Chapter 114: Silver Dragon — The Quest
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By the end of this year, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Verin planned to use the underground world’s teleportation array to conduct an initial exploration of the subterranean realm. If any emergencies arose, the plan would have to be temporarily shelved.
Once back home, Verin finally allowed himself to relax completely.
Nearly three months of traveling had left him physically and mentally exhausted.
That night, clad in a bathrobe, he lay on his bed and gazed through the window at the starry sky. He wondered if that mischievous fellow countryman was still alive—whether he was adventuring in that other world or wandering some unknown place.
[A young silver dragon has been seen visiting Starprayer Lake and has settled in Starprayer Town.]
“Hm?”
Verin sat up abruptly, a flurry of questions in his mind.
“A silver dragon? What’s going on?”
He rummaged through the scant information he had about dragons. Silver dragons preferred to build their nests atop isolated mountain peaks or shrouded in mist. Why would one come to the low-lying plains around Starprayer Lake?
“Still, since it’s settled, it must mean there’s no immediate danger. It’s worth making contact for now.”
Recently, he decided to have Baelde keep an eye on Starprayer Town in hopes of locating this young silver dragon.
After resting a few days, Verin resumed his routine: mornings devoted to focused cultivation, afternoons handling affairs, and evenings sharing a few drinks with his guardian knight to strengthen their bond—a busy yet fulfilling life.
Half a month after returning to Starprayer Lake, news about the young silver dragon finally emerged.
“Master, after over two weeks of investigation, we have identified three humanoid beings in Starprayer Town suspected of being silver dragons in disguise,” Baelde reported respectfully, handing Verin three neatly organized sheets.
Verin took the pages filled with investigation notes and read carefully.
Minutes later, he extracted commonalities among the three.
Fair-skinned, refined and courteous, possessing some wealth, these newcomers aroused no suspicion among the locals, shared a love for fine food, and showed a special fondness for beautiful women.
“Baelde, is it possible these three are actually the same individual in disguise?” Verin asked.
Baelde shook his head. “Master, that’s unlikely. I assigned different agents to surveil them separately. They appeared simultaneously; it’s impossible for one person to masquerade as all three.”
“How can you be sure your agents weren’t deceived by magical illusions?”
“That… I do not know, sir.”
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“Enough, take me to see them,” Verin said, folding the papers and slipping them into his pocket.
“As you wish, Master.”
Disguised, the two blended into the bustling streets of Starprayer Town.
Now the heart of Verin’s domain, Starprayer Town’s population had grown beyond eight thousand. It had been divided into South and North Districts for easier administration, and to facilitate future expansion.
“Master, there is one of the targets—named Jetta. He runs a clothing shop. Even with coarse linen, he crafts garments nearly exquisite,” Baelde whispered, pointing to a shop a hundred meters away.
“A free man from a viscount’s family. After offending the viscount’s third son and under pressure to survive, he fled here to Starprayer Lake,” Verin murmured, recalling Baelde’s findings.
“Let’s check the next location.”
After observing for ten minutes without incident, Verin moved on.
A short walk later, they arrived at a small magic shop.
“This is the shop of Al, a bronze-tier novice mage.”
“Yes, Master. This mage specializes in healing magic, charges modest fees to treat commoners, and has been here for a month with a good reputation.”
“Strange.”
Verin frowned, recalling earlier data.
This mage considered himself magically inept, only reaching bronze novice rank at thirty, gave up further tutelage under his master, and chose to retire in a remote area. Yet his mage tower certification was genuine.
“Al, Jetta, and the last one is Al-Jetta.”
Verin had a hunch, but wanted to see the third in person to be certain.
Crossing the central street, they entered a tavern in the North District.
“This is the last spot. The owner, named Al-Jetta, is a low-ranking silver-tier adventurer. His extraordinary profession is warrior, specializing as a shield warrior. He’s been here two months, running a tavern known for quality and affordability, selling drinks nearly at cost to attract locals.”
“He’s tired of adventuring and wants a simple life.”
The reason he gave for coming to Starprayer Lake sounded plausible—nothing suspicious at first glance.
“Let’s go in.”
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The two smeared some dirt on their faces and tousled their hair, following a group of burly men into the tavern.
As the door opened, a strong scent of alcohol greeted them.
“To your health, little John! Another round!” a burly man slammed a cup on the table, addressing a boy about thirteen or fourteen years old.
Verin and Baelde approached the counter, ordered a drink, and took a quiet seat at a vacant table.
When the bartender brought the drink, Verin took a gentle sip and whispered, “This is low-proof liquor, seemingly brewed from tree roots. I wonder how they made this into alcohol.”
“Perhaps magic,” Baelde suggested.
“In that case, the conclusion is clear.”
Verin took another sip of the mild drink, glanced toward the entrance to the second floor, and said to Baelde, “Should I call in the troops?”
“No need. He means no harm. I just want to befriend him. We’ll wait a while longer.”
Minutes later, Baelde paid the bill, and they left the tavern.
At that moment, a young silver-haired man opened a window on the second floor, peering down at the unremarkable pair below. He murmured to himself, “Looks like I’ve been discovered. Just don’t know how they found out.”
“But this must be the lord of the land. His people praise him highly. I doubt he would act maliciously.”
Since that initial encounter, nearly half a month of calm had passed. Both sides tacitly agreed not to disturb each other, allowing a buffer period.
Time flowed on, and by August, Starprayer Lake welcomed its first harvest, greatly easing food shortages and boosting the confidence of the new free settlers.
Meanwhile, a letter from the kingdom’s Sixteenth Knight Regiment brought Verin significant news.
A retaliatory military campaign against the recent attack on the Grayfang Wastelands was imminent. The kingdom mobilized four legions, eight silver knight regiments, and numerous volunteer noble forces, preparing to strike from the provinces of Selop, Lensa, the Duchy of Ist, and Dani.
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