Loa had finally learned what it meant to enjoy the shelter of a powerful backer.
On the third day after the Yulan Festival, the intelligence he had requested arrived.
It was a thick stack of papers bearing the Dawson Chamber of Commerce's secret mark. From topographical maps of the Sunset Mountain Range to the distribution of its various factions, from the lairs of major magical beasts to recent significant events, it covered every detail.
Cass was the one who delivered it.
When the burly bald man came through the door, Loa was feeding Wangcai in the courtyard.
The youngster had become diligent since the last attack, getting up early every day to train alongside Loa. Although Wangcai spent most of that time lying down, that enthusiasm was a good thing.
"Loa." Cass set a stack of papers on the stone table. "The intelligence you wanted. Lord Myron asked me to bring it over."
Loa wiped his hands and picked it up, leafing through it. "That fast?"
"The Dawson Chamber of Commerce has been operating in the two alliances and four empires for so many years. We can certainly get our hands on this much," Cass said proudly. He paused, then added, "I heard you're planning to hunt a fire dragon?"
Loa looked up at him.
Cass scratched his bald head and chuckled. "Don't get the wrong idea. I don't mean anything by it. Just a reminder: those things aren't easy to deal with. A rank eight fire dragon has a tough hide, and it can fly. One blast of its fire will kill or cripple any rank 7 warrior it touches. Except you, of course. You're no ordinary rank 7 warrior."
"I know," Loa said. "I need a rank eight fire dragon's heart and magical core. I have a reason