Siegfried, the Dragon Slayer Part II

As we finished the last of our drinks, Chad stretched his arms over his head with a satisfied sigh. "Man, it's been a while since we had a proper drink together. Felt good."

Cedrick grinned, slamming his empty mug onto the table. "Yeah, but you're still as much of a lightweight as ever, Chad."

"Screw you, Ced," Chad shot back, rolling his shoulders. "Anyway, you guys take care of yourselves. And if you ever need backup, you know where to find us."

Adrian gave a casual nod. "Don't go getting yourselves killed."

Ronan smirked. "Not that I care, but yeah, don't die."

We exchanged farewells, parting ways as the four adventurers disappeared into the lively crowd of the guild. Meanwhile, we stepped out into the cool night air, heading toward the inn where we had rented rooms. The streets were quieter now, lit only by the glow of lanterns, casting long shadows against the cobblestone paths.

Zarathorak walked beside me, his usual arrogance subdued, his arms crossed as if deep in thought. Fafnir, ever composed, kept his gaze ahead, while Ingi walked slightly behind us, his presence calm yet firm.

After a moment of silence, Zarathorak finally spoke. "So? What's the plan?"

I exhaled slowly. "First, we rest. Tomorrow, we keep an eye on Siegfried. If there's even the slightest chance he knows something about Umbaxis, we'll find out."

Fafnir glanced toward me. "And if he does know?"

I met his gaze. "Then we get him to talk. Whether that's through conversation or force depends on how he reacts."

Zarathorak let out a scoff. "Hmph. If he's really a slayer of our kind, he might not be so willing to sit down and chat."

"That's why we approach this carefully," I said. "I won't let him catch on to what we are."

Ingi finally spoke, his voice steady. "It's not just Siegfried we need to worry about. If he's truly strong enough to take down a dragon, then there may be more forces at play than we initially thought. This isn't just about Umbaxis anymore."

Fafnir nodded. "Agreed. If Siegfried has killed a dragon before, then someone as powerful as him wouldn't just wander around without purpose. There's something more to this."

Zarathorak clenched his jaw. "Tch. Just the thought of it pisses me off. A lowly creature slaying one of our kind… I won't let that slide so easily."

I gave him a side glance. "Revenge won't bring us closer to the truth. Focus on what matters."

Zarathorak didn't respond, but his scowl deepened.

We continued walking through the dimly lit streets until we reached the inn. As we stepped inside, the warmth of the wooden structure greeted us, contrasting the cold night air.

I let out a breath. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we move forward."

The next morning, we wasted no time. After a quick meal, we gathered outside the inn, our focus already set on Siegfried.

Ingi, standing slightly apart from us, closed his eyes and extended his hand. A faint glow pulsed around his fingertips as he muttered an incantation. The air around us shifted, and an unseen force spread outward.

After a moment, his eyes opened. "I've found him," Ingi said, his voice calm yet certain. "His Magicore is distinct. He's still within Asnor, but he's moving."

"Good," I said, adjusting my coat. "Let's go."

We moved carefully, following Ingi's tracking as we weaved through the streets of Asnor. Siegfried's Magicore signature was strong yet controlled—it was clear that he had full mastery over his power.

Zarathorak clicked his tongue in frustration. "This guy is annoying. Why does his presence feel so… unnatural?"

Fafnir narrowed his eyes. "It's precise. Almost like a blade sharpened to perfection."

As we continued, Siegfried's presence led us closer to the outer district. The once-busy streets turned quieter, with fewer people walking about. He was moving toward the city's outskirts.

"He's leaving," Ingi confirmed.

I frowned. "Leaving? Where?"

We pressed forward, ensuring we remained unseen as we tailed him. Finally, as we reached the outer gates of Asnor, I caught sight of him.

Siegfried stood near the entrance, speaking briefly with the guards before stepping past them. His posture was unwavering, his sword, Balmung, resting on his back. Without hesitation, he walked beyond the city walls, heading toward the wilderness beyond.

I narrowed my eyes. "He's heading out. This could be our chance."

Fafnir crossed his arms. "Do we follow him now, or do we wait?"

I exhaled. "If we wait, we might lose track of him. We move."

Without wasting another second, we slipped past the gates, our steps light as we began our pursuit.

As we stepped beyond the city walls, we ensured our presence remained hidden.

"I'll handle this," Zarathorak said, extending his hand outward. Dark crimson energy pulsed from his fingertips, twisting like living shadows before wrapping around us.

A faint shimmer surrounded our bodies, and the air distorted slightly. "Blood Veil," he muttered. "It'll mask our presence by blending us into the environment. As long as you don't make any sudden, reckless movements, he won't notice us."

I gave him a nod. "Good. Let's move."

Siegfried maintained a steady pace, moving deeper into the wilderness.

After several days of traveling, his posture remained calm, but his awareness was undeniable. His eyes flickered left and right, scanning his surroundings every few moments. Despite this, our cloaking held firm, allowing us to remain undetected.

Zarathorak whispered, "He's heading toward the Ruined Spine."

Fafnir tensed. "Then he really is connected to Umbaxis… or what's left of him."

Zarathorak scoffed. "Tch. I refuse to believe a lowly creature killed Umbaxis. There's more to this."

We continued trailing Siegfried, ensuring our distance remained just far enough to avoid suspicion. The forest ahead grew denser, and the path became rugged, a clear sign that we were approaching dangerous territory.

I kept my gaze locked on Siegfried's back. "Let's see just what you're really up to, Dragon Slayer."

Siegfried moved deeper into the wilds, his pace steady and unwavering. The terrain shifted from thick forest to rocky outcroppings, signaling our approach to the outer fringes of the Ruined Spine.

We followed in silence, our movements carefully measured to avoid detection. Zarathorak's Blood Veil still cloaked us, but even with it, we couldn't afford to be careless.

"He's moving with purpose," Ingi whispered. "Not scouting, not hunting. He knows exactly where he's going."

Fafnir narrowed his eyes. "If he truly killed Umbaxis, then why come back?"

I remained focused on Siegfried's path. The way he carried himself… there was no hesitation, no uncertainty. "Maybe he didn't kill him after all," I muttered.

Zarathorak let out a low growl. "Or maybe he did, and he's coming back to claim something."

The thought made my stomach churn. If Umbaxis was truly slain, then why had we felt the ominous presence near the Ruined Spine?

Siegfried suddenly stopped.

We immediately froze, keeping ourselves hidden within the magic's shroud. He stood on the edge of a steep incline, gazing down into a ravine below. From our angle, we couldn't see what lay beneath, but the way Siegfried observed the area suggested he had reached his destination.

"What now?" Fafnir whispered.

I narrowed my eyes. "We wait and watch. Let's see what he's after."

Siegfried stood still, his back straight, Balmung raised and pointing directly at us. His sharp voice cut through the silent wilderness.

"Come on out."

We froze. He couldn't see us—not through Zarathorak's Blood Veil—but somehow, he knew.

"You're good at hiding," he continued, his tone unwavering. "But I can still feel your presence. You move too deliberately, too carefully… like hunters. I don't like being hunted."

Fafnir clenched his fists. "Tch… how?"

I exchanged glances with Ingi and Zarathorak. There was no point in pretending anymore. If he already knew we were here, keeping up the act would only make us look more suspicious.

"Drop it," I muttered.

With a wave of his hand, Zarathorak dispelled the Blood Veil, revealing us.

Siegfried's eyes scanned each of us, his grip on Balmung unwavering. His gaze lingered on Zarathorak for a fraction longer, as if something about him felt off. Then, his piercing eyes landed on me.

"So… you're the ones following me."