Ashen Dragon

The Lizardfolk spoke Draconic, which they believed was taught by the ancient giant dragons.

Those Lizardfolk tribes that resided within the territories of giant dragons would often offer tributes to gain the dragons' favor. The malevolent dragons would also use the Lizardfolk to achieve their wicked purposes, turning them into raiders and plunderers.

Thus, the Old Shaman made what might have been a correct judgment based on ancient traditions.

"I hope so."

"I just want to lead the tribe... to survive."

Looking at the valley that was about to be overrun, Acker quietly led the tribe to a more secluded corner.

In the previous cave, the tribe had lost more than twenty people to the monsters in the darkness; they could no longer afford greater losses.

"Your wishes will come true."

The Old Shaman watched the retainers coming and going, speaking calmly.

Unlike inherently evil races, these Lizardfolk were more like cold-blooded reptiles.

They lacked traditional moral concepts, believing that good and evil were entirely foreign notions. They were truly neutral beings, only resorting to slaughter when it was expedient and doing whatever it took to survive.

And the struggle for territory continued.

"Roar!"

The twelve wyverns landed with a roar, indomitable, occupying the largest rock in the valley.

The Goblins and Kobolds scattered and avoided them, afraid that they might be crushed by the heedless wyverns, which would be a disaster for them.

But then, a louder roar came from above.

The undisputed hero of the battle, the Chimera, despite being covered in wounds, aggressively arrived at the assembly, driving away several wyverns.

It claimed a vast area for its massive body, and no one dared to approach.

"Brainless beast."

Ramp stood at the front, pushing his disproportionately silver-rimmed glasses deliberately, a superior attitude.

However, as the real elder in the valley, the steward of the Ashen Nest, and one of the few spellcasters, he indeed had the qualification.

"Exactly, exactly."

"Everyone knows you are the master's true confidant."

Kobold Jin Ya squeezed in beside Ramp, grinning and flattering, his small, hunched figure even more pronounced against the three-meter-tall Ogre.

Since offending Goblin Chieftain Dolores last time, he had decided to cling to this Ogre Mage's thick leg, the only way to secure his position in the nest and barely contend with those Goblins.

Ramp snorted coldly, though inwardly overjoyed.

"Boss, I'm so hungry."

"Isn't the master going to give us meat?"

"Calling so many Goblins, the master must be agreeing to us eating Goblin meat."

The Ogres discussed loudly without any scruples, making the nearby Goblins' scalps tingle, instinctively moving farther away, some even considering reporting to Dolores.

Ramp's face instantly darkened, and he knocked the Ogre "Bighead" who raised the topic on the head with a stick.

"Eat, eat, all you know is to eat!"

Bighead rubbed his head, face full of grievance, trying to argue.

Ramp sternly called over the assembled Ogres.

He first drew a Goblin figure on the ground with a stick, then wrote a word in common language beside it, pointing at it, speaking in the gentlest tone he could muster:

"Now, you follow me, say comrade."

"Food!"

The Ogres roared in unison.

Ramp's smile froze, his expression darkened, and the veins on his hand holding the stick bulged.

Despite having been comrades for a long time, the Goblins watching from the side were more frightened, wishing they could sneak away immediately, afraid of being caught and eaten by some fool.

Goblin Chieftain Dolores stood not far away, watching Ramp disciplining the Ogres, a flash of resentment in his yellow eyes. Last time, this same Ogre had caused him to lose face in front of the master.

"Look at these Ogres."

"I wonder what else they have in their heads besides food."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"With creatures like them, how can they manage the Ashen Nest properly?"

The Great Goblin crossed his arms, seemingly unintentionally speaking to the Bugbear beside him. Although his voice was low, it was clear and heard by everyone nearby.

These Ogres, not understanding what he was saying, could tell from the tone that he was mocking them, and they brandished their clubs, surrounding him.

"Roar, roar!"

"Do you want to turn into snacks, Goblin?"

Several strong Bugbears immediately stood in front of the Great Goblin. Although not as tall as the Ogres, in terms of physical strength, they were no less formidable and better trained.

Even the ordinary Goblins, albeit reluctantly, stepped out to barely provide support.

"What do you want?"

"Ugly big guys, get lost!"

The Ogre Mage coldly watched the Great Goblin obstructed by the Bugbears, then spoke:

"Captain Dolores, the master already warned you last time. Hope you've learned your lesson and won't stir up trouble again."

Though it sounded like advice, to Dolores, it was derogatory.

The Great Goblin immediately got angry, his red skin turning even redder.

"What do you mean, Ramp?"

The Ogre Mage looked down at him, saying: "This assembly was personally notified by the master. If you dare cause trouble here—well, I don't need to tell you the consequences."

"Hmph, we'll see."

"Follow me."

The Great Goblin snorted coldly, leading his subordinates away to another location.

Dolores' face was exceedingly grim at this moment.

He hadn't actually intended to conflict with the Ogres at such an important event. He just wanted to gain some advantage in words to undermine Ramp's prestige, but instead, it had backfired, and he found himself at a disadvantage.

Jin Ya and a few Kobolds gathered around Ramp, their expressions more fawning than ever, continuing to shower him with flattery:

"Those crude Goblins really don't appreciate it. Your wisdom is unmatched."

Seeing the previously conflicted Goblins lose, the Kobolds took pleasure in it.

"Roar—"

A distant, powerful roar echoed from above.

Instantly, the various monsters in the valley, whether they were arguing, cursing, roaring, or fighting, all involuntarily stopped what they were doing and looked up at the sky.

For a moment, the valley became silent, the noise ceased.

The Red Dragon descended from the sky, spreading its wings, landing at the highest point of the cliff.

Its shadow cast down, enveloping the many retainers.

—The host of this assembly had finally arrived.