Evil Red Dragon

As the morning mist began to rise, the hunting party returned to camp, their feet glistening with dew.

The hunt was a failure. They wandered around for seven days but caught very little prey. The meat they caught wasn't even enough to sustain the tribe for two days.

Something is better than nothing.

Gru sat down wearily, waved to his tribesmen, and gestured for them to distribute the food.

At first, he wandered around the territory, trying to find the argali and woolly cattle that had escaped, but he couldn't find them.

He was also puzzled. Where had all the argali and woolly cattle that had escaped gone? He couldn't find them no matter what he tried...

Later, Gru vaguely guessed that they might have been swept away by the beast tide to a more distant place.

Goron walked through the crowd toward him.

"Gru, how's it outside?"

Gru gazed at the distant mountains and muttered:

"Outside? The temperature outside Chifeng changes drastically every day. The magical beasts seem to have vanished. We have to go to great lengths to find them each time, and their numbers are pitifully small..."

He muttered to himself again:

"Winter is approaching. With the Dragon Realm and lava around, we don't need to worry about the cold at our camp, but what about food? Once winter arrives, those magical beasts will roam everywhere in search of food, making hibernation even more troublesome..."

Goron walked over to Gru, knelt down on one knee, and said in a low voice:

"That's why we have to think of another way. Kula woke up, and although he was still very weak, he made a suggestion."

Gru's ears twitched slightly, and he turned to look at Goron:

"suggestion?"

"Go and trade with humans."

"Goron said in a deep voice, while pulling a rolled-up map from his pocket:"

"We'll trade the monster materials and pelts we've collected for their food and medicine."

Gru frowned, his expression showing resistance.

But before he could speak, Goron quickly unfolded the map.

The map was drawn with ink on paper. Although the lines were rough, the outlines of mountains, rivers and forests were still faintly discernible.

This is a map that Alector made based on items found in the captured goods.

Goron's thick fingers pointed to a striking red mark in the center of the map, where a simple mountain peak was drawn, with the words "Red Peak" written in Common Language next to it.

"This is our location."

His finger then moved southeast, tracing a wavy line representing a forest, crossing a double line symbolizing a river, passing over a large plain, and finally stopping at a location marked with the words "Greystone Town" next to it.

"I remember the map left by the owner very clearly."

Goron explained:

"Starting from Chifeng, head southeast through the forest, cross the Black Crow River, and follow the road until you reach Graystone Town."

"Kula estimated that, given our physical strength and speed, the round trip would only take a little over a month."

Gru's gaze swept back and forth across the map, and he remained silent for a moment.

He had to admit that the current hunting difficulties and the looming winter made any means of obtaining food extremely tempting.

However, he also understood that dealing with humans was equally risky.

"Can humans be trusted? They just attacked our territory recently..."

"I asked in a deep, muffled voice."

After all, all intelligent races have the impression that humans are cunning and unpredictable, even trolls.

After all, in ancient times, humans ended the Orc and Dwarf Empires by betraying their promises, and incidentally tricked the rising Elves, thus becoming the overlords of this era.

If it weren't for the later internal divisions within humanity, they would have unified the world long ago. Unfortunately, the elves, after recovering, united with the dwarves and various powerful intelligent races, halting humanity's expansion.

That world war lasted for thousands of years, with all three sides betting their futures on it.

Legends fell, demigods perished, and after a long war, humans, elves, and dwarves forged an alliance, vowing never to invade each other and to support one another.

And so, the world enjoyed peace for thousands of years, a peace that continues to this day.

What about the orcs?

Because of the orcs' extremely warlike nature, their rule was exceptionally brutal and bloody. As soon as the orc empire collapsed, they were suppressed and purged by their former enemies.

Their main enemies include dwarves, elves, and humans...

Orcs are like rats in the street, hated by everyone. Anyone who sees them will kick them. It's a miracle they haven't been wiped out.

There have even been instances in history where, while the elves, dwarves, and humans were locked in a fierce battle, the orcs secretly gathered and attempted to rebuild their kingdom. As a result, the three parties temporarily ceased hostilities, tacitly agreeing to send troops to wipe out the orc kingdom, before resuming their life-or-death struggle...

Closer to home.

At this moment, Goron also shook his head and said:

"I didn't say they were trustworthy, but Kula believes we can manage the risks."

