Chapter 79

Several days later, Di Wugesi successfully advanced to Fifth Rank.

Within Grey Stone Dragon Fort, at such close proximity, Lai Ang naturally also sensed through the familial contract a substantial increase in Di Wugesi's power.

"Very good."

A dim blue water ring floated within the dragon's claw.

Four Ring Art: Tide Water Ring, entry-level! The Tide Water Ring collapsed into pure elemental energy, scattering across heaven and earth.

"Di Wugesi, I command you to lead one thousand Third Rank Dark Scale Warriors and all combat-capable aquatic warriors from the territory to march to Crescent Moon Lake and seize the Magic Stone Mine!"

In the spacious hall of Grey Stone Dragon Fort, a black dragon reclined upon the central throne, overlooking the towering dragon-person below.

With the continual stimulation of the dragon vein's power, Di Wugesi not only took on the appearance of a black dragon but also grew considerably in size.

Standing about 2.5 meters tall, his steel armor could not conceal his lean, explosive musculature; having only recently reached Fifth Rank and not yet accustomed to suppressing his aura, every detail revealed the terrifying power within this dragon-person.

Among the seven dragons present, including Ai Di, only the strongest, Sai Jia, was unafraid of this aura and was actually eager to test himself.

But the elder brother was still issuing the command, so Sai Jia could only endure it.

"I will certainly take that Magic Stone Mine undamaged and offer it to my master!" Di Wugesi dropped to one knee, his face firm.

Lai Ang nodded slightly, then looked aside.

Just below the central throne where it sat stood a somewhat smaller grey stone throne; on it lay a golden-haired figure with a horn on its forehead and two pairs of blood wings, Tiere, lounging lazily.

That pair of snow-white long legs was bare and unashamed, but only Lai Ang could stare at them unflinchingly; all other creatures, including Sai Jia, Ai Di, and the giant dragons, dared not look twice.

Anyone who dared to look had already been taught a lesson by Tiere.

Although Tiere looks stunning and harmless, her kind is the Blood-wing Demon, a race strong but still slightly inferior to giant dragons, and Tiere herself is a celebrated prodigy among the young Blood-wing Demons.

Even among peers, giant dragons born of the Jade Dream cannot necessarily overcome her.

Her racial gifts, plus the pinnacle of a dual profession at Sixth Rank.

Furthermore, both professions are formidable; spellcasters need no introduction, and a capable alchemist is no less potent than a spellcaster, no one knows what sorts of magic potions they hide, or whether they might suddenly ingest one and erupt in power.

Indeed, permanent strength-boosting potions are rare and costly, whereas temporary strength-enhancing potions are much easier to come by.

"Tiere, accompany Di Wugesi. Your mission is to capture the Lobsterfolk Leader alive. If any other unexpected situation arises, handle it if you can; if danger appears, do your utmost to bring Di Wugesi back."

Lai Ang instructed in a low voice.

Based on the Lobsterfolk Tribe intel scouted by Ma Lei, deploying such a formidable force for this battle should encounter no problems.

But nobody knows whether any unknown mishap might occur.

"All right, Your Highness Lai Ang~" Tiere nodded with a cheerful smile.

Despite her seemingly carefree attitude, Lai Ang was confident Tiere would not let him down at a crucial moment.

After all, a hundred-year agreement binds the dragon and the demon.

Should Tiere merely coast through this century, lazing about, Lai Ang would not indulge her excessively.

"But I want a portion of that Magic Stone Mine." Tiere looked at Lai Ang.

"Of course." Lai Ang nodded calmly and said, "Given that you contributed the most, I authorize you to receive one-tenth of the Magic Stone Mine's yield."

"One-tenth is fine." Tiere furrowed her brow, thinking it a little stingy given she was the primary combatant.

Nevertheless, recognizing that she remains his dependent and nominal servant, she had no choice but to accept.

Honestly, the unexpected emergence of the Magic Stone Mine was a welcome surprise for her. Tiere had assumed tagging along with this little black dragon to Fish Spirit Marsh meant enduring hardship, but it might instead prove to be an opportunity.

Although Tiere is a talented young member of the Blood-wing Demon clan and holds a respectable position, she still largely has to compete for resources herself.

"I hope the Magic Stone Mine holds a lot of magic stone." Tiere silently wished.

"Big brother, I also want to go on this mission."

Just as the ad hoc meeting was wrapping up, the perpetually quiet Sai Jia broke his silence.

This black dragon, completely covered in black scales but with pupils tinged red, declared this with unwavering determination.

He stared straight at Lai Ang.

"Well then, go." Lai Ang made no attempt to prevent him.

Even though a stable life allows steady growth in power, some dragons simply do not want to be constrained.

Moreover, Sai Jia is equipped with the White Platinum Armor, a Seventh-Rank alchemical armor.

Despite being damaged, even if a Sixth-Rank Lobsterfolk Leader ambushed Sai Jia, it would unlikely cause him significant injury.

Regarding life-saving ability, Sai Jia outstrips Lai Ang.

"Chief, I also wish to go."

Abruptly, the White Dragon Pa Na on the last throne spoke up.

Hearing the voice, Lai Ang turned, gave it a cold look, and said bluntly,

"Given your power and smarts, are you trying to get yourself killed? Just remain in the Dragon Fort; if you're restless, go fight a few bouts with Ai Erduo and company."

Pa Na felt a little aggrieved; she had only assumed that, because Lai Ang had long encouraged her to battle more, he would welcome it, though she hadn't anticipated his reaction. In truth, she never enjoyed fighting and loathed danger even more.

"Well then, I'm not going," Pa Na grumbled.

Lai Ang looked over the dragons, Ai Di, Da Gen, Ma Er, and Fu Lan Qi, who all stayed quiet.

Ai Di, a reclusive dragon, is engrossed in alchemical research and has little enthusiasm for battle.

Da Gen and Fu Lan Qi, two male black dragons, have inherited the indolence of typical black dragons, spending their time either eating or sleeping, only occasionally practicing their fighting qi to stay up to standard, lest they be punished by Lai Ang.

Compared to her two brothers, the female black dragon Ma Er is relatively hardworking, although she does not cultivate her fighting qi.

Ma Er studied a relatively obscure profession, the Breeder.

This continent boasts a myriad of professions.

Barbarian, Berserker, Fighter, Martial Monk, Paladin, Dragon Knight, Windranger, Druid, etc.

There are many professions, and there are also many variants.

Druids have many occupational variants such as Storm Druid, Feral Druid, and Wild Druid.

The cultivator is a variant of the summoner profession.

Pursuing this profession actually means researching biological structures, bloodlines, fusion, incubation, breaking through innate limits, and so on.

It counts as a supporting profession.

Few giant dragons would choose such an obscure profession.

(End of chapter)