Jona Velli withdrew her gaze, put on a friendly expression, and walked up to this group of Demi-humans.
Seeing Jona Velli approach, these Demi-humans couldn't help but huddle closer together. A pretty, adorable little Fox-eared demi-human tightly hugged her mother's leg.
"Don't be afraid. I am the lord of White Crystal City and will not do anything excessive to you."
Hearing these kind and amiable words, the Demi-humans looked at each other.
While they were still processing, Jona Velli quietly reached out and stroked the ear of the cute Fox-eared demi-human.
'Mmm~ So comfortable, so soft~ It feels like my heart is melting.'
But on the surface, Jona Velli remained calm.
The little Demi-human who had been stroked shook her snow-white ears and shrank further behind the female Demi-human.
Jona Velli's heart instantly melted with adoration, but on the surface, she continued speaking.
"Come to White Crystal City. There, you can live happily, peacefully, and safely with more friends."
As she spoke, Jona Velli smiled and extended her hand.
Seeing this, the Demi-humans lowered their guard a tiny bit. At least this person seemed very friendly.
At that moment, an elderly Demi-human, hunched over, stepped forward.
Jona Velli glanced at him a few times and immediately lost interest.
"Esteemed one, our ancestors have lived here for generations and have developed deep feelings for this place. We do not wish to take root in an unfamiliar land, so..."
The words of refusal were not spoken aloud, but everyone understood the meaning.
The surrounding temperature gradually cooled slightly. Jona Velli's expression remained unchanged as she patiently said,
"Please reconsider carefully. Though it may be abrupt, I sincerely wish to invite you to join White Crystal City."
The elderly Demi-human shook his head.
"Sigh~ I'm old and can't handle such upheaval. Please return, esteemed one."
Jona Velli's expression tightened, her gaze turning cold.
'What, you Old Bastard, have I given you too much face?'
Jona Velli's voice turned icy.
"Is it because you can't bear to leave these houses? That's fine. After moving to White Crystal City, appropriate accommodations will be provided there.
If you truly refuse, I believe you cannot stop others from making their own choices."
Jona Velli looked at the little Demi-human she had stroked earlier and asked,
"Little one, would you like to come live with your big sister? At my place, there's..."
Before Jona Velli could finish, the little Demi-human shook her head.
"No, Liya wants to stay with Mommy."
Jona Velli twitched the corner of her mouth and looked at the other Demi-humans, finding not a single one willing to follow her.
Seeing this, the elderly Demi-human's eyes showed undisguised smugness.
"Good, very good. You are indeed united."
"So, what is your meaning, sir..."
The elderly Demi-human thought Jona Velli would give up, but the next moment made him feel as if he had fallen into an icy abyss.
"If I were still my former self, I would let it go if I couldn't have it, since forced melons aren't sweet.
But unfortunately, the current me must have whatever I want. No one can defy my will!"
As Jona Velli spoke, her body began to change. Dragon features started to manifest until, with the last word, Jona Velli had transformed into a White Dragon sixteen meters long, about seven meters tall, with a wingspan of roughly forty meters.
The White Dragon mouth opened, and a fan-shaped breath sprayed out. In an instant, the small village was destroyed, leaving only frost and a chilling aura covering the ground.
Her crystal-blue pupils coldly gazed down at the Demi-humans below, her tone merciless.
"Now, tell me your choice."
In contrast, the Demi-humans below had been terrified into stupor the moment Jona Velli revealed her true form.
A moment later, one Demi-human was the first to react.
"Dragon! It's a Dragon!!"
This shout triggered a chain reaction. Other Demi-humans were so frightened their legs gave way, collapsing to the ground.
Some Demi-humans tried to flee but were stopped by Little Shunzi and the other White Crystal Knights. The younger Demi-humans burst into loud wails of fear.
Delight~ immense delight. Feeling their fear, the earlier gloom vanished completely.
Her dragon mouth also curved into a wide grin.
Scream now, weren't you so loud earlier? Weren't you so stubborn? Why aren't you screaming now?
"Three seconds. Give me your answer within three seconds: submit or die."
Without hesitation, the elderly Demi-human thudded to his knees and kowtowed to Jona Velli.
"Great True Dragon, we were blind and failed to recognize your majesty. We have offended you; please forgive us.
My choice is—submission."
After he spoke, more Demi-humans knelt, all expressing submission.
Jona Velli sneered disdainfully and transformed back into human form.
"Heh, I still prefer that look of yours where you had everything under control."
The elderly Demi-human trembled in fear and quickly spoke up.
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."
Joking, could he afford to provoke a Dragon? Though he was old and nearing death, he hadn't lived enough yet. Who wouldn't want to live a little longer if they could?
Jona Velli slightly bent over and slapped his face, which was like withered tree bark, with her small hand.
"As a person, don't act so damn arrogant, especially in front of me. Understand?"
"Yes, yes, yes. Your lesson is well taken."
The elderly Demi-human felt his courage had been scared out of him, his voice trembling.
Seeing the elderly Demi-human had calmed down, Jona Velli ignored him and walked toward the shivering little white Fox-eared, fox-tailed demi-human.
Looking at the fluffy little ball trembling like an electric motor, Jona Velli's playful mood surged.
She reached out and grabbed the fluffy, white, bushy tail. The comfortable texture made her narrow her eyes.
The little one was startled and couldn't help but scream.
"Ah!! Don't, don't eat me wuwu..."
The little Demi-human was on the verge of tears but didn't dare struggle, afraid that displeasing Jona Velli might lead to being eaten as a snack.
Jona Velli found it amusing and decided to tease the little one.
"Liya, right? Are you willing to come with me now? If not..."
Jona Velli showed a hint of malice and said fiercely,
"I'll eat you~"
"Ah~ No, no!!"
Liya burst into tears.
"I... I'll go with you... Please don't eat me."
Jona Velli nodded in satisfaction, then took Liya's hand, preparing to take her back to White Crystal City.
Just then, another Fox-eared demi-human hurriedly stood up, drawing everyone's attention.
Jona Velli turned to look and saw the Fox demi-human with a look of righteous sacrifice, her face filled with determination.
"Great True Dragon, I beg you to release my sister. I am willing to go with you."
Jona Velli looked disdainful.
"What makes you think you can set conditions with me?"
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It might not seem tempting right now but who knows what the future holds?
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