Golden Dragon: Six Thousand Years of Empire

"Of course, it belongs to the prosperity of our Beastmen. More legendary Beastmen will emerge, and we can form stronger legions and forge better equipment."

"And then? On this continent, there's no longer any national power that can challenge us. What's the point of forming legions?"

The old Beastman Priest continued to ask.

"An empire must have legions; their existence is meaning!"

Grom replied impatiently, still unable to figure out the intentions of the old fellow before him.

"But without enemies, no matter how powerful the legion, it will fall into decay. The finest weapons and armor will eventually rust; this is an unavoidable outcome."

The Beastman High Priest sighed,

"My King, don't you understand? Once the water in the Beast Horn Cup surpasses its capacity, it overflows. The sun rises to its peak and then falls unavoidably. The Beastman Empire we are about to form will be no different, no exception."

"Impossible! I'm the Undying Thunder King. How could the nation I build decay?"

Grom couldn't believe it, or perhaps he was simply too confident in his strength.

"You are indeed undying, but Beastmen are not. Beastman warriors with no enemies, yet owning fertile land, will surely indulge in pleasure and abandon the valor belonging to warriors.

This has happened more than once. Even as a demigod unrivaled in the world, you cannot change this. Even the Divine can't suppress the desires of wise creatures."

"So, you intend to make an agreement with the Dragon, for our warriors to fight for him?"

Grom understood now. The old priest was worried that the tribe alliance with no enemies would fall into decay due to lost focus, with warriors laying down swords and indulging in pleasure. Therefore, he sought to find an enemy for the Beastmen through this otherworldly dragon.

"Indeed, not just for our warriors; even you as well."

"Me?"

Grom was taken aback.

"Yes, how long has it been since your power last grew? Not just our warriors, you too must step out of the Helan Continent."

"I've understood your schemes, but shouldn't you ask my opinion first?"

Noah, who had been listening for a while, spoke up, reminding the two Beastmen.

The old Beastman Priest clearly valued Noah's ability to cross worlds and perform mass transportation, abilities the Beastmen had neither mastered nor possessed the knowledge of.

"Dragon, would you refuse?"

"Why wouldn't I? I love seeing self-righteous old fellows like you look surprised. What makes you so sure I'd agree to your proposal?"

Noah was very curious about what reliance this old Beastman had, daring to be so confident.

"Because you are a Dragon Clan Monarch with an insatiable desire to conquer lands, you wouldn't refuse a legion ready to respond to your call."

The eyes of the Mountain Giant, made of rocks and moss, entwined with roots and vines, glowed with a light of indescribable wisdom.

"..."

Noah remained silent for a while. He had to admit that the old Beastman understood part of his nature at a glance,

"I indeed want more territory, but I have my own warband and don't need Beastmen."

"No conqueror ever thinks their army is too large. We can definitely reach a cooperative agreement.

Even if you don't find our Beastman warriors appealing, believing your warband is superior, but what about him? Do you also consider him a negligible force?"

The old Beastman pointed to the brooding, grim Beastman King Grom beside him.

"Me?"

Grom was momentarily stunned, then furious, an explosive aura shooting skyward, dispersing the clouds,

"I am the Beastman King, not a mercenary!"

Though a long time ago, in his weaker days, he had worked as a mercenary to make ends meet, that was a story buried in the distant past. Today, ruling over millions of Beastmen, how could he accept employment, especially from a dragon scarred with Beastman blood?

"My King, I'm not asking you to become a mercenary; do you expect to earn commission from a dragon? I only wish for you to step out of the Helan Continent, leave this world, and seek out suitable enemies."

"Though I'd enjoy seeing your reaction if I cruelly refused, I must admit if this Beastman King were willing to heed my call, I'd indeed be tempted."

Noah sized up the Beastman King Grom, who had just fought him. He had to concede that it was the most exhilarating battle he had ever fought since birth.

In past battles, Noah had typically defeated opponents with overwhelming force. Their bloodlines, techniques, souls, talent, everything they relied on was insignificant before him. But this Beastman demigod was different; Noah gained no advantage but suffered no loss either.

"I will not accept your employment."

Beastman King Grom's face, reminiscent of grey stone, turned a shade darker,

"I didn't say I'd hire you. Didn't you hear what your elder said? It's time for you to leave home and take a walk."

Noah smiled,

"Given your prowess in fighting, I could accompany you for a stretch, but first, you need to adjust your attitude. I'm not the one asking you; you're the one asking me."

"When have I ever asked you?"

Grom couldn't contain his anger any longer. The Thunder Hammer in his hand shot out once more, vigorously striking Noah. But before an unruffled Noah could counter, the half-formed Mountain Giant raised its palm, clutching the hammer that unleashed millions of thunders.

Crack-boom--

Lightning crackled along fissures spreading rapidly within the giant's clenched fist, and with an earth-shattering roar, the giant's fist suddenly burst apart. The Mountain Giant's entire arm shattered, akin to a mountain collapse, scattering countless boulders and dust from high above.

Nevertheless, this Mountain Giant remained undisturbed, and its shattered arm began regenerating at a visible pace, resembling an undying form.

"Stop fighting. If you truly crave battle, make an agreement with this Golden Dragon. Step off this land, away from our world, where no old coot like me will bind you."

"Do you intend to exile me?"

"No, you need to step into a broader world."

"This is the opportunity you spoke of?"

The Beastman King Grom suddenly recalled the words of the old priest before he set out.

"Yes."

"Two tribes were wiped out; how do we account for this blood debt?"

"We can secure greater benefits. These benefits are enough to cover the losses from the annihilation of those two tribes."

The old priest's voice remained steady.

"So everything can be treated as if it never happened?"

Grom looked at Noah,

"Even if we can, do you think this dragon can? After slaughtering two Beastman tribes, will he trust us? Doubts and suspicions -- do you intend for our warriors to become his cannon fodder?"

"As long as he agrees to sign a detailed contract with us, I would trust the Golden Dragon's credibility."

"Ridiculous! Would we be trapped on this continent, unable to advance without this dragon, only to decay? How laughable!"

The Beastman King Grom grasped his returning Warhammer and turned to leave.

"That's his nature; now, let's talk, Golden Dragon."

"Isn't he the Beastman King?"

"But I am the High Priest of the Beastmen. He will respect the decisions I make."