Could such a creature really be the majestic and terrifying dragon of legend?
I was in a daze for a moment, but then I immediately came to my senses and conjured up a weapon to defend against the claw attack.
I finally understand what I was wondering about before.
It is precisely because this dragon is already dead that we were unable to detect it, and therefore we were unable to use any moves other than claw strikes and biting.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is a large gap in the abdomen of this corpse dragon, and the vocal cords from which it roared are tattered and hanging on the ground.
Upon closer reflection, it makes sense to encounter a still-active dragon corpse here, since the dragon cemetery is not far away.
However, new questions soon arose.
Why did this dragon die here?
Judging from its physique alone, it was extremely robust, not like it had died of illness. There were no signs of injury on its exposed bones, suggesting it did not die in a fight. In addition, we found a dung heap nearby that had been used by dragons for a long time. It was hard to imagine at first glance that the dragon guarding the area would be in such a state.
There were indeed traces of a living dragon in the vicinity, as confirmed by the testimonies of the two little ones and by the condition of the Pegasus; otherwise, they would have given a warning if they had noticed anything unusual.
Given this certainty, another perspective suggests that between the latest confirmed traces of activity and the time between the dragon's transformation and its death, some kind of change occurred near this basin, a change that we are currently unaware of.
Using this premise as a starting point, and making the worst-case scenario judgment, is there only this one corpse dragon in front of us in this basin?
I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine.
After confirming that [Frost Sword], who had taken on the main defensive mission, could handle the incoming attacks in a short time, I urged the Pegasus, which had finally calmed down a bit, to take a few steps back and turn to look towards the basin.
The surrounding serrated forest had been largely cleared away due to the fierce fighting, which allowed me to have a good view without having to worry about spiky serrated leaves and obstructive branches.
But sometimes, recognizing the truth can be the beginning of despair.
Almost simultaneously, I heard two short, terrified screams from behind me.
—The earth trembled, and then hills rose up.
It's not just a simple description, but a stark and undeniable reality.
In the distance, nearly a hundred kilometers away in a basin, a massive skeleton trembled and slowly rose.
The eerie blue flames, whether ignited above or below the yellowish skeleton, enveloped the massive skeleton almost instantly. They then spread rapidly to both sides along the spine rising from the constantly falling sand, transforming the entire skeleton into a huge, burning, eerie blue fireball.
The sky suddenly darkened, as the intense firelight on the ground obscured most of the sun's brilliance in the sky.
Its slender tailbone swayed like a snake, splitting the earth and leaving large wounds on the desolate basin, while also sending dust and dirt flying everywhere.
Immediately following, rising from beneath the trembling earth were thick, long bones and scapulae connecting to the scales and wings. Thick joints emerged from the ground, while slender joints with sharp claws joined together in suitable positions along the spreading fire, making them one with the earth.
Then, the ancient blue dragon turned its body over—
"roar--!!!"
It's hard to imagine how such a massive monster, devoid of a physical body, could make a sound. Perhaps it's a shriek from the depths of its soul, or simply the inherent majesty of the dragon race.
However, its destructive power is absolutely terrifying.
Even though we were separated by such a great distance, and even though I cast a spell to resist the dragon's might in time, my mind still went blank for a moment. Shortly after I came to my senses, I heard a cry of pain from not far away.
Lost in thought for a moment, [Frost Sword] let out a muffled groan. Unable to change her move in time, she could only swing her sword horizontally, barely managing to block the claws tearing at her fragile body. However, the difference in strength caused her to crash into the mountain rock behind her like a cannonball, creating a deep, cracked crater.
Broken stones fell in a flurry, burying his body.
The Corpse Dragon turned its attention back to us, who hadn't moved much, and raised its claws.
But that's not the most despairing thing.
I glanced again into the depths of the basin.
After its roar, the bone dragon did not attack us directly. Instead, it extended its bony claws, piercing deep into the ground like hot knives into butter, searching for something nearby. Wisps of black smoke even rose from where its claws touched the ground, leaving scorched marks.
Its head may be sealed somewhere underground, and it itself may not be sure of its exact location.
Following my intuition, I made a judgment immediately.
That shouldn't have been its own doing, but rather something done by other dragons. And that strange flipping motion before was clearly not normal either.
[Dragon Graveyard]... This name was chosen by humans, a conclusion drawn from observation and conjecture. But is this truly the final resting place of the dragons before their deaths?
It's very likely not.
Otherwise, it would be impossible to explain why a dragon would need to stay here all the time.
Could it be to prevent other creatures from sneaking in and stealing the bones? Wild beasts or magical creatures would certainly not have the courage to do so under the majesty of the dragon. The harsh conditions and treacherous terrain of the Abyss Mountains also keep out many travel enthusiasts who want to venture deep into the mountains to explore the scenery.
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