Zane Addiction Symptoms
"On behalf of my entire nation, I would like to express my deepest apologies for the damage to your city and the various losses caused."
Inside the royal palace, the two clan leaders, Bontou and Eroshidor, sat together, watching as Nadi, representing all the dragons of the floating islands, bowed her head in apology.
"Furthermore, we thank your country for repaying evil with kindness and for saving our people over the past two months. Our people will do everything in our power to repay this kindness."
The once Berserk Dragon, now Nati, spoke with a solemn expression and in a very formal tone.
Based on the total timeline, it has been seven weeks since the Floating Island Dragonkin were driven out of the Zane Dungeon and treated. Nearly two months have passed, and they have finally recovered enough to communicate like a normal intelligent race.
Congratulations! Congratulations!
This is the first time that Bontou and his group have officially met with representatives of the Floating Island Dragonkin.
In response to Nati's humble statement, Bontou gave a kind yet King smile and said:
"There's no need for such formalities. I already know that the real culprit is the Prime Demonic Dragons, and you are also victims."
He launched into a long, drowsy, and respectable speech that could make anyone sleepy. Do all those in power enjoy giving speeches like this?
It's hard to imagine, but Nati is now the highest-ranking dragon in the Floating Island Dragonkin. She is an elder in the race and has a higher prestige than the other elders.
Why? Because she's very good at fighting, it's that simple.
As for the clan chief, unfortunately, he died in the plague, and a number of elites in the clan were also lost for various reasons, and many died in the battle with E'luo and his men.
For the Floating Island Dragonkin race, whose entire clan numbers only a few hundred, the deaths of those killed by E'luo were a significant loss, leaving them with only two or three hundred members.
It has undoubtedly suffered a severe blow.
As a result, Nati has become the person in charge, temporarily considering herself an elder, but she may become the clan leader in a while.
Seeing that Nati and Bontou were conversing in rather proper and formal official language, and that the atmosphere was even somewhat pleasant, Xiduo couldn't help but whisper to E'luo.
"I never expected this," Xiduo exclaimed, looking at Nati. "They looked like they had no mental disabilities back then, but after resting for so long, they actually recovered."
"Ahem, watch your words." E'luo coughed slightly, but to be honest, he also thought the Floating Island Dragonkin who had just come out of the Zane Dungeon were idiots.
"I know, I'm keeping my voice down, no one will hear me." Xiduo lowered his voice again, the dignified Quadrupedal Dragon chieftain sounding incredibly sneaky.
"." E'luo didn't even bother to talk to him.
Perhaps because they had gone through the ordeal together, being badly beaten by the Mad Dragon Beile, their relationship had actually improved compared to before.
Mad Dragon Beile did do a good deed.
E'luo didn't press Xiduo any further, but instead looked at Nati, who had come alone, and thought about the things they had discussed with Bontou.
We absolutely must win over this group of Floating Island Dragonkin and establish cooperation.
Ideally, they should be able to reside permanently in the Warrior Country.
There's no need to worry too much about the public's voice. As long as a reasonable explanation is given, the people of the Warrior Country are understanding, which is perhaps due to the nature of Warrior.
E'luo personally inspected the Floating Island, and the situation there was simply appalling. They had been completely devoured by the hungry dragons infected with the plague, and even the ground had become thin.
E'luo had hoped to learn about the history of the Floating Island Dragonkin, but all he found was a deserted island, completely worthless.
However, this could also be one of the reasons they persuaded Nati to stay.
And the other most important and crucial reason is—
"How is your recovery from the injuries you sustained in the dungeon?" Bontou asked with concern.
"Thank you for your concern," Nati frowned and gave a wry smile. "As long as you don't think about it intentionally, it won't be a burden on your mind."
All the Floating Island Dragonkin felt as if they had spent a hellish period of time repeatedly in the Zane Dungeon.
However, when they tried to recall it, their memories were quite vague. They only remembered being brutally beaten by a giant dragon that resembled a world-destroying demon, but they couldn't remember exactly how many times they were beaten or how long the beating lasted.
Intelligent beings may deliberately forget bad memories to protect themselves, and that's probably why they forget them.
"That underground city is indeed amazing, and it is indeed annoying," Bontou managed to come up with a compromise, "But it also leaves people with good memories."
"What wonderful memories."
Upon hearing this word, Nati's lips unconsciously curled into a grin, and she was practically drooling. Fortunately, she immediately realized her lapse in composure and composed herself.
However, her whole body already exuded a sweet aroma like dessert.
Seeing her like this, E'luo and Xiduo exchanged a glance, feeling that it was safe to keep each other.
The second key reason is the Zane Dungeon, or more accurately, the food in the Zane Dungeon.
