What kind of metal is this? Is it meteoric iron from the Astral Realm or another Dungeon?" Kalon looked in surprise at the treasure Sunia, the Centaur Warrior, had presented to him. The Red Dragon's inheritance contained a diverse array of knowledge, including comprehensive introductions to many species. Any basic knowledge of interest to Dragons was stored in their inherited knowledge base.
However, Kalon could not find any information in his knowledge base related to the dark metal before him, which was interspersed with points like starlight. This metal was clearly a rare magical metal with excellent magical ductility, suitable for making magical weapons or powerful treasures.
The Dragon's inheritance should not have overlooked such a rare metal. After all, even if Dragons wouldn't use this metal to make weapons, the metal itself should be a good collectible for them, providing a very pleasant sensation when slept upon. This was why Kalon made such a judgment.
The Centaur maiden, seeing that even the Dragon did not know the details of the metal, shook her head and said, "Respected Dragon, we also do not know the specific origin of this mysterious metal. It is said that our Centaur hero, chiron, found it in the monster's lair centuries ago after defeating the troublesome Hydra Lizard.
Chiron's powerful weapon, the Bronze Spear, was made from this metal. This is the only remaining treasure in the Tribe. We offer it to the mighty Dragon, hoping to maintain a friendly relationship with you."
Hearing this, Kalon couldn't help but be amused. He recalled the longbow in the Centaurmaiden's hand the other day, which was also a powerful magical weapon made from the sinews and bones of some powerful serpent monster. It seemed the powerful venomous snake monster the Centaurs spoke of was this unfortunate Hydra Lizard.
This monster was not only slain and its flesh and blood used by others, but the treasures it had painstakingly accumulated in its cave were also taken away, which was truly pitiful. However, such situations are common in the wilderness. Even when Kalon hunts, he not only eats his prey completely, but if the prey's bones are hard enough, he even uses them to grind his teeth.
Thinking of this, Kalon's heart again felt a chill. Such situations are normal in the wilderness, and indeed, in the entire world. His original intention to proceed step by step, waiting until he had enough strength to subdue his dependents, was influenced by the Dragon's mindset of gradually growing stronger simply by living peacefully through the years.
This was a real world, but Kalon had always, more or less, harbored a bit of a game mentality. He had been too well protected before and couldn't truly understand that every inch of land in this world must be fought for, even for Dragons.
The operation of all things in the world does not follow Kalon's will, and unpredictable accidents and dangers can arrive at any time. Even Blue Dragon carlit, who spends her days sleeping in her lair, can be captured by Ogres. And these Ogres were merely fighting for their land not to be taken by Dragons, to satisfy the needs of their growing Ogre Tribe.
The Red Dragon felt he should correct his attitude. He solemnly accepted the magical metal, swallowed it into the Dragon's gizzard, then lowered his ferocious head, his vertical pupils staring intently at the relaxed Centaur before him, and asked very directly, "I accept this gift. Tell me, what is the true purpose of the Centaur Tribe?"
Although Centaur Sunia was not yet an adult, she felt her will, honed through combat since childhood, was firm enough. But facing the Dragon's vertical pupils, which were as cold as if devoid of any emotion, and a gaze that seemed to pierce her soul, she felt it saw through weaknesses she herself hadn't even discovered.
She quickly lowered her head and replied with extreme respect, "We hope to use the Dragon's immense power to fight against those cruel and brutal Ogre Tribes. Furthermore, my Mother, Kari, the leader of the Centaur Tribe, also hopes you will visit our Tribe. At that time, she will personally discuss this matter with you."
Cruel and brutal? Kalon scratched his chin with his Dragon claw. He had a feeling these two words, which weren't good words, were being used to describe him. In the stereotypical image of a Red Dragon, these two words definitely ranked first.
However, he could not refuse the olive branch extended by the Centaur Tribe. Not to mention, the Centaur Tribe, being a combat race, was already listed as a target for dependent subdual the moment Kalon first saw them. Moreover, both now had a common enemy—the Ogre Tribe. He could indeed make the trip, but he had to be careful.
