Ch.143Dragon Taming (1)

“King Caldrago organized his forces primarily around heavy cavalry to defeat the Celestial Order of Holy Knights. The Demon King personally dealt with the difficult special units during the war.”

Warriors who lived through that era jokingly called it the “Hero Hammer” tactic.

They adopted a strategy of using Durahans and demonic beasts to counter the Holy Knights charging with divine power, and while they were tied down, the few powerful individuals from the demon realm would intercept the Celestial Priesthood.

This tactic was only possible because Caldrago’s personal combat ability was extraordinary, comparable to the First Demon King. Durin remembered it too. The mobile unit that made a wide detour around the battlefield to strike at the flank, solely to kill an Archangel, had gained a fearsome reputation at that time.

“The Black Army was one of the assault units at the vanguard.”

“Ah! I momentarily forgot that Your Excellency lived through that great era. My apologies.”

“It’s fine. I was able to reminisce after a long time. Continue speaking.”

“Thank you.”

The Great King, who had repelled the angels’ ambition to invade the demon realm and eradicate demonkind through his elite forces, had one concern.

It was the lack of sustainability. The same issue that Durin was currently pondering.

Since victories had been thoroughly centered around the Demon King, he too constantly sought other breakthroughs. Throughout his reign, before falling in battle, he had numerous concerns, and one product of those deliberations was aerial forces.

Forming a new front line using winged demonic beasts.

Breaking away from traditional battlefields to strike from completely unexpected places could secure victory in war. Some believed that if the first attempt had yielded great results, King Caldrago’s reign might have been called the true golden age of the demon realm rather than just a period of resurgence.

“But the research failed. Taming aerial beasts wasn’t difficult, but they were hard to utilize.”

“It was inevitable. We could control the skies but lacked proper means of attack. Bows were difficult to use as vision was obscured, and javelins could only be thrown a couple of times. We couldn’t achieve the desired firepower.”

“In the end, only spellcasters could properly utilize them.”

“We couldn’t throw such high-value resources that needed protection even if the legion collapsed before an Archangel, so the project was ultimately destined to be abandoned.”

Despite many attempts, they ultimately failed. King Caldrago shelved the plan due to its lack of effectiveness.

“Then why have you now determined that aerial combat is possible again?”

In the corridor leading to the demonic beast farm, where eerie howls echoed, Durin asked. Verdia, who was accompanying him, also sent a curious gaze.

“At that time, we were fixated on the mainstream opinion of using them as combat resources.”

“Naturally, as we were desperate to find ways to counter the Celestial Knight Order.”

“But after going through the period of decline, researchers have broadened their perspective. They’ve focused on integrating aerial forces into the legion as efficiently as possible, transforming them into a unit type that suits the demon realm rather than directly matching the celestials.”

The chief supervisor of the demonic beast farm spoke with confidence.

“Our final internal assessment is that they can be used for reconnaissance. For combat purposes, the cost of riders is too high to be viable.”

“They would be especially useful in the human realm.”

“I see Your Excellency had the same thought. Having conquered the vast continents of the human realm, these will be necessary if we want to maintain firm control.”

The southern and eastern regions, plus the long corridor.

It was a range too vast to manage by word alone. With the chronic shortage of troops, it was difficult to deploy reconnaissance units, so the idea was to open up the sky as a new space to easily counter the celestials.

“For now, how about seeing them in person?”

The farm supervisor stood before the entrance. Growling howls could be heard from beyond the door.

Durin silently nodded in approval. The supervisor joyfully turned the doorknob.

Creeeeak—

The massive stone door raised dust. Through the gradually widening gap, numerous nests stacked like towers came into view. It was the space where demonic beasts collected from all over the demon realm resided. The yellow eyes of creatures trapped in iron cages instantly converged.

—Grrrr.

Some showed hostility at having their territory invaded. Of course, it was only momentary. The moment Durin stepped inside, they became as docile as lambs.

“Remove all those kinds. We need demonic beasts that won’t yield even to superior beings.”

“Y-yes, as you command.”

Having come to show off the aerial forces but stumbling from the start, the farm supervisor moved in panic. At his signal, handlers quickly brought forward higher quality beasts.

“I’ll show you the aerial beasts you desire first.”

