The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 568: Volume 14: Accumulate Thinly, Erupt Mightily, - 12: Shameless Bragging

Chapter 568: Volume 14: Accumulate Thinly, Erupt Mightily, Chapter 12: Shameless Bragging

"Why can’t we? Even if we gave Caucasus ten Earthwalking Dragons, it would have no impact on us. Our tribe’s armed might is not solely reliant on Dragon Warriors. Ten or twenty Earthwalking Dragons wouldn’t change anything. Opening up our Sanjia Tribe’s territory could provide more job opportunities for the Mortals, and our citizens’ lives could be improved. Look at the citizens who work in Bahomon and Ugru, their family lives have already begun to differ significantly from those around them. If we can’t face this issue, the accumulated emotions may bring us even more trouble. It’s a win-win situation. Although those Mortals will also get what they want, how can we obtain what we desire if we don’t offer them what they’re looking for?"

Dvanch had clearly researched and considered this issue. The great allure of their northern neighbor’s territory and the changes it brought to their own had already affected their situation, although it was not yet obvious—it was a signal. This was the main reason he had resolved to take this step.

"Yes, if Caucasus could meet our food needs, then we wouldn’t have to worry about famine anymore. Our territories are full of mineral products and various natural resources that the humans need, and our tribes also abound with population and physical strength. They are all simple and hardworking. They are willing to work in exchange. Why can’t we live better than those tribes within the Alliance?" Sike interjected excitedly. Within the Sanjia Tribe, the Gapeng Tribe was the most remote and impoverished, and as its Chief, he was often discriminated against within the Tribal Alliance. His position within the tribe had always been unstable, and he sorely needed a success to solidify his status as Chief.

Bellamong found himself at a loss for words, swayed by his two allies. He couldn’t deny their arguments held some merit. The pressure to survive and grow and the tribe members’ yearning for a better life had outweighed the differences between species. For this reason, they didn’t care about the differences between Mortals and Mountain people, and they might even be willing to part ways with the Alliance. Was this a dangerous sign or the harbinger of a new era?

"Chief Bellamong, we deeply respect you. You are highly esteemed in the Sanjia Tribe, with vast experience and acute insights into current affairs. But the changes in our situation are indeed happening too quickly. If our Sanjia Tribe doesn’t keep up with the times, we might be swallowed by other tribes in the Alliance or eliminated. We cannot sit and wait for doom." Dvanch paused before continuing, "Chief Sike and I are planning a trip to Caucasus, partly to see the changes there and partly to have a direct meeting with Baron Komer to probe his intentions and understand his views on the current relationship between us and Caucasus. We hope to negotiate more benefits for us. Chief Sike and I sincerely hope you could join us. Perhaps your experience could help us make more favorable decisions for our Sanjia Tribe."

The aging Chief of the Galong Tribe glanced at the two men. He had no other choice, as the Sanjia Tribe was bound together, and they had to progress or retreat as one. The other two had clearly made up their minds, and he was indeed very curious. He also wanted to see for himself how present-day Caucasus differed from five years ago. Could the new Lord truly possess such heaven-defying ability?

Komer was unaware that his demand of the Barbarians could set off such tumult within the Sanjia Tribe. But he knew that eventually, the Barbarians would come to him because of the opening of the Catania River trade route. No species dared to face the problem of filling their bellies with resolution, and since he controlled the Catania River trade route, it meant he held countless lives in his hands—especially the Barbarians.

"Shatima, you don’t seem too keen on my Dragon Warriors, do you?" Facing the girl who was idling in his study and refusing to leave, Komer was somewhat helpless. She was now a real wastrel. Though her appetite had decreased since she took human form and could no longer rival the Earthwalking Dragons, it was outrageously larger than that of Eve and Lome. It almost matched that of the Giant Burianos, which nearly made Eve, Grace, and Finitz’s eyes pop out of their heads.

"That’s what you call a Dragon Warrior? Your Excellency, I think you’re only fooling yourself. Those two creatures at best could be called giant lizards, nothing more. To call them dragons is an insult to the Dragon Clan!" Shatima grumbled, her discontent peaking when she saw the soldiers’ affection for the two Earthwalking Dragons. She was a true dragon yet treated like a useless object by everyone, while these low-grade reptiles were so adored. How could such feelings not unbalance Shatima?

