Merchant caravans passing through the Ser Wilderness mainly gathered resources such as minerals, the bodily materials of ferocious beasts and magical creatures, magical herbs, and spiritual plants, then transported them south to the Lothern Federation to sell for profit.
The caravans varied greatly in size.
Some were so enormous that even mature dragons would not dare set their sights on them.
Others, however, ventured here with insufficient guards, driven by risk, luck, and dreams of sudden wealth.
Small caravans with inadequate protection—
once discovered by evil creatures rooted in the Wilderness—were like appetizing dishes delivered straight to their doorsteps. There was no reason not to eat them.
Every year, countless small caravans disappeared in the Ser Wilderness.
Yet as long as merchants were certain there was enough profit to be made, they would flock to it. No risk could stop them, nor could it curb their greed.
Thinking about it carefully,
this seemed no different from the inherent flaws rooted in dragonkin heritage.
"The Trail of a Thousand Snakes extends in all directions, forming a vast road network. There is a branch route here. If I encounter a suitable small caravan, I will have a chance to plunder it."
"If I am going to rob caravans, it is best if I do not show myself personally. Otherwise, if my whereabouts are exposed, adventurers may come to subjugate me, or even armies may surround and suppress me."
"I have too few dire bears under my command, and their intelligence is limited. They cannot carry out complicated orders."
"I need some thralls that are truly intelligent creatures."
Before he possessed the Power of One Dragon to defeat the entire world, thralls were still necessary.
Or rather, all Evil Dragons needed thralls.
Evil Dragons were not Metal Dragons. When faced with threats and