Hyperdimensional Player

Chapter 413 Dragon Knight - Duncan
In a quiet courtyard in Tavanton.

As the attendant opened the carriage door, the mature and elegant Lady Tylinya slowly stepped down from the carriage. Behind her was the beautiful and charming Sereneia Silverlight. She loved transforming into the form of an elf girl and was even more passionate about elven art. Upon seeing the elegantly decorated villa, she couldn't help but praise it.

"Miss."

"This is intelligence sent by the harpist scout."

A man resembling a human butler appeared. He had a pair of inconspicuous heterochromatic eyes and a strong magical aura.

Dragon Vein Sorcerer.

Humans improve their strength far faster than dragons, but dragons can live for a very long time as long as they don't do anything reckless, and they can become legendary powerhouses without much training. Therefore, powerful dragons are often surrounded by followers, mostly half-dragons, dragonborn, or of dragon lineage. Metal dragons have a vast network of connections; who knows how many powerful figures they have befriended over the long years.

The dragon's bloodline is exceptionally privileged.

Even if a dragon egg falls in the wild and is accidentally discovered by a kobold, hordes of kobolds will quickly migrate towards it, forming kobold tribes, and then advancing to kobold dragon vein sorcerers, kobold assault teams, and so on. As long as the dragon can hatch, even if they do nothing, the kobolds will flock to them and serve them like slaves.

Ms. Taelina took a look, her delicate brows furrowed, and handed it to Sereneia Silverlight beside her, saying softly, "It's related to the Church of the Dark Sun."

"The Santalin Society has also been very active recently."

The Santalite Order is an evil secret society whose current goal is to establish a monopoly on trade routes between the major towns of the Sea of ​​the Moon, the Sea of ​​Fallen Stars, and the Sword Coast, especially Waterdeep.

They also possess a powerful force near the Sea of ​​Fallen Stars.

These people have many enemies: the Seven Sisters, the Vale Alliance, the Kingdom of Cormier, the Harpists, and so on. But there are too many monsters and demons in the land of Faerûn, and they can't kill them all no matter what.

Sereneia Silverlight reached out and took the intelligence report. She glanced at it, her eyes narrowing slightly, and said softly, "There are rumors that there are unusual developments in the Shadow Dimension."

"The Shadow City of the Nether Empire may be making some moves."

"Evil is becoming increasingly active."

Two figures entered the quiet villa before them. Sereneia Silvershine looked at Ms. Taelinia, who was pouring tea for her, and said softly, "What do you think of Lord Duncan Starfall?"

"He doesn't seem as cold and rigid as the rumors suggest."

Duncan's existence has become known to many forces.

Or rather, if he didn't have his status within the Goddess Alliance, given his glorious record of slaying two chosen ones, he would already be courted by numerous divine churches. Without the support of these churches, a mortal's act of killing chosen ones would have already resulted in him being hunted down across the world.

There is practically no space for ordinary people to live independently in Faerun.

From birth, they are required to choose a faith, and mortals dare not even think about killing those favored by the gods. If they do not have other gods protecting them, the church, the gods' favorites, the chosen people, and even the incarnations of the gods will all swarm them.

This is a classic case of "beating the young and bringing in the old."

Ms. Talina pondered for a moment, then said softly, "Very strong."

"This does not match the image portrayed in the rumors."

"It's also possible that he has grown a lot during this period."

They also have their own intelligence network, and with the Pleasure Cult's leaky church system, they can't hide anything at all.

Sereneia Silverlight said softly, "Do you think he can handle Bloodflame Tyrant - Varesaks?"

Mentioning that ancient red dragon, a deep-seated hatred flashed in the elf's eyes.

The hatred between the silver dragon and the red dragon has a long history.

They were at a disadvantage most of the time, but fortunately, the Silver Dragon had a lot of allies.

Ms. Talina remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "I'm probably somewhat confident."

"However, he ignored Sergant's matter."

"We came here to slay the dragon."

"For what exactly?"

Given this man's status and position, power, beauty, and strength are all within easy reach. Is it really to eradicate evil and expand the church's influence?
Sereneia Silverlight also looked thoughtful and shook her head, saying, "I don't know."

"But judging from his demeanor today, it doesn't seem like he's putting on an act."

The Pleasure Cult might make a lot of noise but deliver little, but the Wealth Church is trustworthy, and besides, their supplies have already been delivered to the Kingdom of Cormier.

Ms. Tyrion hesitated and said, "If we can get rid of the Bloodflame Tyrant, the entire area around the Fallen Star Sea will be much more stable."

"He hopes we can lend a hand."

Sereneia Silverlight nodded and said, "Judging from his words, it seems he also needs a mount."

This was a slightly insulting term for an arrogant dragon.

