- Fly killers

 

The third day of climbing was taking its toll on him. The barely broken ground he was struggling through seemed endless. His body, unaccustomed to such long journeys, was slowly failing him. The fat he had gained over the past few years, spent mostly in inns, weighed heavily on him. He cursed his situation under his breath. According to the meticulous calculations he had made the day before, he hadn't yet covered half the distance. He was moving much slower than he had initially planned. He was furious that he hadn't anticipated such a delay and hadn't brought more supplies. The densely overgrown trail prevented him from taking a horse, which would have been beneficial on such a long journey. However, he decided not to lose heart. He had an important mission ahead of him, the completion of which would have earned him so much gold that he wouldn't have to do anything for several years. He couldn't remember when he had sunk so low that he had been forced to take up mercenary work. He came from Tardort, a land of wealth and education, where life was easy and pleasant. When he reached the appropriate age, his parents sent him to a school of magic, where, as a very promising student, he was placed under the tutelage of the master of magic himself. Two years passed in intense study, his skills improving daily, so much so that many assumed that after the old master's death, he would succeed him. However, this was not to be, thanks to an acquaintance he made with a student from his class. It began innocently enough with a visit to a local inn, where he tasted wine for the first time, which, unfortunately, he developed a taste for. He didn't even notice when he began skipping classes, visiting brothels, and losing money at cards. He didn't have to wait long for the school and parents to react; before he knew it, he had become a marginalized person. People fled at the mere sight of him, not to mention the stench emanating from him. It's hard to count how long he spent living like an animal until one day, when, as usual, he was thrown out of the inn, he landed in a huge puddle and caught sight of his embarrassing reflection. Frozen, he stared at himself. He didn't recognize himself. Before him was an overgrown monstrosity, caked in filth and sweat. This image sobered him enough to decide to change his life. He first decided to find a job, which, in his case, wasn't an easy task. Eventually, he landed a job as a stablehand. While hauling manure wasn't exactly pleasant, the money he earned allowed him to get back on his feet. Soon, he left his mercenary employer and decided to start his own business. That's how he became a mercenary magician, codenamed "Liquidator." His first assignments weren't particularly sophisticated, with someone needing to make rain, or someone else requesting a spell for a hated neighbor. Since the job wasn't particularly difficult, the pay was also meager, but it allowed for a modest living. The liquidator, however, feltHe knew he was destined for greater tasks, and those, as if by chance, soon appeared. He now took on just such a higher-paying task. His mission was to slay a dragon. He knew the task wouldn't be easy, and his body wasn't as agile as it once was. He was forced to rely on his magical abilities. The dragon he was supposed to defeat lived in a cave on a mountaintop, and he still had a long way to go to reach the summit. He rehearsed the entire plan in his head, which would allow him to defeat the beast. He was certain of his success; otherwise, he wouldn't have undertaken this task. He wasn't a risk-taker, though he knew it was always a risk. But wasn't walking the city streets risky, too? So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky person's head at any moment? This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully crafted plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to take a break. He threw off all his bags and bundles and cut himself wide open, the sound of cracking bones echoing through the area. The sun was now low enough to abandon his march that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would devour in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but as he walked to the dragon's lair, he had to remain sober. After he had eaten, he began to set up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He had no rest at all; it felt as if he had only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. Day four was no different from the previous ones, and the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The entrance to the dragon's lair alone gave some idea of ​​the size of its host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anything or anyone, then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but mages could draw infinite amounts of energy from it, depending on their abilities. The Liquidator was currently concerned with a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. Finding the right energy path didn't take him long; he felt increasingly at ease in the mental dimension. The utterance of the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The mage's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step of his plan.As if by chance, they soon appeared. He had now undertaken precisely such a better-paid task. His mission was to slay a dragon. He knew the task wouldn't be easy, and his body wasn't as agile as it once was. He was forced to rely on his magical abilities. The dragon he was to defeat lived in a cave atop a mountain, and he still had a long way to reach the summit. He rehearsed the entire plan in his head, which would allow him to defeat the beast. He was certain of his success; otherwise, he wouldn't have undertaken the task. He wasn't a risk-taker, though he knew it was always a risk. But wasn't walking the city streets risky, too? So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky person's head at any moment? This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully crafted plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to take a break. He threw off all his bags and bundles and cut himself wide open, the sound of cracking bones echoing through the area. The sun was now low enough to abandon his march that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would devour in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but as he walked to the dragon's lair, he had to remain sober. After he had eaten, he began to set up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He had no rest at all; it felt as if he had only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. Day four was no different from the previous ones, and the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The entrance to the dragon's lair alone gave some idea of ​​the size of its host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anything or anyone, then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but mages could draw infinite amounts of energy from it, depending on their abilities. The Liquidator was currently concerned with a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. Finding the right energy path didn't take him long; he felt increasingly at ease in the mental dimension. The utterance of the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The mage's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step of his plan.As if by chance, they soon appeared. He had now undertaken precisely such a better-paid task. His mission was to slay a dragon. He knew the task wouldn't be easy, and his body wasn't as agile as it once was. He was forced to rely on his magical abilities. The dragon he was to defeat lived in a cave atop a mountain, and he still had a long way to reach the summit. He rehearsed the entire plan in his head, which would allow him to defeat the beast. He was certain of his success; otherwise, he wouldn't have undertaken the task. He wasn't a risk-taker, though he knew it was always a risk. But wasn't walking the city streets risky, too? So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky person's head at any moment? This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully crafted plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to take a break. He threw off all his bags and bundles and cut himself wide open, the sound of cracking bones echoing through the area. The sun was now low enough to abandon his march that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would devour in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but as he walked to the dragon's lair, he had to remain sober. After he had eaten, he began to set up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He had no rest at all; it felt as if he had only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. Day four was no different from the previous ones, and the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The entrance to the dragon's lair alone gave some idea of ​​the size of its host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anything or anyone, then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but mages could draw infinite amounts of energy from it, depending on their abilities. The Liquidator was currently concerned with a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. Finding the right energy path didn't take him long; he felt increasingly at ease in the mental dimension. The utterance of the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The mage's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step of his plan.His mission was to slay a dragon. He knew the task wouldn't be easy, and his body wasn't as agile as it once was. He was forced to rely on his magical abilities. The dragon he was supposed to defeat lived in a cave atop a mountain, and he still had a long way to reach the summit. He rehearsed the entire plan in his head, which would allow him to defeat the beast. He was certain of his success; otherwise, he wouldn't have undertaken the task. He wasn't a risk-taker, though he knew it was always a risk. But wasn't walking the city streets risky, too? So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky person's head at any moment? This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully laid plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to take a rest. He threw off all his bags and bundles and cut himself wide open, until the sound of cracking bones echoed throughout the area. The sun was already low enough to abandon his march that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would devour in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but as he walked to the dragon's lair, he had to remain sober. After he had eaten, he began to set up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He had no rest at all; it felt as if he had only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. Day four was no different from the previous ones; the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The entrance to the dragon's lair alone gave some idea of ​​the size of the host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anyone or anything, then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but magicians could draw countless amounts of energy from it, depending on their abilities. The Liquidator was currently working on a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. It didn't take him long to find the right energy path; he felt increasingly at ease in the mental dimension. The utterance of the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The magician's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step in his plan.His mission was to slay a dragon. He knew the task wouldn't be easy, and his body wasn't as agile as it once was. He was forced to rely on his magical abilities. The dragon he was supposed to defeat lived in a cave atop a mountain, and he still had a long way to reach the summit. He rehearsed the entire plan in his head, which would allow him to defeat the beast. He was