Ashen Dragon

The giant evil yeti also realized the danger of this attack, so it quickly gathered its strength, and dense ice gravel appeared deep in its throat, sending bone-chilling cold straight at the Tiefling paladin.

"Freezing Breath!"

But Mezulash still pressed forward against the piercing cold wind, wielding his sword with both hands and slashing down fiercely.

The giant evil yeti tilted its head, and the longsword struck the large, coiled horns on its head, slowly cutting them. But the yeti resisted the blade with great force, causing the horns to shake violently from side to side, making it difficult for Mezulash to concentrate his strength.

The guardian aura around Mezulash flickered, barely holding off the invasion of the cold.

The giant evil yeti's severed arm continued to bleed, and Mezulash's body gradually started to freeze. This was their final struggle for life.

For a moment, they were locked in a stalemate, both trying to kill the other.

At that moment, a sudden change occurred.

"Boom!"

Several scorching fireballs struck the giant evil yeti's back, charring large patches of its fur and causing it to stagger.

The power of the flames even penetrated into its flesh, scorching its cold blood.

The weakened giant evil yeti let out a painful howl and instinctively let go, throwing the Tiefling to the side.

It turned its head abruptly, pounding its chest, trying to intimidate the despicable attacker.

Yet, what it saw was a blaze of fire.

"Supreme Flame Breath!"

In an instant, the snow evaporated, and the exposed ground emitted plumes of white smoke. Discover exclusive tales on empire

The giant evil yeti, which had previously been menacing, still stood there, but its entire body was now charred and blurry, emitting a smell of burnt flesh.

A slight breeze blew, and that charred body fell straight down, crumbling into a pile of fine ashes, which were soon scattered by the wind.

"Tsk tsk, a weak flame creature."

Cassius folded his wings and descended to the ground, stepping right onto the remaining ashes of the carcass.

Information refreshed on his panel.

[You've killed the Giant Evil Yeti (Challenge Level 9) and gained 5000xp]

[Your level has increased to 6]

The pleasure of snatching kills was just so satisfying—a strong level 9 monster taken down with a single hit.

As the giant evil yeti turned to ashes, the other yetis scattered like birds and beasts, fleeing back to the snow-covered mountains.

Though the yetis fled, the Tieflings were still tense.

—Because they now faced an even stronger and unpredictable Red Dragon.

Although it had helped them kill the giant evil yeti, no one knew whether this intruding dragon was friend or foe, especially given its notorious reputation for evil and brutality.

The Tiefling warriors held their swords and shields, watching the Red Dragon warily as it slowly approached, but no one dared to anger the dragon.

Mezulash used his longsword to support himself, barely managing to climb up from the snow.

He tried to remain calm, watching the Red Dragon before him—its three or four meters long, massive and muscular body was extraordinarily strong, covered in bright, metallic scales, and its mouth exuded a scorching sulfuric breath, as if a volcano lay dormant within it.

A powerful Red Dragon, absolutely invincible.

This was his final judgment.

Red Dragons were infamous for their brutality, and any offense could provoke them, resulting in fiery destruction.

The most famous Red Dragon around Stormy Ridge recently was "Flying Flame," the one who had massacred the Eagle Guards.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

With that in mind, he commanded:

"Lower your weapons."

Although the Tiefling warriors were reluctant, they obeyed the order and dropped their weapons.

Mezulash sheathed his longsword at his waist and bowed with difficulty.

"Honorable 'Flying Flame,' thank you for helping us eliminate our enemy. Once we settle down, we will give you ample compensation to show our sincerity."

"I just don't know... why have you graced us with your presence?"

Cassius watched the Tiefling before him, not answering directly but saying with some amusement:

"Are you the leader of the Tiefling resistance?"

"The one they say devours three humans at every meal? The devil's offspring, the Child of Hell?"

Mezulash's expression didn't change; he spoke calmly:

"Those are merely slanders from the Rackman Family. Surely, you know better than I the arrogance and impudence of those blood-sucking parasites. The Rackman Family is always like this—just as they've brazenly invaded your territory."

Cassius looked down at the Tiefling, saying, "A nice speech. But words and this pathetic army aren't enough to get you through the winter in Anzeta."

Mezulash replied respectfully:

"You foresaw this, so you came, didn't you?"

Cassius shook his head lightly, saying: "Honestly, you mean nothing to me. Only you have a bit of value; the rest of the Tieflings... might be worth less than a box of silver coins."

Mezulash said firmly:

"But I will fight to the death for them, give up my life."

Cassius' eyes narrowed slightly, and he said: "I can help you fight against Rackman Family's army."

"But you're already their enemy. It has nothing to do with the Tieflings."

Cassius sneered and shook his head, saying:

"That doesn't change the fact that I can decide your fate. If I negotiate with the Rackman Family, tell them your location, and grant them military access, what do you think will happen next?"

"Honestly, you have no leverage to negotiate with me."

He continued:

"Think about it, my Ashen Nest can accommodate Tieflings."

"I can offer you shelter, help you survive the harsh winter, and even... fend off the Eagle Guards chasing you."

This tempting offer made Mezulash's breath quicken slightly.

The light of his ideal had long since dimmed; now his only wish was to protect his tribe.

And the opportunity was right before him.

The Tiefling hesitated for a moment but finally spoke slowly:

"Then, Lord..."

"What's the price?"

This Tiefling paladin, who had experienced so much hardship at a young age, knew that everything came at a price. There were no free lunches in this world, just hatred that arrived unbidden.

Cassius leaned in slightly, his words like a devil's whisper:

"Northwind Castle."

"I want you to become my retainers and help me seize it all."

Mezulash raised his head slightly and saw that the Red Dragon's golden pupils seemed to be burning with hellfire.

He had once yearned for light and redemption, walking the path of mercy and justice. Even after breaking his oath, he still habitually followed the paladin's code of redemption, trying to maintain his nature.

But now, for survival, just to live, he had to make this choice.

Become the retainer of an evil dragon, help him seize the city.

"Yes... master."

"The Tiefling tribe is willing to follow your will."

Mezulash, the paladin who had once sworn to kneel only to deities, bent his knees and knelt down.