01x04 - Dragonoid Power

[bunniefuu]

And so, after much ado,

Tania joined our party.

And the first job we took on as a trio was

No luck. There was just one over here.

exterminating slimes.

Beast Tamer

F-rank

Slimes themselves are F-rank

monsters that anyone can beat

Dragonoid Power

which means most adventurers

don't bother with them.

But if they're left untouched for too

long, they can turn into a swarm.

It's common to see these slimes

ravaging farmers' fields.

Slimes, huh?

What's this, Kanade?

You afraid of slimes?

No!

I can beat slimes no problem!

But

I just hate how they're all jiggly and

wiggly and fighting them leaves me all sticky!

That is the inevitable result

of fighting them physically.

I'll just mow them down myself with

my fireballs and flame breath!

You can rest easy!

You mean it?!

I can count on you, Tania!

Keep it coming! More compliments!

You're amazing, Tania!

You're the best, Tania!

I wasn't sure, at first,

if they'd actually get along,

but I think we might just make it!

Let's see

Still no slimes!

I thought a swarm would be a

little more easily found

Oh, well. We'll try from above.

From above?

You're going to have the bird look?

No. Since I have the two of you here,

I thought I'd assimilate

and search around myself.

"Assimilate"?

Hey!

Rein?

Rein looks like a puppet

with its strings cut!

Wh-What happened?!

I'm right here, you two!

Rein became a bird!

Not quite, I'm afraid

I transferred part of my soul into the bird,

and assigned my consciousness to it.

It lets me use the bird's body as my own.

This is "assimilate,"

one of a beast tamer's skills.

In order to converse, I'm using

magic to send out thought waves.

Magic

You can even do that, Rein?

Unbelievable!

Yeah.

Your abilities are truly exceptional.

They are?

Most beast tamers—

—can't do it!

I-I'm going to find those slimes!

Watch my body in the meantime, okay?

Rein sure is something else!

He sure is

There are so many.

When I found them,

I felt a chill up my spine.

Let's take care of them!

But first

Can you cast spells, Rein?

I can cast beginner stuff like Heal and Fireball.

I tried to learn long ago, but that

was about all I could handle.

I see.

In that case

Try attacking those slimes

with your Fireball!

Huh? It's not very powerful, though

Just go on! Give it a try!

F-Fine! Just don't push me!

I'm gonna fall into the slimes!

Let's see.

Focus magic in your hand

Form the magic circle

Then

let it fly!

Fireball!

Wh-What the heck happened?!

It wasn't even a fight!

Just as I thought.

Your contract with Kanade gave you the

physical abilities of a cat spirit, remember?

Right

It stands to reason that your

contract with me would give you

the magical abilities of a dragonoid.

My fireballs and fire breath

are powered by magic, too.

The magic power of the dragonoids

is the second-highest

of all of the ultimate species.

That power now lives within you!

Second-highest magic power?

It's no use. I can't keep

up with what she's saying!

They're back!

Good timing. We'll use them for practice.

Magic is harder to use

than physical abilities.

You still can't control it well, can you?

Well, no

I know it might be hard,

but give it your best shot.

You're our master, after all!

That's right.

I don't want to be an embarrassment

beside my two ultimate species.

I want to be better!

Tania. Teach me how to use magic!

I'm a strict teacher, so you'd better be ready!

Go for it, Rein! Fight!

But the way Tania taught

Fireball!

More focus!

Keep that posture steady!

There's more coming!

Go on! Focus!

F-Fireball!

was seriously harsh

But it did teach me to control

my magic a lot better!

Hey, cat lady!

What are you doing?

We finished our job, so we

came to report in about it.

Hey, dragon lady!

What did you beat today?

Slimes.

Oh! My mom says they eat the

vegetables in the fields.

They're all gone now, fortunately.

You'll be able to eat lots of veggies now!

Yeah!

But I like meat better.

I do, too!

Me, too!

Yay! We're the same!

I'm back!

We got a pretty big reward for that one.

People accept Tania if we tell them she's

a slightly odd girl in a dragonoid costume.

She still comes close to outing

herself now and then, but

I think we'll be okay for now.

I guess ultimate species

have ultimate stomachs, too!

Thanks for the meal!

I'm so full!

Even the food is wonderful in the city.

Great work today, you two.

Though you're the one who

found and beat the slimes.

Only because you taught me how to use magic.

I really owe you for that.

N-No need to thank me.

That's just what comrades do.

I guess you're right there!

Where did you learn beast taming, Rein?

I've been wondering the same thing myself!

I don't think it's a particularly

interesting story.

Please. Just tell us!

Tell us! Tell us!

Okay.

I learned beast taming in

the village I came from.

A village full of beast tamers.

My parents were beast tamers, too.

So I can't remember a time when

I wasn't learning beast taming.

The insect tamer power I showed to Kanade

was also something I learned from

someone else in the village.

It was a small village without a name,

but it was a good place.

Was?

My hometown

no longer exists.

I I didn't know it would

be such a serious story.

I'm sorry.

Don't worry. I get it.

And I know it might sound like an excuse,

but I didn't ask out of idle curiosity.

I just wanted to know more about you.

I feel the same way Kanade does.

I want to know more about you.

But

if it's too painful,

you don't have to tell us.

Yeah. I feel the same way!

I understand wanting to know more

about your comrades, though.

Because I'm one of theirs!

I want you both to know.

May I tell you more about my past?

Yeah!

Yes.

It happened when I was 12 years old.

My parents were busy that day,

so they couldn't watch me at taming practice.

I spent the day on the village

outskirts, practicing by myself.

I practiced until sunset,

and it was only when it got

dark that I could see it

Despite it being nighttime, the sky was red.

"Something is wrong."

That was the thought racing through

my mind as I ran back to the village.

