Drifting Dragons, 20

The dragon-hunting ship on which Giro's father works as a gunner, the Mekkira Mon, has been wrecked, and its crew is in danger. The Quin Zaza is heading towards the Antarctic highlands with the intention of rescuing them and hunting the legendary dragon Vritora, the Black Emperor of the Southern Skies. The Zaza's crew tries to equip themselves to withstand the harsh Antarctic conditions, but they lack the vital figure of a guide to lead them across the highlands. Giro, Nico, and Ohken decide to visit the Nuja tribe in search of a guide, since they know the terrain very well. However, the Nuja refuse to provide one because of a past accident. It is then that a woman who calls herself Worsa discreetly offers to guide them. The condition she imposes is that, in return, they must hunt the "round dragons" that make life impossible for the Nuja! A fierce battle erupts in a frozen land!