Chapter 203: The Happy Big Hammer!

【Ding! Daily intelligence has been refreshed…】

【Intelligence One: You have possessed the dragon egg for several months, and fortunately, today the hatchling within will break free from its shell.】

The hatching will occur this morning, so cherish this final opportunity to drip blood upon it and let it grow familiar with your scent.】

【Intelligence Two: Today, a caravan will pass through and rest in Wheat Aroma Village; among its members is a merchant who buys and sells books.】

Among his books is a yellowed volume titled *The Autobiography of the Elf Ranger Zorro*.】

This book was written by the elf himself, recounting his days infiltrating human kingdoms as an adventurer alongside companions.】

Within it, he meticulously recorded a qi technique—a trick born of his mischievous nature.】

He knew many would dismiss the technique as fiction, yet… it was real.】

This technique, called "Swift Body Movement," differs from the vast majority of secret arts: it does not enhance attack power.】

It is a method that allows one to shift posture more effectively and accelerate footwork during combat.】

It was crafted by this elf through the fusion of human and elf combat techniques.】

【Intelligence Three: The iron ore deposit is of immense value—a coveted treasure.】

Not only do humans covet it, but certain beast creatures do as well.】

In the past two days, slaves mining the ore have reported black shadows flickering past within the mine tunnels.】

Additionally, the ore they had already extracted has mysteriously gone missing.】

They believe some ghost or monster is at work, and have reported this to the overseer.】

The overseer investigated and found nothing, dismissing it as an excuse for failing to meet daily quotas.】

Yet, deep within that dark hollow, a true intruder does exist.】

It is an extremely rare first-tier beast… the Metal Devourer.】

Though the Metal Devourer possesses no offensive power, its value rivals that of fifth- or sixth-tier beasts.】

For it can consume all metallic ores, digesting them and excreting refined metal.】

For example, ordinary iron ore it ingests is excreted as pure, impurity-free steel, equivalent to metal forged a thousand times.】

【Intelligence Four: Your reputation among the western tribes is infamous—you are despised by all, and many savage tribesmen long to kill you.】

Of course, most tribal savages merely imagine avenging themselves upon you.】

But one woman has acted:】

She is the only daughter of the Silver Moon Tribe's chieftain, Princess Freya.】

She learned that you destroyed her father's long-planned campaign to reclaim lost lands, and has resolved to come kill you in retribution.】

Tonight, she will arrive at Stormhold and prepare to infiltrate the castle to assassinate you, accompanied by dozens of Silver Moon Tribe warriors.】

【Intelligence Five: You have spared no effort promoting the monocular telescope, placing great hope in it.】

And the monocular telescope has not disappointed you: through the promotion of Marquis Miuxi and slave caravans, nobles have witnessed this wondrous device.】

And the vast potential of the monocular telescope has driven nobles to rush forward, eager to purchase it!】

【Intelligence Six: Do you still recall the artificial spatial portal located at the border between the Death Mountains and the Chaos Wastelands?】

As time has passed, the number of dark creatures has surged, and they are beginning to wander toward the surrounding regions.】

Damn! Gervas cried out in awe!

Mei Mei Da naturally awoke from her broad, down-filled bed.

Before she could even think further, the great hammer of fortune had already struck Gervas squarely on the forehead.

And for this, Gervas could only say: truly beautiful!

Compared to the intelligence from over ten days ago, this round is unquestionably superior.

Even with that idiotic Silver Moon Tribe princess coming to assassinate me, my forces are strong—what's the problem?

Far more significant are the dragon egg and the Metal Devourer—both are major gains.

"My lord, good morning!"

"Caroline, has anyone told you've changed?"

Caroline turned pale with fright. "My lord, how have I changed? Have I displeased you in some way? Caroline is willing to change!"

"No need to change—I've noticed you've become even more likable, and I find this feeling quite pleasant!"

Caroline, who possesses a mature, statuesque figure, now speaks with a soft, sweet tone, her gaze toward him shimmering with moisture.

And when she bows, kneels, or bends over to serve him, she offers him no defense whatsoever.

Thus, Gervas finds Caroline's transformation increasingly delightful.

Slap! Slap! Slap!

White waves churn!

Daily punishment must not be skipped!

Only through relentless daily discipline can a maid progress ever further along the right path.

…

After breakfast, Gervas headed straight for the underground vault.

The birth of a dragon is an event of great importance—for him and for the entire domain.

A dragon is unquestionably one of the most powerful forces in this world.

If he could keep this dragon in Stormhold, perhaps one day he wouldn't even need to defeat a dragon to become a dragon knight.

He arrived before the soft wooden box holding the dragon egg.

The dragon egg showed no visible change.

But with the system's warning, Gervas would never treat it as he had before.

Gervas slowly drew his dagger and made a small cut across his fingertip, letting a drop of blood fall onto the eggshell.

A hum sounded—the egg's surface glowed faintly with magical light, yet after absorbing the blood, it showed no further reaction.

Gervas did not leave immediately; instead, he began to speak slowly to the egg.

"Little dragon, little dragon! I don't know when you'll hatch, but I hope it's as soon as possible!"

"Because my domain lies at the edge of the Death Mountains—the place known as Stormhold, the Land of Death!"

"Before me, three previous lords have all perished from various dangers—this is a perilous place indeed."

"While I am alive, I will gladly protect your safety, but I fear that if I too encounter a threat beyond my power, no one will be left to guard you!"

"Yet I've hidden you in this underground vault—under normal circumstances, no outsider can detect you! So you need not worry too much!"

"Enough for today—I know you can't hear me, but I feel the domain growing increasingly unstable, and I have no one else to confide in—so I came to you."

"Little dragon! I'm leaving—grow quickly, and break free from your shell!"

As he spoke, Gervas feigned a gentle caress of the egg.

In the past, Gervas would sometimes speak to the egg deliberately, to foster affection.

But knowing it might take decades or even centuries for the egg to hatch, his motivation had always been low, so his words were brief—just one or two sentences.

Today, however, he knew the little dragon would hear him—and so he became a chatterbox.