Chapter 93
*
Seeing the Jewelhead Dragon charge at me with a headbutt, I felt relief that it finally appeared.
Yesterday, while having dinner at the tavern, I heard that the last one appeared about a week ago.
According to the rumors, it seems to show up roughly once a week.
Calculating backward from the speed at which other adventurers hunt Jewelhead Bunnies, I thought I might be able to summon it by the end of today at my pace.
Besides, though it wasn't intentional, since I was using healing magic to treat other adventurers, they were able to defeat more than usual.
Even so, it didn't appear for a while, so I started to panic a bit and increased my speed of hunting Jewelhead Bunnies after noon.
It's definitely not because I got frustrated that the Jewelhead Bunnies weren't dropping the 'Priestess's Eye.'
Still, the guild's information that it targets those who hunt Jewelhead Bunnies seems to be correct, so my efforts weren't in vain.
The Jewelhead Dragon's two eyes glare straight at me.
Its head, covered in gem-like scales that feel more menacing than dazzling, makes me think it wasn't named Jewelhead out of simplicity but because there was no other way to name it.
Its body, about the size of three carriages, is on the smaller side for a dragon species, but the density of magical energy emanating from it is undeniably that of a dragon species.
I slowly draw my sword from its sheath.
Seeing me do this, Edds shouts in a tone that suggests he can't believe what I'm doing.
"What are you doing!? That's a dragon!"
"No, Edds. That's a gem."
"Huh?"
I reply to Edds while thinking he should hurry up and do his job (evacuate).
Yes, that thing is a gem.
According to the records left at the guild, it has been defeated four times, and each time it dropped the 'Priestess's Eye.'
Yes, that means the Jewelhead Dragon is guaranteed to drop the 'Priestess's Eye.'
Even if it appears, it disappears after about three days, and it doesn't chase if you leave the forest, so it's rarely defeated.
This guy is guaranteed to drop a gem for Erika.
Here, my theory is complete.
Relying on luck is a foolish strategy.
I am of the logical (Erika) faction.
In other words, the shortest and surest way is to beat down the one who will definitely drop it.
Indeed, logical (Erika) theory is supreme.
"Edds, I'll show you that logical (Erika) theory is the strongest."
I said this while increasing the strength of my physical enhancement.
"What are you talking about!?"
Edds' shout already feels distant.
I slammed my sword into the Jewelhead Dragon's head.
*
When I first learned about the Jewelhead Dragon in the Forest of Fools, I thought the adventurers in Orclah must be very pragmatic.
If a monster that's guaranteed to drop a gem worth a fortune can be summoned, wouldn't they form a large party and hunt it relentlessly despite the danger? That's what I thought.
But even I can understand now.
Even if I'm just at an average level in Faltarl, that's not the case here in Orclah.
I didn't expect the impact of the monster attack incident in Hekatai sixty years ago to be this significant.
Even in Hekatai, the frontline city for adventurers, the number of strong people in Orclah is small.
If that's the case——.
Indeed, targeting and hunting this thing might not be worth the effort.
Now I understand why the leader of the bodyguard party for the carriage looked exasperated when I said I came for the gem.
My eyes widen at the heavy impact transmitted through the sword I swung with the intent to crush its skull.
The Jewelhead Dragon's head bounces on the ground.
"Man, that's tough!"
I didn't mean to call out, but the Jewelhead Dragon's gaze pierces me in response to my voice.
I parry and deflect the counterattack from its foreleg swung at me without hesitation.
As expected of a dragon species.
You're pretty lively, aren't you?
Disappear in three days, you say?
I can only fight with a sword, you know?
At the very least, you'd better be prepared to face me for three days.
No, no, what am I thinking, getting cold feet?
It's been a while since I've adventured alone, so enjoy this, me.
I become aware of my cheeks lifting under my masked face.
"I'll turn you into a gem by the end of today!"
"What should I do, masked person?"
I shouted as I vertically slashed the jaw trying to bite me.
——Hey, bearded guy!?