The Dragon of This World

At the same time.

Nine Provinces.

Chen Capital, in the southwest.

A flash of white light followed.

Gallagher, along with Helag and other Chosen Player and Architect from the Prison Rock faction, finally set foot on the land of Nine Provinces.

They are here for exchange visits.

During this truce period, Gallagher and his group not only wanted to know how they lost, but also wanted to take this opportunity to observe Nine Provinces's social foundation, resource reserves, and the players' mentality up close.

Then, based on this, we can deduce what the other party will do in the subsequent negotiations.

After all, negotiations have already begun.

More than anyone else, they wanted to know whether Nine Provinces would simply overturn the table and choose to forcibly Plunder.

Both sides' governing bodies actually sent representatives.

However, the pressure is definitely greater on Prison Rock's side.

After all, Nine Provinces was the victor.

All you need to do is apply pressure, but for Prison Rock, there are many more things to consider.

The team responsible for receiving them and guiding them on their tour of Nine Provinces was an elite squad from the Strategy Group.

The team leader was Cheng Xiu.

"Haven't seen you for a long time."

Gallagher saw Cheng Xiu's familiar face and greeted him.

Cheng Xiu smiled, not overly enthusiastically. "It won't be long. Come on, let me show you around Nine Provinces."

Next.

He stopped exchanging pleasantries and began to routinely lead the way.

Gallagher and the others didn't seem to mind Cheng Xiu's coldness.

----Actually, it's no use caring.

Losers have no human rights.

But they weren't there for pleasantries; they were there to observe.

From the moment they stepped out of the teleportation array, they began to scan and observe everything around them.

What comes into view are wide and clean streets, bustling with Nine Provinces players.

Along the way, players from Nine Provinces curiously observed the group of Prison Rock players. They were neatly dressed, relaxed, and pointing and whispering among themselves.

Gallagher wasn't too surprised by this.

But then Gallagher was incredulous.

Because there were shops on both sides of the street, and everything was operating in an orderly manner.

This doesn't seem like a gamified world.

even.

He also saw many elderly people with gray hair, carrying things and walking unsteadily.

"How is this possible—such an old man still alive? Where are the monsters in your area?"

Gallagher stopped in his tracks, looked at Cheng Xiu, and couldn't help but ask.

The Architect Helag, who was standing nearby, followed his gaze and his expression changed slightly.

This is an absolutely impossible scene in the social system of Prison Rock.

Gamification has arrived, monsters are rampant on the front lines, and survival resources are scarce.

Therefore, in Prison Rock, the law of the jungle prevails.

Elderly and disabled people who are unable to fight were abandoned as a burden in the early stages, or were naturally eliminated in harsh environments.

Are they nobles?

Gallagher noticed that Cheng Xiu remained silent and asked again.

"No."

Cheng Xiu glanced at the old man who had also stopped and started pointing and gesturing, shook his head slightly, and finally replied, "Just an ordinary person."

"You're just letting these defenseless old people waste resources like this?"

"We are human beings, not beasts—you have no mother?"

Cheng Xiu was somewhat speechless. A large part of the reason he wasn't enthusiastic was because the two sides had such different values.

Where is the monster?

Gallagher was taken aback for a moment, but quickly recovered. He looked around incredulously, his gaze sweeping over the undisturbed buildings and streets devoid of any signs of battle. "You've set up defensive lines outside the city?"

"No, we stopped the monsters right there in the city where they were appearing."

Cheng Xiu pointed southwest, his tone calm yet tinged with pride. "Since we know where they come from, we'll establish a defensive line there and wipe them out. As long as the people on the front lines aren't all dead, the monsters won't be able to enter the rear and disturb the lives of ordinary people."

Gallagher and Helag exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.

--The monsters were kept at bay in the city, preventing the war from spreading to the safe zone inland?

This sounds like just a casual remark.

But they knew all too well what that meant.

"How is this possible?!"

Helag interjected, "The monsters periodically strengthen! There's no way you can stop them all! That would mean you'd need to send countless players to guard the corresponding cities day and night."

They cannot access dungeons, cannot receive enhancements, and are entirely dependent on support from the rear.

Even if they manage to reach the dungeon using the guides provided and gain some upgrades, they still won't be able to keep up with the rate at which the monsters strengthen!

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xiu glanced at the legendary chief Architect of Prison Rock.

He didn't say anything.

In fact.

The past few months have indeed been difficult, especially after the emergence of flying species.

Everyone thought it was all over.

But it's alright.

Lu Xiu suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

The rewards from the dungeons she created have completely transformed the frontline ecosystem.

In fact.

In this arena battle, among the lower and middle-level players, the ones with the most victories, the most benefits, and the most battle merits were the soldiers on the front lines.

When they fight in the arena, they really treat the players from Prison Rock like monsters.

A severed hand.

It triggers the courage and Survival Instinct of Ordinary Person's Courage.

Recovery from drug use.

They pulled out their weapons and started fighting.

Very formulaic.

But it really works.

"Etc----"

Cheng Xiu remained silent once again.

