Chapter 60: Monster Presentations
Unless called upon, the knighthood found quickly that the mages were recluses who didn’t appear unless called upon. Divided into two guest rooms in the Duke’s personal area of the Duke’s Tower, the mages would appear at odd times for a book or various meals.
For the apprentices to be able to continue their studies in the library, they had to unknowingly chase out a few mages who were only revealed to be hiding amongst the shelves when Sir Gunnar resumed their monster studies one day early in the snow season.
After the minor disturbance had made itself scarce, they could begin their presentations about their assigned monsters and beasts.
"Dragons," Felix began. "After not having been seen alive for decades, these large scaled beasts are considered extinct by the mages of Nikron who reside just north of their last known habitat, Polona. Which is located in the far east."
To prove his point, he turned and pointed in the direction he thought it was, but Leif was the first to speak up.
"That’s south, Felix."
"I was testing you," the older apprentice scoffed. "Anyway... Aged dragon blood is still used as poison to this day and is said to burn people alive from the inside out. This is because dragons are born of fire and destruction which is how they breathe fire and can withstand high temperatures. They are said to be covered in scales that match the natural metals in the ground they are born alongside. I have seen a few scales but they were a dull silver. Not as interesting as I would have hoped."
The apprentice shrugged but continued.
"If I were to track one in its natural habitat, which used to be everywhere, I would simply look for things on fire. All monsters are scared of them as well. To kill the damned beast I would sneak up to it while it’s sleeping and cut its mana core out of its softer underbelly with a knife made of dragon scales. It is said to be the only thing that can efficiently cut through dragon skin. Now clap because I’m finished."