The Continent's Fourth Dragon Knight

Inside the cave, Maxim licked his wounds while muttering curses incessantly.

Life is truly tough for dragons. After finally landing a big job and making a fortune, they were busy counting their gold coins when they were hit with a blow.

The human expert who came knocking on his door attacked without a word. If the opponent hadn't wanted to capture him alive, he might already be a dragon corpse.

Taking advantage of his speed, Maxim broke through the encirclement of the human experts and began his escape.

Unfortunately, no matter how fast he ran or how well he hid, he would eventually be found by human experts.

"Count Hudson, are you sure the Red Dragon would settle on a hill like this?"

Morrison asked incredulously.

Giant Dragon are all incredibly proud beings, and their requirements for their dwelling places are exceptionally high. This small hill is clearly unbecoming of Giant Dragon's status.

"Dear Mr. Morrison, this is the Ula Mountains, where the best peaks are occupied by powerful magical beasts."

The Red Dragon, pursued by the alliance's experts, had already suffered considerable injuries. His priority now was to buy time to recover; he had no intention of fighting the local magical beasts.

Hudson explained patiently.

Hudson didn't know much about the Sky Knight in front of him, only that he was a powerful member of the royal family and of an unusually high seniority.

The signs of old age emanating from his body indicate that this person's lifespan is nearing its end.

"In that case, let's split up and set up Magic Array nearby."

The Red Dragon's ability to evade the pursuit of top Alliance members indicates his formidable strength. Once he escapes, capturing him alive will be extremely difficult!

Morrison immediately gave instructions to everyone.

Hudson showed no displeasure at this overstepping of authority. Everyone was working for themselves; there was no need to fuss over such trivial matters.

One Magic Array after another was set up, and the resulting elemental fluctuations quickly attracted the attention of the Red Dragon.

Having been chased for so long, Maxim, already a frightened bird, immediately poked his head out of the cave to check.

"You despicable crawlers, you deserve to die!"

With a roar, a mouthful of lava shot out, startling the group of mages into a hasty retreat.

"Let's join forces and take him down!"

Upon receiving the order, Hudson hurriedly retreated. This level of combat was beyond the capabilities of a novice like him.

Even if Giant Dragon is injured, it is still Giant Dragon. No matter how weakened its strength is, it is still an undisputed powerhouse.

Besides Hudson, the weakest of the military experts who came this time were Earth Knight and Magister, and there were even two Sky Knights and one Great Sorcerer to support them.

With so many powerful individuals joining forces, the effect was naturally extraordinary. The shockwave generated by the collision of energy swept through the mountains and forests like a tornado.

A specially made spear flew out and hit Maxim's tail directly, rubbing violently against his scales and producing a series of tearing sounds.

"Ah!"

"Damn reptiles, how dare you hoard the Dragon Slaying Spear! You just wait, my Dragon Race will not let this go!"

As they were talking, Maxim, who had suffered a great loss, had already turned and left, attempting to break through the encirclement.

"Beldens, stop him!"

Hudson hurriedly gave the order.

The Dragon Slaying Spear is one of the special products created by various races on the continent in ancient times to fight against Giant Dragon.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Maxim was shot and it seemed like only a scale was broken, and he was not seriously injured. That's because it didn't hit a vital spot.

The Giant Dragon's body also varies in defensive capabilities depending on the part of its body. If a shot hits a weak point, it's not impossible for it to penetrate directly.

Even the Dragon Slaying Spear is not invincible. Hitting Giant Dragon is extremely difficult, let alone accurately striking Giant Dragon weakest point.

After suffering losses from dragon-slaying weapons, the Giant Dragon race used swift and decisive action, employing overwhelming power to force the continent to destroy all dragon-slaying equipment, and the Dragon Slaying Spear became a legend.

Clearly, the implementation of this destruction was not fully effective.

At the very least, the human race, as the overlord of the continent, possesses a considerable amount of dragon-slaying equipment.

