Giant Dragon Lord: Starting from Daily Intelligence-Chapter 122 - 116: Improving the Dragon Descendant Knights
After a full half-hour, Master Barnaby let out a long sigh, slowly straightened up, and rubbed his aching back.
He took off his magnifying glass, his eyes filled with shock and excitement.
"Lord Baron, this legacy... is truly an unparalleled treasure!"
Master Barnaby’s voice was a bit hoarse, but it couldn’t hide his exhilaration.
"The Secret Technique it records can indeed allow humans to obtain a portion of a Giant Dragon’s power, thereby gaining formidable combat strength. No wonder the Dragon Descendant Knights of the Ancient Era could contend with Giants."
Raylo nodded slightly, gesturing for him to continue.
Master Barnaby pondered for a moment, organizing his thoughts before speaking.
"However, as powerful as this legacy is, it’s not without its flaws. Or rather, it’s no longer entirely suitable for the current era."
"Oh? What makes you say that, Master?"
Raylo raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
"Lord Baron, please look."
Master Barnaby pointed to a diagram of a Dragon Descendant Knight’s form depicted on one of the Stone Slabs.
"According to the records on the Stone Slabs, Dragon Descendant Knights transformed through this Secret Technique, while gaining immense power, also undergo significant ’draconic’ physical changes. For example, growing Dragon Horns, developing Dragon Scales on their skin, sprouting wings, and even changes in their pupils."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"In my opinion, this isn’t a perfect fusion, but more of a... mutation caused by bloodline contamination. The human bloodline is corrupted by the overly potent Essence Blood of Giant Dragons, leading to these inhuman traits. In the Ancient Era, such a price might have been acceptable for survival. But in this day and age, such a drastic change in appearance would likely cause numerous inconveniences, and they might even be seen as deviants and monsters by mainstream society."
Hearing this, Raylo fell into thought.
Master Barnaby’s point was indeed valid.
If the Knights of Black Stone Territory all transformed to have horns and scales, the common folk would probably riot long before any enemy even attacked.
Besides, such an appearance would make it too easy to expose the secret of the Dragon Descendant Knights.
"More importantly,"
Master Barnaby said confidently.
"We don’t have to rigidly adhere to the methods of the ancients. Times are changing, knowledge is advancing—the notion that the future surpasses the present is no empty boast. This legacy points us in a direction, but we can try to optimize and improve the specific path."
"Optimize?"
Raylo’s spirits lifted.
"Master, you mean?"
"Yes, optimize!"
Master Barnaby’s tone grew passionate, like a mad scientist who had found the perfect research subject.
"The core of this legacy is how to safely and effectively absorb and convert the Essence Blood of the Dragon Race. The ancients used pure Giant Dragon Essence Blood, which is too domineering and thus caused those obvious ’mutations.’ But the Dragon Race doesn’t just consist of pure-blooded Giant Dragons; there are also numerous Subspecies Dragon Beasts. Their bloodline, while not as pure as a Giant Dragon’s, is milder and also easier to obtain."
He grew more and more excited as he spoke, even starting to pace around the room.
"We can start by experimenting with low-tier Subspecies Dragon Beasts! We can use Alchemy to purify their Essence Blood, removing impurities and volatile elements while retaining the beneficial parts. Then, drawing upon the Secret Technique from this legacy, we can design a gentler, more controllable transformation ritual."
"Our goal shouldn’t be to create a group of half-human, half-dragon monsters, but to cultivate powerful Knights who can control Dragon Power while still maintaining their human form!"
"First, we’ll cultivate a batch of low-tier Dragon Descendant Knights. We’ll use them to verify our improved methods, collect data, and continuously make adjustments and optimizations."
"Once the technology matures, we can gradually try the Essence Blood of higher-tier Magical Beasts, and even... real Dragon Blood!"
A fanatical light gleamed in Master Barnaby’s eyes.
Raylo’s heart surged with excitement as he listened.
Master Barnaby’s words had undoubtedly opened a brand-new door for him.
If they could truly optimize this legacy as he described, the potential of the Dragon Descendant Knights would be limitless!
This wasn’t just about simply replicating the power of the ancients; it was a form of transcendence and innovation.
