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Cassius gazed down upon his minions, noticing the unfamiliar faces observing from a corner. Langpu had reported to him about this “Blackfang” lizardfolk tribe.

Observing their sturdy physiques—far more suited for an army than the current goblins and kobolds—he spoke:

“Why have you come?”

The minions instinctively made way for them.

Lizardfolk chief Ack Longfang, visibly uneasy, stepped forward, with the old shaman following calmly behind.

Ack knelt, took a deep breath, and said, “We fled here after monsters overtook our caves, and your immense power has awed us.”

“The Blackfang tribe is willing to submit beneath your mighty wings, to serve as the most loyal of your minions, O Great Red Dragon.”

“This is the highest sincerity our tribe can offer.”

“And we present it all to you.”

The lizardfolk shaman gestured with his staff, and several strong lizardfolk stepped forward, bearing heavy chests.

They opened the chests to reveal glittering gold.

The other minions couldn’t help but widen their eyes at the sight, though they quickly averted their gaze.

——This was treasure meant solely for the dragon, and any who dared to covet it would bear his wrath.

Even the normally greedy chimera averted its dragon head, stealing only brief glances from the corner of its eye.

From his high vantage point, Cassius’s expression remained unchanged, though his pupils reflected the gleam of gold.

His first interest, however, was not the gold, but the old shaman standing behind the lizardfolk chief.

[Based on your power and the other’s state of “submission,” you can observe the following information.]

【Lizardfolk Shaman】

Medium humanoid (lizardfolk), absolute neutral.

Name: Koda Blackscale

AC: 13 (natural armor)

Speed: 30 ft, swim 30 ft.

Strength — 15

Dexterity — 10

Constitution — 13

Intelligence — 12

Wisdom — 15

Charisma — 9

Skills: Perception +4, Stealth +4, Survival +6

Senses: Darkvision 30 ft, Passive Perception 14

Languages: Draconic

Actions: Multiattack, Bite, Claw

Special Abilities:

Hold Breath: The lizardfolk can hold its breath for 15 minutes.

Shapechange: Can magically transform into a crocodile for up to 1 hour.

Class Level: Druid Level 5

Spells (Lizardfolk form only):

As a 5th-level caster, the lizardfolk shaman has prepared the following druid spells:

Cantrips: Druidcraft, Produce Flame, Thorn Whip

Level 1: Entangle, Fog Cloud

Level 2: Heat Metal, Spike Growth

Level 3: Conjure Animals (reptiles only), Plant Growth

Challenge Rating: 5 (1800 XP)

Evaluation: “The lizardfolk shaman is a unique presence within their tribe, often wise and powerful, leading their people.”

“An unsolicited druid, is it?”

“Interesting.”

Cassius thought.

“Shaman, are you a spellcaster?”

The old shaman took a step forward, bowing his head slightly, answering calmly, “Great Red Dragon, your might and wisdom humble me.”

“I have merely taken a few tentative steps on the path of nature and learned some small tricks.”

With that, he raised his gnarled staff and pointed to an empty patch of ground.

“Entangle.”

The powers of nature responded to the shaman’s call, and a faint ripple shimmered in the Weave. Vines and weeds began to grow and intertwine over the open ground.

Unlike the arcane magic of sorcerers and wizards, druidic magic is classified as divine, drawing upon the divine powers of nature to tap into the Weave.

Cassius, intrigued by this volunteer spellcaster, spoke directly: “Impressive. The gates of the Ember Nest shall open to you.”

“Prove your loyalty to me.”

“Praise to you, Great Master.”

The lizardfolk retreated, returning to their dark corner without engaging in disputes over territory with the other minions.

Cassius appreciated subordinates who knew their place.

Lizardfolk were cold-blooded animals with absolute neutrality, lacking desires and viewing morality as an external concept. Their only motive was survival—a principle that aligned well with Cassius’s own methods.

They would be excellent candidates for managing human cities or even players in the future, as they could maintain basic order without disrupting it for personal greed.

“Simple, useful tools.”

This was Cassius’s high praise for them.

Accepting the lizardfolk was merely a side note. The main event was about to begin.

Bloodline Gift.

Surveying his minions, who looked at him with expectation, confusion, or anxiety, Cassius finally spoke in a measured tone:

“I once told you that my minions must not accept weakness; I would grant you strength and long life.”

“Today is the day to fulfill that promise.”

“To the worthy among you, I shall bestow… the Dragon’s Bloodline!”

At once, his minions erupted into astonished murmurs; any with even a hint of understanding were awestruck.

Ogre Langpu’s eyes teared up with gratitude, while the kobolds, with some kinship to dragons, were astounded, and even the former dragon-worshiping lizardfolk marveled in disbelief.

“This… how is this possible?”

“That’s dragon blood!”

“The master’s generosity humbles me.”

Dragon blood was incredibly precious throughout Erezaghe.

Apart from natural procreation, bestowing a dragon bloodline typically required true dragon blood, each drop of which was a potent magical reservoir in the draconic vascular system. Even willing dragons would suffer from exhaustion and weakness for days afterward.

No one could imagine that a true dragon would be so generous with such a gift.

Yet they didn’t realize that Cassius required only ordinary blood as the ritual’s catalyst; the remaining “Bloodline Gift” derived from an achievement-based special skill.

It was practically a cost-free transaction.

The “Bloodline Gift” was divided into a potent active gift for select exceptional minions and a subtle passive gift for all within the Ember Nest.

In the valley’s center was a massive, three-meter-tall stone with a flat, spacious top.

A shallow indentation lay in the center of the stone.

Cassius had instructed Langpu beforehand to issue an order forbidding anyone from approaching the stone.

Initially, the minions had assumed it was Cassius’s designated landing spot, so no one dared disobey the command. But now, their gazes on that stone grew fervent, realizing this wasn’t a restricted zone but a “place of promised gifts.”

Goblins, kobolds, and even wyverns felt their breaths quicken with anticipation.