Chapter 171

The Dragon Market is the largest chain of markets in the Witch World.

Unlike the witch-exclusive shops that mainly cater to witches and only sell premium goods, the Dragon Market's target customer range is much broader. They sell everything inside, from treasures to defective goods, and different races can also find things suitable for themselves there.

If the witch-exclusive shops are like high-end department stores, then the Dragon Market is like a commodity market where people go to trade.

If you want to buy building materials, there's naturally no need to go to a witch-exclusive shop. Although the things there are good, the prices are truly too expensive. They only accept high-end custom orders and such, so going to the Dragon Market to take a look actually offers better value for money.

There are several Dragon Markets in the Witch Academy, but the largest one has to be the one here in the Thirteenth Ring. After all, this area is the largest and has the most resident different races, so it is the most bustling.

As for Dorothy herself, she actually prefers visiting magic markets like the Dragon Market over witch-exclusive shops. After all, the shopkeepers in witch-exclusive shops have eyes sharper than the next, and it's basically impossible to pick up a bargain there.

But in magic markets, these shopkeepers from various major races, with their wide variety of goods, are not that professional. If you're lucky, you can still find treasures covered in dust.

The Dragon Market in the Thirteenth District is not far from Dorothy's floating island; you could even call it a neighbor. It is located on that medium-sized commercial floating island not far in front of Dorothy's floating island.

Therefore, not long after taking off, a bustling market appeared in the sight of the four. The most eye-catching thing among them was naturally the huge roaring dragon head trademark on the market entrance sign.

And when they got closer, they would be stunned to find that the ten-meter-tall dragon-shaped statues crouching on both sides of the sign were actually the real deal. There were really two dragons crouching here cosplaying as stone statues.

However, it doesn't seem strange that there are dragons in the Dragon Market. This market was jointly founded by the Dragon Witches and the dragons themselves, belonging to a joint venture between the two races.

Just that, after glancing at these two dragons who were ostensibly on guard duty but actually slacking off and sleeping, Dorothy turned her head to look at Fafnir, the Armored Beast on her shoulder.

Sigh, I don't know when my own little dragon will grow to such a majestic and domineering size. If that happens, who would still ride a broom when going out? She would directly become a Long Qishi.

It's just a pity that Fafnir's growth is truly slow. Although she does belong to the True Dragons, because she is an Armored Beast, her growth direction is a bit different from normal dragons.

Normal dragon cubs are as big as a pony when they are born, and after a few months, they are about ten-plus meters long. They all head in the direction of becoming larger and stronger in size.

However, as an Armored Beast, Fafnir ultimately has to consider armor defense, so this little one takes the route of "concentration is the essence." Compared to increasing her size, she prioritizes the quality of her flesh and blood, so that she can have stronger defensive power after "armor-fication."

Of course, the miniature Fafnir currently lying on Dorothy's shoulder has been shrunk using a shrinking spell. In fact, after a month of growth, the little one's true form has changed from the size of a kitten when she was just born to the size of a medium-sized dog now.

The change in size isn't actually that big, but her weight has increased more than tenfold. Hidden within her small body is immense power completely inconsistent with her size, plus that set of black, shiny dragon scales; she looks very sturdy and gives people a great sense of security.

At the very least, all those high-end metals she eats every day didn't go to waste.

Therefore, theoretically, Dorothy could already be a Long Qishi now; Fafnir could definitely carry her. But a dragon cub the size of a puppy—how are you supposed to ride that?

Thinking of the image of herself going out stepping on a puppy-dragon, Dorothy only felt the scene was too beautiful to imagine.

However, if she really had to ride, she could do it with a magnification spell, but the high consumption after magnification isn't something a hatchling could afford. Walking a few steps is no problem, but if she wanted to fly—especially since Fafnir uses jet-style flight—the hatchling's meager mana might run out of fuel just after takeoff, leading to a crash.

Tsk, this is truly "like owner, like pet"; both are big mana-guzzlers.

Sigh, so let's just look forward to the future. According to the current growth rate, Dorothy estimates that Fafnir will be about four or five meters long in a year.

Although this size can only be considered "underdeveloped" among dragons, at least it should be barely rideable.

"So, Fafnir, you have to eat well and grow up fast."

Reaching out to poke the cute little bubble on the tip of the sleeping little dragon's nose, and looking at Fafnir who was startled awake, Dorothy took out a piece of high-end metal and placed it beside her, saying this.

Fafnir, startled awake, was full of question marks, not understanding what her master wanted to say, but as soon as she saw food, she immediately hugged the metal block and started gnawing.

"Hmm, when buying building materials later, I'll get some more mana-metal while I'm at it."

Dorothy thought to herself.

Just that...

"Little one, eat this."

Senior Senior Miya, who was on the side, suddenly took out a handful of Witch Gold Coins and placed them in front of Fafnir.

"Little demoness, why are you only feeding the Armored Beast these? The best food for an Armored Beast is Witch Gold Coins."

She asked Dorothy with some confusion.

Instantly, the hatchling, who was happily gnawing on the metal block, felt that the metal block in her hand was no longer tasty. Her gaze was fixed straight on the Witch Gold Coins in Senior Miya's hand.

However, she didn't rush up directly, but turned her head to look at her master.

Dorothy: "......"

Of course she knew this. Witch Gold Coins refined with special alchemy techniques are one of the best mana-metals, and they also contain the witch's mana; for an Armored Beast, this is simply the best supplement.

But Fafnir is still small, and ordinary mana-metal is enough for her growth needs. It's just that the taste is a bit worse, and she needs to eat more to be full, but it's the most cost-effective.

Dorothy had originally planned to switch to Witch Gold Coins after ordinary mana-metal couldn't meet Fafnir's needs, so she hadn't dared to carry physical currency in her pockets these days, always using her ID card to swipe, fearing that Fafnir would find out she was hiding delicious food.

Sigh, it's easy to go from frugal to extravagant, but hard to go from extravagant to frugal.

And now it's done; it can't be hidden anymore. A real "gold-swallowing beast" has appeared.

But forget it, if it can't be hidden, then don't hide it. This way she can grow faster, and she herself can become a Long Qishi sooner. Besides, once the club is opened later, there will be money at home.

Dorothy firmly believed this in her heart, and then nodded with a look of grief.

Thus, the hatchling began to feast on those Witch Gold Coins.

And Senior Senior Miya's gaze turned to the little milk cat on Dorothy's other shoulder.

"Little..."

"Shut up."

Dorothy didn't wait for Senior to open her mouth, directly reaching out to block her mouth, while her other hand blocked the eyes of Bastet, who was also looking at Senior Senior Miya with some curiosity.

The little milk cat must not see the seduction of this spendthrift woman.

"Fine, I just wanted to say that your psychic staff is well-raised, why be so fierce?"

Senior Senior Miya said with some grievance.

Sigh, I really don't understand the little demoness's thinking. Is it necessary to be that frugal? Isn't money something you can just pick up while walking on the road?

The Golden Princess, who was born with the Golden Rule (SSR) talent, expressed that she really couldn't understand this.

..... Rich woman in confusion.....