On the shore of Pink Lake, a black dragon stood by the water, carefully inspecting his appearance.
His master had returned, and he had to prepare properly.
The last time his master returned, he had dressed himself up with great care, too. Unfortunately, his master never visited Pink Lake, much to his disappointment.
This time, he could not be sure whether his master would visit Pink Lake, but there was no harm in preparing ahead of time.
The black dragon turned his head and stared at the tiny kobold general. "Orphus, what do you think of my attire?"
"My lord, I believe it perfectly embodies your distinguished bearing," Orphus replied, lowering his canine head slightly.
"I think so as well." The black dragon raised his head and declared with haughty pride, "From today onward, I shall maintain this appearance until my master leaves Qixing Territory."
"My lord, there is something I am not sure I should say."
"If you shouldn't say it, then don't."
Flapping his wings, the black dragon flew toward his lair.
Watching the black dragon depart, the kobold Orphus put away his smile, took out a little notebook, and began writing.
As a loyal lackey, it was his duty to monitor Cosmo for Qixing Territory.
Forty years earlier, Pink Lake had already come under Qixing Territory's effective control. The Human Army had taken over the entrance to that mysterious space, but the black dragon and the kobold army had not left. Instead, they had been relocated to the other side of Pink Lake to continue their guard duties.
Back in his mountain lair, Cosmo looked at the gold coins before him, a smile spreading across his ugly face. He had painstakingly saved every one of them.
Whenever any of his scales fell off, he collected them. Once