"Haha, Shatima, are you jealous? At least these two Earthwalking Dragons can provide a good deterrent effect for the security of my territory, but what about you? A real dragon, yet when you go out, you only inspire the desire in the Half-Beastmen and Barbarians to take you down. What a world of difference!" Komer remarked with a smack of his lips, teasingly.

"Baron Komer, please show some respect. Don’t degrade yourself with such vulgar language!" Shatima roared angrily, unable to adapt to his unbound and provocative taunts, her heaving chest now even more alluring.

After casting a brazen glance at her chest, Komer said carelessly, "I’m sorry, Miss Shatima, I apologize. I shouldn’t have seduced you. I didn’t expect a Dragon Lady to be so sensitive to such language."

"You! Baron Komer, don’t think just because I made a promise I can be bossed around when you please. Push me too far, and I might not honor it at all!" Shatima’s fiery gaze fixed upon Komer’s face; she was truly irritated.

"Alright, alright, don’t be like that; I don’t want to die. Now, let’s talk business. How’s Damarlinsk Castle? Have you made any progress in your exploration these past few days?" Komer changed the subject.

"Hmm, that Newman Mage was right; there is something strange about the castle. Besides being situated above the Eye of the Underworld, its underground architecture must have at least two levels. You’ve already explored the first level. As the Newman Mage described it, aside from some sealed creatures from a Different World and some lower-level undead creatures, there was nothing remarkable. On the second level, though I used my Dragon Breath to scan the area, I found some odd things, but I can confirm I haven’t encountered any intelligent undead creatures you spoke of. I wonder if there is a problem with my senses? Perhaps an on-site exploration would yield more accurate results."

When the subject turned to Damarlinsk Castle, Shatima’s interest soared like that of the mages. For her, the Land of the Underworld was naturally a treasure trove. It was possible she could find some treasures on the second level that would help her body recover faster. Her natural sensitivity and interest in those mystical treasures meant that, although she knew her current body was no match for her dragon form, she was still eager to try.

"If you could let me see what you found on the first level, it might help me with the next step of the search." Seeing no response from Komer, Shatima couldn’t help but add.

"Shatima, those things are meaningless to you; they are all magic books. Your Dragon Clan, aside from Dragon Breath Magic and the instinctive range of Origin Magic, cannot practice other magics, so there’s no need to look at them. However, your suggestion to do an on-site inspection of the second level is worth considering. I’ll need to consult with Rebury and Mihailovich. We’ve already encountered petrified One-spiked Flying Dragons on the first level, who knows what lies on the second," Komer dodged her request to view the first level’s finds. The greed of dragons was no less than that of mortals, especially their infamous desire to collect treasures. He did not wish to court trouble unnecessarily.

Shatima was somewhat disappointed by Komer’s evasion, but when she heard that he agreed to open up the second level for exploration, her interest was piqued again. If she could secure the objects through her own exploration, then it would be legitimate. However, constrained by her limited strength and relying only on her Dragon Magic Power, Shatima was not quite confident. If human mages and knights were to join, the odds would be much better. She was already aware that there would surely be peculiar occurrences on the second level, but her desire for treasures could overcome everything.

"One-spiked Flying Dragons are nothing; they’re just minor Magical Beasts. The term ’dragon’ is used to aggrandize them, it has almost become a term of respect your Mortals Clan uses for powerful species. If I could return to my dragon form, I could handle ten One-spiked Flying Dragons by myself," Shatima said proudly, puffing out her chest. "But I must remind you, the creatures of the second level are probably not as simple as the One-spiked Flying Dragons. You need to be prepared for that. Although I cannot clearly sense their species, one thing is certain: their power is very strong and very strange, unlike ordinary Magical Beasts or undead creatures."

"Shatima, you also need to prepare. Although you’ve been seriously injured, your Dragon Magic Power should have recovered after such a long time of rest. If we decide to explore the second level, we’ll all need to show some skill and not become a burden to others," Komer teased.

"Baron Komer, watch your words. I don’t need anyone’s help; I can provide support whenever you need it. You don’t have to worry about me, just worry about your own people," Shatima said indignantly as she stood up to leave.

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