Reincarnation into the Barrier Master

"Compliment?　Dragon King, I haven't done anything to deserve your praise.

I often get really irritated when I talk to this guy. The conversation often jumps. He changes the subject so abruptly and out of the blue that we are often confused.

What do you mean, I'm complimenting your skills. You should be pleased."

"Aaah!"

I have no idea what the Dragon King meant. He looked a little disappointed to see me like that.

"In order to get to Royce, you will need your warding skills. I can only praise you for this skill.

"What do you mean?"

Well, you'll know more when you get here. Now, put up the wards.

"What kind of warding are you talking about?　I can't put up wards until you explain that to me."

"He's not very perceptive."

That's the word that really got under my skin.

"Come on, man."

"What?"

"You're always one word short. You think anyone can understand what you're saying?　A lot of people don't understand. You have to talk while making sure that they understand you. That's what kindness is all about. You don't have that kindness.

The Dragon King has a scowling expression on his face. He doesn't seem to understand the meaning of what I'm saying. I could try to make him understand by chewing on them, but there is no time now. We must rescue Rico and Soleil as soon as possible. I have no choice but to leave the idiot alone for this time.

"So, what kind of warding are you going to do?　I'm asking ...... what kind of effect does it have? Does it resist magic, or does it absorb shocks, or does it defend against physical ...... attacks?"

"Do I have to tell you that much?"

"You know what? I don't even know where I'm going!

Do you not appraise me?

"......"

The reply was so unexpected that I was in a state of exclamation. On the one hand, I thought that was a good idea, but on the other hand, I also thought that communication through dialogue is still necessary. ......I have mixed feelings. Oh, if only Rico were with me in such a situation, he could sort it out and explain it to me in a way that I can understand.

With a hint of loneliness in my heart, I invoke my appraisal skill on the Dragon King.

I can't see ....... He's blocking my appraisal. Now I'm going to be stubborn. I'll see it no matter what. With this thought, I concentrate my magic power and consciousness on the Dragon King.

...... I saw a deep cave. No, what is this?　Is there a big hole in the ground since we are looking at it from above?　No, no. This is a mountain. There is a big hole in the top of the mountain. When you enter it, you will see a huge space. And when you go further into the hole, you see a red light. What is this?

...... magma?　Is this a magma reservoir?

Without thinking, he terminates his appraisal skill and turns his attention to the Dragon King. He is looking at me, his expression a little grim.

"You got it?"

"......"

"Lois is in it."

"What?"

"He's in the middle of a very high temperature. Therefore, in your case, you can't even get close to him. If you try to get close, your body will be burned to a crisp and not even a bone will remain.

I thought he was in a magma reservoir, but I didn't think he was in a magma reservoir.　What a great place to hide! .......

"Therefore, it is necessary to put up wards."

"...... I see, I understand. We can put up a protective shield against the high temperature emitted by the magma. It's a bit of a pain, but it's not impossible. Wait here for a minute."

"No, you don't need to ward me."

"What?"

My scales can withstand any heat. So can this black dragon.

The Dragon King glanced at Tsune. He slowly removes his gaze from the Dragon King. You are surprisingly disliked, Dragon King.

"All right. Then I'll put a ward only on me..."

"Wait."

"What?"

You must ward me as well.

You just said there was no need to put up wards.

That's the heat talking. I and the black dragon there need to be warded as well.

"Say it quickly! And what kind of warding are you going to do?

It is a ward to keep our actions secret.

"Yeah?　You could probably put up that many wards yourself."

"......"

"What's wrong?　Why don't you tell me?"

"I'm not good at this."

What?

"I'm not very good at warding."

"What?"

"In the first place, wards are magic for the weak to protect themselves and other weak things. I have no need of them. In fact, I have never needed wards in my life.

The Dragon King is talking smugly. Is that something you'd be proud to say? .......

"But your warding skill is really excellent. I thought it was just a defensive magic, but as I looked at your skills, I realized that it has many uses, including attack. I may pay attention to your warding skill from now on. That is why ...... I will give you the honor of warding this Dragon King. You may rejoice.

I was listening to the Dragon King, stunned, but eventually I turned on my heel, turned to Tsune's direction, regained my composure, and opened my mouth cheerfully.

Then, let's put a ward on you. I'll give you the effect of suppressing your presence, but is there anything else you would like?　Feel free to tell me."

"Hey, you!　You're in the wrong order!　First, you must ward me!"

The Dragon King was furious with me, but I ignored him with all my might.

I ignored him as best I could.

"Phew. ....... "Hi, I'm done."

"Not at all. ......"

Without even trying to hide my annoyance, I left the Dragon King. When I ignored him, he sulked like a child and declared that he was going to go to Royce by himself and beat him up.

Thanks to my appraisal skills, I had a rough idea of where Lois was hiding, but I didn't want to let him beat her without my permission. He has Rico and Soleil in his belly. If he makes a mistake and gets them both hurt, he will have no choice but to regret it. Needless to say, the Dragon King will be punished more severely than death.

It was a hassle, but I had no choice but to put a ward on him as well. However, in his case, the magic power contained in his body was so huge that it took a lot of magic power to hide it. He himself seems to be able to set up wards so that he will not be caught by the presence and magic detection, but he is not used to it and can only set up really lousy wards. Just for the sake of his honor, let me mention that his warding skill is also level 5. But, to borrow a phrase from the lady, his arm is in a state of decline. With this, anyone with a good sense of presence detection and magic detection would be able to detect him immediately.

The Dragon King is still mumbling and complaining. He seems to be saying something like, "How long does it take to put up wards ......? But he doesn't know. The warding I've put up will completely erase his presence and magic. If we lose sight of him, he will be much harder to find. I turn to Tsune again.

"I'm sorry, but I need you to make sure we don't lose the Dragon King now more than ever. Losing him will make things a little harder. ...... and the Dragon King."

"What is it? What's more?"

"Fly, always watch your back so you don't lose us."

The Dragon King's eyes are twitching. I take one look at him and continue to say more.

"Now, let's get to Lois as soon as possible.

Saying this, I climb onto Tsune's back. The Dragon King floated silently and slowly into the sky.

Just before we leave, I turn my attention to the wards that I have placed on Rico and Soleil. I don't know where they are, but I know that their hearts are beating and they are breathing.

"Rico, Soleil. I'm coming!"

As if on cue, the Dragon King flies away into the sky. And Tsune flapped his big wings to follow the Dragon King's back.