Chapter 85: Arcane Hermitage (IV)
The auction showcased a wide array of curious new items—though their powers were modest, their purposes were as varied as they were bizarre, leaving Kai Xiusu genuinely astonished.
But soon, he too felt the urge to earn some extra coin.
Under Kai Xiusu’s command, the Steel Construct pulled out a series of scales from the Dimensional Sack.
“What is this?”
“There’s residual Lightning Elemental Energy on these—very volatile.”
“Are these Dragon Scales?”
The crowd examined them closely, but no one could yet identify their origin. Kai Xiusu merely smiled, silent.
“These are scales from an Azure-Footed Dragon Serpent,” Lady Stellar declared with unwavering certainty.
“Armor forged from such scales offers protection against lightning. And since the elemental residue is still potent, these must be no older than ten years. With a master craftsman’s hand, they could even be used to create enchanted artifacts capable of unleashing Chain Lightning or Lightning Beam spells.”
Only then did Kai Xiusu speak.
“Your vast knowledge truly commands my deepest admiration.”
Lady Stellar smiled faintly, clearly pleased with herself.
“Though… please, just a moment.”
To everyone’s surprise, the Steel Construct had several Dimensional Sacks tied around its waist. One by one, they were emptied—revealing nothing but more Azure-Footed Dragon Serpent scales.
“这么多?”
“Good heavens—how much armor could be made from this?”
“This must be the remains of at least one, possibly more, Azure-Footed Dragon Serpents.”
As murmurs rippled through the crowd, Kai Xiusu announced a price:
“These, in total, are worth two thousand gold coins.”
Silence fell instantly. No one present could produce such a sum on the spot.
After a brief hesitation, the Gray Hawk spoke:
“Five hundred gold coins—I’ll take one quarter.”
“Seeker” echoed the offer immediately:
“I’ll take the same.”
Thus, Kai Xiusu’s long-dormant hoard of scales was sold off for half its value—thousand gold coins—though he had, in truth, added a small twist.
These scales had lain undisturbed in their nest for years, and Kai Xiusu knew them like the back of his hand. Thanks to his Dragonborn Talent—Item Locating, a spell-like ability—he could pinpoint their exact location within a range of several kilometers.
And just as he entered the hall, he’d noticed something: faintly visible beneath the Gray Hawk’s long robe, a medallion clutched to the chest—a symbol of an eagle clasping a sword.
“Hope you keep them safe in your Storage Chamber,” Kai Xiusu said, his gaze warm and sincere.
“Because when the time comes…
I’ll be coming to visit you.”
The buyer merely nodded, mistaking the tone for satisfaction with the transaction.
The trading segment concluded swiftly.
Beyond sharing arcane knowledge, exchanging research findings, and auctioning goods, the Arcane Hermitage occasionally issued calls for aid—hunting down evil. And now, the Gray Hawk was issuing such a call.
“Ashen Hollow,” he began. “You may not have heard the name, but this evil cult has spread across the entire Storm Ridge. It now threatens neighboring nations. Ogres, Two-Headed Dragons, Chimeras—these vile, monstrous horrors have gathered under one banner.”
“Ashen Hollow?”
“I’ve heard adventurers speak of it.”
“The land of death?”
“And their chieftain—some say it’s a Red Dragon.”
The Gray Hawk clenched his jaw.
“That’s right. Their leader is a brutal Red Dragon. These despicable reptiles.”
“Dragons—they’re born with immense strength, yet still dare to steal everything from us.”
“Their greed knows no bounds. They hunger for all treasure, all power. And men like us—those who stand for Justice—must rise.”
At this, Olivia’s brow twitched slightly, though she said nothing.
Kai Xiusu, however, stepped in smoothly.
“Gray Hawk, sir, you’re painting with too broad a brush. Not all dragons are evil. Gold Dragons and Silver Dragons—those noble beings—embody true virtue. They far surpass ordinary creatures in their claim to Justice.”
“Indeed,” Olivia murmured, nodding almost unconsciously.
But she quickly caught herself—aware of the glance Kai Xiusu cast her way, amused and knowing. She fixed him with a long, silent stare before turning away, saying nothing more.
Dragon kindness…
Kai Xiusu mused inwardly. This was the paradox of the metallic dragons.
On one hand, their lifespans were endless. They believed themselves inherently superior—like most dragons—thus they rarely saw other beings as equals.
Yet, they were also genuinely good-hearted. They aided the weak, upheld justice, and defended the innocent. But such actions often felt less like justice and more like charity toward pets.
The interruption stung the Gray Hawk. But he pressed on.
“Right now, the Dukes of Lakanman, Bosk, and Nott are assembling an Allied Force to purge evil from this land. They plan to march on Ashen Hollow.”
“But… the force still lacks sufficient spellcasters. If any of you here are willing to defend Anzeta’s peace and order, speak with me. My family will reward those who step forward—handsomely. The price will be more than satisfactory.”
Olivia spoke softly, her voice like a whisper:
“But Ashen Hollow hasn’t attacked you yet, has it?
So why… are you choosing to start a war?”
Silver Dragons despised war. They abhorred injustice and cruelty. Yet unlike Gold Dragons, they didn’t seek to destroy evil at all costs. Their focus was not punishment—but protection, healing, shielding the innocent.
Seeing the highest-ranking figure speak, the Gray Hawk quickly replied:
“Lady Stellar, this is a Red Dragon. You can expect the worst from it.”
“It claws, breathes fire, and can leave us homeless in an instant. It steals our wives and children. It burns our homes to the ground. Our only choice—Strike First.”
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The hollow chamber echoed with applause.
It was Kai Xiusu who had clapped.
“Well said, Gray Hawk. That Red Dragon is a threat to Anzeta’s peace and order. In my homeland, we say: The greater the power, the greater the responsibility.”
“We spellcasters—gifted by fate—are bound to uphold justice. We must eliminate such brutal evils. I believe each of you here shares that conviction.”
“I, and the forces behind me, stand ready to lend our strength to the Allied Forces.”
His words rang out with unwavering certainty, sharp and resolute.
With Kai Xiusu’s evident wealth and mysterious influence now openly pledged, the Gray Hawk’s expression brightened instantly—his earlier irritation forgotten. He stepped forward, bowing slightly.
“Lord Ember, to stand against a dragon for justice… I am truly honored by your courage.”
Kai Xiusu waved a hand, smiling.
“Nonsense. We’re all on the same path—pursuing justice. This is what we’re meant to do.”
“Precisely,” came the chorus from around the hall.
They clasped hands warmly, beaming at each other—yet each harbored secret thoughts. Both saw the other as a fool, a gullible Daitou. But Kai Xiusu, of course, held far more knowledge than the others could imagine.
(End of Chapter)
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