CHAPTER 45: LORD WARDEN

Because Jett didn’t use Cerven to boost his strength, the dragon slipped free and resumed his assault. A flurry of razor-sharp claws swept toward Jett, but he deflected each swipe with precise slaps. Over time, the beast shook off his rust and grew faster and deadlier, sharpening Jett’s focus as he danced around him.

His regeneration is off the charts. No wonder dragons are so revered and hunted by humans.His wounds heal almost instantly, and he’s adapting to close combat. Soon I won’t be able to just parry and evade him—but damn, this is fun.

The moment Jett dreaded arrived.

The dragon reared its massive claw and brought it down in a brutal arc. Evading or blocking that sweep was impossible, so Jett braced himself, coating his forearm in pulsing blue lightning—Iebo. The talons met his arm, but not a shred of his white suit tore, nor did a scratch appear. Instead, the dragon’s force rebounded back as brilliant lightning spears that seared his own arm, leaving it numb and dripping blood. Sensing his chance, Jett drove a punch into the exposed flank and crushed the dragon’s cheekbone with a sickening crack.

"First punch," Jett said, brushing dust from his sleeve. "Two more—and then you’re done."

"Mortal!" the dragon roared, voice shaking the clearing.

"Also," Jett continued casually, "your arm won’t heal anymore—tough luck."

The dragon recoiled, gouging two deep trenches in the earth as he stared at the jagged cuts—still bleeding and stubbornly unhealed—his eyes bulging with disbelief. Then fury took hold.

"You’ve employed that dragon-slaying sorcery, knave! How many of my kin perished so you might hone this accursed art? I shall see thee rent limb from limb!"

Each sweep of the dragon’s claws carved through the air, summoning ghostly arcs of water that shot toward Jett in murderous streams.

With a great heave, the dragon spread its wings, stirring a maelstrom of water that bore him aloft. From that makeshift platform, the dragon thrust its claw at Jett, commanding the watery maelstrom to swallow him whole. The torrent hurled forward with frightening speed.

Jett clenched his fist, red and blue sparks dancing around his knuckles. He held tight, letting the torrent consume him, then unleashed a catastrophic explosion of sapphire and crimson lightning at its base. The storm shuddered and sought the dragon once more.

Meanwhile, the torrent’s icy surge lashed at his cheek and rent his suit, blood seeping out but immediately washed away by the churning water. He braced himself, waiting for his lightning to strike true. When it did, he thrust his hand upward, fingers splayed, then clenched into a fist.

Hey dragon, heads up—all the damage you’ve done to me transfers right back to you now. And Cerven’s going to amplify it—this drain sucks mana like hell, so you should be proud you forced me to use it.

Thunder boomed as the twin bolts enveloped the dragon.

His body convulsed violently, flesh tearing from bone as blue spears erupted through his scales. His blood evaporated in boiling vapor while the rest pooled beneath him, trickling back toward Jett. The dragon’s skill shattered under the onslaught, and he plummeted to the earth.

Jett surged forward and delivered the second brutal punch that sent the creature crashing into a tree trunk. He slid down like a broken husk, head drooping, breath ragged.

Jett approached with his trademark swagger and delivered the third punch, causing the dragon’s vision to blacken and dragging him into unconsciousness.

...

Jett stood over the unconscious titan.

I don’t know how Skytianeus compares, but a single dragon made me burn three lightning forms and even summon white and shadow clouds. I’m spent.Fighting beasts this powerful comes at a terrible cost. I need to level up—but that takes time. I can’t storm the world as the Warden just yet.

A cold, gentle breeze whispered through the clearing.

"By the grace of your valor, Lord Warden, our forest stands renewed. I am Ana, head fairy of Artemis Forest and Sentinel’s Chosen. I’ve already spoken with the fairy who beckoned you and understand your desire for secrecy. Rest assured, your identity shall remain hidden until you choose to reveal it."

No wonder you exude that regal authority. How did you see through me?

"I am aware of your identity by the courtesy of our Sentinel, Lord Warden. We stand ready to serve you and detain this dragon at your command."

We’ll decide on his fate later. For now, ensure he’s secured and focus on the forest’s recovery.

"Your grace shines upon our realm, Lord Warden, and I extend my most heartfelt gratitude."

Roots writhed from the earth, encircling the dragon’s form and draining his mana so rapidly he could not regenerate or move.

Jett watched as the dragon sank beneath the soil, likely transported to the forest’s heart. He turned as Noctlisa descended from the sky, kneeling before him.

"Master, that was a damn fine display! Your servant is honoured!"

Jett turned to her and smiled. "Enjoyed your flight and slaying those sky lizards?"

"Aye, Master!" Noctlisa exclaimed, her crude joy bubbling over. "Nothing beats cleaving through armies of monsters!" She glanced at his suit. "The Head Maid’s gonna lose her mind when she sees this bloody mess, Master!"

"Bet she’s dying to wring that bastard’s neck herself." Jett chuckled.

Once Noctlisa shed her armor and smoothed her maid dress, Jett guided her back to his carriage.

Fairies and humans parted before them, curiosity sparking in every eye.

One figure stood apart; as she stepped forward, the crowd cleared as though the path had been laid by Mia herself.

She halted at the forefront and surveyed Jett from head to toe.

He single-handedly felled an ancient dragon. It would take at least six top dragon-slayers to fell that beast!

She straightened and spoke with measured poise. "I am Ewelina Raindom, Hero and Dragon-Slayer of the Rain Bead Dukedom. May I ask where you hail from and what name you go by?"

...

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