Tragedy of Divinity

Chapter 49: Guns, Dragons, and Defiance

The sun hung high in the sky as the trio entered the Adventurers Guild once more. Quintin couldn't stop fidgeting with excitement, practically bouncing on his feet as he approached the counter where the ever-composed receptionist stood.

Her piercing gaze softened slightly as she saw them, though her demeanor remained professional. "Ah, you're here. Guild Master Alaric left something for you."

Quintin stepped forward eagerly, nearly bumping into the counter. "For me?"

The receptionist nodded and reached below the desk, producing a wooden case lined with velvet. She placed it in front of Quintin and unlocked it with a small key. Inside were two gleaming revolvers, identical in design but with unique engravings along the barrels. The polished steel glinted under the light, and the dark wood grips felt smooth and solid.

"Twin revolvers," the receptionist explained. "A gift included in the contract."

Quintin's face lit up as he gingerly picked up one of the weapons, testing its weight. "Oh, these are perfect!"

Lucian crossed his arms, scowling as he leaned against the counter. "I can already see this ending badly."

Quintin ignored him, spinning one of the revolvers on his finger before carefully holstering it. "You're just jealous because you don't have anything as cool as these!"

"Cool isn't the word I'd use," Lucian muttered.

The receptionist cleared her throat, drawing their attention. "Guild Master Alaric has also assigned you a mission. A dungeon exploration on the outskirts of Loyrn."

Lucian's expression darkened. "We're not obligated to accept missions, according to the terms of the contract."

"That's correct," the receptionist replied. "You're free to decline. However, it's highly recommended, as the guild values strong alliances with its private allies."

"We're declining," Lucian said firmly.

"Actually," Quintin interrupted, raising a hand, "I'm accepting."

Lucian shot him a glare. "We are not doing this."

Quintin grinned, spinning one of the revolvers in his hand. "Come on, Lucian! It's the perfect chance to test these bad boys out. Besides, how bad could it be?"

Seraphine sighed, rubbing her temples. "Quintin, you do realize that 'dungeon exploration' usually means danger, right?"

"Danger, shmanger," Quintin said with a shrug. "We've faced worse. Plus, it's not like Lucian and you are gonna let me go alone, right?"

Lucian groaned, his fingers tightening on the hilt of his sword. "You're going to get us all killed."

"Relax, big guy. I've got this," Quintin said, patting the revolvers holstered at his sides.

Entering the Dungeon

By the time they reached the dungeon, the sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows across the dense forest. The entrance to the dungeon was a jagged cave mouth, its dark interior lined with faintly glowing moss.

Lucian led the way, his sword drawn, while Seraphine followed close behind, her daggers at the ready. Quintin brought up the rear, his revolvers in hand, their barrels gleaming in the dim light.

The air inside the dungeon was cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of earth and decay. The walls were lined with ancient carvings, telling stories of forgotten civilizations and battles long past.

"This place gives me the creeps," Quintin muttered, his voice echoing slightly.

"You wanted to come here," Lucian said without looking back. "So stop whining."

As they ventured deeper, the tunnel opened into a massive chamber. The trio froze as their eyes adjusted to the dim light.

In the center of the chamber were three dragons. Two massive adults, their scales shimmering in hues of emerald and gold, lay curled around a much smaller dragon, its scales a pale, translucent green. All three were asleep, their breaths rising and falling in unison.

Quintin's jaw dropped. "Dragons. Actual dragons."

"Quiet," Lucian hissed, his voice low and urgent.

"Do you know how much their scales are worth?" Quintin whispered, his excitement barely contained.

"We're not here to fight dragons," Seraphine said sharply.

"But think of the reward!" Quintin whispered back, gesturing wildly.

Lucian turned to face him, his expression a mix of annoyance and disbelief. "Do you want to die? Because that's how you die."

As if on cue, one of the adult dragons stirred, shifting its massive head. The ground trembled slightly under its weight, and its golden eyes flickered open.

"Too late," Lucian muttered, gripping his sword tightly.

The Fight

The dragon let out a low growl, its eyes locking onto the intruders. Its mate stirred awake as well, unfurling its massive wings and rising to its full height. The baby dragon chirped in alarm, retreating behind its parents.

"Quintin, get behind us," Lucian ordered, stepping forward.

Quintin, to his credit, did as he was told, though he kept his revolvers aimed and ready.

The first dragon let out a deafening roar, its breath hot and sulfuric. Without hesitation, Lucian dashed forward, his sword slicing through the air as he aimed for the dragon's leg. The blade bit into its scales but barely left a scratch.

"Figures," Lucian muttered, dodging a massive claw that came crashing down where he had just been standing.

Seraphine darted in next, her daggers flashing as she aimed for the dragon's underbelly. She managed to land a few hits, drawing thin lines of blood, but the creature hardly seemed to notice.

The second dragon let out a roar of its own, its jaws opening wide as it prepared to unleash a torrent of flame.

"Quintin, now would be a good time to do something!" Lucian shouted.

Quintin hesitated for only a moment before raising his revolvers and firing. The bullets, infused with a faint magical energy, struck the dragon's shoulder, causing it to stagger slightly.

"Did you see that?" Quintin shouted, a grin spreading across his face.

"Don't celebrate yet," Seraphine snapped, narrowly avoiding a swipe from the dragon's tail.

The battle raged on, the trio working together in a chaotic but effective rhythm. Lucian's sword strikes were precise and relentless, aimed at the dragon's joints and weaker points. Seraphine's agility allowed her to land quick, surgical hits before darting out of reach. Quintin, for all his inexperience, provided valuable support, his revolvers dealing consistent damage and forcing the dragons to split their attention.

The Baby Dragon..

Amid the chaos, the baby dragon let out a frightened squeal, its tiny wings flapping uselessly as it tried to escape.

Seraphine noticed it and paused, her expression softening. "It's just a baby," she murmured.

Lucian didn't take his eyes off the larger dragons. "Focus, Seraphine. That 'baby' will grow up to kill people just like its parents."

She hesitated, her grip on her daggers tightening. "It's not its fault."

"We don't have time for this!" Lucian shouted, deflecting another swipe from one of the adult dragons.

Quintin, however, seemed to share Seraphine's sentiment. He lowered his revolvers slightly, his gaze shifting to the frightened baby dragon.

"Maybe we should—"

"Don't," Lucian interrupted, his voice harsh.

The argument was cut short as one of the adult dragons let out another earth-shaking roar, forcing the trio to focus entirely on the fight.

Retreat

After what felt like an eternity, Lucian finally shouted, "We're not winning this. Fall back!"

Seraphine and Quintin didn't argue. The trio began a hasty retreat, dodging fire and claws as they made their way back through the tunnel.

As they reached the entrance, Quintin turned back, his gaze lingering on the baby dragon one last time before following the others into the forest.

"Next time," Lucian said through gritted teeth, "we're not taking any more of Alaric's damn missions."

Quintin didn't respond, his thoughts elsewhere.