Story: Matthew and the Dragons (Part XXXV)

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Part XXXV

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Everyone looked at the destroyed target dummy with shock, and then stare at the still smoking "fire bringer" on Matthew's hand. They still cannot believed that such a small weapon could pack so much power.

"Can you lend me the "fire bringer" for a bit?" Asked the king.

Matthew nods and passed the "fire bringer" to the king after cautioning him to be careful as it is still hot. After getting the item, the king studied it intently, yet no matter how much he looked he could not see anything special about it. Yet he saw with his own eyes the awesome power it holds.

The king then return the "fire bringer" back to Matthew then asked how it works. Matthew thought for a bit before speaking, yet the complicated and foreign wordings he used confuses everyone around him. Noticing the confusion written on their faces, Matthew tries to explain using simpler words and everyone are enlightened a bit though it's still too complicated for them. Nonetheless, they did manage to understand the principle behind it.

Feeling a bit of headache due to the complicated workings behind the "fire bringer" the king finally asked the question, "can this weapon defeat the dragons?"

Hearing the question Matthew's expression turned serious before saying, "yes."

"The one I'm holding right now won't be enough but a bigger and more powerful version can pierce through the scales of a great dragon," Matthew said with confident. He then added, "but I'm not certain if introducing this weapon to world is a good idea..."

The king and others become confused after hearing the last sentce. The kings then asked, "why not? If it can defeat the dragon, then wouldn't it be good for us all?"

"It is true that we can defeat the dragons using this new weapon but there will also be dire consenquences," Matthew said grimly. "Once the new weapon is introduced, the scales of future battles and wars will be inherently different. Swords, spears, bows, crossbows and such weapons will become obsolete and will be replaced by weapons similar to the fire bringer."

"Indeed, what you say will surely happen but why would it be a bad thing?" The king asked, still confused.

Sighing, Matthew answered, "because it mean more people will be dying. Wars wages using the fire bringer will cause more destruction and deaths than when if we uses swords and spears." He then adds, "this is because the biggest advantage of using such weapon aside from it's awesome power, is that anyone would only need to use a short amount of time to learn how to use it. In other words, even a child could easily use it to kill people..."

Everyone's heart turned cold after hearing Matthew's explanation. Indeed, such a weapon could caused great devastation if not used properly. Their excitement died down after realizing the reality of the situation.

"Yet we cannot not use the new weapon. If we are only fighting two or three great dragons, the "exterminator" will be enough, but the number of great dragons we are fighting..." the king said with a sigh.

Though he knows that the "fire bringer" would bring more deaths and destruction, he as a king have no choice but to use this devilish tool if he wanted the kingdom to remain standing. So despite the fact that he would make this young man the biggest sinner in history, he had no choice but still do it.

Seeing the king's expression, Maria wanted to say something but was stopped by the king of assassins. Though he knows that this is unfair to Matthew, he also knows that only destruction awaits the kingdom if they losses the fight against the dragon. Obviously, Matthew is aware of this yet he still chooses to reveal the new weapon. The king of assassins cannot help but look at the frail looking young man in new light. His determination alone is worthy of praise.

Aria and Amy also, wanted to say something but no words came out of their mouths. The same goes for Boris that could only sigh with regrets. If he could change places with this young friend of his, and shoulder the infamy and sins in his stead, he won't hesitate to do so. Yet, he knows that he cannot. Simply because the truth will come out eventually...

Matthew's expression remains serious knowing that the king had made his decision. But his already prepare for it. Things had already reached this stage and what is supposed to be done, must be done.

After exiting the target range, Matthew gathered all the craftsmen and blacksmiths to help in the quick contruction of the fire bringers. As for the king, he too provides all the support and materials needed. Several days later, new weapons are being transported to the biggest and most important fortresses surrounding the kingdom.

The war that would decide the fates of the dragonkind and mankind had reach its crescendo....

To be continued...

Previous Chapters:

• Part I
• Part II
• Part III
• Part IV
• Part V
• Part VI
• Part VII
• Part VIII
• Part IX
• Part X
• Part XI
• Part XII
• Part XIII
• Part XIV
• Part XV
• Part XVI
• Part XVII
• Part XVIII
• Part XIX
• Part XX
• Part XXI
• Part XXII
• Part XXIII
• Part XXIV
• Part XXV
• Part XXVI
• Part XXVII
• Part XXVIII
• Part XXIX
• Part XXX
• Part XXXI
• Part XXXII
• Part XXXIII
• Part XXXIV