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Seeing the arrival of Langli Baitiao, Mantou wasted no time mocking him, completely disregarding rank or status.

After all, during the Lackman Castle mission, Langli Baitiao had abandoned his benefactor and fled—a disgraceful act that Mantou could never forget.

“Well, if it isn’t our grand eunuch Langli Baitiao of the East Factory?”

“Or should I say… Vampire Concubine?”

“Why stay hidden in the shadows? Come out and bask in the sunlight.”

These words hit Langli Baitiao’s sore spots like daggers, leaving him fuming with anger.

Especially the phrase “Vampire Concubine,” which completely shattered his composure.

After all, the infamous forum thread, “Thirty Seconds Between the Old Vampire and Langtrash,” remained a hot topic. It was a favorite for jokesters, with thousands of comments piling up, making it a legendary post on the forums.

Langli Baitiao sneered, “Hmph, you’re just jealous of my higher rank and superior power. My vampire template is at least a mini-boss level. Three of you wouldn’t stand a chance against me.”

“Wanna step outside the city and test it?”

“Three hundred gold coins, Langtrash. Today it’s either your death or my survival.”

Mantou patted the neck of his dragon, “Noodle,” who instantly understood and glared menacingly at Langli Baitiao, baring its teeth and growling lowly.

Langli Baitiao took a few steps back in fear and hastily said:

“Stay back! Fighting in the city is illegal—you’ll get your brain blasted out!”

“I’m busy with important matters. I didn’t come here to chit-chat. Singo has business with you.”

Mantou calmed his dragon with a pat on its neck.

“What’s the matter?”

“You’ll find out when you get there. It’s at the Crimson Scaled Garrison.”

“Fine, but don’t mess with me, or I’ll bash your head in.”

“Tch, who’d win isn’t decided yet.”

“Hisssss—”

“Alright, alright, don’t let your stupid lizard bite me! I’m sorry, okay?”

Northwestern District of Northwind Fortress, Crimson Scaled Garrison.

The Crimson Scaled Garrison was an expansive building located on the outskirts of the city. Constructed after the Ember Kingdom took over Northwind Fortress, it was still under construction, with ogre builders moving about. The basic framework, however, was complete.

The building stood over twenty meters tall, an imposing sight for the era. It featured cutting-edge structural design, with statues of dragon riders at the entrance and the Ember Kingdom’s emblem—a golden vertical slit eye surrounded by flames—engraved on the main door.

At the top of the building was a broad, flat platform marked with orderly symbols, where numerous dragons rested.

This was the Crimson Scaled Garrison, headquarters of the Crimson Scaled Conquerors. Dragon riders returning from patrol landed here to rest and await new assignments.

Mantou had once been part of the patrol unit, but finding the tasks arduous and the rewards lacking, he opted for the comfortable role of city sheriff. Singo, however, remained in the patrol unit and had risen to become a squad leader, holding the highest rank among the Crimson Scaled Conquerors under Alger.

Mantou dismounted his dragon at the gate and entered the hall with Langli Baitiao lurking in the shadows.

“Yo, Singo. Long time no see.”

“You’re late.”

Singo looked visibly excited.

He clapped Mantou on the shoulder and eagerly said, “Mantou, stop slacking off in the city. There’s only a month left in the beta. This is our chance to leap ahead. When the full release launches, we’ll be miles ahead of everyone.”

Mantou was puzzled. “What task could there be now? Isn’t the beta in its retirement phase?”

“Apart from the crazy Technomechanists climbing the tech tree, which no one understands, everyone else is just doing dailies, right?”

Mantou’s recent videos were lackluster—mostly patrol logs. His last viral hit was Exploring Lackman Castle, featuring the infamous “Thirty Seconds Between Langtrash and the Old Vampire,” which earned thousands of comments but left Langli Baitiao simmering with resentment.

Singo scoffed, “Small minds can’t comprehend great ambitions. Most players lack understanding.”

“Then tell me, what’s left to do?”

Singo summoned a panel and said, “I’ve always told you to join the Crimson Scaled Patrol.”

“Not just for the rewards, but to access the latest intelligence.”

“If not for me, you wouldn’t have discovered the final month’s main quest in advance.”

Mantou’s eyes widened. “You found the main quest again?”

“What’s the main quest?”

A crisp female voice came from behind.

It was Summer Night Autumn Rain, followed by Born Battle Maniac. Both had been summoned by Singo, setting aside their tasks to rush here.

Singo said nonchalantly, “See for yourselves. I triggered it while patrolling the Storm Highlands.”

A transparent public information screen appeared before them.

【Main Quest: Frost Disaster】

[Every few decades, frost giants from the “Frozen Forbidden Land” of Wahala Glacier blow their horns, initiating a march from their icy homes. Accompanied by howling snowstorms, they ravage everything in their path. Towns and villages are left as snow-covered ruins, and those unfortunate enough to be in their way are reduced to looted corpses.]

[This terrifying event is known as the “Frost Disaster” among northern natives. Now, the Frost Disaster stirs again, but this time the frost giants have a clearer target—the Ember Kingdom. They aim to plunder everything and reclaim their ancestors’ glory. Anyone standing in their way will be mercilessly crushed.]

[Warriors, take up your swords and shields to resist the blizzard and stop the Frost Disaster!]

“Frost giants…”

Summer Night Autumn Rain furrowed her delicate brows, seeming to recall something unpleasant. After a moment of silence, she asked:

“Are they the same type of creatures as the hill giants we fought before?”

Born Battle Maniac scratched his bald head and chuckled, “That’s great! The last giant was a treasure trove—even its toenails could be made into potions.”

Summer Night Autumn Rain: “…”

That was precisely why she didn’t want to think about it.

Singo replied calmly, “Exactly. Using my rank, I checked related texts. These creatures belong to the giant class, but frost giants are much higher in rank than hill giants.”

“Moreover, they likely possess frost-related spell-like abilities.”

Mantou stroked his chin. “That’s tricky… Our red dragon bloodline doesn’t have high cold resistance.”

Singo nodded. “That’s why we must prepare thoroughly for this quest.”

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A big thank you to [Ethan Joy] for joining my Patreon! Your support means a lot to me.

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