The work was boring and tiring, but Redd completed it meticulously.
He knew that these young dragons were a crucial part of his future plan. They were "conventional forces" that were different from "strategic deterrence" like King Ghidorah and could be put into large-scale use. The foundation must be laid solidly.
Mysaria is busy coordinating logistics.
There are more than three hundred baby dragons, even if they are just cubs, their food intake is extremely amazing.
They need a lot of high-protein, high-energy meat.
Dragonstone cannot be supplied by itself and needs to be continuously transported from nearby islands or even from the territory on the other side of the Narrow Sea.
Fresh cattle, sheep, marine fish, and even specially hunted large marine animals are continuously transported, slaughtered and divided in special processing plants, and then sent to hatcheries.
In addition to the smell of sulfur, there was also a thick smell of blood in the air.
The attendants responsible for taking care of the young dragons are very busy. They need to feed them regularly, clean up their excrement, observe the health status of each young dragon, and record their growth data.
The hatchery echoes all day long with the neighing of young dragons competing for food, the grunting of swallowing, and the sound of their scales scraping the ground as they move clumsily, full of primitive and vigorous vitality.
However, in this "vibrant" place, there is a "hidden danger" lurking that makes everyone fearful - Cannibal.
This ancient evil dragon, which is completely black and whose size is second only to King Ghidorah, Ehm and Aegon among the existing dragons under Redd, seems to have an unusual interest in the hatchery.
It no longer sits lazily outside Dragonpit, basking in the sun at the highest crater as usual, or cruising aimlessly in the waters around the island.
Instead, they often appear silently at the passageways outside the hatchery, or hover in the shadow of a ventilation shaft above.
Its pair of molten gold-like vertical pupils stared intently at the shambling little things below that exuded the alluring "young dragon" aura. Its huge nostrils trembled from time to time, greedily sniffing the rich scent of dragon flesh and life energy in the air.
Thick, corrosive saliva dripped uncontrollably from between its sharp teeth, eroding small pits on the rocky ground, making a slight "sizzling" sound.
Its desire was so naked and intense that it even affected other nearby dragons.
Sylax (the dragon of Rhaenyra, currently inhabiting Dragonstone) seemed restless and let out warning growls from time to time.
Sheepstealer stayed away from him, seeming to be instinctively afraid of this "elder"'s appetite.
Even King Ghidorah will occasionally turn its head in the direction of Cannibal and emit a low and warning hiss, as if to remind it to pay attention to its limits.
The soldiers and Dragonpit attendants responsible for guarding the hatchery were even more frightened.
Every time Cannibal approached, they felt as if they were being stared at by a wild beast. Their backs felt cold and their palms holding the weapons were covered in cold sweat.
They have no doubt that as long as Redd's restraint is slightly relaxed, or Cannibal is completely carried away by appetite, it will immediately rush into the hatchery and launch a bloody and efficient gluttonous feast on the cubs of its own race.
Redd naturally noticed the anomaly of Cannibal.
After finishing branding a group of baby dragons, he walked out of the hatchery and happened to see the huge black head of Cannibal.
Protruding from a rock crevice above, his molten golden eyes stared unblinkingly at the chirping young dragons behind him, and a suppressed, thunderous gurgling sound came from his throat.
"Cannibal." Redd's voice was calm, but with unquestionable will, it was conveyed directly through the special connection between him and the dragon.
Cannibal's head shook slightly, and his eyes turned to Redd. The greed in his eyes was slightly restrained, but it did not completely disappear.
It gave a low and vague response, as if it was defending, but also as if it was complaining of uncontrollable hunger.
"They are not your food." Redd took a few steps closer, raised his head and looked into those molten gold eyes. His eyes were cold and sharp, "They are my property and the power of the future.
If you dare to touch any of them..." He did not finish, but what was passed through the spiritual link was the devastating Gravity Beam image of King Ghidorah, and an absolute cold will that would lead to death if it was disobeyed.
Cannibal's body trembled almost imperceptibly.
Its fear of King Ghidorah is engraved in its bones.
It slowly retracted its head back into the rock crevice, but the feeling of unwillingness and longing still lingered like a dark cloud.
Redd frowned.
Cannibal's appetite for the same kind has gone beyond the scope of ordinary dragons, and is almost a pathological instinct.
This may be related to its extremely long lifespan, unique survival experience, or even some "defect" or "mutation" in its bloodline.
If you leave it alone, it will be a disaster sooner or later.
"It seems that we need to find a 'reasonable' outlet for it, or... strengthen the control." Redd thought to himself.
Perhaps, it can be sent to perform some more dangerous and physically demanding tasks?
For example, pursue Tormund and Hai Long who fled to Summer Isles?
Or, go to the depths of Stepstones, explore the ruins that may be related to Naga and Children of the Forest, and clean up any remaining threats?
It can not only consume its energy and divert its attention, but also obtain more information and benefits for itself.
However, this requires a long-term plan. Right now, the first thing to do is to ensure the safe growth of these more than 300 baby dragons.
He turned to Mysaria and ordered, "Strengthen the guarding and monitoring of the hatchery and surrounding areas.
Mobilize more elites, deploy crossbows and traps, and focus on preventing air and underground intrusions.
In addition, increase the food supply to Cannibal and use the highest quality and most energy-rich sea animal meat to make it as full as possible.
At the same time, try to have more in-depth communication and guidance with it to see if you can alleviate its... abnormal appetite."
"Yes, Master." Mysaria wrote them down one by one.
Redd looked again at the direction of the crevice where Cannibal disappeared, with deep eyes.
It is an advantage to have powerful and unique dragons under your command, but how to control these creatures that are far beyond the understanding of ordinary people and balance their nature and their own needs is also a difficult knowledge.
Cannibal is undoubtedly the most difficult part of his dragon group management.
Handled well, it is an indestructible sharp blade; handled poorly, it may be a bomb that can detonate at any time and backfire on itself.
He took a deep breath of air that smelled of sulfur and blood to temporarily suppress these thoughts.
The hatching and branding of the young dragons were initially completed. Next, it was time for him to turn his attention back to the complicated chessboard of Westeros.