Chapter Twelve: Arrogant Claims
“Why not? Even if we give ten Earth Dragons to the Caucasus, it won’t have much impact on us. Our mountain people’s military strength relies not only on Dragon Warriors; a dozen or so Earth Dragons are far from enough to change anything. Opening up our Sanjia Tribe’s territory would allow mortals to provide more job opportunities for our people, improving their lives. Look at those who work in Bahomon and Ugru—their family lives are already significantly different from those around them. If we don’t address this issue, these tensions could lead to more trouble for us. It’s a win-win situation. Although those mortals will get what they want, if we don’t give them what they desire, how can we get what we want?”
Difanqi had clearly done some research and consideration on this matter. The great appeal of the northern neighbors’ territories and the resulting changes in living standards had already affected the situation within his own territory. Though not yet obvious, it was a sign—this was the main reason he was determined to take this step.
“Yes, if the Caucasus can meet our food needs, we won’t have to worry about famines anymore. Our territory is rich in mineral resources and various plant and animal resources that mortals need. Our tribe also has a large population and strong labor force—people who are simple and hardworking, willing to work hard in exchange for rewards. Why can’t our lives be better than those of the tribes in the alliance?” Sik added excitedly. The Jiapeng Tribe within the Sanjia Tribe was the most remote and impoverished, and its leader had always faced discrimination in the tribal alliance, with his position never very stable. He desperately needed success to solidify his leadership.
Beilemon was left speechless by his two allies. He couldn’t deny that there was some truth in their words. The pressure to survive and thrive, along with the desire for a better life among the tribe members, had overshadowed differences between races. For this reason, they were willing to ignore the differences between mortals and mountain people, even to turn against the alliance. Was this a dangerous sign or a precursor to a new era?
“Leader Beilemon, we hold you in great respect. You are highly esteemed and experienced within the Sanjia Tribe, with keen insights into current affairs. Yet the situation is changing too rapidly. If our Sanjia Tribe fails to keep up with the times, it will either be absorbed by other tribes in the alliance or eliminated. We cannot just sit idly by.” Di Fanzhi paused before continuing, “Chief Sik and I plan to travel to the Caucasus. Firstly, to see firsthand how things have changed there. Secondly, we want to meet Baron Komer face to face, learn more about him, and understand his views on our current relationship with the Caucasus, in hopes of securing more benefits for our tribe. Chief Sik and I sincerely hope you’ll join us. Perhaps your experience can help us make decisions that are more beneficial for our Sanjia Tribe.”
The weathered leader of the Jialong Tribe glanced at the two of them. He had no choice—the Sanjia Tribe was like grasshoppers bound together, rising and falling as one. The two clearly were determined, and he himself was very curious and eager to visit the Caucasus to see what had changed there since five years ago. Could that new lord truly possess such extraordinary powers?
Komer hadn’t realized that his demands on the barbarians would stir such a stir within the Sanjia Tribe. But he knew the barbarians would eventually come to him once the Catania River route was opened. No race could resist the temptation to exploit it for food, and controlling that route meant holding the lives of countless people in his hands, especially the barbarians.
“Shatima, it seems you’re not very impressed by my dragon warriors?” Faced with this idle girl who had stuck around in his study, Komer was truly exasperated. She was now a complete good-for-nothing. Although her appetite couldn’t compare to that of a land dragon due to her human form, it was still vastly different from that of Eve Lomei and the others. Her appetite was almost on par with that of the giant Briarnos, which nearly made Eve, Grace, and Fenitz drop their eyes in shock.
“Is that also called a Dragon Warrior? My Lord Baron, I think you’re deluding yourself. Those two are at most just giant reptiles; calling them dragons is an insult to the true dragon race!” Shatima said angrily. Seeing the soldiers’ fondness for those two earth dragons, her frustration reached its peak. She was a true dragon yet treated as trash by everyone, while those inferior reptiles were so popular. How could such treatment keep her calm?
