Chapter 42: An Annoying Man
Beside a gently flowing stream, the sound of water bubbling over rocks filled the air with serenity. The early morning sunlight glistened on the surface like scattered stars. Grakar sat at the edge, splashing water onto his burnt skin with an exaggerated sigh of relief.
"Ahhh... this is life," he mumbled, dipping his tail and letting it float lazily.
Ryu sat nearby, chewing on the leg of a roasted boar they had hunted on the way. His majestic form gleamed in the sun. The golden streaks in his white scales shimmered with brilliance, and his eyes, now with golden pupils over silver irises, looked more regal than ever.
Grakar stared at him between bites of meat, awe practically dripping from his scaly face.
"My Lord... forgive me, but you look absolutely majestic now. I mean, before you looked cool, but now? Now you look like the kind of dragon that makes other dragons question their self-worth. Even that human monster ran away in fear."
Ryu chuckled, flicking a pebble at him with his claw. "Quit flattering me while your mouth’s full of meat."
"I’m serious!" Grakar said, swallowing quickly. "Your wings, those golden scales, that aura... You don’t even need to fight anymore. Just show up, and enemies will start crying."
"Haha.. You sure know how to exaggerate, Grakar," Ryu replied with a smirk, although his tail twitched in satisfaction.
After the quick meal and washing up, Ryu stood up on his four legs.
"Alright, break time’s over. I need head to the city now."
Grakar also stood up, still licking the grease from his claws.