Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei finds a Freylian

He slowly walked forward, avoiding the unconscious convulsions of a dying dragon, and arrived before the head of the Blade Dragon. Its molten gold eyes had dimmed considerably, but remained fixed on him, filled with pain and resentment.

Caesar raised his dagger and aimed it at the seam where the skull was joined.

"Goodbye," he said softly, his tone neither sarcastic nor a clear farewell.

Hand up, knife down.

The dagger pierced its brainstem, ending its suffering and its life. The Blade Dragon's massive body twitched one last time before becoming completely still. Its lava-like golden eyes finally lost their light, becoming like two cloudy yellow glass beads.

Caesar stood in the light, in the pool of blood, at the scene of death and victory, like an ancient god who had just completed a sacrifice.

He flicked the dragon blood off his short sword and sheathed it. Then he took out his communicator.

"Percy, target cleared. Send people to handle the scene."

"Yes, young master. Congratulations on a perfect hunt."

Caesar did not respond. He raised his hand, looking at the half-congealed dragon blood splattered on his arm, and then at the mist that filled the valley, carrying the smell of blood and sulfur.

A perfect hunt? Perhaps.

Caesar took a deep breath of the air, which was filled with the scent of death and victory, turned around, and walked out of the valley, stepping over the mess on the ground.

Chapter 252 Shopping Mall

The afternoon sun, carrying a touch of languor, streamed through the mall's massive glass dome, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the mirror-like floor.

The flavors are truly rich: the aroma of coffee, the sweetness of a cosmetics counter, and the fibrous scent of newly launched clothing.

Lu Mingfei pushed a slightly empty shopping cart, following behind Frillian somewhat absentmindedly.

He was actually a little intimidated by large shopping malls like this, especially on weekends. Putting aside everything else, there were just too many people, and the noise enveloped every corner like a tide, making someone like him, who was used to spacing out in a corner, feel out of place.

But there was no other way. First, it was Zhu Ling'er's invitation, and second, Frilian had heard from somewhere how beautiful the scenery of Yunnan was and how rich the ethnic culture was, so she was determined to go to Yunnan.

“I heard that the altitude there is very high, the ultraviolet radiation is strong, and the temperature difference between day and night is large.” Frillie stopped in front of an outdoor equipment store, her eyes sweeping over the sun protection clothing and windproof jackets displayed in the window. “We need to prepare some suitable clothing.”

That's about it. Lu Mingfei hasn't really traveled much across China; everything he knows is hearsay. He's probably not much better than Frillian.

Today, Frillian was dressed in a medieval-style white robe and cloak, which was completely out of place in this modern shopping mall. However, because of her otherworldly temperament, she blended in strangely, making people think that she was just a cosplay enthusiast, and one with extremely high looks at that.

“Yes, yes, you’re right,” Lu Mingfei nodded in agreement, pushing the cart inside. He watched as Frilian’s slender fingers brushed over the brightly colored, lightweight sun-protective clothing, finally settling on a light purple women’s outfit and a dark blue men’s outfit from the same collection.

"Do you like this color?" Frilian picked up the dark blue one and turned to ask Lu Mingfei.

Lu Mingfei was taken aback. He rarely bought clothes for himself, let alone had a woman help him choose. He scratched his head: "It's alright, I guess. I look pretty much the same in anything."

But in my heart I was thinking: Does this count as matching couple outfits?

Frillie didn't think much of it; she simply compared the sizes and put both items into her shopping cart.

"Yes, this way I won't get sunburned," she nodded in satisfaction.

Next up were hiking boots. Frillian had a good grasp of modern shoemaking techniques; she picked up a pair of lightweight hiking boots and carefully examined the anti-slip treads and anti-counterfeiting markings on the sole. "Lighter than leather, and more waterproof."

She gestured for Lu Mingfei to sit down, then picked up a pair of shoes that she estimated were his size and handed them to him.

"Give it a try."

Lu Mingfei was a little flattered, even a little flustered. Under the smiling gazes of the shop assistants and the occasional passerby, he awkwardly sat down, took off his somewhat worn sneakers, and tried on the new shoes.

"How does it feel?" Frillian squatted down, a movement that almost made Lu Mingfei jump off the shoe-fitting stool. She pressed her finger against the toe of the shoe. "Is there enough space?"

