https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-89-Path-of-the-Crimson-Scales-II-/13676230/
Chapter 88: Path of the Crimson Scales (1)
"Red Scales: 9,800 contribution points spent, leaving two thousand remaining. Not bad."
Stuffed Bun blinked, stunned. "Wait… wasn’t it 10,780? Why are you getting it so cheap?"
Singo replied coolly, "Price is tied to Favor Level. For every point you lose in Favor Level, the cost increases by 1%. So—"
Stuffed Bun: ...
Singo turned to Kai Xiusu. "Master Kai Xiusu, I’d like to purchase the Crimson Scales."
Stuffed Bun quickly added, "Me too!"
Kai Xiusu’s golden eyes locked onto them, his voice slow and deliberate. "These are my sharpest blades—my Sharp Blades. To become a Crimson Scale Conqueror means you’ll have no other path. You’ll fight only for me."
"Do you… truly understand what you’re committing to?"
Stuffed Bun’s gaze hardened.
"I’m ready."
Eighteen days of slavery flashed through his mind like a nightmare—each moment reinforcing his resolve. There was no turning back.
Kai Xiusu drew two crimson scales from his robes.
"Then prove your worth to me."
"I hope you live long enough to see it."
As he spoke, both players’ Character Sheets refreshed.
> [Advanced Quest: [Crimson Scale Conqueror] has been unlocked.]
>
> The Crimson Scale Conquerors are a unique order of knights sworn to the master of Ashen Hollow—the Red Dragon Kai Xiusu. They serve as scouts, patrolling the vast expanse of the Red Dragon’s domain, detecting threats before they come—be it a royal army or reckless adventurers who dare to slay dragons.
>
> When war comes, they are merciless conquerors.
>
> When the distant roar of the dragon echoes across the land, the Crimson Scale Conquerors will ride upon massive, brutal Dragonblood Creatures, descending from the sky with torrents of flame and annihilation.
>
> Quest 1: Travel to Dragon Vale and find [Crimson Conqueror Instructor-Alje].
"Alje? Another unknown Non-Player Character?"
"And we have to go to Dragon Vale. You’ve seen Charlotte’s post on the Magic Coin forum, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then let’s cut straight through the gate beneath the City Wall—no need to get wiped out like those fools."
The four parted ways after leaving the mysterious cave. Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang and Xia Ye Qiu Yu only needed to receive the Dragon Blood Blessing to succeed. But Stuffed Bun and Singo were bound to a series of Advanced Quests.
They followed the path carved by the followers until they reached Rockfort.
Earth Giant Guards stood atop the City Wall, bows and crossbows leveled at them.
"Who are you?"
Facing the hostile scrutiny, Singo remained calm. "We’re followers from Bathor City, come to find Instructor Alje."
The Great Goblins exchanged glances, then opened the gate. Their smirks were thinly veiled, their voices dripping with mockery.
"Think these two’ll make it?"
"Bet you a hundred Copper Coins I’m right."
"Ha! Alje’s red-scaled squad’s been training for years—still only one success. You really think I’m that dumb?"
"Last guy who tried? Broke into a pancake. Ogres even took a bite. Nobody’s dared go near it since. And now it’s two Humans? Pathetic."
Singo and Stuffed Bun pushed through the valley, encountering all manner of monsters—Lizardfolk, Great Goblins, Goblinoids, even Semi-Goatfolk. Asking directions as they went, they finally found Alje’s dwelling.
But something was off.
The moment they mentioned Alje’s name, the monsters’ expressions twisted with cruel amusement.
"Is that it?" Stuffed Bun pointed at the crude cave.
"This place is a joke. A training instructor this important should have better digs."
"Never mind. Let’s just go in."
They burst into the cave without warning.
Inside, a warrior sat on a stone bench, sharpening a blade—though he clearly wasn’t human.
The figure stood over two meters tall, muscles coiled like steel beneath a hide of dense, crimson scales. His head was not human, but a twisted, draconic maw, eyes glowing with golden, vertical pupils—cold, reptilian, and utterly predatory. A jagged crest of horn-like scales jutted from his skull, resembling wild, matted hair. His hands—clawed, powerful, but with surprising dexterity—gripped the sword like a dragon’s talons.
"Who are you?"
He lifted his head, those golden pupils locking onto them with chilling intensity.
> [Crimson Scale Conqueror – Alje]
> Affiliation: [Ashen Nest]
> Core Abilities: ?
> Challenge Rating: ?
"Fourth unknown Non-Player Character!" Stuffed Bun whispered in awe.
Singo, meanwhile, calmly produced his token—a crimson scale, glowing faintly red.
"We come by order of Master Kai Xiusu, to undertake the Crimson Scale Conqueror Advanced Quest."
Alje’s golden eyes flickered—just once—with surprise.
He’d seen countless fools come here, eager to prove themselves. But this one carried a token. The ones the master spoke of—those with natural talent. That meant something.
He was curious.
Just what kind of Natural Talent could rise so fast to become a Sky Knight?
Yet as he scanned the two players, his expression didn’t change. No remarkable strength. No aura. Even their physical stats were below those of the valley’s native monsters.
"Good. I hope you survive."
"Follow me."
The players obeyed, falling into step behind Alje.
Stuffed Bun muttered under his breath, "Why’d he say survive? This quest cost us a fortune—what kind of danger is still waiting?"
Singo smirked. "Just wait. You’ll see."
They descended deeper into the valley, winding through multiple branching paths.
Then—before they even stepped inside—the air erupted with chaotic, guttural roars.
And finally, they reached the valley’s heart.
A blistering furnace of fire and heat stretched before them.
Cliff faces towered above, riddled with caverns.
Dozens of Wyverns nested in the rock, flapping wings, lashing tails, jaws gaping wide, dripping with foul, bloody saliva.
Two-Headed Dragons coiled in the caverns or circled the sky, their dual heads hissing in unison. Some even wrestled mid-air, their bodies tangled in violent, snarling tangles, roaring like thunder.
Alje crossed his arms, impassive.
"This is Wyvern Valley—the breeding ground for Two-Headed Dragons. I need you to find your own Mount here."
The moment they arrived, the valley’s many Vertical Pupils—glowing faintly in the shadows—locked onto them like spotlights.
Alje’s Red Dragon Bloodline was far superior to the beasts here. They respected him—submissively, even.
But not the two players.
The Wyverns saw only meat—soft, tender, and easy prey.
A few Two-Headed Dragons drooled, their jaws twitching, imagining the two Humans as a sweet after-dinner treat.
Stuffed Bun stared upward, mouth agape at the monstrous spectacle.
"...Damn."
(End of Chapter)
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