Evil Red Dragon

The two demons, Gru and Gronn, quickly arrived, both kneeling on one knee with their right hands on the ground.

"Good day, Master. What are your orders?"

Alector cut straight to the point:

"We haven't been able to find the kobolds and gnolls lately, and now we know why... it's not near Red Peak Territory."

He took a map out of his dimensional bag and used magic to float it to Gru's front.

Gru caught it carefully:

"What's wrong, Master?"

"Open it."

Gru pinched a corner of the map and slowly unfolded it.

The map was so large that Gru had to stretch his arms to their maximum to barely fully deploy it.

The map depicts the terrain of Greystone Town and its surroundings, with the outlines of mountains, rivers, and forests clearly visible.

But what really caught their attention were the hundreds of small markers scattered across the map.

Some markings depict simple kobold figures, while others show jackals.

These markers are scattered around the town of Graystone, mostly in the southeast direction of the map, at least 180 miles away from Chifeng.

"This is the map I bought in Greystone Town."

Alector's gaze slid across the map:

"There are three abandoned mines on the east bank of the Black Crow River, all inhabited by kobolds, and further south there are two gnoll tribes."

His gaze continued to move:

"Further afield, in the hilly area northwest of Greystone Town, there are at least five kobold settlements."

"These places are all low-level safe zones, far away from high-level magical beasts and also far away from the main areas of human activity."

Goron got up and leaned closer to the map, looking at the markings:

"No wonder we searched for so long and didn't see a single kobold. They were hiding in these corners."

After examining it closely, he frowned and said:

"It's not close. The nearest kobold tribe is 180 miles away, and it would take 3 or 4 days to go back and forth. Moreover, with such a scattered population, it will be very troublesome to capture them."

"It is precisely because it is dispersed that it is easier to get started."

Alecto said calmly:

"These kobolds and gnolls have been regularly cleared out by humans. Most of them are small tribes, and the largest kobold tribe has no more than two hundred members."

"They lack organization and are weak in combat. Faced with a well-prepared search team, they are completely unable to resist."

"You two select 20 trolls, 30 orcs, and 5 shamans to form a search party of 55. That's enough to handle most emergencies."

The two demons spoke in unison:

"Yes, Master. When shall we depart?"

"The sooner the better, let's start with the mines by the Black Crow River."

At this moment, Gru spoke up and asked:

"Master, what should we do with them after we capture them? The camp probably doesn't have enough space."

Alekto said:

"Just bring them to me, they'll take care of the rest themselves."

He added:

"Try to capture kobolds alive. If gnolls resist fiercely, kill them. Do not take any that are injured."

Gru and Goron responded in unison:

"clear."

"There's one more thing."

Alecto's eyes suddenly sharpened:

"This operation may encounter other forces. Graystone Town is far away, and there are always adventurers and mercenaries wandering around nearby."

"If you encounter humans along the way, try to avoid conflict, but if they attack you first and try to follow you back to Chifeng..."

"Kill without mercy."

The two demons felt a chill run down their spines and nodded simultaneously.

Alecto waved his claws:

"Go."

Gru and Goron bowed and withdrew.

After leaving the dragon's lair, the two demons walked side by side toward the camp.

Goron couldn't help but speak up:

"20 trolls, 30 orcs, plus 5 shaman apprentices, looks like this time they're serious."

Gru nodded:

"Kobolds are really useful to us. We can't find any iron in our territory now, and my mace is about to rust."

"What about the gnolls?"

Goron continued:

"Those guys are vicious and cunning; even if we capture them, they won't be easy to tame."

"The master has his own plans."

Gru said:

"Moreover, gnolls are much stronger than kobolds in combat. If they are tamed, they can be incorporated into the fighting force and serve as the vanguard in battle."

Gru was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked:

"Gorlon, have you ever captured kobolds before?"

Goron grinned:

"Of course I've caught them. Those little creatures are very timid. As long as you show enough strength, they will obediently follow your lead."

"However, you have to be careful of their digging ability; they can easily burrow underground and escape if you're not careful."

"I've killed quite a few gnolls."

