《Cinder Cognition: The Dragon Who Failed to Die Properly[English]》 Chapter 1: What?! Reincarnated as a Dragon Egg。 The bustling city was like a cold, concrete prison.[East Asia china][99% of businesses do not follow an eight hour day] Lu Chen resided in the tiniest compartment at the very bottom of this prison. His cramped rental room was only ten square meters, forever shielded from the sun by the towering building next door, leaving him with only a sliver of gray, smog-filled sky to gaze upon. Every morning at 7:30, he would struggle to rise from his creaky single bed, hastily devour a few bites of pre-packaged convenience store food, and then squeeze into the overcrowded subway like a sardine. The train car was filled with a mix of odorssweat, cheap perfume, and the pungent stench of stinky tofumaking it hard to breathe. At work, he faced the grueling 9-9-6 schedule, staring endlessly at a computer screen filled with flickering code and dense spreadsheets. He felt like a pre-programmed machine, repeating the same motions day after day, numb and empty. The company that employed him was like a benevolent butcher, wielding a gleaming silver knife. Everyone who worked there praised the company''s excellent benefits and adherence to an eight-hour workday. Yet, the reality of life was often far harsher than the dreams one held. Day after day of work, rent, and living expenses formed an invisible net, trapping Lu Chen in the quagmire of reality. The dreams buried deep in his heart were like old photographs forgotten in an attic, gradually gathering dust, fading, and becoming indistinct under the relentless pressure of daily life. He once dreamed of becoming a travel photographer, wandering the world with a camera, capturing every moving moment through his lens. He had bought numerous photography books and even saved up to purchase an entry-level DSLR camera. He even fantasized about quitting his job one day, traveling to the Sichuan-Tibet highway to photograph snow-capped mountains and grasslands, chasing wild beasts across the African savannah, and exploring the mysterious ruins of the Amazon rainforest. But the cruel reality was like an invisible fishing net, firmly binding him to the mundane world. Those in power wielded the ultimate schemerent, utilities, food, and transportation costseach expense forcing him to remain tethered to his job, work, and more work. The dreams once filled with ideals and hope gradually lost their color under the weight of life, becoming dull and seemingly forever out of reach. Only in the depths of midnight dreams would they resurface as vague outlines, reminding him of the beautiful aspirations he once held. Every night, as Lu Chen stood by the dilapidated window obscured by towering buildings, he would feel a faint uneaseas if fate was quietly arranging a sudden upheaval for him. That evening, as raindrops lightly tapped the wet streetlights, a faint, unusual shadow seemed to flicker in the corner of the street. Lu Chen was walking home, a strange premonition stirring in his heart, as if time had slowed at that very moment. Just as he felt an indescribable unease, a sharp screech of brakes echoed from afar. Then, like a demon, an out-of-control car charged toward him, shattering the ominous silence. In that instant, time seemed to freeze. Lu Chen''s heart raced, dizziness and fear intertwining. He could only widen his eyes, filled with confusion and helplessness, before losing control of his body amidst the chaos. Excruciating pain engulfed him, his consciousness flickering like a candle in the wind. The world before him rapidly plunged into darkness. In that moment, it was as if he stood before a kaleidoscope of his life, all the unfulfilled dreams and buried regrets flashing through his mind like fragments of light. His breathing grew faint, like a leaking bellows, and his once-warm body gradually turned cold. As the light of life dimmed, eventually extinguishing completely, he finally understoodthis was the end of life, so real, so cruel. As the last trace of warmth left his body, Lu Chen''s consciousness did not vanish. Instead, it drifted aimlessly in an endless void, lonely and unanchored, as if it had lost its place of belonging. In that boundless darkness, his consciousness wandered, memories fragmented and elusive. At the edge of this confusion, he felt his soul gently pulled by a warm, misty light. Gradually, he found himself in a small yet warm space. Surrounding him was a hard, pulsating shell, occasionally emitting faint, rhythmic vibrations. "Am I... dead?" Lu Chen''s consciousness floated in chaos, cold, empty, and filled with disbelief. Warmth was the only thing he could sense now. His body felt enveloped in warm water, as if cradled in a mother''s embrace. Yet, deep within his consciousness, the pain of the car crash and the fear of death lingered. "Where is this? The underworld? Or... is this complete death?" Lu Chen''s consciousness drifted in chaos, countless questions entangling his confused thoughts like vines. Gradually, in this warm yet confined space, he began to sense strange changes. Within him, something seemed to awaken. It was a force that defied descriptionprimitive, wild, and intensifying his confusion. Each faint heartbeat drew the surrounding warmth into his limbs; each instinctive breath seemed to restore a fragment of his senses. He struggled to recall his past life, but his memories shattered like a mirror, impossible to piece together. "Lu Chen... who is that? Photography... the subway... smog..." The once-familiar things now felt distant and blurred, like fleeting illusions. In their place, a new, unfamiliar sensation began to dominate his consciousness. He felt his fingertips grow sharp, his back sprouting bones. A primal urge for fire and flight stirred deep within his soul. Deep inside, a faint light grew stronger, restless and agitated. Then, a violent, primal force collided with his consciousness. His mind was instantly torn into countless fragments, swept up by this force, spinning, colliding, and shaking wildly in the dark void. The pain was like countless needles piercing his brain. A wave of dizziness, like a tsunami, overwhelmed him, and fear, like icy water, consumed all his rationality and ability to think. He felt as if he could be utterly destroyed at any moment, his consciousness dissipating with it. As time passed, the inherited power flowed into his body like a gentle stream. He felt the surging energy within him, merging and converging, eventually becoming part of his very being. During this process of inheritance, his consciousness was constantly torn by this inexplicable force. A deep-seated greed emergeda desire to dominate and conquer lesser beings, to plunder their wealth. Stolen novel; please report. In his memories, different lights flickered, the most intense being the Blood of Flamesthe fire of the Red Dragon, burning with endless passion, destruction, and rebirth. Though the memories in his mind were chaotic and indistinct, a fierce flame always burned in his heart. It was warm yet ferociouswhat was it? Chaos. As the inherited power continued to flow into him, he could feel every inch of his skin, every scale, awakening. The surging power seemed to whisper, recounting ancient vows: "I am the embodiment of fire. I shall inherit the glory of my ancestors, cleanse the world with flames, and restore the order of old." At that moment, he seemed to hear the deep, distant chants of the ancient dragons, echoing through the ends of time. The chants not only bore witness to a glorious past but also foretold the legend he was about to forge. As the power within him gradually converged, a low, rhythmic vibration suddenly came from outside the shell. At that moment, he felt his claws touch the shell, attempting to break through. But the shell was tougher than he expected, and his sharp claws only left shallow marks. He gathered all his strength once more, his heartbeat quickening, his rapid breaths echoing in the confined space, bringing an indescribable sense of suffocation. "No... if this continues, I''ll be trapped here!" He clenched his teeth, curled his body, and then slammed against the shell. Finally, a crack appeared. In that instant, he keenly sensed a low growl from outside, distant yet threatening, as if some dangerous predator was lurking nearby. His heart raced even faster. There was no time to delayhe had to break free now. This time, he didn''t hesitate. Every muscle in his body tensed as he focused all his strength into his claws and head, slamming against the crack "Crack!" The shell finally shattered, and he stumbled out, taking his first breath of fresh air, which carried a faint, scorching scent. The moment he emerged, the world suddenly brightened. A warm light fell on his shimmering scales, and he knewhe had officially been born into this otherworldly realm. As the power within him surged, he felt a vibration in his throat, a primal, unstoppable instinct urging him to open his mouth and declare his identity as a dragon. He took a deep breath and roared with a low, firm voice: "Ceratus Fernando Grant Ron!" Though the voice was still young, it carried the raw power of a newborn dragon. Just as he was awakening to his identity, a deep, gentle dragon''s roar came from afar. A majestic, mature red dragon descended, its massive body radiating a golden aura. Her fiery yet loving gaze locked onto Ceratus Fernando Grant Ron, and she nodded slightly, saying softly: "Well done, my child." At that moment, the flames within Ceratus Fernando Grant Ron seemed to receive final approval. He knew he had been accepted by the Dragon Motherthis marked the beginning of his new life. Ceratus Fernando Grant Ron stood firmly, looking around, realizing he was not alone. Before him were five dragon eggs neatly arranged: three of them trembled faintly, their vitality dimming, while the other two emitted a warm glow, as if harboring resilient life. Though his siblings had yet to hatch, he could faintly sense their presencea connection of blood and power. Ceratus Fernando Grant Ron''s thoughts were complex: there was anticipation for the future and the hope of coexisting harmoniously with his siblings. But at that moment, hunger surged through him like a tidal wave, as if he urgently needed energy to sustain this surging power. He looked down at the eggshell fragments and the remaining fluid, struggling internally before hunger ultimately drove him closer. He slowly consumed the eggshell, each bite savoring the crisp, energy-rich texture. The energy from the shell alleviated his hunger, making the flames within him burn brighter and purer. The eggshell fragments crunched between his teeth, slightly bitter with a mineral taste. After finishing the remnants, he slowly raised his head, his gaze traversing the surroundings, landing on this strange and awe-inspiring world. Standing amidst the shattered eggshell remains, Lu Chen''s heart was filled with both disgust at the absurd scene and a painful sigh at the merciless hand of fate. "Is this really my destiny?" he whispered in his heart. Yet, at that moment, a faint strength seemed to awaken the long-buried memories deep within him. Each bite seemed to ask him: Is this what I truly want? He began to doubt: Is this my destiny? But amidst the fear and confusion, a sliver of determination quietly rose, making him realize that each bite was awakening the long-dormant power and memories of his bloodline. He recalled descriptions from reincarnation novels, where eggshells were often portrayed as delicious. But as he held a piece in his claws, examining it, he wondered where the appeal lay. It looked like an eggshellwhat was so appetizing about it? If not for the gnawing hunger, he wouldn''t want to eat it, but it was the only source of energy available. After replenishing his energy, he began to survey his surroundings. What? This was the interior of an active volcano! Looking up, the cavern''s dome soared high, like the gaping maw of a giant beast, ready to devour everything around it. Above, only a few faint rays of light filtered down, barely illuminating the jagged walls. The walls were covered with twisted, solidified lava, now forming cold, menacing scars. The air was thick with the suffocating stench of sulfur, like the rotting corpse of a beast, pungent and foul. The ground beneath his feet was uneven, occasionally emitting a grating, cracking sound. In the distance, he could see a few dark red pools, their surfaces boiling like blood, emitting waves of heat that seemed even more eerie in the dim light. Only the dark red moss growing tenaciously in the crevices of the walls emitted a faint glow, adding a strange touch of life to this desolate place. Shortly after Ceratus Fernando Grant Ron was born, the nearby dragon eggs began to tremble, cracking open one by one as the hatchlings emerged. The sound of shells breaking echoed, each crack heralding the arrival of new life. In the chaos, the hatchlings gradually awakened. The first dragon poked its head out, calling in a weak, tender voice: "Agnus Draville Brighton Clay!" Then, another hatchling emerged, trembling as it weakly declared: "Catalia Victorian Safina Ray!" Ceratus Fernando Grant Ron heard the names clearly. Though the voices were young, they carried the stubborn strength of newborns. Soon, the hatchlings seemed guided by instinct, lowering their heads to gnaw on the eggshell fragmentsa dragon ritual to absorb life essence and enhance their strength and wisdom. After consuming the shell remnants, their eyes grew brighter, as if they had gained a mysterious inheritance and preliminary intelligence. Ceratus Fernando Grant Ron watched his companions, his heart filled with complex emotions: joy at the new life, but also a faint premonition of future challenges. At that moment, slight disputes arose among the hatchlings. The once-gentle atmosphere began to shift as they started to compete for the energy within and the temptations outside. One female, one male. After eating the eggshells, they sized each other up, getting acquainted. As newborns, they sought to establish dominance, determining who would be the leader, the second, and the third. The strong ruledthis was their combative nature. The hatchlings waved their tender claws, occasionally spitting small flames, testing the boundaries of their power. The sounds of their scuffles and the flickering flames seemed both childish and thrilling in the early morning light. The noise of the hatchlings'' quarrels gradually drew the attention of the red dragon above the nest. It had been lazily lying on a pile of gold coins, but now it slowly raised its head, its crimson eyes flashing with displeasure. "Foolish hatchlings!" a deep, authoritative roar came, carrying the scorching pressure of molten lava. The fighting ceased abruptly. The hatchlings stopped, looking up at the red dragon that loomed over them from its gold-filled nest. Its scales shimmered with ancient crimson hues in the morning light, its eyes cold and malevolent. "You hatchlings must not disturb my peace with your greed and ignorance!" the Dragon Mother scolded, her tone brooking no argument. Her broad wings twitched slightly, as if wanting to protect the hatchlings while asserting her dominance. The hatchlings fell silent, bowing their heads. "The pile of gold coins emitted an alluring golden glow, like the sweetest honey, instantly capturing the hatchlings'' attention. Catalia''s amethyst eyes sparkled with greed, her small nostrils flaring as she caught the intoxicating scent of the coins. Agnus was more direct, his amber eyes fixed on the gold pile, a low growl of desire escaping his throat. His tender claws twitched, as if ready to pounce and claim the treasure for himself. But reason still prevailed. They remembered the Dragon Mother''s warning and the consequences of theft. Greed and fear warred within their hearts, desire growing like wild vines, but reverence acted as an invisible shackle, restraining their actions." Ceratus stood to the side, watching. Beyond the inherited memories, something else stirred within him. At that moment, his pupils contracted into thin slitsa sign of his bloodline awakening. The inherited dragon''s hoarding instinct clashed with his innate greed, the sound of clinking coins echoing like a heartbeat. As his claws touched the edge of the treasure pile, the memory of the eggshell burned his nervesa reminder that hatchlings who stole would be injured by the Dragon Mother and cast out of the volcano to perish. Looking at the gold, he thought how nice it would be to have his own share. But this wasn''t his, and he dared not risk taking even a single coin. The Dragon Mother would surely notice if anything went missing, and losing it would mean being exiled to the wilderness. "Agnus, the younger brother, was the first to lose patience. He toddled toward the gold pile, his amber eyes shining with naive greed, a trickle of drool escaping his mouth. Catalia, the sister, followed, though she was far more hesitant than her brother. Her amethyst eyes, beautiful yet filled with uncertainty, darted between the gold and the Dragon Mother. She cautiously extended her pink claws, lightly touching the edge of the gold pile before quickly retracting them, as if the Dragon Mother''s warning still loomed large. She lowered her head, her tail sweeping the ground nervously, her expression a mix of longing and fear, both pitiful and amusing." The younger brother reached out to touch the gold, while the sister hesitated, torn between desire and fear. She knew the allure of the gold but also the dangers that came with it. Ceratus lay with his jaw against the rock, seemingly asleep, but the sound of the gold pile being disturbed roused him. Catalia''s tail brushed against the coins, her breathing quickening, until the Dragon Mother''s tail slammed the ground, sending a shower of sparks like a warning meteor shower. Agnus recoiled in fright, a gold coin stuck between his claws. The hatchlings froze, time seeming to stand still in the volcano. Through half-closed eyes, Ceratus saw a flash of icy blue in the depths of the Dragon Mother''s golden pupils, the killing intent fading slightly before her eyes returned to their deep, molten crimson. The Dragon Mother''s gaze swept over the trembling hatchlings, her authority undiminished, but a hint of resignation flickered in her crimson eyes. She exhaled a breath of scorching air, not to ignite Agnus but as a natural instinct of dragon intimidation. "Even the worms that feed on rock marrow know more respect than you," she said, her tone tinged with disappointment and frustration. The gold coins in her massive claws melted silently, the liquid gold dripping to the ground with a sizzle, leaving scorched marks like a brand on her heart. When would these hatchlings truly understand that respect was not just submission to power but adherence to rules and responsibility to the clan?" Ceratus felt the pressure of an invisible force pressing his spine into the rock. He heard Catalia''s whimper as the Dragon Mother''s claws hovered three inches above her head, light dancing on the claw tips. The silver coin between Agnus''s claws vaporized, turning into a wisp of smoke that circled the Dragon Mother''s pupils, forming a thorny manifestation of killing intent. "Mother!" Ceratus pressed his forehead to the ground, the inherited memories driving him to recite an ancient plea for forgiveness. "When the crimson scales are tarnished, may starlight cleanse the sins." His tail hooked around his siblings'' tails, forcing them to submit and curl up. The volcanic rock cracked. Catalia''s scales were scraped, drawing blood as she cried out, "Glory to the forge!" Agnus lost half of his tail fin, the blood droplets rising into a mista dragon ritual of humiliation and atonement, offering flesh and blood to the spirit of the volcano. The Dragon Mother''s gaze lingered on the hatchlings for a moment, her authority tinged with a hint of resignation. "Now, all of you, crawl to the lava pool and lick the sulfur crystals," she said, her tone softening slightly but still firm. "If there''s a next time... there will be no mercy." With that, the Dragon Mother''s massive tail swept the ground, shattering a protruding rock pillar into rubble, piling it before the hatchlings like a warning boundary. She turned slowly, her steps steady, and returned to her throne of gold coins. Chapter 2: The System! Why Farming? The Dragon Mother had fallen into a deep slumber, and Selathus gazed intently at her massive form, a silent sigh echoing in his heart. The recent events still left him feeling dizzy and disorientedhe was merely a newly hatched dragon, while the Dragon Mother before him seemed like a cataclysm awakened from ancient times, her overwhelming presence almost suffocating. Selathus felt an unprecedented sense of oppression, as if the entire world was closing in on him. His scales trembled faintly, each heartbeat threatening to burst from his chest. Faced with such a formidable being, he felt every bone in his body scream, a deep, indescribable fear rising within himhe even began to doubt whether he was worthy of sharing the same space with such a force of nature. Selathus averted his gaze and looked around. They were in a lava cavern, the walls glowing with a crimson hue, molten lava flowing and steaming heat permeating the air. Though the environment was desolate, for dragons, this was undoubtedly the most suitable nest. The warmth relaxed Selathus, and the satisfaction of having consumed his eggshells lulled him into drowsiness. Selathus slowly closed his eyes, and a flood of information surged into his mindthe Dragons Inheritance. The inheritance of the dragon race was as vast as the ocean, carrying the wisdom and knowledge of countless ancestors. It was not just the awakening of combat instincts but also an elevation of understanding of the world. The knowledge within the inheritance was extensive, covering magic, combat, treasure appraisal, alchemy, weakness detection, flight techniques almost everything, like a living encyclopedia. Whenever he wished to learn, the knowledge would surface on its own. But for now, Selathus wasnt in a hurry to digest it all. Instead, he decided to sleep first. Dragons had a unique growth mechanismas long as they ate sufficiently, their bodies would naturally evolve after sleeping. This was one of the reasons dragons were so powerful. Unlike other races that needed rigorous training, dragons could steadily grow stronger simply by eating and sleeping. Selathus glanced at his siblings beside himhis sister Catalia and his brother Agnus. Catalia was curled up on a higher rock, her tail occasionally tapping the ground lightly, as if she were dreaming. Agnus, on the other hand, lay on a warm lava rock, his front claws clutching a gold coin he had somehow found, a faint smile on his lips as if lost in a glittering fantasy. This guys already thinking about stealing gold coins right after hatching a natural-born miser, Selathus thought to himself. Then, he too chose a comfortable spot to lie down. The scorching rock brought a comforting warmth, and exhaustion gradually swept over him. Selathus fell into a deep sleep. However, as his consciousness sank into darkness, he found himself in a realm of chaos. There was no light, no sound, only endless void. He looked around in confusion, fragments of thoughts emerging in his mindmemories of his past life. It was his former home, the familiar room, the warm lights, and the parents who had always cared for him. Am I still alive? Selathus murmured, reaching out to touch the comforting scene. Boom! Suddenly, a blinding car light pierced the darkness, and a black car surged out of the void, heading straight for Selathus! Selathuss pupils contracted, but his body seemed frozen, unable to move. The next moment Crash! The sound of impact was deafening, the world spinning. He jolted awake! But he was still in darkness. Selathus frowned, looking around. He realized this wasnt reality but a space of consciousness. Was the nightmare just a memory of the past, or an illusion conjured by this space? Selathus looked down at his unfamiliar dragon claws. They were his newly acquired limbs, heavy and unnatural. He flexed them gently, trying to adapt. The innate sense of loneliness washed over him again, like an invisible hand gripping his heart. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. If this is my future, then what do I truly have? he asked himself silently, a complex mix of emotions rising within him. He had once been human, with parents who cared for him in a warm home, friends to share joy with, and people to rely on. Now, he was a dragon, possessing unimaginable power, but he had also lost that warmth and reliance. If I could choose, Id rather remain human than be reborn as a dragon he looked up, his gaze lost, filled with doubt and unease. Is being a dragon truly better? he whispered, a sense of loneliness he couldnt shake engulfing him. Life in this otherworld was far from the idyllic vision he had imagined. Though humans were weak, they had complex emotions, warm families, and friends to depend on but what about dragons? Their world had no warmth or reliance, only the strong and the weak, endless coldness and solitude. What troubled him more was the sinister whispersthe will of the Five-Colored Dragons. It stirred deep within his consciousness, carrying a bloodthirsty instinct and cruel nature, seemingly trying to corrupt his sanity. Selathus instinctively clenched his claws, a strong resistance surging within him: I cant let it control me. He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the chilling threat, vowing silently that he would never yield to that evil force. Selathus Fernando Grant Roan floated in the endless darkness of his consciousness, filled with questions and unease. Just as he carefully observed the void, a soft light screen quietly rose. On it, neatly arranged icons, flickering numbers, and ancient runes intertwined, forming a text panel that seemed to emerge from ancient memories. Lines of text appeared on the screen: --- Analyzing Analysis complete. Welcome to the [Farming System]. Would you like to bind? --- Seeing the systems appearance, Selathuss heart raced. This moment left him with mixed emotions! Selathus murmured softly, A transmigrators standard system But the legendary system always surprises me when I need it most. Is this the case now? He felt a complex mix of anticipation and doubt. What could this system offer him? Or was it just an empty dream? After a brief but intense internal struggle, Selathus finally decided: Take it one step at a time. Ill bind it! As soon as he spoke, the system interface flickered, and a confirmation prompt appeared: --- Congratulations! Binding successful. Activating --- Then, a delicate progress bar began to rise slowly from zero. Selathus watched the gradually filling bar and wondered, Is this progress bar fake? Why is it so slow? A few minutes later, the screen displayed information about various functional modules: - [Crop Cultivation] Here, you can plant a variety of plants with unique powers. From basic white-tier plants to golden-tier treasures imbued with mystical energy, each crop embodies the essence of the world. Through cultivation, youll not only experience the mystery of life nurtured by the earth but also gradually unlock hidden racial secrets. A prompt appeared below the screen: System loaded successfully. Congratulations, host, on receiving the Beginners Gift Pack! Selathuss eyes flashed with barely concealed excitement. He eagerly opened the gift pack interface. The systems mechanical yet classically resonant voice sounded in his ears: Congratulations, host. The Beginners Gift Pack has been successfully opened. Below are the initial items granted to you. Please check: - Ordinary Elemental Hoe 1 (Though plain in appearance, it is said to contain basic elemental energy, aiding in unlocking the lands potential.) - Ordinary Elemental Watering Can 1 (Note: Maximum capacity of 10 liters, sufficient to irrigate nascent crops.) - White-Tier Carrot Seeds 20 (When matured, they yield energy-rich carrots. Each carrot can be exchanged for 10 points, which can be used to purchase higher-tier seeds.) - Green-Tier Sunlight Mushroom Seeds 10 (These seeds absorb the essence of light. When matured, they yield Sunlight Mushrooms. A single mushroom sells for 50 points; seed packs are sold at 15 points for 5 seeds.) - Basic Nutrient Fertilizer 3 (Used to accelerate crop growth and unlock the lands hidden potential.) - Initial System Points 100 (Points can be used to exchange items in the store or enhance certain attributes.) Selathus stared at the constantly flickering prompts on the screen, a wave of indescribable emotion rising within him. Ive just been reborn, and I get these farming tools? He felt a void in his heart, staring blankly at the screen. Images flashed in his mindhe had fantasized about the system granting him magic, combat skills, or boundless power. But what he received left him feeling defeated. Is this fates arrangement? What Ive been given are tools suited only for farming? He couldnt help but feel a chill. No, I still dont believe the system would give me useless tools. He carefully browsed the backpack, examining the detailed attributes of each item. The Ordinary Elemental Hoe had no additional descriptionsclearly, it was just a basic tool. The Ordinary Elemental Watering Can, however, had detailed notes on its capacity and a brief instruction: Suitable for irrigating nascent crops, can moderately enhance growth speed. As for the seeds and fertilizer, each items description was concise, but their uses were limited. Next, Selathus clicked on the [Attribute Panel] on the right side of the screen. The interface slowly unfolded, displaying lines of numbers and text: --- Farming System [Attribute Panel] - Name: Selathus - Race: Red Dragon - Gender: Male - Current Strength: Gold - Current Good Deeds: 10 - Current Evil Deeds: 0 - Current Stamina: 18 (Average human: 10. Youre already exceptional.) - Current Intelligence: 15 (Above average, providing a solid foundation for future cultivation.) - Current Power: 16 (Compared to ordinary creatures, you possess overwhelming strength.) - Skills: Flame Breath - Great Explosion - Special Ability: Dragons Inheritance (0.1%) - Description: [As a newly hatched red dragon, your strength is weak, but your potential is limitless. Currently, even a large magical beast could crush you.] - System Level: Lv. 1 --- On the right side of the screen, a glowing dragon hatchling avatar was clearly visibleit was Selathuss virtual image. Selathus looked at the string of numbers, a mix of emotions welling up within him: on one hand, he felt comforted by the strong foundation he had after rebirth; on the other, he was filled with doubt and frustration toward this farming system. Now, Ive been reborn, given a fresh start, Selathus muttered, his voice tinged with self-mockery and determination. But the system gave me farming tools. Is this fates joke, or is there a deeper secret hidden within? Selathus took a deep breath and reached out a claw to touch the Beginners Gift Pack icon. With a flash of light, a virtual backpack popped up, neatly displaying the seemingly ordinary items. Yet, Selathus had already made up his mind: No matter how difficult the starting point, he would carve out a legend of the red dragon in this magical and wondrous otherworld! Selathus stared curiously at the system panel. With a light tap of his claw, the screen flickered, and a task appeared. Task system? Selathuss heart stirred. The screen displayed a simple task: Plant a seed and successfully harvest it. The task seemed simple, even overly basic. Selathus frowned slightly and muttered, Thats it? Do I have to grow a carrot? However, as the task details unfolded, he finally noticed the reward column: Unlock the Exchange Store. Selathuss eyes lit up: Exchange Store? Can I use my points to exchange for things? His thoughts raced, but then he felt a pang of disappointment: Wait, the system is only Level 1, and the store isnt even open yet. What can I exchange with these points? Probably just a trinket, nothing substantial. He sighed, feeling somewhat resentful: It seems this system isnt much after all. It doesnt even give rewards. What a stingy system. He shook his head lightly but secretly resolved: Still, Ill complete the task first and see what unlocks next. Selathus felt a wave of drowsiness wash over him! The system interface gradually faded. His body had just undergone drastic changes, and the turmoil in his soul made it hard to focus. Though he was reluctant, he knew that only by sleeping for a while could he better adapt to this new worlds rules and activate his bodys evolution mechanism. Perhaps, after a sleep, the world will become clearer, he silently told himself. He slowly curled up on the warm rock, his siblings Catalia and Agnus sleeping beside him. At this moment, the lava cavern was still filled with warmth, the heat of the rocks and the molten lava intertwining to provide a safe haven. Selathus closed his eyes, his body gradually relaxing. The urge to sleep grew stronger, and his consciousness blurred. Gradually, apart from the basic information granted by the system and some fragmented memories, he had no other thoughts. His body began to automatically enter an evolutionary state, the mysterious power of the dragon slowly activating, his potential gradually emerging. All his senses shut down, and the world turned pitch black. Finally, Selathus fell completely into slumber, his body and soul immersed in the mysterious process of evolution, silently awaiting his next awakening in this world. Chapter Three:rplexity,The Lost Newborn Dragon Serathus awoke from his slumber, his consciousness gradually returning. Yet, his mind was not filled with clarity but rather a hazy void. He struggled to make sense of the world around him, but a flood of chaotic emotions overwhelmed him, leaving him disoriented. His body was still not fully accustomed to its new form, and his heart was consumed by endless confusion and unease. He couldnt understand why he had become like this. Once a human, he was now trapped in the unfamiliar body of a dragon. The drastic transformation left him feeling profoundly alienated. Serathus looked down at his small claws, wanting to reach out and touch his face covered in hard, crimson scales. But he felt no warmthonly a deep sense of sorrow. He slowly opened his eyes and saw the reddish glow of the rocks on the cave walls. The scent of the volcano still lingered in the air. Glancing down at his small body, he couldnt help but sigh softly. So small, he murmured. His tiny claws seemed insignificant in the vast cavern, almost cute, as if they posed no threat. But Serathus knew that despite his diminutive appearance, as a dragon, even these seemingly insignificant limbs held immense potential. Though his claws were not yet as sharp or powerful as those of an adult dragon, they were already formidable weapons against ordinary plants. The air around him was hot and heavy, the volcanic walls shimmering with a red glow, as if every rock was silently roaring. The flow of lava resembled the heartbeat of the dragon race, shaking the ground of the cave. The faint smell of sulfur filled the air, making it hard to breathe. He took a shallow breath, the heat scorching his lungs as if the entire world was ablaze. His claws scraped against the rocks, producing a faint scratching sound, as if even the air trembled at his presence. Serathus stretched his neck, squinting as he surveyed the volcanic cave. Suddenly, a low growl broke the silence. He touched his stomach and realized he was hungry. Though he had grown accustomed to his new body, his appetite seemed stronger than ever. Now, standing only three meters tall, he was a mere speck compared to the towering Dragon Mother, a fully grown red dragon who stood at least forty meters tall. He paused, glancing toward the cave entrance, formulating a plan. The Dragon Mother would likely go hunting and bring back prey. If he waited for her return, he could enjoy a hearty meal. With this thought, Serathus decided to be patient. After all, the Dragon Mothers strength far surpassed his own, and she could easily capture prey and bring it back. However, as time passed, Serathuss stomach growled louder, and his patience began to waver. If the Dragon Mother didnt return, he would have to find food himself. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. Eating dirt wouldnt be so bad, he muttered. Despite the dragon races immense power, he was still just a newborn, incapable of hunting. Just then, Serathus heard movement outsidea faint rustling. He slowly opened his eyes and saw that his siblings, Agnas and Kartilia, were also stirring awake. Three days of slumber had allowed their bodies to recover slightly, though their strength was still far from matching that of an adult dragon. Yet, it seemed each of them had gained a faint boost in power from digesting their eggshells. He looked at Kartilia, who was curled up beside a rock, her tail occasionally tapping the ground as if waiting for something. Agnas, on the other hand, was staring intently at the Dragon Mother, his eyes filled with longing. For the newly hatched dragons, hunger was the most immediate challenge. The Dragon Mother remained perched on her golden hoard, seemingly oblivious to their presence. Her massive body coiled around the glittering pile of metals and gems, exuding a calm yet unyielding authority. Her eyes were closed, as if lost in deep contemplation. Kartilia and Agnas kept glancing at the Dragon Mother, their hunger growing more urgent with each passing moment. Despite their desperation, they dared not make a sound. The Dragon Mothers and power were such that even the newborn dragons hesitated to disturb her. Time ticked by, and the Dragon Mother showed no sign of moving. Finally, Agnas couldnt hold back any longer. He whispered to Kartilia, Should we ask Mother if she could prepare some food for us? Kartilia frowned slightly, her eyes flashing with displeasure. Her gaze was sharp and confident, as if everything was under her control, but the unease in her tightly coiled tail betrayed her. She knew that as the future Red Dragon Queen of Calamity, she could not stoop to begging the Dragon Mother. Yet, her hunger was almost unbearable. She glanced at her siblings, a sense of resentment rising within her. But in the end, she forced a pleading smile. I, the future Red Dragon Queen of Calamity, am destined for greatness. But for now, perhaps we should try This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Though her words were bold, Serathus could see the fear and anxiety in her eyes. She, too, was starving. After all, they had just digested their eggshells, and their bodies were still growing. Serathus sighed. He didnt want to appear weak, but they needed food to survive. Kartilia, youre right. We are red dragons, and we will grow strong. But if we dont call out now, we might starve. He turned to Agnas. Dont you think so, Agnas? Agnas nodded, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. Yes, we should call out together. Even the Dragon Mother might show us some mercy. And so, the three young red dragons stood together. Though each had a distinct personality and demeanor, their shared goal united them tightly. Serathus took a deep breath and led Kartilia and Agnas toward the golden hoard. They called out in unison, Great and noble Dragon Mother, Magnus Ingrathus Fenglous Fentian! Your children are starving. Please grant us food! Their voices, though, were filled with reverence and hope. The calls echoed through the cavern, carrying a sense of urgency that reverberated off the rocky walls. The first time, the Dragon Mother did not respond. The second time, she remained motionless. But on the third call, Serathus felt a chilling aura rise from the Dragon Mother. His heart raced as he fixed his gaze on her massive form. Finally, those oppressive dragon eyes slowly opened, locking onto them. The Dragon Mothers gaze was cold and indifferent, as if piercing through their very souls. In that moment, Serathus felt an indescribable pressure envelop his entire being. There was no anger in her eyesonly a detached observation. She slowly raised her head, her expression devoid of warmth. Serathuss heart tightened, and he lowered his head, realizing that their lives hung on the Dragon Mothers whim. The Dragon Mother stood at the center of the nest, her gaze icy and, as if countless years of wisdom and power were condensed within those eyes. Foolish children, you owe your survival to my greatness, she said, her voice low and cold, carrying an undeniable authority. Her words struck like thunder across a dark sky, and the air grew heavy, as if even the light had dimmed under her presence. Serathus felt a tightness in his chest, the Dragon Mothers power making him feel utterly submissive. Though he had become a red dragon, he was still in awe of her strength. After speaking, the Dragon Mother turned her back to the nest, spread her mighty wings, and prepared to fly out in search of prey. Her wings sliced through the air with a roar, and she swiftly disappeared into the darkness beyond the cave entrance. The silence that followed her departure left Serathus with a strange emptiness. As a newborn, everything in this new world felt foreign and unsettling. The sense of disorientation gripped his heart. Though he had been reborn as a dragon, everything still felt so unfamiliar, as if he were trapped in a completely different world. The wait grew longer, and Serathuss stomach felt like a bottomless pit. The passage of time only heightened his anxiety. Every slight sound made him tense, and he dared not stray too far from his siblings, fearing he might miss any opportunity. The Dragon Mothers kept him from acting rashly, but his patience was wearing thin. He suddenly stood up, almost instinctively lying on the stone floor to conserve energy, but a thought crept into his mindif the Dragon Mother didnt return, he might really have to eat dirt. Then, the air outside grew intensely hot, and a powerful fiery presence surged into the nest. Serathus looked up to see the Dragon Mother returning, carrying a flaming demon ox on her back. The ox was massive, its body engulfed in raging flames, emitting a pungent, burnt smell. The air itself seemed to grow hotter from its presence. The Dragon Mother hurled the ox to the ground, her eyes cold. You should be grateful for my greatness, she said before turning away. At the sight of the prey, the three young dragons wasted no time. They pounced on the ox, blood and flesh flying in all directions. Bones crunched, and the air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. Serathuss stomach growled impatiently, the primal instincts of a red dragon overriding his hesitation. As he bit into the meat, the taste of blood filled his mouth, making him nauseous. But his hunger was too strong to resist. Before him lay raw meatsomething he had never eaten before. He pursed his lips, forcing himself to ignore the discomfort, and took a large bite. The flesh of the flaming demon ox was slippery and tough. As he chewed, blood gushed into his mouth, the metallic taste overwhelming. He swallowed the slippery chunks of meat, his hunger temporarily sated, but the raw, bloody flavor left him feeling sick. Is eating meat really so wrong? he wondered, though he had never personally killed an animal before. He looked down at the blood and gore on his claws, a sense of dread washing over him. He had never imagined he would become such a creature, capable of suchҰ acts. Yet, his hunger was stronger than any moral qualms. The needs of his body overrode all reason. He continued to devour the meat until his stomach began to swell, the temporary satisfaction bringing a fleeting sense of peace. Though he had only eaten a third of the flaming demon ox, it was all he could manage. He stared at the bloodstains on his claws, the crimson marks a reminder of what he had just done. The nausea grew stronger after the initial rush of hunger had passed, but as his stomach finally felt full, he muttered to himself, Is this the power of the dragon race? Just then, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in his ears: *Ding! Host behavior assessed: Karmic Sin +1. Continue to explore the consequences of your actions?