novelraw Chapter 214 - 203: The Rougher the Storm, the Pricier the Fish
Chapter 214 - 203: The Rougher the Storm, the Pricier the Fish
"Even without accumulating heat energy to the peak, releasing it midway can still unleash considerable power."
The Red Iron Dragon landed on the top of Sword Cliff, its sharp claws piercing the rugged rocks. While overlooking the surrounding territory, it carefully recalled its previous experiences.
"However—"
He turned his gaze to the nearly cracked Cold Burst Scales, which could no longer withstand much attack, and thought to himself:
"—releasing the heat energy midway will cause damage to my Cold Burst Scales, reducing my ability to store heat energy afterward. Unless in special circumstances, this strike should be used when the Cold Burst Scales are completely worn out, and the heat energy is at its peak."
Galos had no doubts.
This strike could instantly obliterate the peak beneath his feet.
His strongest attack method right now was this Dragon Breath, enhanced and amplified after reaching peak heat energy, seemingly capable of destroying everything.
To differentiate it from the usual Flaming Dragon Breath, Galos named it the Destructive Dragon Breath.
"The mature Silver Dragon [Frost Scar] residing in the Border Area."
"If conflict arises, do I have a chance to win relying on the Destructive Dragon Breath?"
Galos considered the mature Silver Dragon as a hypothetical opponent, imagining the outcome of their battle.
A few seconds later, he shook his head slightly, not letting the arrogance of an Evil Dragon cloud his rationality.
He was confident about not being able to win.
It wasn’t just a slim chance; there was no chance at all.
The gap was too wide; the opponent was a Silver Dragon, not a White Dragon, already a formidable existence capable of defeating others of its level, and it surely had professional ranks.
"Why think about fighting beyond my level for no reason?"
"Dominating the weak from a position of strength is the true path."
"When faced with an existence far stronger than oneself, it’s best to either keep a distance early or find a way to turn it into a background support."
Galos mused.
Regarding the mature Silver Dragon residing in the Border Area, he leaned more towards the latter idea. Yet, the key lied with Red Silver Dragon Deborah, regrettably frightened away due to unchecked desires when awakening from slumber, and hasn’t returned yet.
"Should I seize the victory and eliminate other Wild Monster Lords?"
The Red Iron Dragon glanced at his Cold Burst Scales covered with deep cracks, feeling the depletion of some stamina and Dragon Qi, and slightly shook his head, abandoning the thought.
If he engaged in continuous battles,
he could potentially eliminate all the Wild Monster Lords in one breath, but his own depletion would be severe, leaving him lacking the confidence to handle unexpected events, increasing risks needlessly.
Moreover, he didn’t need to be in such a hurry.
After the slaughter by the Molten Iron Tribe, there were few remaining Wild Monster Lords in the Southwest.
After eliminating the Chimera, three remained, all relatively powerful entities.
One should not only be cautious when sensing danger; otherwise, when caught in an ambush, it’ll be too late. Galos felt it was better to be steady, hunting when in complete condition to avoid an unexpected failure.
With a shake of his Dragon Wings, Galos soared into the sky, returning to Dragon Valley.
The next day, when the morning light rose, a group of clans from the Molten Iron Tribe arrived at Sword Cliff to take over this fertile land.
This included two adult Two-legged Flying Dragons, nesting at the top of the towering Sword Cliff, developing this base into an outpost.
The Ignas Dragon Group’s territory in the Southwest added another piece.
Galos adjusted his state within Dragon Valley.
He engaged in relatively light training while summarizing his feelings during the previous battle with the Chimera.
Especially regarding his understanding of the Cold Burst Scales, and the use of his tail blade, Dragon Qi, and winged spear.
Meanwhile.
On the Estonian River.
The midday sun roasted the river surface, creating mist, while three deep-hulled merchant ships sailed along the riverbanks.
The merchant group crest at the ship’s prow faintly glittered in the light, resembling a shield.
They belonged to the Iron Shield Merchant Group.
It was a small merchant group.
They purchased various ores and resources from beasts, like claws and furs, at low prices from the Sel Wilderness and Border Area, and then sold them at high prices in the Southern Federation for profit.
The head of the merchant fleet was named Hammer.
He was a middle-aged man with simple clothing, appearing honest and straightforward, though occasionally, a shrewd glint flickered in his eyes, revealing an experienced merchant holding a certain status within the Iron Shield Merchant Group.
"Head, why didn’t we dock when we just passed the Insect-eating Clan?"
A low-ranking apprentice from the Iron Shield Merchant Group asked in a low voice, saying:
"We have fixed trade with the Insect-eating Clan, those Jackal-Wolf Folk are masters of dissection; beast pelts and claws... they always dissect them well."
The Insect-eating Clan.
Belonging to a Jackal Wolfman Clan in the Sel Wilderness, they had numerous trades with the Iron Shield Merchant Group.
But this time, the fleet didn’t stop for a moment when passing the river section where the Insect-eating Clan resided.
Hammer shook his head slightly and said:
"The value of various products isn’t fixed; a qualified merchant must know how to adapt according to market fluctuations."
He didn’t mind explaining a bit more to the apprentice, enjoying the other’s admiration.
After a pause, Hammer looked towards the south, saying: "Recently, the various countries of the Lothern Federation have drastically increased their demand for various metals and Magic Ores, purchasing them at high prices."
After the Funeral Bell of the Holy Kingdom ceased.
The Lothern Federation appeared calm, but the undercurrents were growing stronger.
Various ores capable of creating weapons, armor, War Golems, and alchemy weapons were being exuberantly purchased at prices higher than market rates, unable to meet the demand. Numerous alchemy factories received a flood of orders, continuously operating furnaces and production lines.
Merchants have keen senses.
Though no messages circulate publicly, preparing for possible conflict, countries continue to coexist peaceably; nevertheless, they sensed an air of danger, feeling uneasy.
A storm is brewing.
However, all water-based merchants understand one thing.
—The bigger the waves, the pricier the fish!
Now is an opportune time to transcend social classes.
"Our goal now is to return fully loaded with invaluable ores, making a substantial profit."
Hammer gathered his scattered thoughts and pleasantly told the apprentice.
"Get me a bottle of wine from the cabin."
Hammer instructed the apprentice.
Their destination was the Southeast of the Border Area.
Despite the goblins of the Golden Tooth Tribe being greedy, shameless, full of lies, and overly meticulous, Hammer was adept at dealing with them, nearly establishing a fixed trade route with the Golden Tooth Tribe.
"If everything goes smoothly, making several trips during this time, fully loaded each return."
"I will accumulate as much wealth in a short time as I would in several lifetimes."
Hammer thought, taking out a Gold Coin engraved with intricate patterns. Besides the exquisite designs, a sentence was inscribed in tiny letters.
[The essence of wealth is flow; stagnant Gold Coins are merely metal]
—This is the teaching of the Goddess of Wealth.
Hammer gently kissed the Gold Coin, silently praying to the Goddess of Wealth, hoping this voyage would return fully loaded, safely.
Deep down, he was not a believer in god, but that didn’t stop him from praying.