Ember Dragon

Chapter 13: Subduing Retainers

Cassius stepped forward, removed the badge from the carriage wall, and used a cantrip to infuse it with fire elements. In the flames, a message appeared.

"The Anzeta Chapter cordially invites you to join."

"Meeting Date: December 1, 1723"

"Location: Stravbourg"

"Teleportation Coordinates: ******"

"An Arcane Hermitage identification badge—interesting. This gathering should be in a few years." Cassius pocketed the badge with satisfaction.

"And the books?" the red dragon asked.

"Right here, all hidden away. I was afraid those fools would use them for cooking fires." Langpu chuckled awkwardly, shuffling aside the pile of bones to reveal a camphorwood chest stuffed with finely bound books.

"The Noble's Manual on Military Drills: Building a Regiment That Looks Impressive"

"A Foolproof Guide to Fireball"

"The Apprentice's Encyclopedia: How to Explain the Weave to Your Son"

"Sian's Adventure Log"

"The Bard's Court Poetry Collection"

"How to Be a Real Noble"

"Surviving in the Wilderness: A Compendium of Wild Herbs"

"Power and Discord: A Chronicle of the Court Intrigues of the Kingdom of Arcanas"

"A Guide to Female Giants"

Seeing this absurd assortment of books, Cassius was stunned. He finally understood why this ogre had such a bizarre, bard-like manner and felt that this noble mage apprentice truly hadn't died in vain.

Even if he hadn't perished in an ogre's belly, he would've likely met his end due to his strange hobbies.

"Uh… not bad. Keep collecting," Cassius said, still speechless but offering polite praise.

Langpu scratched his head bashfully, and for the first time, Cassius realized that the word "bashful" could apply to a three-meter-tall, one-ton ogre.

"Langpu, I need you to establish camps and fortifications in the Giant's Valley."

"From now on, this place will be the base of my retainers. In the future, it will no longer be known as Giant's Valley; instead, it shall be called..."

The red dragon pondered briefly, deciding to adopt the name from his previous life.

"Let it be known as the Nest of Embers."

"Yes, my lord," Langpu replied, his face alight with excitement. In his mind, visions of world conquest arose once more. Sadly, the rowdy ogres nearby had no grasp of the refined sentiments of a thinker, promptly shattering his fantasy.

"Boss, when's dinner?"

"Yeah, I'm starving! I used to be so full I couldn't see my toes—now I can!" complained an ogre called Longfang, his yellowed tusks quivering in frustration.

"Eat, eat, eat—that's all you think about! Get to work!" Langpu roared, waving his club with a fierce expression.

Yet, aside from the more absurd titles, Langpu's, or rather, the young noble's collection of books indeed contained valuable information.

For instance, "A Foolproof Guide to Fireball" and "The Apprentice's Encyclopedia* contained detailed and accessible descriptions of magic application, which greatly benefited Cassius, enhancing his understanding of the Weave.

With his so-called "New Era" ogre tribe, thirty-odd ogres and a fireball-wielding ogre mage, Cassius had established a notable force within several miles.

After subduing both the Chimera of Giant's Mouth Cave and the ogre tribe in the Valley of Gluttony, the red dragon finally had a retinue and firmly established his name.

Nest of Embers.

Within just two days, the hobgoblin warlord arrived at Giant's Valley with over four hundred goblins seeking allegiance.

The goblins chattered incessantly, but upon seeing the imposing figure of the red dragon towering above them, they fell silent; a few even fainted in terror.

The one leading them was not a goblin but a tall hobgoblin warlord.

Related but distinct from goblins, hobgoblins were much stronger and far more intelligent.

Accompanying the warlord were a few tall, muscular creatures—bear goblins, the warlord's personal guards.

The hobgoblin warlord had reddish-brown skin, dark gray hair, and yellow eyes under a pronounced brow, and his large mouth displayed sharp yellowed teeth.

It was evident he was male, as his face sported a large red nose—a mark of hobgoblin masculinity and strength.

At this moment, he knelt before the red dragon, humility etched on his face.

Cassius looked down at him from above.

[Based on your strength, you gain the following information.]

[Hobgoblin Commander]

Medium Humanoid (Goblinoid), Lawful Evil

Race: Hobgoblin

AC: 17 (Half-plate Armor)

Strength — 14

Dexterity — 13

Constitution — 14

Intelligence — 12

Wisdom — 10

Charisma — 11

Perception: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10

Skills: Command +6, Hunting +4, Military Tactics +4, Construction +4

Languages: Common, Goblin

Features: Battle Advantage, Military Cohesion

Actions: Multiattack, Greatsword, Command

Challenge Rating: 4 (1,100 XP)

Evaluation: "The war horns sound, trebuchets hurl boulders, hobgoblins march onto the battlefield, their boots thundering across the land. In frontier settlements and outposts, inhabitants must constantly contend with these humanoid invaders and their endless lust for conquest."

The red dragon regarded the hobgoblin leader and asked slowly, "Why do you wish to become my retainer?"

The hobgoblin kept his head bowed, expression unchanged. "Goblins always submit to the strong."

His tone paused briefly. "Moreover, you are a mighty red dragon, driven by boundless ambition."

"I, too, can serve under you and make full use of my talents."

The red dragon narrowed his eyes. "What makes you think I can trust you, a mere goblin?"

The hobgoblin remained unfazed by the term and responded deliberately:

"I will prove my loyalty with blood and fire."

Cassius thought for a moment, ultimately deciding to accept the goblins. His domain was still in its infancy, and a workforce of goblins would be invaluable, especially one led by a capable hobgoblin.

Hobgoblins possessed an intense desire for conquest and often didn't live to die of natural causes due to their aggressive ways.

Placing him in command of troops was far more preferable than relying on the half-baked tactics Langpu had gleaned from "The Noble's Manual on Military Drills."

"Well said, but time will tell."

"I grant you and your kin entry to my domain. Seek out my retainer, and he will instruct you on what to do."

"At your command."

Hearing that the mighty red dragon had accepted them, the goblins erupted into a cheer.

As weak creatures barely a meter tall, a single goblin could hardly even defeat a human farmer.

Only by grouping together and latching onto the strong could they barely survive in the wilderness, and now they had latched onto the sturdiest pillar—a red dragon.

It was little wonder they were so ecstatic.