Ashen Dragon

"Scarlet Scale, 9800 contribution points. After spending, I still have 20,000 left, not bad."

Mantou was a bit stunned: "Wasn't it 10780? Why is it cheaper for you by so much?"

Singo said casually: "The price is linked to favorability. Every point decrease in favorability increases the price by 1%, so..."

Mantou: ...

Singo said to Cassius: "Lord Cassius, I also want to purchase the 'Scarlet Scale'."

Mantou quickly followed: "Me too."

Cassius's golden eyes watched them and slowly said: "This is the sharp blade under my command. Becoming a Red Scale Conqueror means you will have no other choice but to fight for me."

"Are you really prepared for this?"

Mantou's gaze was resolute.

"I am ready!"

Eighteen days of being a black slave flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern, making his determination to become a Red Scale Conqueror even stronger.

Cassius took out two scarlet-colored scales.

"Then go and prove your capability to me!"

"I hope you can last till then."

As Cassius finished speaking, information refreshed on their panels.

[Advanced Task: 'Red Scale Conqueror' has been activated.]

[Red Scale Conqueror are a special group of knights who swear allegiance to the master of the Ashen Nest, Red Dragon Cassius. They can patrol the vast territory of the Red Dragon as Ranger Knights, scouting for enemies that may come at any time, whether it be the Kingdom's army or adventurers attempting to slay the dragon. When war comes, they will also be terrifying conquerors.

When the Dragon's Roar echoes from afar, the Red Scale Conquerors will ride giant, fierce dragon vein creatures from the sky, bringing endless flames and complete death to the enemy.]

[Task 1: Head to Dragon Mountain to find 'Red Scale Conqueror Instructor - Alger'.]

"Alger? Another unknown NPC."
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"And we have to go to Dragon Mountain. Have you read the post by Charlotte, the president of the Magic Coin?"

"Yes."

"Let's go straight through the gate at the bottom of the city wall, unlike them who got wiped out."

The four left the mysterious cave, temporarily going separate ways. Natural War Maniac and Summer Night Autumn Rain only needed to wait for the Dragon's Blood Blessing to succeed, while Mantou and Singo needed to complete a series of advanced tasks.

They both followed the road built by the retainers to the Rock Fortress.

The Great Goblin guards stood on the city wall, crossbows in hand aimed at them, and questioned: "Who are you?"

Facing the aggressive inspection, Singo remained calm: "We are retainers from Barto City, here to see Instructor Alger."

Upon hearing this, the Great Goblins opened the gate and let them in, though their expressions were somewhat mocking, chatting amongst themselves.

"Do you think these two will succeed?"

"Let's make a bet, I wager a hundred copper coins."

"Bet on nothing, Alger's Red Scale Legion has been going for years, and he's still the only one. Do you think I'm foolish?"

"Haha, the last hapless guy who went to test directly fell to his death and was even bitten by an ogre. No one has dared to go since then, let alone these two humans."

Singo and Mantou encountered various monsters in the valley, Lizardfolk, Great Goblins, Kobolds, and even Half-Goat People, asking for directions while walking, finally finding Alger's residence.

However, for some reason, upon hearing they were looking for Alger, those monsters' faces all showed gloating expressions.

"That's it, right?"

Mantou pointed to the simple cave.

"Something's not right, this Professional Instructor should at least be an important figure. Why is he living so poorly?"

"Never mind, let's go in and check it out first."

The two recklessly barged into the cave.

The warrior inside was sitting on a stone bench sharpening his sword—except he did not look human.

The guy in front of them was about two meters tall, with solid and tough muscles all over, his skin covered with dense scarlet scales. His head was not human-like but vicious like a giant dragon's head, with striking golden, reptilian slit eyes.

Behind his head, a crown-like structure made of keratinous scales resembled a messy clump of hair. The hand holding the longsword was not purely human either, looking more like a dragon's claw, but more flexible.

"Who are you?"

He raised his head, his golden slit eyes fixing on the visitors, emitting a chillingly dangerous aura.

[Red Scale Conqueror - Alger]

Affiliation: [Ashen Nest]

Basic Ability: ?

Challenge Level: ?

"This is the fourth unknown NPC!"

Mantou exclaimed in a low voice.

Singo, however, calmly took out his token—the scarlet scale.

"We are here under the order of Lord Cassius to undertake the Red Scale Conqueror's advanced task."

A fleeting moment of surprise flashed in Alger's golden eyes.

He had thought it was another overconfident trialist, having seen many over the years, but this time they brought the token, likely the 'Talented Ones' his master mentioned, which made him give a bit of respect.

Alger also wanted to see what kind of talent could make them become a Flying Knight in such a short time.

Nevertheless, after scrutinizing them, he found nothing exceptional, not even in strength compared to monsters.

"Very well, I hope you can... survive."

"Follow me."

The two players obediently followed Alger.

Mantou whispered: "Why did he say he hopes we survive? Is this expensive advanced task dangerous?"

Singo snorted: "Don't rush, you will soon find out."

They ventured deeper into the valley, passing several forks.

"Roar——"

Before they entered, chaotic, loud roars echoed ceaselessly within.

Finally, they reached the valley filled with fire and heat. They saw its true face.

High rocky walls were dotted with various sized niches, and numerous Bipedal Wyverns inhabited the valley, flapping their wings, whipping their long tails, opening their foul-smelling maw.

Some wyverns rested perched in niches, some hovered in mid-air, and some tangled in fights, emitting loud roars.

Alger crossed his arms and coldly said: "This is Wyvern Valley, where bipedal wyverns raise their young. You need to find your mount here."

Seeing visitors, those glowing slit eyes in the shadows immediately focused on them.

Alger's Red Dragon bloodline was far more noble than the wyverns', so they still respected him.

But to Mantou and Singo, the Bipedal Wyverns were rude, some even drooling, wanting to take these two tender-skinned humans as dessert.

Mantou stared up at the myriad wyverns, dumbfounded.

"I... damn it..."