Chapter 185

Chapter 185: Fishing for Dragons

The Dragonkin tribe wasn’t large, yet a full row of armed guards stood outside the Palace of Dragon Horn, appearing imposing.

Two mutated-type Dragonkin guards, each over three meters tall, stood at the entrance. Their massive forms cast vast shadows like towering trees, forcing even Xena—slightly taller than Midi—to crane her neck upward.

Seeing Xena approach, the Dragonkin guard leader dipped his head slightly. "Miss Xena," he rumbled, "the chieftain awaits inside."

Xena glanced at Midi. "I’m bringing him. This human saved my life. I owe him a debt."

"Even as the chieftain’s daughter," the guard captain sneered, eyeing Midi, "you can’t ignore palace rules. Help this human if you wish, but without orders, I won’t move."

Xena’s brow furrowed. Though she knew the captain opposed her deliberately, his words held truth in Dragonkin society. Every Dragonkin defended their own honor—even the chieftain’s daughter.

As Xena debated using special privileges, Midi spoke calmly: "I’ll wait here."

"Stay?" Xena blinked. Staying near her offered protection. A lone human in Dragonkin territory risked death at any misstep.

Xena cared little for Midi’s survival, but her pride refused to let her savior be disrespected.

"Don’t worry," Midi said, unfazed by the looming guard captain. "No one here can drive me out. But take this gift to your chieftain—a greeting for the Lightning Fire Wing tribe."

He produced an ornate ring crafted by Master Norton. When holding magic crystals, it siphoned their energy to unleash lightning, flame, and ice attacks.

In Arad, such rings were mere curiosities for nobles. But in the Sea of Three Towers, this trinket held unexpected value.

"Tell your chieftain," Midi added, "this power amplification ring runs on earthly stones."

Xena’s eyes narrowed in understanding. Pocketing the ring, she strode through the grand doors without another word.

Midi settled on a boulder under the guards’ watchful stares, calm as if lounging in Belmar’s peaceful West Coast. Entering the Dragonkin Tower’s shadow was risky—no match for hundreds of pure magic-nurtured warriors. Yet this wasn’t recklessness.

As a reincarnator, he’d bargained with Dragonkin tribes from Sky City to the heavens themselves. He knew their ways and needs. Solitary but shrewd, he’d trade his worth for a place in this hunting ground.

True to Midi’s prediction, the hulking guard captain itched to crush him but feared appearing afraid of Xena. He settled for growling: "Think you’re safe? Once the chieftain exiles you, I’ll skewer you like prey!"

Midi squinted up at the giant. Such venom toward a mere human? Did the captain hate humans, or resent Xena? Clearly, the Lightning Fire Wings weren’t united.

Where power ruled, intrigue festered—even here. The strongest couldn’t command all hearts. What chances did this discord offer?

Midi’s musings shattered as thunderous roars erupted from the Palace of Dragon Horn’s depths!

Accompanied by a roar resembling a Behemoth’s cry, a scorching blast of wind erupted from the corridor’s depths, whipping up dust and debris. The motionless Dragonkin guards froze in shock – how could trouble emerge inside when outer defenses held firm?

Only Midi allowed himself a relieved smile. The Dragonkin chieftain must have taken interest in the ring he’d sent in, provoking this reaction so quickly. As predicted, Xena soon reappeared bearing her father’s direct command.

"The chieftain summons you," Xena stated plainly.

The Dragonkin captain who’d earlier threatened to skewer Midi scowled, orange dragon-eyes flashing with open malice. Yet none dared oppose the chieftain’s order at the Palace of Dragon Horn’s gates.

Midi kept his gaze forward as he passed the fuming captain. Dragonkin architecture favored vast spaces – the Lightning Fire Wings’ main hall soared thirty meters high, its domed ceiling resembling a hollowed mountain interior. After ten minutes traversing pillared passages, they reached a cavernous chamber.

Seven stone platforms stood spaced across the hall, each holding a Dragonkin elder. At the central metal platform sat a blue-scaled figure in cloud-patterned robes – Xena’s father Lucas, Lightning Fire Wing chieftain, his aged features contrasting with radiant horns pulsing with power.

The chieftain toyed with the power amplification ring as Midi entered. Letting silence stretch, Lucas finally demanded: "Human, where did you get this?"

Amusement flickered in Midi’s eyes. Hooked. Though not stupid, centuries in the strength-driven Sea of Three Towers had reduced Dragonkin bargaining skills to tadpole-level. Any human merchant would’ve feigned disinterest first – but the chieftain’s blunt question betrayed his desire.

Midi surveyed the hall before answering. "I’m Midi Asreks of Arad, deputy commander of the Hawk Brigade. Our magic research department created this ring."

"You made this?" Lucas’s eyes narrowed, though not enough to hide their eager gleam.