"The Master is absolutely right!"
Raylo made an instant decision.
He had a guard summon Ed.
Before long, Captain Ed, dressed in his military attire, hurried over.
"My Lord, you sent for me?"
Raylo looked at Ed and gave a direct order.
"Ed, starting tomorrow, dispatch all the Pegasus Knights. Have them search outward, radiating from Black Stone Territory. Focus on finding Subspecies Dragon Beasts. Report back immediately if you find any trace of them, but don’t alert them."
Although Ed was a bit confused as to why they were suddenly searching for Subspecies Dragon Beasts, he still responded crisply.
"Yes, my Lord! I guarantee the mission will be completed!"
He knew his Lord must have a profound reason.
After arranging the task, Raylo turned to Master Barnaby with a slight smile.
"Master, I’ll have to trouble you with what comes next."
At this moment, Master Barnaby had long since cast aside his previous hesitation and reserve. He rubbed his hands together, his eyes filled with anticipation and excitement.
"You’re too kind, Lord Baron! To be able to participate in such a grand research project is the honor of my lifetime! I can’t wait to begin my experiments!"
Morning.
The sunlight was perfect.
[Daily Intelligence Refreshed]
[1: Due to Augustus’s unauthorized trial of a Duchy-enfeoffed noble in Baiyang Viscount’s Domain, Duke Aiden has dispatched the Vice Commander of the Thunder Dragon Knight Order with a squadron of Thunder Dragon Knights to investigate the Baiyang Viscount’s Domain.]
[2: A full-scale war has broken out between the Fiery Sun Kingdom and the Thunder Dragon Duchy. Duke Aiden has issued a war-readiness order, demanding that all fiefdoms prepare their armies and supplies, sharpen their weapons and feed their horses, and be ready to join the battle.]
[3: The Black Dragon in the eastern Black Stone Mountain Range has achieved victory over the "Blood Throat" battle group from the Jade Swamp. More Magical Beasts have joined the Black Dragon’s faction, hoping to gain its protection.]
[4: The assassin organization "Shadow Blade" has accepted a large commission from His Highness Eliot and dispatched their Third Chief, "Night Owl," to Black Stone Territory to assassinate you. He is expected to arrive in Black Stone Territory in seven days. Night Owl is a Tier Four Sky Knight with a record of multiple successful assassinations of targets of the same tier.]
[5: Several kingdoms bordering the western Thunder Dragon Duchy have suffered catastrophic flash floods due to days of heavy rain. Over one hundred thousand refugees have been displaced, a portion of whom are fleeing towards the Thunder Dragon Duchy. Your territory will see a continuous influx of refugees in the near future.]
[6: The Astrologer at the Royal Observatory of the Saint Violet Empire has observed the imminent arrival of a rare "Blood Moon" celestial phenomenon, foretelling major upheaval or disaster in the Northern Continent soon.]
[7: A Snake-man Battle Group from the Jade Swamp, led by "Green Eyes," a descendant of the Nine-headed Demon Serpent, has emerged from the swamp. It will invade multiple kingdoms east of the swamp, and several territories will be destroyed as a result within a week.]
[8: Two hundred thirty kilometers south of Black Stone Territory, there is an unnamed mountain peak. A colony of Tiger-headed Bees lives on the peak, and long-term consumption of the honey they produce can slowly increase one’s Spiritual Power.]
[9: A group of about twenty "Iron-backed Dragon Lizards" has migrated to a hilly area three hundred kilometers east of Black Stone Territory. The Iron-backed Dragon Lizard is a Tier Three Magical Beast with high defense and explosive power.]
[10: King Orlando III of the Bauhinia Kingdom has recently become obsessed with Alchemy experiments on the "Elixir of Immortality." He has neglected state affairs for several months, and undercurrents are surging within the court. The ambitions of several princes for the throne have become glaringly obvious.]
The early morning sun had just dispelled the thin mist.
The Pegasus Knights dispatched by Ed returned with exhilarating news.
"My Lord!"
A Pegasus Knight dismounted, knelt on one knee, and said, slightly out of breath.
