Tale of the Red Dragon Without Dragon’s Might
Chapter 162 - 161 Underground City

Chapter 162: Chapter 161 Underground City

The merchant ship safely arrived at the Talia Alliance, docking at the port of a city called Raffi.

In Tassera’s mouth, Raffi was a city that integrated both port and finance, a city built on trade and profit, occupying a pivotal position within the Talia Alliance. Even placed within the Empire, it was a metropolis, and it was well-known even on a global scale.

Just after disembarking, Leon’s gaze was immediately drawn to the tall Magic Statues standing on the docks.

The steel giants, clad in armor and wielding greatswords, looked incredibly cool.

"That’s a steel magic statue," Tassera, being well-informed, was an excellent guide. "Crafting one steel magic statue at least costs a hundred thousand Gold Coins, and it could take several years to make one — and here there are several... Only a major city like Raffi could afford it."

"It must have been accumulated over time," Leon observed closely. "I noticed that the styles of those steel magic statues are all different, indicating they’re not from the same batch of production, even possibly made by different people."

"One with knowledge could tell from the styles, which era these steel magic statues are from and which master craftsman made them... I definitely can’t, I don’t have such discerning eyes," Tassera suddenly sighed. "As for my magic, it could, at most, enable me to make Stone Magic Statues, not steel ones."

"Should I take that as you bragging? Being able to create a Stone Magic Statue is already very impressive, especially since you are now just a young dragon," Leon said, glancing around to make sure no one overheard their conversation and could guess they were dragons.

"Yes, I am super strong," Tassera put her hands on her hips.

Saying you’re fat but still panting, truly a Blue Dragon that can’t tolerate any insinuation of weakness. Leon couldn’t help but chuckle.

"What are you laughing at?" Tassera looked somewhat displeased. "Usually you go around slaying wherever you go... Let me remind you to be mindful, Raffi is not Watchtower Port, just look at those steel magic statues on the docks. I believe you can defeat one steel magic statue, even two wouldn’t be a problem, but what about three or four?"

"No worries, I can fly," Leon smiled proudly, "Those big dummies definitely can’t fly."

"Don’t think that those crossbow cannons on their bodies are just for show," Tassera spoke with some admiration. "I’ve heard that some steel magic statues can even emit lasers."

"These probably can’t," Leon observed and thought to himself how the technological levels in this world are incredibly disjointed; some backwater areas are still using primitive weaponry, while big cities have all sorts of strange things... He had just seen battleships at the docks, and even before the merchant ship docked, he caught a glimpse of a colossal airship.

Upon leaving the port, Leon’s eyes never stopped wandering, looking every bit the country bumpkin.

This couldn’t be blamed on him, as the largest city he had visited previously was the Oasis City in the desert, and other than that, Watchtower Port, making this his first time entering a big city.

By now, Leon was certain, absolutely certain, that this world was based on DND, with just the basics covered and filled with hodgepodge house rules and modded mechanics, and materials from various editions being used together.

If this were a role-playing session, Leon would definitely think that the person running it had only skimmed through a few setting books, with only a superficial understanding of DND, using whatever rule that came handy, wildly introducing expansions, making use of unofficial collaboration resources, the worst being improvising on the spot...

Under such circumstances, seeing temples to gods he didn’t recognize on the side of the road did not faze Leon in the slightest.

"That’s the Ocean Goddess," Tassera followed Leon’s gaze, "I remember there’s a temple to the Ocean Goddess in Watchtower Port, but it’s much smaller than this one, it simply can’t compare. When you take over Watchtower Port later on, remember, unless you’re prepared to deal with the capricious Ocean Goddess, it’s best not to meddle with her temple."

Leon nodded and said, "I will emphasize religious freedom, not prohibiting belief, just forbidding proselytizing in public spaces."

Leon didn’t quite know how to rule, only to copy and adapt to any incompatibilities with the local conditions.

Walking through the city, Leon noticed that Raffi was a city composed of numerous islands, bridges, and canals. Due to the scarcity of land, everywhere was incredibly congested, with residential homes, shops, and warehouses occupying every inch of space, even on the bridges, where houses ranging from four to five stories high were common and seemed like they might collapse at any moment.

Rumors had it that the Talia Alliance had an Underground City hidden within a mountain, which Tassera was aiming for, while Leon’s main purpose in coming was to sell things... it was like, after playing for a long time in a game, it was about time to clear out his backpack and then see if he could go on a major shopping spree.

After the long and weary journey, with no hurry for the matters at hand, Leon suggested to Tassera they rest for a day before proceeding, starting with a good meal first. The food on the merchant ship had been too lousy.