Goron clenched his fist:

"Those guys like to travel in groups, with leaders in charge. To capture them alive, you have to subdue the leader first."

The two demons walked and discussed the details of the search team.

Upon arriving at the camp, Gru immediately summoned the trolls.

Twenty of the strongest trolls were selected, including three dragonborn: Rag, Mog, and Ug.

Gronn returned to the orc camp and selected 30 experienced warriors, 4 young orcs skilled in support spells from among the shaman apprentices, and Kargath.

As night fell, the two teams assembled in the open space in the center of the camp.

Gru stood at the front of the group, his voice booming:

"We will obey our master's orders and go to capture the kobolds!"

"Everyone, check your equipment and make sure you have enough rope and dry rations!"

Goron then roared:

"Remember, this mission requires you to capture them alive! Be careful not to kill them! Shaman apprentices, prepare binding spells!"

The campsite was bustling with activity.

The trolls sharpened their weapons, and the orcs packed their bags and checked their ropes.

Kula, in a wheelchair, was pushed to the side of the open space.

He looked at the busy soldiers, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

"Kula, do you have any suggestions?"

Gru walked over and asked.

Kula pondered for a moment:

"Kobolds are afraid of light and mostly hide in caves during the day. You'd better arrive at the target area at dawn and launch a surprise attack while they are still sleeping."

"The same goes for gnolls; they are active at night and rest during the day. To capture a gnoll, you must choose midday, when the sun is strongest."

Goron nodded and noted it down:

"Anything else?"

"Kobolds worship dragons."

Kula added:

"If you encounter fierce resistance, you can try to intimidate them with the dragon's might within you. Although it is not as powerful as your master's, it is enough. Tell them that it is the great red dragon who has summoned them."

Gru's eyes lit up:

"That's a good idea."

Preparations continued late into the night.

Only after the last bundle of rope was packed and packaged did the soldiers return to their barracks to rest.

Gru and Goron did not sleep.

The two demons sat by the campfire, studying the map by its light, guided by Kula's instructions.

The route from Chifeng to Heiyahe is clearly marked on the map.

"We are familiar with this route."

Goron suddenly said:

"I took a similar route when I went to Graystone Town to trade last time, but this time I might have to change the route later on."

"And crossing the river is a problem."

He frowned:

"The Black Crow River is swift and wide, and crossing it with a large number of prisoners will be very difficult."

Kula said:

"Trolls are strong, so we can pull them over directly. Shaman apprentices can also use the Lightness spell to assist them."

The three demons meticulously considered every detail of the operation.

As dawn broke in the east, the search team had already assembled in the center of the camp.

"Set off!"

The search party left Chifeng Territory and headed southeast.

The morning mist in the forest had not yet dissipated, and the air was filled with the smell of earth and decaying leaves.

The procession moved quietly, with only the sound of footsteps and occasional hushed conversations.

Several dragonborn, including Gru, led the way, using their powerful physical attributes to clear the path.

Goron stayed behind, wary of possible sneak attacks from the rear.

The shaman apprentices walked in the middle of the procession, under tight protection.

They took turns casting Lightness and Swiftness spells on the group to increase its speed.

Thanks to their tireless efforts, the search team's speed roughly doubled.

Several days later.

"We're almost at Black Crow River."

"Gru said in a low voice."

The search team's journey went smoothly, and they did not encounter any humans along the way.

Goron quickly stepped forward from the back of the group and stood shoulder to shoulder with Gru:

"According to the map, the first mine is not far away. Kula said that a raid at dawn would be most effective, and it's just getting light now, so the timing is perfect."

Gru nodded and turned to make a gesture to the team.

The trolls and orcs immediately slowed their pace and gripped their weapons.

The group quietly passed through the last patch of woodland, and the Black Crow River came into view.

"Crossing the river."

The trolls were the first to step into the river, their strong bodies allowing them to stand firmly in the swift current.

The orcs followed closely behind, with the shaman apprentices protected in the middle.

Thanks to the Lightness Technique, the team crossed the river much faster than expected.

In less than 10 minutes, the entire search team reached the riverbank.

