I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 184: An Unexpected Survival Life 51

Episode 184: An Unexpected Survival Life 51  

As we ventured a bit further into the forest, the beast was already waiting for us.  

A massive and ferocious creature far beyond what any human could reasonably confront—the Poison Dragon, with its distinctive green scales—stood before us, glaring down.  

Unlike the slender Queen Dragon, this one possessed enormous, ground-shaking limbs that had left deep impressions in the soil as it approached. They turned the terrain behind it into a chaotic mess.  

Trees were toppled, soil gouged, and puddles of green liquid pooled in the torn earth. They were exuding a stinging odor that pricked at our noses.  

“Everyone, be careful. That green liquid is poisonous.”  

“Poison? Why not just blast it away with Madoka’s magic?”  

“I could probably manage, but… is that okay to do?”  

“No, let’s avoid that. The vaporized poison could mix into the air and spread around.”  

While it was still in liquid form, it could be contained. But once it evaporated into the air, it would become uncontrollable.  

The poison seemed to have a paralyzing effect. Inhaling too much during a fight would render someone immobile, leading to an easy death.  

Although Madoka, with her boosted Magic stats from bananas, could potentially end this with a single spell, that wasn’t an option.  

The glossy green scales of the dragon apparently had a reflective property. They bounced back any magic directed at it. If we attacked recklessly, the magic would rebound on us.  

Considering the poison and the magic reflection, entrusting this to Yuria seemed viable—but that, too, posed its challenges.  

The sheer difference in level was too vast. Even with the effects of the enchanted fruit, Yuria’s stats wouldn’t come close to matching the Poison Dragon’s.  

On top of that, its most outstanding stat was its Magic.  

The dragon used its mana to generate poison and reflect spells. If we could deplete that mana reserves, Madoka or Yuria might stand a chance.  

“So, what’s the plan? Are we going to have Haku handle it?”  

“…No, that’s not the plan.”  

“Really? Then what is it?”  

While we stood deliberating, the Poison Dragon, for some reason, wasn’t attacking.  

Considering why, it made sense to think Moriya was involved.  

If this was, as suspected, another trial orchestrated by Moritani, then the means to defeat the Poison Dragon would likely be hidden within us.  

Relying on the familiars was an option, but I had an idea that didn’t depend on them.  

“Leave this to me!”  

““…Huh?””  

“What’s with that reaction?”  

“Well… it’s you, Maki.”  

“Yeah, it’s *you*, Maki-kun.”  

“Pikya.”  

“Kyuun.”  

“……..…”  

Everyone present wore a look of disbelief. …….Seriously?  

Still, I wasn’t planning to confront the Poison Dragon without any strategy. I’d need everyone’s help to set the stage for the final blow.  

“That’s why I need you all to distract the Poison Dragon.”  

“Oh, so you *do* need our help in the end.”  

“Leave it to me, Maki-kun!”  

“Pikya-kyah!”  

“Woof woof!”  

“…..…!”  

Yuria aside, the rest seemed more than willing to lend their aid. If only Yuria could be a bit more straightforward, she’d actually be adorable.  

“…..Hey, you’re not thinking something weird, are you?”  

“Huh? No, not at all. Come on, help me out here.”  

“…..Fine. Then I’ll eat some grapes first and give it my all!”  

Though slightly exasperated, Yuria obediently ate her grapes, while Madoka munched away on a banana.  

“Sunny, do you want some?”  

“…..Pipi.”  

“You’re not eating?”  

“Pikya.”

Sunny, along with Haku and Gregori, refused to eat the enchanted fruit.  

Were these fruits strictly for humans? Or maybe they simply had no effect on beasts?  

Well, if they didn’t want them, I wasn’t about to force them.  

“Alright! Let’s do this!”  

“I’ll cast support magic!”  

“………Support magic?”  

“A spell to boost all stats.”  

…Wait, seriously? Since when could she cast something that amazing?  

“…Whoa! I feel a surge of strength!”  

“It’s not as strong as the fruits, but it should help with your movements.”  

“Thanks! Alright, here we go!”  

—BOOM!  

With a thunderous impact, Yuria charged at the Poison Dragon.  

“Haku, go after her! That girl really does charge like a bull!”  

“Woof woof!”  

“Sunny, distract it from afar! Gregori, protect Madoka!”  

“Pikyah!”  

“…..…!”  

“…………BRUUGHHRRAAAAHHHH!!”  

Good. Now, I’ll sneak around and wait for the right moment.