Chapter 13: Closing Tasks

Last time, I left in such a hurry that I didn’t have time to take many things; Sakavi thinks it necessary to send Grap to Kadawen again.

I’ve operated in the Great Swamp for years; I didn’t have time to take the potion-making equipment, data, or seeds. Back then, I only divided the gold coins and didn’t mention these items—while I’m at it, I’ll trick a few more Toadfolk into coming along.

Thinking this over, Sakavi ordered Grap to drop his current work and go to the Great Swamp. Besides the above tasks, he should try to acquire as much of the Toadfolk’s poison-making and trap-setting techniques as possible—Sakavi himself is severely lacking in talent in these areas.

After finishing all this, Sakavi felt he needed a proper rest; Virensa’s combat power far exceeded his expectations. Had I not worried about insufficient mana and specifically removed my heart, replacing it with a mana stone bought from the Astral Black Market, I might have died last time.

The strength and variety of magic Virensa can cast have already reached the Legendary realm; it seems the limitations of the Kadawen plane have kept her from advancing beyond the Master stage.

The greatest difference between Legendary and Master is that Legendary represents the peak a normal being can reach—not only can one influence the plane’s mana structure.

One can also directly sign pacts with elements, casting elemental magic without incantations, and possess one’s own domain—a personal space capable of storing objects or even people.

To prevent encountering such a situation again, Sakavi decided it was time to begin researching survival magic. Within the Dragon Legacy, a curse is recorded: once a pact is signed, injuries suffered by both parties are instantly exchanged.

Demons from the Barathos Hell have deceived dragons into signing such pacts more than once; later, because devils provoked Timayat, the method of crafting this pact—and the person who invented it—were reduced to ashes.

If I reverse this pact, wouldn’t I gain several extra lives? Without hesitation, Sakavi immediately dispatched the Drow to the Astral Black Market to acquire detailed information on this pact.

The Drow didn’t return, but Gorp arrived first; seeing the harpy who walked in with Gorp, Sakavi’s temper flared. She’d fallen into my hands and still dared to be so arrogant.

“Little bird, didn’t expect me to come back? It’s time you paid the price!”

“Father, don’t hurt me—I’m your daughter, you can’t kill me!”

“Hmph, spineless creature. Even if you call me Grandpa today, it won’t help. If I don’t pluck every feather from your body, I’ll take your surname!”

“My lord, please calm down! She truly is your daughter. The harpy you mentioned was already killed by the Pig-Headed Overseer.”

“Nonsense! I’d recognize that harpy even if she were turned to ash—she looked exactly like this, you old fool!”

“My lord, it’s absolutely true! The entire harpy tribe was wiped out—I even found this in their nest.”

Saying this, Gorp produced a young dragon skull. Seeing the skull bearing a familiar aura, Sakavi finally believed the harpy tribe had truly been eradicated.

This harpy before him does seem smaller than the one from years ago—and she carries a dragon bloodline aura? Well… if father and daughter share a surname, it’s not impossible.

Watching the dragon stare at her intently, the harpy ventured, “Father, Mother is gone. If you wish, could I… be your replacement?”

“I’m furious! Who raised this child? Her morals are as crooked as her face!”

Saying this, Sakavi hung her from the rafters and beat her—no one could persuade him to stop. Eventually, the new leader of the Gray Dwarf tribe intervened, urging Sakavi to let her put on clothes before continuing.

Well, Sakavi himself didn’t wear clothes, and the harpy had no habit of wearing any—he’d simply forgotten.

Though he didn’t want to admit it, the daughter stood right before him—he couldn’t just reject her. Sakavi could only keep her by his side and teach her to become a civilized harpy.

After resolving this matter, Sakavi learned the full story from Gorp’s account. After the deal was completed, the Cult of the Dragon sold him to the Church of Light, who demanded Borg hand him over.

Borg couldn’t deliver him, so he went to the Great Swamp to capture a few followers as substitutes. Somehow, Virensa learned of this and advised Borg to capture the harpy and hand her over instead—claiming she was Sakavi’s lover, which would be far more effective than a few useless followers.

The harpy chieftain, who had borne a child with dragon blood, had no way to defend herself and was taken away and executed; her entire tribe was slaughtered, except for little Tally, who inexplicably was spared.

It seems Virensa’s power is far greater than I imagined—she could even persuade Borg, the overlord of the Kadawen plane. Still, Sakavi didn’t believe the Church of Light would allow Tally to return.