These weapons may just sit in warehouses gathering dust during normal times; but they can play a vital role in critical moments.

This Dragon Slaying Spear, which is almost a divine weapon, was something Hudson specifically requested from the kingdom after the Burning Granary incident.

A dragon and a bear clashed violently in the sky. The Red Dragon, its strength greatly diminished, suffered a severe loss instantly.

"You wretched Earth Bear, I'm going to kill you!"

With a roar, Maxim's anger, which was already burning, rose even higher.

Despite his loud shouts, his body involuntarily changed direction, attempting to bypass Beldens's interception.

With a brief delay, a group of powerful human warriors pounced on him. Faced with the siege of numerous experts, the Red Dragon suffered more and more wounds, and its resistance grew weaker and weaker.

"Use Dragon Intoxicating Incense!"

As Morrison finished speaking, everyone took out their small bottles and waved them at the Red Dragon.

The Dragon Intoxicating Incense is also a method used against Dragon Race. Under normal circumstances, a massive amount of Dragon Intoxicating Incense is needed to knock out a Giant Dragon, and often, the incantation is exposed before the dragon even takes effect.

The situation is special now. The Red Dragon has already been weakened and is now only half alive, with its resistance greatly reduced.

After struggling for a few moments, the Red Dragon finally succumbed to sleepiness and fell asleep.

Without any pause, the magicians got busy again, continuously inscribing sealing Magic Array on Maxim's body.

The dragon has been captured, but everyone is now facing a huge creature that is giving them a headache.

Carrying a Giant Dragon back home sounds incredibly exciting.

"Count Hudson, this is the Ula Mountains. There are quite a few high-level magical beasts along the way, so we shouldn't linger too long. We'll have to trouble Mr. Beldens this time."

Morrison said slowly.

His concern about Warcraft was feigned; what he was truly worried about was the Alliance experts who were on their way.

If they run into them head-on, this operation will have been a waste of time. Once the Red Dragon falls into the hands of the Alliance, their testimony will be entirely up to them.

Betraying the Northern Nobles is a minor matter; the real fear is that someone might deliberately escalate the situation and implicate many nobles of the kingdom.

"Beldens, take this stupid dragon back!"

As soon as Hudson finished speaking, a bizarre scene unfolded.

A man, a bear, and a Giant Dragon soared through the air, quickly leaving the group of skilled soldiers who had come with them far behind.

Perhaps out of habit, the Giant Dragon, gripped by its four claws, continued to sway back and forth, as if it were running wildly through the air.

"Flying Bear in the Sky, it seems that Count Hudson is no ordinary creature!"

"Let's hurry and catch up. The Dragon Intoxicating Incense won't hold the Red Dragon for long. If he wakes up in the military camp, it will be a considerable problem."

After a sigh, Morrison gave instructions to the group.

Several hours after everyone left, the experts from the Human Alliance arrived at the scene. Looking at the battlefield that had been ravaged, their faces were terribly grim.

"We kept this operation strictly confidential; we didn't even inform the generals at the front."

Unexpectedly, there were still others who were eyeing this Red Dragon along with us.

Judging from the situation on the battlefield, the Red Dragon was either killed or captured by them.

Continuing to keep it a secret is pointless. Immediately notify the Allied Forces and, with their help, find out as soon as possible which faction has captured the Red Dragon!

The old man in purple said with a gloomy expression.

As the head of the investigation team, instead of following the proper procedures to investigate the Logistics Department, he came here to arrest the dragon, which was against procedure.

After all that hard work, I ended up doing all the work for someone else's benefit. You can imagine how frustrated I was.

"Marquis Jerome, this matter can be deduced without investigation. Right now, the only ones who are eager to find the Red Dragon to silence us are the Alpha Kingdom."

There's no need to waste time; let's just go and ask them for our people. They're carrying Giant Dragon, so they can't be that fast. We might even get to the camp first.

Bishop Caveh said with a chuckle.

Judging from his expression of enjoying the spectacle, you could tell he was up to something.