Kalon nodded, signaling the Centaur to lead the way, and flapped his wings, soaring from the ground. "What are we waiting for? Let's go. I also want to experience the hospitality of the Centaur Tribe."
The Centaur Tribe was located in a sheltered river valley not far from the sea. Steep, tall cliffs and mountains blocked the roaring sea winds from above the ocean. The clear, clean river provided the Centaurs with a stable water supply. The flat land was suitable for building tribal dwellings, and the unobstructed view from the cliffs provided excellent vigilance and protection. The peaceful river valley thus became a rare place of peaceful dwelling.
Kalon flapped his wings, over ten meters long, circling above the river valley a dozen times. His amplified senses, besides hearing the Centaur sentries on the cliffs shouting about the Dragon's arrival, found that the situation in the Centaur Tribe was very normal. Only then did he slowly descend to the ground.
Important members of the Centaur Tribe were already waiting at the camp entrance, having been notified by Sunia. The leader of the Centaur Tribe, Kari, was the strongest in the Tribe. Only the leader of the Tribe could change her name, possessing a name similar to the Centaur hero, Chiron.
Standing next to Kari was her mate, Trogdor, a robust male Centaur whose bulging muscles spoke of an inexpressible masculine aura. Also standing nearby was Aoni, the adult female Centaur who had hunted with Sunia earlier, holding a position in the Centaur Tribe equivalent to a warrior chief.
Additionally, there were several elderly Centaurs. These old Centaurs were responsible for the Tribe's customs and traditions and held a considerable amount of influence.
The Red Dragon's body landed, his wings folded at his sides, but his hind legs stood upright, making him appear somewhat superior. Even these Centaurs, averaging about three meters tall, were looked down upon by him.
Kari, the Centaur leader, looked straight up at this exceptionally robust Red Dragon, whose twin wings bore numerous mysterious patterns. A hint of satisfaction flashed in her large eyes, completely disregarding the sour expression on her mate's face.
Becoming a Dragon's subordinate was not uncommon in the wilderness. While a Dragon's attitude towards its dependents was indeed one of enslavement, most were of the 'as long as you obey me and please me on time, I can't be bothered with you' type.
Unlike those damned Ogres, who not only massacred and enslaved Centaurs but also caused a once prosperous Tribe of seven hundred warriors to dwindle to only over two hundred members in just a few years.
Moreover, they treated Centaurs as tools for their own gratification and even sold them as commodities to merchants, which was an intolerable humiliation for the Centaur Tribe.
However, the Centaur Tribe also did not wish to rely on a weak Dragon, as that would take too much time waiting for the Dragon to grow. The Red Dragon's posture and appearance before them greatly satisfied the Centaurs.
So, Kari, along with the Centaurs, knelt on one knee before Kalon, bowing her head and prostrating herself, saying, "Mighty Red Dragon, our Centaur Tribe is willing to submit to you, to be your loyal dependents, and to offer you everything to please your heart. Our only request is to receive your protection and favor."
So decisive? Kalon, who was still putting on airs, was puzzled that the Centaur Tribe knelt so quickly. He had thought there would be a round of bargaining or something.
Kalon did not know that it wasn't just in the human world that looks mattered; in fact, all creatures in the world judged by appearance, and even more so in the wilderness outside of civilization. After all, these creatures were not as subtle as those in civilized society, but much more direct. As long as you looked sufficiently mighty and beautiful, other creatures would be more easily drawn to you.
However, Kalon did not hesitate and immediately agreed. "I accept your request," the Red Dragon's standing body relaxed, changing to a squatting position.
His Dragon claw gently rested on the head of the kneeling Centaur leader, and the Dragon's booming voice resounded in the Centaur's ears, "And remember, my name is Kalon Kogmora. I prefer to be called Kalon!"
"Yes, Lord Kalon, Master of the Centaur Tribe."