Beneath the Red Dragon

Chapter 24: Chapter 23: Approaching Crisis

”So, the new Giant Dragons have already started to become restless. We might as well eliminate them while they’re still young dragons, or capture them as slaves.” The One-Eyed Ogre King Moergo wore a sinister smile on his grotesque face, his muscles twitching unconsciously on arms as thick as logs, showcasing immense physical strength.

The Two-headed Ogre Mage Sahai turned his aged face towards the Giant Demon Fafnir, who was reclining on the couch with half-closed eyes. Fafnir made no indication, but a faint, misty light shone in his eyes, resembling the ominous glow of a slithering Snake Spirit.

Then he rasped as he spoke: ”Moergo is right. We can easily deal with those young Giant Dragons now. But if we wait until they mature and gather more Beloveds, they will begin to expand the Dragon Group’s territory on their own. At that time, trying to deal with them will cost the lives of many powerful Ogre Warriors.”

Although the Ogre Tribe is truly led by King Moergo, who commands all the warriors, the Two-headed Great Wizard, representing the Ogre’s faith and Shamanic power, holds significant sway. However, what often affects the final decision the most is the wisdom and rationality of the Giant Demon Fafnir.

This isn’t the Ogre advocating some sort of separation of powers. In a primitive tribe that has the glimpses of civilization, the authority they hold also represents the power each possesses. Without power of their own, even if you are a Divine Spirit incarnate, you will be trampled underfoot by the Ogres who equally revere strength.

”Then let’s proceed that way. Just in time, those greedy merchants have arrived. These merchants from the mighty Gata Empire should be more than happy to take this batch of premium goods. Let them not fool us again with poor-quality fabric, ragged weapons and armor, and seeds that won’t sprout. They must provide genuine good things.”

”I heard there are actually two strong Red Dragon juveniles in that Giant Dragon Race. Perhaps it would be worth using one of my talent slots on them. I’m kind of looking forward to it.” The languorous Giant Demon Fafnir parted his pink, moist lips, surprisingly emitting a girlish, crisp voice beneath such an enticingly alluring appearance.

”Great Witch Sahai, you handle the negotiations with those insatiably greedy merchants. Once the agreement is in place, we can deal with that young Giant Dragon Race.” A hint of weariness flickered on the resplendent face. Giant Demon Fafnir yawned slowly, curling her ten jade-like toes, then waved her hand, ”That’s it then. I need to take a nap first.”

A guttural sound resonated, and the One-Eyed Ogre King looked at the magnificent curves of the reclined figure on the long couch, swallowing a mouthful of saliva discreetly. A substantial bulge formed beneath the fabric wrapped like a long dress. The pretentiously napping Giant Demon didn’t respond, while the Great Wizard Sahai’s four eyes all darted over.

Moergo quickly rubbed his head with his massive hand, feigning a naive smile, and slipped out of the tent.

Outside the tent, Ogre Warriors wielding crude weapons were everywhere. The stronger elite warriors adorn some tattered leather armor, while those of higher status bear rusty iron armor.

These robust Ogre Warriors average over three meters in height. They wandered in and out of the tribal camp, some having returned from hunting in the rainforest, dragging along dead wild boars, mountain deer, and other formidable beasts.

Some warriors returned with slaves, capturing races like goblins, centaurs, and lizardmen. Evidently, this tribe continually expands, unsatisfied with the already plentiful and vast Gulf they occupy.

The towering body of the One-Eyed Ogre Moergo stood out even among the masses of Ogre Warriors. He stopped several Ogres leading captured Centaur warriors, then yanked a bound Centaur Warrior over.

With a robust arm firmly pinning it, a smile crossed his grotesque face as he unabashedly lifted the thin fabric surrounding himself, ignoring the helpless cries of the female centaur.

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Seems what was said to Green Dragon Antajena last time worked, as the other Juvenile Dragons, clearly enticed by the narrative embellished by Antajena, have been eagerly associating with Karon recently, inquiring about when the Red Dragon will lead them to expand territory. It can only be said that Dragons naturally possess a strong desire to conquer, regardless of age.

Moreover, seeing the Dogman Tribe’s reverence towards Karon as a deity, never defying the Red Dragon’s orders, these Juvenile Dragons, who originally didn’t plan to recruit Beloveds now, also became envious, eager to recruit their own Beloveds and enjoy the status of being worshipped and esteemed.

Karon barely managed to exchange a few words with the long-missed Little Elf before the other Juvenile Dragons nonchalantly ambled over, pretending to wander, each dragon head pushing forward, eyes fixed intently on the Red Dragon, startling Riven to quickly hide behind the Red Dragon, peeking at the approaching Juveniles with just her small head tilted.

