I broke out in a cold sweat.
　I feel a pressure that doesn't compare to the pressure I felt the other day when I was confronted by Killer Tiger.
　I didn't do anything but just stare at him, but that alone would make me pass out.

　The Champion of the Sky.
　Lord of the heavens.
　The destroyer of worlds.

　The most powerful species a dragon.

Why is there a dragon in this place...?
Maybe that dragon is a bad person?
It's not... is it?

　Even at times like this, the fast-paced Kanade helped us regain our composure a bit.

　What we heard was that 'someone' was running amok on the bridge.
　If a dragon had appeared, it wouldn't be such a story.

　Or rather, if a dragon was the opponent, it wasn't the guild's turn.
　It's the country's turn now.
　It's beyond the ability of a mere adventurer to do anything about it.

''Ah.''

　Kanade exclaims in surprise.
　I roll my eyes, too.

　Suddenly, the dragon was engulfed in light.
　The light that enveloped the dragon became smaller and smaller...
　Eventually, it takes human form.

...Transformed?

　When the light cleared, there was a girl.

　She was about the same age as Kanade... maybe 15?
　She is as beautiful as Kanade.
　Her hair is so long that it almost reaches her legs.
　From her crisp expression, you get the impression that she's strong-willed.

　However, she doesn't take a completely human form.
　The horns and tail ... there was a slight trace of a dragon's face left.

　The girl pointed at the stunned me and said, "You're an adventurer, aren't you?

You are an adventurer, aren't you?
What...?
Hey, you're not listening to me!
Oh I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was just a little surprised.
Answer me if you can hear me. So... you're an adventurer, then?
Yeah, yeah.

　For now, I need the information now.
　I decided to answer the girl's story honestly and nodded with a coy smile.

'Then you'll have to compete with me!
...match?　Um, what do you mean by that?
A game is a game. Don't you get it?　I'm saying, let's have a power contest.
'No, I know what the word means but what I'm asking is why would you do that?'
Because I want it!

　
　My head is starting to hurt in another way.

'Nyah?　........are you, Red Dragon?

　Kanade, who seemed to have some idea of what it was, said something like that.

''Oh, you know about my kind?''
I know. The Red Dragon is famous for wanting to fight.
'Don't make me sound like a battle maniac, will you?　I mean, you're not a cat spirit race.
'Yeah, that's right! I'm Kanade of the cat spirit race. It's nice to meet you.
"I am Tania the Dragon!　If you insist, I'll do my best to accommodate you.

　To get the name of a dragon...
　Kanade's communication skills are not half bad.

　Well, in Kanade's case, it feels like she is just talking to her instincts without thinking too much.

"A contest of strength, you mean.......could it be that you're the wolf who's been rampaging on the stride bridge lately?
Don't call me that. Don't call me you or a ruffian or something.　I have a great name, Tania.
'Well do you mind if I call you by your name?'
Yes. I give you special permission.
So Tania is the one who's rampaging on this bridge?
I don't want to call it a killer, but well, I'm generally right in that perception.

　It was easily admitted.

　This is........troubling.
　I'm deeply troubled.

　You didn't expect a dragon...
　How am I supposed to accomplish such a request?

Come on, let's have a contest of strength!
Wait, wait, wait, wait. I don't understand what's going on here but why is Tania doing this?
The Red Dragon has a very annoying code, as I recall.

　Unexpectedly, Kanade answered.

'When I turn fifteen, I'll travel to become a full-fledged, strong, respectable dragon, was it?　It's such a code.
Oh, you know a lot about this. Did you say Kanade?
Yes, it's Kanade!
''Hmmm ... a top-notch adventurer and the cat spirit race ... enough of an opponent to make you strong!
So, wait a minute... maybe, just maybe, what... are you here to pick a fight with the adventurers passing by to get stronger?
Yeah?

　I could answer that with a straight face!

Isn't that a vague definition of "one man"?　But a strong dragon is easier to understand. First, we have to train against a human. Humans are surprisingly strong, you know. It's a good thing that you're not the only one. And then.... for that reason, I acquired a spell to transform into a human.
'So... we found a big bridge that looked convenient for a duel, so we decided to stay there...?
He's right. You're not a man of your word.

　This girl is too haphazard........................in a way, she's like Kanade.
　I mean, is he serious?
　How could a dragon race train against a human?
　That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of.

　But I'm sure he's a very serious person.
　Tania's eyes were serious and she didn't seem to be lying.

'By the way when a dragon like you shows up, there's usually a rumor about it...'
'Oh, you mean that?　I'm not stupid. Normally, I take on human form. Today I felt two incredible signs, so I swooped down in a hurry and that's why I saw my true form.
Well may I ask you one more question?
What?
I didn't get a lot of information about you, but have you ever threatened anyone you've played against?
'I'm not going to be that savage. I'm going to have to go. I'm an adult now.
...Oh, I see.

　If it was only for looks, Tania is a pretty girl, like a deep-windowed daughter.
　If she was defeated by such a girl, her pride would be torn to shreds.
　I could see why the adventurers who had been returned were disheartened at every turn.

''End of story?　Then let's play the game!　Let's compare strength.
'What?　No, wait, wait, wait!　We didn't mean to... I mean, Kanade or not, I'm not the right person to deal with you.
What is that?　Humility?　Sure, you're human, but you're a first-rate adventurer, aren't you?
'No. I'm a newbie who just became an adventurer not long ago...
You won't be fooled by that lie. My gut tells me that you have extraordinary powers of adventure. You may look like this, but you're a good judge of character.
'Nah ... maybe Tania saw through Rain's Beast Tamer talent. That's why I'm assuming she's a top-notch adventurer.
'That's a misunderstanding of what you're saying, but...'
'But Rayne's about as awesome as a top-notch adventurer, right?　I think you're a talented adventurer, not just a beast tamer. Nyaah.

　Even Kanade agreed with Tania.
　I can't help but feel that my escape route is becoming more and more blocked.

Come on, let's go have a go at me!　I don't mind if it's two against one.

　What do I do?
　Tania is very motivated.
　She's already in position.

'Let's give up, Rain. I think we're going to have to fight this one out.
And yet these are dragons the most powerful race of dragons in the world?
If you say so, then I'm the strongest species, right?
I'm afraid you're in danger.
Lane's going to protect you. I believe in you.
"You're easy to say...
No?
'As much as I can ... no. As for me, I'll definitely protect Kanade. It's my duty as Lord of the Beast Tamer.
Yeah, that's Rain.

　How did you end up dealing with a dragon race?
　I'm tempted to bemoan it in my head, but....

　There's no point in regretting it.
　I'll do my best.

　Don't worry I'm not alone now.
　I've got Kanade with me!