"Bishop Caveh, you can't say that. The Alpha Kingdom performed quite well in this war. Even if some people embezzled and sold military supplies, it was only a small number of nobles."

Before the matter is fully investigated, there is no need for us to rush to convict them.

Let's wait and see. They need to give the alliance an explanation regarding the fire incident. We'll decide what to do next after the results are in.

Marquis Jerome said veiledly.

Suppressing Alpha Kingdom stems from self-interest, but that doesn't mean he's willing to offend people to the point of death.

The Frankish Kingdom and the Alpha Kingdom, located in the south and north respectively, certainly competed, but they were not yet irreconcilable enemies.

In many areas, there is also cooperation between the two countries. It's better to leave this kind of contentious work to the Church.

Anyway, the Church and the Alpha Kingdom have long since fallen out, so there's no worry that Bishop Caveh won't put in the effort on this issue.

"I hope so!"

Bishop Caveh said without changing his expression.

Back in the camp, Hudson, who had returned earlier, was now looking at the sleeping Red Dragon with worry.

Its enormous size makes finding a cage for it difficult. An ordinary cell cannot contain a Giant Dragon.

One after another, specially made iron chains were continuously wrapped around the Red Dragon's body, but Hudson still wasn't satisfied.

"Beldens, you'd better keep a close eye on this stupid dragon after I awaken it; don't let it cause any trouble!"

Hudson reiterated his instructions.

He had no choice but to be cautious. Close contact with Giant Dragon involved his life and fortune; the slightest mistake could lead to disaster.

"Don't worry, Hudson! I'll keep an eye on him."

The sealing Magic Array on this stupid dragon is not so easy to break free of, and it is currently unable to release Dragon Language Magic.

Besides, he's injured and in a very weak state, and he's currently bound by so many chains; he won't cause any trouble!

Having received Beldens' assurance, Hudson slowly pulled out the antidote for the Dragon Intoxicating Incense. A pungent, nauseating odor instantly filled the entire room.

The man and the bear, who were well-prepared, held their breath long ago, leaving the Red Dragon to enjoy this unique flavor alone.

"It stinks, it stinks! Damn Earth Bear, damn human reptile, what is this thing? It's disgusting!"

As Maxim awoke, the specially made iron chains binding him creaked as if they might break free at any moment.

Unfortunately, the escape attempt had barely begun when Beldens' Gravity Domain struck, slamming the struggling Red Dragon to the ground.

"Bastards! You're all bastards!"

As Earth Bear, to actually mingle with humans is a disgrace to the Earth Bear race!

..."

Seeing the Red Dragon constantly yelling, Beldens slapped it across the face and then said with a grin, "Ignorant stupid dragon, you're just jealous of Beldens' life!"

Everyone should give it a try!

What a waste of such a big creature! It's just a substandard dragon. I'm really curious, did you have some developmental problems, or is this another new hybrid breed created by the Dragon Race?

When it comes to the art of insulting others, Beldens has reached its peak, leaving Hudson was standing to the side, dumbfounded.

When did his own bear become such a scoundrel? It seems all his previous training of the Young Bear has been wasted.

"You're the bastard! Your whole family are bastards..."

Before he could even utter the word "seed," the enormous bear paw slammed down again, making Maxim see stars.

Seeing that he had given enough pointers, Hudson knew it was time for him to take the field.

"Mr. Maxim, I am now solemnly reminding you that your situation is very dangerous. Please remain rational."

If our conversation doesn't go well, your dragon scales will become our armor, your dragon blood will become our cultivation resources, your dragon claws will be processed into weapons, and your dragon skin will become the carrier of magic scrolls.

Even your dragon bones will be given to the Undead to be crafted into an Undead dragon. Of course, your soul will be included in that process.

Giant Dragon are a rare commodity; Alchemy, Arcanist, and mages across the continent are eagerly awaiting your contribution to their research!