Helag realized something, recalling the large and well-trained group of mid-level Nine Provinces players. "Your chief Architect, Lu Xiu —were those dungeons made for your soldiers?!"

Cheng Xiu smiled.

Gallagher and Helag exchanged another glance, their expressions filled with barely concealed shock.

Lu Xiu ----

How could this Architect have done something like this???

Her dungeon rewards were enough to support an army?!

You need to know.

In Prison Rock, the defenses are always riddled with holes, and it's commonplace for monsters to rush into the heart of the territory and slaughter civilians.

That's why they seem so incredible right now.

Because in Nine Provinces, the people here have actually built a protective barrier for the weak within a gamified world.

The most outrageous thing is...

This line of defense wasn't simply built with human lives!

It truly empowered countless soldiers on the front lines, granting them the strength to fight against the enhanced monsters!

Over the next few hours.

As the tour progressed, Gallagher and the others' hearts sank to the bottom.

A plentiful market of supplies, an orderly social structure, and the confident and composed demeanor of Nine Provinces players, even when facing enemies from other regions—

All of this tells them one fact.

The foundation of Nine Provinces is even stronger than they imagined.

They are confident and capable of continuing to improve the Regional Rating —not only them, but even Gallagher is convinced that if they continue on this path, they will definitely be able to raise the Regional Rating to I1, Level 1.

This means that they may never encounter Prison Rock again.

If negotiations fail and the situation becomes unavoidable, Nine Provinces will indeed launch a forced Plunder!

If Prison Rock can't even pull out a decent trump card in the upcoming negotiations—

But they—it seems—really can't afford it.

We have to find a way to break this deadlock!

Gallagher's original intention in coming here was simply to learn about Nine Provinces.

But the more he looked, the more alarmed he became.

I became very anxious.

And it was in this state of anxiety.

He suddenly remembered something—the only way to break the deadlock.

The top of the battle merit list, possessing veto power!

Cheng Xiu.

Gallagher suddenly stopped.

Cheng Xiu turned around and looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Gallagher took a deep breath and then said in a deep voice, "We already have a very profound understanding of Nine Provinces, but there is one more core request for this exchange visit."

Cheng Xiu raised an eyebrow slightly, waiting for what was to come.

"We hope to meet Miss Lu Xiu, the chief Architect of your Nine Provinces."

Gallagher's tone was sincere, even setting aside the arrogance befitting Chosen Player, and carrying a hint of pleading.

Meanwhile, Helag and the others beside him clearly understood Gallagher's purpose, and all looked nervously at Cheng Xiu.

The situation in Nine Provinces truly exceeded their expectations.

Given this situation, it's absolutely impossible for Prison Rock to easily redeem Obsidian City without going bankrupt.

However, they could not go directly to see Lu Xiu.

Because they had no idea where Lu Xiu was.

Furthermore, according to the rules of the truce period, Nine Provinces cannot inflict any substantial damage on the players of Prison Rock.

But if they dare to do anything out of line on Nine Provinces's soil, even just verbal provocation or threats.

Players in Nine Provinces also have the right to apply to the system to have them expelled directly.

They could only plead with Cheng Xiu, who was right in front of them.

"Impossible."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xiu refused without hesitation, leaving no room for negotiation. "Miss Lu is the chief Architect of our Nine Provinces. She has an important mission to attend to and will not see any outsiders, let alone people from your Prison Rock."

Are you kidding me?

Aside from those familiar with Lu Xiu.

Let alone the delegations from the defeated territories, even high-ranking officials within Nine Provinces would have to go through layers of strict approval to get a meeting.

Seeing Cheng Xiu turn around, his posture indicating there was no room for negotiation and he was ready to continue leading the way, Gallagher became extremely anxious.

He gritted his teeth and said directly, "Mr. Cheng, don't be so quick to refuse!"

"Your Nine Provinces —or rather, Miss Lu Xiu herself—needs a cooling-off item right now, doesn't she?"

Cheng Xiu paused, then turned around.

Seeing Cheng Xiu's reaction, Gallagher knew he had made the right bet.

He took a deep breath, then said urgently, "Our Prison Rock's Royal Court treasury does indeed contain a batch of precious items that can significantly reduce skill cooldowns."

"I'm saying this not in the hope that it will change the outcome of the ring battle, nor do I expect to use it to blackmail anyone."

"These props can even be given to Miss Lu Xiu as gifts, not as bargaining chips. I only ask to have a brief conversation with her in person."

Cheng Xiu hearing this, Cheng Xiu's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

He had indeed heard that Lu Xiu needed a cooling item.

He also knew that Prison Rock possessed top-tier cooling items.

"Wait a minute."

Cheng Xiu gave Gallagher a deep look, but this time he didn't refuse outright.

Instead, he turned around and quickly opened the communication panel.

After going through numerous twists and turns and reporting up the chain of command, the process was completed.

About ten minutes later.

Cheng Xiu received a new message, and the message was sent by Lu Xiu herself.

It only has four characters.

Let them come.

