flames, nodded and did as instructed, and I used [God Step] as we vanished from our spot.

* * * * *

Ceylon was… worried. But Rory was a mess, or rather, it was obvious to Ceylon. She had a strong front, but was shivering all over and seemed to be almost on the verge of fainting. They had used [Mass Teleport] to run from the after-math of the first attack, and managed to find a safe spot inside a cave before the battle turned for the worse.

Even for Ceylon it was a scary thing, if it wasn’t for the fact that Arc was out there she probably would’ve fainted⁠—

For a moment, for a single moment she felt as if the world was ending, it had been instant, an explosion that happened from one moment or another. And now, from inside the cave she could see the forest burning, the mountain itself melting as the world changed to one of flames and desolation.

She couldn’t understand. Rory didn’t either as she shivered non-stop.

“T-This is the might of an SS Tier…” She turned to me with a pause. “I’m sorry, but it seems your friend is⁠—”

And at that moment they both heard footsteps from inside the cave, they turned in horror expecting a monster, but instead what met them was… Arc supporting an old man over her shoulder. Ceylon’s eyes went wide, as she saw her companion.

The Hero of Frost was…  bleeding. Her jacket was covered in ash and blood, her porcelain skin had burns, and yet she was smiling.

What⁠—

“Y-You are alive…?” Rory gaped.

“Yep!” She smiled. “And look who I found, it’s the Hermit!”

The old man nodded slowly, and turned towards Ceylon, speaking softly.

“Your companion has saved my life, what is it that you need help with?”

Ceylon paused. This was… the Hermit? She⁠ couldn’t believe it, the Hermit was injured, but if Arc said so, then…

She felt her tears well up, as she reached for her neck and took out a necklace with a dragon shaped pendant drop, and rushing towards him, he immediately handed it to him.

“My parents said you’d understand, that you could help, please help Arlow, please help our family!” she pleaded.

The Hermit’s eyes slowly went wide as he received the pendant, it was clear to her, he recognized her, it was true that he was indebted to their family.

Then, the old man closed his eyes, shaking.

“This… I cannot help with...”

And at that moment, Arc frowned looking at the Hermit.