"On the outskirts of the Black Stone Mountain Range, about thirty kilometers away, we discovered an Earth Dragon’s nest! A preliminary scout revealed at least seven or eight adult Earth Dragons!"
Earth Dragons were Tier Two Magical Beasts. Although they were a relatively low-tier existence among Sub-Dragon Species, their Dragon Blood was the most suitable material for Master Barnaby’s initial research.
A sharp glint flashed in Raylo’s eyes. The news about the "Iron-backed Dragon Lizards" from yesterday’s intelligence report—item number nine—was certainly tempting, but a distance of three hundred kilometers was a bit far, and dealing with Tier Three Magical Beasts was much more difficult.
This Earth Dragon nest was undoubtedly a more timely and suitable choice.
"Very good."
"Ed, lead a team there yourself to handle it. Take plenty of Crystal Bottles. Once you’ve collected the Earth Dragons’ Essence Blood, send it to Master Barnaby immediately."
"Yes, my Lord!"
Ed accepted the order and turned to gather his men with swift efficiency.
After Ed left, Raylo’s gaze shifted to Thor, who was eager to prove himself.
’The kid has talent. I plan on making him a key player in the future, and this is a good chance to put him to the test.’
"Thor."
"Here, my Lord!"
Thor immediately puffed out his chest, his voice booming.
"Two hundred thirty kilometers south of the territory, there’s an unnamed mountain with a colony of Tiger-headed Bees. Go and bring back their honey."
Raylo paused, looking at Thor’s excited face.
"Remember, Tiger-headed Bees are no joke. Use your head, don’t just use brute force."
"I guarantee I’ll complete the mission, my Lord!"
Thor slapped his chest, accepted the order, and excitedly led his squad of knights away.
Dusk fell quietly, and the afterglow of the setting sun painted the entire Black Stone Territory in a warm, golden hue.
Captain Ed was the first to return.
Several specially-made large carts were pulled into the castle courtyard.
Six massive Earth Dragon corpses were brought back, their bodies covered in wounds from Knights’ Long Spears and swords.
In another, smaller prison cart, two trembling Earth Dragon pups growled restlessly. They were only half the height of a man, their scales not yet hardened, making them look quite young.
Raylo nodded in satisfaction and said to Ed,
"Good work, Ed. Let the men rest well. I’ll credit you all for this achievement."
"For you, my Lord, we would not flinch from death!"
Ed saluted.
Just as he was speaking, a somewhat noisy commotion came from outside the castle.
Thor and his squad of black-and-blue, swollen-faced knights had returned.
Thor’s appearance at this moment was rather pathetic.
His once-neat armor was askew. His face, his neck, and any exposed skin were covered in large, red, swollen lumps. It seemed there were even a few hidden in his thick, brown bear-like hair.
The knights behind him were in a similarly miserable state, wincing and constantly scratching themselves.
"My... my Lord..."
The moment Thor opened his mouth, his voice was muffled and indistinct; his lips were clearly swollen too.
"The... the honey... we... we g-got... it..."
Raylo looked at his sorry state, then at the groaning and whimpering knights behind him. Suppressing a laugh, he asked, "What happened? Didn’t I tell you to take precautions?"
Thor looked aggrieved and explained in a muffled voice,
"We... we did take precautions. We used smoke, too. But... but those Tiger-headed Bees were too... too damn fierce! They were like mad! I figured, I’m tough, I’ll just grab the hive and run... and the result..."
The result was that he and his squad members had been thoroughly "kissed" by the angry swarm of Tiger-headed Bees.
Nearby, Ed and his knights couldn’t help but grin with schadenfreude at the sight of Thor and the others’ miserable state. But with Raylo present, they didn’t dare laugh out loud, so they all stood there with their shoulders shaking from holding it in.
"Go on, find Carl and get yourselves treated."
"Thank you, my Lord!" Thor, as if granted amnesty, clutched the earthenware jar and limped away with his group of "wounded soldiers."
Watching them go, Raylo finally couldn’t hold back his laughter.
’That lovable oaf. He still has a long way to go before he can handle things on his own.’
He turned to Ed.
"Take the Earth Dragon corpses and the pups to Master Barnaby’s laboratory. Tell him the materials are ready, and his research can begin."
"Yes, my Lord!"
