The Protagonist's Sister Is Actually The Strongest

After breakfast, we quickly packed up and set out again, slaying monsters while chatting and enjoying snacks and cold drinks on the way to Hilda’s hometown. 

As we traveled along the road, the temperatures soared even higher. The sky turned gray with ash-laden clouds, and the air carried the sharp scent of sulfur and burning stone. 

It didn’t take long to spot lava in the distance, molten magma erupting from the ground in bursts. Although no volcanoes were visible, as we would have seen them from much farther away, clear signs indicated that the landscape was being magically altered, likely preparing for one to emerge soon. 

A thick fog of pure, concentrated Mana saturated the air, mingled with a heavy, oppressive energy that weakened our magic and even ki to some degree. The deeper we ventured into this volcanic terrain, the denser the air became, making breathing more difficult. 

It wasn’t merely the heat. No, it was something else entirely, a blend of scorching temperatures, an altered landscape, and a powerful Domain. 

This energy was unmistakable. I was certain someone would recognize it. 

[“Hmm, this energy is very… tasty… what is this?! Wait…”] 

Gram stirred from the nap he had been taking. He quickly recognized our surroundings, his excitement evident. 

[“This is Draconic Energy! The unique power that True Dragons wield! Anna, are we entering a Dragon Nest?!”] 

“Yeah, Hilda’s hometown was invaded by a Dragon, or Dragons. And they went to the trouble of reshaping the entire freaking landscape too. Do you know anything about Dragons, Gram?” 

From what I recalled of the novel, my brother had faced only one Dragon faction organized enough to achieve this level of transformation. I wondered if it was them. 

[“I only know what my masters know and… actually, yes. I do know a few. I can think of some at the top of my blade. Hm, perhaps Fafnir’s Evil Dragon Family, or Tiamat’s Primordial Dragons, or maybe Nidhogg’s World Devourers…”] 

I had never heard of those names! But perhaps my brother fought them. He encountered many foes in the novel who were little more than background characters. 

[“But this heat… it could be one of Tiamat’s Primordial Dragon Factions, the Faction of Muspel, a fearsome family of Fire Dragons that desire nothing but to burn everything.”] 

“Interesting. It might be them, then. Wait, aren’t they a big deal?” 

[“Certainly, you’d better prepare. From this thick, invisible fog of Draconic Energy alone, I can tell they’re not your average fire-breathing lizards. They’ve purposely created this Domain to weaken intruders.”] 

“Alright, yeah. This definitely feels like power levels beyond the First Awakening. How are they even getting away with it?” 

[“Most likely by lying low. Haven’t you wondered why they haven’t attacked any cities yet? They’re building power right now, expanding their Domain, setting things up. Once the second or third awakening arrives, they’ll go all-out on humanity.”] 

I recalled an event in the novel: a massive attack across North America by Fire Dragons, alongside other elemental dragons. They were never given specific factions, merely described as “powerful invaders.” 

So they originated from Hilda’s hometown this whole time? If we could defeat them now, we might prevent a catastrophic disaster. 

“You’re right. We’d better take them down quickly, Gram. Thanks for your help. Feel free to share anything you know or that comes to mind, please.” 

[“Sure thing, I’ll keep watch for now… you’d better offer me a tasty dragon heart. Lucifer’s draconic form was good, but I need an actual, real dragon this time… I can feel my blade itching for it… I might even evolve.”] 

“You can evolve without needing more materials or a blacksmith?” 

[“Heh, I’m a Constellation’s Relic, Anna! Do you think I need that lass’s help all the time?! Don’t underestimate me! Feed me a True Dragon Heart, and you’ll see.”] 

“Ohhh! Now I’m excited! Alright then.” 

[“And those weren’t evolutions, Hilda just upgraded me!”] 

“Okay, okay, I get it…” 

Once Gram fell silent, I tuned into the others’ conversation. My brother was on high alert, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any approaching danger. 

Now he’s not only overprotective of me but also Henrietta. I wish he’d focus entirely on her instead! 

“This is the place?” Henrietta asked. “It’s unrecognizable… Was this really a village before, Hilda?” 

“Yeah…” Hilda said. “I’m finally back home… But… we’re not even close yet. This is just new land… a volcanic landscape those lizards created. My hometown lies much deeper.” 

“It might be near their nest, then?” Baihe wondered. “I remember the dungeon where I was first trapped. There was a Dragon there too, living in the deepest, central area.” 

“So you’re saying the Dragon is right in the middle of my hometown?” Hilda sighed. “By now, it must be ashes, given how hot it is… I wonder if I’ll find anything left…” 

“Maybe underground? Or maybe not. Well, we’re about to find out, right?” I said. 

“Yeah… Thank you again for coming with me, everyone. I really appreciate it,” Hilda said with a gentle smile. 

“Haaa… It’s really damn hot here, though. Baihe, can’t you make some sort of spell to ease the heat?” Kevin asked, sweating profusely. 

“Yeeaah… can you?” Annabelle added. She wasn’t talkative, exhausted by the intense heat. 

“This heat comes from magic,” I explained. “So your magic would be the perfect counter, Baihe.” 

“I see… I guess I can be useful in my own way now,” Baihe said, smiling confidently. “Sure, let me think…” 

Baihe possessed an incredible Skill, [Great Sorceress (S)]! 

With this Skill, she could craft new Spells based on her Elemental Affinity, Mana, and Imagination. 

The deeper her understanding of Magic and its mechanics, the more potent and effective her Spells became. 

Having trained relentlessly for months, she had become truly exceptional at it. 

“{Ethereal Snow Veil}!” 

FLUOSH! 

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Author’s Note: Ever wondered what a figure of Anna and the rest would look like?