Chapter 636.5: You Need Strong Kidneys!
All-around Enhancement!
Full 6-stat boost!
Matthew even suspected that, if not for the massive gap between demigod and god-tier attributes—
He might have been able to push Intelligence to 41, breaking into the domain of divinity.
Casting feats had completed their transformation.
Not only had they all transformed into purely powerful Extraordinary Casting Feats, but some also gained special enhancements.
Matthew clearly remembered that relearning these Extraordinary Feats wouldn't have granted such attributes.
What made Matthew happiest, of course, was the further "unveiling" of power from the Candle Dragon bloodline.
The Extraordinary Feat Summon Wind and Rain allowed him to continuously recharge his Thunder Power.
It also let him shift the terrain and weather in certain combat scenarios.
Matthew even considered modifying the Thunder Magic Armor further to let it receive natural lightning charges.
But what excited him most was undeniably the emergence of the Extraordinary Feat - Super Kidney.
Not only because of its "potent" and "overbearing" properties, but because it inspired numerous surgical modification ideas for Matthew.
Matthew didn't care whether "Super Kidney" came from the Candle Dragon bloodline or from Fate Power—what mattered was that he had found the perfect test subject.
That's right, Matthew had fully confirmed—
The 7th modification surgery's goal was to enhance the kidneys and activate the Extraordinary Feat "Super Kidney"!
Matthew had a hunch that kidney enhancement was just the beginning—other internal organ enhancements might lead to the scenario he envisioned.
Let the modification surgery become a transformation in the energy tier of a lifeform!
Who says we're not Extraordinary beings too?
Off to the side, Yaya sensed the powerful rhythm from the Life Contract and asked curiously:
"Yah? I think I'm also picking up a lot of power information from it."
"Will those emerge and activate in my next evolution? Can I also master these powers?"
Facing Yaya's hopeful gaze, Matthew knew exactly what she was up to. He affectionately patted her head and confidently replied:
"You little rascal, just say you don't want to study arcane arts—stop finding so many excuses."
"These power data are high-level and not inferior to True Dragon inheritance. You can choose what suits you and what you're interested in to fuse and manifest."
"Before fusion is complete, take some time to relax."
Yaya nodded excitedly, almost cheering out loud.
Giggling foolishly, she rushed to message her besties, planning to try Bay Territory's latest gourmet invention.
As Matthew walked out of the lab, he casually added:
"But once fusion is complete, you'll have to resume studying again!"
Yaya, who had long since come to terms with things, nodded indifferently.
"Right now, as long as I'm happy, that's enough!"
"When pain comes later, remembering happy times will make it hurt less!"
"Hehe..."
Steward Ralph, having received the news, began reporting some important matters to Matthew.
"According to our intel, there's significant resource movement in the northern regions of the Cole Elf Kingdom. It seems related to forming a Wyvern Cavalry unit..."
Wyvern Cavalry?
The Caldor Wyvern Riders?
"To counter our Wyvern unit?"
"Interesting. No need to worry about them for now—they won't be combat-ready for at least four or five years."
Matthew was well aware of the Caldor Wyvern Riders' might—they were one of the strongest aerial forces in the Northern Continent.
But he also knew the Cole Elves' efficiency.
For them, finishing a major operation like that in under ten years was already lightning-fast.
"Farcico's chaos is worsening. The Third Princess's faction seeks an alliance with us..."
The Third Princess?
That half-demon princess?
"We can cooperate, but request rare metals and shadow magic materials and documents in exchange."
Matthew didn't mind Farcico falling into further chaos.
After all, it would soon become the stronghold of the evil god Lothander. Bay Territory wouldn't get too involved, but it certainly wouldn't mind taking some extra gains.
Steward Ralph didn't hesitate and swiftly recorded everything before continuing:
"The Carl Family of the Carl Plains reached out, seeking to purchase a large batch of Thal Silver. They're preparing to ramp up Floating City construction."
The Carl Family?
That clown Carl Sarthas?
If not for that Grand Arcanist's reckless antics, the Cole Elves, players, and all those other forces wouldn't have taken down the Netheril Empire so easily.
In the past, Matthew would've gladly "collaborated" with him to speed up his self-destructive behavior.
But now, things were different!
Bay Territory still needed to "leech off" the Netheril Empire—draining its population and resources.
The Empire could fall, but the common folk were innocent.
"Have Mentor Cronorman reject their proposal and cooperation."
"For the foreseeable future, nearly all rare metals will only flow in—not out."
Steward Ralph wasn't surprised.
Not after everything the Carl Family had done—
And not after the way the Lord looked whenever Carl Sarthas was mentioned: pure disdain.
So what if he was a Grand Arcanist?
Our Lord will be one too!
And much stronger!
"The Mind Flayer Empire's recovery is almost complete."
"According to reliable intel from Serra, they'll launch another war within the next half to full year."
The Mind Flayer Empire of the Underdark?
Matthew smacked his lips:
"All to regain power, infiltrate forces, and assert dominance... that Spider Lady really is ruthless!"
Indeed, the awakening of the Mind Flayer Empire wasn't just the work of the Cole Elves!
Lolth, desperate to regain strength, had meddled as well.
