Dole was somewhat surprised. The Black Dragon Patriarch actually wasn't looking to make trouble for him, considering he was no longer useful now.
Dole slowly returned to his original appearance, taking human form as he stood upon the ground. In a faint, distant tone, he said, "Actually, if you couldn't handle it, I was planning to step in and deal with the Nightmare Patriarch myself. I'm confident I could take down an eighth-level incarnation in one stroke, though I would have needed your cooperation. Looks like that won't be necessary now."
The Black Dragon Patriarch looked at Dole, and his heart abruptly tightened.
What did Dole mean by that? He could handle an eighth level all by himself?
Was he blowing dragon smoke?
The old black dragon grew wary. He looked at Dole, pondered for a moment, then said, "I owe you one for this. For as long as I remain, the other seventh levels of the North Plains Mountain Range will not take the initiative to invade your Albis Mountain. But the usual conflicts among the lower levels must continue. That is my bottom line."
Dole looked at the old black dragon and smiled faintly. "No problem. I have no intention of expanding my territory either. Albis Mountain is the territory of myself and my descendants. Also, when we disperse the Nightmare Patriarch's will later, it would be best to keep something in reserve. It would be ideal if we can obtain his information."
The old black dragon nodded. "Naturally. I will share the information with you. Nightmare is the greatest enemy of every living being on the West Ring Continent."
Dole nodded. The battle in the sky was drifting farther and farther away. He guessed the old black dragon was controlling it. After all, once he had controlled