Gru unfolded the map and compared it with the surrounding terrain:

"The first mine should be less than two miles to the north, the smallest one to the west, with only about a hundred kobolds."

"Mog, you take five trolls and flank from the left. Ug, you take five from the right. Rag and I will charge in from the front."

"Goron, you and the orcs guard all the exits. Don't let a single one escape."

"clear."

The group dispersed again, moving towards the mine like a slowly closing net.

The outline of a mountain appeared ahead.

The mine entrance is hidden in a depression, with the opening partially obscured by weeds and vines.

There were also traces of kobold activity nearby.

Messy footprints, discarded bone artifacts... there really are kobolds here.

Gru signaled for the group to stop.

The kobold was still sleeping.

"Shaman, prepare the binding spell."

"Gru said in a low voice."

"Check equipment, prepare ropes, and aim to capture the enemy alive if possible. If there is fierce resistance, killing is permitted."

The soldiers nodded silently.

The five shaman apprentices began chanting.

Gru gripped his spiked club tightly.

"Rush!"

Gru rushed into the mine first, followed closely by the troll.

The cave was completely dark, but it posed no obstacle to the trolls who possessed dark vision.

The mine was more spacious than I had imagined.

The main tunnel is about 7 meters high and wide enough for two mine cars to pass side by side.

There are countless branching alleys on both sides, extending into the depths like a maze.

Traces of kobold life were scattered on the ground, and there were simple murals on the walls painted with mineral powder, mostly dragon-shaped patterns worshipped by the kobolds.

A rustling sound came from ahead.

Several kobolds emerged from the side alley.

They were less than 1.5 meters tall, skinny, covered in reddish-brown scales, with heads that looked like dogs, protruding snouts, pointed ears that stood up, and holding stone spears in their hands.

The kobolds were stunned by the sudden appearance of the trolls and orcs.

The next second, screams rang out.

"Intruders!"

More kobolds poured out of the alleyway.

20, 50... In the blink of an eye, the main alley was crowded with kobolds.

They brandished stone spears and bone clubs, emitting threatening hisses.

But their courage was soon replaced by fear.

Because Gru unleashed the dragon's might.

Although not as pure as Alekto's, the dragon blood flowing through Gru's body still exuded a pressure that inspired instinctive awe in the kobolds.

The kobolds at the forefront suddenly froze, their weapons clattering to the ground.

"Kneel, kneel down..."

An old kobold cried out in a trembling voice:

"It's a dragon, the dragon's might..."

The group of people with dog heads started to stir.

Some of the kobolds lay prostrate on the ground, while others turned and tried to escape.

Gru wouldn't let this opportunity slip by, and immediately roared:

"Don't move! The great Red Dragon summons you! Those who resist will die!"

This statement had an unexpected effect.

Many kobolds froze upon hearing the words "red dragon."

Kobolds are born to worship dragons and have an instinctive awe of their might.

"Shaman!"

"Gru shouted."

Five beams of green light shot out, spreading out in the air to form a huge magical net that covered most of the cave.

The dog-headed man, now covered, instantly felt his limbs become heavy and could hardly move.

"Tie him up!"

Gronn led the orcs like tigers into a flock of sheep, charging into the kobolds' ranks. They moved swiftly, using the ropes they had brought to bind the kobolds one by one.

The kobolds offered very little resistance; those who tried to fight back were knocked unconscious with a light tap.

The troll grabbed the kobold by the back of the neck with his large hands, lifted him up like a chicken, and tied his hands with rope.

The trolls are brutal but more efficient, often able to subdue two or three kobolds at once.

The entire arrest process went surprisingly smoothly.

In less than an hour, all 103 kobolds inside the mine were subdued and tied together with ropes.

Only three tried to escape in the chaos, but were caught red-handed by the orcs waiting outside.

After counting the prisoners, Goron walked over to Gru:

"They've all been captured, no casualties. Only a few kobolds sustained minor injuries while struggling. Should we dispose of them as instructed by our master?"

Gru looked at the kobolds with broken forepaws and shook his head:

"Bring them along. The owner said not to bring any injured ones, meaning serious injuries would affect their ability to walk. Minor injuries are fine; they will recover on their own."