* Serathus froze, his gaze growing heavier. A flood of questions filled his mind: Karmic Sin? Did I do something wrong? Karmic Sin? Serathus instinctively furrowed his brow. How did this system determine karmic sin? Did eating an ox really increase his sin value? He suddenly felt incredibly small, even foolish. The mechanical nature of the prompt left him deeply confused. He couldnt understandwas eating raw meat considered a sin in this world? He looked down at the blood on his claws, the stains a reminder that the rules of the dragon race were vastly different from those of the human world. A heavy feeling ofѹ weighed on his heart, and he couldnt shake the sense of guilt. However, the heaviness in his stomach left little room for further thought. His body began to feel sluggish, and his eyelids grew heavy. Sleep was creeping up on him. He didnt want to fall asleep too quickly, knowing that resting too soon after eating wasnt good for his body. Struggling against the drowsiness, he forced himself to stand and walked toward the cave entrance, gazing out at the distant blue sky. Sunlight streamed through the opening, casting golden rays into the cave, stirring his curiosity about the outside world. The world beyond seemed vast and boundless, while he was just a newborn dragon, knowing nothing and having nothing. He took a deep breath and leaned back against the volcanic rock, trying to stay awake. But his eyelids grew heavier, his breathing slowed, and finally, he succumbed to the exhaustion, closing his eyes. Dreams began to blur his consciousness, but as he drifted off, his heart was filled with unease and doubtcould he adapt to this new world? Could he survive in this unknown land? Chapter Four: From Slumber to Seed: A Dragons First Task Five days later, Serathus slowly awoke from his long slumber. The volcanic cave was still filled with the familiar residual warmth, and the faint, eerie red glow on the rocky walls seemed unchanged. Everything appeared as it had been before. Only his younger brother, Agnas, and sister, Kartilia, had visibly grown stronger. Their former frailty had vanished, replaced by the marks of growth. He examined himself closely, a complex mix of emotions welling up in his heart. Though he had hatched slightly earlier than his siblings, aside from that cold, mechanical system, he had yet to awaken the legendary, earth-shaking combat talents he had hoped for. The system was neither an exhilarating catalyst for power nor a mysterious artifact capable of defying fateit was merely an ordinary farming tool. At this thought, a hint of resignation and self-mockery appeared on his young dragon face. Farming it is, then. At least its better than nothing. He turned his attention to the systems task panel. It clearly stated: Complete the planting taskplant and harvest crops. However, a critical issue loomed before him: he didnt even have the growth cycle settings for carrots! He tapped the system panel and retrieved a carrot seed from his inventory. The small, oval seed was smooth and slightly glossy, its surface a deep black, no more than 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, resembling a finely carved jade pendant. As he gazed at the intricate and peculiar patterns on the seed, he couldnt help but marvel. Is this really a carrot? Perhaps it holds secrets yet unknown With his heightened perception, he noticed the seed slowly absorbing the faint magical energy around it, as if a silent and solemn ritual of was taking place. This subtle and mysterious transformation could only be detected through meticulous observation. Thinking of his fondness for carrots, a gentle smile crossed his face. Well, planting a carrot might yield a uniquely sweet flavor when its time to harvest. The system prompt displayed: Carrot plantingrequires 60 days to mature. Serathus pondered for a moment, thinking to himself: On this magical land, perhaps the ambient magical elements could accelerate the seeds growth, shortening the cycle to half of 60 days, roughly 30 days. Compared to the 60 days required for early-maturing varieties on Earth and the 120 days for ordinary carrots, there was a hidden art to farming here. He couldnt help but think of the hardworking farmers who toiled daily for meager earnings of a few coins per pound. For him, even small-scale farming offered a path to steady growth without the need for life-and-death battles. Now, such a task had fallen upon him. Serathus felt a pang of frustration, a sense of helplessness washing over him. Since the system had assigned him a farming task, and this farming wasnt the simple monster-slaying and leveling-up kind but rather a tedious endeavor requiring him to study plant growth cycles, he couldnt help but sigh. Cant even farming be simpler? He chuckled bitterly, his heart filled with resignation toward this cumbersome task. He casually opened the systems attributes, the cold numbers reminding him that while his potential was limitless, he was still a fledgling. Still, this gives me a path to grow without risking my life. After a moment of contemplation, he looked toward the cave entrance, where sunlight filtered through the rocky crevices, as if calling to hima new world awaited his exploration. He glanced down at his [Attribute Panel]After two periods of slumber, though he had yet to display true combat prowess, he had quietly accumulated a foundation for growth. The interface clearly displayed his stats: stamina, strength, and intelligence were slowly increasing, and system points were steadily accumulating Perhaps this was his only chance to change his fate. Serathus took a deep breath, calculating how to proceed with this farming task. Though the system seemed unremarkable, even somewhat humble, it at least offered him a path to growth without the need for battle. Holding the peculiar carrot seed in his hand, he made up his mind: Even if the road ahead was long, he would plant it and let this barren volcanic cave nurture a touch of green漣. Farming it is, he muttered to himself, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. At least its better than nothing. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Serathus slowly exhaled and opened the system panel. The [Attribute Panel] on the right side of the screen unfolded, displaying rows of numbers and text: --- **Farming System** [Attribute Panel] -**Name**: Serathus -**Race**: Red Dragon -**Gender**: Male -**Current Strength**: Gold -**Current Virtue**: 10 -**Current Sin**: 1 -**Current Stamina**: 25 [Average human: 10. Your strength is still very weak; mountain beasts could tear you apart.] -**Current Intelligence**: 16 [Above average, providing a solid foundation for future cultivation.] -**Current Power**: 25 [Compared to large magical beasts, you are at a significant disadvantage.] -**Skills**: Flame Burst, Minor Dragon Breath -**Special Ability**: Dragon Inheritance (0.11%) -**Description**: [As a red dragon hatchling, your strength is weak, but your potential is limitless. A small magical beast could easily overpower you.] Serathus scrutinized the numbers, his brow furrowing slightly. The Current Sin: 1 puzzled himwhat action had increased his sin? Though he didnt fully understand its implications, he knew it wasnt a good sign and could likely have negative consequences. After a moment of thought, Serathus closed the system panel and turned his attention to the carrot seed in his hand, no larger than a babys finger. The seeds surface was smooth, its peculiar, as if it were slowly absorbing the surrounding magical elements. He knew that, for now, there was nothing more important than completing the farming taskafter all, he had only just awakened. Looking toward the cave entrance, the scorching sunlight filtered through the rocky crevices, illuminating the flowing lava on the ground. At that moment, a strong yearning and curiosity for the unknown world outside surged within him. Perhaps only by venturing out could he truly understand the vast world beyond this volcanic cave. Serathus clenched the tiny seed in his hand, silently resolving to plant this carrot first and then explore the outside world. After all, he understood that while the system was unremarkable, it was still better than nothing. Having steeled his resolve, he stepped onto the stone path leading to the cave entrance, determined to venture out and pursue his new future. At that moment, Serathuss sister, Kartilia, lay at the edge of the warm nest, her gaze gentle yet tinged with confusion as she watched Serathuss figure gradually fade into the distance. Look at him he doesnt seem like a proper red dragon, she murmured to herself, her tone laced with bewilderment and concern. She turned to her younger brother, Agnas, who had been by her side. Agnas, dont you think hes a bit odd? His behavior lacks that purewell, neither foolish nor evilquality. Agnas slowly opened his dragon eyes, a sharp glint flashing in his golden pupils. Indeed, theres something unusual about him like the variant dragons from the legends. Compared to us, he seems to lack the wild ferocity were supposed to have. Kartilia fell silent for a moment, recalling the details of Serathuss recent actions: - The reluctance in his demeanor as he atehe clearly disliked raw meat but had to swallow it, his frustration and helplessness evident. - His peculiar mannerisms, even the smallest gestures, made him seem different from them. Yet, she eventually snorted. Well, a variant dragon is a variant dragon. What does it matter to me? Let him fend for himself. With that, as Serathuss footsteps faded into the distance, Kartilia stretched out comfortably and curled back into the cave, gradually drifting into sleep. --- The moment Serathus stepped out of the cave, it was around eight or nine in the morning. The sky was bright, and the warm golden sunlight bathed his red scales, making them shimmer with dazzling, iridescent hues. The volcano he resided in towered into the clouds, its cave embedded high in the mountain. From here, he could overlook the vast forest belowa forest unlike any on Earth, its trees faintly glowing with magical·, as if absorbing the faint magical energy of the world, making them lush and mysterious. Serathus slowly moved his four-meter-long dragon body, his steps steady and cautious. Though his form was massive, the rugged, weathered volcanic terrain made the journey anything but easy. His clawed feet, covered in hard scales, gripped the rocks firmly, ensuring each step was secure. Even if he stumbled, he could quickly regain his balance. With his keen eyes, he surveyed the surroundings, silently memorizing every detail of the landscape: - The cave entrance faced east, where the magical beast forest stretched endlessly, its trees dense and teeming with life that absorbed magical energy. - To the north lay an unbroken mountain range, its peaks towering into the sky like a dragon resting on the horizon. This volcano is even larger than I imagined, he muttered to himself. If measured by a humans height, it would be just over a meter tall, but for my size, circling it would take half a day. He looked up at the sky, the warm sunlight not only illuminating the volcano but also reflecting off his crimson scales, casting golden glimmers. I still have plenty of time. I need to observe this area carefully, Serathus thought to himself. If someone were to attack our home one day, it would be disastrous. As he slowly patrolled, his mind involuntarily drifted to legends of dragon slayers: In ancient tales, it wasnt a single hero who could easily slay a dragon but rather a team working together, like a coordinated raid, to subdue the beast and reap the rewards and glory. If I were captured so young, wouldnt I just become a mount or a source of scales and bones? Serathus mused with a bitter smile. These thoughts made him even more vigilant, constantly alert for potential ambushes and dangers, as the presence of a dragon on the volcano had long attracted covetous eyes. He knew well: On this magical and wondrous land, any careless move could spell disaster. Serathus continued along the volcanos rim, carefully noting the landmarks of his territory: - **East**: The vast magical beast forest, its trees adorned with faint magical·, brimming with life yet fraught with danger. - **North**: The unbroken mountain range, stretching like a slumbering dragon across the horizon, exuding an awe-inspiring. As he focused his gaze, a majestic sight came into view: The distant mountains rose and fell in waves, their peaks staggered like a dragon coiled across the land, its presence both grand and humbling. If only I could fly and see all this from above Serathus thought wistfully. He spread his still-underdeveloped wings, flapping them a few times, but he remained groundedaccording to his inherited memories, he was still in the wrinkled dragon stage, and true flight would only awaken in his youth. He glanced at his system prompt. Though filled with reluctance, he had to let go of his dreams of soaring through the skies. For now, Ill have to stay on the ground and wait for the right opportunity to break through. After walking for a while, he began to realize the risks of circling the volcano: Attempting to traverse its entire perimeter could easily lead to ambusheshunters or opportunists drawn by the Dragon Mothers presence. And the Dragon Mother might not always arrive in time to rescue him, especially in such treacherous terrain. Thus, after weighing his options, Serathus decided against a full circuit and changed direction. He glanced eastward, where the magical beast forest lay, but the risks there were no less than in other directions. Finally, he decided to head south. The terrain to the south seems more open. Though there are trees, its not as dense as the forest. Perhaps I can find a hidden and safe spot there. He silently noted the coordinates in his mind: the magical beast forest to the east, the mountain range to the north, and his current position on the volcanos southern side. As he moved southward, he occasionally looked up at the endless blue sky and down at the terrain beneath his feet, proceeding with caution. After about ten minutes of trekking, he finally emerged onto a relatively flat plain on the volcanos southern side. Though not a vast grassland, this open area was dotted with scattered trees, a stark contrast to the dense magical forest. This plain might be a good place to settle Maybe I can even try planting the seeds mentioned in my inheritance, Serathus thought to himself. He planned to find a safe corner here to plant the seeds, hoping to cultivate crops that could enhance his survival abilities. Standing at the edge of the plain, Serathus watched the warm southern sunlight bathe his scales, his heart filled with turmoil. On one hand, he longed to master flight and soar through the skies; on the other, he knew he was still a young dragon and had to start from the basics of survival. He recalled the legends of dragon slayersstories not of lone heroes but of teams working together, coordinating raids to subdue the mighty beasts. If I act recklessly now, Ill eventually be hunted down and become a target for all. He smiled bitterly, knowing that only caution could preserve his still-dormant power. Thus, he decided against taking unnecessary risks on the plain, instead focusing on observing and recording the terrain, vegetation, and climate of the area. At that moment, Serathus silently vowed: No matter how uncertain the future, he would survive, even if it meant starting from the humble beginnings of farming! As time passed, Serathus finally returned to the vicinity of his birthplace, the volcanic cave. He looked back on his journeyfrom the treacherous heights of the volcano to the openness of the southern plain, and the distant magical forest and mountain rangeall etched into his memory. This was his first impression of the world, a precious map for his future travels. Standing at the cave entrance, he lowered his head, his gaze resolute. This is my starting point. From here, I will explore this magical and perilous land step by step. Though the dream of flying and soaring through the skies still burned within him, he knew that for now, he had to hone his skills between the volcano and the plain before he could truly break free and take to the heavens. Chapter 5: How Do You Know Such Hunger? Seratus gazed at the colossal tree lying on the ground, its once-proud form now sprawled across the soft earth. The massive trunk bore the marks of time, its bark weathered and scarred. Sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, casting dappled patterns on the fallen giant. Dust and leaves drifted lazily in the breeze, stirring up small clouds of earth. He looked down at his sharp yet unwieldy dragon claws, a wave of helplessness washing over him. The scattered timber before him would be a challenge to transform into a sturdy fence. In his mind, he contrasted the raw, destructive power of his ancestors in battle with the delicate craftsmanship now required. He sighed softly, murmuring to himself, Perhaps this world-shattering strength is ill-suited for fine work. As he pondered, his eyes fell upon a hoe lying nearbya tool from the systems beginners kit. Seratus picked it up, gripped the handle tightly, and swung it with force. The blade struck the fallen trunk, carving a deep gash. Wood chips scattered with a sharp crack, each strike a reminder that brute strength could not replace skill. The faint scent of resin filled the air, and the recoil from each blow vibrated through his hands, though his dragon body remained unfazed. Staring at the deep gash, an idea sparked in his mind. He could use the natural split to divide the tree into long strips, then plant them in the ground to form a simple fence. Though he lacked nails or screws, and the result would be far from elegant, it was better than leaving the seedlings vulnerable to trampling. Seratus continued to hack at the fallen tree with the hoe. His small dragon claws were less dexterous than human hands, but his immense strength compensated. He split the trunk into smaller pieces, then shaped them into uniform strips. The rough cracks and uneven bark gave the wood a raw, natural qualitya testament to both the power of nature and the practicality of his makeshift solution. Needing more timber, Seratus used his claws to snap nearby trees, decades old, and split them into strips with the hoe. The rhythmic clanging of the tool and the flying wood chips created a primitive symphony of labor. Though he was a young red dragon with formidable strength, the prolonged work began to wear on him. After hours of toil, Seratus had felled six trees and shaped them into logs of specific lengths. Carefully, he selected the best spots along the fields edge, driving each log into the damp soil and adjusting their angles to create a crude but functional barrier. As he worked, he whispered to himself, as if in silent conversation with the earth. The logs, though rough and natural, began to form a primitive yet effective fence, protecting the newly planted seedlings. The barrier, though simple, deterred small beasts and made larger creatures think twice before approaching. The sharp, angular logs forced them to detour, safeguarding the tender plants. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. As Seratus admired his rough but functional creation, a sudden pang of hunger interrupted his thoughts. The mornings labor had left him ravenous. He glanced at the sky, where the sun was now sinking westward, casting golden hues across the land. Realizing it was already afternoon, he decided it was time to return to the volcanic lair where his mother and siblings awaited. Gathering his tools and materials, Seratus stacked the newly crafted fence logs and began his journey home. His shadow stretched long in the fading light. When he arrived, the scene before him gave him pause. The ground was littered with the remains of a freshly killed beastnot a whole carcass, but torn and scattered pieces, like discarded scraps. The chunks of flesh were mixed with tough bones, as if the least desirable parts had been deliberately left behind. Seratus stood amidst the gore, his stomach growling. He had worked all day, stopping only once for water, and his energy was spent. Yet, his noble red dragon pride clashed with the grim reality before him. A voice within whispered, A noble red dragon should not stoop to such scraps. But hunger gnawed at him, and he knew he could not afford to starve. Just then, his sister, Kartilia, approached. She let out a satisfied burp before speaking in a tone laced with pride and mockery. Seratus, youve been out hunting all morning, yet you return empty-handed? Look at you, covered in dirtwheres the dignity of a red dragon? You look more like a beast! Her words were echoed by their brother, Agnas, who sneered, Indeed, compared to the pride we showed at birth, youre a disgrace to our lineage. Seratuss anger flared, but his growling stomach silenced him. He knew that saying, I was farming, would only invite more ridicule. Swallowing his pride, he approached the scattered remains and began to eat. Each bite of the tough, unappetizing flesh was a bitter reminder of his failure. Kartilia watched him with a smirk. We saved the best for you, dear brother. Isnt that generous of us? Her mocking tone cut deep, but Seratus could only chew in silence. As he swallowed another mouthful, a cold mechanical voice echoed in his mind: Ding! Host action judged: Evil Karma +0.5. The cold quantification of his struggle weighed heavily on him. Each bite eroded his noble pride, yet hunger left him no choice. Seratus continued to eat, his mind wandering to the Dragons Legacy he had studied. It detailed how red dragons, even in harsh environments, could survive by eating soil, though it left them weak compared to the energy gained from flesh. The magical elements in the soil could sustain them, but it was a poor substitute for blood and meat. After a few minutes, his hunger subsided. He glanced at the system panel, noting the increase in his Evil Karma. He frowned but dismissed it as a mere number. Reflecting on the days laborclearing the land, watering, and building the fencehe felt a mix of pride and exhaustion. Though his siblings mocked him, they had at least left him some food, likely at their mothers insistence. As night fell, the volcanic lair glowed faintly with the residual heat of the magma. The dim light illuminated the hoard of treasures where their mother rested. The glint of gold coins caught Seratuss eye, stirring a desire to claim one for himself. He muttered, If only that gold were mine But he shook off the thought, closing his eyes to banish the temptation. He settled onto his usual resting spot, a warm volcanic rock, and drifted into a deep sleep. In his dreams, he saw the crude fence he had built, the logs standing guard around the field. At the edge, a small yellow mushroom sprouted, its tiny head wriggling as if whispering the secrets of growth. Unbeknownst to him, the moonlight bathed the mushroom, nurturing it with a soft, magical glow. Far away, in a grand palace, the night was interrupted by urgent knocking. A messenger, bearing a letter marked with the lords seal, argued with the guards. This letter is of utmost importance, he insisted. It concerns the dragons near our territory. The guard captain, sensing the gravity of the situation, took the letter and promised to deliver it to the king. The tension in the air was palpable, a prelude to the looming crisis. Chapter 6: The Game of Chess! But Who are the Pawns?! At dawn, the first golden rays of sunlight filtered through the intricately carved, stained-glass windows, casting dappled shadows across the marble-paved corridors. Within the imperial palace, all seemed in order, yet beneath this tranquility, subtle fissures were hidden. The previous night''s darkness had not yet fully dissipated when the Emperor awoke quietly in his secluded bedchamber. He slowly opened his eyes, greeted by familiar opulence: a screen carved from celadon jade, silk curtains embroidered with gold thread, and the faint scent of sandalwood drifting from a censer near the bed. As always, the palace maids and attendants were meticulously preparing his morning attire and arranging breakfast, each movement displaying years of practiced coordination and deference. However, as he pushed open the heavy, vermilion-lacquered palace doors and entered the grand dining hall, he was met with a sumptuous breakfast: steaming porridge, alluringly colored pastries, and meticulously brewed imperial tea. The Emperor took his seat, about to begin, when he felt a sudden, unsettling anomalyhis old chamberlain, who usually stood at his side, constantly attending to his every move, was nowhere to be seen. That chamberlain was not only his personal attendant but also a veteran minister who served as both secretary and advisor, a crucial responsibility entrusted to him by the Emperor''s late father. Now, the sudden disappearance of this steadfast and loyal old minister, adept at handling both large and small affairs of state, was like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, creating ripples of unease. The Emperor''s fingertips traced the rim of his warm teacup, his mind echoing with his father''s deep, imposing voice: "A ruler must be like a drawn sword, a deterrent to the wicked; yet he must also possess a benevolent heart, to bestow grace upon all people." His father''s image seemed to appear before him, imposing and awe-inspiring, like the scepter he held tightly. And the old chamberlain, always standing silently behind his father, a shadow, assisting in every decision. His father''s iron fist and benevolence, his majesty and grace, together created a prosperous era and were deeply imprinted in his heart. Now, with the chamberlain missing, the support he had relied on since childhood seemed to waver. Because of this instinctive rapport and years of accumulated loyalty, the old chamberlain was far more than a mere servant in the Emperor''s eyes; he was like an extension of his father''s legacy, indispensable. Now, the sudden absence of this "arm" brought a sense of emptiness and unease far exceeding the ordinary. Was it an unforeseen incident? Or... Suspicion clouded the Emperor''s mind, anxiety climbing like vines, entwining his thoughts. As the Emperor was lost in memories and doubts, the attendants in the dining hall continued their duties with practiced orderliness. The exquisite porcelain dishes on the table held a breakfast that was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, yet to the Emperor, it lacked the warmth and reassurance of previous days. His mind, in disarray, involuntarily began to consider the various recent unusual movements within the court. Decades ago, after the young Emperor vigorously promoted expansionist policies and appointed local nobles as city lords, the power structure of the entire kingdom quietly changed. At that time, through the co-opting and dispersing of local powers, the central government enjoyed a period of unparalleled prominence, but it also sowed the seeds of future trouble. Now, after years of accumulation, those city lords and nobles who were granted power had gradually amassed enough strength to shake the central authority. Some whispered conspiracies in the shadows, while others openly expressed their dissatisfaction with central policies. The financial accounts were increasingly strained, tax revenues decreased, and conscription for labor became difficult to enforceall signs of the wavering balance of power. Whenever the Emperor reviewed those densely packed memorials, he felt a sense of powerlessness: the iron-fisted rule of the past was now facing unprecedented challenges. The breakfast ended hastily. The Emperor rose and slowly paced into his study. Pushing open the door, he was met with an oppressive atmospherestacks of memorials occupied most of the study, piled so high they nearly engulfed the entire desk. The disordered letters on the desk seemed to silently declare their urgency and importance. The Emperor''s gaze, as if drawn by an invisible force, fell upon a corner of the desk. There, several documents, singled out, lay open starkly: a plan for the propagation of the Dawnlight Divine Temple of the God of Light, the paper somewhat wrinkled, as if it had been repeatedly perused; and, most prominently, a stack of joint petitions bearing the seals of various city lords, the seals so red they were startling, each like a burning brand, searing the Emperor''s nerves. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. The Emperor slowly picked up one of the petitions and pondered for a moment. He knew that any neglect of these "seemingly insignificant" matters could escalate into uncontrollable situations; yet, excessive intervention would give those malicious individuals an excuse to accuse him of tyranny. As he thought, his mood gradually shifted towards calm and composure, but the shadow of his deep trust in the old chamberlain persistently lingered in his mind. Facing this situation, the Emperor felt a profound loneliness. As the ruler of a nation, the weight of his responsibility was far beyond what ordinary people could comprehend. Every decision required a balance between benevolence and iron will, and every memorial could foreshadow the coming of a future storm. The mysterious disappearance of the old chamberlain this morning was a reminder: even the most loyal and reliable minister could not foresee the unpredictable twists of fate. As the sun rose higher, the palace gradually became bustling with activity. Yesterday, ministers had submitted urgent reports mentioning minor disturbances and conscription problems in various regions. The Emperor sat at his desk, his gaze sweeping across the memorials, his heart both anxious and pained. He understood that the prestige established by his father''s authority had faded with time, and those local nobles who had been granted power were now stirring, attempting to challenge the central authority in the name of the people''s will. His thoughts turned to the proposal for the expansion of the Dawnlight Divine faith. Recently, the High Priest of the Dawnlight Divine Temple believed that interference from the imperial capital was hindering the development of the faith. The Emperor knew well that while this faith could, to a certain extent, pacify the people, if it went unchecked, it could lead to a fragmentation of central authority. Standing before the large window, the Emperor gazed at the distant, gradually clarifying outline of the city, contemplating the future of the nation. The morning sun was beautiful, but behind it lurked many uncertain undercurrents. The expansion of noble power and the increasingly vocal dissatisfaction among the common people made him feel that the road ahead was fraught with peril. Just then, steady and hurried footsteps broke the silence. It was a familiar figureLucien Vahl, the Emperor''s most trusted chamberlain. He wore a well-tailored black uniform, his steps firm yet somewhat hasty, and he lightly knocked on the heavy study door. Behind the door, the Emperor''s deep and troubled eyes were fixed on the mountain of secret letters before him, but when the familiar voice came, he nodded slightly, signaling him to enter. Lucien''s Adam''s apple bobbed slightly, his right hand instinctively touching the gilded hilt of the sword at his waista token of honor bestowed upon his family by the late Emperor, the worn patterns on the scabbard telling of three generations serving the imperial power with their lives. He took half a step forward, his voice low but each word clear: "I have urgent news to report. Recently, word has comea red dragon has appeared in the Elden Beast Mountains, estimated to be an adult, and it is the first time in recent years one has settled here. Your Majesty, if this dragon is not benevolent, it may pose a significant threat to your imperial capital." "Your Majesty..." Lucien began respectfully and urgently, his tone carrying the weight of urgent news, a subtle trace of helplessness flickering in his eyes. Why is His Majesty so angry? Does he suspect me...? The thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly suppressed it. "I have urgent news to report. Recently, word has comea red dragon has appeared in the Elden Beast Mountains..." He collected himself, relaying the intelligence in full, loyalty and duty now superseding any personal emotions. The Emperor''s frown deepened, and he repeated Lucien''s report in a low voice: "The timing of the red dragon''s appearance...precisely at this moment..." The court was turbulent, with undercurrents among the nobles, and now a red dragon suddenly appears in the Elden Beast Mountains... This was no coincidence. He abruptly stood up, his voice already carrying a trace of suppressed anger: "Why is such important intelligence only reported today?" He surveyed the empty study, a sense of being besieged from all sides washing over him. Internal and external troubles, erupting simultaneously, it was as if an invisible hand was trying to push him into the abyss. Could it be... that those nobles had secretly reached some agreement with the red dragon? Using the dragon disaster to divert attention, or... an even more terrifying thought emerged in his mind: they might even have deliberately lured the red dragon, using it as a weapon! "Lucien," the Emperor''s tone suddenly turned stern, "what is the latest news from those spies lurking in the court? What progress have they made?" Lucien took a deep breath and reported in a low voice: "Your Majesty, according to the latest reports from my spies, some of those who have infiltrated the ranks of the treacherous nobles are risking great danger to gather intelligence; however, several spies have been killed on the spot. Other reports indicate that these nobles have intentions of rebellion, but the timing is not yet ripe; they still fear your unshakable authority." Hearing this, the Emperor''s eyes suddenly blazed with anger, his voice resounding through the palace: "This is utter nonsense! They still fear this old, weathered Emperor, yet dare to harbor rebellious thoughts against me! Now they dare to play petty tricks in the imperial capital, is this not blatant provocation?" However, his anger quickly subsided, the Emperor calmed down knowing he was only going to make himself sicker with rage. And so he instead asked, "What are your thoughts on the red dragon in the Elden Beast Mountains?" Lucien pondered for a moment, a hint of determination flickering in his eyes: "Your Majesty, the current situation is one of internal and external threats converging. As for the external threat, though the red dragon is fierce, it has only recently settled in this area and has not yet established a strong power base. We can take advantage of the red dragon''s current predicament and implement a plan to ''kill two birds with one stone.''" Lucien spoke steadily, "First, we can use the nobles'' hands, ordering them to ''defend the Emperor,'' to attack the red dragon. This will both deplete their private armies and test their loyalty, observing whether they will feign compliance while preserving their strength." He paused briefly, then continued: "Secondly, we can issue a wide-ranging bounty, recruiting brave warriors from among the common people. This will both relieve the pressure on the nobles and gather popular support, demonstrating Your Majesty''s benevolence as a ruler who loves his people like his own children. In my opinion, supplemented by written proclamations detailing the red dragon''s atrocities, it will surely stir up public outrage, attracting dragon hunters in droves. But at the same time, it may also attract the help of metallic good dragons to surround and annihilate the evil dragon. Although this plan may provoke all-out war, the benefits far outweigh the risks." Lucien paused, his voice low and full of strategy: "But Your Majesty, above all else, ''to deal with external threats, one must first secure internal stability.'' Now that the nobles in the court harbor rebellious intentions, we can take this opportunity to use their greed and ambition for power, using them to resist external threats while simultaneously purging the disloyal, making them panic in fear." The Emperor listened quietly, a hint of satisfaction and determination flickering in his eyes. He nodded slowly, his voice regaining the authority of an emperor: "Lucien, your suggestion is very pertinent. This matter concerns the life and death of the imperial capital, so I entrust you with full authority to plan it. You are to plan and prepare to lead troops to attack the red dragon, while secretly investigating those rebels, ensuring that both internal and external threats are eliminated in one fell swoop!" Lucien bowed deeply upon hearing this: "Your Majesty is wise, I will not fail in my mission!" Having said this, Lucien turned to leave, his steps steady and hurried, as if he carried the weight of changing the fate of the world on his shoulders. Outside the palace gates, a gentle morning breeze blew, seeming to foreshadow the impending storm and changes. Leaving the Emperor alone in the imperial study, he slowly unfolded the secret letter in his hand, the letter densely packed with the movements and intentions of various nobles. Among those letters, there were reports from loyal individuals, as well as secret orders smuggled out by conspirators. The Emperor thought to himself: After more than a decade of rule, many of the great nobles remained firmly entrenched, while those of medium and small size, even those on the verge of decline, were pieces he could manipulate and control. His gaze fell upon a yellowed letter, his fingers gently tracing the familiar yet downfallen name on itBaron Blake. He murmured: "The fallen Baron Blake, your former glory has long since faded, leaving only the value of being controlled and used by me." In his view, this once-prominent, now-struggling baron was perfect to serve as a pawn to quell internal unrest and consolidate imperial power. The candlelight in the palace illuminated the Emperor''s calm yet resolute face, his mind already having laid a vast net, bringing all internal and external troubles under his control. Outside, there was the danger of the red dragon''s appearance; inside, the seeds of rebellion were sprouting. A storm involving dragon shadows and conspiracy was quietly approaching. At this moment, every decision was a matter of life and death for his nation! The emperor thought! One day he would strike at the volcano and drive out the evil dragon, but definitely not now. As Lucien''s departing figure receded, the air inside and outside the palace seemed to solidify, foreshadowing the coming bloodshed and the magnificent changes of fate. And behind all this, there was both a contest of loyalty and courage, and an interweaving of schemes and betrayal, waiting for the great hand of fate to lift the layers of fog. Chapter Seven: Cultivation! Is This Enjoying Farming Time?! Serathus awoke from his slumber, his consciousness gradually returning. Yet, his mind was not filled with clarity but rather a hazy void. He struggled to make sense of the world around him, but a flood of chaotic emotions overwhelmed him, leaving him disoriented. His body was still not fully accustomed to its new form, and his heart was consumed by endless confusion and unease. He couldnt understand why he had become like this. Once a human, he was now trapped in the unfamiliar body of a dragon. The drastic transformation left him feeling profoundly alienated. Serathus looked down at his small claws, wanting to reach out and touch his face covered in hard, crimson scales. But he felt no warmthonly a deep sense of sorrow. He slowly opened his eyes and saw the reddish glow of the rocks on the cave walls. The scent of the volcano still lingered in the air. Glancing down at his small body, he couldnt help but sigh softly. So small, he murmured. His tiny claws seemed insignificant in the vast cavern, almost cute, as if they posed no threat. But Serathus knew that despite his diminutive appearance, as a dragon, even these seemingly insignificant limbs held immense potential. Though his claws were not yet as sharp or powerful as those of an adult dragon, they were already formidable weapons against ordinary plants. The air around him was hot and heavy, the volcanic walls shimmering with a red glow, as if every rock was silently roaring. The flow of lava resembled the heartbeat of the dragon race, shaking the ground of the cave. The faint smell of sulfur filled the air, making it hard to breathe. He took a shallow breath, the heat scorching his lungs as if the entire world was ablaze. His claws scraped against the rocks, producing a faint scratching sound, as if even the air trembled at his presence. Serathus stretched his neck, squinting as he surveyed the volcanic cave. Suddenly, a low growl broke the silence. He touched his stomach and realized he was hungry. Though he had grown accustomed to his new body, his appetite seemed stronger than ever. Now, standing only three meters tall, he was a mere speck compared to the towering Dragon Mother, a fully grown red dragon who stood at least forty meters tall. He paused, glancing toward the cave entrance, formulating a plan. The Dragon Mother would likely go hunting and bring back prey. If he waited for her return, he could enjoy a hearty meal. With this thought, Serathus decided to be patient. After all, the Dragon Mothers strength far surpassed his own, and she could easily capture prey and bring it back. However, as time passed, Serathuss stomach growled louder, and his patience began to waver. If the Dragon Mother didnt return, he would have to find food himself. