"Atris, these are enemies who once opposed Lord Muria, and after being defeated, refused to submit. So, Lord Muria decided not to kill them, considering it too cruel, and instead sealed them in these pillars to extract their power," Mia explained hastily as the Golden Dragon studied the crystal pillars.
"Hmm." The Golden Dragon glanced at Mia, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. After finishing her examination of the pillar containing the Soul Intent-level Naga, she continued deeper into the research facility.
With Mia, the head maid, accompanying her, they faced almost no obstacles. This core facility within Synaps, usually classified as top secret, was now open to the Golden Dragon, as if she were strolling through her own backyard.
As they moved forward, the creatures sealed in the pillars became progressively stronger and more diverse—humans, Nagas, sea monsters, drow, fierce beasts, and even chromatic dragons.
Soon, the Golden Dragon stopped in front of another large crystal pillar, because inside it was an ancient red dragon, sealed and immobile. Despite being static, the red dragon exuded an overwhelming ferocity, giving the impression it could break free at any moment and destroy everything around it.
"I know this dragon," the Golden Dragon remarked, her face filled with emotion as she looked at the red dragon.
"Uh, should I release it?" Mia asked cautiously.
"He once hunted Ansel and me before we became legends."
Mia's face turned awkward, and she quickly grabbed a passing researcher in a white robe. "Double the energy extraction from this dragon, and halve its nutrient supply."
"Yes, ma'am." The researcher, who bore a slight resemblance to Muria, nodded and withdrew to gather his team, preparing to modify the runes on the crystal pillar containing the ancient red dragon.
Seeing her old enemy captured and sealed by her son, turned into a living energy source, greatly improved the Golden Dragon's mood. As she continued her tour, a loud, angry roar suddenly echoed from deep within the research facility, though it quickly died down.
"You wretched... humans... how dare you treat a great... dragon this way." The roar echoed intermittently throughout the research facility, immediately catching the Golden Dragon's attention.
"Let's go take a look." The Golden Dragon promptly called to Mia and headed toward the source of the voice.
It didn't take long for the Golden Dragon to find the source—a furious ancient black dragon, struggling and roaring as it was force-fed by a group of humans. To her surprise, the humans were feeding the dragon dirt, rocks, and dried wood—substances no normal creature could consume. Yet, these were being forcibly shoved into the black dragon's mouth.
"What's going on here?" Even the Golden Dragon couldn't help but feel shocked at the scene before her.
"Ahem, this is a recent project of our Energy Research Institute," one of the researchers explained. "Since dragons can digest most materials in the world, we're experimenting with feeding them useless substances like dirt and rocks, hoping to produce valuable dragon scales and blood."
The Golden Dragon's mouth twitched upon hearing this. Who could come up with such a heartless idea? Even demons and devils would bow down to such ingenuity. But the researcher, noticing the Golden Dragon's identity, quickly added, "This was Lord Muria's idea."
"This… is a genius idea. As expected of my son—making the most of everything. Excellent," the Golden Dragon's attitude shifted dramatically upon learning that the idea was Muria's, praising the diabolical ingenuity.
"Since they're enemies, there's no need for sympathy. Increase the research efforts. What's this level of treatment? Increase the feeding—don't underestimate an ancient dragon's digestive capabilities."
Knowing this project was her son's idea, the Golden Dragon eagerly got involved, even offering several valuable suggestions.
…
Half a day later, the Golden Dragon, still in high spirits, emerged from the research facility with Mia. They soon saw a bustling Void Anchorage on the other side of the central island, where void warships were stationed.
"What's happening here?"
"Atris, this is where Lord Muria ordered the fleet to assemble for void travel to support his legion."
"Why bother traveling through the void when you have void coordinates?"
"Well… the energy cost is too high, so Lord Muria decided to travel through the void."
"Too high?" Atris was momentarily taken aback before bursting into laughter. "That foolish child must be planning to cover the cost himself!"
"If he doesn't cover it himself, how else should it be handled?" Mia asked, puzzled.
"Of course, the Titans should cover it! Muria is on a trial mission assigned by the Titans, so all resource costs should be borne by the Titan race."
"But Lord Muria isn't like other Titans. Ordinary Titans might teleport a few companions, but Lord Muria wants to teleport an entire legion. The energy cost is astronomical—wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
"What seems astronomical to you is nothing to the Titans. Oh, you silly girl, why would you try to save resources for the Titans? Do you have any idea how wealthy the Titan race is? This amount of energy isn't even a drop in the bucket to them, yet you're foolishly trying to economize."
With a sigh, the Golden Dragon added, "Like leader, like followers. My child's nature is still inherently kind—too kind."
Mia, remembering all of Muria's actions, remained silent, unsure how "inherently kind" could still be used to describe him.
"List all the troops Muria plans to bring for his mission. I'll personally escort them to the Titan Islands and use the Titan channels to send them to Muria."
"But…"
"With me escorting them, do you think anything will go wrong?"
"Understood."
…
"Emergency assembly! No more sleeping—an important mission has just come in. You have only fifteen minutes to gather your personal belongings and all equipment."
The wake-up call blared in young An's ears. Six years had passed, and he had grown into a strong young man. He quickly got out of bed and began packing his gear.
In just seven minutes, An was fully prepared, having already received prior notice and prepped his essential items. After finishing his preparations, he began inspecting his subordinates. These so-called subordinates were youths around his age, all with proud and sharp gazes. Yet when they saw An, they all lowered their heads in respect.
Seeing these brilliant young people, who would be considered geniuses among humans, showing him such respect, An couldn't help but feel emotional.
If he hadn't insisted ten years ago, as a child, he wouldn't have the achievements he had today. He was immensely grateful to his younger self.
"A path chosen defines a lifetime!" This saying perfectly applied to those like him who had been transformed from humans into Dragonborn.
After ten years of education, An had come to understand the power behind his achievements—a force called Synaps, ruled by dragons and giants. But due to a shortage of manpower, these proud dragons turned their eyes to humanity, intending to transform the best among them into Dragonborn to serve them.
However, the proud dragons didn't want ordinary humans; they only accepted the most exceptional among them as their kin. It's said that in the eyes of the Lord of Synaps, all humans were equal. Even commoners, if found to have exceptional talent, had the chance to become Dragonborn.
Thus, batch after batch of outstanding human children were selected for trials and tests. Six years ago, An was fortunate enough to be one of those chosen.
Having sufficient talent wasn't enough to become Dragonborn; one also needed unwavering conviction and willpower. All children had to walk a trial path a thousand meters long before becoming Dragonborn.
Only after passing five hundred meters did one gain the opportunity to become Dragonborn. Those who barely crossed that line would, unfortunately, be transformed into the lowest-ranked White Dragonborn. The further one walked, the higher the level of the dragon blood baptism, and the stronger the resulting Dragonborn.
At that time, An had walked the entire length of the trial path, collapsing on a hexagonal golden dragon pattern, earning the highest treatment on the trial path and the opportunity to become the Dragonborn of the Lord of Synaps.
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