certain of his success; otherwise, he wouldn't have undertaken the task. He wasn't a risk-taker, though he knew it was always a risk. But wasn't walking the city streets risky, too? So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky person's head at any moment? This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully laid plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to take a rest. He threw off all his bags and bundles and cut himself wide open, until the sound of cracking bones echoed throughout the area. The sun was already low enough to abandon his march that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would devour in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but as he walked to the dragon's lair, he had to remain sober. After he had eaten, he began to set up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He had no rest at all; it felt as if he had only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. Day four was no different from the previous ones; the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The entrance to the dragon's lair alone gave some idea of ​​the size of the host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anyone or anything, then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but magicians could draw countless amounts of energy from it, depending on their abilities. The Liquidator was currently working on a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. It didn't take him long to find the right energy path; he felt increasingly at ease in the mental dimension. The utterance of the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The magician's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step in his plan.The dragon he was supposed to defeat lived in a cave at the top of a mountain, and he still had a long way to go. He rehearsed the entire plan in his head, resolving it to defeat the beast. He was certain of his success; otherwise, he wouldn't have undertaken the task. He wasn't a risk-taker, though he knew it was always a risk. But wasn't strolling through the city streets a risk, too? So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky person's head at any moment? This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully laid plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to take a break. He threw off all his bags and bundles and then cut himself wide open, until the sound of cracking bones echoed through the area. The sun was now low enough to abandon his march that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would consume in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but he had to remain sober as he walked to the dragon's lair. After he had eaten, he began to set up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He had no rest at all; it felt as if he had only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. The fourth day was no different from the previous ones; the fifth was no different. On the sixth day, nothing happened. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The very entrance to the dragon's lair gave some idea of ​​the size of its host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anyone or anything, then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs with them. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell took place on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but magicians could draw countless amounts of energy from it, depending on their skills. The Liquidator was currently seeking a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. It didn't take him long to find the right energy path; he felt increasingly at ease in the mental dimension. Uttering the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The magician's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step of his plan.The dragon he was supposed to defeat lived in a cave at the top of a mountain, and he still had a long way to go. He rehearsed the entire plan in his head, resolving it to defeat the beast. He was certain of his success; otherwise, he wouldn't have undertaken the task. He wasn't a risk-taker, though he knew it was always a risk. But wasn't strolling through the city streets a risk, too? So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky person's head at any moment? This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully laid plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to take a break. He threw off all his bags and bundles and then cut himself wide open, until the sound of cracking bones echoed through the area. The sun was now low enough to abandon his march that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would consume in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but he had to remain sober as he walked to the dragon's lair. After he had eaten, he began to set up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He had no rest at all; it felt as if he had only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. The fourth day was no different from the previous ones; the fifth was no different. On the sixth day, nothing happened. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The very entrance to the dragon's lair gave some idea of ​​the size of its host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anyone or anything, then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs with them. