If you want to eat, you need to work. It was the natural order of matters in life. For one to gain rewards they needed to bring in some effort. In this particular case Ryuko had struck a bargain with a local butcher: It seemed the denizen of Hargeon were suffering under the recent influx of pirate crews that terrorized the shallow waters near the port. Especially the outskirts of the Azure beach were sometimes targeted, making it an unpleasant experience for tourists and locals alike. Of course, upon hearing such a revelation Ryuko was furious, and was more than willing to deal with these evildoers! Not only was it her duty as a protector of the innocent, but she was even promised some food and jewels, the currency mortals used.

As such the young half-dragon made her way toward the area the pirates had been known to frequently hang out. Part of her had hoped for an amazing time, a glorious duel with some powerful nemesis but it seemed luck was against her today, for it was not a mighty and honorable foe she would face.

First she spotted a trio of pirates, seemingly pilfering through a sack they had looted from a recent victim, her lack of attempt to conceal her presence causing them to notice her easily.

"Look what we have here guys~ A cosplayer!" Ryuko blinked in bewilderment at that exclamation, a slight tilt of her head following. What in the world was a cosplayer? But she disregarded the comment for now. "Draw your swords cretins, for I will not warn you a second time."

The second thug snickered softly, yet as he looked into her face he couldn't help but find his cheeks flush up slightly. "Hey... she is pretty cute, how about you let us use our other swords instead lassy?"

Finally agitated enough at the lack of respect the men showed her Ryuko decided her patience had run out. A hand reached for her sheathed katana, taking her drawing stance when she suddenly lunged forward.

The pirate closest to her suddenly felt a heavy blow in his stomach, one that came with enough strength he toppled onto his knees and let out a pained cry.

The second pirate, close to his fallen brother attempted to draw his scimitar but it was already too late. "Nobori... en..." a sudden flash of red escaped from the katana as a circular wave of fiery mana escaped around her. The man felt his scimitar shatter on the ground while at the same time he realized too late the dragon girl was right in front of him!

A fierce thrust with the hilt of her katana toward the man's gut came with such strength the fool toppled backwards into the sand, likely seeing only stars. Her last foe took a step backwards, hesitatingly dropping his weapon on the sand to show he was surrendering. "Take your friends, and warn the rest of your crew that should any of them threaten to walk near Hargeon again they will incur the wrath of Shinryu's successor!"

The man nodded his head in a panic and rapidly dragged his friends away. Time for her to get that promised meat~

WC: 500+