Chapter 210: Langpu's Report
Cassius said, "Show me the intelligence you've gathered."
"Yes, master."
Langpu pulled out a stack of prepared documents from his robes.
"According to our knowledge, the so-called Polar Night Demon Tower is heavily fortified and filled with draconic monsters, including humans, goblins, and centaurs. There's one creature that deserves special attention: the Fallen Stars call it 'Valenna.' It possesses illusion-creation abilities and the frost breath of a white dragon. It appears to be stitched together from various biological parts."
"At the very top of the tower, there's even—"
He hesitated before continuing.
"A white dragon with a unique bloodline."
Langpu cautiously glanced up at the red dragon's expression. Seeing that Cassius remained calm, he relaxed and continued his report.
Cassius was already aware of this information. After all, he could read the players' forum posts and had a basic understanding of the situation.
"Moreover, based on the Fallen Stars' reports, the so-called 'Dragon-Mad Black Mage' is proficient in necromancy and enchantment spells."
"His spell list includes seventh-circle [Finger of Death], sixth-circle spells like [Disintegrate], [Dominate Person], and [Cloudkill], and dangerous fifth-circle spells such as [Fear Mark] and [Mind Probe]. Of course, he also knows the eighth-circle [Wagner's Dragonbinding Array], though he has not yet displayed ninth-circle capabilities."
Langpu's expression grew more serious as he turned another page.
"According to the strength standards you provided, the Ember Kingdom's military intelligence department rates him around… level 15. A kingdom-class powerhouse and a bona fide high-level archmage."
Langpu respectfully presented the documents to Cassius.
"This is the extent of our intelligence. Currently, Wagner has placed permanent [Cloudkill] traps and something akin to arcane locks at the tower's entrance, sealing the passages completely. No ordinary beings can pass through. He also seems to be aware of the kingdom's involvement and has become more vigilant, making it harder for the Fallen Stars to gather further intelligence."
"I'm satisfied. You've done well."
Cassius spoke in an even tone.
The red dragon fixed his gaze on Langpu and suddenly spoke with a sinister edge: "Langpu, would you like to acquire another archmage's skull?"
The draconic ogre mage's expression instantly grew fervent. Usually calm and composed due to his position as court chancellor and mage, Langpu now displayed the fiery aggression characteristic of his red dragon bloodline.
A kingdom-class archmage would be a guest of honor in any southern power!
"Master, it would be my honor."
"I can't wait to join you in tearing apart the madman who dares insult the great dragons!"
Langpu half-knelt, responding with an impassioned tone.
The red dragon slowly rose, shaking out his body and spreading his wings.
"Then prepare yourself. You've seen Wagner's spell repertoire. As a mage, you should know what needs to be done."
"Yes, master."
Soon, a hulking human figure entered the hall. Towering nearly two meters tall, he was burly and covered in muscle, holding a massive staff. His bushy beard made him look less like a clever mage and more like a bandit.
—This was Langpu's human form, still peculiar but barely passable as a human.
"."
Cassius fell silent for a moment before asking,
"Is this the form you spent months refining with your polymorph spell?"
The human-shaped Langpu scratched his head sheepishly. "Master, I agree this form might be a bit fragile, but wasn't the goal to better disguise myself as a human? If you think it's unsuitable, I can bulk it up a bit more."
Cassius sighed internally, wondering if this was truly what he meant.
Given Langpu's eccentric aesthetics—believing female hill giants were more beautiful than elven queens—Cassius decided not to press the issue.
The red dragon raised his head slightly, causing the elemental forces around him to stir. His golden, slit-pupil eyes flashed brightly, summoning a spectral, floating eye before him. Containing immense elemental power, it occasionally displayed glimpses of the past and future—this was the [Cataclysmic Dragon Eye].
Dragon sorcerers could channel their breath attacks through the Dragon Eye. Cassius infused a powerful, maximized flame breath into it for Langpu's use.
"Langpu, enter the tower and hold Wagner at all costs. This Dragon Eye will follow you, providing you with divination capabilities."
"I'll intervene at the critical moment."
Cassius was unwilling to risk himself recklessly. After all, the tower still housed the eighth-circle [Wagner's Dragonbinding Array], capable of restraining him. However, he would not tolerate this so-called "Dragon-Mad Black Mage" acting unchecked under his watch.
If his observations were correct, the soul fragment had transmitted a message before its destruction.
This meant Wagner was fully aware of his presence.
Langpu knelt again, his face filled with fervor, exhaling thick white steam from his nostrils.
"Master, I… I will bring back Wagner's head!"
Cassius said calmly, "Don't get ahead of yourself. He is a true archmage—prepare for every eventuality."
"Yes."
In Cassius's eyes, Langpu's class level was 11. With nearly half of the Ember Kingdom's magical resources supporting him, the ogre mage's natural talent had allowed him to progress rapidly, mastering sixth-circle spells.
His array of high-level magical equipment, particularly [Bennet's Wisdom] and his innate draconic bloodline, had raised his challenge rating to an impressive 13, rivaling a young red dragon.
As one of the Ember Kingdom's founding figures and Cassius's trusted lieutenant, Langpu was a reliable choice for this mission.
Yet, even with thorough preparation and detailed knowledge, Langpu would struggle to defeat such a high-level archmage alone, especially in Wagner's stronghold, the Polar Night Demon Tower. Ultimately, Cassius's intervention would be decisive.
This time, Cassius was deploying his elite forces with a determination to succeed.
As for the so-called "white dragon with a thin ancestral dragon bloodline" at the tower's summit, Cassius found himself particularly intrigued.