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. Eating dirt wouldnt be so bad, he muttered. Despite the dragon races immense power, he was still just a newborn, incapable of hunting. Just then, Serathus heard movement outsidea faint rustling. He slowly opened his eyes and saw that his siblings, Agnas and Kartilia, were also stirring awake. Three days of slumber had allowed their bodies to recover slightly, though their strength was still far from matching that of an adult dragon. Yet, it seemed each of them had gained a faint boost in power from digesting their eggshells. He looked at Kartilia, who was curled up beside a rock, her tail occasionally tapping the ground as if waiting for something. Agnas, on the other hand, was staring intently at the Dragon Mother, his eyes filled with longing. For the newly hatched dragons, hunger was the most immediate challenge. The Dragon Mother remained perched on her golden hoard, seemingly oblivious to their presence. Her massive body coiled around the glittering pile of metals and gems, exuding a calm yet unyielding authority. Her eyes were closed, as if lost in deep contemplation. Kartilia and Agnas kept glancing at the Dragon Mother, their hunger growing more urgent with each passing moment. Despite their desperation, they dared not make a sound. The Dragon Mothersmajesty and power were such that even the newborn dragons hesitated to disturb her. Time ticked by, and the Dragon Mother showed no sign of moving. Finally, Agnas couldnt hold back any longer. He whispered to Kartilia, Should we ask Mother if she could prepare some food for us? Kartilia frowned slightly, her eyes flashing with displeasure. Her gaze was sharp and confident, as if everything was under her control, but the unease in her tightly coiled tail betrayed her. She knew that as the future Red Dragon Queen of Calamity, she could not stoop to begging the Dragon Mother. Yet, her hunger was almost unbearable. She glanced at her siblings, a sense of resentment rising within her. But in the end, she forced a pleading smile. I, the future Red Dragon Queen of Calamity, am destined for greatness. But for now, perhaps we should try This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Though her words were bold, Serathus could see the fear and anxiety in her eyes. She, too, was starving. After all, they had just digested their eggshells, and their bodies were still growing. Serathus sighed. He didnt want to appear weak, but they needed food to survive. Kartilia, youre right. We are red dragons, and we will grow strong. But if we dont call out now, we might starve. He turned to Agnas. Dont you think so, Agnas? Agnas nodded, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. Yes, we should call out together. Even the Dragon Mother might show us some mercy. And so, the three young red dragons stood together. Though each had a distinct personality and demeanor, their shared goal united them tightly. Serathus took a deep breath and led Kartilia and Agnas toward the golden hoard. They called out in unison, Great and noble Dragon Mother, Magnus Ingrathus Fenglous Fentian! Your children are starving. Please grant us food! Their voices, thoughyoung, were filled with reverence and hope. The calls echoed through the cavern, carrying a sense of urgency that reverberated off the rocky walls. The first time, the Dragon Mother did not respond. The second time, she remained motionless. But on the third call, Serathus felt a chilling aura rise from the Dragon Mother. His heart raced as he fixed his gaze on her massive form. Finally, those oppressive dragon eyes slowly opened, locking onto them. The Dragon Mothers gaze was cold and indifferent, as if piercing through their very souls. In that moment, Serathus felt an indescribable pressure envelop his entire being. There was no anger in her eyesonly a detached observation. She slowly raised her head, her expression devoid of warmth. Serathuss heart tightened, and he lowered his head, realizing that their lives hung on the Dragon Mothers whim. The Dragon Mother stood at the center of the nest, her gaze icy andmajesty, as if countless years of wisdom and power were condensed within thosedeep eyes. Foolish children, you owe your survival to my greatness, she said, her voice low and cold, carrying an undeniable authority. Her words struck like thunder across a dark sky, and the air grew heavy, as if even the light had dimmed under her presence. Serathus felt a tightness in his chest, the Dragon Mothers power making him feel utterly submissive. Though he had become a red dragon, he was still in awe of her strength. After speaking, the Dragon Mother turned her back to the nest, spread her mighty wings, and prepared to fly out in search of prey. Her wings sliced through the air with a roar, and she swiftly disappeared into the darkness beyond the cave entrance. The silence that followed her departure left Serathus with a strange emptiness. As a newborn, everything in this new world felt foreign and unsettling. The sense of disorientation gripped his heart. Though he had been reborn as a dragon, everything still felt so unfamiliar, as if he were trapped in a completely different world. The wait grew longer, and Serathuss stomach felt like a bottomless pit. The passage of time only heightened his anxiety. Every slight sound made him tense, and he dared not stray too far from his siblings, fearing he might miss any opportunity. The Dragon Mothersmajesty kept him from acting rashly, but his patience was wearing thin. He suddenly stood up, almost instinctively lying on the stone floor to conserve energy, but a thought crept into his mindif the Dragon Mother didnt return, he might really have to eat dirt. Then, the air outside grew intensely hot, and a powerful fiery presence surged into the nest. Serathus looked up to see the Dragon Mother returning, carrying a flaming demon ox on her back. The ox was massive, its body engulfed in raging flames, emitting a pungent, burnt smell. The air itself seemed to grow hotter from its presence. The Dragon Mother hurled the ox to the ground, her eyes cold. You should be grateful for my greatness, she said before turning away. At the sight of the prey, the three young dragons wasted no time. They pounced on the ox, blood and flesh flying in all directions. Bones crunched, and the air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. Serathuss stomach growled impatiently, the primal instincts of a red dragon overriding his hesitation. As he bit into the meat, the taste of blood filled his mouth, making him nauseous. But his hunger was too strong to resist. Before him lay raw meatsomething he had never eaten before. He pursed his lips, forcing himself to ignore the discomfort, and took a large bite. The flesh of the flaming demon ox was slippery and tough. As he chewed, blood gushed into his mouth, the metallic taste overwhelming. He swallowed the slippery chunks of meat, his hunger temporarily sated, but the raw, bloody flavor left him feeling sick. Is eating meat really so wrong? he wondered, though he had never personally killed an animal before. He looked down at the blood and gore on his claws, a sense of dread washing over him. He had never imagined he would become such a creature, capable of suchBarbaric acts. Yet, his hunger was stronger than any moral qualms. The needs of his body overrode all reason. He continued to devour the meat until his stomach began to swell, the temporary satisfaction bringing a fleeting sense of peace. Though he had only eaten a third of the flaming demon ox, it was all he could manage. He stared at the bloodstains on his claws, the crimson marks a reminder of what he had just done. The nausea grew stronger after the initial rush of hunger had passed, but as his stomach finally felt full, he muttered to himself, Is this the power of the dragon race? Just then, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in his ears: *Ding! Host behavior assessed: Karmic Sin +1. Continue to explore the consequences of your actions?* Serathus froze, his gaze growing heavier. A flood of questions filled his mind: Karmic Sin? Did I do something wrong? Karmic Sin? Serathus instinctively furrowed his brow. How did this system determine karmic sin? Did eating an ox really increase his sin value? He suddenly felt incredibly small, even foolish. The mechanical nature of the prompt left him deeply confused. He couldnt understandwas eating raw meat considered a sin in this world? He looked down at the blood on his claws, the stains a reminder that the rules of the dragon race were vastly different from those of the human world. A heavy feeling ofdepression weighed on his heart, and he couldnt shake the sense of guilt. However, the heaviness in his stomach left little room for further thought. His body began to feel sluggish, and his eyelids grew heavy. Sleep was creeping up on him. He didnt want to fall asleep too quickly, knowing that resting too soon after eating wasnt good for his body. Struggling against the drowsiness, he forced himself to stand and walked toward the cave entrance, gazing out at the distant blue sky. Sunlight streamed through the opening, casting golden rays into the cave, stirring his curiosity about the outside world. The world beyond seemed vast and boundless, while he was just a newborn dragon, knowing nothing and having nothing. He took a deep breath and leaned back against the volcanic rock, trying to stay awake. But his eyelids grew heavier, his breathing slowed, and finally, he succumbed to the exhaustion, closing his eyes. Dreams began to blur his consciousness, but as he drifted off, his heart was filled with unease and doubtcould he adapt to this new world? Could he survive in this unknown land? Chapter 8: Bored? The Daily Grind Lathus gradually awoke from his slumber, the low, rhythmic rumble echoing in his earsnot the violent eruption of a true volcano, but the murmuring flow of magma deep within the earth''s crust. The rolling lava emitted a resonant hum, as if the earth itself were whispering secrets of eternity. Slowly opening his eyes, he surveyed his surroundings and found that outside the cave, everything remained unchanged from the day before. The residual warmth of the volcanic lava cast a faint crimson glow, and the distant rock walls occasionally flickered with sparks of intense heat. Inside his warm homethe volcanic lava cavethe familiar scene persisted. Within the cave, atop a priceless golden throne, the Dragon Mother lay peacefully in slumber. With each breath, her immense aura seemed to envelop the entire cavern, instilling a sense of fear and reverence in Lathus, the still-maturing young dragon. Last night, he had been too satiated to sleep, but now it was different: dragons did not need to eat daily, but rather every few days. Lathus still had ample energy within him, so he did not need to fall into deep sleep or gorge himself to replenish his strength. Deciding to get up and explore the dawn outside, he slowly crawled out of the cave, only to be greeted by the radiant sunlight. The vast blue sky stretched endlessly in the morning light, and he couldn''t help but glance back into the cavehis brother Agnus and sister Catilia were still asleep there. After the hardships of the past few days, their once fragile bodies had transformed into robust, resilient forms. In the warm and expansive morning light, Lathus'' gaze inadvertently fell upon Catilia. In that instant, the dawn seemed to bestow a magical aura, casting a shimmering glow over Catilia''s fiery red scales. The scales, which had once appeared rough, now resembled meticulously crafted rubies, radiating a captivating brilliance and exuding an indescribable elegance and radiance. Lathus'' heart trembled as if a stone had been dropped into a still lake. This tremor was not solely due to sheer admiration but more akin to an ancient, mysterious whisper resonating deep within him: "Is this... the ''beauty'' that dragons perceive?" For a moment, he was utterly transfixed. His human identity, which he usually held onto, seemed to vanish into thin air, replaced by an alien emotion. This emotion was a mix of awe at the rare beauty before him and a tender, inexplicable softness. It was as if, within the rugged lava cave, he had caught a glimpse of a fragile yet exquisite illusion. However, just as quickly as it had come, Lathus snapped out of his reverie. He felt a sudden alarm, a realization that he must not be swayed by the superficial allure of the red dragon or the manipulation of the dragon''s will. In that same moment, Lathus hesitated, driven by instinct to whisper to himself: "Is this... the beauty of creatures as seen by dragons? So... extraordinary." The profound shock and the accompanying inexplicable thrill momentarily made him forget his original identity. He pondered silently, is this truly my sister? Why, in this moment, do I feel such an unusual attraction? Is this feeling... a sign of danger? After a brief daze, he quickly regained his composure. As if trying to shake off some unknown enchantment, he blinked slowly and turned his gaze back to his sister. By then, the mystical glow of the dawn had faded, and Catilia returned to her familiar form. She was once again the red dragon wrapped in fiery scales, still the young, powerful, and slightly fierce-looking creature. As reality reasserted itself, the astonishment in his heart gradually subsided. Yet, as the waves of surprise ebbed, a sense of bewilderment and a faint, almost imperceptible disappointment began to spread within him. After a moment of confusion, though his heart still churned with lingering emotions, Lathus knew there were more pressing tasks at handtending to the fields. He shook his head, trying to dispel the strange feelings. After a full day of labor, he had already poured his heart and soul into the land: clearing, watering, and setting up protective measures. Though he was covered in dust and grime, he had laid the foundation for a future harvest. If the land became too dry and lacked water, the seeds would sprout only to wither, rendering all his efforts futile. Relying on his memory and the markers he had left along the way, Lathus began to make his way back to the fields. With each step, his claws brushed against fallen leaves and twigs, creating a soft rustling sound that startled the occasional bird perched in the trees and the nearby wandering beasts. He adopted a low crawling posture, moving swiftly and quietly to avoid drawing too much attention. Soon, he arrived at the edge of the carefully cultivated field. Seeing that the simple wooden fence he had constructed was still intact, Lathus breathed a sigh of relief. Relieved that the field remained undisturbed, he prepared to water it. However, as he recalled the details of yesterday''s watering, he suddenly realized that the elemental watering can provided by the system had run out of water during the second round. Thinking of this, he followed the markers he had left near the fieldthe markers pointing to a nearby clear, unpolluted lake. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. He hurried along the marked path to the lake. When he stood by the lake once more, the water was still crystal clear, like a natural mirror, completely untouched by any contamination. Lathus carefully dipped the watering can into the lake, allowing the water to slowly fill it. After some time, he lifted the can and saw that it was once again filled with ten liters of sweet, pure water. To prevent the precious water from evaporating due to the warmth, he quickly transferred the full can back into the system space, ensuring that not a drop was lost. The journey back was smooth and uneventful. Soon, he returned to the field he had toiled over, gazing at the carefully cultivated land with a sense of joy and satisfaction. He picked up the watering can and began to sprinkle the clear water evenly over the freshly turned soil. The tiny droplets sparkled in the morning light, quickly seeping into every inch of the dry earth, gradually moistening it. Lathus observed the field closelythe carrot seeds he had planted still lay quietly in the soil, seemingly not yet sprouted; while on the other side, the area designated for the Sunlight Mushrooms was clearly marked. As he bent down to water, Lathus suddenly noticed a faint yellow glimmer in the field. He crouched lower, focusing his gaze, and saw that it was a tiny Sunlight Mushroom. The mushroom''s surface was adorned with delicate yellow veins, interspersed with patches of white, resembling a finely crafted seed. Seeing this newly sprouted Sunlight Mushroom, Lathus felt a surge of joy: this was the green-quality Sunlight Mushroom, which had quietly sprouted overnight. Although the newly emerged mushroom was still very small, he felt a sense of vitality and hope spreading through the field; he just wasn''t sure how long it would take to mature and complete the system''s task! Lathus turned to the system panel, which displayed the current planting task: wait for the seeds to sprout and gradually mature until the task was complete. The task refresh time was still uncertain, but at least he now had a clear directionto patiently wait for the crops to grow. However, progress was slow, and the future was filled with unknowns and variables. At that moment, Lathus suddenly remembered that the system''s starter pack had included a bag of primary energy fertilizer. He opened the system''s backpack and found the one-pound bag of fertilizer. The bag bore a large logoa sprout, fresh and full of life. Using his sharp claws, Lathus carefully tore open a small corner of the bag and poured the contents into his hand. The fertilizer was black, with a slightly powdery texture. Though it resembled ordinary soil, it was finer and softer, seemingly imbued with some mysterious energy. Though he still had doubts about whether the fertilizer could truly promote crop growth, Lathus trusted that anything from the system must be extraordinary. So, he carefully took a small handful and evenly spread it over the area where the Sunlight Mushroom seeds were planted. Seeing that he still had some left, he took a bit more and sprinkled it over the 18 carrot seeds in the field. To facilitate comparison, he divided the 18 carrot seeds into two groups: one fertilized, the other not, and marked the fertilized area clearly for future observation of the fertilizer''s effects. Next, Lathus took the three Sunlight Mushroom seeds from his backpack, dug small holes in the soil with his claws, and carefully buried them; then he evenly poured the remaining water from the can over these holes and sprinkled the remaining fertilizer nearby. In this way, the handful of fertilizer was quickly used up. Standing by the field, Lathus looked at the freshly fertilized and watered soil, filled with both anticipation and doubt: was this fertilizer truly effective? Though he wasn''t sure, as a product of the system, he believed it must be of high quality. After all, the miraculous hoe from the system had easily split a decades-old tree, a testament to the power of system items. He knew that only by waiting for these seeds to sprout, grow, and mature could he complete the first task. With this thought, Lathus lay beneath a tree, watching the swaying leaves in the sky. The morning breeze gently brushed past him, and Lathus sat quietly by the field, letting the wind whisper softly in his ears. The sound of the wind seemed like a carefully composed symphony by nature, gentle and soothing, bringing a sense of tranquility to the freshly worked land. Lathus gazed at the overturned soil, the result of his hard labor, and felt a surge of anticipationhe had poured his patience and sweat into this land, hoping that the plants would grow silently in this melody, radiating the light of life. Just as he was lost in this peaceful and hopeful contemplation, his keen senses suddenly picked up a subtle movement deep within the soil. Lathus tilted his head slightly, focusing his gaze on the depths of the earth, where a tiny green dot suddenly emerged, pushing aside the soft soil around it. It was a carrot seedling, tender and fragile, yet brimming with a resilient and unyielding vitality, as if whispering to Lathus: "Even in this barren land, I can create miracles." Lathus glanced at the clock; it was already noon. He decided to wrap up his work and return to the cave, but then he noticed the sticky mud from yesterday''s labor still clinging to his claws and scalesa reminder of the ridicule he had faced upon his last return. Determined to avoid a repeat, he decided to wash himself thoroughly by the lake. He quickly made his way through the field, following the markers he had left earlier, and arrived at the familiar lake. The water was still crystal clear, shimmering under the sunlight, and as Lathus stepped into the lake, the surface rippled with tiny bubbles. The water, warmed by his body heat, emitted a soft fizzing sound. Lathus swam slowly in the water, letting it cleanse the mud from his body. With each stroke, the stubborn dirt gradually fell away, until his scales regained their natural luster. After climbing back onto the shore, Lathus shook his body vigorously, sending droplets of water flying in all directions. As a red dragon, he knew his high body temperature would quickly evaporate the remaining moisture, so he wasn''t overly concerned. But now, as he inspected his claws and scales, he was relieved to find that almost no mud remained. Returning to the field, which was only a short distance from the cave, Lathus knew he could reach home in just over ten minutes without worrying too much about danger. Sitting by the field, Lathus reflected on the day''s events. He recalled his morning trip to the lake, where he had filled the system''s watering can with ten liters of clear water, ensuring that the moisture was preserved in the system to prevent evaporation. Later, he had evenly sprinkled the water over the field, watching as the tiny droplets seeped into the dry soil, nourishing the land he had worked so hard to cultivate. He observed the field closely: the carrot seeds still lay dormant in the soil, not yet sprouted; while in the area designated for the Sunlight Mushrooms, the markers were still clearly visible. In this area, Lathus suddenly noticed a tiny yellow speck on the soil. Bending down for a closer look, he saw that it was a newly sprouted Sunlight Mushroom seedling, its surface adorned with delicate yellow veins and white spots, like a tiny seed brimming with the magic of nature. Lathus felt a quiet joy: this green-quality Sunlight Mushroom had sprouted overnight, and though it was still small, it was a sign of burgeoning life. As he immersed himself in visions of a bountiful harvest, Lathus suddenly remembered the primary energy fertilizer from the system''s starter pack. He opened the system panel, checked his backpack, and found the bag, now only one-fifth full. According to the system, this bag of fertilizer could be used three times, and with only a small amount left, he estimated he had about fourteen uses remaining. Lathus examined the fertilizer closely; the bag bore a large sprout logo, a testament to the system''s quality assurance. Using his claws, he tore open the bag and poured the black, fine, slightly powdery fertilizer into his hand. He tasted a bit of it; though it was bland, even slightly bitter like soil, he could feel a pure energy coursing through his body, like a faint flame igniting within. Lathus pondered: since eating meat increased his malevolence value, possibly leading to negative consequences, perhaps this primary energy fertilizer could serve as an alternative food source. After all, the system was not human and couldn''t answer all his questions; he had to figure things out step by step. But as he looked at the dwindling amount of fertilizer, he hesitated. Though it seemed ordinary, this fertilizer was valuable; the exchange store hadn''t yet unlocked, making it a precious resource. He decided to use it sparingly, taking only a small handful each time, and divided the carrot seeds into two groupsone fertilized, the other notas a control to observe the fertilizer''s effects. Lathus had also considered foraging for wild fruits or gnawing on tree bark to stave off hunger, but the wild fruits were sour and unripe, and the bark was unpalatable, making them poor substitutes for this precious energy source. It was now spring and summer, and the nearby trees bore no ripe fruit, so he could only stay by the field and wait for the future harvest. Though the cave was only a short distance away, and even if he encountered more powerful beasts or humans, he wasn''t worried, as this was his most familiar territory. After a morning of hard work, Lathus had finally brought order to the field. The wooden fence still stood guard over the newly planted crops, and the sunlight filtered through the sparse tree branches, casting dappled shadows on the freshly turned soil. Exhausted, he lay beneath a towering ancient tree, letting the breeze cool him and dispel the day''s heat. At that moment, his heart was filled with mixed emotions as he recalled the chilling scene from the morningwhen he had gazed upon his sister, her ethereal beauty had suddenly pierced his cold heart. Lathus felt a shiver run through him, a chill that came not only from the breathtaking beauty of his sister in the dawn light but also from the deep-seated fear and desire inherent in his dragon bloodline. From the moment of their birth, dragons possessed an aesthetic sense that surpassed that of ordinary beings, allowing them to perceive the essence of beauty hidden within all thingsnot the superficial beauty of humans, but a primal beauty that blended power and wildness, close to the source of life. That beauty seemed to transform into a captivating painting, and the emotions it stirred were not just desire but also a craving for power, a longing to possess beautiful things, and an insatiable hunger for endless wealth. Lathus thought to himself: "If I succumb to this endless desire, how mad and terrifying my future will become!" He couldn''t help but think of those dragon predecessors who had lost themselves to power: arrogant, overbearing, and dismissive of all living beings, believing themselves to be born kings; while the desires flowing in their blood were like invisible whirlpools, constantly dragging them into an abyss, causing them to lose themselves and become slaves to their desires. At this thought, he trembled, a cold fear rising from the depths of his heart, making it hard to calm the turmoil within and the hidden worries about his own fate. Lathus struggled to suppress the tide of desire, forcing himself to cast aside those temptations and illusions. He knew that as a red dragon, he must always maintain clarity and nobility in his heart, not allowing the superficial allure and greed of the outside world to disturb his mind. Finally, he lifted his head and gazed once more at the field bathed in sunlight. Through the dappled shadows cast by the swaying trees, though his heart was still filled with chaotic thoughts, Lathus forced himself to let go of the distractions and no longer cling to worldly desires. Time passed, and soon it was afternoon. Standing by the edge of the field, Lathus gazed at the land he had so carefully tended, his heart filled with anticipation. After a while, he decided it was time to return. Perhaps, in the end, returning to the safety of home was the most comforting thought. Chapter Nine: The Roar of the Young Dragons: A Childish Power Struggle" When Lathus stepped into the scorching yet familiar volcanic lava cave, what surged within him was not just the warmth of memories but a deep sense of belonging tied to his very bloodline. This cave, born from the churning magma, had long been etched with the marks of his life since birth. Despite the conflicts and strife that filled his homethe aloof Dragon Mother, the ever-quarreling brother Agnus, and the fiery, stubborn sister Catiliathe profound bond he felt still made it impossible for him to abandon it all. As soon as he entered the cave, Lathus was met with the sharp, urgent sounds of an argument. The voices, filled with anger and defiance, seemed to echo from deep within the cavern. Curiosity led him closer, and he soon found Agnus and Catilia locked in a heated dispute. Agnus stomped his foot, the rocky ground trembling beneath him as he roared at Catilia, "I am the strongest! Of course, I have the final say! If you wont listen to me, who will?" His tone was domineering, a clear display of his reliance on brute strength. Catilia raised her slender neck, her voice piercing as she shot back, "The strongest? Ha! Just a brute with a bit more muscle! Everyone knows the eldest is the leader. By seniority, you should be listening to me!" Her words were laced with sarcasm and disdain. The two young dragons faces flushed with anger, their immature scales bristling with excitement as their voices rose higher and higher, neither willing to back down. The argument quickly escalated into a physical clash. Agnus swung his chubby claws clumsily at Catilias wings, while Catilia, her fangs not yet fully grown, snapped mockingly at Agnuss neck. Their young bodies collided with dull thuds, sending up clouds of dust and rock fragments. Though their dragon breath was little more than faint sparks and their scratches left only shallow marks, the fight was fueled by the innate combative instincts of young dragons and their primal desire to establish dominance. Lathus watched from the shadows of the cave, his crimson vertical pupils calmly observing the scene as if it were a farcical play unrelated to him. The roars of the young dragons echoed in his ears like distant beastly cries, mere background noise that failed to stir any emotion within him. His human soul seemed detached, floating above, coldly observing this juvenile and laughable struggle for power. The law of the jungle? How primitive and crude. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. This contest of pure strength was far removed from wisdom and reason. The sharp, escalating argument did not pique his interest but instead filled him with an indescribable weariness. Through this farce, he seemed to glimpse a future tragedy for the red dragon clana descent into endless internal strife, consumed by the thirst for power, ultimately reduced to mere puppets of their own strength. A chill crept up his spine, like the cold undercurrents deep within the lava cave: if even he could not escape the shackles of this instinct, what would become of the dignity and nobility the red dragons prided themselves on? As Agnus and Catilia continued their heated argument, their claws and fists clashing, Lathus watched coldly, thinking to himself: the young dragons fights were nothing more than instinctual contests, devoid of thoughtful wisdom. He sighed softly, turned away from the noise, and made his way to a warm volcanic rock, where he lay down to rest. The warm rock, glowing faintly red from the residual heat of the lava, was Lathuss favorite spot for relaxation. He lay there, half-reclined, quietly observing the sounds of argument and occasional scuffles coming from within the cave. To him, it was like watching a playboth amusing and thought-provoking. Though he wasnt sure when Agnus and Catilia had woken up, this fight was just another routine episode in their household, hardly worth noting. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. For him, his nearly human-like rationality made it seem like nothing more than childish bickering, not a conflict driven purely by the law of the jungle. As the warmth of the volcanic cave enveloped him, Lathus had just begun to relax, his curiosity piqued by the ongoing arguments at home. At that moment, Agnus, with his astonishing physical strength and ferocity, finally defeated Catilia in a fierce confrontation, solidifying his position as the "leader." But before the joy of victory could fully settle, Agnuss gaze turned to Lathus, filled with arrogance and an unmistakable challenge. "Lathus!" Agnuss voice was low and commanding as he straightened up, declaring, "I challenge you first. Youd better bring your full strength, or Ill knock you down!" With those words, the cave fell silent, as if all living beings held their breath, waiting for the clash between the young dragons. To them, this was not just a simple sparring match but a ritual to determine the leader of the red dragons. According to dragon tradition, becoming the leader not only meant priority access to food but also greater authority within the territory. Lathus listened to Agnuss proud words, his heart churning with conflicting emotions. He glanced around, noticing the wounds Agnus bore from his fight with Catiliathin, bleeding cuts that dripped with fresh dragon bloodwhile Catilias injuries were even more severe, with several scales missing. Seeing these wounds, Lathus thought to himself, "If I take advantage of your injuries to defeat you, my victory would be dishonorable. Its only fair to wait until youve healed before we fight." He spoke these words with calm and firmness, but Agnus seemed to take them as mockery, his face darkening with anger. "These arent wounds! Theyre my glory! Every scar proves my valor in battle. Theyre what make me worthy of being the leader!" Agnus retorted fiercely. As their words clashed, the conflict within Lathus grew more intense. Though his rationality told him that engaging in this fight would only lead to meaningless strife among the young dragons, he also knew that with Agnuss provocation, he couldnt avoid it forever. After a brief hesitation, he decided to accept the challenge. After all, the fight would only leave them with a few scars, which were part of the trials of growth. Lathus slowly descended from his perch, landing on an open patch of rocky ground. Agnuss eyes burned with the desire to challenge his elder brother, as if ready to unleash all his strength in this confrontation. Lathus observed his opponent carefully, noting the fresh wounds still bleeding on Agnuss body. Each wound seemed like a burning mark, a testament to his past battles. In contrast, Lathus, though slightly weary, remained composed and calm. The battle erupted suddenly, as if all the fury of the world had gathered in that moment! Agnus charged like a fiery meteor, his sharp claws tearing through the air as he aimed for Lathuss limbs. Each strike landed like a heavy hammer on hard scales, leaving deep, shocking gashes. Bright red dragon blood splattered like broken beads, flying through the air and landing on the rough rock surface. The intense heat caused the blood to evaporate almost instantly, emitting a faint, sizzling sound. The cave was soon filled with the pungent smell of blood and the scorching scent of lava, a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the brutality of battle. Every collision was a struggle of life and death, the intense impacts, the flying blood, and the waves of heat pushing the fight to its extreme tension and cruelty. Lathus grunted in pain, his amber vertical pupils flashing with agony, but he endured the pain and swiftly counterattacked, his claws slicing through the air in a sharp arc to fend off Agnuss relentless assault. He could feel that each of Agnuss attacks was fiercer than the last, as if determined to tear him apart. In the blink of an eye, the two young dragons had exchanged several blows. Their claws tore through the air with sharp whistles. Lathus, unable to dodge in time, saw Agnuss claws closing in. Suddenly, he remembered the combat instincts deep within his bloodline. He clenched his jaws, his chest swelling as a surge of heat gathered in his throat. Just as Agnuss claws were about to strike his scales, Lathus unleashed a burst of crimson dragon breath! Though still immature, the breath carried enough force to scorch the air. Agnus roared in pain, forced to retreat in disarray. The cave was instantly filled with the acrid smell of burning. Seeing Lathuss counterattack, Agnus sneered, "Youre not so tough! I didnt expect you to be so weak. Defeating you will be my honor. Just give up!" Though Lathuss anger burned within him, he also considered his dignity and the principle of "victory without dishonor." He replied softly, "Youre already covered in wounds. If I take advantage of that to defeat you, my victory would be meaningless. Lets fight again when youre healed, and then well see whos truly stronger." Agnuss face turned ashen, his eyes blazing with barely concealed fury. "Are you mocking my scars? No, each of these wounds is a mark of my glory!" Facing this intense exchange, Lathus took a deep breath and, after careful consideration, decided to hold back for now, waiting for Agnus to recover before continuing the fight. He wasnt unwilling to fighthe simply didnt want his victory to come at the cost of his principles. To take pride in injuring an opponent would strip away the nobility and integrity that a red dragon should uphold. The two dragons fought fiercely, their attacks and defenses alternating with overwhelming force. Though their dragon breath was still incomplete and their injuries limited, the fight served as a test of their skills and a chance to gain experience. At one point, Lathus and Agnus were so close that their breaths intertwined, their flesh and blood mingling as rage and calm clashed in close quarters. After a while, Agnuss arrogance began to wane under Lathuss composed words. Lathus said softly, "If I defeat you now, it would be a hollow victory. Lets wait until youre healed for a fair fight. Id rather have a true and just battle." Agnus, hearing this, grew even angrier. He swung his claws and charged again, shouting, "These wounds are my glory! I dont need to hide them. Theyre proof that Im a born leader!" Yet, Lathuss eyes flashed with disdain. He knew that true strength lay not in the scars on ones body but in the maturity and calmness of ones heart. Facing Agnuss arrogance, he simply shook his head slightly, his heart turbulent but no longer willing to engage. In the end, the fight reached a stalemate, both sides stopping as their breaths filled with tension and resentment. Lathus looked at the swirling dust and flowing blood, knowing full wellthough the fight had no clear winner, the advantage lay with Agnus. After all, this was the unyielding bloodline of a true red dragon! This fiercely combative nature, honed through countless battles with Catilia, had given Agnus rich experience in combat. For Lathus, however, this was his first real fight. The surging flames gathered in Lathuss mouth, the heat threatening to ignite his very soul. Just as Agnus swung a powerful claw at him, Lathus drew in the fire within him and unleashed a furious blast of dragon breath. The flames erupted, striking Agnus directly on the wounds Catilia had inflicted. In that instant, the flames struck like an arrow, burning the wounds and making the already bloodied injuries even more pronounced. Fresh dragon blood dripped down. But there is no eternal victor in battle. Agnus, still fiercely combative, refused to back down, his stubborn and ferocious nature inherited from the red dragons driving him to endure Lathuss attacks. Both dragons injuries worsened as the fight dragged on: Lathuss scales were shattered in multiple places, bright red blood gushing from the wounds, while Agnuss injuries from his earlier fight with Catilia had not healed, his sharp claws inflicting painful wounds on Lathus. Chapter 10: finished？ That food really hurts In the midst of the fierce confrontation, the situation seemed to teeter on a delicate balance. Seratus, lacking sufficient combat experience, made fewer moves; whereas Agnas and Catilia, having clashed multiple times in previous battles, had accumulated a wealth of practical experience, making his attacks all the more ferocious. Agnas sneered, reveling in Seratus''s retreating, disheveled state. He brandished his steel-like, razor-sharp dragon claws, each strike leaving deep, bone-exposing wounds on Seratus. The searing dragon breath, intertwined with sharp roars, hissed like a venomous serpent, relentlessly scorching Seratus''s fragile nerves. "Hmph!" Agnas let out a disdainful snort from his nostrils, his crimson eyes filled with scorn and mockery. He looked down upon Seratus with a condescending gaze, his tone dripping with arrogance, "Your cowering demeanor is like a rat hiding in its burrow! All you do is feebly defend, not a trace of the wild spirit of a red dragon in you! Pitiful! I suggest you surrender now, lest you waste your strength and become a laughingstock!" Seeing Seratus still struggling to defend, Agnas curled his lips in disdain, his arrogance growing. He let out a piercing laugh, swinging his claws while taunting, "Look at your feeble defense! You can''t even hide the wounds on my body! These scars are my badges of honor! If you had the strength to defeat me, wouldn''t it be an insult to my royal blood?" The tension between them escalated. Agnas poured all his strength into attacking Seratus, each swipe of his claws leaving stinging marks on Seratus''s skin. Seratus, on the other hand, continuously blocked with his claws and countered with his incomplete dragon breath. Their close-quarters combat resulted in the dull thuds of muscle and scales colliding, blood splattering across the battlefield, painting it in a macabre hue. Finally, in a moment of claw-crossing, Seratus keenly spotted a flaw in Agnas''s defense. The power he had been accumulating erupted like a volcano! He launched a fierce counterattack, the dull thuds gradually fading, replaced by heavy gasps and the lingering scent of blood in the air. Seratus felt every inch of his scales burning in agony, his strength on the verge of collapse, but he clenched his teeth, his resolve to trade wounds for a chance to strike back burning ever brighter. He began to adjust his strategy, reining in his aggression, focusing on defense, and seeking openings in Agnas''s attacks. Seratus carefully blocked each strike with his sturdy claws, conserving his strength and minimizing his injuries. As time passed, their battle turned into a tug-of-war. Agnas, growing increasingly agitated, swung his claws with more force but began to show signs of fatigue; Seratus, maintaining his defensive stance, waited for the slightest opening. In the over ten minutes of combat, the battlefield was littered with flesh and blood, their dragon blood mingling and splattering like crimson rain. Seratus noticed Agnas''s body beginning to waver, and he knew the opportune moment was near. Despite the anger burning within him, Seratus suppressed his emotions, refusing to let rage cloud his judgment. He knew a true red dragon must maintain nobility and restraint, not lose composure over fleeting anger. After another fierce exchange, Agnas''s attacks finally showed a hint of hesitation. Seratus''s eyes gleamed as he seized the fleeting opportunity, the power he had been storing erupted like a volcano! He launched a desperate counterattack, grabbing the moment Agnas was exhausted. The sounds of intense combat gradually subsided, replaced by heavy breathing echoing in the cave, the air thick with the nauseating stench of blood. Seratus felt every inch of his scales as if they were being scorched by fire, the pain nearly numbing him. Thick blood and dragon blood pooled beneath him, forming a glaring puddle that trickled down the rough ground, each drop sounding like the toll of a death knell. At this moment, the pace of the battle slowed. Agnas, exhausted from the intense fight, began to falter, his once-arrogant attacks weakening, his body swaying unsteadily. Seratus clenched his fists, thinking to himself: As long as I hold on, I can wear him down, and victory will be mine. Yet, at this moment, the outcome remained uncertain, the battlefield still shrouded in a thick haze of blood and stubbornness. Seratus took a deep breath, his gaze resolute and determined. Though he refrained from mocking his opponent, the humiliation and his unwavering sense of dignity fueled his every strike with a determination to win. In this moment of blood and fire, he calmly reminded himself, "The best offense is defense, waiting for the moment his strength wanes." Finally, the battle reached a brief stalemate. Seratus and Agnas stared at each other, their bodies covered in wounds and blood, a testament to the heavy price each had paid. The air was thick with the silence and pain of their fierce struggle, only the sound of dripping dragon blood narrating their resolve and honor. In the battlefield of fire and blood, Seratus''s eyes burned with determination. He seized the moment, launching a fierce counterattack. No longer caring about his wounds or the searing pain, his heart was filled only with anger toward his opponent and a steadfast pursuit of honor. He swung his claws, lunging fiercely at Agnas''s weak points, a single strike sending Agnas crashing to the ground. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. As Agnas struggled to rise, Seratus swiftly executed a move akin to "Mount Tai Crushing"he pressed his solid weight down on Agnas''s chest, his claws tearing into Agnas''s flesh like blades. Blood splattered as they grappled, both sides exhausting their last reserves of strength, their heavy breaths shaking the earth. After a fierce struggle, Seratus finally managed to pin Agnas to the ground. Gasping for air, Seratus felt the pain and exhaustion of the battle surging through him. He took deep breaths, replenishing the oxygen in his body. Agnas, lying on the ground, slowly opened his eyes, his heavy breaths punctuating his words, "Ah, my foolish brother, how does it feel to be the one lying on the ground now" With that, he ceased his struggle, collapsing to the side, letting his exhaustion dissipate. Agnas, his unhealed wounds still oozing crimson dragon blood, declared arrogantly, "These mere wounds won''t make me surrender! Once I recover, I''ll fight you to the death!" His tone was filled with disdain and arrogance, sending a chill through any dragon who heard it. Listening to Agnas''s words, Seratus understoodthis battle, though leaving both sides scarred, had revealed Agnas''s obsession with power and honor. Seratus felt a twinge of helplessness, knowing his own strength was still immature and his injuries numerous; a direct confrontation would only plunge him deeper into trouble. He silently resolved, "When you recover, and we clash again, that will be the true test of strength." Thus, he suppressed his anger, ceased his attack, and began to recuperate. After a brief rest, familiar, stern footsteps echoed from the cave''s entrance. The Dragon Mother flew in, her gaze sweeping over the blood-soaked ground and scattered, broken scales. She emotionlessly tossed the fresh remains of hunted beasts aside, coldly remarking, "Weak whelps, your quarrels are both ridiculous and foolish." With that, she returned to her pile of priceless treasures and coins, settling back into slumber as if the young dragons'' squabble was beneath her notice. Seratus looked at the bloodied battlefield, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He slowly made his way to a corner, joining Agnas and Catilia in feeding. The three young dragons silently gnawed on the remains of the beasts. Though the meat was coarse and far from delicious, after the prolonged battle, replenishing their energy was paramount. Initially repulsed by the raw meat, Seratus found his aversion fading as the pain of his wounds and his exhaustion took precedence, replaced by the urgent need for survival. Seeing the blood gushing from his own body and the wounds on Agnas, Seratus sighed: If it weren''t for Catilia''s earlier injury to Agnas, leaving him with some battle scars, I might not have been able to stand against him. Yet, Catilia had wisely conceded in the earlier fight, preserving much of her dignity and unscathed scales, leaving Seratus feeling a pang of disappointment and anger. At that moment, Agnas, filled with resentment, voraciously devoured the beast''s remains, as if swallowing the entire creature would vent his fury. His hateful gaze occasionally flicked toward Seratus, thinking to himself, "If it weren''t for the wounds you left, I would have crushed you long ago!" He intensified his feeding, tearing into the meat with increased ferocity, using the act to vent his dissatisfaction and envy toward Seratus. Facing all this, Agnas''s heart was in turmoil. On one hand, he knew the battle had left him severely injured, his strength depleted; on the other, he felt disappointment and anger at his own reckless, arrogant behavior. But ultimately, he forced himself to calm down, knowing this battle was merely a trial, and true growth required more experience. Seratus, enduring the excruciating pain that spread across his body, mechanically lowered his head and continued tearing into the foul-smelling beast meat. Each bite tugged at his wounds, sending knife-like pain coursing through his limbs, but he clenched his teeth, forcing himself to swallow. He was acutely aware that this repulsive flesh was not just the price of the brutal fight but also his only means of healing and regaining strength in this merciless world. For survival, he had to endure, even if the taste was like chewing wax, nauseating. Agnas had ultimately been defeated by Seratus, and as a true red dragon, a fire of defiance burned within him. His icy gaze fixed on Seratus, who was also gnawing on the beast''s remains. The sight of his less-experienced, somewhat naive opponent filled him with endless arrogance and resentment. He silently vowed, "Once I recover and regain my full strength, I''ll make you kneel, grinding your dignity beneath my claws!" Agnas''s lips curled into a cruel smile, his mind already concocting ways to humiliate Seratus. The fiery rage within him burned, though tempered by the exhaustion of the recent battle. At that moment, as Seratus was feeding on the beast''s remains to replenish his strength, a cold, mechanical voice from the system broke the silence, "Ding! Host behavior judgment: Evil Karma +1. Continue exploring the consequences of your actions?" Hearing this icy prompt, Seratus''s heart jolted. He thought to himself, "System, are you saying eating meat increases evil karma? This Buddhist-like system is both amusing and frustrating!" Watching the rising evil karma value, though dissatisfied, he had no choicethe system was still at level one, barely capable of basic communication. Seratus muttered softly, "In that case, I''ll unlock the exchange store after the harvest. Maybe then I can trade for something better. As for evil karma, I''ll just go vegetarian in the future." Meanwhile, though the intense battle at home had just ended, its aftermath continued to ripple within. Agnas, though defeated, remained filled with resentment, voraciously devouring the beast''s remains; his arrogance and pride in his wounds remained unchanged, as he continued to declare, "These wounds are my honor! Once I recover, I''ll fight you to the death!" Such words left Seratus feeling both helpless and a twinge of disappointmentif he too fell into such meaningless strife, how could he embody the nobility and wisdom of a red dragon? Seratus looked at his scarred body, the blood and dragon blood mingling and splattering on the cold ground, each wound silently recounting the brutal battle of the past. He slowly quelled the anger in his heart, calmly weighing his shortcomings and his hopes for the future. Though the system panel showed his evil karma silently accumulating, he knew this was but a temporary gain and loss. At this moment, complex emotions surged within himrecalling Agnas''s stubborn defiance, Catilia''s biting sarcasm, and those moments of deep humiliation, he became increasingly aware: If he fell into endless strife, he would lose himself, forfeiting the dignity and wisdom befitting a red dragon. He silently vowed never to let the pursuit of power sway his heart. Finally, Seratus looked toward the silent volcanic cave and the glittering treasure in the corner, realizing his most urgent task was to recover from his wounds, complete his farming, and lay a solid foundation for his home, rather than wallow in conflict. With a long sigh, he quietly noted the cold mechanical prompt. Though he had to continue swallowing the bitter meat to survive, the bitterness would gradually fade within his heart. Finally, Seratus raised his head, gazing toward the silent volcanic cave and the glittering treasure in the corner. He knew that now, the most important thing was to recover from his wounds, continue his farming, and lay a solid foundation for his home, rather than be drawn into endless strife. He sighed, quietly noting the mechanical prompt in his heart. Though he had to continue consuming the bloodied meat, the taste gradually became less significant within him. Chapter be injured？Long waiting time The night descended like a vast black curtain, and the biting cold wind sliced through the air like a blade. Seratus, alone, curled up in a dimly lit corner. The waves of excruciating pain surged through him like a relentless tide. Every scale on his body seemed to silently wail, and each wound whispered the memory of the brutal battle that had unfolded during the day. Agnas''s sharp claws had left a dense web of scratches on Seratus''s soft scales. In some places, the scales had peeled away, revealing raw, crimson flesh and the stark white of bone beneath. The most unbearable was the searing pain from the dragon breath, as if Agnas''s exhale carried the flames of hell, precisely striking Seratus''s most vulnerable spots. The charred skin resembled scorched leather, and every breath tugged at the burning sensation, as if he were swallowing hot ashes. He lay heavily in his usual resting corner, like a wounded beast licking its wounds, silently enduring this cruel reality. The chaotic battle from the afternoon replayed in his mind like a flickering lantern show: Agnas, in his bid to claim territory, had launched the first attack, ruthless and unrelenting. Soon after, Catilia, the cunning young dragon, had joined the fray, tipping the scales even further. Seratus, born only a few months ago and still naive, knew nothing of combat, yet in the heat of the moment, he had impulsively thrown himself into the fight. Now, regret washed over him like icy waterhe had no combat experience, yet he had foolishly chosen to face the enemy head-on. It had been a battle destined for a pyrrhic victory. "Pride truly is the worst sin," Seratus bitterly mocked himself, recalling his recklessness and impulsiveness from earlier that day, feeling a pang of remorse once more. Agnas''s ferocity had been beyond his imagination, each strike aimed at vital points. If not for his naturally tough hide, Seratus would have surely perished. He looked down at the ghastly claw marks, the torn flesh, and the glimpses of bone! At this moment, Seratus''s heart was a whirlwind of emotions, complex and indescribable: The physical pain forced him to admit defeat, but what truly overwhelmed him was the deep, soul-rending agony that seemed to tear him apart from within. This was the force that had utterly conquered him. What baffled and frustrated him even more was that Agnas, despite having inflicted severe wounds, seemed entirely unaffected, growing even more ferocious, as if the flames of his bloodlust had been fully ignited. As for Catilia, the depth of her cunning left Seratus secretly astoundedthe origins of the conflict were now murky, but Catilia had feigned weakness from the start, putting up a token resistance before swiftly conceding, as if she had meticulously calculated every move, retreating strategically to minimize her own damage. In the quiet of the night, the meager meal of flesh and blood had replenished some of his energy, but it could not quell the gnawing hunger within. Though the energy was slowly repairing his wounds, the prolonged recovery period made every ounce of missing energy exacerbate the pain, an endless torment. At that moment, he suddenly remembered the mysterious energy-infused fertilizer from the system. With a mix of hope and resignation, he carefully used his injured claws to retrieve a handful of fertilizer from the system''s storage. Looking down at the bag of elemental fertilizer in his claws, he knew it was originally meant for farming, but in his weakened state, it was his only lifeline. Desperation forced him to take the risk. After a moment''s hesitation, he gritted his teeth and swallowed the bitter fertilizer. Though the taste was far from pleasant, the pure energy quickly flowed into his body, like a spark of vitality injected into his depleted wounds. As the energy gradually filled him, his thoughts inevitably drifted back to the afternoon''s battle. Agnas had emerged from the fight unscathed, his fighting spirit undiminished; while Catilia, the scheming young dragon, had either instigated the conflict or simply reacted to Agnas''s aggression, but she had feigned weakness from the start, surrendering the moment she was outmatched. From Seratus''s perspective, this was nothing more than Catilia''s strategyrealizing she lacked the strength and offensive power to compete, she had chosen to minimize her losses by playing the long game. Thus, the battle had evolved into a contest between him and Agnas, while Catilia watched from the sidelines, seemingly having planned it all along. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. The young Seratus, barely a month old and initially clueless about the ways of the world, had been forced to learn a harsh lesson in this sudden conflict: Sometimes, yielding in the moment is not a sign of weakness, but a wise strategy for self-preservation. Now, regret crept through him like vines, spreading and entwining his heart: If only he had restrained his impulses and chosen to step back, perhaps he wouldn''t be in such a pitiful state now. Though he could sense that Agnas was not unharmed, the deep, bone-chilling pain still haunted him, an inescapable shadow. As the surging energy from the fertilizer was absorbed into his body, Seratus suddenly felt a warm current flow through him. His wounds began to heal at a visible rate, a sensation so powerful and miraculous it felt like he had unlocked some cheat code. Yet, deep down, he knew that this so-called "farming-to-power system" was nothing more than a comforting illusion. The stingy system had even skimped on the first task''s rewardnothing but an empty promise of unlocking the exchange store, leaving him both amused and exasperated. At this thought, he lost interest in checking the cold, mechanical attribute panel, which was filled with nothing but dull numbers and skill names. The more he looked, the more it irritated him, adding to his frustration. He gazed at the lightly swaying bag of elemental fertilizer in his claws, lost in thought. As he continued to consume the energy, he found himself growing hungrier. He knew this was because his body was rapidly digesting and breaking down the abundant energy he had absorbed. Looking back, he still had two unopened bags of fertilizer, and this one was only half-finished, with about 200 grams remaining. After a moment''s hesitation, he decided to stop consuming it for now. After all, he had no idea about the exchange store''s prices, and this broken system required him to farm and wait for crops to mature before completing tasks. The long, lonely night was filled with the pain of his wounds, deep regret, and an uncontrollable sense of resentment. These negative emotions intertwined, weaving a bleak and desolate picture in the depths of his young heart. Seratus curled up alone in the boundless darkness, shivering like a wounded beast. He could only silently hope for the dawn, a symbol of warmth and hope, to arrive soon, and for his detestable wounds to heal quickly, freeing him from this endless torment! Time flew by, and a week passed in the blink of an eye. As the first rays of morning sunlight, warm and hopeful, gently bathed the endless expanse of fertile farmland, a young dragon with vibrant red scales stood tall and proud at the heart of this thriving land, stretching his powerful body and fiercely guarding the territory that was now entirely his. This was Seratus. Now, with his young but increasingly sturdy body, he defended this hard-won land with all his might, occasionally brandishing his claws to drive away any insects foolish enough to approach. Each time he did so, it felt like a solemn declaration to the world: This land, cultivated by the great red dragon, was sacred and inviolable! Any who dared trespass would pay a heavy price! Looking out, the field was brimming with vitality, and Seratus''s gaze was fixed on a particularly fast-growing plantthe Sunshroom. Perhaps thanks to the miraculous effects of the mysterious energy-infused fertilizer, the Sunshroom had ballooned in size since the day it was planted, its sprout now nearly as large as Seratus''s claw, covered in hard scales. In just seven days, the Sunshroom had grown to an enormous size, its thick stalk almost as tall as Seratus''s sturdy forelimbs, if not taller. The Sunshroom''s surface was adorned with intricate patterns of yellow and white, which shimmered with a mesmerizing glow in the shifting light of dawn and dusk. What amazed Seratus even more was that the mushroom seemed to possess a life of its own, greedily absorbing the essence of the moonlight at night to accelerate its growth, and at dawn, slowly unfurling to embrace and absorb the warm energy of the sun. Such peculiar behavior was no ordinary traitthis was surely a product of the system, and the system''s products were always top-notch. Finally, on a clear and sunny morning, as the dew had yet to dissipate, Seratus noticed that the Sunshroom had reached full maturity, plump and brimming with life. He recalled the impulse he had felt days ago, when he had nearly plucked the Sunshroom prematurely before the system''s prompt. Now, as he reached out to touch the round, robust mushroom, a cold, mechanical voice suddenly rang in his ears: "DingDetected host interaction with mature Sunshroom. Harvest?" The mechanical sound stirred something in Seratus, a mix of excitement and reliefhis patience and effort had finally paid off. With a steady hand, he plucked the mature Sunshroom, cradling it in his claws. The yellow and white patterns on the mushroom''s surface gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight! At that moment, the system''s mechanical voice echoed in his ears once more: "Ding! Congratulations, host, on successfully completing the first task for the first time! Ding! Congratulations! Now beginning task evaluation for the host. Congratulations, host, on achieving an S-rank task evaluation. Now beginning task reward distribution. Detecting host''s first S-rank achievement, beginning reward distribution. Congratulations, host, on successfully unlocking the Exchange Store. Congratulations, host, on additionally receiving three Primary Lottery Tickets. Please continue to strive for greater achievements." Though the system''s mechanical voice remained cold and devoid of emotion, every word was clear, forcing Seratus to listen attentively. After confirming he had received an S-rank evaluation, Seratus silently reflected: It seemed his hard work and patience over this period had finally earned the system''s recognition. However, upon hearing that the reward was merely three primary lottery tickets, he couldn''t help but mutter under his breath, "How stingy." But then he reconsideredafter all, this was just a system, not a human. How could he expect it to understand human emotions or be generous? Seratus then opened the newly unlocked Exchange Store in the system panel. The screen displayed a neat list of exchangeable items: Current Points: 100 [White Carrot Seeds] 1 point/seed [Green Sunshroom Seeds] 5 points/seed [Primary Elemental Fertilizer] 20 points/bag [Standard Elemental Fertilizer] 50 points/bag [Advanced Elemental Fertilizer] 100 points/bag Additionally, today''s special offers included: [Primary Plant Encyclopedia] 30 points [Primary Source of Life] 50 points [High-tier Random Plant Seeds] 300 points Looking at the modest Exchange Store, Seratus couldn''t help but feel a twinge of disappointment: He had expected a wide variety of seeds to choose from, but there were only a fewwhite carrots and green Sunshrooms. What was even more disappointing was that, aside from the variety of fertilizers, the selection of seeds was pitifully limited. But he quickly composed himself and turned his attention to the special offers, curious to see what additional information the system might provide. Seratus first focused on the [Primary Plant Encyclopedia] icon in the special offers section and lightly tapped it with his mind. Instantly, a virtual screen popped up with detailed information about the [Primary Plant Encyclopedia]: [Item Name]: Primary Plant Encyclopedia [Green Quality] [Item Description]: This is a beginner''s book containing the secrets of plant growth. With a simple touch, you can instantly access detailed information about a plant''s growth status. It is also a concise encyclopedia of plant knowledge, helping cultivators quickly understand the habits, characteristics, and cultivation techniques of various plants. Whether you want to check a plant''s health or confirm if a crop is mature, a single touch will reveal all. A must-have for home gardening and farming. Next, Seratus turned his attention to another item in the special offers sectionthe [Primary Source of Life]and again tapped its icon with his mind. The virtual screen flashed once more, displaying the description of the [Primary Source of Life]: [Item Name]: Primary Source of Life [Blue Quality] [Item Description]: A mysterious item containing concentrated life essence. Using it can significantly increase a plant''s growth speed, shortening its growth cycle and allowing your crops to mature and yield a harvest in less time. A must-have for efficiency-driven cultivators seeking quick prosperity. After carefully reading the descriptions of these two special items, Seratus fell into a brief moment of contemplation. Soon, he made up his mind: Since the Exchange Store''s functionality had been successfully unlocked, making some prudent investments within his means was undoubtedly worthwhile. Chapter 12:Unlocking Knowledge and Fortune After all, for a young dragon like him, who had just stepped into the realm of farming with little experience, the ability to monitor the growth status of plants in real time, anytime and anywhere, was of paramount importance. After weighing the pros and cons, Seratus ultimately decided to prioritize purchasing the relatively affordable yet highly practical **[Primary Plant Encyclopedia]**. As soon as he silently thought "purchase," the system promptly provided a confirmation prompt. Immediately after, a soft green light flashed before his eyes, and in the next moment, a finely crafted book with an emerald green cover, adorned with intricate patterns of lush plants and mysterious runes, quietly appeared in his dragon claws. The entire book exuded a faint, refreshing botanical fragrance, as if it truly held the boundless secrets of the growth of all things in the universe. Standing in the field, guarding the land he had worked so hard to cultivate, Seratus caressed the newly acquired Plant Encyclopedia, his heart filled with hope for the future. He gazed at the Sunshroom, which had grown large thanks to careful irrigation and the nourishment of energy-infused fertilizer, and recalled the regret of nearly missing out on this opportunity due to impulsiveness just days ago! At this moment, as the system chimed in once more: "Congratulations, host, on successfully completing the task. Unlocking the next task. Current task: Plant ten crops and successfully harvest them. Reward: Unlock a new plant." Seratus felt both anticipation for the new challenge and a slight frustration with the stingy system, muttering, "Might as well not give any reward at all, offering so little." Seratus lowered his head, his gaze puzzled as he stared at the green book lying quietly in his claws. A faint sense of confusion and bewilderment welled up in his heart: This **[Primary Plant Encyclopedia]**, didnt the system confidently claim that it could detect the life status of plants through touch? So why was the book in front of him still blank? Not a single piece of information, not even the simplest word, could be seen. Only the four lonely characters on the cover"Plant Encyclopedia"gleamed with a cold luster under the moonlight, with nothing else to be found. Unwilling to give up, he flipped through the thin book several times from beginning to end, but the result remained disappointingthe pages were still empty, void of any text or images, as if it were an unfinished, blank notebook. Seratus furrowed his brow tightly, his heart beginning to murmur: "How strange, what... what is going on here? Could it be that the system is playing a trick, selling a pig in a poke with false advertising? Or is there some hidden mechanism here that I havent figured out yet?" Filled with doubt and a faint sense of unease, Seratus decided to temporarily abandon his aimless fumbling and instead try the most direct and effective methodpractical application. Carefully, he extended his sharp yet slightly trembling claw and gently touched the plump cap of the most thriving Sunshroom beside him. The moment his claw made contact with the Sunshroom, a soft, warm light suddenly flashed across the previously blank page. Immediately after, as if an invisible pen were rapidly writing on the page, line after line of clear, elegant text began to appear: **[Plant Name]**: Sunshroom **[Quality]**: Green **[Current Status]**: Ready for Harvest **[Description]**: Grows diligently in the soil, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon to mature. When consumed, it provides a large amount of lunar essence energy and a small amount of solar essence energy, while significantly enhancing lunar essence absorption affinity for a short period. Seratus widened his eyes, carefully reading the description, and gradually understood: So, while the Sunshroom may seem ordinary, it contains extremely precious energy. However, its true function is limited to providing energy through consumption. He turned his gaze to the cluster of white-quality radishes not far away, another question arising in his mind: If this encyclopedia could display detailed information about the Sunshroom, how would it present the information about the radishes? Filled with curiosity, he extended his claw once more and gently touched one of the radishes. Instantly, a flash of light appeared, but the first page of the book remained fixed on the Sunshrooms information. Seratus was startled and quickly flipped to the second page to check. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. To his surprise, the second page now displayed detailed information about the radishit stated that the radish was nearing maturity. Just as he wondered, "Does each plants information occupy a separate page?" Determined, he touched another radish nearby, and the page immediately updated, showing that the plant was now "ready for harvest." At that moment, he suddenly understood: The first page of the Plant Encyclopedia was fixed to display the Sunshrooms information, while touching other plants of the same type would refresh the corresponding page. Different types of plants occupied different pages. Seratus finally felt at ease, secretly relieved that the system wasnt designed to waste information with every touch. After confirming how the encyclopedia worked, he began to carefully inspect his farmland. After a period of patient cultivation, many crops in the field had reached maturity: both the Sunshrooms and white radishes were ready for harvest. Seratus harvested all of them and decided to sell them at the Exchange Store. After some shrewd trading, his points quickly accumulatedeach mature Sunshroom could be sold for 50 points, totaling 400 points after the sale. He then spent 100 points to purchase 20 Sunshroom seeds. With plans for the future in mind, Seratus planted all the Sunshroom seeds, meticulously arranging them in a 6x6 grid that now filled the field. Though he had considered clearing new land to expand his farming scale, the current field was sufficient for his needs, and the expansion plan would have to wait for a few more days. In one corner of the field, the stumps left from tree felling still stubbornly remained in the soil. Though their branches were gone, the open space could still be cultivated. Looking at the newly planted Sunshroom seeds, Seratus felt a surge of hope and anticipation. He knew that only through careful tending could he reap the joy of a bountiful harvest. Thus, he decided to water the new seeds first. He left the field and walked to the nearby clear lake, filling a bucket with water before hurrying back. In the field, he evenly poured the cool lake water over the seedlings while taking out the remaining half of his stored fertilizer and carefully sprinkling it around each young plant. The combination of fertile soil and ample water would accelerate the plants'' growth. As night fell, the volcanic lava cave still glowed with a faint red hue. Seratus sat in a corner of the cave, his gaze fixed on the three remaining lottery tickets in the system panel. These tickets shimmered with a mysterious light, like keys to fate, drawing in his eager heart. Gritting his teeth, he decided to muster his last bit of courage to challenge the unknown fate of the lottery. Seratus opened the system backpack and carefully examined the three lottery tickets, each emitting a faint blue glow. Without hesitation, he clicked to use them. Instantly, a dazzling light flashed, and his consciousness seemed to be pulled into an endless void. Before him gradually materialized a tangible lottery machine, ancient and mysterious, spinning ceaselessly like a traditional gachapon machine. He stared in astonishment, thinking to himself, "Isnt this... just a gachapon machine?" Seratus tentatively inserted the lottery ticket into the machine, which then emitted a low "gurgle" as it swallowed the ticket. Immediately after, the number of lottery draws on the machines screen increased by one. Without hesitation, Seratus clicked the screen, then gripped the sturdy lever with his dragon claw and gave it a forceful turn. As he poured his strength into it, the machine began to flash with balls of various colors: pure white, emerald green, bright yellow, fiery red, deep purple, and even the exceedingly rare golden ballthough the golden one was so scarce it only flickered briefly on the surface. Seratus nervously increased the speed of the spin, hoping to draw the golden ball, which symbolized the highest legendary quality. He focused intently, adjusting the force as his eyes remained fixed on the shifting balls. However, at that moment, the machine suddenly emitted a "ding," and a ball dropped out from the side. Seratus hurried closer, hearing the crisp notification sound, his heart filled with anxiety: Could this be something bad? He quickly opened the machines lid, and before him appeared a smooth, warm-glowing spherea red ball! "Red..." Seratus murmured softly, a wave of inexplicable joy rising in his heart. Among the seven levelswhite, green, blue, yellow, red, purple, and goldred represented the fifth level. While not the highest, it still signified a remarkable quality. As he reached out to touch the red ball, it suddenly burst open with a "pop," its fragments scattering as its core transformed into a dazzling light that instantly entered his consciousness. Immediately after, the systems voice chimed in once more: "Ding! Congratulations, host, on obtaining a red-quality itemPlant Life Aura!" Seratuss heart leaped, and he quickly opened his backpack to check. Sure enough, a golden-hued ring lay quietly within. According to the systems description, the Plant Life Aura, when equipped, could significantly accelerate the growth of nearby plants and greatly enhance the wearers affinity with plant lifeemitting pure life elements around the wearer, providing immense assistance in farming. Seratus gently put on the aura and turned to look around, but he didnt visibly notice any aura emanating from his body. However, the system panel clearly showed that the equipment had been successfully activated. Soon after, Seratus clicked on the **[Attribute Panel]** on the right side of the screen. The interface slowly unfolded, revealing rows of numbers and text: ---Farming System Attribute Panel--- Name: Seratus Race: Red Dragon Gender: Male Current Strength: Gold Current Good Deeds: 10 Current Evil Karma: 2.5 Current Stamina: 25 [Plant Life Aura +5] Current Intelligence: 20 [Above average, providing a solid foundation for future cultivation] Current Power: 25 [Overwhelming advantage compared to ordinary magical beasts] Skills: Flame Jet, Explosive Blast, Dragon Breath, Healing Art Special Ability: Dragon Inheritance (0.15%) [Plant Life Aura equipped] Description: [As a red dragon whelp, your strength is weak, but your potential is limitless. In the future, even a mid-sized magical beast could be crushed by you.] System Level: Lv.1 Seratus couldnt help but mutter, "This red-quality Plant Life Aura, though it only adds a bit to my attributes, is still better than nothing. Combined with the Healing Art, this is practically overpowered!" He then inserted the remaining two lottery tickets into the machine. The second draw yielded a blue ball; the third, a yellow one. When the yellow ball appeared, Seratus nearly jumped with excitement, thinking he had drawn the golden one. However, upon closer inspection, he realized it was only yellow-quality. The blue balls reward was ten "Forgiveness Rose" seedslegendary plants that required extremely precise conditions to grow, blooming only after meticulous care. When they flowered, their three rose petals could grant forgiveness to the recipient. Seratus sighed, "Forgiveness Roses? Who do I need to forgive?" Thus, he stored the ten seeds in his backpack, deciding not to plant them. The yellow-quality reward, however, was something else entirely. Its color, intense and fiery, far surpassed the blue-quality reward. "So yellow!" he couldnt help but murmur. Unexpectedly, the yellow-quality prize turned out to be a skill booka tome titled **"Manifestation of Karmic Retribution."** Seratus felt a surge of excitement, but it was quickly followed by a hint of unease and doubt: "Since this book comes from a yellow-quality draw, it must be extraordinary. But the name... ''Manifestation of Karmic Retribution''does it have something to do with my accumulating evil karma?" Carefully, he opened the skill book, and cold text slowly unfolded before his eyes. The book detailed: Each day, the host has three opportunities to check the evil karma status of otherswhen someone commits a misdeed, a black substance will gather above their head. The darker the substance, the greater the evil and the more frequent the acts of harm. Additionally, once per day, the host can unleash a punishment skill on those with dense black energy, causing their karmic retribution to manifest early. This skill acts like a preemptive strike from heaven, triggering misfortune for those with heavy evil karma! Of course, if the host themselves have accumulated evil karma, the punishment will also apply to both parties, creating a strict law of cause and effect"What I sow today will bear fruit tomorrow." Seratus looked down at the system panel, which displayed his current evil karma value: 2.5. His heart was filled with complex emotions: on one hand, the number weighed heavily on him, as if foretelling the torment of divine retribution, where even drinking cold water would feel like choking; on the other hand, he secretly weighed the possibility that, when facing formidable opponents, if they were burdened with heavy evil karma, this skill could trigger their retribution early, potentially giving him the upper hand. "System..." Seratus murmured softly, his tone tinged with both helplessness and sarcasm, "With your Buddhist-like settings, eating meat increases evil karma. Maybe I should just go vegetarian from now on." He raised his head, gazing at the lottery rewards and the rows of clear data on the system attribute panel, silently pondering: Could this **Manifestation of Karmic Retribution** skill become a powerful weapon against evil forces in the future? Or would it become an unbearable curse, dragging him into the abyss of evil karma? His thoughts wandered between the laws of cause and effect and the inevitability of fate. "Every cause has its effect," the phrase echoed repeatedly in his mind. Whenever he thought of his 2.5 evil karma value, if heaven truly delivered retribution, even the pain of choking on cold water wouldnt be enough to describe it. But at the same time, he also thought that perhaps, with this **Manifestation of Karmic Retribution** skill, when facing opponents shrouded in dark energy, he could expose their sins and bring divine retribution upon them early, gaining the upper hand. Seratus hesitated for a moment, knowing that his current strength was far from its peak, and it would be difficult to fully utilize the **Manifestation of Karmic Retribution** for now. After careful consideration, he decided to temporarily store the skill book in his backpack, not rushing to use it. Instead, he would wait until the first task was completed to see if the Exchange Store could unlock more resources, or if a more suitable opportunity arose in battle to unleash this skill. Gazing at the skill book glowing with a yellow hue and the clear numbers on the system attribute panel, Seratus sighed softly, "What I sow today will surely bear fruit tomorrow." Chapter 13: System tasks！ Serious planting At the break of dawn, the first light of day began to seep through the horizon, yet deep within the volcanic cavern, a persistent haze of grayish-white mist clung to the air. This mist was not entirely stagnant; it moved as if alive, drifting languidly through the folds and shadows of the cave, sometimes gathering, sometimes dispersing, like the lingering breath of a slumbering dragon. Through the crevices in the rocky walls, faint tendrils of morning light struggled to penetrate, filtered layer by layer by the mist. The once-sharp rays became soft and dim, leaving only a trace of desolation to spread across the damp stone surfaces. In this dimness, Serathus slowly opened his draconic eyes. Within his amber, slit pupils, the fine dust particles floating in the air were reflected, as was the weariness deep in his gazea weariness beneath which lay a will as unyielding as molten lava. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze shifting toward the deeper recesses of the cave. In the shadows of the morning mist, two small figures could be seen nestled togetherhis younger brother, Agnas, and his sister, Catilia. Even in their sleep, the young dragons displayed starkly different postures. Agnas, somewhat clumsily, rested his chin on his sister''s scales, as if seeking a comforting warmth, yet inadvertently pressing Catilia tighter. Catilia, on the other hand, curled herself into a tense ball, like a young creature starved of security. Her tiny claws scratched restlessly at the ground, though a sly smile lingered at the corner of her mouth, as if even her dreams were a stage for her cunning schemes. In contrast, Agnas seemed carefree, his breathing steady and deep. His front claws were clenched into fists, as if he were still locked in a fierce struggle with an imaginary foe, refusing to yield. Serathus felt as though an invisible force had gripped his throat, his breath catching, his claws instinctively tightening, their sharp tips digging into the rocky ground. The memory of the brutal fight between brothers a week ago surged into his mind, burning like molten lava, scalding and painful. In a moment of impulse, he had accepted Agnas''s challenge, thinking it would be a simple sparring match. Instead, it had turned into a near-death struggle. Claws tore through the air, fangs ripped into flesh, and blood splattered across their scales, blooming like crimson flowers on the gray stone, a sight both horrifying and mesmerizing. Worse than the physical wounds was the burning in his soula black flame born of resentment and anger, a flame that could consume even the strongest bonds of kinship. In the end, Serathus had narrowly won, his superior stamina forcing his proud brother to lower his head in defeat. Now, the scales on Agnas''s body, once torn by claws, were slowly and painfully regrowing. The new flesh was an almost unnatural shade of red, like blood frozen in midair or a series of crimson warning lights silently questioning Serathus: *Physical wounds may heal, but how do you mend the cracks in the soul?* Serathus silently vowed, "From now on, I will no longer rely on meat to replenish my strength. Though it restores me quickly, it only increases my karmic debt." He knew that while this karmic debt seemed insignificant, the yellow-tier skill book *Manifestation of Karmic Retribution* in his system had already caught his attention. Its power both tempted and terrified him; using it recklessly could lead to his downfall. After much deliberation, Serathus decided to focus on doing good deeds, clearing his karmic debt, and preventing the value on his system panel from rising further. He rose to his feet, his massive form casting a long shadow in the dim light. As he stepped out of the cave, he couldn''t help but glance back, his gaze lingering on the mountain of gold coins and the dragon mother, who sat atop it like a silent statue. The gold still gleamed blindingly, and the dragon mother''s presence remained imposing, yet there was an undeniable air of loneliness and detachment, as if she were out of place in her surroundings. "How strange," Serathus murmured in his heart, his confusion deepening. "Why would such a powerful dragon mother be alone? According to the ancient traditions of the dragon race, every red dragon, upon reaching adulthood, should establish their own lair, gather followers, and expand their influence. That is the way of the red dragon. Kobolds, orcs, dwarvescountless lesser races yearn to serve a mighty red dragon, to become their claws and wings. Yet this dragon mother seems utterly disinterested, content to guard this cold pile of wealth day after day." Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! He shook his head gently, pushing the thought aside for now. "Enough. The dragon mother''s affairs are not my concern. For now, I must focus on my planting task." The task was clear: plant ten crops and wait for the harvest. To speed up the growth, Serathus decided to use the primary elemental energy fertilizer gifted by the system. He tore open the simply packaged fertilizer bag, and a faint earthy scent wafted out. The granules felt smooth and cool between his fingers. "The taste is bland, but the energy is pure. Most importantly, it won''t increase that troublesome karmic debt." Serathus chewed the granules thoughtfully, as if savoring a delicacy. They dissolved instantly, like a clear spring, spreading a gentle yet potent energy throughout his body, revitalizing his slightly weary form and preparing him for the work ahead. Next, he summoned the Sunshroom he had cultivated earlier from his system space. The mushroom was large and plump, its surface glowing softly, as if brimming with vitality. "Hmm, this Sunshroom has grown well," Serathus murmured, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. But then he frowned. "It''s a shame eating it raw feels incomplete. If only I could roast it, the aroma would be... divine." The temptation of roasted mushrooms flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. "No, the fields are too exposed. The smell of roasting would surely attract greedy beasts, and if they ruined my crops, it would be a disaster." After weighing his options, Serathus decided to forgo the roasted mushrooms for now, carefully storing the Sunshroom in the shadows for a safer, more opportune time. Then he turned his attention to the fields, making final preparations. He divided the plot into sections for carrots and Sunshrooms, marking them clearly. Since the task required planting ten crops, he decided to use the system''s fertilizer to accelerate their growth. He picked up the bag of primary elemental energy fertilizerits logo, a sprout, a testament to its qualityand carefully tore it open. He sprinkled a handful evenly over the Sunshroom section, while dividing the carrot area into two groups: one fertilized, one not, for comparison. Each granule that fell on the damp soil carried a glimmer of hope, promising a bountiful harvest. Serathus stood at the edge of the field, gazing down at the freshly sown seeds and the tiny Sunshroom sprouts peeking through the soil. The morning light filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows across the furrows. A gentle breeze carried the scent of earth and grass, filling the air with life and hope, and Serathus''s heart swelled with anticipation. "Well, the morning''s work is done," he muttered, straightening his massive frame. "Now, back to the cave." With that, he turned and strode toward the volcanic cavern. Just a few minutes later, Serathus was perched at the cave''s entrance, his eyes fixed on a plump Sunshroom. The mushroom was round and full, its surface glowing with a soft, nurturing light, as if infused with the essence of the earth. It was tempting to take a bite. Serathus mused, "This Sunshroom, a product of the system, truly exudes an irresistible aroma. If roasted, its flavor would be even more exquisite. But as a red dragon, how can I skewer it for roasting?" After a moment of thought, an idea struck him: why not use nearby branches as skewers? Without hesitation, he left the scorching cave, carefully moving the precious Sunshroom to a safer area outside. Serathus embarked on a small "hunt" for materials. Around the volcano''s rim, he meticulously examined every hanging branch, searching for those that were long, thin, and resilient enough to withstand the flames briefly. After a quarter of an hour, he had gathered a pile of ideal materials: dry branches for fuel and moist, slender twigs perfect for skewers. With the materials ready, he carefully carried them back to the cave''s entrance and returned inside to retrieve the Sunshroom. Now only two Sunshrooms remained in the cave. Serathus thought, "Rather than selling them for points, I might as well savor the essence of life myself." He divided the branches into two piles: one dry for fuel, one moist for skewers. Serathus knew that, as a red dragon, a single breath could reduce anything to ash. Without caution, the Sunshroom would be charred in an instant. Carefully, he skewered the Sunshroom on the moist twigs. The act was both deliberate and ceremonialeach twig carefully selected, thin enough to pierce the mushroom yet sturdy enough to briefly endure the heat. With everything prepared, Serathus took a deep breath, the fire within his chest roaring to life. He opened his jaws, and a stream of searing dragonfire erupted, igniting the pile of dry branches. As the flames crackled and danced, a faint aroma of burning wood filled the air, a melancholic whisper of the trees'' demise, yet also a harbinger of the feast to come. The fire quickly grew, and under Serathus''s precise control, it formed a steady, warm blaze. The orange glow flickered across his hardened scales, casting shifting patterns. The flames embraced the Sunshroom, their tongues dancing lightly across its surface, roasting the gift of nature to perfection. Serathus carefully adjusted the Sunshroom''s position, suspending one on a branch for even heating while securing the other on the ground at an optimal distance from the flames. To ensure thorough cooking, he didn''t skewer the entire mushroom. Instead, he tore the thick cap into two equal halves, each skewered separately. This way, the heat could penetrate evenly, cooking the mushroom without charring it, preserving its precious essence. As the flames continued their work, an intoxicating aroma began to fill the air. It was a complex, indescribable scentearthy like mushrooms, smoky from the flames, yet also warm, like sunlight. These fragrances blended into a symphony of temptation. The roasted Sunshroom glowed a golden hue, its surface sizzling with released oils, the aroma growing richer, as if calling out to the senses. Serathus inhaled deeply, letting the scent overwhelm him. His mouth watered, his hunger fully awakened, and he longed to devour the roasted mushroom. But he restrained himself, knowing that patience would reward him with a greater feast. As the fire crackled, the enticing aroma drifted into the volcanic cavern. Inside, Agnas and Catilia, roused from their slumber, emerged with a mix of curiosity and hunger, their eyes drawn to the small fire and Serathus roasting the Sunshroom. Chapter 14: greedy！ A conspiracy between brothers The dawn light spilled gently over the rough, black rocks outside the volcanic lava cave, like golden powder brushed from a painters hand, casting a warm halo across the jagged terrain. The air carried a peculiar fragrance, a blend of damp earth and the sweet, wild allure of berries. It was as if invisible threads of scent had coiled around the nostrils of Agnas and Catilia, softly awakening their slumbering senses. The two young dragons opened their sleepy eyes almost simultaneously, their nostrils twitching with excitement like newborn beasts eagerly capturing the first fragrance of the morning. Whats that smell? Catilia murmured softly, her amber eyes brimming with curiosity. Agnas tilted his head slightly, his dragon whiskers trembling as he exchanged a questioning glance with his sister. The aroma grew stronger, as if silently calling to them. Without a word, the two young dragons rose to their feet and stepped out of the cave with light, eager steps. Not far away, their elder brother, Seratus, was busy tending to a small fire. Flames licked at the skewered food on the makeshift grill, and the tantalizing scent wafted from there. Brother! Agnas stretched his neck eagerly, his whiskers quivering with excitement. His tone was filled with childlike glee and curiosity, firing off questions in rapid succession. Whats that delicious thing? The smell even crept into my dreams! Tell us about it, and share some with us, wont you? Seratus slowly raised his head, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, as if a small prank had succeeded. But the moment he noticed his siblings expectant gazes, the smirk faded, replaced by a feigned indifference and impatience. He glanced at the pair out of the corner of his eye, his mind racing. These two little ones had such sharp noses, picking up the scent from so far away. The Sunlight Mushrooms were the result of his meticulous carewatering, fertilizing, and nurturing them to grow just this small batch. Each one was packed with incredible energy. To share them so easily? Hmph, that would be giving away his hard-earned treasure to these little gluttons. He cleared his throat, his breath carrying a hint of warmth, and spoke with deliberate nonchalance. These are just wild mushrooms I found nearby. If you want some, go look for them yourselves. His tone suggested that these precious Sunlight Mushrooms were nothing more than ordinary fare. Catilia eagerly stepped forward, her amber eyes fixed on the golden-brown mushrooms. She couldnt help but marvel, Wow! These mushrooms theyre like little suns! The life energy they contain is incredible! Brother, tell me, where did you find them? Agnas also leaned in, examining the roasted mushrooms with a thoughtful expression. He gently tapped the surface of a mushroom with his claw, feeling the warm, vibrant energy emanating from it. His brow furrowed slightly, and he remarked with a hint of regret, The life essence in these mushrooms is so rich, but roasting them must have destroyed some of it. What a shame. Hearing his siblings admiration for the Sunlight Mushrooms, Seratus remained outwardly calm, though inwardly he felt a twinge of satisfaction. Perhaps revealing a bit of the mushrooms value would only heighten their curiosity and make them more eager to uncover his secret. With an air of magnanimity, he split the skewer of golden, fragrant mushrooms in half and pushed one portion toward Agnas, who had praised them so highly. Here, since you seem to appreciate them, take this. Agnas accepted the half-skewer and took a small bite. Instantly, a surge of pure energy burst in his mouth, as if the lingering injuries within his body were rapidly healing. He sighed with genuine admiration. This is truly amazing These mushrooms are brimming with life essence. Where did you find such a rare ingredient? Ive never seen anything like it around here. The slightly charred edges of the mushroom evoked a flood of memories from his past life as a human, when he had enjoyed such delicacies freely and without restraint. Though he had been reborn as a dragon, the familiar taste stirred a deep longing for those lost days. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Seeing that there were still mushrooms left on the fire, Seratus carefully tore the remaining Sunlight Mushrooms into pieces, skewered them on moist branches, and placed them back on the fire to continue roasting. As the flames danced, the rich aroma of the mushrooms filled the air once more, as if awakening all the dormant energy of the earth. Before long, Catilia could no longer sit still. Her eyes were filled with anticipation and a hint of reproach. She couldnt help but speak up, her tone carrying a touch of authority. Brother, you cant just eat all by yourself! Dont forget were family too! Share some with me. After all, Im the future Queen of the Red Dragon Calamity! Seratus looked into her playful yet eager eyes and finally relented, slowly handing her the other half of the skewer. Alright, alright, heres your share. Catilia took the skewer, sniffed it eagerly, and then took a big bite. The rich life essence exploded in her mouth, filling her with warmth and strength. Seratus leisurely finished the last skewer, licking the lingering aroma from his lips with satisfaction. Only then did he rise to his feet and carefully tend to the fire, ensuring every ember was extinguished. This wasnt just out of concern for the surrounding vegetation; it was also a subconscious effort to leave no trace that might reveal his secret. Agnas, now fully satisfied, patted his belly but remained curious about the origin of the Sunlight Mushrooms. He leaned in and asked again, Brother, these mushrooms are incredible! You still havent told us where you found them. Weve never seen anything like them around here. Faced with his brothers relentless questioning, Seratuss brow furrowed imperceptibly. He glanced at the two pairs of expectant eyes and quickly weighed his options. He knew that if he revealed the truth about the Sunlight Mushrooms, these two would undoubtedly become relentless in their curiosity and actions. His secret field would be at risk, and his carefully laid plans would be disrupted. With that in mind, he chose silence, his expression turning deliberately enigmatic. No matter how much his siblings pressed him, he kept his lips sealed. The morning light cast a mysterious warmth over the scene outside the volcanic lava cave. Just moments ago, Seratus had been carefully roasting the plump Sunlight Mushroomseach one meticulously prepared, roasted to a perfect golden brown, exuding a rich life essence. Yet, this exquisite delicacy had sparked curiosity and greed in his companions. Seratus felt a pang of unease, his face briefly betraying hesitation. Thoughts of cultivation and harvesting echoed like warning bells in his mind. If he revealed the secret of his carefully tended Sunlight Mushrooms, his siblings would surely swarm in, destroying his hidden field. But outright refusal would seem too cold. Bound by blood, how could he risk damaging their bond? His eyes flickered as an idea formed. He deliberately adopted a troubled expression, leaned in closer, and spoke in a hushed, conspiratorial tone. Want to know? Its a secret But you must swear not to tell anyone, or else well, youll never hear another secret from me! Agnas and Catilias eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement, and they quickly swore, Brother, we promise we wont tell anyone! Seeing that they had taken the bait, Seratus allowed a sly smile to creep onto his face. Well I stumbled upon a magical storage pouch. It suddenly opened, and out fell this mushroom! The pouch is long gone now, but the things inside are still here. With that, he extended his sharp claw and reached into a hidden system space, pulling out a tiny seed. The seed glowed faintly yellow, exuding a vitality similar to the Sunlight Mushrooms. He held it up and said in a low voice, See? This is the seed of the Sunlight Mushroom. Its glow matches the freshly roasted mushrooms, proving they grow from this. Perhaps its a secret left behind by some ancient plant enthusiast. Agnas and Catilia listened with a mix of belief and doubt. Catilia leaned in to examine the seed closely. Brother, this seed does contain a rich plant life energy, just like the Sunlight Mushroom. But did you really just happen to find it? That seems too convenient! Agnas pressed further, Seratus, are you really that lucky? If so, cultivating such precious mushrooms must take a lot of time and effort. Why dont you take us to see for ourselves? Seratus sighed inwardly. If they discovered the location of his secret field, it would spell disaster. His carefully tended crops would be trampled. He shook his head with an air of mystery. This I cant just tell you. Some secrets are only for those who truly appreciate them. His tone was tinged with feigned regret. Though Agnas and Catilia were still full of questions, they reluctantly agreed to keep the secret. They exchanged knowing glances, silently vowing to follow Seratus in a few days to uncover the truth. As the flames died down, the aroma of the roasted mushrooms lingered in the air. Agnas couldnt resist asking once more, Brother, where did those mushrooms really come from? Dont lie to us. Were family, bound by blood! Seratus met their probing gazes, knowing that revealing the truth would jeopardize his plans. He decided to change tactics, buying himself time to grow more mushrooms while also enlisting their help with the farming tasks assigned by his system. He leaned in closer and whispered, Listen, I was skeptical at first too. But look at these seeds. If we plant them, well have more Sunlight Mushrooms. Think about ittheyre packed with life energy and taste amazing. Ive tried growing them myself. If you dont believe me, why not try planting them? Agnas and Catilia exchanged uncertain glances. As red dragons, farming like humans was hardly their forte. But the mushrooms were undeniably delicious, and the life energy they contained was undeniable. They couldnt help but feel that Seratus wasnt entirely lying. After some whispered deliberation, the two dragons decided to give it a try. If they couldnt grow the mushrooms, so be it. At least they were doing something. Catilia turned to Seratus and said, Well take your word for it, but were not exactly cut out for farming. Can you really grow these mushrooms? How long will it take to harvest them? After some more discussion, the two dragons decided to secretly follow Seratus in a few days to see what he was really up to. With that, they headed back to the cave, planning to tail him later. As Seratus watched them walk away, he suddenly felt an odd sensation, as if someone was watching him. He turned sharply to find Agnas and Catilia still standing not far off, their eyes filled with a knowing, almost mischievous glint. His confident smile faltered, replaced by a complex mix of emotionsunease at the thought of his secret being exposed, and a tinge of resentment at being doubted by his own kin. Meanwhile, the two dragons exchanged a meaningful glance, their lips curling into sly smiles, as if hinting at the brewing storm of suspicion ready to erupt Chapter 14: sleep？ Better rest！ Conspiracy from outside the forest On this leisurely day, Seratus found himself pondering whether to cultivate a new field. Yet, as he lost himself in thought, he couldnt help but think of his unpredictable siblings, Agnas and Catilia, who might be scheming to secretly follow him to the field to uncover the secret behind his delicious Sunlight Mushrooms. If those two dragons discovered his secret, what kind of chaos would they unleash? The thought filled Seratus with a sense of helplessness. The field had already been meticulously watered and only required minimal care and supervision for now. Perhaps it was time to take a break? Moreover, the system task he had been waiting for still hadnt been issued. He couldnt help but wonder: Did he need to complete one task before receiving the next? Or was there a specific trigger needed to advance the plot? These unanswered questions left him feeling bored and restless. With a sigh, Seratus found a comfortable rock to rest on, lying down and letting his thoughts drift as he slowly slipped into a deep slumber. As one of the worlds top predators, he was well aware of the immense power his red dragon body possessedthough, of course, that power was only impressive in the eyes of ordinary beings. In this world brimming with magic, legendary figures with extraordinary talents and rapid cultivation were everywhere. Yet, breaking through to higher levels of power was always an arduous task. Gold rank Seratus muttered the term in his mind, his veins tightening slightly beneath his scales. The ancient magical beasts that lurked deep within the mountains exuded an aura as chilling as eternal ice, their power reaching legendaryor even more terrifyinglevels. If he were to venture into their territory, he would likely become nothing more than a delicacy served on a platter. The thought stirred a complex emotion within himnot just fear, but a deep sense of boredom. And a lingering unease he couldnt shake. Enough! Seratus sighed inwardly, pushing aside the noise of the outside world. It was time to immerse himself once more in the vast ocean of knowledge known as the *Dragons Legacy*. He reminded himself that his diligent farming had taken up too much of the time he should have spent sleeping and studying. As a result, his understanding of the world and his own potential remained woefully inadequate. His consciousness sank into a void of chaos, where only ancient and cryptic words flowed before his eyesSeratus had fully immersed himself in the *Dragons Legacy*. The outside world faded away, leaving only an endless sea of knowledge surging through his mind. Meanwhile, outside the cave, Catilia and Agnas cautiously peeked into the volcanic cavern, their eyes scanning the dimly lit interior. The faint light from the caves entrance barely illuminated the vague outlines of the deeper recesses. They held their breath and listened intently. Apart from Seratuss steady and rhythmic breathing, the cave was utterly silent. Looks like hes really asleep, Agnas whispered. We should leave before he notices us. Catilia nodded, and the two dragons quietly retreated from the entrance, disappearing behind the jagged rocks. The cave returned to silence, with only the warm flow of lava and the deep, rhythmic breathing of the dragon echoing through the vast space. Sleep was an innate talent of dragons. By simply resting in prolonged slumber, their power would accumulate like molten lava within a volcano, eventually erupting with immense force. And so, Seratus slept peacefully within the volcanic cave. But far away, in the imperial capital, turmoil was brewing. Beneath the deep blue night sky, the capital seemed shrouded in an eerie mist, every brick and tile hinting at hidden dangers. In the imperial study, the flickering candlelight cast shifting shadows on the carved jade desk, highlighting the emperors furrowed broweach faint beam of light seemed to whisper a secret of unease. The emperor was engrossed in a stack of letters that had just arrived, delivered by Viscount Black. The words on the pages revealed a shocking conspiracythe pampered nobles dared to cut off the capitals main food supply, severing its economic lifeline! The emperors fingers tightened on the letter, his knuckles whitening as suppressed rage simmered in his eyes. Finally, as he read the last line, his anger could no longer be contained. He slammed the letter onto the jade desk with a resounding thud, causing the candle flame to flicker. Those hypocrites! the emperor roared, his voice low but filled with icy fury. They dare to cut off the capitals food supply! How dare they act so brazenly under my very nose! Standing nearby, the steward, Lucien Vale, remained calm but deep in thought. He knew this was no accident but a sign of the nobles growing rebellion. He mused: If the granaries had been tampered with, it signaled a deeper power struggle. But out of loyalty to the emperor, he kept his thoughts to himself. The emperor slowly flipped through the letters, each word dripping with betrayal and intrigue. The lenient policies he had once implemented to win over city lords had now become a heavy financial burden and a broken supply chain, threatening his war-torn reign. The kindness of the past has become the sacrifice of todays schemes the emperor muttered bitterly. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. These city lords, none of them are loyal he whispered, a chill running through him. Even his own brothers had become city lords, and they had turned on each other. Now, with the situation on the brink of collapse, it would only grow harder to control. He considered that Viscount Black, while still a pawn in his hand, was far too few to counter the vast and corrupt forces of the rebels. As the emperor sank deeper into anxiety, he turned to the silent steward and asked urgently, Lucien Vale, if the rebels truly plan to revolt, how should we secure our food supply? Lucien Vales face remained calm, but his mind was in turmoil. After a moment of contemplation, he replied, Your Majesty, the situation is indeed precarious. The nobles have always been restless, and if you act rashly, they will only cause more trouble. He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. Some of your decrees may no longer reach the city lords as smoothly as before. Lucien Vale maintained his composed demeanor, as if the emperors anger were but a breeze over water, leaving no mark. Yet, beneath the surface, his thoughts churned like a hidden currentthe seeds of rebellion had been sown, and they would not be easily uprooted. He lowered his gaze slightly, masking the complexity in his eyes, and spoke in a measured tone, Your Majesty, the situation is indeed quite delicate. The nobles have always been unruly, and if you act too harshly now, it may backfire. He lowered his voice further, speaking slowly but with a hint of concealed excitement. Your Majesty, I have already taken covert action. Recently, I secretly contacted the capitals storytellers and propagandists, spreading rumors of an impending invasion by the red dragons of the Elden Beast Mountains. This has created panic among the populace. At this, a faint smile tugged at his lips, and a glint of cunning flashed in his eyes. This plan serves three purposes. It stirs fear among the people, sows discord among the nobles, and allows us to openly gather military supplies and weapons under the guise of preparing for the dragon threat. In doing so, we can secretly build our strength and seize the opportunity to turn the tide. Hearing this, the emperors expression softened slightly, and a hint of approval flickered in his eyes. After a moment of thought, he said gravely, Lucien Vale, you are indeed a capable steward. Such a clever plan. Please elaborate on your next steps. Lucien Vale took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with cunning as he continued, At this stage, the propaganda has already taken effect. Most of the capitals citizens are aware of the rumors, but they havent reached the city lords territories yet. We can use this opportunity to levy taxes and gather grain under the pretense of preparing for the dragon invasion. At the same time, we can sow confusion among the nobles, making them doubt each other. This way, we can both mislead the rebels and strengthen our own reserves of food and weapons, laying a solid foundation for future crises. The emperor listened, inwardly impressed, but also wary. Though Lucien Vale was a skilled strategist, the emperor knew that even the most loyal servants could turn against him in critical moments. As he weighed his appreciation against his caution, he said, Once this situation is resolved, I will send you to the countryside to enjoy a peaceful retirement, lest you cause further trouble. Hearing this, Lucien Vale felt both relieved and a pang of sadness. As someone who had navigated the treacherous waters of court politics for years, he knew that even the most loyal could be doubted. Yet, he resolved to remain steadfast, finding solace in the thought of a peaceful life. As the emperors thoughts swirled, he picked up his brush and began drafting several secret letters. He carefully crafted nearly identical messages, sending them to various down-and-out nobles in an attempt to gather more allies to counter the growing rebellion. Meanwhile, the spies he had once personally dispatched had mostly been assassinated, forcing them to operate in the shadows, quietly rebuilding their once-abandoned networks under assumed identities. Once the letters were complete, the emperor, following the red dragon invasion plan, ordered Lucien Vale to deliver them swiftly to the nobles he deemed trustworthy. The goal was to quickly gather food, weapons, and other supplies, using the opportunity to increase taxes and secure the capitals logistics. As Lucien Vale rose and bowed before departing, his figure gradually disappeared into the long, dark corridor. Outside the palace, the night grew deeper, and the cold moonlight bathed the silent walls, as if silently observing the undercurrents of intrigue and deception within the court. The emperor sat alone behind the carved jade desk, the candlelight casting heavy shadows before him, mirroring the weight of his thoughts. He clutched the stack of secret letters tightly, his gaze as heavy as lead as he scanned each one. The words on the pages seemed to flicker like ghostly flames before his eyes. The food supply is cut off the nobles are disloyal internal and external troubles are like a festering wound, deep in the marrow He muttered to himself, his voice dry and weak, If the red dragon plan is just a drop in the bucket, unable to reverse the decline this empire may Before he could finish, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the palace, growing louder and louder, pounding against the quiet night and the emperors already taut nerves The palace was enveloped in silence. Just then, the door to the imperial study burst open, and a messenger rushed in, his low but urgent voice breaking the stillness. Your Majesty! The messengers tone was calm but his words were clear: Tonight, unidentified groups attacked the eastern food supply route under cover of darkness, cutting off the grain shipments to the capital. The situation is critical! According to our spies, these individuals acted with great secrecy, likely connected to the rebellious nobles! The emperors expression darkened, his brows furrowing as rage boiled within him. He slammed his hand on the jade desk and cursed, It seems the situation is far more complicated than I anticipated The rebellion has spread to the food supply. If this continues, the very foundation of the empire will crumble! Without hesitation, the emperor stood and ordered the hidden attendants to summon the general immediately. Send the general to the eastern route at once! Protect the grain shipments at all costs! Do not let the rebels succeed! Also, order our trusted allies to strengthen border patrols and prevent any further infiltration by enemies or traitors! Outside the study, heavy footsteps echoed like war drums, pounding against the hearts of all who heard them. Before anyone could react, a towering general clad in armor strode in. His imposing figure exuded an aura of battlefield ferocity, and his sharp gaze seemed to cut through the stifling air of the room. He knelt before the emperor and spoke in a firm, resonant voice, Your Majesty! I have assembled three thousand elite troops and will head to the eastern route immediately. I swear to crush the rebels and protect the capitals granaries! His words left the imperial study in solemn silence, as if even the wind had paused. Hearing the generals response, the emperor felt a slight easing of his anxiety, but the cold dread within him remained. He walked to the large window and gazed out at the dark night sky, thinking to himself: Power is being quietly eroded by various factions. Allies who once swore loyalty now harbor ulterior motives, their true intentions hidden. Tonights events are just the tip of the iceberg. If I dont act swiftly to restore order, this empire will descend into even greater chaos. As the night deepened and the emperor fretted over the food supply crisis in his study, the atmosphere on the other side of the capital was starkly different. In a secret meeting room on the outskirts of the city, candlelight flickered, illuminating the grim faces of a group of nobles. They whispered among themselves, the air thick with a different kind of tension. The meeting room felt as if it were under an invisible weight, the candlelight dim and the atmosphere suffocating. Ronald Bex, dressed in luxurious gold-embroidered robes, was the first to break the oppressive silence. His lips curled into a cold smile, as if freezing the air itself. Red dragon invasion? He let out a derisive laugh, unable to hide his anger and scorn. What a clumsy trick! Look at all these secret letters flying around. The capitals pigeons must be exhausted. Grain levies? Troop conscription? Ha! What the emperor really wants is to dull our claws and strip us of our armor! The red dragons of the Elden Beast Mountains are nothing but an excuse to eliminate his rivals! What he fears isnt dragonsits the throne beneath him, teetering on the edge! Ronalds words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, rippling through the room. The nobles, who had been maintaining a facade of composure, could no longer contain their true feelings. Some muttered curses, others snorted in disdain, while a few exchanged knowing glances. Discontent surged like a tide, and ambition sprouted like spring grass, growing wildly in the oppressive atmosphere. The elder and more composed Durwin sighed softly. Exactly. Now, the emperor and we no longer trust each other, each harboring ulterior motives. Only by uniting can we protect our interests. But how should we act? We cannot recklessly rebel, or we risk burning ourselves. As the nobles pondered their next move, a side door to the meeting room quietly opened, and a figure slipped in. It was the young noble Everis, who had long been close to Ronald. He whispered, Word has come from the border. Aside from the food supply being cut off, there are rumors of beast howls in a certain area, as if something strange is happening. Perhaps we can use this to sow confusion and gain more leverage. A cold smile spread across Ronalds face as he said slowly, Good. While the emperor is busy with the food supply, we can use the beast disaster to carve out our own territory. As long as we hide the truth within lies, we can turn the tables on that fool of an emperor! Meanwhile, in the dark alleyways outside the meeting room, several pairs of secretive eyes watched intently. In hushed voices, it seemed someone was plotting an even greater scheme, aiming to manipulate both the court and the noble factions Back in the palace, the lights dimmed as the emperor returned to his desk, still clutching the stack of secret letters. He knew the current situation wasnt just about the granaries or the borderit was a ticking time bomb threatening the balance between imperial authority and regional power. With this in mind, a sense of determination welled up within him. Though I am constrained, I cannot sit idly by. Since those nobles are plotting against me, today I must take a firm stance to make the world understand: the throne is not to be defied! With that, he picked up his brush and began drafting another secret letter, each word resolute and forceful. The letter aimed to mobilize all loyal generals and regional officials while secretly deploying the long-concealed Heavenly Might Plan. It was said that once activated, this plan could instantly quell internal strife, crushing those who coveted the throne in their infancy. As he finished the letter, the emperor let out a long sigh and muttered to himself, Though the situation is perilous, it is not without hope! He carefully sealed the letter and handed it to his trusted imperial guards, ordering them to deliver it swiftly to all corners of the empire. He vowed to use an iron fist to stabilize the crumbling court. The cold night wind howled like a beast, tearing through the thick palace walls and wailing through the ancient, shadowy corridors, as if the goddess of fate herself were softly chanting a prelude to the end. Chapter 15: exploration？ Preliminary understanding of the surrounding topography The next day at dawn, a ray of light pierced the darkness of the cave entrance, the brilliance quickly awakening the slumbering rock walls. Seratus awoke amidst the heat, which felt like surging lava, and slowly lifted his heavy eyelids. His draconic eyes, burning like molten gold, gradually focused in the light of the rising sun. He surveyed his surroundings. Mountains of gold coins shimmered in the cave, each coin like a solidified fragment of a star, silently telling secrets buried by time. The Dragon Mother, like an ancient rock carving, lay dormant atop this mountain of glittering treasure. Her closed eyes resembled unpolished black ice, radiating an intimidating aura even in sleep, filling the young dragon''s heart with awe. The dazzling wealth and the Matriarch Dragon''s solemnity intertwined, creating a breathtaking sense of pressure. The young dragon''s heartbeat quickened, his gaze momentarily captured by the silent allure of the gold coins C however, Seratus clearly recognized that these were not things he could touch at this moment! However, reason, like a chilling spring, abruptly extinguished the greedy flame in his heartthe Dragon Mother''s treasure was not something a young dragon could covet. "I''m not strong enough yet..." the young dragon whispered in his heart, as if to himself, and also as a declaration to the mountains of wealth. Then, he resolutely turned away, no longer lingering. His crimson scales, illuminated by the dawn''s light at the cave entrance, were gilded with a sacred glow. Agnas eagerly approached Catilia, his scarlet dragon eyes flickering with intense desire and restlessness, as if about to burst forth. He lowered his voice, his words hurried and urging: "Catilia, follow Seratus quickly! That mushroom...it''s practically made for me! With every breath, I feel like I can draw in its pure life force!" Catilia lazily opened her crimson dragon eyes, the light swirling within them containing both cunning and caution, like a shrewd merchant weighing the pros and cons. "Hold your horses! If we rush in like hungry wolves now, we''ll only startle our prey and achieve nothing. The best time is when it''s completely off guard, or when a slight opportunity presents itself. As for now..." His sister''s hesitation made Agnas frown, impatience gathering between his brows. He rebuked her in a low voice: "I think you are as timid as a mouse. You also daren''t follow! Either come with me, or I''ll explore Seratus''s secret alone! Even if I don''t share this secret with you, I will definitely investigate!" With that, he turned to leave, intending to sneak in the direction Seratus had gone. Seeing this, Catilia, though still harboring doubts, gritted her teeth and made up her mind, thinking, "At least if we go together, we can support each other if Seratus attacks." She said silently, "Fine, two dragons are better than one; even if he wants to make a move, he''ll have to consider our combined strength!" At the same time, the alluring mushroom and the unknown secrets behind it stirred her heart, a complex mix of nervousness and anticipation swirling within her. Seratus stepped out of the cave, the suffocating heat washing over him. He abruptly stopped, his head slightly turned, his crimson, slitted eyes scanning the dark cave entrance like blades. The shadows at the entrance remained still, no fiery red scales flickering. Only then did his tense muscles slightly relax, yet a hidden vigilance lingered, like a shadow, as he continued to listen intently, trying to catch any subtle movement, as if there were truly eyes lurking in the darkness. "Agnas and Catilia didn''t rashly follow me today?..." he thought to himself, a hint of relaxation quietly rising in his heart. Then, he resolutely left the lava cave and headed towards the newly cultivated land. Meanwhile, Agnas and Catilia quietly trailed Seratus. They followed a winding path, the dry leaves underfoot whispering with each step, every movement marked by extreme caution and tension. Agnas urged in a low voice, "Catilia, hurry up! Don''t talk, don''t let him notice us." Catilia held her breath, carefully following close behind, constantly calculating in her mind: As long as we don''t reveal ourselves, we''ll eventually get close enough to uncover Seratus''s secret. As he followed the familiar path, Seratus suddenly caught the faint sound of footsteps behind him, the subtle rustling seeming to hintsomeone was secretly following. He turned his head, listening intently to the faint noise, and couldn''t help but wonder, "After so many years of experience, how could I be easily followed?" He carefully scanned the swaying branches around him, but still didn''t see a trace of bright red. Suddenly, a mischievous and probing thought arose in his heart. Seratus abruptly turned around and shouted loudly, "Agnas, I see you! Stop hiding, your fiery red scales are too conspicuous, or am I seeing things?" Then, he shouted again, "Catilia, stop hiding behind the bushes, show your dazzling scales!" Seratus''s sudden roar, like a volcanic eruption, was deafening, instantly shattering Agnas and Catilia''s disguise. The two young dragons froze in place like lizards struck by a rock, the muscles beneath their scales instantly tensing. They exchanged panicked glances, their hearts pounding as if clutched by dragon claws. Catilia squeezed out a whisper, thin as a mosquito''s buzz: "We''ve been exposed...how could he..." Agnas, flustered, urged in a low voice, "Don''t just stand there! Chase after him! Do you want to be completely left behind?!" Fear and unwillingness tangled in the young dragons'' hearts. They began to wonder if this was a trap set by Seratus, or simply a more sophisticated hunting technique. Seeing this, a hint of a smug smile played on Seratus''s lips. He muttered to himself, "Since you''re hiding so well, I''ll just wait and see if you can hide even deeper, or if you''re simply too cowardly!" His tone was both provocative and mocking, as if all of this were just a private game between himself. But after shouting loudly, he didn''t rush to investigate. Instead, he continued to walk forward, occasionally looking back symbolically. Each time he looked back, his slightly furrowed brow instantly smoothed out, as if he had anticipated all of this, and the turmoil deep within his heart had already been carefully concealed by him. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Agnas and Catilia hid tightly among the shadows of the trees, their hearts filled with both embarrassment at being discovered and suspicion that Seratus seemed to know everything. Catilia whispered quietly, "I have a feeling something''s fishy. Those few times he looked back, it wasn''t just to test our courage... was it to wait for us to reveal ourselves first?" She quickly grabbed Agnas, who was about to take a step, fearing he would impulsively expose their tracks. Agnas also whispered in agreement, "Stop talking. Keep up, don''t let him realize we''re here." Just then, far ahead, Seratus''s dragon head suddenly turned, emitting a series of dragon roars. He said loudly: "Agnas, how can your scales, like burning flames, be hidden?" "Catilia, stop hiding! How can your dazzling scales not be discovered in this dense forest?" This direct and mocking shout instantly made the two young dragons hiding in the shadows nervous. Although they heard it clearly, they were still trembling with fear, not daring to show themselves rashly. Catilia stared intently at Seratus''s almost serious expression, murmuring in a low voice, "I sense something is wrong... His shouting is not just a simple joke, but an attempt to force us out." With that, she decisively pulled back Agnas, who was about to take a step, preventing him from following rashly. She herself remained motionless, her eyes fixed on Seratus''s every move, fearing that even the slightest rustle of wind would completely expose them. "However, Seratus only symbolically observed for a few minutes, then turned and left without hesitation. His steady steps and calm demeanor seemed to suggest that the previous probing had not shaken his inner resolve." Agnas and Catilia, remaining in the shadows, watched his receding figure, a wave of confusion and bewilderment washing over them: He said he had seen them, so why didn''t he take further action? All sorts of questions popped up in their little heads. After walking for a few minutes, Seratus looked back again, symbolically saying, "If you dare to come out, I''d be happy to have a good match with you." However, after looking around, he still didn''t find any unusual traces. "Could it be that I''m overthinking it?" Seratus chuckled self-deprecatingly, the subtle tension between his brows easing. He continued to walk towards the newly cultivated field, his steps still firm and leisurely. In the depths of the dense, green forest, Agnas and Catilia continued to hide, tense and cautious. Although their hearts were filled with fear, they also felt a faint sense of pride: their covert actions demonstrated their prudence and wisdom. Agnas said in a low voice, "See, that guy is definitely hiding something. As long as we wait for him to let his guard down, we can seize the opportunity and find out what it is." Catilia secretly calculated in her heart: When the time is right, the two of us working together can force him to show his true colors. The enticing aroma of the mushroom from her dream and the unknown secrets behind it tugged at her heart from time to time. As Seratus''s determined figure receded further, she and her brother quietly followed, their steps light but full of determination. The gentle breeze rustled through the forest, and sunlight dappled through the leaves, falling on the two young dragons'' scales. The fiery red light was particularly dazzling, yet it also added a bit of a burden to their secrecy. As Agnas and Catilia walked, they silently repeated in their hearts: As long as we don''t reveal ourselves, we''ll find out where he picks those delicious mushrooms. The layered shadows of the trees, the rustling of fallen leaves, and Seratus continued to walk along his familiar path, feeling a bit smug, and so he walked confidently. After walking for more than ten minutes, the rugged path opened up to reveal a wide lake. The water was a clear, light blue. A gentle breeze swept across the surface, creating sparkling ripples that resembled countless tiny sapphires shimmering in the sunlight, serene and dazzling. Standing by the lake, the cool mist rising from the water carried the fresh scent of earth and aquatic plants, relaxing Seratus''s tense nerves. A heartfelt sense of comfort washed over him. Facing this tranquil and beautiful body of water, Seratus slowly walked to the lake''s edge, lowered his massive body, and dipped his head into the clear water. He opened his mouth and greedily slurped the sweet lake water, his throat making "gurgling" sounds that were particularly clear in the quiet morning. The cool water slid down his parched throat, nourishing his tired body. Each large gulp seemed to inject new vitality, making him feel refreshed from the inside out, his scales seemingly glowing with renewed luster. After drinking his fill, Seratus slowly stretched his young, not-yet-fully-fledged wings, deciding in his heart: Today, I don''t need to rush back to the cultivated land. Instead, I''ll take advantage of this refreshing time to patrol the surrounding environment. Although he had been cultivating the land for a long time and his skills had become increasingly proficient, there were still many unknowns about the overall situation of this vast worldonly by familiarizing himself with the surrounding terrain could he lay a solid foundation for future cultivation planning. "Don''t put all your eggs in one basket," Seratus slowed his pace, his gaze sweeping over the distant, rolling mountains, then lowering to look at the fertile land beneath his feet, a plan already forming in his mind. Without a map, he had to rely on his amazing memory, engraving every mountain and river, every plant and tree in his mind. Seratus did not head directly to his familiar farmland. Instead, he turned to the nearby secluded areas, carefully searching for undeveloped terrain and trying to mark in his mind places suitable for future cultivation. Along the way, he allowed the fresh, natural air to permeate his heart. The warm sunlight shone on his shimmering scales, making them gleam like stars twinkling in the night sky. As he strolled through the forest, memories of reading Dragon''s Legacy in the cave the previous day surfaced. The ancient words engraved on the inheritance, the ancient and powerful draconic magic, seemed to whisper in his mind, not only giving him a deeper understanding of the ancient legends and wisdom of the dragon race, but also planting a desire for knowledge about the laws of the world. However, immersed in tranquility, Seratus did not completely relax his vigilance. A faint sense of unease, like a gentle breeze blowing through the forest, quietly swept through his heart. He understood that this seemingly peaceful environment was not entirely safe. In the distance, the outlines of human cities were faintly visible, and according to ancient books read in the cave, those cities belonged to a human kingdom called the "Red Maple Empire." In his mind, the system of the Red Maple Empire slowly unfolded: the solemn and majestic central imperial capital, surrounded by cities established by nobles, seemingly orderly, yet like the rise and fall of countless dynasties in Blue Star''s history, beneath the prosperous surface, undercurrents surged, and the shadows of internal strife and overthrow might already be lurking beneath this prosperous facade. Seratus thought to himself, This seemingly stable system actually has the seeds of internal strife and destruction buried within it, just as Blue Star''s thousands of years of feudal history ultimately could not escape the fate of foreign invasion or internal conflict. After clearing his mind of distracting thoughts, "Looking around, the surrounding terrain was open and varied. In the distance was a vast plain, shimmering golden in the dawn''s light, like a huge canvas spread out, waiting for the brush of the cultivator; nearby were rolling hills, sleeping like giant beasts, and between the hills were natural depressions of varying depths." The dense and primitive forest still appeared somewhat chaotic, with sunlight unable to penetrate fully, casting dappled shadows. Those low-lying areas were shrouded in a lingering chill, and the air carried the faint, unsettling roars of wild beasts. Seratus instinctively slowed his pace, cautiously avoiding those depressed areas. In his young body flowed the blood of a dragon, and he had an extraordinary, instinctive sense of danger. He knew that these dark corners, though not immediately threatening, presented unnecessary risks to him. He understood it''s best for him to stay unnoticed. After all, although dragons were born kings, in their youth, they had to be discreet and patient. Only after reaching full maturity could they truly soar through the blue sky. During his exploration along the way, he also discovered two new water sources: one was a surging river, the water rushing rapidly, with fish darting through it; but due to the strong current, it was not suitable for planting aquatic crops; the other was another lake, its water quality very similar to the light blue lake he had just visited, equally sweet and refreshing. At the same time, Seratus also gained a preliminary understanding of the distribution of magical beasts around him: most of the small magical beasts had auras similar to his, seemingly posing no great threat, but there were five with stronger auras in the distance, which, although far away, constituted a considerable threat; and the presence of several medium and large magical beasts made him even more cautious in his movements, to avoid confronting these behemoths head-on, as the risk was extremely high." Chapter 16: prize draw？ New System Plants After a morning of meticulous and arduous exploration, Seratus absorbed everything he had seen and felt into the depths of his heart. He knew that to ensure the safety and fertility of the future farming area, he needed to thoroughly understand the surrounding environment and devise a scientific and meticulous plan. To this end, he returned to the towering tree near the farmland, choosing a shady spot to rest briefly. Though close to the fields, this was not his usual work area, and the long walk had left him in need of respite. Sitting beneath the trees canopy, Seratus slowly retrieved the ten "magic plants" he had painstakingly gatheredplants imbued with magical elements. Though their rank was not high, they were invaluable to him in his current stage of growth; selling them could even fetch a fair amount of silver coins. Yet, without hesitation, he swallowed the ten magic plants one by one. Instantly, he felt a surge of energy roiling within him, like a volcanic eruption, a warm current flooding his entire body, like countless tiny electric currents stimulating every inch of his dragon scales, nourishing every dragon vein. It was as if all fatigue and doubt had dissipated. He could even feel the long-dormant magical patterns beneath his scales begin to warm and emit a faint glow. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, releasing all the confusion and pressure within. However, just as the abundant energy of the magic plants began to nourish his dragon form, and a grand blueprint for expanding his territory took shape in his mind, a foul and insidious presence crept in, like a crawling insecta weaklings cowardice and malice. To a mighty red dragon, such a presence should have been beneath notice, yet it was as annoying as a swarm of flies. Seratuss dragon eyes opened with displeasure, the fleeting joy from the energy replaced by the innate majesty and wrath of his kind. Every subtle change in the air was now within his grasp. A nauseating stench, mixed with the cowardice of inferior creatures, wafted from the depths of the forestnot trembling fear, but a sly probing. It was goblins! And through the gaps in the trees, he could vaguely see the swaying green figures, far more numerous than he had imagined! The air also carried a faint sulfurous smell, the scent of the inferior gunpowder goblins often used. This meant they were not entirely harmless; at the very least, they knew how to wield simple weapons. Meanwhile, the dwarves traces were nowhere to be found, and with them, the hope of crafting fine tools vanished. Seratus glanced down at the somewhat clumsy hoe in his hand and sighed. To establish roots in this land, sturdy fences were essential, but without a sharp saw, cutting timber neatly was impossible. He knew that in this resource-scarce land, iron tools were as precious as gold, and an iron saw was a rare treasure. At this thought, he couldnt help but chuckle wryly, recalling his past "masterpieces" of fence-buildingcrooked, lopsided, and seemingly ready to collapse at the first gust of wind. Any skilled craftsman who saw them would surely laugh themselves silly. After carefully inspecting the surroundings and confirming the general safety of the farmland, Seratus relaxed, savoring the fruits of his morning exploration. He lay beneath the tree, closing his eyes and reflecting on the energy the magic plants had brought him. In his mind, he repeatedly constructed plans for future migration and farming. Now, he not only had a comprehensive understanding of the nearby water sources, terrain, and distribution of magical beasts but also a clear picture of the town structures under the feudal system of the Red Maple Empire. In this tranquil corner where the lakeside met the farmland, a gentle breeze brushed his face, and the rustling of leaves soothed his mind. The tense vigilance in Seratuss heart gradually dissipated, replaced by profound contemplation of the future. He knew his next steps must address two key aspects: On one hand, he needed to use his keen memory and perception to ensure the safety and fertility of the land he cultivated. On the other hand, he had to adopt a strategy of risk diversification in response to the ever-changing external environment, never placing all his hopes on a single plot of land. The lurking magical beasts, goblin tribes, and potential future enemies could all pose threats to his farmland at any moment. As the breeze swept by, Seratus lounged leisurely beneath the tree, his consciousness focused on the system panels exchange store. The daily specials had just refreshed, and the neatly arranged items on the screen momentarily dispelled the fatigue of the previous day, bringing a sense of calm to his heart. He scanned the stores list: ---Daily Specials--- [Icon: White Carrot Seeds]White Carrot Seeds-[Quality: Common]-[Effect: Basic food source]-[Price: 1 point each] This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. [Icon: Green Sun Mushroom Seeds]Green Sun Mushroom Seeds-[Quality: Rare]-[Effect: Provides energy, slightly enhances physique]-[Price: 5 points each] [Icon: Basic Elemental Fertilizer]Basic Elemental Fertilizer-[Quality: Common]-[Effect: Increases crop growth speed and yield (basic)]-[Price: 20 points per bag] [Icon: Standard Elemental Fertilizer]Standard Elemental Fertilizer-[Quality: Rare]-[Effect: Significantly increases crop growth speed and yield (standard)]-[Price: 50 points per bag] [Icon: Advanced Elemental Fertilizer]Advanced Elemental Fertilizer-[Quality: Excellent]-[Effect: Drastically increases crop growth speed and yield (advanced), with a chance of mutation]-[Price: 100 points per bag] ---Todays Specials (24-hour refresh)--- [Icon: Book of Prophecy]Book of Prophecy-[Quality: Unknown]-[Effect: ???]-[Price: 80 points]-[Special Offer] [Icon: Instant Build House]Instant Build House-[Quality: Unknown]-[Effect: Quickly constructs a house]-[Price: 60 points]-[Special Offer] [Icon: Random Plant Seed Unlock]Random Plant Seed Unlock-[Quality: Unknown]-[Effect: Randomly unlocks one plant seed]-[Price: 100 points]-[Special Offer] His claws hovered over the icons for Standard Elemental Fertilizer, Green Sun Mushroom Seeds, and White Carrot Seeds, his mind racing as he weighed the pros and cons of each choice. Fertilizer is essential for increasing crop yield, and the sun mushroom seeds are important as a food source The carrot seeds are cheap, but they cant be ignored either He muttered to himself, as if making a critical decision for his future. In the end, rationality prevailed. He took a deep breath, first purchasing a bag of Advanced Elemental Fertilizer to ensure the productivity of his farmland. Then, cautiously, he selected 20 Green Sun Mushroom Seeds and 50 White Carrot Seeds to lay the foundation for his food supply. When his eyes returned to his remaining points, the 100 points left stirred something in him. Should I go for the Book of Prophecy? Or the random plant seed unlock? He fell into deep thought again, his fingers sliding back and forth between the two options, unable to decide. The allure of the Book of Prophecy whispered like a devil in his ear, while the random plant seed unlock glimmered like a treasure within reach. Lets take the gamble! In the end, his adventurous spirit overcame caution. Seratus gritted his teeth, as if making a solemn vow, and decisively clicked on Random Plant Seed Unlock. After much deliberation, Seratus finally made up his mind: today, he would purchase one bag of Standard Elemental Fertilizer for 50 points; then, 20 Green Sun Mushroom Seeds for 100 points; and 50 White Carrot Seeds for another 50 points. With 100 points remaining, he unhesitatingly bought the Random Plant Seed Unlock for 100 points. A system prompt immediately appeared: Congratulations, host, for purchasing the Random Plant Seed Unlock. The unlocking process is now underway. Please proceed with the draw. Seratus watched the draw screen, his heart racing. On the screen, the draw interface suddenly transformed. A massive gacha machine roared to life, its colorful orbs spinning like meteors, dazzling to the eye. Seratus held his breath, his gaze fixed on the spinning light screen, which resembled a wheel of fate. His heart pounded as if it might leap out of his chest. Gold! Gold! Give me a gold legend! he silently screamed, pouring all his hopes and desires into this wordless prayer. Finally, the spinning slowed, the light gradually converging as a deep blue orb came to rest in the center. Blue Seratuss heart instantly turned to ice. The excitement he had felt about unlocking a new seed was crushed by an invisible hand, leaving him cold from head to toe. Not gold, not even red just blue. The overwhelming sense of disappointment washed over him like a tidal wave, drowning him in emptiness and silence. Doubt and confusion lingered like a persistent shadow over his heart. He felt like a traveler in the desert, desperately seeking an oasis, only to find it was a mirage. In the end, he realized he was just another unlucky soul. He closed his eyes, feeling the ache in his heart and the lingering hope of a miracle. Could these 100 points bring me a gold legend? If only I could hit the jackpot! Finally, he peeked through his eyes, watching as the rapidly spinning icons on the screen slowed and settled on a blue glow. Seratuss heart sank. Though the blue quality wasnt the gold legend he had hoped for, he didnt give up immediately. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. With a trembling claw, he clicked on the blue orb for more details. Perhaps even a blue-quality seed has its unique value? He clung to a sliver of hope, searching for some comfortor perhaps a surprisein the detailed description. Blue Quality Luminous Flower Seed 20 points each --Description--: The Luminous Flower absorbs surrounding energy, converting it into pure light to dispel evil and darkness. --Growing Environment--: Thrives in the presence of kind, hopeful, and pure-hearted beings, absorbing their radiant energy and emitting a soft, cleansing light that slowly purifies the surrounding land of corruption, restoring its vitality. --Physical Traits--: Tall and elegant, with straight, sturdy stems that shimmer with golden light; each section of the stem is etched with intricate patterns, resembling ancient runes that record the passage of time and magic. --Leaves--: Heart-shaped, with edges adorned with crystal-like shards that refract light into a kaleidoscope of colors. --Flowers--: Vibrant yellow petals that transition to a fiery red at the center. When in full bloom, the flowers radiate light, filling the space with their glow. The pistil contains a golden crystal that gathers and purifies magical energy, driving away darkness. --Purification Effect--: The light emitted by the flowers weakly purifies the surrounding area of dark and evil magic, restoring polluted land and water to purity. After reading the description, Seratus was stunned. Questions flooded his mind: Such a powerful plant should logically belong to the red or purple tier. How could it only be blue quality? This left him deeply perplexed and unsettled. Seratus stored the blue-quality seed he had drawn into his inventory, silently calculating: Though its not a gold legend, its still decent. Chapter 17: observe？ Careful thoughts from family members Sunlight pierced the dense canopy, dancing in dappled patterns on the forest floor, like a coded message scattered across the earth. Amidst this mosaic of light and shadow, Seratus lay sprawled beneath a tree with sprawling branches, seemingly taking a nap. However, his deep crimson dragon eyes betrayed his pretense. They scanned his territory with vigilance, taking in everything from the trembling of leaves to the faintest rustle in the undergrowth. In his mind, the luminous interface of the system panel shimmered, a vibrant marketplace reflected in his fiery gaze. He was lost in thought, the seemingly tranquil forest atmosphere concealing unseen currents. Not far away, two stealthy figuresAgnas and Catiliawere secretly following! Now, their patience had worn thin, frustration burning within them like a rising flame! For an entire morning, they had trailed Seratus like ghosts, carefully and aimlesslyexperiencing nothing but sore legs, parched throats, and the futile observation of the red dragon''s erratic movements, gaining practically nothing. Watching the red dragon merely walk about, pausing occasionally to sniff the soil or gaze into the distance, seemingly observing the terrain and surveying the landscape, a deep sense of being fooled and annoyed welled up in the two young dragons'' hearts. "That guy definitely has no intention of going to that secret location!" Catilia thought furiously. They had naively believed that by following quietly, they could effortlessly discover the mysterious place where the pure life mushrooms grew. But now, it seemed Seratus was as slippery as an eel, with no intention of going there at all, making the two dragons feel like they had been played for fools. What infuriated them even more was that Seratus, the chief culprit, was leisurely relaxing and resting under the tree! Meanwhile, they had wasted a precious morning for a so-called "secret," baking under the scorching sun until their scales felt hot, their moods utterly foul. Catilia could no longer contain her irritation. Like a lit fuse, she turned to Agnas, her eyes holding a hint of probing, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turning downwards, as if hinting at something. She lowered her voice, saying tensely and angrily, "Or...should we just go back?" She paused, trying to appear rational, and continued, "Seratus might really have a secret, but he''s very alert now, guarding against us like we''re thieves. He won''t let us find it easily. Besides, we''ve searched all around, and we haven''t seen any signs of human activity, let alone a place where those special plants could grow. He clearly noticed something a long time ago and has no intention of going to his secret location." Agnas, hearing Catilia''s words, his already gloomy face darkened further, like the sky before a storm. His brow furrowed deeply, and his mouth pressed into a thin line, as if water could be squeezed from it. A morning of tracking had yielded nothing; it was a complete waste of time! He could have been comfortably sleeping in the cave until he woke up naturally, but for this so-called secret, he had come out to suffer, his mood reaching rock bottom. He sighed heavily, his chest feeling as if it were pressed by a boulder. He nodded reluctantly, his voice muffled, agreeing with Catilia''s suggestion. "Sigh, it seems Seratus doesn''t want us to find it, so let''s go back for now. I''ve been out all morning, and I''m exhausted." Thus, the two young dragons exchanged a knowing look, as if reaching a secret agreement, and tacitly parted ways, each flying towards the cave. However, was Catilia really as willing to give up as she appeared? The answer was obviously no. Once a young dragon''s curiosity was piqued, it was like a lit flame, not easily extinguished. Moreover, having been so easily "shaken off" by the cunning Seratus made Catilia even more resentful, a feeling of unwillingness quietly growing in her heart. Time passed, another ten minutes or so. Seratus remained leisurely lying under the tree, his gaze as if magnetically fixed, focused intently on the system panel. His thick claw tips moved lightly across the virtual screen, sometimes tapping, sometimes dragging, as if carefully comparing something. He was completely immersed in his mental world, his focused expression making it seem as if the entire world had disappeared, leaving only the virtual panel before him, oblivious to everything around him. Just then, a touch of youthful dragon cunning surged within Catilia"Agnas probably thinks I really went back, huh? Heh, when he excitedly returns to the cave and finds I''m not there, his face will probably twist with anger!" As she thought this, a mischievous smile, like a sprout emerging from the earth, crept onto her lips and quickly bloomed into a sly grin on her youthful face. She decided to give Agnas a "surprise." Like a cunning leopard, Catilia stealthily returned, approaching Seratus''s location with quiet steps. After all, it took quite some time to get here from where they had parted. When she returned to a spot where she could observe Seratus, the dense bushes became her natural cover. She stopped again. She carefully poked her head out, peering through the layers of leaves, and found Seratus still lying under that tree, unmoving, as if asleep, showing no signs of leaving. Catilia couldn''t help but feel frustrated: "Why isn''t this dragon leaving? Does he really not want to go to the place where he picks mushrooms? It''s so unlucky to follow him secretly and not get this secret!" You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Just as Catilia was complaining in her heart, a faint "rustling" sound suddenly came from behind her. She immediately turned around alertly, like a startled young beast. Her originally somewhat frustrated face instantly became serious, her emerald green eyes instantly becoming sharp, her gaze filled with vigilance. "It''s you?" Catilia looked at the figure that appeared behind her, her voice carrying a hint of surprise, a trace of embarrassment, and a subtle hint of annoyance, but mostly the awkwardness of being discovered. She said seriously, "Didn''t you go back?" The figure that appeared behind Catilia was none other than Agnas. Neither of the young dragons had expected the other to be so "devious," saying they were going back, but secretly returning. Seeing the other doing the same thing, both dragons showed a flicker of embarrassment, their expressions becoming somewhat unnatural! An awkward atmosphere spread between the two dragons. After all, they had just vowed to give up, only to sneak back moments later. This behavior was a bit... However, young dragons seemed to have naturally thick skin. After a brief moment of awkwardness, the two dragons tacitly chose silence. Since the other wasn''t mentioning it, the awkward one was the other, and they would pretend nothing had happened. On the other side, Seratus was completely unaware that he was being tracked and plotted against by two young dragons. He was immersed in studying the system panel. Seeing the remaining points displayed on the panela glaring and pathetic 100Seratus couldn''t help but feel a little worried. He had already eaten two Sunlight Mushrooms, completely depleting his stock. He still had some carrots left in his backpack, but one carrot could only be sold for 10 points, and selling them all would only get him a few dozen points, which wouldn''t solve the problem at all. "Points...points..." Seratus muttered in a low voice, the deep syllables of the dragon language vibrating in the air, his heart filled with a longing for points. His gaze, as if drawn by a magnet, fell once again on that "Prophecy Book," his heart stirring. "Prophecy Book...since it''s called prophecy, it must have prophetic abilities, right?" Seratus began to seriously consider. Since he had already unlocked random seeds, should he buy a Prophecy Book first, and then buy a flower seed? Or...should he buy a one-time house construction card first, and then buy a flower? Seratus was torn. Buying a ready-made house was important, but the Prophecy Book also seemed very attractive. He thought it over, and finally decided to buy the Prophecy Book first. "System, I want to buy the Prophecy Book!" Seratus silently said in his mind. "Ding! Congratulations, Host, for successfully purchasing the green-quality item [Prophecy Book]. 80 points deducted, 20 points remaining." With the system''s notification, a book with an ancient cover, emitting a faint scent of ink, appeared in Seratus''s backpack. He couldn''t wait to open his backpack, his dragon claws carefully examining the attributes of the Prophecy Book. [Prophecy Book] --Quality: Green-- --Effect: When the holder asks the book a question, the pages will automatically open, and text will appear on the page, hinting at important events that may occur in the future. It can be used three times a day, and using it consumes the user''s magic. The amount of magic consumed depends on the magnitude of the question; important information consumes more magic, while unimportant information consumes less.-- "Green quality?" Seratus looked at the Prophecy Book''s attributes, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "I thought it would be blue quality, or even red quality, but it''s only green quality... But it''s so expensive, almost the same price as a blue seed?" Seratus thought about it carefully, and then felt something was off. "Wait a minute, blue quality and green quality items should have a price difference of 20 points... Well, maybe the value of the blue-quality random seed was underestimated, and I got a bargain. But this Prophecy Book is so expensive, 80 points... I could buy four doses of basic elemental fertilizer with that!" Although he felt a bit of a sting, Seratus also knew that he had already bought it, and there was definitely no way to return it. He sighed, his dragon wings slightly folding, and put away the Prophecy Book. "Well, I bought it, so that''s that." After examining the attributes of the Prophecy book, Seratus decides not to use it at this moment. "It needs magic power to work, but I am already physically drained. Plus, I haven''t eaten since this morning. I''m a little hungry." Thinking of his hunger, he glances at the single seed of blue quality, and a thought strikes him. "I only have 20 points left. I might as well use these to buy this blue-quality seed, instead of leaving it as it is." After reading the attributes of the prophecy book, Seratus temporarily did not intend to use it. It also consumes magic Im already a little exhausted, I walked all morning and didnt eat anything, I feel a little hungry. "System, buy a blue-quality seed!" Seratus said silently again. "Ding! Congratulations, Host, for successfully purchasing a blue-quality seed. 20 points deducted, 0 points remaining." "...My account balance is only 0 points?" Seratus looked at the 0 points displayed on the system panel, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. "Well, zero is zero, I''ll just earn it back slowly." He checked the task panel again and found that the task progress had not changed, it was still to plant ten plants and successfully harvest them. "It seems that the reward for this task is still very good, but it will still take some time to complete." Seratus thought to himself. However, as a red dragon, with a long lifespan, this amount of time was really nothing to him. It''s just that for him now, the waiting time still seemed a bit long. "It would be great if it were like a farming game, where you plant something and it matures in a few minutes, or a day..." Seratus couldn''t help but complain in his heart. Although the long growth cycle of plants made him feel a little uncomfortable, on second thought, plants on Blue Star, such as carrots, had a growth cycle of at least eighty days, or even more than a hundred days. And now, the longest-growing plant only took half a month to mature, which was much faster in comparison. "As long as there is a comparison, no matter how you compare, it is still better now." Seratus comforted himself. "But if you are always anxious, you will find that no matter how you compare, it is not good." Seratus shook his head, clearing these cluttered thoughts from his mind. He left the system space, and in the real world, his grumbling stomach protested. "Okay, I''m hungry..." Seratus rubbed his rumbling stomach and began to consider the issue of lunch. "Let''s eat fertilizer now... Although there are still carrots to eat, carrots can be sold for points!" This made Seratus a little conflicted. After all, he hadn''t yet tasted the carrots, and he was slightly curious, but fertilizer could quickly replenish his energy, and he could also exchange the carrots for pointsthis deal, Seratus quickly calculated in his mind, no matter how he calculated it, was extremely cost-effective!" Chapter 18: Serious planting！ A day of hard work and wealth accumulation Weary but determined, Seratus finally made a decision: Since the morning''s trek had exhausted him, why not replenish his energy while he walked? He slowly opened his system interface and retrieved the bag of basic elemental fertilizer C this fertilizer had a gritty, mineral-like texture, a rough mixture of soil and rock. Taking a deep breath, he carefully took out a pinch and chewed slowly, each mouthful allowing the cool essence within the bitterness to gradually flow through his body, like a mountain brook''s gentle flow, silently moistening his parched and tired dragon body, bringing a continuous stream of vitality. Knowing that swallowing large mouthfuls would only clog his throat with the coarse powder, he could only slow down, meticulously savoring the transmission of each bit of energy. He wasn''t in a hurry to return to the cave, because Seratus knew well: If he rushed back, he might run into the Dragon Matriarch returning with her prey. If he were to join in the meal at that moment, it would be rather awkward. Deep in the cave, the Dragon Matriarch''s aura pressed down like an invisible mountain. In comparison, this forest path felt rather peaceful and free. So, he slowed his pace, walking along the path dappled with fragmented light filtering through the leaves. The surrounding trees cast deep shadows, and only tiny specks of light, like sprites, danced on the mossy stones. He pondered how to return unnoticed. Meanwhile, not far behind Seratus, Catilia and Agnas were secretly following. Seeing Seratus walking slowly towards the cave, they quietly lowered their voices and began to whisper: Catilia lowered her voice, asking with a hint of unease, "Agnas, Seratus is walking so slowly... Shouldn''t we go back first? If the Dragon Matriarch returns and finds out we secretly left the cave, wouldn''t that be bad?" She carefully observed her surroundings, her eyes somewhat panicked. Agnas grimaced, his tone carrying a trace of impatience: "Seriously, you said it was your so-called ''secret,'' but there was nothing. What a waste of time, it''s so boring. Let''s go, hurry back, don''t dawdle." He urged, his tone somewhat impatient. Catilia''s voice became even quieter, carrying a trace of worry: "But...if the Dragon Matriarch gets angry, will she punish us? It''s all my fault..." she said somewhat self-reproachfully. Agnas''s tone became even heavier: "Alright, stop thinking so much! Just hurry up, it''s such a hassle." With that, he quickened his pace. In the two young dragons'' quarrel, there was a childish pride and stubbornness. They were unwilling to show weakness, nor were they willing to easily admit defeat. Having made up their minds, they decided to implement a plan: each would take a detour, rushing back to the cave at top speed, at least before Seratus returned! Not long after the young dragons rushed back to the cave, a deafening sound of flapping wings suddenly rang out, as if the heavens and earth were trembling. The entire volcanic lava cave shook, and the fragile lava layer on the ceiling, unable to bear the weight, fell, raising fine dust. A strong and familiar aura surged in from the entrance of the volcanic lava cave, carrying the scorching heat of the lava depths and the unique sulfurous smell of the volcano, domineeringly occupying every inch of space within the cave. Catilia and Agnas immediately prostrated themselves, their bodies tensing, like two instantly frozen rocks, not daring to make a sound. The air seemed to solidify, leaving only a suffocating sense of pressure spreading throughout the cave. The Dragon Matriarchthat cold and imposing presenceslowly approached. Her icy gaze swept over the prostrate young dragons, like the icy blades of the coldest winter month, sharp and ruthless. A trace of disgust flashed through her heart: "Fools, if not for Tiamat''s decree..." Disdainfully, she casually tossed aside the prey still dripping blood from her claws, and walked straight towards the mountain of glittering treasure. Her heavy steps, like those of an ancient beast treading the earth, shook the ground with a dull thud. She lazily lay down. Looking at the mountain of treasure, the flickering firelight deep in the cave greedily licked at the gold coins and gemstones, coating the cold metal with a mesmerizing and warm hue. The Dragon Matriarch''s hard face also revealed a rare, almost human-like expression of satisfaction. After a while! Catilia and Agnas saw that the Dragon Matriarch had returned to the treasure pile, and they breathed a sigh of relief. They exchanged a glance, their eyes revealing not only the relief of having survived! But also a deep yearning and envy for the Dragon Matriarch''s powerful aura, like looking up at the unattainable stars. Immediately afterward, they eagerly began to devour the fresh magical beast carcass. The two young dragons competed with each other, each striving to eat more! The cave was instantly dominated by the young dragons'' instinctual desire to eat, the noisy sounds of tearing flesh, the cracking of bones, and the young dragons'' satisfied growls. The thick smell of blood, like a viscous fog, permeated every corner of the cave. While the interior of the cave was lively and chaotic, Seratus''s figure was still strolling in a peaceful and serene forest. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. He saw the fresh prey brought back by the Dragon Matriarch from afar. A faint scent of blood, mixed with the faint noises coming from the depths of the cave, floated into his ears like a distant background sound, and he knew that there was flesh and blood of magical beasts in the cave. However, he was already full, and if he rashly joined in the messy scramble for food, it would be rather awkward. He had long grown tired of that scene of competition and clamor! He thought to himself, Since Im already full, why rush back to participate in that scramble for food? Its better to enjoy this tranquility and go to the field to cultivate, thats what I want to do! A glint of satisfaction appeared in Seratus''s eyes, like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, sending out ripples. He turned and followed the path to the dry and desolate farmland. The afternoon sun was still warm, lacking the scorching heat of midday, but with a touch of softness and laziness! When he opened the system interface again and took out the remaining basic elemental fertilizer, his fingertips rubbed the rough fertilizer bag, feeling the uneven texture of the bag''s surface, as if touching the pulse of the barren land. He carefully sprinkled the entire bag of fertilizer evenly on each piece of land. Then, he took out the elemental watering can. Its metallic surface emitted a dazzling luster, but under the setting sun''s afterglow, it reflected a steady light that had been weathered by time. He irrigated each planting grid one by one. The clear lake water slowly seeped into the thirsty soil, making a faint sizzling sound, as if nourishing the crops that were about to flourish with life. Looking at the sunlight mushrooms that had just sprouted and the carrots that were about to mature, the tender green seedlings were like embroidering a layer of hopeful green patterns on the barren land. The fragrance of the soil, mixed with the unique fresh scent of plants, flowed freely in the air! A vibrant aura rushed towards him, and a warm joy arose in Seratus''s heartthis was the fruit of his labor, the best reward for his efforts. However, thinking of the blue-quality seed in the system space, he couldn''t help but think: This is a blue-quality plant drawn from the system. ! So, Seratus took out the hoe from the space. The cold metallic touch of the hoe passed through the dragon scales to his palm, bringing a clear chill, like morning dew. He went to the other side of the field and began to cultivate a new piece of land. He decided to transform this place into his own gardena place where he could plant dreams and hopes. The blueprint for the garden had already quietly taken shape in his mind. It would not just be a piece of land. After cultivating for more than ten minutes, Seratus stopped his work. He lay down contentedly on the freshly turned soft soil. The newly turned soil, warmed by the long afternoon sun, emitted a faint earthy fragrance, mixed with the scent of sunlight! As usual, he rolled his body back and forth on the ground, using the high temperature of his red dragon body to simply deal with those potential weed seeds. After confirming that the soil temperature was suitable, he got up and prepared for the next step of irrigation! Just as he was about to refill the already empty watering can, Seratus suddenly frowned. This field was too far from the water source, and having to trek every time he needed water was really annoying. Seratus was used to having everything arranged in an orderly manner, and this inefficient way of getting water was incompatible with his lazy nature. After thinking for a moment, he decided to go to the nearby lake to get water, fill the watering can, and then rush back to the field. He muttered to himself, "Getting water isn''t difficult, it''s just that it''s too far to run back and forth. This way, my precious rest time will be ruthlessly squeezed..." Seratus set off towards the distant lake. The dry and slightly scorching wind playfully brushed against his hard scales, taking away a trace of sweat, but leaving behind more heat. In his heart, there was both anticipation for the future harvest and some helplessness about the current predicament. The clear water by the lake shimmered with sparkling ripples. A gentle breeze swept across the surface of the lake, creating layers of ripples. The cool and moist water vapor, like gentle silk, caressed his slightly rapid breathing caused by running, dispelling some of the heat! He gently scooped up a pot of sweet lake water and quickly filled the already empty watering can. After finishing fetching water, he put it back into the system space, and then rushed back to the field without delay! The newly cultivated field looked particularly vibrant in the afternoon sun. Seratus stood on the edge of the field and took out the heavy watering can from the system space. The weight of the watering can was transmitted to his whole body through his dragon claws. He was breathing slightly, and his breath was filled with the fragrance of soil and grass, which also dissipated most of his fatigue. He then lifted the elemental energy. His dragon claws skillfully and gently tilted the body of the pot, and the gurgling lake water gushed out happily, like pearls from a broken string, shining with a crystal-clear luster in the sunlight, refracting colorful light, evenly irrigating the square planting grids. He walked lightly between the ridges, nourishing every inch of land, as if injecting vitality into the crops. He slowly walked to the center of the field, ready to plant the seedthe blue-quality Yaoling Flower seed that he had recently purchased from the system. He gently took out the seed that emitted a faint blue light. The surface of the seed flowed with a dreamlike halo, emitting a mesmerizing light. Gazing at its crystal clear surface! Seratus thought to himself, How can such a precious seed be fertilized with that cheap, basic elemental fertilizer? Knowing the importance of nutrients for its future growth, Seratus immediately took out the only remaining bag of high-grade elemental fertilizer from his system backpack. Just opening a corner of the bag, with a "whoosh" sound, a faint blue halo jumped out from the small opening. It was not dazzling at first, but it contained pure energy. Seratus held his breath and carefully approached. A pure and vigorous energy aura instantly rushed towards him. It did not rudely hit his senses, but like an invisible tide, gently and powerfully wrapped him. In an instant, he felt as if every sense of his was immersed in this completely different powerunlike the gentle aura of the basic fertilizer, every trace of energy in the advanced fertilizer was condensed and pure! Just smelling a trace made Seratus feel refreshed, and his mind was also excited. A hard-to-suppress desire surged from the depths of his dragon body, emitting a low and expectant murmur. However, calm thoughts quickly returned to his mind. He knew that this bag of high-grade elemental fertilizer was worth 100 points, which was equivalent to planting two sunlight mushrooms to purchase; More importantly, compared with the basic fertilizer, it was a lot lighter, which made every use particularly cautious. Thinking of spending so many points, his heart couldn''t help but ache! Seratus thought of this and carefully poured out a small amount of fertilizer from the opening, gathering it on his dragon clawstaking only enough for the Yaoling Flower, not wanting to waste a single bit! He meticulously sprinkled this precious high-grade elemental fertilizer evenly on the soil under the flower seed, and then gently covered it with a thin layer of soil. This prevented the fertilizer from being blown away by the wind and ensured that the nutrients were firmly infiltrated into the roots. Looking at the little remaining high-grade elemental fertilizer, he did not forget to carefully put the remaining high-grade elemental fertilizer back into the system space! Just as he shifted his gaze from the carefully fertilized flower garden, he found that the water in the watering can had already been used up. Seratus sighed helplessly. A trace of imperceptible fatigue quietly crept up his brows. He turned and went back to the lake, quickly refilling the watering can with lake water. In the cool air of the lake, he began to consider the next two options: one was to return to the warm cave and rest for a while; the other was to continue working and build a wooden fence around the Yaoling Flower. While thinking, Seratus resolutely decided on the latter. He walked to a sturdy tree on the edge of the field. He saw him skillfully wielding the sharp hoe. The blade of the hoe cut through the air, making a clear sound of breaking through the air, and accurately landed on the trunk of the tree. It collided with the hard wood, making a dull and powerful sound. One after another, he skillfully knocked down the big tree and split it into wooden strips. After some careful design and meticulous operation, he enclosed a perfect square on the newly cultivated land, defining an independent and peaceful wooden fence for the Yaoling Flower. The sun gradually set, and the sky was dyed a magnificent golden color by the setting sun. The afterglow shone on the rough wooden fence, shimmering with golden light! The hard work of the whole afternoon seemed particularly splendid at this moment! Standing on the ridge of the field, Seratus looked at the golden field in the setting sun, the newly applied fertilizer, the newlywatered lake water, the newly cultivated land, and the newly built fence. He could see all the hard work of the afternoon, and he couldn''t help but sigh: "Time flies!" After reconfirming that everything was in order, Seratus set off on his way home with peace of mind. Chapter 19: System points！ The Reality of Poverty The dusk poured down like thick ink, and Seratus, dragging his exhausted body, crawled back into the crude volcanic lava cave. The air was heavy with the lingering stench of magical beast blood, oppressive and suffocating. In the dim corners of the cave, fragments of coagulated flesh and blood formed grotesque outlines, silently narrating the brutal feasts that had taken place. He climbed onto the natural stone bed carved into the cave wall, the rough surface pressing against his scales as exhaustion washed over him like a tidal wave. Now, theres not even a single point left in my account, he muttered to himself, his eyes flickering with disappointment and helplessness. Even if he encountered a highly valuable item, he couldnt afford it. The only things that gave him hope were the flower he had planted himself and the twenty rapidly growing Sunshine Mushrooms that still needed time to mature. [Just like the authors bank balancecompletely empty.] This long wait hung over him like the Sword of Damocles, making him afraid to open the system interfacehe feared that the cold numbers would ignite the flames of impulsive spending in his heart. The items on the market, marked with tens of points, seemed as distant and unreachable as stars. And yet, the ordinary radishes he painstakingly cultivated were worth a pitiful ten points, with a growth cycle even longer than the hopeful Sunshine Mushrooms. Every time those despairing numbers appeared before his eyes, his heart would tremble as if doused in ice water, a deep sense of powerlessness and anxiety taking hold. Worries tangled like threads, and Seratus was lost in them when a scene from earlier in the day suddenly intruded on his thoughtshe had been idly chewing on a slightly bitter magical plant when his nostrils caught a familiar, pungent scent, the stench of a goblin tribe, a mix of rot and cheap alcohol. This smell, like a cold, venomous needle, pierced through the fragile layer of self-respect in his heart. An indescribable disgust and disdain, like an invisible poison, spread through his limbs, causing ripples of unease in his once calm mind. The calm and restraint he had once possessed as a human now flickered like a candle in the wind, unstable and wavering. And yet, this young and frail dragon body instinctively harbored a deep, almost savage sense of superiority toward the alien scent. It was so strong and real, as if his soul had been branded with the absolute right to rule over weaker races, believing they were born to grovel in the shadow of dragons, gazing up at their backs, even offering humble submission. However, the consciousness of being a human blew through like a cold wind, scattering this illusory and dangerous flame. He was startled and questioned himself deep withinHad I truly become such an arrogant, self-important dragon, inherently disdainful of inferior races? No, never! I was never the kind of creature who would belittle life because of bloodline. Where did this sudden, seemingly forced sense of superiority come from? He silently turned his gaze to Agnus, observing his elder brothers body as if admiring a finely crafted piece of art. Agnuss iron-hard, metallic red scales shimmered with explosive power, even the edges of the scales exuding a sharp, intimidating aura. Even more terrifying was the innate combat aura that surrounded Agnus, a wild, aggressive pressure that made ones throat tighten and spine chill just by looking at him. Seratus knew in his heart that although they had hatched around the same time, there was an insurmountable gap between them in terms of true strength and combat experience. And he, now, could only rely on a system designed for farming assistance. Although he was nourished daily by a steady supply of fertilizer energy, a flame of discontent burned deep within himhe craved power, he wanted to grow stronger! He knew that only when he truly possessed strength comparable to his brother could he reverse this situation of being controlled by dragons, no longer looked down upon by anyone. A thought flashed through his mind like lightning, instantly illuminating Seratuss thoughtsIf I could find laborers to farm for me, wouldnt I be able to free my hands completely and reap the rewards without lifting a claw? The thought made his heart burn with excitement, as if he could already see countless points rolling in. However, this beautiful fantasy was quickly extinguished by the cold waters of reality. With Agnus and Cartilias inherently proud personalities, how could they stoop to such menial labor? Seratus sighed inwardly, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He couldnt help but glance secretly at Agnus, his gaze once again drawn to his brothers tough, gleaming red scales and the intimidating aura that surrounded him. He realized once again that although they were of similar age and appearance, Agnus far surpassed him in true strength and combat experience. And he, relying only on a system designed for farming assistance, though nourished daily by fertilizer energy, knew that only when his strength grew could he reverse this situation and no longer be looked down upon. Meanwhile, Agnus and Cartilia, not far away, had also fallen into silence, their dragon eyes flickering with complex, unreadable emotions. Although exhaustion washed over them like a tide, the dissatisfaction and doubt brewing in their hearts kept sleep at bayseeing Seratus show no interest in the delicious flesh and sleeping soundly all night, they couldnt help but wonder: Had Seratus monopolized the harvest of those mushrooms rich in plant life energy? After all, they had followed him all this time but had never caught a single clue. This made them both jealous and feeling neglected, a wave of frustration rising in their hearts. But they also knew that questioning him directly would only alert him, even making the distant Seratus wary, further complicating the situation. Time flowed by like a gentle stream, and the next morning quietly arrived. Seratus slowly opened his eyes, looking around, and immediately remembered the flower that needed watering and fertilizing, and the rapidly growing Sunshine Mushroomsthey were the hope of future harvests. At the same time, the temptation of the Book of Prophecy stirred within himhis magic power had fully recovered, and now was the time to test that tome engraved with green magical runes, boldly labeled Book of Prophecy. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. He held his breath, carefully scanning his surroundings. Agnus and Cartilia were still asleep, like two red statues, quietly curled up in the corner of the cave. These two equally proud red dragons were like dormant volcanoesonce awakened, they would erupt with terrifying fury. He had no desire to disturb them. So, he crept out of the cave, glancing back a few times to confirm the two dragons were still in deep slumber before, as if freed from invisible shackles, he quickly walked toward the secluded, quiet area outside the cave. Reaching the quiet clearing outside the cave and confirming there were no other dragons around, Seratus finally relaxed his guard. Eagerly, he summoned the mysterious Book of Prophecy from his system space, carefully holding it in his claws. It was a thick, ancient tome, its cover engraved with intricate green magical runes, the edges of its pages yellowed with age, exuding a faint aura of time. His heart stirred with excitement and apprehension. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart, and after a moment of silence, finally spoke softly, posing the question in his heart to the Book of Prophecy: How how long until true danger arrives in my environment? As soon as the words left his mouth, something strange happened! Seratus suddenly felt his claws lose control, gripping the Book of Prophecy tightly against his will. Then, a bone-chilling cold spread from the pages throughout his body, making him shiver uncontrollably, his teeth chattering. He was horrified to discover that the magic power within him was being drained at an uncontrollable, terrifying speed, as if the book was determined to suck every last drop of energy from him! In an instant, more than half of his magic power was gone. The once-full sense of strength vanished, replaced by an unprecedented weakness and emptiness, as if his body had been hollowed out, making his vision darken and his legs wobble. Ridiculous! This is absolutely ridiculous! Seratus let out a trembling roar, his voice filled with disbelief and anger. He could hardly believe that this system-produced Book of Prophecy possessed such terrifying power, able to so easily and brutally drain most of his magic power! The sudden loss of magic turned his face ashen, his breathing becoming rapid and shallow. Although his red scales and crimson phosphorus hid the subtle changes in his expression, the chaotic and weak aura surrounding him clearly conveyed his shock, anger, and deep dissatisfaction. I I just asked a simple question. How dare this wretched book take so much of my magic? Its downright robbery! Seratus roared inwardly, his tone tinged with frustration and humiliation. He stared intently at the Book of Prophecy in his claws, his eyes filled with doubt and scrutiny, as if trying to see through the book. It better give me a decent explanation, one I can grudgingly accept! he swore to himself, his thoughts dark and vengeful: If this wretched book gives me another vague, cryptic, or utterly worthless answer, no matter if its a system-produced item, Ill burn it to ashes and scatter them to the wind! Perhaps sensing the volcanic fury and threat brewing within the young dragon, the Book of Prophecy suddenly seemed to come alive, abruptly stopping its greedy absorption of magic. As the last trace of magic was drawn into the book, the once-dull pages suddenly burst with a dazzling green light. The light, as if guided by some mysterious force, slowly gathered and condensed, forming a series of tiny, ancient runes at the center of the page. Seratus held his breath, his heart in his throat. In the near future, a compassionate and kind lady will lead a crusade against the evil red dragon, sending the surviving young dragons to a distant Dragon Island, giving them a chance to redeem themselves! A bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he silently mocked himself: How absurd! To drain so much of my magic, only to receive such a vague, incomprehensible prophecy. Whats the point? Yet, a lingering unease, like an inescapable shadow, clung to his heart. He furrowed his brow, chewing over every word of the prophecy, and graduallyhe caught a cold, undeniable warning in the seemingly nonsensical text, like the oppressive air before a storm, making it hard to breathe. First, the crusade against the evil red dragon seemed to hint at the arrival of a righteous force, but that so-called righteousness often meant dragon slayers. And the kind lady sending the young dragons to Dragon Island, giving them a chance to redeem themselves, according to his inherited dragon memories, was nothing more than locking the young dragons in a place akin to a dragon prison! All these interpretations pointed to an unsettling future. A bitter taste spread in his throat. A good dragon He tried to convince himself that he was a good dragon, or at least, he wanted to be one. But what was the definition of good? Was it his own understanding of good, or others perception of it? Would the good of a red dragon be accepted by humans? Or, in the eyes of those crusaders against evil, was the very existence of a red dragon a sin? The thought made Seratuss heart even heavier. The words of the prophecy were like a cold stone, pressing on his chest, making it hard to breathe. With a long sigh, he set aside the cryptic prophecy for now, focusing on replenishing his strength. When he returned to the cave, Agnus and Cartilia were still peacefully asleep in the dim cornerat least for now, there were no signs of intruders. The cold, piercing words of the prophecy still echoed in his ears, but at that moment, a clear sense of self-mockery rose within him: He had already died once, so how could he be easily frightened by such a prophecy? The thought made him laugh at himself, finding his own foolishness somewhat endearing. This self-mocking relief quickly calmed his chaotic mind. Seratus took out some Primary Elemental Fertilizer from his system. This fertilizer not only promoted crop growth but could also be consumed directly to quickly restore magic power. Although it tasted bland, he swallowed it in large mouthfuls, feeling his magic gradually replenish. After recovering slightly, he left the cave and headed toward the field he had cultivated. Stepping out of the cave, Seratus cautiously scanned his surroundings, using his magic to enhance his senses. The faint rustle of falling leaves reached his ears, mingling with the chirping of insects and birds, every natural rhythm resonating in his heart. He carefully discerned the sounds around him, confirming that no one was following before confidently walking toward the field. The first thing he noticed was a patch of carrot plantsthey were almost ready for harvest. He took out his Plant Encyclopedia and lightly touched the plump carrots. The screen immediately displayed a Ready to Harvest label. After a thorough inspection, he picked about twelve carrots, a hint of joy rising in his heart. Meanwhile, the field was also dotted with twenty young Sunshine Mushroom seedlings, waiting to be nourished with fertilizer and carefully watered. Seratus carefully spread the fertilizer evenly and then watered them, allowing the nutrients to seep into every inch of the soil. Seeing this bountiful scene, he didnt stop there. Instead, he took out carrot seeds and planted them in the remaining plots, sowing twelve new carrot plants. Looking at the vibrant field, he nodded silently to himself: Farming was hard work, but it also allowed him to temporarily forget the troubling prophecy and his worries. Just as he was immersed in this peace and sense of accomplishment, a mechanical yet crisp notification sounded in his ears: Ding! Ding! Congratulations, host, for completing the task: Planting and harvesting ten plants! Then, the system announced the evaluation: Detection shows the host has completed the task diligently, earning an A+ rating! Now distributing task rewards! Amid the series of notifications, Seratus learned that he had received a random plant seed unlock reward and a Primary Plant Growth Acceleration Card. Immediately after, the systems slightly mechanical yet tempting voice sounded again: Detection shows the host has obtained a random plant seed unlock. Would you like to proceed? This time, Seratus didnt hesitate at all, silently confirming in his heart. With the crisp Ding! Ding! sound. In an instant, Seratuss consciousness was pulled by an invisible force, immersing him in the familiar system space. A massive gachapon machine appeared before him, its body gleaming with a metallic sheen, filled with countless colorful seed capsulesgreen, white, blue, red the lights intertwined and shimmered like countless miniature stars spinning rapidly, dazzling and overwhelming. A faint sense of disappointment washed over himthe memory of his last gachapon draw was still fresh, and it had only yielded a blue-quality seed. This time, he desperately longed for the legendary golden-quality seed. However, as if mocking his eagerness, the lights representing hope seemed to slow down whenever he tried to speed up the gachapon machine, as if deliberately opposing his anxious mood. Seratus couldnt help but curse inwardly. His tone carried a hint of helplessness and frustration: Damn this system, always tormenting me, making me spin so slowly. Cant it just give me a good result quickly? Seratus took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing his irritation, and continued to spin the gachapon machine unwillingly, praying that this time he could at least escape the disappointing green or white, even if it was just blue. The dull mechanical sound of the gachapon machine echoed in the vast system space, the colorful lights flashing like a chaotic kaleidoscopegreen, white, blue, weaving together into a confusing rainbow. Just as he slowed his pace, almost holding his breath, waiting for the final result, a blinding light suddenly tore through the void, instantly engulfing his entire consciousness! As the dazzling light slowly receded like a tide, a shimmering rainbow orb floated quietly before the gachapon machine, its surface flowing with red, gold, green, blue, and other dreamlike colors, so beautiful it made one hold their breath. As time passed, the surface of the egg-shaped object gradually dimmed, and finally, all the colors faded, leaving only a slightly disappointing, fresh green. Then, the systems emotionless mechanical voice sounded again, like a cold verdict: Congratulations, host, for drawing a green-quality plant. Now updating the exchange store. Please wait. Chapter 20: System update？ More products [Exchange Store Update Complete. Please Check Later.] When the system prompt suddenly echoed in the silence, Seratus furrowed his brow slightly and slowly clicked to open the system interface, entering the Exchange Store. The screen displayed a long list of items: Balance: [0] (The harsh reality of poverty) DDDaily SpecialsDD [White Carrot Seeds] Quality: White Effect: Basic food source Price: 1 point/seed [Green Potato Seeds] Quality: Green Effect: Basic food source Price: 10 points/seed [Green Sunshine Mushroom Seeds] Quality: Green Effect: Provides energy, slightly enhances physical constitution Price: 10 points/seed [Blue-grade Radiant Flower Seeds] Quality: Blue Effect: Purification Price: 20 points/seed [Primary Elemental Fertilizer] Quality: Common Effect: Increases crop growth speed and yield (Primary) Price: 20 points/bag [Standard Elemental Fertilizer] Quality: Fine Effect: Significantly increases crop growth speed and yield (Standard) Price: 50 points/bag [Advanced Elemental Fertilizer] Quality: Rare Effect: Greatly increases crop growth speed and yield (Advanced), with a chance of mutation Price: 110 points/bag DDTodays Specials (Refreshes in 24 Hours)DD [Dream of Prosperity] Quality: Unknown Effect: A fleeting dreama thousand years in a moment? Price: 800 points (Special Offer) [Aura of Wisdom] Quality: Unknown Effect: Temporarily enhances the wearers intelligence Price: 160 points (Special Offer) [Bodhi Tree Seed] Quality: Gold Effect: The Bodhi is not a tree, nor is the mirror a stand. Price: 2000 points (Special Offer) Seratus slowly scanned the lengthy list, his mind filled with complex and conflicting thoughts. He murmured to himself, White carrot seeds, one point eachcheap but filling. Green potato seeds, ten points each If one seed can yield three or four potatoes, the return on investment would be quite tempting. He tapped the screen lightly with his claw, his gaze lingering on the numbers as if making a bet with the future. After a meticulous mental calculation, he realized his current balance was zero. When he glanced at his nearly empty system backpack, only eighteen carrots remained. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. After a brief moment of contemplation, his eyes narrowed, and he decisively selected Sell. With a light tap, the transaction was completedthe numbers on the screen quickly jumped, and his balance finally rose to 180. Hmm, at least I have some capital now, he muttered, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes. Next, he spent 100 points to purchase ten [Green Potato Seeds], and his balance swiftly dropped to 80. Just as he was browsing the exchange panel again, an inexplicable intuition struck himthe [Green Sunshine Mushroom Seeds], which had cost only 5 points yesterday, had doubled to 10 points; the [Advanced Elemental Fertilizer], originally priced at 100 points, had now increased to 110. Prices are soaring like this Seratus raised an eyebrow, a mix of helplessness and vigilance rising in his heart. He knew that in the early stages of development, resources were scarce and demand was high. Such fluctuations were inevitable, but they also reminded him to proceed with caution. He consoled himself, Since thats the case, theres no need to obsess over temporary fluctuations. This system truly takes advantage of dragons! Then, he opened his system backpack, his gaze fixed on the [One-time Primary Plant Growth Acceleration Card]. The card read: > One-time Primary Plant Growth Acceleration Card > Effect: Significantly shortens plant growth cycles within one week! Particularly effective for low-quality plants; also improves high-quality plants to some extent. After use, crops within a 5-meter radius will enter an accelerated growth zone. Staring at the card, Seratus almost held his breath, a sense of anticipation welling up within him. If I can create a flower field in my garden, not only will it accelerate crop maturity, but it might also compensate for last nights disappointing growth results he pondered. After careful consideration, he decided to use the remaining 80 points to exchange for seeds. After confirming with the system, he successfully obtained four [Blue-grade Radiant Flower Seeds]. Although the system did not provide detailed information about the seeds, Seratus already had a planhe would plant these four precious seeds in the carefully prepared flower field, creating a sea of hope for the future. Filled with anticipation, he hurried back to the field. Arriving at the fertile plot, Seratus gently scattered the four seeds into the moist soil, each one seemingly carrying his boundless dreams of a bountiful harvest. Then, he picked up a watering can and meticulously irrigated the soil with clear lake water. Afterward, he took out several bags of [Advanced Elemental Fertilizer] from the system and evenly spread them across the field, striving to unleash the most vigorous vitality in this sea of flowers. Time seemed to slow down in that momentas he walked slowly along the field, he suddenly noticed five small sprouts peeking out of the soil, their tender green tips shimmering faintly in the morning light. At that moment, his heart swelled with indescribable excitement and joy. However, Seratus did not let this initial success consume him. He carefully observed the surrounding soil and plants, only to find that the flowers planted the previous day were still growing sluggishly, showing no significant progress. A sense of disappointment and anxiety crept into his heart. Just as he hesitated, the significance of the acceleration card flashed in his mind again: Use it to activate the area between the flower field and the farmland, with a diameter of 10 meters! Without hesitation, he walked to the center of the flower field and gently activated the card, igniting the energy-infused rune. Instantly, a circle of soft green light rippled out from the center of the card, like a thin mist rising in a spring valley, silently yet firmly covering the entire flower field and the surrounding area within a 5-meter radius. The system displayed: For the next seven days, crops within this area will enjoy unprecedented accelerated growth. Chapter 21: Flowers slowly grow in my heart,！waiting to mature？ Seratuss steps sank into the soil as he fell into a silent reverie. The land he had inspected yesterday still lingered in his thoughts, especially the ten unsown potato seeds. They lay quietly in his system backpack, a silent reminder of his unfinished task. Though these seeds were not cheap, he knew that if he didnt plant them soon, he would lose a significant opportunity by letting them sit idle. Yet, before him was the flower field, where the Radiant Flowers were gradually blooming under the sunlight, destined to burst into dazzling blossoms. If I plant the potatoes here, it might not only intensify the competition for nutrients but also disrupt the balance of the entire field, he murmured to himself. Seratuss heart was filled with conflicta mix of cherishing resources and unwillingness to abandon the potential of this land. He pondered how to plant them without hindering the growth of the Radiant Flowers and eventually decided to bury the potatoes at the edge of the field, far from the main planting area. Planting was no simple task; behind each seed lay countless possibilities. He took out the elemental watering can, and crystal-clear droplets fell, nourishing the life in the soil. Yet, Seratus had already made another decision in his heartto cultivate new farmland. Standing on this land, Seratus looked up and gazed at the mysterious card floating in the air. Its faint green glow enveloped the surrounding ten meters of land, as if infusing it with the breath of life. Excitement rose in his heart: This land is perfectly covered by the energy, ensuring it remains vibrant. He looked at the lush plants and trees, but a thought flashed through his mindif he didnt clear the old trees, the new farmland could not be properly developed. This thought surged like a tide, and his gaze turned to the ancient trees. A wave of conflicting emotions rose within him: these trees had shielded him from the scorching sun, but they also obstructed the cultivation of the land. He hesitated for a moment, then sighed, Perhaps, this is something I must do. Seratus took a deep breath, and a glint of determination flashed in his eyes. He raised his massive dragon claw without hesitation. The claw tore through the air with a howl, striking the tree trunk like lightning. Crack Not the crisp sound of a clean break, but a grating, bone-chilling noise that shattered the forests silence. It was the sound of wood fibers being brutally torn apart, followed by a deep, thunderous Boom! as if a mountain had collapsed. The towering old tree, under his immense force, let out a groan of agony and toppled over. The canopy, like a collapsing sky, fell heavily to the ground with countless leaves that had no time to bid farewell, sending a shockwave through the earth. Soil and dead branches flew into the air. When the trunk hit the ground, the vibrations could be felt beneath his feet, and the echoes lingered in the forest, as if nature itself was mourning. These old trees, though they once shielded me from the sun, should no longer hinder my farming, he whispered, his tone carrying an unshakable resolve. He opened his mouth again, releasing a burst of flame. The fire instantly engulfed the fallen trees, turning them into charred charcoal. The flames danced in the air, the heat wave rushing toward him, but Seratus carefully controlled the fire, avoiding excessive scorching of the soil. This way, I can clear the obstacles while preserving the lands nutrients, he thought to himself. As the flames gradually weakened and dissipated into wisps of smoke, the air was filled with the acrid scent of burnt wood. Seratus bent down and picked up a piece of still-warm charcoal, his fingers rubbing its rough surface. He felt no guilt, firmly believing that these ashes would eventually become fertile soil, nurturing new life. However, when his gaze fell on the tangled roots that had broken free from the soil, his heart sank slightly. The thick, powerful roots were deeply embedded in the earth, like the veins of the land. If he were to remove them completely, would it harm the lands foundation? A hint of hesitation crept into his heart. After a moments pause, he chose to carefully pull out the exposed roots. Each pull was accompanied by a decisive crack as the roots were uprooted. But then, Seratuss heart sank as he realized that if the elves discovered his destruction of the forest, it would surely ignite their fury. The wrath of natures guardians, like an all-consuming flame, would be difficult for him to handle in his current weakened state. Seratus felt a wave of unease: if the elves found out he was ravaging the forest, it would spell disaster. Though recent inspections had revealed no trace of the druids, he still felt a lingering sense of foreboding. Its better not to provoke the elves, he decided. Seratus put aside the thought of recruiting elves for now. At this moment, he only wanted to focus on his farming, to become a true farmer. His hands did not stop working as he continued to remove roots and till the soil. The intricate roots repeatedly posed challenges, especially when he realized they made the soil structure more compact. The internal conflict grew more pronounced. He knew the consequences of destroying everything, but he also understood that only by breaking the old balance could he create more possibilities for the future. Finally, he took out the Elemental Hoe from his system space. With the tool in hand, the soil turned easily. The transformation of the land brought an indescribable power. Seratus quickly infused it with his flame, igniting the weeds. The fire, like a cunning snake, rapidly devoured every blade of grass. The crisp sound echoed in the air as the vegetation withered and turned to ash. Seratus felt a sense of relief: If these weeds arent cleared, the crops will surely be affected. As the last wisp of smoke dissipated, the scorched earth was left barren. Seratus straightened up, silently reminding himself, Every inch of this land will be shaped by my own hands. He bent down again, tilling the soil with even greater care, his fingertips feeling the subtle pulse of the earth. Just then, a sudden electronic chime broke the tranquility of the fieldDing! Host has successfully burned a worm +1, Karma Value +0.05. Seratuss brow furrowed imperceptibly as the cold system panel appeared in his mind. Again, just because I burned a few worms? A flicker of anger rose in his heart but quickly faded. It cant be helped. For the sake of the farmland, this is a necessary sacrifice, he murmured to himself, his tone tinged with resignation. Every renewal of the land comes with its own pain. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Karma Value is nothing, after all, I have Good Karma to balance it out, he whispered, continuing to sow the crops. The field was now smooth, with carrot and potato seeds planted as planned. Seratus stood in the center of the farmland, taking a deep breath as he admired the fruits of his labor. Seratus stood by the lake, feeling the weight of dirt and sweat clinging to his body. His scales were caked with mud, and the crevices between his claws and scales were packed with soil, making movement nearly impossible. The scene before him was familiarthe exhausting labor had left him drained, but now he thought of how Agnas and Catilia would surely laugh if they saw him like this. He sighed, his gaze turning to the lake as he decided to wash away the grime. Seratus shuddered as the cold water pierced his skin like a blade. As a red dragon, he was deeply connected to fireheat and flames were his source of power. But now, the icy water caused his scales to tighten instinctively, every nerve in his body rebelling against this cold that contradicted his nature. Yet, he did not retreat. The water gradually enveloped him, and he took a deep breath, feeling the calm it brought. Though the cold spread through him, the fire in his heart began to settle. Submerged in the water, he gradually adjusted to the dim light, swimming slowly. The water was like a thin veil, gently wrapping around him, but as he went deeper, the chill grew more pronounced. Seratus began to reflect on how he had once craved the warmth of fire, yet now he was surrounded by this icy lake. He could clearly feel the conflict between the two, but he knew this quiet underwater world might hold unexpected discoveries. He continued to swim deeper, passing through the dense water grass as the lakebed gradually came into view. Seratuss heart sankthe silence of the lakebed filled him with a deep sense of loss. This lake, which he had hoped would hold ancient treasures, now seemed desolate, with only time-worn stones and decaying remains, as if silently recounting a forgotten history. Moving forward, he swam into a more open area. Stones protruded from the water, their surfaces covered in moss, and the surrounding water grass grew sparse. The scene became eerily quiet. Seratus suddenly felt a sense of oppressionthe atmosphere here was both tranquil and dangerous. The silence seemed to conceal an undercurrent, a hidden threat lurking in the shadows. Every subtle change in the water stimulated Seratuss senses. He slowed his swimming and began to carefully observe his surroundings. Occasionally, dark red spots appeared beneath the water grass, like traces of blood left by some creature, yet they didnt seem to be from a battlemore like the silent remnants of life that had ended here. Seratus felt a pang of unease, as if every blade of water grass hid a secret! Seratus swam slowly, the faint light in the water making the lakebed appear both mysterious and eerie. The water grass grew sparse, revealing patchy stones and sediment patterns. In the dim light, the moss covering the stones formed deep, shadowy marks. This place was not peaceful; instead, it exuded a latent chill, as if a slumbering monster from ages past was quietly watching the intruder. As he advanced, Seratus noticed occasional dark spots beneath the water grass, like imprints of dead life, yet without any trace of strugglejust silent passing. The decaying animal carcasses seemed to have suffered from illness or starvation before finally finding rest in this deep, dark lake. The water had silently carried them to this forgotten abyss, where the lakebed was filled with the scent of mold and decay, yet it remained eerily calm, as if natures laws were quietly at work. Seratus felt a wave of discomfort. As a red dragon, he was accustomed to the intensity of fire and heat, but this cold, dark water caused his scales to tighten instinctively, a chill spreading through his body. He had once been the master of fire and lava, yet now he was entwined with the depth of water, a contradiction that made him uneasy. However, his human curiosity compelled him to not ignore the strange scene before him. He continued deeper, observing every stone entangled in water grass and the out-of-place remains. Suddenly, his gaze froze on one area. The water grass there was pressed down by some force, forming strange folds, as if concealing an unknown threat. As he observed, Seratus suddenly felt a piercing cold, a gaze so icy it carried an overwhelming pressure he had never felt before. It seemed to lurk in the depths of darkness, craving to devour everything. Cautiously swimming closer, his heartbeat quickened, and his unease made him almost lose control of his movements. As he neared the source of the vibrations, he suddenly heard faint tremors from the lakebed, as if some hidden creature was stirring in the depths. The water grass began to sway gently, whispering in silence, as if the lakebed was quietly awakening at this very moment. Continuing deeper, he noticed more anomalies. The water grass was entwined with strange vines, their surfaces shimmering with an eerie green light. Scattered in the sediment nearby were tiny stones, like traces of some creatures activity. The entire lakebed was permeated with an inexplicable sense of oppression, as if something powerful and dangerous lurked here, patiently waiting for its prey to approach. The faint underwater light barely penetrated the surface, casting mottled patterns on Seratuss path as the lakebed gradually took shape in the gloom. The water grass grew even sparser, leaving only a few scattered plants, revealing vast, jagged rocks and sediment etched with the marks of time. Thick moss covered every stone like a green carpet, densely packed as if sealing ancient, dormant secrets. In the air, aside from the dampness of the lakebed, there was a faint, indescribable scent of decay, making it hard to breathe. An invisible pressure, like heavy chains, tightly bound this dark abyss, as if an ancient beast lay dormant, ready to devour. Just then, Seratuss dragon eyes caught a faint glimmer of light flickering in the dark waters ahead. He focused his gaze and saw that the water grass in that area was twisted unnaturally, as if pressed down by some invisible force. Swimming closer, several smooth stones came into view, lying quietly on the lakebed, weathered by time yet still emitting a faint blue-green glow. Seratuss heart trembled slightlythese stones should not be in this ordinary lake. The energy they contained seemed like a call from the abyss, silently drawing him in, tempting him to approach. He reached out a claw and gently touched one of the stones. The cold sensation quickly spread through his body. These were stones imbued with extraordinary magic. A sudden urge rose in Seratuss heartto collect all these stones. The atmosphere of the lakebed seemed to grow more unsettled. Reason told him that the closer he got to these stones, the greater the danger, but the alluring power was hard to resist. He began gathering the magical stones, each one exuding an aura of power. As more stones piled up in his clawsat least a dozentheir magic seemed connected to the depths of the lake. Seratus felt an increasing sense of unease. These things he muttered under his breath, a wave of caution rising within him. These stones shouldnt be here. They belonged deep in mineral veins, not at the bottom of this lake! Despite his growing doubts, he didnt stop his actions! Just as he was about to pick up another stone, the currents in the lakebed began to churn violently. At first, it was just a slight tremor, but soon the water grass around him shook violently, as if something was awakening from the depths. Seratus quickly retracted his claw and turned his body, scanning his surroundings with alert eyes. The stones and the changes in this area seemed to have triggered a hidden force lurking in the shadows. He felt an overwhelming pressure closing in from all directions. The darkness of the lakebed was no longer still but filled with unknown threats. His heart raced, and a low, rumbling whisper seemed to echo in his ears as the currents grew more turbulent. Seratus knew he could not stay here any longer. The hidden force in the darkness was like a giant beast, lying in wait, ready to strike at any moment. Yet, the path of retreat was not simple. The undercurrents grew stronger, and the water pressure increased, suppressing Seratuss strength. The power of fire was nearly useless in this cold water, and everything around him seemed to press down on him. His scales trembled slightly, and each movement required more effort. The pressure made it hard to breathe, and the oppressive atmosphere of the lakebed suffocated him. Anxiety and thoughts of survival intertwined in his mind. His gaze swept over the stones again, the conflict between impulse and reason intensifying. Finally, he realized the danger of the lakebed could no longer be ignored. Even as a red dragon, facing such immense water pressure and lurking threats, he had to be cautious. This is bad, danger! Get out now, Seratus gritted his teeth, flapping his wings and clawing his way upward. His breathing grew rapid, and fear began to spread within him. The pressure in the water intensified, and the once-mighty power of fire felt fragile in this icy realm. He had once been the master of flames, but in this cold, deep water, his strength was almost useless. His small wings struggled to propel him through the water, and the weight of his body made it hard to glide. His scales felt unusually heavy in the cold, and his strength seemed drained. The water grass twisted more violently, and the silence of the lakebed felt like an unseen beast, waiting in the shadows. Seratuss heart pounded as the sunlight above grew distant, and everything around him was swallowed by shadows. The strange force was like a net, gradually closing in around him. Each movement was more urgent, and the thing hidden in the darkness silently drew closer. He tried to summon his flames again, but at that moment, the tremors in the lakebed grew even more intense. The water grass seemed to be yanked by some force, and the entire lakebed began to churn. Seratuss heart raced uncontrollably, and a deep roar seemed to rise from the darkness, as if some massive creature was awakening. His mind told him he could not stay here any longer. With all his strength, he spread his wings, trying to break free from the waters grip. Yet, the weight and pressure of the water made each flap of his wings feel unbearably heavy, as if the entire lake was resisting him. The environment around him grew more unstable, the currents surging violently. Seratus felt an indescribable fear, his instincts telling him this was no ordinary threat. What is this? he growled, anxiety and fear intertwining in his heart. He flapped his wings once more, the surface of the water within reach, but the pressure around him made it impossible to break through. Just then, a massive shadow emerged from the depths, like a beast unleashed. Seratuss eyes widened in shock as the pressure reached its peak. He struggled desperately, swimming upward with all his might. The currents grew more turbulent, trying to drag him back into the darkness. With a gasp, Seratus finally broke through the surface, leaping out and collapsing on the ground, panting heavily! He looked at the surging waters of the lakethis was no peaceful body of water but a dragon-devouring beast! Chapter 22: Escaping danger？ No gains Seratus stood by the lakeside, the damp soil beneath his feet exuding the scent of decaying humus, mingled with the briny tang of the lake water. His claws sank deep into the mud, each step accompanied by a squelching sound. The last rays of the setting sun cast a blood-red hue over the lakes surface, as if some ominous secret lay hidden in its depths. Water droplets clung to his scales, each one shimmering faintly in the fading light, like countless cold eyes watching him. His breathing was still labored, his chest heaving violently, the salty taste of the lake lingering in his throat. Just minutes ago, he had felt an overwhelming pressure in the depths of the lakethe aura of a monstrous beast from the abyss. That aura was like an invisible net, wrapping tightly around him, carrying an ancient and savage power that seemed ready to drag him into the depths at any moment. Seratus couldnt even be sure of the beasts form, but its presence was so palpable, as if it had been branded into the depths of his soul. Im still alive Seratus murmured, his voice hoarse and trembling. His claws clenched unconsciously, the icy touch of the lake water still lingering on his fingertips. The image of the lakebed refused to leave his mind: in the dark waters, a massive shadow moved slowly, its outline blurred yet exuding a chilling pressure. He knew that if he had taken one more step, he might have become the beasts prey. Seratus forced himself to calm down and retrieved a bag of elemental fertilizer from his system space. As he tore open the bag, a rich, magical scent wafted out, carrying a faint sweetness, like the fragrance of ripe fruit. Carefully, he scooped out a small handful with his claw and placed it in his mouth. The fertilizer dissolved instantly, transforming into a warm current that flowed through his body. The magic coursed through his veins, igniting every inch of his inner fire. His scales glowed faintly, flames dancing between them, dispelling the cold of the lake and the fear in his heart. Im still too weak Seratus muttered to himself, a flicker of frustration in his eyes. He looked down at his small claws. Though he now possessed the power of a red dragon, he was still just a hatchling. The beast in the lake had made him realize that this world was far more dangerous than he had imagined. Raising his head, his gaze swept across the lake, and he noticed several magic stones scattered on the lakebed. The stones were irregularly shaped, their surfaces rough, yet they emitted faint pulses of magic. Seratus frowned, a hint of suspicion rising in his heartwhy were these magic stones in the lake? They had clearly been mined, but the lakebed was not their natural habitat. He pondered for a moment but found no answer. He could only collect the stones and store them in his system space. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Night fell gradually, and the forest grew dim. Seratus glanced up at the sky, where the moon had risen silently, its silver light casting an air of mystery over the treetops. He took a deep breath and began walking toward the volcanic lava cave. The forest at night was far from quiet. In the distance, wolf howls echoed, and low growls reverberated through the trees, as if countless eyes watched him from the darkness. His heartbeat quickened, and his claws clenched unconsciously. Though he was a red dragon, the forest at night still filled him with unease. Seratus quickened his pace, his scales glinting faintly in the moonlight, as if guiding his way. Finally, he saw the outline of the volcanic lava cave. The entrance was illuminated by the glow of the lava, exuding a warm aura. Seratus let out a sigh of relief, the unease in his heart easing slightly. Entering the cave, Seratuss gaze swept over the pile of glittering gold coins, and a complex emotion welled up within him. These coins belonged to the Dragon Mother, but to him, they symbolized power and wealth. One day, Ill have such wealth too, Seratus murmured, a glint of determination in his eyes. He walked to his sleeping spot and lay down, exhaustion quickly overtaking him. Closing his eyes, the image of the shadow in the lake and the beasts aura flashed in his mind, but soon they were replaced by the warmth of the lava cave and the overwhelming power of the Dragon Mother. Gradually, he drifted into sleep, his breathing steady and deep. Meanwhile, in another corner of the cave, Catilia watched Seratus quietly. Her gaze was calm yet sharp, as if she were pondering something. She licked her claws lightly, a sly thought forming in her mind: Once Seratus lets his guard down, Ill go find those life mushrooms. A hint of cunning flashed in her eyes before she turned and disappeared into the darkness, as if she had never been there. At the same time, on the edge of the Elden Beast Mountains, the city of Ironstead stood like a massive black fortress under the heavy veil of night. Its towering walls, weathered and cracked, seemed to tell the story of its long history with every brick. Beyond the walls, the vast forest rustled in the night wind, the sound of leaves mingling with the distant howls of wolves, creating an unsettling melody. Deep within the mineral veins, the faint glow of ore seeped through cracks in the earth, as if the land itself whispered of its wealth and secrets. The night was deep, yet the lords manor in Ironstead was brightly lit, illuminating every corner. Guards clad in heavy steel armor patrolled with disciplined steps, the clanking of their armor piercing the silence of the night. Their eyes were sharp as hawks, ever vigilant for any sign of disturbance. In the study of the manor, Lord Eldric Pech George Robinson sat alone behind a grand desk, gripping several letters tightly, his brow furrowed and his gaze deep and grave. One letter was from the current emperor of the capital, its words hinting at a desire for Ironsteads economic support and a strong suggestion of loyalty. Another was an enthusiastic invitation from the rebel army, promising a share of victory and glory if Ironstead joined their cause. The last was a conspiratorial letter from other neutral lords, their words filled with deep concern over the current turmoil and a desperate wish to unite for self-preservation. Eldric knew that behind these three letters lay the turmoil of the capital, and the future of both himself and Ironstead hung in the balance. His fists clenched unconsciously, his knuckles whitening, but soon he relaxed, as if the weight of the decision he had to make was crushing. He stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the Elden Beast Mountains, which held untold wealth. The rugged peaks and dense forests, the veins of ore glowing enticinglythis was the land his family had cultivated for generations, the source of his power and wealth. Yet, the unrest in the capital now forced him to reconsider his stance and choices. Can we really stay out of this? Eldric muttered to himself, a note of helplessness and confusion in his voice. He knew that whichever path he chose, an unpredictable storm would soon follow. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed outside the door, followed by the low, respectful voice of a guard: Lord, the officials you summoned have gathered and are awaiting your instructions in the meeting room. Eldric took a deep breath, turned slowly, and a glint of resolve flashed in his eyes. He knew it was time to make a decision. With heavy yet resolute steps, he strode out of the study and toward the meeting room. Chapter 23: political struggle？ From Steel City！ The night was as heavy as iron, the biting wind carrying a frigid chill that pierced through the steel walls and seeped into the depths of the lords manor, reaching the secluded council chamber. The candle flames flickered in the draft, their faint light barely illuminating a corner of the long table, while the rest of the room was swallowed by thick shadows. On the wall hung a steel emblem that gleamed coldly in the dimnessan ancient insignia of a two-winged dragon, symbolizing the former glory and power of Steel City. The air was thick with the metallic tang of rust, as if reminding everyone of the citys fateSteel City stood on the edge of a storm. Lord Aldric sat at the center of the long table, his slender fingers tapping the surface rhythmically, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, as if knocking on the gears of destiny. His black robe was embroidered with silver patterns that shimmered faintly in the candlelight, resembling icy scales. His expression was as calm as steel, but the occasional blink and the subtle twist of his ring betrayed the turmoil within. He recalled his fathers dying words: Steel City must not fall. Yet, the crisis before him forced him to make a choice: loyalty, reform, or profit. Each path was fraught with thorns, and every decision would profoundly reshape the citys future. Suddenly, the council chamber doors were flung open, and a bloodied soldier staggered in, shattering the solemn silence. His armor was riddled with gashes, the left shoulder plate nearly split in two. In his hand, he clutched a bloodstained letter, the dried blood now a dark crimson. His voice was hoarse and urgent: Lord Aldric, the rebels have attacked the western outpost! The garrison has been wiped out! They they are advancing toward Steel City! The room fell into a deathly silence, all eyes fixed on the bloodied letter. Aldric rose abruptly, his fingers slamming onto the table, his voice low and cold: When did this happen? The soldier gasped, struggling to speak: Two hours ago the rebels are moving faster than we anticipated Aldrics pupils contracted sharply, his fingers unconsciously rubbing his ring, as if suppressing the shock within. He slowly sat back down, his gaze sweeping over the assembled council like a hawks, his voice steady and commanding: Gentlemen, the situation is dire. The rebels assault, the emperors personal letter, and the neutral city-states conspiracythese are three swords hanging over our heads, ready to fall at any moment. Steel City stands on the edge of destinys cliff. He paused, his tone growing graver: Tonight, we gather here not to seek mediocre solutions, but to find a path to survival for our home. Each of you is a pillar of Steel City, and only your wisdom and resolve can protect this city. Set aside your differences, speak freelybut remember, the interests of Steel City must always come first. As his words faded, the room was enveloped in a solemn silence. Aldrics gaze swept across the council: Old Minister Seron, his eyes downcast, his expression heavy, as if recalling the citys former glory; the young noblewoman Isolde, her eyes gleaming with ambition and mockery, as if already seeing the dawn of reform; General Valerius, his face like iron, yet his eyes calculating coldly; and Guildmaster Ellara, her gaze fixed on the lord, as if awaiting his next command. Serons heart churned with complex emotions. He was not unaware of the need for reform, but he knew all too well that any radical change could shake the very foundations of Steel City. He remembered the rebellion he had witnessed in his youththe streets running red with blood, entire families wiped out overnight. He could not let history repeat itself, especially now, with the rebels shadow looming at the city gates. He murmured to himself: Stability is the foundation. Reform is merely the excuse of the ambitious Isoldes eyes flickered in the candlelight, her heart burning with dissatisfaction. She was weary of the old nobles conservatism and rigidity, and she could no longer tolerate her familys monopoly in the mining guild. She yearned for change, for breaking these stale rules, but she also knew her ambitions had to be carefully concealed. She whispered softly: The opportunity is here. If I seize it, I can rewrite Steel Citys future Valeriuss fingers unconsciously stroked the hilt of his sword, his mind calculating the expansion of military power. He knew that in times of chaos, the army was the true force. Whether it was the emperor, the rebels, or the neutral city-states, they would all ultimately rely on the military to achieve their goals. His gaze swept over Aldric and the others in the room. Ellaras heart was filled with fear of economic collapse. She knew that if war broke out, Steel Citys economy would be devastated. She had to ensure the guilds interests were protected while also seeking a way forward for the city. Her eyes darted between the council members, her mind racing: No matter who holds power, the economy is the foundation. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. The scribe stepped forward, holding three letters, his voice low: The first letter is from the emperor himself, filled with grace and calls for loyalty; the second is from the rebels, passionate and painting a vision of a new order Isolde suddenly interrupted, her tone probing: Scribe, how exactly do the rebels define autonomy in their letter? Can we truly gain full control over mineral resources? The scribe paused briefly before continuing: The third letter is from the neutral city-states, cautious in wording, aiming for a defensive alliance. Aldric surveyed the council, his gaze shifting between Isolde and Seron, murmuring to himself: The ambition of youth and the stubbornness of age loyalty and reformwhich path will lead us to the light? He spoke slowly: The emperors letter is heartfelt. Minister Seron, do you believe we should respond with loyalty? Isolde, does the rebels offer show you the dawn of reform? General Valerius, from a military perspective, can the neutral city-states alliance build a defense for us? Guildmaster Ellara, if war spreads and the economy falters, how will you ensure the peoples livelihood? Seron raised his head slightly, his voice steady and slow: Lord Aldric, loyalty is the foundation of governance. In this critical moment, we must root out internal threats. Those who secretly collude with the enemy must be investigated; those with ambiguous loyalties should be won over with leniency; and the stubborn must be stripped of power, or executed if necessary. Only then can we ensure the loyalty and efficiency of the ruling core. As he spoke, his gaze subtly shifted toward Valerius, seeking tacit agreement. Valerius gave a slight nod, his expression still cold. Isolde sighed softly, her tone tinged with resignation: Minister Seron, your conservative approach may stabilize the situation temporarily, but clinging to old rules will only make us pawns in others games. The rebels offer, though risky, is an opportunity for reform. Perhaps we can use it to secure greater benefits for Steel City. She paused, her tone probing: Moreover, Minister Seron, your family has contributed much to Steel City over the years, but with the changing times, shouldnt we also reconsider some of the old rules? Her words sparked a murmur of discussion, the tension in the room thickening. Aldric frowned, raising his voice: Isolde, todays meeting is to discuss Steel Citys future, not to dredge up old grievances. Minister Serons views, though conservative, reflect the concerns of some nobles. Let us return to the matter at hand and discuss the practical pros and cons of our strategic choices! Valerius added: The current situation is complex. The army is the shield of the nation. If we do not rapidly expand our forces and update our defenses, how can we resist the enemy? For example, establishing magical defense fortresses outside the city, shortening the training period for new recruits, and enhancing combat effectivenessthese issues must be addressed immediately. Ellara interjected softly: From an economic perspective, if the market collapses and public morale wavers, the consequences will be dire. We must implement a series of policies to benefit the people: reduce commercial taxes by 20%, create over 1,000 new jobs, repair 50% of the main streets, and add two patrol units to each district. Only then can we stabilize public sentiment and ensure long-term development. Amid the heated debate, Aldric remained silent, his gaze shifting between the council members, his fingers lightly tapping the table as if weighing the weight of each argument: Behind every word lies an unspoken agenda loyalty and reformwhich path will lead us to a true future? As the debate subsided, Aldric slowly stood, his gaze as calm as a deep pool, his voice firm and resolute: Gentlemen, while opinions vary, the survival of our city cannot tolerate internal division. At this critical juncture, I have formulated a preliminary plan to address the current crisis. He took a deep breath and continued: First, we will immediately begin internal purges. Secret investigations will be launched against those suspected of colluding with the enemy; those with ambiguous loyalties will be approached with leniency; and the stubborn will be stripped of power, or executed if necessary, to ensure the lords absolute control. He paused, then added: Second, we will reassure the people and strengthen the citys cohesion. We will implement a series of policies to benefit the people: reduce commercial taxes by 20%, create over 1,000 new jobs, repair 50% of the main streets, and add two patrol units to each district. Additionally, during city festivals, we will publicly honor loyal citizens to deepen their sense of belonging. His tone grew heavier: Third, we will rapidly strengthen the military and enhance our defensive capabilities. The citys defense force will be expanded to over 5,000 soldiers, with the training period for new recruits shortened to two months and individual combat effectiveness increased by 20%. We will update defensive equipment, rebuild the city walls, deploy stronger ballistae, develop magical defense facilities, and form a formidable army capable of deterring neighboring city-states. As his words fell, the room was briefly silent. Aldric looked around the council and asked solemnly: Gentlemen, do you have any objections or additions? Valerius pondered for a moment: Lord Aldric, regarding the strengthening of military forces, we need detailed plans for the training of new recruits and the construction of magical defense facilities. Ellara added softly: On the economic policies, I worry that short-term adjustments may cause market fluctuations. I suggest leaving room for flexible adjustments to ensure smooth trade and stable public sentiment. Aldrics gaze was deep, his fingers tapping the table again, the rhythm steady and forceful: Your opinions are all noted. But the current situation brooks no delayunity remains our citys greatest strength. He looked around the room, his tone like that of a grand chess master: The tasks are assigned as follows Minister Seron, you will reassure the conservatives and stabilize internal order; Lady Isolde, you will secretly contact other neutral city-states to explore cooperation; General Valerius, you will quickly draft detailed military defense plans to ensure implementation; Guildmaster Ellara, you will draft economic reform plans to ensure stability and provide a solid foundation for our city. His words were concise yet weighty, each directive hinting at the turbulent future ahead. As Aldrics final command fell, the room appeared unified on the surface, but each council members eyes betrayed their own thoughts. Seron glanced subtly at Valerius, seeking confirmation of the militarys tacit agreement; Isoldes fingers tapped lightly under the table, hinting at her hopes for reform; Ellaras eyes were sharp as she lowered her head, trying to discern the secrets hidden in the silence. Outside, the wind howled, as if whispering of the storm to come. Aldric returned to his seat, his gaze distant, as if fixed on a far-off future. He knew that while tonights deliberations had reached a temporary consensus, the fate of Steel City still hung in the balance, like a candle flame flickering in the wind, ready to be snuffed out by the darkness at any moment. Chapter 24: Chaotic conspiracy, unknown speculation！ The first light of dawn filtered into the depths of the cave, where a thin mist hung like a veil of gossamer. The moss clinging to the stone walls glistened with moisture under the faint light, and the air carried the earthy scent of soil mingled with the fresh fragrance of plant roots. Serathus slowly opened his draconic eyes, the molten glow within them flickering like embers. His crimson pupils were encircled by faint golden flame-like patterns. His gaze swept across the familiar stone walls, their rough textures appearing even colder in the dim light. He instinctively called out to the system in his mind, expecting the familiar mechanical voice to chime in as usual, announcing the next task. But this time, there was only silence. The task panel was emptyno new tasks had been added. Serathus frowned slightly, a trace of confusion creeping into his thoughts. Since hatching from his egg, he had been like a puppet on strings, guided step by step by the system. Tasks had become the very meaning of his existence, the driving force behind his progress. And now, with that thread abruptly severed, he felt momentarily adrift. His thoughts drifted to the field he had cultivated with his own hands. The Sunlight Mushrooms swayed gently in the morning light, while the emerald-green potatoes and carrots thrived in the soil. The buds of the Radiant Flowers were on the verge of blooming. From a single seed to this now flourishing field, he had poured his heart and sweat into it over the past month. This was his domain, his hard-earned territory. Yet, the systems silence cast a faint shadow over his sense of accomplishment. He began to wonder: if there were no more tasks from the system, what should he do? Was he destined to repeat the monotonous cycle of farming day after day? The thought filled him with an indescribable restlessness. He recalled the moment he had hatched from the egg, when the system had provided him with a beginners package and seeds, guiding him to plant. Without the system, he would not be where he was today. He remembered the time he had brought the Sunlight Mushrooms back to the cave, sharing them with Agnus and his sister, Katilia. After tasting them, they had eagerly asked for more. This alone proved that even green-quality plants held an irresistible allure for young dragons like them. Moreover, the system-produced carrots and elemental fertilizers were infused with pure plant life energyand they were delicious! Just as he was lost in thought about his field and the future, a familiar mechanical voice suddenly rang in his ears. Congratulations, Host, for completing the task with excellence. System upgrade successful! Current system level: V2. Random functions unlocking in progress! Congratulations, Host, for unlocking the System Map module! Task panel updating. Please wait! A series of system notifications echoed in Serathuss mind, and he felt a surge of relief. The system had finally upgraded! The days of silence had almost made him believe it had rotted away into oblivion. After all, the majority of his strength had come from the rewards of system tasks. And the tedious farming life had long since bored him to no end. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Serathus turned his gaze to where his brother, Agnus, lay nearby. His sturdy frame was covered in tough scales, a testament to the young dragons potential. Though Agnus was slightly smaller in size, Serathus did not underestimate him. Not long ago, in a friendly match, the newly hatched Agnus had soundly beaten him. If not for Agnuss exhaustion from the intense battle, the outcome might have been uncertain. Now, though Agnus was smaller, his strength and combat experience far surpassed Serathuss. If they were to fight again, Serathus wasnt entirely confident of victory. As his thoughts churned, the system notifications chimed again, and the task panel finished updating. Serathus eagerly opened it, and new tasks appeared before his eyes. Congratulations on the successful upgrade of the task panel. The following tasks are now available! **Task 1 Description:** The city near the Elden Beast Mountains seems intent on driving out the red dragons living here in the near future, to restore peace to the people! [Short-term Task] **Current Task Requirement:** Plant and harvest 100 plants! **Task Reward:** 2 Primary Lottery Tickets, 1 Common Lottery Ticket **Task 2 Description:** Truly comprehend and master the power of love! **Task Requirement:** Communicate with plants using the most sincere heart, allowing them to feel the power of love! [Daily Progress: 0/10] [Long-term Task] **Progress Reward:** 100 Points! **Task Completion Reward:** System Level +1 Serathus carefully read through the task panel. The first task was straightforwardplant and harvest a hundred plants. For a seasoned farmer like him, it was a piece of cake. However, the second task left him puzzled. Truly comprehend and master the power of love? Communicate with plants using the most sincere heart, allowing them to feel the power of love? What kind of task was this? Was he supposed to express love to plants? It reminded him of a cheesy trope[The Domineering Plant Falls for Me]. But when he revisited the description of the first task, a sudden realization struck him. The city near the Elden Beast Mountains wants to drive out the red dragons? The words echoed like thunder in his mind. He immediately recalled the vague prophecy he had read in the Book of the Seer, which hinted at impending danger in this region. And now, the system task was explicitly warning of the same crisis. The systems upgrade seemed to be more than just unlocking new functionsit was sounding an alarm. A strong sense of urgency welled up within Serathus. He knew he had to grow stronger, and the most effective way was to complete tasks and earn rewards. To face the coming danger, he took a deep breath, suppressing the restlessness in his heart, and turned his gaze back to the field. He knew he had no other choice. Perhaps the farming life was dull and tedious, but it was a system task, the only path to gaining strength, and the last line of defense against the bloodthirsty instincts lurking within him. He craved power, he wanted to grow stronger, but not through slaughter and plunder. Instead, he would create and protect through his own hard work. After all, he refused to be a beast driven by instinct. He wanted to be the master of his own destiny. With his resolve firm, Serathus stood up, ready to leave the cave and begin a new round of farming. Before departing, he glanced back into the depths of the cave. The Dragon Mother still stood guard over the mountain of gold, and with her presence, Katilia and Agnus were safefor now. But Serathus knew this peace was temporary. If human armies ever marched on their home, even the Dragon Mother might not be able to protect the younglings. He had to seize every moment to grow stronger, to ensure he could protect himself in the coming crisis. He would not be captured by humans as a petor worse, a mount! With determination, Serathus turned and strode out of the cave. As his figure gradually disappeared into the distance, a subtle change occurred within the cave: the two young dragons simultaneously opened their fiery red eyes. Katilia was the first to break the silence, leaning close to Agnus, who had just stretched his strong frame, and whispered, Hurry, lets follow him. Dont let Serathus get too far. Without hesitation, Agnus sprang to his feet and chased after him, calling out in his usual gruff tone, Katilia, my foolish little sister! Use that brain of yours, filled with molten lava, and catch up! Though his words were teasing, there was a hint of urgency in Agnuss voicehe couldnt easily admit his sisters cleverness, not with his pride as a young dragon at stake. Hearing her brothers taunts, a glint of mischief flashed in Katilias eyes. She pouted, pretending to be hurt, and replied softly, Brother youre so mean. Katilia knows shes wrong. Ill use my brain Ill catch up! In her heart, however, she was secretly pleased: *Hmph, Agnus, you fool. You always think Im clueless, but Ive already seen through your tricks. When you least expect it, Ill play the weakling, kindly mediate, and then take advantage Perfect!* With that, Katilia lowered her head, pretending to be nonchalant, and followed Agnuss footsteps, her mind already plotting her next move as she trailed after Serathus.