As expected, he discovered a Holy Light Mark on little Tally—this mark only activates during Holy Light resonance. Fortunately, the dominant religious force on this plane is the Church of War, one of the Three Great Churches of the Pantheon; the Church of Light has no influence here.

If I leave this plane, I must be careful—the Church of Light likely already knows Sakavi is in this plane. There are only a few rifts out of this plane; if they station a few people to watch them, Sakavi will find it difficult to leave ever again.

While Sakavi focused on researching necromancy, Grap returned—not only bringing the materials and equipment he needed, but also thirty Toadfolk. This druid’s performance was always flawless. He also brought news of Virensa.

She demanded Sakavi return the Holy Light Mirror he took during their last fight. On my honor, I nearly got purified into ash by that thing, and the skull I painstakingly crafted was destroyed—taking one of her artifacts was only fair.

But Sakavi didn’t dare mention it—he feared she’d turn around and demand medical compensation. Sakavi not only returned the Holy Light Mirror but also delivered the contract transferring ownership of the Great Swamp slaves.

Those little fools actually thought Sakavi had lifted control over them. What nonsense—I’m a cunning black dragon; do you really believe anything I say?

I only lifted the Follower Pact—the original Slave Pact never specified when it would be terminated. Since Virensa cares so much about the Great Swamp, I might as well make her a generous gift.

After a year of repeated experiments, Sakavi confirmed his puppets truly could absorb damage meant for him—but with one small flaw: they could only absorb one blow before becoming useless.

The materials are expensive—they require the soul of a sentient being. Though there are many mad Kuo-toa in the Underdark who’ve forgotten even their own names, capturing too many would eventually draw attention and lead to countermeasures.

I can only use them in mortal danger. Finding many dragons is hard, but finding materials harder than dragon flesh is easy.

Watching each finished puppet placed into stone coffins, Sakavi finally no longer feared being easily killed. But these puppets are only effective against those below Legendary—against a demigod, their usefulness is uncertain.

Six months ago, Sakavi sensed he was on the verge of breaking through to Legendary—what he lacked was merely an opportunity. Though the Kadawen plane’s Legendary slots aren’t full, no faction here would welcome an unknown black dragon ascending. Preemptive diplomacy is essential.

Once the Drow returned, he’d begin visiting each faction. While waiting, Gorp returned with the latest news from the Great Swamp—but the news crushed Sakavi’s heart.

I generously gave my followers money when we parted ways, yet they didn’t appreciate it—once I left, they handed the money right back to Virensa. Clearly, they fear power, not virtue.

Forget it. I haven’t returned in years, and I’ve amassed plenty of wealth. Let these fence-sitters cling to whichever leg they want—I won’t waste energy quarreling with these bumpkins who’ve never even left this plane.

Time slipped by another half-year, and Sakavi finally waited for the Drow to return—but they returned in greater numbers than when they left.

Not all the defectors worshipped Veylon; many chose other deities instead. This brought Sakavi a pleasant surprise.

“Exile, what’s your name?”

“Verna Dif, former priestess of the Spider Queen, loser of the Dark City contest, now a follower of the Church of War and a Master-tier assassin. I pay homage to you, Great Black Dragon.”

Her direct, polished speech and subtle flattery pleased Sakavi immensely—nobility truly is different; even their words are elegant. But her demeanor suggested recruiting her wouldn’t be easy.

“Impressive. I like your abilities. Name your price—I need a follower like you.”

“Ten thousand gold coins, and a city of deep-dwelling gnomes.”

“I’ll give you one hundred thousand gold coins, and have the Gray Dwarves build a town to your satisfaction. You and your followers become my Follower.”

“Not enough, my lord. Your offer is still too low—Follower status is a separate price.”

“Is that so? What can you do for me? I don’t lack gold—but not a single coin is expendable!”

“My lord, what you need now is an organization capable of providing intelligence across the entire plane—or even intelligence from beyond this plane.”

“Why should I believe you?”

“No one moves better in shadows than the Drow. This is my gift to you—you’ll like it.”

Saying this, Verna handed him a book titled “The Puppeteer.” Clearly, his current power couldn’t recruit this Drow family. If so, at least he’d make a good impression—there’d be plenty of future opportunities.

“Verna, what made you choose to come to me?”

“Lord Rast of the surface dislikes those who move in darkness. My family has long been ostracized there—I seek a new master.”

“Ten thousand gold coins per year, plus a town built to your specifications.”

“My lord, you seem to have forgotten—my family does not engage in menial labor.”

“I will craft puppets in your style capable of performing labor.”

“Agreed. Verna serves you.”