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell took place on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but magicians could draw countless amounts of energy from it, depending on their skills. The Liquidator was currently seeking a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. It didn't take him long to find the right energy path; he felt increasingly at ease in the mental dimension. Uttering the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The magician's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step of his plan.So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky soul at any moment. This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully laid plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to rest. He threw off all his bags and bundles and then cut himself wide, until the sound of cracking bones echoed through the area. The sun was already low enough to forgo further marching that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would devour in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but as he walked to the dragon's lair, he had to remain sober. After he had eaten, he set about setting up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He didn't rest at all; it felt as if he'd only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. Day four was no different from the previous ones, and the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The entrance to the dragon's lair alone gave some idea of ​​the host's size. The mage looked around, careful not to be surprised by anyone or anything, and then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but mages could draw countless amounts of energy from it, depending on their skills. At this moment, the Liquidator was concerned with a simple spell, but he was determined to make it last, as carelessness could cost him his life. It didn't take him long to find the right energy path; he felt increasingly at ease mentally. Saying the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The magician's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step of his plan.So many loose bricks, ready to fall on some unlucky soul at any moment. This argument, and many others like it, kept him confident and confident in his carefully laid plan. Reflecting on this, he concluded he was tired and hungry enough to rest. He threw off all his bags and bundles and then cut himself wide, until the sound of cracking bones echoed through the area. The sun was already low enough to forgo further marching that day and gather his strength for the next. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a piece of meat, which he would devour in record time. With his other hand, he lifted the waterskin. He regretted that it contained only water, but as he walked to the dragon's lair, he had to remain sober. After he had eaten, he set about setting up the lair and was soon fast asleep. In the morning, when he awoke, the night seemed too short. He didn't rest at all; it felt as if he'd only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. Day four was no different from the previous ones, and the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The entrance to the dragon's lair alone gave some idea of ​​the host's size. The mage looked around, careful not to be surprised by anyone or anything, and then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but mages could draw countless amounts of energy from it, depending on their skills. At this moment, the Liquidator was concerned with a simple spell, but he was determined to make it last, as carelessness could cost him his life. It didn't take him long to find the right energy path; he felt increasingly at ease mentally. Saying the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The magician's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step of his plan.Once he had eaten, he set about setting up his bed and was soon fast asleep. When he awoke in the morning, the night seemed too short. He didn't rest at all; it felt as if he'd only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. The fourth day was no different from the previous ones, and the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The very entrance to the dragon's lair gave some idea of ​​the size of its host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anything or anyone, and then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs with them. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but mages could draw countless amounts of energy from it, depending on their abilities. The Liquidator was currently working on a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. It didn't take him long to find the right energy path, and he felt increasingly at ease mentally. Uttering the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The mage's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step in his plan.Once he had eaten, he set about setting up his bed and was soon fast asleep. When he awoke in the morning, the night seemed too short. He didn't rest at all; it felt as if he'd only lain down for a few seconds, but he had no choice but to continue his journey. The fourth day was no different from the previous ones, and the fifth was no different. Nothing happened on the sixth day either. Only on the seventh day did the Liquidator reach the goal of his journey. The very entrance to the dragon's lair gave some idea of ​​the size of its host. The mage looked around to avoid being surprised by anything or anyone, and then began to put his plan into action. He raised his hands to the sky and began tracing invisible signs with them. These movements were merely a physical aura, as the invocation of the spell occurred on a purely spiritual level. No living person could determine the plane of the mental dimension, but mages could draw countless amounts of energy from it, depending on their abilities. The Liquidator was currently working on a simple spell, but he was determined to ensure its reliability, as carelessness could cost him his life. It didn't take him long to find the right energy path, and he felt increasingly at ease mentally. Uttering the appropriate formula crowned his efforts. The mage's body was enveloped in a solid protective field. He could now move on to the second step in his plan. "Hey, dragon, howl!" he shouted with all his might towards the pit. Only an echo answered him. The Liquidator, not so easily deterred, called again, louder this time. Still no response. He stood silently for a moment, then decided it was time for a backup plan, which he also had. He moved