His suggestion was to send only a small elite force, disguised as nomadic orcs—you know this isn't uncommon in border regions—carrying only some goods to probe the area...

Most importantly, we must never reveal where we come from, nor expose the specific location or true strength of our territory.

Once the transaction is complete, return immediately.

Even if they have ill intentions, the loss would only be a small team of people and goods.

Gru fell silent, tapping incessantly on the wooden board, producing a dull thud.

The increasingly gaunt faces in the camp floated before his eyes.

The pressure to survive is weighing on them.

"Does Kula have a concrete plan?"

Gru finally asked, which was tantamount to giving preliminary approval to Kula's proposal.

Goron put away the map and stood up:

He said, "If you agree, we can go to him together to discuss it in detail."

We need to determine the personnel, the route, how to disguise ourselves, the cargo manifest, and the contingency plan in case of an incident.

Gru also stood up and dusted himself off:

"Let's go then. It seems we have no choice but to take this risk."

The two demons walked side by side toward the house where Kula was.

The wind whips up fallen leaves from the ground, signaling the approaching harsh winter.

The map that depicted the paths to human towns became the faint ray of light sustaining their survival this winter.

The house in Kula was filled with a strong smell of herbs.

He leaned against a wooden couch padded with thick animal hides, his face horribly pale, his hands and right leg hanging limply, wrapped in blood-soaked strips of cloth around his wounds.

But his eyes were unusually bright, and he nodded slightly as Gru and Goron entered.

"As you all know, time is of the essence, and we must finalize the details immediately."

Gru sat down inside the room and said in a deep voice:

"Tell me, what's the plan?"

Kula gestured for Goron to unfold the map and place it on the wooden table.

"First, the selection of personnel is crucial. The team cannot be too large, otherwise it will attract attention, but it also cannot be too small, otherwise it will be unable to carry enough goods and ensure safety."

I suggest ten warriors: six orc warriors and four troll warriors. The orcs will be responsible for trading with the humans, and the trolls, being strong, can carry more food.

"Where's the captain?"

Gru frowned.

"It would be best if Gronn took on the role, as he is familiar with it, and a dragonborn troll should also go with him."

Kula looked at Gru:

"You can't leave the territory, but Mog and the others can. They can handle complicated situations and are strong enough to lead a breakout in case of emergencies. I also recommend a shaman apprentice to go with them."

As he spoke, he turned to Goron:

"Kargas is a clever boy. He knows some Common Tongue and can cast simple healing and disguise support spells."

Goron pondered for a moment, then nodded:

"Kargas is indeed capable. His father was the best hunter in the tribe, and he has experience in tracking and counter-tracking."

Seeing that Goron did not object, Kula continued:

"Secondly, there are the goods: the complete level two and three magical beast pelts in the warehouse, the processed animal horns, some common low-level magical herbs... These are all hard currency in human towns, easy to sell, and their origin is not easily traced."

He coughed a few times, and Goron quickly handed him a bowl of water.

Kula took a small sip, caught his breath for a moment, and then said:

"And there's the disguise. The team has to pretend to be the remnants of a broken tribe from the west, separated due to internal strife and monster attacks, and now just want to trade for some food and medicine to get through the winter..."

When making a transaction, try to sell in smaller batches rather than taking out all the goods at once to avoid attracting attention.

Prioritize exchanging for durable grains, hard bread, dried meat, beans, and salt. For medicine, mainly ointments and solutions for treating external injuries and common ailments. If possible, exchange for some tools.

Gru listened intently, then suddenly asked:

"What if humans track us after making a transaction?"

A cold glint flashed in Kula's eyes:

"This is the final contingency plan. Before setting off, everyone must memorize the evacuation route."

After the transaction is completed, leave the area of ​​Graystone Town immediately and do not linger.

If you discover you are being followed, do not return directly to Chifeng. Instead, detour in other directions and use the terrain to shake them off. If necessary, eliminate the pursuers and clean up the mess.

If the team has not returned by the scheduled date and no message has been sent back...

He looked at Gru and Goron:

"Assume they have failed, and you must prepare to fight back."

A brief silence fell over the room.

The plan is not perfect and is full of variables and risks, but it is currently the only way out.

How exactly are the candidates selected?

Goron broke the silence.

