Chapter 27.5 – Dragon v. Dragon

"Fufufu…my response is no, and I suggest you don't touch me again if you want to live. Also, I was too distracted with other thoughts at the time to notice, but I just realized that you called my mate a 'little creature' earlier. His name is Mizuki, and if you disrespect him again, I'm going to suggest that he kills you, Veyron." (Nina)

Veyron's face freezes in confusion upon hearing the word 'mate', and he begins looking back and forth between Nina and me. After several minutes of this, he finally seems to process reality.

"Nedonera, surely you jest!? Did you really take this human as your mate!?" (Veyron)

"Fufufu…yes, and we even made the Dragon Bond." (Nina)

"B-B-But…why!? Humans are so weak, and short-lived…and weak!" (Veyron)

"That may be true for most of them, but Mizuki is not weak. He can beat me, more easily than I beat you earlier. How do you think I got so strong since we last fought, Veyron? My Dragon Bond with Mizuki expanded my power and abilities tremendously. As for his lifespan…he's ageless, like us." (Nina)

Veyron is staring at me in complete disbelief, and he keeps glancing at Nina like he's waiting for her to admit that she's joking. After a while, he shakes his head and goes to grab Nina's hands again.

"Nedonera, this is ridiculous. Leave this worthless creature and be with your kind. You shouldn't…" (Veyron)

I can sense satisfaction and amusement from Nina, and I know it's because she can sense my anger over Veyron trying to grab her again. I'm not letting it slide this time, though.

I teleport the three of us to the east coast of the demon continent, then immediately slow time as much as I can. I max out my body enhancement, then I layer magic around my skin and will it to repel matter and any high energy radiation – it's genuine magic armor.

Then, I calmly walk over to Veyron with time still slowed. As I do, the very beginnings of confusion at the sudden change in surroundings can be seen on his face.

I position myself between the two of them, then grab his neck with one of my hands, and his gropey wrist with my other hand. I drop the time spell, kick his legs out from under him, and then squeeze his neck and lower him to my eye level.

"Hey…don't make me repeat myself. If you try to touch her again, even after she told you not to, I'll kill you. This is your last warning before you die, Veyron." (Mizuki)

Veyron is making a choking noise like he's trying to talk, and he's throwing punches and fire magic wildly at my face and body. With my magic armor, I don't even notice his attacks. Looking at his eyes, there's a decent amount of fear, but there's more anger. So, he's not gotten the message yet, huh?

I throw him up into the air by his neck, then yank him back down into the ground with gravity magic. I pick him up by the neck again, and I look him in the eyes. The fear has increased some, and now there's surprise as well, but I still see plenty of resentment and anger. If that's how it's going to be…fine.

I repeat my throw, slam, choke, and assess routine repeatedly over the next several minutes, steadily increasing the force, until the only emotion I see on Veyron's significantly swollen face is despair. At that point, I toss him onto the ground, heal his injuries, then step away.

"Alright, Veyron, it looks like you've finally gotten the message. Now, why don't you tell me what you're not going to do to Nina ever again?" (Mizuki)

Veyron breathes raggedly, but he chokes out his response with a trace of fear still evident in his voice.

"I won't touch her! I swear! I'll never touch her again! If I had known you were such a monster, I'd never have ignored you in the first place. Please, just leave me alone!" (Veyron)

"Fufufufu…I tried to warn you, Veyron. Mizuki is not someone you want to fight. You should learn to listen better." (Nina)

As Nina chides Veyron, she wraps her arms around by neck from behind and rests her chin on my shoulder. She looks at Veyron with a smirk. I can sense immense satisfaction from her…which is more than a little dark, given what I just did. Even I feel a touch of guilt over it. I'm glad I didn't scare her though.

Veyron looks back at me fearfully, still sitting on the ground where I threw him. I let out a deep sigh.

"Relax, Veyron, I'm not unreasonable. Nina is just very important to me. If you don't bother me or her, and honor the rules of your wager, I won't bother you. Go back to your territory and we can forget this whole thing, I promise. You may not ever have to see me again if you do that." (Mizuki)

Veyron slowly climbs to his feet, and he eyes me cautiously. I remain calm and just nod approvingly. After a moment, he seems to relax some, and the fear in his eyes is replaced with relief.

"Very well, Mizuki. I will part ways peacefully and not bother you again. I hope you do the same – this encounter was truly unsettling." (Veyron)

With his last remarks, Veyron returns to his dragon form and promptly takes off west without another word.

"Fufufu…you were very jealous, Mizuki, hmm? I hope you know how it feels now." (Nina)

I grimace…I deserve that one.

"You're right, Nina, I apologize for not sympathizing with you more at the time. I didn't like him touching you, especially after you told him not to." (Mizuki)

I sense annoyance from Nina, but it's soon replaced with amusement.

"Yes, I agree, and I very much enjoyed watching you teach him some manners." (Nina)

I sigh in relief. I'm glad she's not upset.

"So, shall we wrap up this demon business and head back to the palace?" (Mizuki)

"Yes! Mizuki, after we do, I'd like us to have some alone time before you visit the city again with Ilina. I promised her you could go alone again today, so I expect to be taken care of before that." (Nina)

When do they keep making deals about me without my knowledge!? I groan out loud, but I am excited to have Nina to myself for a while. I nod my agreement to her and smile.

"I'm looking forward to it, Nina. Let's get going then." (Mizuki)

Nina squeals delightedly, then jumps onto my back. I can't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm and grin. There's really nobody I'd rather have at my back through these adventures…pun intended.

As I reflect on my wit, I sigh contentedly. Then, I teleport Nina and I away together.