Cheng Xiu reading the message, Cheng Xiu closed the communication panel and turned to Gallagher and the others. "Get your supplies ready."

Gallagher and the others' eyes lit up.

One hour later.

Changfeng Road, Chen Capital.

When the military off-road vehicle stopped, Gallagher, Helag, and the others got out. Upon seeing the scene before them, they were all somewhat stunned.

"This... this is a forest?"

--

The abandoned residential area has long since disappeared.

Take Their Place, there was a primeval forest that looked like something that couldn't possibly grow in a city!

The towering canopy of trees and the thick, dragon-like roots make this area stand out starkly from the surrounding modern architecture.

Not to mention the people Prison Rock, even Cheng Xiu, who was leading the way, couldn't help but catch his breath at this moment.

He was still unaware that Lu Xiu's placement of the dungeon had caused such a huge commotion!

But he controlled his expression, showing no shock on his face, remaining completely calm and collected as he led the players from Prison Rock towards the forest entrance.

At the entrance, fully armed frontline soldiers had already received clearance.

But they remained wary, their hostility undisguised as they coldly glanced at the Prison Rock players before slowly pulling back the barricade.

Enter the forest.

The light dimmed instantly, and an unsettling atmosphere filled the air.

Just as the group was walking forward, a strange sound suddenly came from the depths of the forest.

The sound was strange.

It was a roar that no ordinary wild beast could produce.

"What is that?!"

Gallagher's hair stood on end, and he instinctively drew his weapon.

The Architect, including Helag, were also startled, as if facing a formidable enemy.

"Put the weapons back."

Cheng Xiu stopped and gave a cold warning.

Gallagher and Cheng Xiu exchanged a glance, and after a long while, they managed to suppress their instincts and put away their weapons.

Keep going.

soon.

The view ahead suddenly opened up.

The group suddenly found themselves in a clearing that looked quite unusual in the dense forest.

Gallagher and the others finally met the chief Architect of Nine Provinces outside the arena, who had single-handedly tormented the entire Prison Rock camp to the point of near death.

Lu Xiu.

only.

She is not alone.

Seemingly sensing the arrival of the newcomers, Lu Xiu slowly turned around and looked at Gallagher and the others.

Upon seeing Lu Xiu, Gallagher and the others held their breath.

It wasn't that Lu Xiu was particularly oppressive.

The main reason is because of Lu Xiu's back.

A colossal and beautiful, eerie dragon stretched out its massive body and looked at Gallagher and the others.

The dragon's body had an eerie, semi-transparent appearance, as if it were carved from some kind of sapphire blue crystal. Beneath its glass-like body, one could even see pure energy flowing within it.

In addition to its normal eyes, its head also has several glowing organs on its forehead and cheeks that resemble orange eyes, giving it a strong sense of alienation.

Xeno'jiiva.

In the Monster Hunter: World, a giant dragon Title the "King of This World" stood behind Lu Xiu, its broad wings slightly folded, obediently lowering its ferocious head, which peeked out from above Lu Xiu's thin shoulders, its six orange-glowing eyes locking onto Gallagher and the others.

Every breath.

This giant dragon spews out eerie blue dust from its mouth, nostrils, and the gaps in its scales.

This made the whole scene both eerie and beautiful.

On one side is a slender and beautiful black-haired girl, and on the other side is a ferocious and terrifying sapphire-blue dragon.

This is an extreme contrast.

It created an extremely strong sense of oppression.

Cheng Xiu began frantically winking at Shen Nian, who was in the distance.

What the heck?

What the heck?

What on earth is this thing???

If Cheng Xiu is like this, then the players in Prison Rock must be even more so.

Gallagher and the others froze in place.

Dragon?

Why in the real world!

There's a giant dragon next to Lu Xiu???

Didn't she use her full strength during the team battle???

Where is the stuff?

Lu Xiu reached out and gently stroked the Xeno'jiiva's jaw, as if comforting a huge pet. Then, looking at the Prison Rock player who was frozen in place, not daring to even breathe, she asked.

"Gurgle----"

Gallagher swallowed hard, and the moment he heard Lu Xiu's voice, he snapped back to reality.

Almost reflexively, he opened his system inventory, pulled out a box, and tossed it toward Lu Xiu.

Call!

Before Lu Xiu could even reach out to take it...

The Xeno'jiiva standing behind her suddenly moved.

Its ferocious head suddenly lunged forward, creating a strong gust of wind, and its enormous mouth, flowing with sapphire blue energy, opened wide and bit down on the treasure box in mid-air.

Then it gently shook its huge head, spat the treasure box into Lu Xiu's palm, and then gently nuzzled Lu Xiu's shoulder with its chin.

Only now did Helag, the chief Architect of Prison Rock, finally come to his senses.

"What—what is this?!"

Helag's eyes widened as he pointed at the eerie dragon and demanded a question.

Hearing what Helag said...

Standing in the dim blue light, Lu Xiu's beautiful face suddenly blossomed into a bright smile, "I won't tell you."

Everyone: "----"