Chandeliers with eight candles, floor-to-ceiling windows, embroidered carpets, velvet chairs... After spending a day in Raffi’s luxurious hotel and stepping out onto the balcony, Leon suddenly found Watchtower Port a bit lacking in comparison. Sadly, whether here or Crossroads City, neither was within reach for him now.

Leon made up his mind that once the villa on the Volcanic Island was repaired, he would definitely give it a proper decoration.

He overslept through breakfast and after having lunch, Leon, along with Tassera, went to the shops. They found a rather large weapons and equipment store with the emblem of the Goddess of Wealth on the door, and he brought out all the things he had collected over the years. There was so much stuff that the large counter couldn’t hold it all.

In the past, after defeating the Gnolls Warband and seizing the Three-headed flail from Cultists... This item was a bit sinister, and it would probably sell better and at a higher price in Crossroads City, but he really didn’t feel like running around anymore.

At that time, he had just entered his youth stage and encountered a group of adventurers trying to slay a dragon. These adventurers had also gathered the Militia from the villages outside the forest, which gave him the chance to show off a tactic of sneaky home invasion. The Soul Summoning Mantra played a significant role, and in the end, he truly collected a fair amount of spoils of war.

He never thought that the Efreeti would become his subordinate, driving away the Efreeti and looting the Efreeti’s treasure vault. There weren’t actually many truly valuable Magic Weapons and Equipment in a treasure vault.

He made a trip to Crossroads City and raided a Vampire Mansion, but unfortunately, he didn’t have time to thoroughly scavenge at the time. Still, the final haul wasn’t too shabby.

...

Red Dragon coveted all things valuable. Normally, a Red Dragon could always tell at a glance how many copper coins an item was worth, but poor Leon wasn’t a typical Red Dragon. Possessing the skin of a Red Dragon but unable to use Flame Breath, fortunately, Tassera was with him. Tassera had experience running a shop and ensured he wouldn’t get cheated.

Leon had never been so wealthy before. He now possessed Gold Coins that could be measured in tens of thousands, but if he wanted to purchase Mithril or refined gold, his money was just so-so.

Leon spent half of his money to purchase Mithril and refined gold, feeling like he had to spend frugally. For instance, using refined gold for full forging was too extravagant; a refined gold plating was almost enough. He stopped after making enough key equipment pieces... Dragons do not rely on magic to fly. Being fully armed wasn’t feasible, as it might be too heavy to take off or fly quickly.

Having finally finished with the business here, Leon had originally planned to play in Raffi for a few days, but couldn’t resist Tassera’s continuous urging, so he packed up and left.

Traveling across the plains, through the forests, it was nearly impossible to get out of the Talia Alliance, arriving at a vast area composed of desolate wastelands and disorderly shrubs.

"This doesn’t seem like a place with an Underground City." It wasn’t that Leon was disappointed; the majestic mountains looked impressive, but that was about it.

"Let’s look around." Tassera was excited, "Let’s see where there’s an entrance."

"There’s a village nearby; maybe we can go there for information." Leon suggested, suddenly missing Cecilia. If Cecilia were here, she could take on the task of gathering information, but now he had to rely on himself, well-fed and well-dressed.

After some inquiries, it turned out that those majestic mountains indeed had some significance. The locals dared not approach that mountain, as it was rumored that Demons and Devils lurked there and anyone who got close could never leave.

"I told you there was an Underground City here, and you didn’t believe me..." Tassera said, "Now I just hope that the Underground City hasn’t been conquered yet."

"I think it’s very likely that it has been." Leon scratched his forehead, "You can see it from the books, and others can see it too... Unless you’ve seen it recently, it’s likely that someone else has gotten there first."

"We’ve been to the tomb of the Ancient Fallen Empire before, and now who in the desert doesn’t know about it? But have you heard anyone conquering it?" Tassera remarked, "After several groups died, it’s almost become a forbidden zone, terrifying even to speak of."

Leon nodded thoughtfully and then started to laugh, "I’m still a bit worried right now. I’ll conquer it when I’m stronger... There must be good stuff hidden there."

"I want to go too." Tassera said, "We’ll go together when the time comes. The gold and silver treasures can all be yours; I just want the books and antiques."

"Let’s talk about it when the time comes."

"Right, when the time comes. For now, let’s conquer this Underground City first." Tassera was eager to try, "I read in the books that to enter the Underground City, one must go through a cave, and there’s a Magic Door in that cave. Without a key, the Magic Door can’t be opened; it must be decrypted."

Leon thought it would take some time, but the two quickly found the entrance to the Underground City, standing in front of the huge Magic Door.

Indeed, there was not a single keyhole.

Compared to Leon, who looked troubled, Tassera’s face was full of smiles, having awaited this day for God knows how long. It wasn’t about whether she had the strength to deal with the endless monsters, but a test of her wits.