Chapter 25: Humans and Giant Dragons

Cassius, relying on his night vision, steadily walked out of the mine, only to find that people had not yet run far.

The recent battle, though perilous, had not actually taken much time.

And it took ordinary humans a lot of time to emerge from the deep mine, especially in such chaotic circumstances.

Jin Ya greeted him at the entrance, bending dramatically, "My great master, your strength is unstoppable, even the mightiest monsters cannot withstand your flames."

And those humans, watching from a distance the blood-covered Red Dragon emerging from the cave, each looked terrified.

The monster in the mine was already so terrifying, to what extent then, was this dragon that could possibly defeat such a monster?

They used their last bit of strength, desperately fleeing.

Many had already been devoured by the monster in the mine, and others were killed by falling rocks within it.

Originally, over a hundred people had entered the cave; now, only about fifty managed to escape, the rest forever buried in that dark, deep mine.

Jin Ya approached ingratiatingly, asking, "My great master, I wonder how you plan to deal with... these despicable humans?"

A sly look flashed across the Gnoll's eyes.

It had once been enslaved by humans, and now the opportunity for revenge had come.

"I have my plans."

The Red Dragon, unconcerned, simply struggled to flap its wings, rising into the air, and followed the crowd.

The crowd was in uproar, utterly terrified. They ran even harder.

But how could the speed of running match that of flying?

Soon, the shadow of the Red Dragon enveloped the panic-stricken crowd.

However, the people didn't receive the flames, claws, or gaping jaws they had expected.

"Humans, you have invaded the territory of Ashen Nest."

"But the merciful Red Dragon is willing to forgive your faults."

"This time, I will only mete out the deserved punishment to the chief culprits."

And the Red Dragon swooped down, skimming the ground, only seizing the most conspicuous one in armor—Hart.

Then he flew back to the mouth of the cave.

The recently seized Hart was violently thrown to the ground, momentarily kneeling, not daring to stand up, trembling with fear: "Great, Great Dragon, I was wrong."

"No no no, eat me not, I, I taste terrible."

The once arrogant and domineering Slave Trader now trembled in fear.

Cassius looked down at him from above, and found that this Hart was actually a Level Three warrior; he feigned anger, "Who gave you the courage—to invade the territory of Ashen Nest, to steal the dragon's gold?"

In the Red Dragon's shameless propaganda, the gold mine had already become his possession.

The nearby Gnoll, seeing the former slave owner now in such a sorry state, secretly relished it and couldn't help but intimidate, "You're just a despicable human, daring to invade the great dragon's property, enslaving the dragon's people, your only fate is to be torn to pieces!"

Hearing the words "torn to pieces," Hart immediately collapsed on the ground in terror.

His face covered in snot and tears, he kept babbling, "It wasn't me, it was, someone else told me to do it, someone else sent me here."

Hearing there was someone behind him, Cassius grew interested.

"Who?"

"Tell me the name of that thief."

Hart, sensing a hope for survival, immediately grasped at this lifeline, not hesitating in his response.

"Baron Todd!"

"Todd Rackman!"

Hearing this, Cassius grew even more interested, and asked:

"From the Rackman Family?"

"The so-called Northwind Eagle, the ruler of Northwind Castle?"

Hart nodded repeatedly, eager to respond, his tone so sincere in this life-threatening moment.

"Yes, yes, yes, Great Dragon, it is that Rackman."

Hart knelt on the ground, carefully lifting his head, tears streaming down.

"Great Dragon, you must seek justice for me!"

"It was Baron Todd who controlled me with his evil spell, threatening me with the lives of my family, forcing me to obey his commands and thus I ended up infringing upon your property."

Now that things had come to this point, Hart no longer cared about so-called loyalty; surviving was most important, and he was ready to pin any blame on the baron.

"How interesting."

As far as he knew, the old Duke of the Rackman Family was a vampire, and his offspring had mostly become derivatives or new vampires, and this so-called Baron Todd was very likely a vampire too—this could be his opportunity to gain intelligence on Northwind Castle.

Red Dragon smirked, "This Baron Todd you speak of, where is he now?"

Hart was briefly stunned, then hurriedly replied, "Great Dragon, I can take you to him, he must compensate you for the losses."

A perfect guide.

"Good, but we'll have to wait a moment."

Red Dragon grabbed the human, flapped its wings again, and headed straight for the Ashen Nest.

...

Ashen Nest.

Cassius was still welcomed by the wyvern as he descended.

Only this time, his numerous wounds caused all kinds of speculation among his retainers about who could have injured him so badly; though at that moment no one dared to comment, afraid to anger the wounded Red Dragon.

Great Goblin Dolores also came to the entrance with a troop of Worgs Cavalry, his face eager to please,

Red Dragon casually tossed Hart in front of the Great Goblin, saying, "Keep an eye on this human, don't let him escape, and don't let him die."

"Yes, great master, I will absolutely complete the task and will not disappoint you again."

The Great Goblin promptly agreed, waving his whip to issue orders.

Soon, several strong bugbears carried a piece of animal skin forward, placing the human on it, and carried him to the army camp's dungeon.

After giving orders, Red Dragon flew back to Giant's Mouth Cave.

He went directly to the deepest part of the cave, moving aside the stone that had previously blocked the entrance,

"So it was, no wonder I felt palpitations earlier."

"It's time to clear up the hidden dangers in the nest."

Cassius muttered to himself.

He then leaped straight into the cave.

Inside, magma splashed everywhere, emitting bursts of white steam and heat.

But the scalding magma was merely hot water for Red Dragon, and the sulfur vapor made him feel at home.

After walking downward for a long time, not knowing how many meters deep he had gone, he finally saw another cave entrance—only to find it blocked by flowing magma.

"Splash!"

Red Dragon leaped out of the magma.

The magma splashed, scorching the hard rock.

It was a narrow, seemingly endless tunnel.

The entrance was just over four meters high; Red Dragon had to tuck in his wings to barely squeeze through, continuing to feel his way forward.