“That one with the membrane…”

“It’s a wyvern from the northern frigid zone. It has excellent capabilities from living by preying on ferocious beasts.”

“Capabilities don’t matter. Is it suitable for the battlefield?”

Durin asked. The previously confident handler showed a moment of hesitation. The Regent didn’t miss this opening.

“If it’s from the northern frigid zone, that means it’s accustomed to frost winds, correct?”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

“The human realm is generally temperate. I wonder if you’ve confirmed whether they can properly maneuver in hot weather.”

“Maneuvering is possible, but…”

“It cannot be used on the battlefield.”

Durin firmly rejected it. He was especially cautious since these beasts would be incorporated into the legion.

“Ha-haha! I was merely showing you proof that we’ve successfully bred aerial beasts. I’ll immediately bring out beasts that have been verified for battlefield compatibility.”

Sensing the atmosphere turning sour, the farm supervisor quickly signaled.

Rattle—

A massive nest full of straw was dragged away by a Durahan. What appeared next was an iron cage twice as large.

“This is a dragon that King Caldrago had selected as a partner for assault troops.”

“Dragons still remain in the demon realm?”

“They all went extinct during the early pioneering era, but the demonic beast farm has preserved their genes. It’s also the will of past Demon Kings who wanted to utilize this force someday.”

Dragon.

It definitely felt different from the wyvern. Though smaller than expected since it was modified for reconnaissance, the ferocity in its eyes was more intense.

Grrrr!

As Durin approached the cage, it immediately threatened him. It was fear rather than caution. When the great demon who had obtained divine power showed his presence, it immediately howled for its life.

“How disappointing.”

The assault troops that King Caldrago dreamed of. The sight of dragons twice this size roaming the skies and spewing flames would have delivered an overwhelming shock.

If only they hadn’t had the problem of becoming priority targets for the priesthood due to their large size, getting shot down before they could properly appear.

This was why the so-called “Hero Hammer” was used.

Beings that could deliver maximum impact while avoiding concentrated fire from spellcaster battalions and priesthoods. This was why both celestials and demons brought their high-ranking beings to battle.

“But from the moment we conquered the human realm, we need to think differently.”

“Pardon? Are you considering reviving the assault troops?”

“I still recognize that assault is useless. Dragons have little use on the battlefield.”

“Then…”

“We need propaganda.”

At this time when the demon realm had conquered the human realm, even temporarily, they needed to attract as many people as possible.

“While those celestial bastards are making examples in the east, how can we just stand by?”

“Are you thinking of organizing troops like an honor guard? If so, this dragon bred for reconnaissance will have minimal effect.”

“No. It’s excellent against humans. I just need something that can give a warning to the angels.”

Durin looked at the farm supervisor. His red eyes demanded something else. The atmosphere was so intimidating that others wouldn’t dare raise their heads, but the demon who had lived in the beast farm for hundreds of years was different.

“Don’t worry. A massive dragon selected during King Caldrago’s era is waiting for you.”

As if already arranged. Everything moved with perfect coordination. The handlers removed the small dragon. Simultaneously, an unpleasant metallic sound echoed from the other side.

The source was a massive iron cage. An ominous aura flowed out, permeating the surroundings.

“This one was originally meant for the king, Your Excellency.”

It finally revealed itself before Durin. It was the very embodiment of the dragon he had vaguely imagined.

Even in deep sleep, the air crackled. The demonic energy hidden within its black scales was powerful. The moment it opened its eyes, it would reveal its ferocity without restraint. Durin’s intuition told him so.

“During the period of decline, we lacked the ability to maintain it, so we kept it in hibernation.”

“You were thinking of passing it down to future generations?”

“It was King Caldrago’s will. He arranged for it to be passed on to a future Demon King of Istria.”

“It suits His Majesty perfectly.”

Serphin’s true form is weak. He maintains control and loyalty through his demonic energy of domination. Now they had acquired a means to supplement this while simultaneously spreading fear throughout the human realm.

The decision was made quickly.

“Prepare to awaken the dragon immediately.”

“You need it right now?”

“I intend to properly assess its condition.”

Durin clenched and unclenched his fist. His red eyes burned with fighting spirit.

“How could I remain idle when there’s such an excellent dragon to present to His Majesty?”