However, considering the man's identity and strength, it wasn't so insulting. It all depends on the person. Some adventurers are arrogant and don't know their own strength, yet they want to become dragon knights. They'll just get crushed by the dragons.

The two 'women' exchanged a glance, both waiting for the other to speak.

Ms. Tyrell was somewhat tempted, because it was well known that the Church of Wealth was very rich, and Mr. Duncan seemed very generous.

Befriending such a person favored by God will be very helpful for the future.

This is no ordinary adventurer, not even an ordinary legendary expert. This is a leading figure from two major divine churches. Even dragons would have to set aside their arrogance in the face of this man.

He gave too much!

Sereneia-Silverlight, the elven girl in disguise, hesitated for a moment before whispering, "I can lend a hand."

"But whether or not to let him ride is something I need to consider carefully."

"After all, I'm not confident I can face an ancient red dragon in close combat."

However, with Sun Chaser Oren around, it wasn't that dangerous, but the golden dragon had never wanted to be a mount.

The leader of the Metal Dragons is that proud.

at this time.

Footsteps sounded outside the door, and then a man dressed as a butler entered, respectfully saying, "Madam. Lady Liana Flameheart has arrived."

"Lord Duncan sent some things over."

Ms. Taelina stood up, and Sereneia Silverlight, who was standing next to her, followed curiously.

soon.

Looking at everything before her, she couldn't help but gasp.

They really are rich and powerful.

There were two gifts here, one from the Church of Wealth and the other from Duncan himself. They consisted of expensive gold jewelry and exquisitely crafted elven artifacts. She couldn't help but glance at the gemstone brooch worn by Ms. Tyrell, which was most likely also a gift from Lord Duncan.

Befriend both dragons.

The future trade along the Golden Road will need their help to keep an eye on things. Of course, not to manage it, as we wouldn't trust that; we just hope they can help clear up the trade routes.

Give them some benefits normally, and when it really matters, a single breath of dragon fire from them can save the Wealth Church a lot of trouble.

Duncan has always been generous and willing to spend money.

Looking at the dazzling array of jewelry and gifts before her, Sereneia Silverlight couldn't help but say with a hint of sourness, "This Lord Duncan really spares no expense."

Even for an adult dragon, it would probably take many years to accumulate such wealth to enrich its lair.

Even dragons aren't that rich; their wealth is accumulated over time.

Lady Tyrenia's face flushed slightly, her eyes gleaming with golden light. She casually gestured to her servant to put the treasure away. Dragons are reluctant to share their treasures, even though she and Sereneia Silvershine are considered close 'best friends'.

This is not okay.

All mine.

She was starting to waver.

She gained so much from forming a friendship with this man that she felt she could even become one of the 'richer' dragons.

Sereneia Silverlight did not stay long and soon returned to her temporary residence.

When she returned to her residence, she immediately saw a group of servants. As if she had thought of something, she quickened her pace.

really.

She also received a gift from Lord Duncan, filled with gems favored by silver dragons, including a unique earring forged from mithril by an ancient elf. This single high-grade artifact was incredibly valuable, causing her to gasp inwardly. Was this man really that rich?

Could it be that he robbed the fortune of the goddess of wealth, Woking?

Inside Adam's residence.

Sara sat by the window, her expression enigmatic, and sized up Duncan before her, teasingly saying, "You really spared no expense."

"You've given away almost half a fleet with these three dragons."

Duncan mortgaged his merchant ship and used the gold coins dropped by the Great Mother of Bliss to gamble away so much that even Sara, one of the Five Fierce Women, was secretly surprised.

Across the desk, Duncan calmly poured himself a cup of tea and said lightly, "They can choose not to accept it."

"But once you've received the money, you have to do the work."

"No one can renege on my debt!"

Duncan's extravagance has one prerequisite: he must help take down that ancient red dragon. Only by taking it down can his investment today yield a sufficient return.

Sarala stared at the man before her and said in a low voice, "You really are a gambler."

Duncan smiled but said nothing.

It's unreasonable to expect people to work themselves to the bone but then refuse to pay them.

This is the beginning.

He will become more and more generous in the future.

Because once Lord Duncan's reputation for generosity spreads, he will be more likely to find truly powerful individuals willing to help him if he wants to venture into the abyss, and he will be willing to share the wealth of the Church of Wealth.

After this job, I'll never have to worry about money again!

Those truly powerful and legendary figures don't easily make people risk their lives, let alone plunge into the abyss. Duncan is just an appetizer now.

"We've already contacted the mage you're looking for."

Sara hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "But he has a little problem."

"I don't know if you can accept this?"

Ok?
A legendary mage? There's still a small problem.
Duncan looked up with a serious expression and said, "Tell me."

Sara said cautiously, "His name is Shadow Eater - Victor."

"I once studied at Candleburg."

"He is a very powerful mage, but it is rumored that he has a slight mental problem."