But

by the time I arrived,

it was already too late.

The village had been attacked by monsters.

I was the only survivor.

It was then that adventurers, realizing

something was wrong, raced to the scene.

They took me into custody.

They took me to an inn that

belonged to one of their friends.

I had to work to earn my keep.

It took all of my effort just to stay alive.

And that was my life, for years and years.

Until one day, half a year ago

I met Arios and the others.

Arios?

The Hero.

Arios happened to be looking for comrades.

He invited me to join their party.

I agreed without a second thought.

I thought that being part of the Hero's

party would let me make a difference,

that I could perhaps prevent another tragedy like that of my hometown,

but the reality was very different.

I think Arios just wanted to use me.

I'm sorry.

I guess this got a little dark.

I feel kind of pathetic

Kanade?

I've been wondering about that for a while.

When we went after the bandits,

when we fought the king lizard,

and when you saved me,

it was always the same

Why did you always rush

headfirst into danger?

Where did you find the courage

to do so much to help others?

Now I finally see.

You just really want to help people.

You don't want anyone to

experience the same sadness you have.

That's not pathetic at all!

Kanade

You're too kind for your own good.

You're far too self-effacing,

and far too earnest.

It's the worst case I've ever seen, honestly.

But it's not necessarily a negative.

Wh-What I'm saying is, I'm proud

to have a master like you.

Yeah.

That's just who you are, Rein!

The way I am

The time I've spent

I feel like it's all been affirmed.

You guys

Although

I've never heard of anyone

stupider than that Hero's party!

You worked so hard to help and support them,

and they called you useless?!

It ticks me off so bad!

You said it!

I bet they're really struggling

without you right now!

Thanks for getting mad on my behalf

But I've moved on, I swear!

I-It's not all about you, you know!

It's just so cruel!

You're nice deep down, Tania!

Cut it out!

Someone's blushing!

No! I'm not blushing!

I'd love things to remain just the three of us.

Hey, hey!

Let's compete to see who can defeat more!

Goodness! Challenging me to a

duel is a foolish thing indeed!

But very well

I accept your challenge!

Well?

Our job this time is slaying orcs.

Orcs are E-rank monsters,

and they aren't much physically

stronger than goblins.

But orcs are much smarter,

and they tend to fight with weapons.

We might complete this challenge lickety-split!

Yeah!

Don't let your guard down, you two.

We're still new at this, after all.

Even against orcs, there's always a chance—

No worries there!

I, Tania of the dragonoids, would never

be defeated by a mere band of orcs!

Now, let's try this way!

Wait for me!

I hope it all goes as easy

as she thinks it will

Tania! He's coming for you!

I've got it handled!

Far too easy!

Oh? Did we miss one?

Hey! What's he doing?

Let go of me!

Tania, behind you!

Rein!

Take this!

What do I do?!

You're bleeding so much

Don't worry.

I told you I could use Heal.

And I have your magic powering it now, so

Heal!

See? All back to normal!

I'm just fine, see?

Don't look so upset, Tania.

But it was all my fault

You're really fine? It doesn't hurt?

Just fine.

Thanks, both of you.

Let's gather up the rune stones

and get back to the Guild.

Roger!

You rest, Rein. I'll gather them up!

I told you, I'm fine!

Sorry for the wait.

Huh?

Where's Tania?

She was here a minute ago, but

She seemed a little down

It felt like she wanted to be alone.

What was I thinking?

Hey, dragon lady!

Hey, what did you beat today?

I didn't beat anything today.

Really?

Yes, really.

Hey, does it hurt anywhere?

If it hurts, you gotta say so.

That's what my mom always tells me!

I see.

Your mother is very wise.

Except when she tells me to eat vegetables.

I do appreciate the concern.

I'm fine, I promise.

Okay, great!

See ya!

He was worried about me, wasn't he?

But I refused to listen.

I was so high on my own status

as an ultimate species

I let my guard down.

How can I ever show my

face to you again, Rein?

Tania.

R-Rein?

What's the matter?

Well er I

I'm so sorry about before!

Y-You were trying to warn me,

but I let my guard down,

and got you hurt in the process

I know the Heal spell fixed the problem,

but if things had gone a bit differently

So, please

accept my apolo—

Is that what this is about?

Why aren't you angry?

Well you're sorry, aren't you?

As long as you're more

careful next time, I'm okay.

I'm just glad you're safe.

Kanade was worried, you know?

Tania! Are you okay?

I-I'm fine.

Okay! I'm so glad!

Hey, has that room opened up yet?

I'm afraid not!

Just one more room, please

Even a small one, please

He didn't scold me for my mistake.

Just give it your best!

Seriously, I want a room!

He didn't get angry, either.

He was just happy I'm safe.

A curious person.

He lets us use the beds, as well.

Though it must be hard

to sleep there, I'm sure.

He's too kind for his own good, but

I'm just glad you're safe.

Why is it?

Why can't I stop thinking about Rein?

I feel this warmth in my heart

What's going through my head now?!

It's almost like I'm

My feelings for Rein are

Fishy, fishy

No, absolutely not!

It can't be true!

Th-That's right

I'm just rather fond of him.

That's all it is.

I-I'm not that easy to win over, you know!

And don't shake off your covers.

Good night, Rein.

More reward! More food!

What song is that?

The "successful job" song!

We've certainly been breezing

through the jobs of late.

Might it be time to buy new equipment?

As ultimate species,

we don't need any ourselves,

but you're still just a human.

Maybe I'll have a look around

once we're back in town.

I approve!

What about food?

We'll get food first.

Hooray!

Let's go fast!

Of course, of course.

Rein?

Hey, there.

Been a while, Rein.

Beast Tamer VS Hero

Next Time: "Beast Tamer VS Hero."