Ch.144Dragon Taming (2)

Inside the monster farm, there was also a laboratory.

It was mostly a space where researchers studied how long large monsters could withstand cavalry. But this time, something different was needed.

To verify the physical condition of aerial monsters before proper deployment required a much more complex examination process than what was needed for creatures like minotaurs. Because of this, facility management goblins from the Demon Lord’s castle had all gathered to renovate the interior.

“Make the ceiling higher!”

“If we break this part wrong, the area next to the tower might collapse, it might!”

“Just ask the sorcerer for help!”

“Oh my. Why not ask the Witch of Prophecy directly? I’m sure she’d be delighted to help.”

“You insolent—!”

If there was one annoying thing, it was how noisy these hunched vermin became when gathered in one place. Verdia, who was observing alongside the others, couldn’t contain herself and gritted her teeth.

“Your Excellency. I’ll whip those creatures right now.”

“Verdia.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

They too are important resources.

Expecting such a response, Verdia tensed up. She seriously wondered if she had spoken out of turn.

“Beat them thoroughly.”

Fortunately, it was permission. Smiles bloomed on the faces of Verdia and the other Southern Army commanders. Memories of thrashing the Red Horn Senate in the past came flooding back.

“I’ll carry out your orders, Your Excellency!”

As soon as the command was given, legion soldiers carrying special Southern stone clubs rushed forward. The goblins, who had been arguing among themselves, finally noticed and frantically begged for forgiveness.

“So-sorry! We’ll finish the construction quickly…!”

“Quiet! Take your beating first!”

KYAAAAAAK!

Exhilarating sounds of beating accompanied by pitiful screams echoed throughout. Some had their limbs broken and were rolling on the floor. But it didn’t matter. Seeing this, the other goblins quickly attached themselves to the construction site and began working without complaint.

“Now we’re making progress.”

Durin watched the scene with satisfaction. Although 50 goblins were carried away on the spot, the others would eagerly fill the gaps to avoid being beaten.

“……”

The farm supervisor and trainers quietly stepped back. They too would meet the same fate if they acted foolishly.

The moment they realized this, they devoted themselves to caring for the dragon.

#

“That was quick.”

Before evening fell that day, all preparations were complete. When Serphin, having received word from Durin, arrived at the monster farm, numerous monsters including the dragon were neatly arranged before the review stand.

As the king walked forward to inspect the creatures, the trainers bowed their heads in reverence.

“These are treasures once studied by Demon King Caldrago. They will serve as valuable weapons on the battlefield.”

“My ancestor researched them, you say.”

“All were set aside for future Demon Kings, so please examine them carefully.”

Great King Caldrago. Hearing that these were prepared by the strongest demon among the Istrian Demon Kings, the young Demon King’s heart swelled with excitement. Though she didn’t show it, her sparkling eyes examined everything. Regent Durin followed behind her, introducing the creatures alongside the supervisor.

“Is that a wyvern?”

“Your Majesty has a good eye. These are extremely ferocious creatures that live in the northern frigid zones…”

“Living in frigid zones means they lack versatility. Let’s move on.”

Serphin passed by the wyvern. Influenced by Durin, the Demon King pursued practicality over appearances. The farm supervisor was embarrassed but skillfully continued the inspection.

“Besides northern wyverns, we have many reconnaissance resources including eagles.”

“Reconnaissance? Not for battlefield use?”

Serphin expressed doubt. The answer came not from the farm supervisor but from Durin.

“Aerial monsters have limited utility on the battlefield.”

“Couldn’t they open a new front in the sky?”

“The celestial priest corps is far more powerful than our sorcerer battalions. Always remember: the enemy is still stronger than us.”

“I momentarily forgot. I’m sorry, Durin.”

The continuous victories had only chipped away at a portion of the celestial forces. If the main force of the archangel appeared, unnecessary troops would only become fodder. Even the powerful Great King Caldrago had his reasons for deploying his forces by sacrificing arch-demons.

“However, it’s a viable strategy against humans, Your Majesty. You’re preparing an expedition to stabilize the occupied territories.”

“I’m considering it carefully given the presence of a war priest in the east, but yes, Regent.”

“This is our opportunity, while they’re deploying troops for stabilization. Mount the dragon and overwhelm the humans.”

Away from the battlefield, the ferocity of monsters is impressive. Especially the dragon that Great King Caldrago had set aside, which was similar in size to a massive boulder perched on a mountain peak. Serphin didn’t even need to scatter her golden demonic energy. Its mere presence was overwhelming, effective for gathering faith centered around the church.

“Do I just need to tame it with domination magic?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

Serphin passed by the other monsters. She approached the cage positioned at the very back of the review stand. The still-sleeping dragon was waiting for her. Even its steady breathing exuded an aura capable of devouring opponents.

“What an impressive presence.”

The Demon King marveled. Joy settled in her golden eyes. Though she sat on the throne ruling millions of demons, she still couldn’t hide her youthful nature. Her trembling fingertips reached toward the dragon.

Saaaa—

Golden domination magic rose like a heat haze. There was none of the tyrannical display shown by previous Demon Kings. Rather, there was a delicacy that might disappoint lower demons. But she still maintained her position on the throne.

She was not a puppet enthroned with the Regent as her backdrop. She was someone who had appropriately controlled the political landscape around the Demon King’s castle even during the war in the human realm.

The power of domination. The decisive reason Durin had put forward Serphin as king.

Grrrr.

The dragon awoke. Its firmly closed eyes suddenly opened wide. The reptilian slit pupils faced forward. An indescribable pressure swept through.

“Ugh!”

Most of the lower demons, including the farm supervisor, retreated. They couldn’t maintain their composure even under a simple threat.

“Calm down.”

