"Since Taigo's original words have been presented, of course there is some truth to it."
Zane did not refute this time, but said calmly, "But Naga also has gods, and Titan also has gods. If you want to achieve great things, you have to take risks. This is something that even young people know. They don't understand. Don't be frightened by Divine Punishment. In fact, the cost of launching Divine Punishment is not easy for gods to bear, and it is rare in a hundred years."
"Divine Punishment is indeed rare and is generally not considered. Otherwise, Heavy-Metal Dragon would have been extinct by Chromatic Dragon."
Veloa was also very calm. "But in order to tie you into the chariot, Zane still has many things that he has not disclosed. In addition to launching Divine Edict wars and divine punishment like Tiamat did, human Gods also has more unique ways to influence the world."
"Because human beings' beliefs are devout and fanatical enough, they are even willing to sacrifice themselves and become vessels possessed by gods."
"For dragons, this is unimaginable. That kind of thing is called 'Apostle', and wars between humans are often also called Apostle wars."
Zane sneered at this, "Apostle, they are nothing more than mortals who have increased their power by several levels. The so-called gods come down to earth. When you tear them apart, you will find that they are just a weak body that cannot squeeze out more pus and blood."
"The reason why Zane is so unscrupulous is because she has legendary strength and a tough dragon body, and can advance and retreat freely in the army. But for Juvenile Dragon, that thing is absolutely dangerous. We know too little about human Gods, and we know nothing about how many Apostle and how many heroes Tagoma Kingdom has."
Veloa said, "However, the family is very aware of Wave Sea Islands's situation and is very sure of it."
"I gave you the key, go and take a look in my library." Zane said.
So Ferrum was able to enter the depths of Thorn Castle and the private domain of Zane.
The place was more like a ring tower than a library. The walls were filled with storage squares. Going up the spiral staircase, files, letters, and drawings were randomly placed everywhere.
After a brief inspection, Ferrum discovered that it was all Tagoma Kingdom's intelligence, covering border fortresses, town and village distribution, various marching roads, Warband rotations and troop deployments, as well as life records of major generals, Apostle and heroes, as well as more than ten religions prevalent in Tagoma's territory, changes in kingship and various folk news.
When Zane was seriously injured and returned to Black Lake, she stayed for several days before falling asleep. It turned out that she was not taking care of the territory, but arranging these tasks for the guards. Therefore, even if she fell into a deep sleep for five years, there was still a steady stream of letters sent to Black Thorn Castle.
It is hard to imagine that Zane, with his arrogant, cruel and even slightly crazy character, would actually spend energy on such meticulous work.
From this moment on, Ferrum made up his mind to get Zane. There is no better weapon in the world, whether it is her power or soul.
But Zane is still Zane after all. These things were not classified into categories. She probably threw them into the library and piled them up after reading them. When Ferrum was sorting them out, she saw that the earliest records could be traced back to fifteen years ago, and the latest information came from midnight yesterday.
Judging from this information, Tagoma Kingdom is becoming more powerful visible to the naked eye. No wonder Zane is becoming more and more anxious.
When Ferrum compiled all the information into a book and met Veloa again, all Veloa could do was remain silent.
"It seems that Zane has indeed made full preparations for this war. I am not as good as her."
After a long time, Veloa shook his head. "However, it is still too dangerous."
"Leader Veloa, I am here this time, no longer on behalf of Black Lake, but as the son of Valyria, Plateau Lord, and Juvenile Dragon Leader, speaking to you."
Ferrum sat upright and bowed slightly in greeting.
Whether it was the differences between the two parties or the danger of Short-lived Species, he already knew what he needed to know, so he didn't need to ask Zane, or even Veloa.
Seeing Ferrum sitting upright, Veloa also became serious. "Then, tell me your opinion."
"I have read the intelligence on Wave Sea Islands. My opinion is to put it aside for the time being and cooperate with Lord Black Lake to launch a war against the Tagoma Kingdom."
Ferrum said, "This is an War of Conquest. Everything we get from the war can be quickly converted into combat power. The mills, mines, lumberyards and the Smith shops in the Tagoma Kingdom are all ready-made resources. We can get gold, silver, copper and iron, Anti-Magic Rough Stone and Magic Rough Stone. These are things that cannot be obtained by attacking Bloodridge Tribes and Wave Sea Islands."