and entered the large cavern, the protective field shifting with him. Only one wide tunnel led deeper into the pit. There were no branches. The mage could be sure he wouldn't get lost. After a few minutes of wandering, the Liquidator reached a large rock chamber. Directly opposite him, he spotted the dragon. The beast was dozing peacefully. "Get up, dragon, I've come to kill you!" the mage shouted in the most menacing tone he could muster. The dragon didn't move. The man assumed an indignant expression; he knew the dragon had heard him and was simply ignoring him. "You're mocking the great Liquidator," the mage couldn't hide his anger and, gathering his energy, sent a fireball towards the reptile. The projectile, as expected, impressed the dragon. "What do you want, human?" The great dragon's head rose and moved closer to the Liquidator. "I've come to kill you," the mercenary announced. "Aha," the dragon accepted calmly, then, taking a deep breath, breathed fire directly at the man. The protective shield did its job, preventing the mage from being reduced to a smoking shard. "Damn, he's a mage," the dragon realized. "I hate mages. " "Why is that?" The Liquidator felt insulted. "Because there's a lot more fun to be had with you before you die. " "You're the one who'll die, dragon," the mage threatened. "Dragon?" The reptile blinked. "I'm not a dragon, I'm a juggernaut." "A juggernaut?" the man said in surprise. "Yes, a juggernaut!" "Confirmed the reptile, puffing smoke from its nostrils. The liquidator scratched his head, pondering for a moment, then said, "Okay, it doesn't matter if you're a dragon or some other giant, you have to die. " "And why is that?" the giant asked, "What have I done?" "The villagers who hired me claim you're stealing their sheep from the pasture. " "Ah..." the dragon smiled, "you mean those few sheep. " "More like several dozen," the magician corrected, recalling the villagers' accounts. "Did it accumulate that much?" the giant nodded, feigning confusion. "Okay, listen, around the bend," the dragon pointed with its tail, "there's a mountain of gold. Take as much as you want and leave me alone. " "I came here to kill you," the mercenary explained, "and I always fulfill my duties; I care about the company's reputation. " "Aha, so you're either stupid or stubborn," the giant said in a quack's tone. "Let's say stubborn." "But wait a minute," the reptile began to ponder, "you agreed to kill a dragon, and I'm a juggernaut. " "A dragon, a damn juggernaut," the man stated. "These people are terribly ignorant," the dragon said to himself, and after a moment he turned to the magician with a question: "Have you ever killed a fly? " "Yes," the Liquidator admitted, "and more than one. " "And what species of flies were they? " "Well... I don't know," the magician stammered. "You see," the juggernaut was pleased to find confirmation of his theory, "you people kill each other like that, you have no respect for your victims at all. You don't care what a fly thinks, what it does, what its dreams are, or how it pursues them. " "Well... no," the Liquidator admitted. "And what makes you think that's fair? " "Because I know?" the magician thought for a moment. "Probably not. " "Well, definitely not!" the juggernaut declared. "Okay, so how do juggernauts differ from dragons?" "Listen, if I were a dragon," the man began, "I wouldn't be sitting in this cave in the first place. Dragons are powerful creatures gifted with great strength and knowledge of ancient magic, much older and more powerful than your human kind. Truth be told, it was dragons who first began using magic. Such a dragon doesn't have to worry about what to fill its stomach, because the gods themselves feed it. " "And what about the behemoths?" the Liquidator asked, interested. "We behemoths are but a shadow of our powerful cousins. We don't know magic, and we have to take care of our own stomachs. " "But you're strong and can breathe fire," the magician remarked. "Well, yes. But what does that mean against the dragon's power? " "And getting back to killing," the Liquidator changed the subject, "maybe you knew something about those sheep you ate." "Well... I knew," the dragon gasped, surprised by the question. "They were sheep of the wool variety, each no more than five years old, because I don't eat older ones, and they weighed just right." "That doesn't sound very convincing," the magician pointed out. "What, did you know them?" the behemoth moved his large head even closer. "No, I didn't. " "Then on what basis do you dispute the facts I presented to you?" the reptile growled indignantly. " Forgive me, I really have no basis for that," the man apologized. "So what, are you taking gold for yourself and the villagers as compensation for lost goods?" the beast demanded. "Because I know?" the Liquidator pondered. "Understand, a company's reputation is paramount these days. " "Let's say I understand," the behemoth tilted his head. "Noto, maybe you should do this: Go back to your villagers and tell them you killed me, and take the gold from me, and a reward from them as well." "Everything's fine, but I need to bring your head as proof. " "My head?" the reptile laughed. "It's twice your size, how are you going to get it to those peasants?" "I haven't thought about that," the mercenary admitted, embarrassed. "So how do you make a deal?" the behemoth urged. "If you want, you can take my horn as proof. " "Should I chop it off?" "I'd prefer a more humane method, but I see we have no other choice. " "But you'll only have one horn left," the mage said with concern. "And since when are you such a compassionate fly killer?" the behemoth smiled. "Don't worry, my horns grow back. " "If that's the case, then no problem. " "Okay, cut it off, let's get it over with. " "Wait a minute," the mage asked, and began to remove the shield that would prevent him from getting close to the dragon. A moment later, he was free. The reptile was just waiting for this, gave a wink, and... munched the mage.