Beneath the Red Dragon

Chapter 32: Chapter 31: The New Dragon’s Beloved

”Is this meteorite gold from the Star Realm or some other plane? What is this metal?” Karon asked in astonishment as he gazed at the treasure the Centaur Warrior Suniya had presented him. Within the Red Dragon’s legacy was a wealth of diverse knowledge, including comprehensive introductions to many species. Basic knowledge that interested a Giant Dragon was always present in the dragon’s legacy knowledge base.

However, Karon couldn’t find any relevant knowledge about the piece of metal in front of him, which was dotted with starlike spots amidst its dark hue. This piece of metal was clearly a rare magic metal with excellent magic power ductility, suitable for creating magic weapons or some powerful treasures.

The dragon’s legacy should not overlook such a rare metal. Even if a dragon wouldn’t use this metal to make weapons, the metal itself should be a fine collectible for a dragon, something that would feel pleasant to sleep on. This was why Karon came to such a judgment.

The Centaur Maiden, seeing that the dragon was also unaware of the details of the metal before them, shook her head and said, ”Honorable Dragon, we also do not know the precise origin of this mysterious metal. It is said that our Centaur hero Chiron found it in the monster’s lair after defeating a troublesome Nine-headed Hydra centuries ago.

Chiron’s powerful weapon, the Bronze Spear, was crafted from this metal. It’s the only treasure left in our tribe, which we offer to the mighty dragon in hopes of maintaining a friendly relationship with you.”

Hearing this, Karon couldn’t help but chuckle. He recalled the longbow the Centaur Maiden held the other day. It was also a powerful magic weapon, made from the tendons and bones of some formidable snake-lizard monster. It seemed that the powerful snake monster described by the centaur was this unlucky Nine-headed Hydra.

Not only was this monster slain and its flesh used by others, but even the hoarded treasures in its lair were taken away, which was truly tragic. However, such situations were common in the wilderness. Even when Karon hunted, he would not only devour his prey entirely, but if the bones were hard enough, he would use them to grind his teeth.

At this thought, Karon felt a chill in his heart. Such situations were the norm in the wilderness, and how was the rest of the world any different? Originally, he intended to proceed step by step, waiting to gather enough strength before subduing the Beloved. This mindset was influenced by the dragon’s typical attitude that time alone would gradually amplify power.

This was a real world, but Karon had always harbored a somewhat playful attitude. He had been well-protected before and couldn’t truly understand that every piece of land in this world for survival must be fought for, and this was the same even for a Giant Dragon.

The world does not turn according to Karon’s will, and unforeseen events and dangers could occur at any moment. Even the Blue Dragon Carlette, who lounged daily in its lair, could be captured by Ogres. And these Ogres were merely trying to prevent their territory from being seized by a dragon to satisfy the growing needs of their Ogre Tribe.

The Red Dragon felt he needed to adjust his attitude. He solemnly took the piece of magic metal, swallowed it into his dragon’s storage stomach, then lowered his fearsome head, his vertical pupils fixed intently on the now relaxed Centaur and directly asked, ”I accept this gift, now tell me the true purpose of the Centaur Tribe.”

Although Centaur Suniya was still a youth, she believed her will was strong enough after training in combat since childhood. But faced with the dragon’s cold, emotionless vertical pupils, she felt they could see through her inner weaknesses she was unaware of.

She quickly lowered her head, answering with great respect, ”We hope to borrow your mighty dragon powers to fight against those cruel and vicious Ogre Tribes. Also, my mother Kali, the Centaur Tribal Leader, wishes for you to visit the tribe, where she will personally discuss this matter with you.”

Cruel and vicious? Karon scratched his chin with his dragon claw, feeling as if these words, which were not kind, were directed at him. In the Red Dragon’s stereotype, these terms certainly ranked first.

However, he could hardly refuse the olive branch extended by the Centaur Tribe. Even without mentioning it, the warrior race’s Centaur Tribe had been on Karon’s list of potential Beloveds ever since he first saw them. And now, both shared a common enemy—the Ogre Tribe. It wouldn’t hurt to visit, but he had to be careful.

Karon nodded, gesturing for the centaur to lead the way, and soared into the air with a flap of his wings, ”Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go, I’d like to experience the hospitality of the Centaur Tribe.”

The Centaur Tribe was located in a wind-sheltered valley not far from the sea. Steep cliffs and mountains blocked the howling sea winds coming from the ocean. The clear and clean river provided stable drinking water for the centaurs, and the flat land was suitable for building tribal dwellings. The expansive view from the cliffs also offered excellent vigilance and protection, making the peaceful valley a rare haven.

Karon fluttered his wings, each over ten meters long, and circled over the valley multiple times. His heightened senses picked up the shouts of centaur sentries on the cliff exclaiming that the dragon had arrived, and finding everything normal in the Centaur Tribe, he leisurely landed.

Major members of the Centaur Tribe had already gathered at the camp entrance following Suniya’s notification. The tribal leader, Kali, was the strongest within the tribe. Only the tribal leader could receive a name similar to the centaur hero Chiron.

Beside Kali stood her mate, Zogo, a robust male centaur with bulging muscles exuding an indescribable masculine aura. Joining them was the adult female centaur Oni who had previously hunted with Suniya, occupying a position equivalent to Warrior Chief in the tribe.

There were also a few elderly centaurs present, responsible for the tribe’s traditions and inheritance, holding considerable speaking power.

The Red Dragon’s body landed, wings folding at the sides but his rear limbs remained upright, appearing somewhat high and mighty as he gazed down at the centaurs averaging about three meters tall.

The Centaur Leader Kali looked up directly at the remarkably robust, double-winged Red Dragon adorned with many mysterious patterns. A sense of satisfaction flickered through her large eyes, thoroughly unconcerned by the jealousy rising on her mate’s face.

Becoming the affiliates of a dragon was not uncommon in the wilderness. Though dragons did enslave their Beloveds, most simply required obedience and regular tributes to keep them satisfied and unbothered.

Unlike those damnable ogres who not only slaughtered and enslaved centaurs but, in a few short years, caused a once-thriving tribe of seven hundred warriors to dwindle down to just over two hundred members.

Additionally, they treated centaurs as tools for venting and sold them as goods to merchants, an intolerable humiliation for the Centaur Tribe.

Yet the Centaur Tribe did not wish to be affiliated with a weak dragon, for that would mean spending too much time waiting for the dragon’s growth. The presence and posture of this Red Dragon greatly satisfied the centaurs.

Thus, Kali led the centaurs in kneeling on one knee before Karon, bowing and saying, ”Mighty Red Dragon, we, the Centaur Tribe, wish to submit to you as your loyal Beloveds, offering everything to please your spirit. Our only request is your protection and favor.”

Is it that straightforward? Still maintaining his pretense, Karon was a bit puzzled by how fast the Centaur Tribe kneeled. He anticipated needing a round of bargaining.

Unbeknownst to Karon, not only in the human world were looks important—across all creatures, physical appearance holds weight, especially in the wild lands beyond civilization. Without societal decorum, beings in the wilderness respond more openly. When one exhibits intimidating beauty, other creatures are more likely to harbor goodwill.

However, Karon did not hesitate, agreeing directly, ”I accept your request,” and the Red Dragon’s towering body relaxed into a crouch.

His dragon claw gently rested upon the head of the kneeling Centaur Leader, his thundering voice resonating in the ears of centaurs, ”And remember, my name is Karon Gogomola, but I prefer you to call me Karon!”

”Yes, Lord Karon, Master of the Centaur Tribe.”