The Floating Island Dragonkin were turned into idiots by being fed a mixture of sugar and oil during their week in the Zane Dungeon. Every single one of them was far overweight. Only Nati didn't show it after she transformed into human form. If she had transformed into Berserk Dragon, she would have been heavily pregnant.
It's not incomprehensible that they would be driven to such an exaggeratedly mentally challenged state by food. Besides the amazing effects of delicacies like the Century Soup, the shadow cast by Baylor was simply too intense.
So, in order to escape the shadow of Beller, the Floating Island Dragonkin chose to indulge in the pleasure of food, and once they became addicted, they could not extricate themselves.
It's probably Beller's fault.
At this moment, Nati suddenly spoke up:
"If your country does not mind, our people are willing to stay here temporarily to compensate for the losses we have caused."
Hmm, as long as I offer compensation, these humans won't refuse, right? I don't want to go back to that barren Floating Island!
Nati appeared polite on the surface, but inwardly she was already showing signs of having a well-thought-out plan.
That way we can live here legitimately, eat in the Zane Dungeon every day, and a bright future awaits us!
Yes, although their mental state has returned to normal, Nati and the others have inevitably developed symptoms of addiction to food.
They get really excited if they can't have delicious food, especially sweets.
"It is kind of you to show your appreciation. If you really wish, our country will not refuse."
Excellent, excellent! We didn't even have to say anything; these dragons asked to stay on their own. Very good!
As Bontou thought to himself, the curve of his smile widened.
At this moment, both sides present felt that they had benefited.
This is a win-win situation!
Nati and Bontou exchanged glances, both seeing satisfaction in each other's eyes.
The cooperation was thus established.
Although there are still many details to be discussed and many conditions to be negotiated, that's a matter for the future, and can be left to the responsible ministers.
What's filling this place now is the joy of the initial agreement on cooperation.
"In that case, I should dedicate a territory to you," Bontou said, waving his hand and summoning a map of the Warrior Country in the air.
Then, he pretended to look at it carefully for a while, then, with an apologetic expression, he said:
"I'm sorry, there is no vacant land near the Imperial Capital. If you don't mind, there is a nice piece of land near Black Rock City, or you can live in the Dragon's Nest."
Black Rock City!
As soon as Nati heard the word, her heart started pounding with excitement, and she mentally screamed for this option to be chosen.
Because Black Rock City is right next to the Zane Dungeon, how could they possibly pass up such a uniquely advantageous condition!
"Black Rock City is fine; we don't dare to dream of land in the Imperial Capital," Nati said immediately.
"Hehehe, they've taken the bait!" Bontou was inwardly laughing. "So I can even talk like an artist!"
The pleasant atmosphere of the meeting continued, and both sides got what they wanted and felt they had made a great deal.
Outside the Royal Palace, the Imperial Capital, which had been almost reduced to ruins in the battle, has been largely rebuilt. Residents who were relocated to other cities are returning one after another, and the city will soon be able to return to its former daily rhythm, as if the dragon and Yuenka had never existed.
In a world where civil engineering magic exists, infrastructure construction can be done at an unbelievable speed.
The Magic Mist of Yuenka not only harmed humans but also all living things. As a result, it dealt a heavy blow to the ecosystem around the Imperial Capital. Although the fog disappeared, the concentration of magic was still higher than in other areas.
As a result, monsters from other places were attracted here, including many powerful monsters that wreaked havoc everywhere.
Adventurers from the Imperial Capital and nearby cities have received quests to hunt monsters and are currently engaged in fierce battles in the outskirts of the city, where there are a large number of adventurers.
Another place that attracts adventurers is the Zane Dungeon.
An organization of scholars specializing in the study of various written materials in the Zane Dungeon has issued an exorbitant reward, demanding all information about the "red-haired man" who killed Yuenka that day. The high reward has motivated all adventurers, and everyone is now scrambling to find out what's inside Sien.
Seeing the enthusiasm of the people for Thane, Bontou was finally able to make up his mind to get closer to Thane. Not long ago, he even discussed erecting a monument for Zane Dungeon to show his honor.
Although for Gong Qiying, a monument is probably less valuable than Spirit Power, the feeling of being appreciated is quite nice.
In addition to the monument, Bontou has prepared a second item related to the Zane Dungeon.
This idea came about inspired by our ancestors, and it just so happens that Lan Le has been promoting it.
"There just happens to be a major matter concerning the Zane Dungeon that requires your help," Bontou said to Nati.
"What is it?"
In response to her question, Bontou said:
Have you ever heard of Battle Festival?
"We are prepared to use the full strength of the nation to bring this to a close."