Chapter 23: Delike Laite

Under Gelikete's persuasion, Volensa ultimately chose to pledge allegiance to Naimi Xisi.

Naimi Xisi even generously granted him the qualification for the Bathing in Dragonblood ceremony, which caused him to be weakened in the lair for three days before recovering.

After undergoing the Dragon Blood Bath, Volensa was promoted to Nine-level Warrior and also awakened a Psychic Ability — 【Mana Shockburst】, becoming an Innate Psychic.

This Bear Goblin instantly became the most powerful being under Naimi Xisi's command.

Danoli and Ogel, still unwilling, tried to spar with him, but Volensa lifted the opponent with both hands and slammed him to the ground.

Its innate ability 【Mana Shockburst】 knocked Ogel out with a single strike, and this powerful ability he can cast three times a day! "Master, please try, this is our Bricolekt classic specialty, deep‑fried giant maggot!" Volensa entered carrying a huge platter, on which sat a green maggot‑shaped creature.

Naimi Xisi looked at the unknown creature with disgust, feeling a bit nauseous.

"Take this disgusting thing and get out of my lair!" Juan Ce Long shouted.

Volensa lowered his head, feeling somewhat aggrieved.

Since the dragon moved the lair to Bricolekt, this seemingly fierce Bear Goblin has become a sycophant, devising ways every day to please the other.

Yet each time he brings some of the goblins' favorite delicacies, the great master always tells him to get out.

The Bear Goblin hunched his back as he left the cave, secretly took a bite of the giant maggot; the tasty fat and fried aroma burst in his mouth.

He devoured the whole giant maggot with gusto, then said with a regretful face, "What a pity the master doesn't like such a delicious food."

Naimi Xisi took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves; these goblins' filthy habits truly crossed his line.

Even in his most destitute times, he had never eaten something as disgusting as maggots.

The silver True Dragon delicately extended a finger, retrieved Gelikete's book, flicked off the dust, and then opened it to read.

This is his favorite pastime; no Juan Ce Long can resist the joy of sailing the sea of books, or perhaps the sea of gold coins.

Gelikete's manual is thick, containing many incomprehensible ramblings, yet Naimi Xisi patiently read every single character carefully.

The section on 【Psychic Conversion】 in the manual is very easy to understand; in fact, transformation‑type abilities similar to Evocation spells are the most readily grasped among the six major schools.

Communicate with the material world using Spiritual Power, twist energy with one's own will, and control elements.

For Naimi Xisi, who possesses great Spiritual Power, this is very easy to achieve.

【Psychic Self-Shaping】 is different; it resembles transformation spells, using the power of the mind to alter oneself and strengthen the body.

This is knowledge Naimi Xisi has never encountered before.

After spending a week studying, Naimi Xisi has now almost absorbed all the knowledge in the book.

Consequently, he has acquired over a dozen Psychic Abilities, namely:

Self‑Shaping abilities: First‑ring ability 【Skin Thickening】, second‑ring ability 【Specific Energy Adaptation】, third‑ring abilities 【Astral Form】 and 【Haste】.

Transformation abilities: First‑ring abilities 【Energy Ray】, 【Control Flames】, 【Control Ice】; second‑ring abilities 【Control Air】, 【Crystal Storm】; third‑ring abilities 【Energy Cone】, 【Telekinesis】.

The current Naimi Xisi can be said to be terrifyingly strong, having mastered both major Evocation and Psychic Conversion schools, and also stockpiling vast casting resources.

Even if Volensa faced him without any weakening, Naimi Xisi is confident enough to crush him. After finishing the book, Naimi Xisi, as usual, took out that gem, preparing to pour today's entire Mana allotment into it; this has become his daily checkpoint task, though he does not know when the gem will repay his effort.

But a new visitor interrupted him.

A male Blue Goblin entered the cave, smiling flattery as he said to Naimi Xisi, "Great True Dragon Prince, Leader Volensa sent me to deliver a portion of Manticore Meat, fresh catch from today."

Naimi Xisi squinted; he recalled that this fellow seemed to be Gelikete's apprentice and lover, named something like Dede…?

Delike Laite grew nervous under the dragon's stare, swallowed and said, "Leader Volensa apologizes deeply that today's food does not meet your liking; I hope you will accept this delicacy."

Naimi Xisi curled a smile and said, "Oh? I'm just hungry, bring it over."

A spark of delight flashed in Delike Laite's eyes; they hurriedly used their Psychic Ability to lift the huge platter behind them and walked over.

Delike Laite placed the platter at Naimi Xisi's feet, smiling, "May you have a good appetite."

Then they turned to leave.

"Wait a moment,"

Delike Laite froze briefly, then turned, looking at the True Dragon that had called them, and asked puzzled, "Is there anything else, Prince."

Naimi Xisi lifted a finger to his chin, mimicking thought, and said, "I think Manticore would taste better paired with goblin meat; what do you think, Delike Laite."

Juan Ce Long stared intently at Delike Laite, its massive head looming before them, scorching breath filling the air with a metallic scent.

Delike Laite's heart jolted; they forced a smile and said, "Then I'll immediately catch a goblin, roast it, and bring it to you!"

Naimi Xisi let out a low laugh, a booming chuckle like thunder resonating from his chest; Naimi Xisi looked at Delike Laite and smiled, saying:

"No need for such trouble; there's one right before my eyes, or should I call you Akdina's lackey?"

Delike Laite's complexion darkened slightly, a flash of fear in their eyes, but they calmly asked, "A‑what? Sorry, Prince, I didn't quite catch that—who are you referring to?"

Naimi Xisi leisurely propped his head with a claw, gazing at them as if they were a dying, struggling insect.

"Can't remember? Let me remind you: the third lady of the Di Fo Family from Menzoberranzan, Akdina? The one who slipped a Magic Sleeping Potion into my food and then secretly killed me? The one planning to attack Bricolekt City today? The one you secretly adore deep inside, yet know to be as ugly and lowly as a worm, and thus you'll never have a chance to touch?"

Each of the True Dragon's questions made Delike Laite's face grow paler, and finally they slumped to the ground, their face marked by terror.

All their secrets were known to this dragon, which was as devilish as a demon; even their admiration for that Dark Elf was crystal clear to the dragon.

And that was a secret no one else knew.

They had their memories read.

Realizing this, Delike Laite gave up resistance; though the fact is hard to believe, this is the only explanation that accounts for everything.

This is a powerful demon who can even toy with a Mana user's mind.

Naimi Xisi looked at them with pity and mocked, "Tsk tsk tsk, what a good lapdog; does Gelikete know you gave up everything for a Dark Elf who treats you like a worm?"

A dual‑blade berserker will appear in the future.

(End of Chapter)