Wyrm Hound

Gayo Town, a typical Ionian town.

Gayo, in local slang, means cool breeze.

It is located north of Placidium, with a population of not many, but around seven to eight thousand.

Because Gayo Town is located deep inland to the north, the Noxian war did not reach here. Therefore, the people in the town still live and work in peace, leading a self-sufficient life without worries about food and clothing.

At this time, it was the peak of spring, and the warm sunlight shone on the street corners and alleys of Gayo Town, as well as on the smiling faces of the town's residents who came and went in harmony.

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves appeared in this beautiful atmosphere.

A carriage stopped at the entrance of a street in the town center, and three people got off.

It was Jia Ruo, Neeko, and Lyle.

Jia Ruo took a deep breath of the fresh air. The warm sunlight did not make him forget the purpose of his trip: to quickly capture the wanted criminal named Fayton before he committed more evil deeds.

Two days ago, Jia Ruo received the mission from Master Percy. The logistics department of the Hall of Tranquility dispatched a carriage, which carried them all the way north, arriving at Gayo Town today. Such an operation did not require the Koum Beast.

Jia Ruo quickened his pace and, together with Neeko and Lyle, stepped into the subordinate institution of the Hall of Tranquility in Gayo Town: an yamen guarded by five Marshals—or rather, a security bureau, which was the term from the continent of Valoran.

"Hello, we are from headquarters."

Lyle presented his waist token and Master Percy's authorization document.

After checking and confirming, one of the Marshals in the yamen extended his hand to shake Lyle's:

"You're finally here. After the body was discovered five days ago, we immediately reported to headquarters. Fayton knows Fire Magic. To be honest, the five of us are not confident in subduing him."

The Marshals here, although skilled in combat, did not know magic.

Jia Ruo stood by, arms crossed, listening to Lyle's interaction with the local Marshal.

Having reviewed the case files at the Hall of Tranquility, he knew that this information was sent by carrier pigeon.

In Runeterra, without mobile phones, even with magic, communication is still inconvenient.

"Are there any other clues?"

Lyle put away his waist token and documents and asked.

"Yes, the body was found in an abandoned field. There were footprints and drag marks around at the time. We've had trained hounds sniff the area."

The Marshal paused.

"The hounds are my old pals, very reliable. We didn't alert the enemy and waited for you to arrive."

"You did an excellent job. Then let's go find Fayton now."

"Of course, I don't want to see this bastard continue to harm our people."

The inspector said indignantly.

"Let's go, meet my partner."

He led Jia Ruo and the other two to the backyard.

"This... is your hound?"

Jia Ruo asked, looking at the enormous figure in the yard.

This dog was too big. Standing there, its head was level with Jia Ruo's chest. Including its tail, it must have been over two meters long.

Moreover, Jia Ruo noticed its abnormality: its eyes were reptilian vertical pupils, its fur had scale-like patterns, but the strangest part was its hind leg joints and tail: they had membrane-like spines similar to dragon wings.

"Woof~"

The hound noticed strangers, bared its teeth, and let out a warning growl from its throat.

"Don't be nervous, Old Pal, these are friends."

The Marshal quickly walked up, put his arm around the hound's neck, and soothed it.

Patting its back, the hound retracted its bared fangs.

"I've had him since he was born. We've known each other for over ten years."

The Marshal looked at the hound, a smile on his face as if he were looking at his child.

"He was only as big as my hand back then. You don't know, his appetite is much bigger now. His monthly food expenses are almost half my salary..."

When it came to the hound, the Marshal seemed to have endless topics.

Lyle leaned into Jia Ruo's ear: "This is a Wyrm Hound, a type of hound with diluted dragon blood. Many Marshals keep them."

"There are really dragons?"

"Yes. Master Percy once participated in an operation to Expel a dragon. The Dragon's Lair is inhabited by many Elemental Dragons. Although they have bad tempers, they usually don't leave the canyon where the Dragon's Lair is located."

So there really are Dragon's Lairs and Elemental Dragons. I wonder if killing an Elemental Dragon gives elemental buffs, and if killing four will grant a dragon soul.

But... Jia Ruo had another question.

"Then how did they produce offspring like Wyrm Hounds?"

He whispered to Lyle.

"I don't know about that. I heard it was a creation by ancient life mages who injected dragon bloodline power into canine creatures. There's also a legend that canines accidentally swallowed dragon eggs, becoming the first generation of Wyrm Hounds with strong dragon blood, and then they reproduced generation after generation to become what they are now. Anyway, it's not what you imagine."

"Oh, I see."

Jia Ruo scratched his head and smiled sheepishly, abandoning his bold idea.

Suddenly, Neeko stepped forward, patted the Wyrm Hound's head, and scratched its belly.

"It says it likes Neeko!"

Neeko said with a smile.

The Wyrm Hound also humanely split its mouth open, sticking out its tongue to lick Neeko's face.

Wow, can you even read the Shuoma of a dog? It seems there's a reason Teamfight Tactics classified you as a Druid.

Jia Ruo's eyes widened. The ferocious Wyrm Hound from moments ago had completely changed its demeanor towards Neeko.

He wondered if he should buy Neeko a Wyrm Hound to raise when they got back. Neeko's talent and abilities should be put to good use.

"Let's go."

The Marshal had already untied the rope from the Wyrm Hound's collar and patted its back.

Jia Ruo shook his head, clearing his thoughts. He'd think about that later; the current mission was more important.