Serphin stood firmly in place. She faced the dragon alongside her golden guard. There was no fear. At the same time, she freely released the aura of a ruler.

“I am your master.”

The golden energy surged. Her delicacy soon spread like a deadly poison. It immediately subdued the opponent who had let down its guard. The dragon, which was about to let out a mighty roar, pressed its head back to the ground. Her trembling hand had somehow grasped something.

“Relic left by my ancestor Caldrago. What is your name?”

The Demon King’s true nature was revealed. The golden guard knelt and worshipped their king. The dragon was completely overwhelmed by the sight.

“I’ll ask once more.”

The magic shattered the iron bars. The passionate overflowing energy completely dominated the monster farm. The occasional growls from other monsters ceased.

A heavy silence settled as if only Serphin and the dragon remained in this world.

“Tell me your name.”

Serphin asked for the final time. The power of domination issued the command. The dragon, freed from its broken cage, bowed its head to her.

[Bartago]

A deep resonance spread. The dragon’s voice, transmitted through the magic, shook the world.

[My name is Bartago.]

“Yes, Bartago. I am the descendant of ancestor Caldrago and the current Green Horn Demon King.”

[You resemble my old master.]

“Then serve me. As the ruler of the demon realm and leader of all demons, I demand your obedience.”

Serphin extended her hand. The split pupils gazed at her delicate fingertips.

[Why should I trust you?]

“On the battlefield, you can achieve glory.”

[Isn’t that the joy of demons?]

“It’s the joy of the master.”

Before the massive boulder-like being, the Demon King did not yield. Rather, she pushed back. Though her true form was weak, behind her stood the demon legion. If the dragon were to step forward, loyal soldiers would immediately draw their weapons and charge.

The dragon’s split pupils reflected days of old.

[You too are ruling]

“I rule but do not reign over them. All are dedicated to the demon realm.”

Serphin faced the dragon proudly. The reason she felt no fear: even if the dragon went berserk, warriors would rush to her aid without hesitation.

Great warriors who dedicated body and soul to duty.

The legion had always been such an existence.

“So answer me, Bartago.”

Serphin’s magic intensified.

“Will you follow me?”

#

After the victory ceremony, the Demon King’s castle was bustling with activity.

Having completed post-war reorganization, the legion began replenishment operations. When troops to be deployed to occupied territories in the human realm were first mobilized from the south, warriors burning with ambition gathered from each continent. It took ages just to classify and organize them.

“We must prepare before angels target the human realm again.”

“We’ve already filled all front lines by dispatching elite troops. Once training is complete, we can finish organizing all reserve forces as well.”

“That’s fortunate.”

The Durachan gorgon, who had transferred from the royal guard to Durin’s southern army, worked tirelessly. Due to Durachan characteristics, she needed no rest and roamed the Demon King’s castle all day.

“What about the cavalry?”

“Northern trainers are cooperating. We plan to complete the transition from regular war horses to monsters within a month.”

Building forces to face the holy knight order was also an issue. It was the demon army’s weakness that the gorgon had felt most acutely through several fierce battles. It was only concealed because various powerful individuals, including Durin, were barely filling the gap. During the period of decline, the heavy cavalry forces had completely collapsed and had not been restored.

Since cost-effective Durachan cavalry was the main force, looking at actual records, they had never won in direct confrontation.

“We must improve quality as much as possible before the next war. Elite forces are the answer.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Centered around the gorgon, the legion grew endlessly. New recruits grew to replace the veteran soldiers who had died in battles in the human realm.

At this rate, they could secure the desired numbers within a month. Winning would be the next problem, but the Durachan commander was pleased to achieve the primary goal.

“Just a little longer and finally, a legion that will satisfy Your Excellency…”

While the gorgon was lost in contemplation.

KWAAAANG!

A sudden thunderous noise struck the Demon King’s castle. Startled legion soldiers rushed out from everywhere. The gorgon turned around and shouted.

“What’s happening!”

“Th-that…”

“Don’t stutter! You are a legion soldier!”

Shaking the shoulder of a passing southern army soldier, he pointed to the sky with trembling hands.

“What is it?”

When the gorgon looked in the direction the soldier was pointing, even she couldn’t help but freeze.

“My goodness.”

Massive wings filling the sky. Golden demonic energy pouring from golden pupils covered the world. The flapping wings created magnificent winds, causing gusts.

“All troops to positions!”

“Sorcerers! Prepare siege spells!”

The area became chaotic due to the sudden attack. The legion responded without succumbing to fear. The Durachan who took the lead built a defensive wall, and the southern army crossbow regiment filled in behind. With sorcerers arriving late and gathering magic, forces like clouds formed to fight the dragon.

“Attack on my signal!”

As the gorgon commanded with a legion flag she had obtained from somewhere, tension pulled taut. They directed fierce hostility toward the dragon that had appeared by breaking through the castle.

While the standoff that felt like an eternity in an instant continued.

“Stop!”

Verdia’s voice, spreading widely, calmed the urgent situation.

“All put down your weapons and welcome with proper ceremony!”

Ceremony?

When the confused legion looked at their commander, she answered with a smile.

“Look! You have pointed weapons not at an enemy but at the ruler of the demon realm! Don’t be any more disrespectful and calm down at once!”

Only then did the legion look up at the sky to assess the situation. The ferocious dragon was not attacking but hovering in the sky.

The magic visible above it was clearly golden. There was only one demon in this world with such a color.

“Y-Your Majesty!”

“Please forgive our disrespect!”

The legion prostrated themselves in unison. Ten thousand troops who had rushed to quell the disturbance at the Demon King’s castle all bowed their heads.

“Hahaha…”

Verdia laughed awkwardly at the sight. At the same time, she hid the pride growing in a corner of her heart.

She felt satisfaction at the perfect response of the legion.