After all, what better way to highlight an evil god's worth than through suffering and war?
Matthew wasn't afraid of Lolth's scheming.
But he had to secure Bay Territory's Underdark holdings and the Ruins Camp!
The Underdark's rich mineral resources were essential for Bay Territory's rapid industrial expansion.
Even if the opponent was a deity, Matthew wouldn't flinch.
Especially since he understood Lolth's nature all too well:
Vicious and cunning, fond of weaving plots and sowing chaos.
Yet terribly afraid of death—having just clawed her way back, she wouldn't strike without absolute certainty.
And Matthew wouldn't give her the chance!
"Cut off aid to the Drow. Restrict their ability to teleport more troops into the Cole Elf Kingdom."
"Expand the Ruins Camp. Launch attacks on Mind Flayer fortresses and city-states. Free more slaves."
"Send new materials and gear. Mobilize all remaining Dragon Warriors. Send them all to the Underdark!"
Hearing this, Steward Ralph instantly understood Matthew's intent and strategy.
Bay Territory was about to make a major move in the Underdark!
Though he felt a slight regret they wouldn't be showcasing their might in the Northern Continent—
Ralph had long since stopped caring about empty glory. Practical gains were what mattered.
As long as they grew stronger, praise would follow naturally!
After handling these key matters, Ralph reported on the development progress of various regions in Bay Territory.
Most zones were steadily advancing per the yearly plan—strengthening power and expanding control.
Only the Death Desert, which had consumed vast funds and resources, was saved for last.
"The Death Desert town has planted its first crop batch."
"Druids estimate the yield is only a third of the territory's average, but it can meet half the local food demand."
"However, the number of Wraith Monsters remains high, showing no signs of decreasing."
"Some adventurers have reached the core of the underground ruins and uncovered many valuable items."
"..."
Ralph went into detail, since the Death Desert's development was one of Bay Territory's next strategic priorities.
Matthew carefully reviewed the data and was pleased with the druids' diligence and dedication.
"As expected, in the face of true life's brilliance, some druids' so-called rules mean nothing..."
Just as Matthew felt satisfied with the Death Desert's progress, a sudden message interrupted their conversation rhythm:
"Suspected Dragon Might eruption in the Death Desert's central region!"
Dragon Might?
Center of the Death Desert?
Matthew's gaze sharpened.
Just as he planned to focus on the 7th modification surgery—this massive incident popped up.
The underlying tone felt oddly familiar, very much like something orchestrated by the Cole Elf Kingdom.
Matthew racked his brain for information on the Death Desert, tapping his desk, when a memory flashed—
"The dragon of the Death Desert?"
"Could it be that unlucky blue dragon, Kalecgos?"
Matthew suddenly remembered that one.
After all, it was the first True Dragon players had ever seen get killed!
This guy's nickname was "The Unlucky One"—his bad luck was legendary.
According to later "archaeology" by players, Kalecgos used to be one of the three big bosses of the Death Desert.
Not only was he an adult blue dragon with Legendary-level strength—
He was also the ruler of a True Dragon Kingdom!
Unfortunately, Kalecgos was too ambitious.
He transformed most of his promising vassals into dragonkin in hopes of empowering the Blue Dragon Kingdom for expansion.
The goal was to dominate the Death Desert—a noble plan, really.
But like other arrogant blue dragons, he ignored the looming threat of Dragon Madness.
Confident in his strength and the desert's special terrain, he thought he could lead his followers through it.
Tragically, he didn't account for the Cole Elves, who were preparing to strike the Netheril Empire and triggered the Dragon Madness outbreak.
Kalecgos got hit hard.
His vassals went mad first, gutting the kingdom's elite force.
Then Kalecgos himself, unprepared, lost his mind and destroyed the kingdom he had built.
His evil ambitions were crushed by his own hands in a moment of tragic irony.
Worse still, Kalecgos was incredibly tough—he somehow survived Dragon Madness.
This could've been good news, but his mind was damaged.
In trying to rebuild the Blue Dragon Kingdom, he decided to dig deep into ancient ruins—
Hoping to use hidden goblin tech and power to resist future Dragon Madness events.
And so, half-mad Kalecgos accidentally unsealed a terrifying horror—
The being that created all the wraiths in the Death Desert: Mercuri the Wraith!
Starving for eons, the Wraith set its eyes on Kalecgos—his huge body and deliciously twisted soul.
The two began to fight.
Kalecgos initially had the upper hand. As a powerful True Dragon, and with the Wraith weakened, he had a real chance to win.
But then a goblin ruin unexpectedly activated—
The seal broke, and the hidden Flame Demon Balor struck from the shadows.
And that was it—the True Dragon fell!
Right in front of the players who helped Balor. It had been shocking to them!
And now, Kalecgos, who should've been hiding in his lair, had reappeared early?
Matthew rubbed his chin. The odds of Cole Elf interference were at least 99%!
After all, no other faction could cure Dragon Madness!
What were the Cole Elves up to?
Obviously stirring up trouble for Bay Territory!
Matthew patted his waist and said lazily, "I've donated my kidneys—who's lucky enough to provide the next organ?"