Dragon Quest [35th]

{Donkey Problem And Bolt Problem}

**Dragon Quest 35: The War of Storms (Continued)**

As the crew continued their journey back to the fortress, Sir Nibbles trotted beside them, his hooves splashing in the puddles left by the rain. The fog had begun to lift, revealing more of the dense forest around them, but the ancient donkey seemed completely unbothered by the eerie surroundings. Instead, he was focused on telling them every story he could recall from his long, storied life.

"...And then there was the time I accidentally kicked a goblin king right in the nose!" Sir Nibbles exclaimed, chuckling to himself. "You should've seen the look on his face! Of course, he cursed me after that, but it was totally worth it. I mean, who wouldn't want to kick a goblin king? They’ve got those big, ugly noses that just beg to be kicked, you know?"

Maverick couldn't help but smile as Sir Nibbles continued to chatter away. Despite the seriousness of their mission, the donkey’s lighthearted banter was a welcome distraction.

"And don’t even get me started on dragons," Sir Nibbles went on. "You think fighting a dragon is tough? Try talking to one! They're all 'rah rah, I'm a big scary dragon,' but honestly, they’re just oversized lizards with anger issues. Once you get past the whole fire-breathing thing, they’re not so bad. Though, I wouldn’t recommend challenging one to a staring contest—trust me on that one."

The crew members exchanged amused glances. Sir Nibbles was certainly unlike any of them had expected, but his constant talking kept their spirits up as they made their way through the forest.

At one point, Maverick had to stop to check their bearings, and Sir Nibbles seized the opportunity to launch into yet another story. "Did I ever tell you about the time I almost became a prince? Well, it’s a funny story—"

But before Sir Nibbles could continue, a flash of light illuminated the forest, followed by a deafening crack of thunder. The crew spun around, weapons at the ready, as the air around them seemed to hum with electricity.

Out of the shadows stepped a figure, his presence imposing and filled with raw power. He was tall, with eyes that crackled with energy, and his entire body seemed to be wreathed in sparks. He held a massive sword that shimmered with a lightning bolt, and the very air around him seemed to tremble in his presence.

"Who dares to disturb these lands?" the figure demanded, his voice echoing through the trees.

Maverick stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of *Remark*. "We mean no harm. We're just passing through."

The figure’s eyes narrowed, and he raised his sword, the lightning bolt on it flaring with intensity. "No harm? You walk through these lands with power and purpose. I can feel the strength of your weapons, the weight of your destiny. You will not pass without proving your worth!"

The crew tightened their grips on their weapons, preparing for a fight. Sir Nibbles, uncharacteristically silent for once, took a step back, his usual chatter replaced by a look of concern.

Maverick's heart pounded as he realized that this was no ordinary foe. This was a test, and the stakes were higher than they had ever been.

The air was thick with tension, the rain still falling in a steady rhythm as the lightning-wielding warrior prepared to strike. Maverick knew that this battle would determine whether they could continue their journey—or whether it would end here, in this storm-ravaged forest.

And so, as the first bolt of lightning arced through the air towards them, the real challenge began.

To be continued...