"And this is exactly what we need. Through the Tagoma Kingdom's food supplies, the family can quickly get out of weakness, allow Wilderness Races to multiply quickly, further build the army, and become stronger again to face more fierce opponents."
Veloa opened his mouth and was about to speak when Ferrum continued, "I have seen the power of the Tagoma Kingdom and know the dangers involved, but in order to get this reward, it is worth the risk. As long as we can activate the entire wilderness and Giant Dragon come out in full force, the family has a high probability of success."
"In addition, there is one thing that I have been thinking about these days, which is also ignored by the leader and Lord Black Lake."
Ferrum said, "Aino Kingdom is our ally. In order to help us, he went to war with the Tagoma Kingdom during Dragon Blood War. Later, he was defeated by the Tagoma Kingdom and was forced to donate money for peace talks. We can use the reason of helping Aino Kingdom to launch this war and avoid the gaze of human Gods."
"This reason is obviously untenable."
"It seems untenable at the moment because our cooperation with Aino is not close enough. We can form a marriage alliance with Aino in order to make Nature Gods whom Aino believes in fights against War Pantheon of Tagoma, try to prevent us from unpredictable attacks like Divine Punishment, and leave the affairs of the gods to the gods."
Ferrum said, "I think this way the family can start to advance. Aino provoked a war of revenge, and they summoned Giant Dragon to join the war."
"Marriage."
Veloa hesitated for a moment. "This is a big promise. Heavy-Metal Dragon will always fulfill his promise. From now on, we must be in a position of advancing and retreating together with the Aino Kingdom, Short-lived Species..."
Humans are the lambs of the gods, and generally speaking, predators do not bond with lambs.
"The family's current situation is such that there are very few forces that can be called friends."
Ferrum said, "Under the power of Chromatic Dragon, Aino Kingdom is still willing to ally with us. This is almost a blessing for us. Their ruler deserves respect. If we can win this war, what we have gained should be shared with Aino."
"If the leader still has doubts in his heart, I can also do this." Ferrum said.
"No."
Veloa shook his head. "We will not use Archaic Species as a bargaining chip. If we want a marriage alliance, you, Kेलaili and Jelierion are not suitable, but Lesser Dragon and other Heavy-Metal Dragon is not suitable either. We need a Iron Dragon to be the princess of the Aino Kingdom. Who among your companions, Barloz, Gax and Hidorivi, do you think is the most suitable for such a role?"
I think I'm pretty good myself.
After Ferrum thought about it, he said, "Hidorivi is the leader's son. He is more stable and trustworthy and can maintain our alliance."
"I also think it's Hidorivi."
Veloa said, "He has the surname Ember Scar, which will not appear disrespectful to the Aino Kingdom."
"Then, the family should be able to reach a consensus on this war."
"No, we have one more condition. We need you to discuss it with Zane. If she can't agree, we still can't cooperate with her."
"What?" Even Ferrum started to feel tired.
"Zane's fighting ability is unquestionable, but she does not cherish the members of her family. In the original offensive and defensive battle of Ash Fortress, the tasks that the children received were basically life-and-death and bitter fighting. It was not until the last moment that they held on and sacrificed all their strength and even their lives, and finally got the order to retreat. This is something we cannot bear."
Veloa said, "We can mobilize the power of the whole territory to join the Zane legion and provide her with troops and supplies. However, Ferrum, I want you to lead the Juvenile Dragons to go out independently."
"The family will also provide you with troops and supplies. Juvenile Dragon Legion obeys Zane's strategic attack, but it also has the right to refuse to execute orders. This is our condition. In addition, the land and war gains you have obtained will belong to you from now on, and Zane has no right to interfere or distribute."
Veloa leaned forward and looked into Ferrum's eyes. "The family is ours, but the future of the family is yours. I don't want Zane to get too much from this war, but I hope you get as much as possible. Do you understand what I mean?"
Ferrum looked at her blankly. "I understand."
"Okay, as long as Zane still recognizes the family in her heart, she will know why we put forward this condition. If she does not agree to this condition, then she will no longer be a member of the family, and we will split and start a war with each other."
Veloa said, "I want to take Hidorivi to visit Aino Kingdom, Ferrum. When you grow up, you are the leader of Juvenile Dragon. You must take on the responsibility of a leader and take care of your companions, whether now or in the future."