Lord of Caldera

Chapter 181

"The salamander relies heavily on its heat. It's less physically powerful than other dragons. If you go all out, you can handle it."

"Wait, my lord, weren't you planning to use this band yourself?" Toby asked, dumbfounded.

"Nope," Sylas replied with a mischievous grin. "I'm going in with pure skill."

"...What?"

Sylas stretched his neck, feeling the stiffness of fatigue setting in. What should have been a rare moment of rest had instead been consumed with calming his overly loyal retainers.

"How could you consider going in unarmed!?"

"I'll take it on myself, even without equipment!"@@@@

"Please, my lord, value your life!"

"Enough already!" Sylas had finally snapped, managing to silence his retainers only after showcasing his strength for them.

"Look, if I'm truly in danger, I'll retreat. But you're going to have to trust me," he'd said firmly, repeating this reassurance until they reluctantly accepted it.

But only after hours of debate and worry.

"Master, I truly believe this artifact is meant for you..."

"That's enough. I'm tired of convincing you."

"But..."

"What will you do if you're eliminated because of me?" Sylas sighed, gazing at Bjorn. While Bjorn's loyalty was admirable, he had lost sight of the true nature of the situation.

"Don't forget. This isn't my fight. It's yours."

Sylas had no intention of becoming the king of the North. He participated in the contest solely to stop a bug character like Ragnar.

"Do you plan to govern the North relying on the authority I placed in your lap? Are you okay with being a miserable king who can't win his own power?"

Bjorn fell silent, struck by the harsh truth. He, too, was a Northerner; ruling like that would make him nothing more than a hollow noble, a king in name only.

"Instead of worrying about me, check your equipment. Even if the Salamander is weaker compared to other dragons, it will still be an opponent that will test your life."

"What about Lord Veldine? Have you chosen?"

"I'll go for the Salamander."

"Salamander? Are you serious!?" Doris and Karl exclaimed in shock. Though physically weak, it was covered in heat so intense it was feared more than most great dragons.

"Are you so blinded by honor?"

"This is suicide, Lord Bjorn!"

"I have already made my choice," Bjorn replied, clearing his throat and avoiding their gazes. Thanks to his artifact, he saw the Salamander as an easier target than the Lesser Dragon, though he kept that to himself.

"Truly admirable. Such fearlessness is worthy of a Northern warrior," Ragnar praised.

"Enough, let's move on!" Bjorn, uncomfortable with the praise, quickly passed his turn. Now, only Ragnar, Logain, and Sylas remained. Sylas's eyes widened as he studied the map.

"Could it be? This creature lives here?"

He recognized a name that had been unknown to him before. Without hesitation, he pointed to that spot.

"I'll take this one."

Ragnar and Logain's faces froze. After a brief silence, Ragnar managed to speak.

"Are you serious?"

"Absolutely."

"Do you even understand how deadly the Hydra's venom is?"

Karl gasped in terror. Known as the king of all venoms, it was said that a single touch of Hydra's poison would turn one's body purple with death. What made it even more terrifying was that its venom didn't stop at its fangs.

"Do you think avoiding its bite will be enough? Its breath and even the scales on its body secrete venom. Even its blood is highly acidic."

"I'm aware of the stories. No need to remind me."

"You've lost your mind!" Ragnar shouted, more out of jealousy than concern, realizing he'd lost his opportunity to claim the spotlight with the most challenging dragon. Hydra was practically impossible to kill, even for him. His plan to earn renown by taking on the most difficult target had been ruined.

"Hydra's venom only spares dragons! Do you think you're a real dragon?"

Sylas flinched at Ragnar's words. "Is he that perceptive?"