"Understood."

"Line them up and get ready to head to the next mine."

Gru looked at the sky:

"We're faster than expected; we should be able to secure the second one before noon."

The second mine is located about 50 miles southwest of the first, and it is larger in scale.

With the experience gained the first time, they became more skilled in their actions.

It was nearly noon when they arrived at the second mine, where most of the kobolds were resting.

Kula's intelligence was accurate; these creatures are indeed photophobic and rarely venture out during the day.

The tactics are still effective.

Gru's dragon roar and the announcement of the red dragon's summons caused most of the kobolds to give up resistance.

A few fierce ones tried to resist, but it was futile against the trolls' overwhelming power.

The shaman apprentice's binding spell this time covered a larger area, enveloping the entire main cave.

However, an unexpected incident occurred this time.

Just as the capture was nearing its end, a commotion suddenly erupted from deep within the cave.

About 20 kobolds rushed out of a hidden tunnel, their eyes glowing with an abnormal red light, clearly in some kind of berserk state.

They wielded poisoned short spears and hurled them continuously.

"Watch out for the poisoned spears!"

Goron roared and charged forward, swinging his battle axe.

The orcs reacted quickly, using their shields to block the first wave of projectiles.

The poisoned spear was embedded in the wooden shield, its tip gleaming with an eerie purple hue.

Gru frowned and charged directly at the group of berserk kobolds.

The spiked club swept across, and the three kobolds exploded, the red and white ones crashing into the rock wall, creating a large splatter.

But even more berserk kobolds charged forward fearlessly.

"Shaman! Tranquility!"

Goron shouted.

Kargath immediately changed his chant, and a gentle, soothing aura spread out from him.

The berserk kobolds swept by the ripples moved noticeably slower, and the red light in their eyes dimmed.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the trolls and orcs swarmed forward and quickly subdued the troublesome group.

The battle ended quickly; all 10 berserk kobolds were tied up, but two orcs in the search party were grazed by poison spears.

"The toxicity is not fatal, but it can cause paralysis."

After examining the wound, Kargas said:

"It can be handled."

He began to treat the wounded orc, a pale green healing light covering the wounds, and the purplish-black toxins were gradually forced out.

Goron finished counting the prisoners:

"127, plus the 10 that went berserk, for a total of 137."

Gru nodded:

"Tie them up and rejoin the first batch. Watch out for those that have gone berserk; tie them up separately with extra ropes."

"clear."

After the two groups of prisoners joined together, the group grew to a large size.

More than 200 kobolds were divided into several groups and escorted by trolls and orcs.

The marching speed of the group slowed down significantly.

"At this rate, we might not make it to the third mine today."

Goron said, looking at the setting sun.

Gru unfolds a map study:

"The third mine is at the far east, about 60 miles from here. And that's the largest tribe there, with about 200 kobolds. It would be disadvantageous to attack after dark."

"Set up camp here?"

Gru thought for a moment, then shook his head:

"No, keep moving forward and set up camp about 10 miles from the third mine. Launch a surprise attack at dawn tomorrow."

"Keep a close watch tonight. These kobolds are behaving themselves now, but they might escape under the cover of night."

Before nightfall, the search team set up camp in a clearing in the woods.

The prisoners were gathered in the center of the camp and guarded by 20 orcs in shifts.

The trolls stood guard around the perimeter of the camp.

Late at night, Gru and Goron sat by the campfire, discussing tactics for tomorrow's attack on the largest mine.

"This mine has a more complex structure."

Goron pointed to the annotation Kula had added to the map:

"There are three known exits, and possibly hidden ventilation shafts. Moreover, the kobolds are numerous, so they might put up a stronger resistance."

"Let's use the old method."

Gru said:

"Use the dragon's might to intimidate us, announce the red dragon's summons, and subdue it quickly. But this time, we need to divide into more teams to ensure all exits are blocked, otherwise many will escape."

"Should we leave some men to guard the existing prisoners?"

Gru thought for a moment:

"Leave 10 trolls behind, and the rest will all participate in the attack tomorrow. Let's finish this quickly."