BRAGR) Core Guardian Part 2 (Patreon)

Even if it was only for a split second, that split second could mean life or death. This was not in game. This was real life. If I die here there would be no respawning. I would end up dead, and there would be nothing I could do about it.

“Rawr!!!” The dragon rawred once more before rearing its head. A bright glow came from its neck, making me frown.

“Breath…” I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. In the game, it was fine if you got slightly hit by a breath attack of any kind, but right now, if I got hit, I have no idea if I would be able to heal the damage or not.

Seconds later, a wave of orange and white flames rolled towards me. It was more of a cone attack, so I had no choice but to use my [Shadow Step]. As I did I took this chance to get an attack in while it was still shooting its breath.

Dragons scales were too hard to slice through, so I only had one spot I could attack at this time. They say never to kick a dragon’s ass. Well, they never said not to poke it with a sword. With no time to lose, I stabbed out with my sword.

“Guwarrr!” A strange roar came from the dragon as my sword stabbed him in the well… the area that should not see light unless you run around in the nude.

I pulled my sword out and quickly used water magic on it. Before using [Shadow Step] once more th,e dragon began to turn around to swing at me with its massive claws. Only when I was in the clear did I try to see where to send my mimic. “You three to the left the right of you right. Attack the underside of its tail. Try to stay behind it.”

My shadow mimics quickly charged forward and began attacking. I had noticed the underside of the tail, as well as the underside of its body, has softer flesh. I was not sure how much damage my mimics would do or how long they would last, but they would make a good distraction.

I quickly charged forward once more, hoping to land a good strike on a soft part of its body. But to my surprise, the dragon had ignored my mimics altogether and was fully focused on me! I couldn’t help but want to cry. I mean, come on! You are being bitten and clawed! Why are you staring at me!?

There was only one thing to do in a situation like this… “I’m sorry!” Bow your head and apologize!

“Rawr!” I guess it didn’t work because the big bully swung its massive claw at me. I had no choice but to tap my foot and shoot backward, but it did not seem I was quick enough. One of its long claws was coming straight for my body.

I quickly shifted my sword into a defensive stance since I knew I could not parry it. I just need to block it from cutting me in half.

Bang!

All I heard was a bang followed by the sound of shattering as my sword broke into many pieces. My body lifted off the ground and was sent flying. I felt a mind-numbing pain in my right arm as blood splattered all over the place. But I had no time to think as I crashed heavily into the side of the brick beam that was holding up the roof of one of the building’s entrances.

“Shit!” I cried out as I held my right arm. There was no way in hell I was going to be able to fight a dragon-like I am now. This quest is being unfair!

But now that I think about it. The time limit was long. It gave me enough time to level up but this was just stupid. I looked down at my arm that dangled at my side, barely holding on, and knew I had to retreat. “Hilde, I am coming your way near the building to your left.”

“Master, I am already here. I can see you. Hurry up the dragon is making its way over to you.”

“Got it.” I waved my hand, sending in the flowers to try to slow the dragon down. My mimics are also doing what they could to try to buy me time. If I could, I would reward them all, but sadly, they were not sentient.

 As I stepped forward I noticed my left ankle was also twisted. It hurt to put any weight on it, but I had no choice. I gritted my teeth and moved as fast as I could while trying to hold my arm in place.

This was a learning experience. I had gotten in over my head. And now I am suffering because of it. I will need to hit at least level 50 if I want to beat this damn dragon. There was no ands its or buts about it. This was just a fact. This guardian was as strong as a level 50 boss. Maybe stronger. To even think about fighting against it, I will need to be as powerful or much stronger.

“I need to learn a ranged weapon.” I loved the sword, but in situations like this, a ranged weapon was needed.

I did not even look at the dragon as I hurried as fast as I could to the barrier wall. I could hear its roars behind me, and I could tell I was losing my summons quickly. But they were at least doing their job.

“Rawr!” I turned my head to see the dragon suddenly flap its wings and rise up into the air. It flew up high before diving right at me.

“Fuck!” With no choice, I pushed hard on the ground, ignoring all the pain I had, and ran as fast as I could. The barrier was only feet away from me. As soon as I got within five feet of it, I pushed hard off the ground: “[Chrono Step]!” I cried out, slowing time right as the jaws of the dragon were about to calm down on me, and jumped with all my might, landing hard a foot away from the barrier before rolling through it and into a warm embrace.