Gru pondered:

"As for the trolls, Ragnarok will lead Mog and Ugg, along with a level three warrior. Hmm... what about the orcs?"

Goron couldn't help but glance at him; Gru had almost sent out all the dragonborn trolls:

"We'll do it the same way as before, with me leading the team, along with Batu and Bren. They're both level three warriors who have traded with me before and are very experienced."

Kula nodded: "Okay."

He then looked at Gru:

"Gru, you need to get Rag and the others to listen to Goron."

Gru nodded: "I know what to do."

"Then go and prepare. Gather all the goods, the necessary bags, and take the dimensional bag left by the master with you. Although it only has one square meter of space, it can maintain the quality of the magical plants."

Goron clenched his fist: "I'll go arrange it right away."

Gru also stood up and took one last look at the map:

"For our master, and for ourselves."

Thanks to the beast tide, they had plenty of low-level monster pelts, and the goods were quickly selected.

Hundreds of processed pelts, two bundles of dried herbs, and some low-level magical plants packed into dimensional bags.

Rag, Mog, Ug, Batu, Bren, and Kargath were gathered together.

Kargath was a young orc with a pair of bright eyes on his youthful face. At this moment, he was both nervous and excited.

As Gru gave his final instructions to Rag and the others, he handed Rag a small piece of his own shed scale.

"Hide it close to your body and infuse it with magic. I can vaguely sense it from a certain distance. Remember to activate it when you return to your territory."

Goron then patted Batu and Bren on the shoulder:

"Keep your eyes peeled this time!"

Kargath repeatedly reviewed the common language that Kula had taught him and examined his spellcasting materials.

They changed into worn-out leather armor and clothing that they found in the warehouse, without any markings, and their weapons were also treated, deliberately made to be rusty.

Each person carried a bulging knapsack containing goods, their own provisions, and a water bag.

On the eve of their departure, Kula called Goron to her bedside alone.

"Gorlon, your journey here is not just about trading; you must carefully observe Greystone Town."

How high are its walls? How many guards are there? Rumors circulated in the city, especially any whispers about the scout team that Gru had mentioned.

Also, remember the human demand for monster materials, their prices, the types of goods commonly found on the market… and tell me all of this when you get back.”

Goron nodded solemnly: "I understand."

"And also, in the unlikely event... I mean, in the unlikely event that you are exposed and trapped, you must not lure the enemy home by any means necessary! This is a death order!"

Goron gave a heavy "hmm".

He's already made a mistake once; this time, even if he dies, he'll die outside.

At dawn, a fine drizzle began to fall from the sky.

At the exit of the mountain pass on the southeast side of Chifeng, ten figures bid farewell to those who remained behind.

Gru watched them leave and said in a deep voice:

"Bring back food!"

Goron didn't speak, but simply nodded to Gru.

He took one last look at the faintly visible Red Peak, then turned and said, "Let's go."

The group quickly disappeared into the misty forest.

Deep within the magma, Alector's body was slowly repairing itself.

The horrific wound on his abdomen had mostly healed, and the new scales were a tender red, much brighter than the surrounding scales.

A massive amount of energy circulates within him, propelling him into a new stage of growth.

But the bigger change is happening at the level of consciousness.

His library of consciousness is expanding at an astonishing rate.

Although most of the inherited memories consist of those red dragons talking incessantly, recounting how powerful they were, how they single-handedly destroyed a fortress, crushed an entire army, fought to the death with ancient Titans and legendary heroes, how incredibly wealthy they were, and how their treasures blotted out the sky...

Even excluding these, new bookshelves still take shape every day, with hundreds of points of light floating on each shelf.

Alecto stood in the center of the library in human form, focused on his research into contract magic.

This is probably a set of knowledge that most red dragons consider useless techniques.

For proud red dragons, forcing other creatures to pledge allegiance is a matter of course; why bother with complicated contracts? Besides, they never abide by any so-called contracts.

"Blood pact, soul pact, slavery pact, equality pact, master-servant pact... I didn't know there were so many kinds."

Alecto scanned each point of light, quickly processing the information within them.

He paid particular attention to the distinction between equal contracts and master-servant contracts.

The former requires the consent of both parties, has weaker binding force but lower risk of backlash.

The latter can be imposed by force, but if the servant's strength increases too quickly, it is very likely to turn against its master.

Write it down... He will make them shine and generate heat sooner or later.