"Enough, enough, it feels great!" Lu Mingfei quickly replied, feeling his cheeks burning.

Frillie's silver hair was so close that he could even smell a cool, peculiar fragrance that blended moonlight and vegetation, completely different from the perfumes he was familiar with from the girls at Kassel College.

In the end, they chose two pairs of hiking boots of the same style but different colors. The shopping cart gradually filled up: sunscreen, moisturizing spray, a sizable hiking backpack, some portable high-energy food, an exquisite notebook with Dongba script patterns, and a set of colored pens.

“Record what you see and hear,” Frilian explained, carefully placing the notebook and pen into the shopping cart. “Mingfei, you don’t want to come away empty-handed, do you?”

Hey neon sprite, please tone it down.

Looking at her profile, Lu Mingfei thought that this trip might really be very interesting, exploring the secrets of the southwestern border of the motherland with this elf who had lived for more than a thousand years.

Well, there shouldn't be any danger, right? Zhu Ling'er has probably already arranged her schedule and is just waiting for the two of you to arrive.

They pushed their fully loaded shopping carts toward the checkout counter, where cheerful music and the host's voice attracted a lot of attention. The central atrium of the mall had been set up as a temporary event area, with a huge pink heart-shaped backdrop displaying the words "Destined for Love: Sweet Special Offers for Couples." Several young couples were gathered there, creating a lively atmosphere.

"What is that?" Frillie asked, intrigued.

What is this? Let me see.

"Oh, it's probably a mall promotion. Couples can get pretty good discount coupons by participating in the game," Lu Mingfei explained, not paying much attention. These kinds of events have never really been relevant to ordinary people like him.

However, Frillie walked straight over and carefully looked at the event rules board. "Spend a certain amount, participate in the lovers' game, and the winner will receive a 50% discount on this order."

She read it softly, then turned to look at Lu Mingfei, "Lu Mingfei, we need this discount."

"Huh? Wait, Frilian, who is that?" Before Lu Mingfei could finish speaking, Frilian had already walked to the registration desk and calmly wrote down the names of the two people under the slightly surprised and envious gazes of the staff.

"Hey! That's a 'lovers' event!" Lu Mingfei squeezed through and said urgently in a low voice.

“Don’t we look alike?” Frillie turned her head, her long silver hair cascading down, her expression as calm as ever, but Lu Mingfei saw seriousness in her emerald eyes? Or perhaps, a pure longing for a discount?

"It's not a matter of whether it looks like the real thing or not," Lu Mingfei said, rubbing his forehead, feeling somewhat helpless.

“It’s okay,” Frilian said, turning towards the activity area. “Winning will save you a lot of money.”

And so, somewhat reluctantly, Lu Mingfei was led to the activity area by Frillie. Including them, there were four couples participating. The other three couples were typical young men and women, their behavior intimate, their eyes filled with sweetness. In contrast, Lu Mingfei and Frillie's pairing seemed somewhat unusual; the girl was unrealistically beautiful, with an ethereal air, while the boy looked rather ordinary and seemed a little uneasy.

However, to Lu Mingfei's surprise, the other couples thought he and Frillie were quite a good match.

"Wow, you two are such a perfect match!" A girl in a dress, arm in arm with her boyfriend, couldn't help but whisper to her companion, her voice just loud enough for Lu Mingfei to hear. "Like they stepped out of a comic book, that kind of contrasting charm, a quiet and mysterious elfin girl and a slightly handsome but seemingly reliable ordinary male lead?"

"Yeah, the boy seemed pretty gentle; he was obediently following behind, pushing the cart and carrying things," another girl chimed in.

Chapter 253 Shopping Before the Trip

Lu Mingfei, with his sharp ears, heard every word, and his face immediately flushed. A perfect match? Reliable? Gentle? What did these words have to do with him, Lu Mingfei? He secretly glanced at Frillie; she hadn't heard the surrounding chatter at all, simply waiting quietly for the game to begin, her gaze fixed on the host.

Discount, discount, huge discount.

The host, a vibrant young woman, announced the first game with a smile: "Welcome, couples! Our first game is a 'Truth or Dare' relay! The rules are simple: we'll take turns asking questions or issuing challenges, and you need to answer using 'we' as the subject or complete the task together! You'll earn one point for answering or completing the task; failing or giving up won't deduct points, but you won't get any points either!"