Upon hearing Hudson's threat, Maxim asked incredulously, "You dare to slay a dragon? Aren't you afraid of the Dragon Race's revenge?"

"Mr. Maxim, it seems you haven't grasped the situation yet. Under normal circumstances, everyone would naturally give the Dragon Race face and wouldn't take the initiative to slay them."

But this time the situation is different; you're the one who caused this. You attacked the human alliance's logistics without provocation and set fire to our warehouses.

Your Dragon Race values face, and so does our human race. Don't forget that the Aslant Continent is now in the human era.

The Dragon Race are indeed powerful, but your numbers are far too few.

I don't believe the Dragon Race would go to war with humans for a troublesome dragon like you. If a war really breaks out, it won't just be one dragon that falls, but hundreds or thousands of Giant Dragon staining the earth with their blood.

Hudson continued to bluff his way through the situation.

He doesn't represent the entire human race now. The Dragon Race need to reason with the rest of humanity; but with just one human noble, Dragon Race are not so easily persuaded.

Unfortunately, Maxim knew nothing of all this. What he did know was that Hudson held a high position among the humans, commanding a group of skilled warriors and an Earth Bear.

"Human, what do you want to ask? As long as it's something that can be told, I'll tell you!"

The dragon, bound by chains, had no choice but to bow its head. As a young Giant Dragon, Maxim had not yet lived enough.

"Mr. Maxim, I think you've missed the point. Actually, I don't want to ask anything. I probably know the ins and outs of the Fire Dragon Burning Granary Incident better than you do."

This is a contract; once you sign your real name on it, you can regain your freedom.

Even the matter of offending the Human Alliance, I will clean up the mess for you. I guarantee no one will use that as an excuse to come and slay the dragon!

As they spoke, Hudson handed over the self-made contract.

"Impossible! You're making the great Red Dragon work for you? That's an insult..."

Before the Red Dragon could finish its roar, Hudson interrupted, "Mr. Maxim, I've reminded you before, you need to remain rational."

You now have two choices. Either sign the contract and continue soaring through the skies, or become a bone dragon, your soul falling into the abyss, never to find peace again.

I suggest you sign a contract. Although it's not a completely equal contract, it will still protect your rights to life and property.

Compared to the long lifespan of Dragon Race, the lifespan of us humans is nothing more than the time it takes you to sleep in.

It's only been a hundred years or so; by then, you'll be a free dragon again. Throughout the history of Dragon Race, quite a few Giant Dragon have signed pacts with our human race.

If you sign the contract, you will become the fourth Giant Dragon on the continent to sign a contract with humans.

They don't feel ashamed, so why should you care?

In such a short period of time, news couldn't even reach Dragon Island. If you're really embarrassed, you can hide your name.

As soon as he finished speaking, the Red Dragon stared intently at Hudson, as if it wanted to tear him to shreds with its gaze.

Unfortunately, this situation didn't last long before it was changed by a loud "smack." With a powerful slap from the bear's paw, Maxim's dragon head swelled up considerably.

"You wretched Earth Bear, don't push your luck with the dragon! Humans, aren't you going to do anything about it?"

Faced with the Red Dragon's complaints, Hudson smiled calmly and said, "He is my family's bear, while you are just a wild dragon. Do I need to think about who I would support?"

Alright, Mr. Maxim. Since you are unwilling to sign the contract, I will not force you.

Enjoy the last moments of your dragon life to the fullest; soon we'll begin scraping the dragon. First, we'll remove the scales, then release the dragon's blood, and then cut off the dragon flesh...

"Given the Dragon Race's formidable vitality, you should be able to witness firsthand how you die."

After saying that, Hudson turned and left without lingering.

Upon witnessing this scene, fear overwhelmed the proud Red Dragon, and he cried out, his body trembling, "Wait!"

At the same time, a true name landed directly on the contract. The two, who were originally unrelated, were instantly linked together by the contract.

Upon seeing this, Hudson could no longer contain his joy, and a smile spread across his face.