The seven warriors held on long enough. Finch even broke through on the spot and became an Eighth-Level Warrior. Unfortunately, none of them became a Dragonblood Warrior.
It seemed the story still belonged to Copperbeard and her people.
The dragon blood had yet to dry, but most of its power had already faded.
The rest of the dragon's corpse was still a treasure trove: its blood could be made into potions, its scales were excellent materials for Magic Items, its hide could be made into Scrolls and equipment, and its tendons were the heart of the bows Rangers loved most. Annan could even boast that the entire corpse was a spoil of war—
They cut the Red Dragon into smaller pieces and carried everything through the Portal, leaving behind not even the soil soaked with dragon blood.
Once they were done, they rested briefly in the hut the Mages had built, then set off for home.
They left the forest and took the dirt road back. The Knights' Order sent from the New Royal Capital to investigate arrived late.
The knights began to surround the group, but dispersed once they recognized Annan.
"Young Miss Olmedo? What are you doing outside the city?"
"I tracked a group of the Blade of Freedom here and fought them. That commotion just now came from the battle," Annan said.
"Young Miss Olmedo truly spares no effort to protect the Kingdom..." the Knight Captain said with a flattering smile, suspecting nothing.
After all, Annan's people looked exhausted from a fierce battle.
"Go ahead and inspect the area." Annan stepped aside.
"Since you've already inspected it, Young Miss Olmedo, there's no need for us to make another trip."
The Knight Captain was doing Annan a favor. Besides, who wanted to trek around in the freezing cold?