The first couple was asked, "Please tell us your partner's favorite fruit!"

The man and woman gave the correct answer almost simultaneously, winning applause.

Good heavens! Lu Mingfei can only silently pray that he and Frilian are telepathically connected.

The second challenge is: "Gentlemen, please carry the ladies on your backs and do three squats!"

The boy completed the task with ease, while the girl laughed heartily on his back.

It was Lu Mingfei and Frilian's turn. The host looked at them with a mischievous smile, especially at the stunningly beautiful Frilian: "So, this handsome gentleman and this beautiful lady, may I ask, where did you first meet? What were your first impressions of each other?"

Lu Mingfei's heart skipped a beat. Their first meeting? That was, of course, at the arcade on a rainy night. Frillie had just been transported to this world, and demon pursuers were chasing her all the way to Lu Mingfei's living room.

But could he say that? Lu Mingfei opened his mouth, feeling his throat go dry.

"Ahem," Frilian spoke up, her voice like a clear spring striking a stone: "In a place with many people."

Lu Mingfei thought that it made sense; after all, an arcade is bound to be full of people.

She paused, her emerald eyes turning to Lu Mingfei, recalling something that had happened not long ago: "My first impression of him was that he looked a little lost, like a small animal that had lost its way in the forest."

Lu Mingfei was stunned.

Lost little animals... that sounds a bit strange, doesn't it?

When it was Lu Mingfei's turn, he took a deep breath and tried to keep his voice from trembling: "My first impression of her was like moonlight, very distant, very quiet, as if she didn't belong to this world, but very, very beautiful."

He lowered his head after speaking, not daring to look at Frillie's expression. This was almost his true feeling, though somewhat exaggerated; the shock and shame he felt at the time could be described by more than just the word "beautiful."

"Wow!" exclaimed the host and the other couples. "What a poetic description!" "The moon fairy and the lost boy, they're so adorable!"

Frillie simply looked at Lu Mingfei quietly, her eyes gentle.

They successfully scored a point.

The game continued. More couples were asked to imitate classic movie scenes or reveal each other's birthday wishes and gift requests. Soon, it was Lu Mingfei and Frillian's turn again, this time for a dare.

"Please give me a princess carry and hold it for ten seconds!" the host announced with a smile.

Lu Mingfei's face instantly turned bright red. A princess carry? Carrying Frillie? He felt his heart pounding like a drum. Looking at Frillie, he found her looking at him too, her eyes showing no shyness, only smugness.

"Does this gesture have any special meaning?" Frillie even turned to ask the host.

Don't do that, Frillie! You're so embarrassing!

The host was taken aback by the question, then laughed and said, "It's a way for lovers to express intimacy and strength!"

“I see.” Frillian nodded, then said to Lu Mingfei, “Come on, Lu Mingfei. For the discount.”

For the sake of the discount, Lu Mingfei silently repeated these four words in his mind, unsure whether to cry or laugh.

He took a deep breath, walked to Frilian, bent down, and his arms, trembling slightly, slipped under her legs and back. She was lighter than he had imagined, as if he were holding a handful of moonlight, a cloud. Frilian naturally reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, incredibly steady. Lu Mingfei used his strength to lift her up firmly.

So close, incredibly close. He could clearly see Frillie's long, silver eyelashes and feel her steady breath brush against the side of his neck. Her cool, aloof aura was even more pronounced. Time seemed to stretch out; ten seconds felt both incredibly long and incredibly short.

Applause and whistles rang out around him, but Lu Mingfei only felt his ears ringing.

"Time's up!" The host's voice saved him.

Lu Mingfei carefully put Frilian down, feeling his arms still trembling slightly, not because of the weight, but because of nervousness.

"You two work together very well!" the host exclaimed. "It seems you two have a very good relationship!"

Frillie straightened her slightly wrinkled robe and replied, "Yes, he's reliable."

Lu Mingfei felt his health bar was almost depleted. Could he really be doomed to fail because of Frilian?

That would be fantastic.

The following questions included, "What is the most unforgettable thing you've experienced together?"

Frillie replied, "We faced enormous threats together."

Lu Mingfei thought to himself: This is more than just a threat, it's a matter of life and death!

Let's take a closer look: the King of Bronze and Fire, the King of Earth and Mountains—what ferocious dragons they are!

What is the most attractive quality about the other person to you?