Infinite Mana Exorcist
Chapter 48: Strategic solutions... Roasted Boots

Chapter 48: Strategic solutions... Roasted Boots

The dragon, Ashjaw, was an ancient beast, an embodiment of destruction that had long since carved his legacy into the forgotten annals of time. He had claimed this ruined elf kingdom for himself, slaughtering those who once lived here and taking their treasures as his own.

For centuries, warriors, knights, and mages had come, seeking to reclaim the lost kingdom, to slay the dragon and take back what was stolen. Yet, none had prevailed. Their bones, turned to dust, lay scattered beneath the very gold they had hoped to claim.

In time, people stopped coming. The legend of the kingdom faded, and Ashjaw—having no worthy challengers left—fell into a deep, eternal slumber. A sleep that was supposed to last forever... until he heard the word.

"Dragon."

The moment that cursed word reached his ears, his long-dormant senses flared awake. His massive, ancient eyes creaked open, and for the first time in a thousand years, he felt the excitement of the hunt.

With a slow, agonizing movement, Ashjaw rose from the depths of his slumber, his massive form shifting against the ancient stone walls. Bones cracked and joints ground together as he stretched for the first time in centuries. A deep tremor ran through his body as if awakening his dormant strength. But the moment he settled onto all fours, the stiffness vanished. His body remembered. He remembered.

And now, his golden eyes locked onto his prey.

Fey and Logan stood frozen, staring up at the massive red-scaled monster. Their instincts screamed at them. They did not hesitate.

Throwing the torch aside, they ran.

But the dragon was faster.

Despite its size, Ashjaw surged to his feet with unnatural speed, his sheer presence making the ground quake beneath them.

"This is bad, Fey!" Logan shouted, panting as they dashed through the ruined halls.

Fey’s eyes darted to Logan. "It’s an old dragon! Maybe it’s weaker because of its age?"

"I wouldn’t bet on that!" Logan snapped.

Behind them, the air trembled.

A deep, guttural sound rumbled from the dragon’s chest, vibrating through the very walls of the kingdom. Then, a voice like a god’s wrath boomed across the halls.

"It’s been so long... since I’ve coughed up fire!"

A brilliant red glow erupted behind them.

Fey’s blood ran cold. He didn’t need to turn to know what was coming.

’Shit—’

Flames surged forward, swallowing the darkness. The entire corridor was instantly illuminated by a sea of scorching fire.

Logan and Fey’s bodies tensed.

’Too fast—!’

Fey yanked his sword free, gritting his teeth, ready to take the impact head-on. But how could a sword block something that devoured entire cities?

Then—

BOOOOM!

An explosion tore through the kingdom, sending a tremor rippling through the ancient walls. The sheer force of the blast sent debris flying, reducing stone to molten slag.

Ashjaw let out a low chuckle, stepping forward, his massive claws clicking against the stone floor. "Oops," he mused. "Did I overdo it? Damn. And here I was, looking forward to a proper meal."

His enormous head swayed side to side, golden eyes scanning for what little remained of his prey.

But then—

Something shimmered amidst the smoke and ash.

A dome.

A translucent blue barrier stood against the dragon’s flames, flickering under immense pressure. Inside, two figures remained standing—burned, panting, but alive.

Logan’s hands trembled as he released his magic, letting the shattered remains of two alchemist stones fall to the ground. His breathing was heavy. Even with the barrier, the sheer heat had felt like standing in the depths of hell itself.

’I used up too much mana... I can’t block another one of those.’

"Fey," Logan said between deep breaths. "You attack. I’ll support. We might not be able to kill it, but we sure as hell can blind it."

Fey nodded, his grip tightening around his sword. A white glow radiated from the blade, humming with raw energy.

"I can get close," he murmured. "But I’ll need your help."

Without another word, he lunged forward, his body blurring into motion.

Ashjaw’s eyes flicked toward him, impressed. "Oh? So young, yet so fast—"

With terrifying speed, the dragon swiped a massive claw toward Fey.

Too fast to dodge.

Fey’s heart clenched. ’Damn it!’

But—

The attack missed.

By a long shot.

What...?

His gaze flicked to Logan, and realization struck him.

A pair of green mana ropes stretched from Logan’s hands, wrapping tightly around Fey’s waist.

He had pulled him away at the last possible second.

Logan didn’t waste time. With his free hand, he reached into his pocket and hurled a small glass bottle at the dragon.

The bottle shattered against Ashjaw’s scales.

The dragon frowned. "What is—"

BOOOOM!

A fiery explosion burst from the impact point, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air. Ashjaw roared in annoyance, more angered than hurt. "You insolent pests—!"

The beast lunged at Logan, massive jaws opening wide, ready to snap him in half—

Logan stood firm. "Now, Fey!"

Above, Fey plummeted toward the dragon like a lightning strike.

But Ashjaw was still moving forward, too fast—

Logan smirked.

"You think the world stayed the same while you slept?" He muttered. "I’ve been preparing for this moment, you overgrown lizard."

At that moment, Ashjaw’s legs locked up.

"What—?" The dragon’s massive body jerked violently. His movements stuttered, muscles seizing up, as if his own limbs were rebelling against him. "What sorcery is this?!"

Logan smirked, raising a middle finger toward the dragon. "Guessing that gesture existed in your time too, huh?"

Ashjaw roared in fury, but it was too late.

Fey struck.

His sword, burning with white mana, drove straight into Ashjaw’s eye.

A monstrous, agonized shriek filled the halls.

For the first time in centuries, the dragon felt pain. Not just in his body—but in his pride.

"Insolent... wretches!"

Fey didn’t stop. He twisted the blade, then yanked it free.

"One more to go!"

He leapt toward the other eye, blade raised high—

And struck.

The blade sank deep.

Ashjaw screamed, his world going dark.

Blinded.

Fey let out a breath, turning toward Logan with a grin. "We—"

Then he froze.

His surroundings had changed.

Smoke. Flames. Ash.

Where was Logan?

His grin vanished.

A pair of boots lay amidst the embers.

Fey’s stomach dropped. "No... no, no, no!"

His hands clenched into fists. He turned, eyes burning with hatred.

"You... killed my friend," he growled.

Ashjaw, now completely blind, let out a deep, menacing chuckle.

"You will pay for what you’ve done, rodent."

A golden glow began to build in his throat.

"I may not see you..." the dragon whispered, his voice dripping with malice. "But I don’t have to."

The air became suffocating. Heat radiated outward in waves.

"I will flood this entire room with my fire—reduce it to nothing but cinders. And then... I will bask in the scent of your burning flesh."

Fey took a step back, sweat dripping down his face.

There was no escape.