“Hehe, Shatima, I think you’re jealous. At least these two earth dragons can serve as a good deterrent for the security of my territory. And you? A true dragon who, when outside, only makes orcs and barbarians want to overthrow you. What a huge difference!” Komer teased her, smacking his lips.
“Lord Baron Komer, please show some respect. Don’t let such vulgar words lower your status!” Shatima roared in anger. She couldn’t stand his reckless teasing at all; her rapidly rising chest made her even more alluring.
After giving her chest a bold glance, Komer said indifferently, “I’m sorry, Miss Shatima. I apologize. I shouldn’t have tried to tempt you. I didn’t expect a dragon girl to be sensitive to such words.”
“You! Lord Baron Komer, don’t think just because I made a promise you can do whatever you want. If pushed to the limit, I might give in to everything!” She glared fiercely at Komer, truly enraged.
“Alright, stop it. I don’t want to die. By the way, let’s talk about business. How’s Damoronsk Castle? What progress have you made in your explorations these past few days?” Komer changed the subject.
“Hmm, Mage Newman was right. This castle is quite strange. Besides being located above the Eye of Darkness, its underground structures must have at least two floors. You’ve already explored the first floor. From what Mage Newman told me, aside from some sealed exotic creatures, there are only some low-level undead creatures—nothing special. As for the second floor, I used my dragon breath to search it. There were some strange things, but I’m sure I haven’t found any intelligent undead creatures like you mentioned. Maybe my senses are failing me? Perhaps an on-site exploration would give more accurate results.”
When it came to Fort Damansky, Shatima became as interested as those magicians. Those dark places were like natural treasure troves to her; perhaps she could find some treasures in the second layer that would help her recover her health quickly. Her innate sensitivity and interest in such secrets meant that although she knew her strength was nowhere near that of a dragon, she was still eager and excited.
“If I could see what you obtained on the first layer, it might help me plan my next steps,” Shatima added, seeing no reaction from Komer.
“Shatima, those things are meaningless to you. They’re just some magic books. As dragons, aside from breath magic and the innate magic of your kind, you can’t master any other magic, so there’s no need for them. But your suggestion to explore the second layer deserves careful consideration. I need to discuss it with Rebrí and Mihajović. If bone-covered Thorned Wyverns already appear on the first layer, who knows what might be there on the second?” Komer avoided her request to see what they had found on the first layer. Dragons were just as greedy as mortals, especially known throughout the continent for their love of collecting treasures. He didn’t want to invite trouble for himself.
Shatima was somewhat disappointed by Komer’s refusal, but when she heard he agreed to allow exploration of the underground second layer, her interest returned. If she could obtain things on her own during the exploration, it would be legitimate. But with her current limited strength and relying solely on dragon magic, she wasn’t very confident. With human magicians and knights joining in, the chances would be much higher. She already realized strange things would surely happen on the second layer, but the desire for treasure could overcome everything.
“Thorned Wyverns are nothing. They’re just minor magical beasts. Calling them dragons is nothing but an overstatement—it’s almost become a title used by mortals to honor powerful species. If I could return to my dragon form, I could take on ten Thorned Wyverns alone,” Shatima said proudly, puffing out her chest. “But I must warn you—the creatures on the second layer are likely not just Thorned Wyverns. You need to be mentally prepared. Though I can’t identify their exact species, one thing is certain: they’re extremely powerful and strange, different from ordinary magical beasts or undead creatures.”
“Shatima, you need to get ready too. Although your body is badly injured, the dragon magic should have recovered after such a long time of rest. If we decide to explore the second layer, we’ll need to be capable—don’t become a burden to others.” Komer tapped her lightly.
“Baron Komer, please be careful with your words. I don’t need anyone’s help. If you need support, I’m ready to assist at any time. Don’t worry about me; worry about your own people instead.” Shatima stood up angrily and left.