"I see. I thought you'd found some way to contact Andor. Otherwise, how could that fellow have spoken so coherently... I never expected it to be the little Crystal Dragon?"
From Grandmaster Gose's private encrypted channel came the old man's enlightened voice. "The Brood's modification of dragon eggs can actually have such an effect? Truly incredible... Ian, when I return from the Eastern Great Plains, can you control the little Crystal Dragon and cooperate with my research?"
"No problem."
Ian agreed readily. Grandmaster Gose was, after all, an alchemist. Whenever he encountered an unknown phenomenon he could neither understand nor explain, the spark of curiosity was immediately kindled. "But is that student of yours reliable?"
As a student, Idwa was exceedingly respectful toward his teacher.
Grandmaster Gose said, "But he is a very worldly man. He trusts and obeys me because I am his teacher and an Imperial alchemy grandmaster. He does not have the courage to defy the Empire's will for my sake—but as long as his position remains secure, he will not mind cooperating with you, a future grandmaster."
"The truth about the little Crystal Dragon cannot be told to him, but you may contact him in my name. He will be willing to make things convenient for you."
At this point, the grandmaster smiled. "Do not worry. This is not a crime. Quite a few researchers at the Atlan Breeding Grounds leave back doors open. There are simply too many rare Magic Beasts inside, and many alchemists want to obtain research materials."
"I understand."
Ian nodded. He did not find it strange at all. In a nation as vast and ancient as the Empire, it would be stranger if there were no corruption. Let alone something as minor as pulling strings.
Or rather, if not for the