"He studies cloning."

"It is said that he has cloned many copies of himself."

"even……"

At this point, Sara observed Duncan's expression and said softly, "Some rumors say that the real him was killed by his clone."

"That's why he seems a bit crazy."

"However, this person is willing to do anything as long as you are willing to pay him."

Mad Mage.

This is not surprising, because there are too many mages in Faerûn who are a bit crazy or mentally unstable.

Duncan paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Bring someone over so I can take a look."

Mages are the hardest teammates to recruit.

Even the Church of Wealth is not so easily compelled to make legendary mages risk their lives.

But since we have it, let's use it.

If it doesn't work, replace it.

Sarala immediately nodded and said, "I'll make the arrangements."

Duncan was silent for a moment, and as Sarala left, he slowly said, "Send someone to contact the Red Mage."

"No need to be too deliberate, just see if there's a possibility of cooperation."

The Red Robe Masters belong to more than one school of thought.

Beyond the Necromancer school, there are also some legendary school leaders who, facing immense pressure from the Necromancer school's leader, would likely also need powerful and wealthy partners.

Sarala nodded thoughtfully and said, "I will make the arrangements."

This is about building a network of relationships.

In the past, having money but no connections made him easy to be looked down upon. Now that Duncan has established himself in the fold of two major churches, the contemptuous gaze will fade as his influence grows.

Once this ancient red dragon is killed, everyone will have to think twice.

Silent all night.

After Duncan spared no expense in paving the way, Tavanton finally assembled a relatively reliable legendary team.

Captain, Duncan Starfall.

Meat shield, Prince Assange, Adam.

Reverend Sarah Te Blonton.

Crowd control and damage output: Golden Dragon Sun Chaser - Oren, Bronze Dragon - Lady Taelinya, Silver Dragon - Sereneya.

And there's Victor, the Shadow Eater, whose arrival is uncertain.

Duncan gave up on using the Rogue to fix the Ancient Red Dragon's toes. Without a particularly powerful legendary Rogue, it would be difficult to make a significant difference. He had Shadow Dancer Kevin by his side, which was enough, at least the Shadow Dancer was less likely to die suddenly.

In addition, there was a group of high-level professionals, including members of the Purple Dragon Knights, as well as magic archers dispatched by the church.

Sarella even brought a dragon-slaying crossbow, but it needed to be assembled on the spot.

The scales of the ancient red dragon are extremely tough, and it is difficult for anyone other than a legendary expert to break through them. These are the only people who can truly fight it head-on.

The strength of a dragon increases exponentially with age. A young red dragon has a challenge level of 7, which requires a team of 5-6 two-star silver-gray adventurers to fight it to a draw. However, an adult red dragon's strength increases dramatically, requiring a team of four-star silver-gray high-level adventurers to possibly defeat it.

After adulthood, there are six age groups: prime, old age, extreme old age, ancient dragon, ancient dragon, and primordial dragon. Each leap represents a significant improvement.

The Ancient Red Dragon's challenge level is 23, which is basically the same as the Ancient Red Dragon's level 24, meaning that a team of at least five-star Silver Gray Legendary powerhouses would be needed to defeat it.

In contrast, the demon lords of the Abyss, when projected into the material plane, have a challenge level of only 20 for the Minotaur King Buffyment, 21 for the Deceitful Monarch Frazeru, and 20 for the Gnoll King Yenogu. Even the Demon Prince Demogorgon, the Wind Demon King Pazuzu, and the Succubus Queen Mecanshout, among others, only have a challenge level of around 22.

It's not even as good as a powerful ancient red dragon.

If Duncan can defeat the Ancient Red Dragon, he can defeat the demonic incarnation of the Dark Lord Grazt.

The legendary lineup he assembled was nothing short of spectacular.

Duncan is used to going all out in battle, and it would be best if no one died this time, because too many deaths would affect his future plans. Most military victories throughout history have been achieved through overwhelming strength. Even when a smaller force defeats a larger one, it is usually by concentrating local advantages to overwhelm the enemy.

This victory made him famous, and if there are no major casualties, even more people will be willing to follow Duncan in the future.

The instinct to seek advantage and avoid harm is inherent in all living things.

Whether you're an ordinary soldier or a legendary warrior, everyone wants to follow a leader who can win glorious victories, but a single crushing defeat can wipe out most of your accumulated wealth.

With the core players from two major cults at his disposal, Duncan is now playing a game of strategy, snowballing his influence until he can launch a massive invasion.

The stronger the connection, the more famous the legend, and the easier it will be to be deified in the future.

The kingdom of Faerûn is full of bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong, including those high and mighty gods. Duncan's entire record will be the capital to intimidate them during the future godhood ceremony.

If you don't become a god here, you'll never be qualified to sit at the card table.

………………

(End of this chapter)