Karon had no choice but to squat and seating the Juvenile Dragons in place.

Lately, Karon has been busy studying that mysterious rune in his mind. As the Dogman Tribe gradually settled down, he noticed the Power of Thought he absorbed visibly increased, surmising that this Power of Thought likely grew stronger as his influence on others deepened.

The other party acknowledges him in some way mentally, allowing him to absorb the Power of Thought from them. As this acknowledgment deepens, the more Power of Thought he can absorb from them.

Perhaps bringing destruction and pain to others can also be effective, and the occasional backlash from the Evil Dragon Blood often leads Karon to such thoughts. But clearly, this method is not very cost-effective compared to conquest and governance, which offer enduring sources.

Through this period of absorption, the energy accumulated in the vortex in his mind has gained a certain mass. He plans to conduct an experiment first, to see if that mysterious rune can be actively influenced and strengthened by his consciousness, as he speculated. Although this energy is certainly not enough to make a massive change, if his hypothesis is correct, it will be sufficient for a minor enhancement, proving his conjectured usage is correct.

This way, he will inevitably enter a period of short-term slumber. While he originally planned to proceed steadily, the historical lesson of hurried expansion is deeply engraved in his mind, and the Dragon Group’s strength is still not powerful enough. Now that he has found a way to steadily grow strong, he cannot be too anxious. But he also didn’t want to dampen the enthusiasm of these Juvenile Dragons, so he came up with a compromise.

”Because Dogman’s Beloved has stabilized, next Camid and Gomot will choose some of the stronger Warriors within the Dogman Tribe and have them pick up weapons for some training. At least they need to know how to follow orders—advance and retreat—rather than just scattering everywhere.”

Karon looked at the seated White Dragon brothers, assigning them tasks. Compared to other Juvenile Dragons, the somewhat honest and reliable Camid and the somewhat sly and lazy Gomot are perfect complements.

The two White Dragons nodded; although it was different from their expectations, they knew Karon’s arrangements must have their reasons.

”Antajena, you will be responsible for exploring the tribes within the Dragon Group Territory’s forest that can be subdued. Rosani, you will go along with Antajena; you can travel along the river upstream and downstream to assess the situation while supporting each other.”

The Green Dragon and Black Dragon also nodded, showing some excitement, suggesting Karon was ready to take action.

”Hmm, Kleyna, since you are prone to impulsiveness, you will go together with Doss. You two will be responsible for the direction of the prairie. Once all situations are investigated clearly, compile the findings so that Doss can decide whether or not to launch an attack with the Dragon Group and Beloved.” Karon made arrangements; this plan matched his intentions—to first handle internal matters within the existing territory, establishing a stable rear base.

”Then what about you, Karon?” Hearing that the decision-making power was given to Doss, the surprised Kleyna and Blue Dragon Doss asked simultaneously, exchanging glances.

”I will enter a period of slumber,” explained the Red Dragon quietly, as exploring the mysterious rune in his mind is currently his top priority.

”Then I’ll guard your slumber,” Kleyna reluctantly proposed, clearly unwilling to follow Doss’s command.

Karon cast a stern glance at her, ”Here we have Akzhi and Carlette, making it safer than with you. And remember, never lose your life due to pointless pride and dignity. If there’s danger, quickly return to the Dragon Nest.” Karon advised with some concern.

Numerous Juvenile Dragons thoughtfully nodded and replied quietly.

Kleyna trembled and looked down following Karon’s gaze, muttering, ”Well, I hope Doss is smart enough.”

Hiding behind, Riven, seeing Karon finish discussing matters, promptly stepped forward to create a lively atmosphere, raised her little hand and called out, ”What about me, what about me, Karon. I can be really useful too!”

Karon turned his head and blew away the Flower Crown on the noisy Little Elf’s head in one breath, casting a sidelong glance at Riven who was momentarily busy, ”Riven, are you contemplating betraying your own race? This is the behavior of a traitor.”

”Pick Elves don’t mind who rules them as long as they aren’t disturbed in seeking happiness,” Riven huffed, placing the Flower Crown back on her head and punching the Red Dragon’s sturdy scales, only to cry out in pain, ”You’re driving me crazy, Karon, your skin is too thick.”

Karon scratched his chin with his Dragon Claw, ”Oh, I see. Then Riven, you can be my intelligence officer since you’re familiar with the forest. Remember to assist Doss and the others.”

Riven, voluntarily offering to serve, received the answer she wanted. Her cheeks puffed with anger turned bright in an instant as she jumped up on the Red Dragon’s back, shouting, ”Yay!”