Chapter 508

Chapter 508: Return to the Wolfspider Tribe

In total, Midi had only spent four months in the Shaded Realm.

His time with the Death Scorpion family amounted to barely two months, with one of those months spent inside the Crystal Dragon Fortress.

In other words, he remained a complete outsider.

Few in the Death Scorpion family would’ve recognized Midi had it not been for his duel against Kanis, the fifth-ranked core disciple.

Yet now, the name Midi Asreks stood impressively above even "Warrior" Thor, claiming first place in the Crystal Dragon Fortress trial!

Though the core disciple rankings remained unchanged, this result undeniably proved Midi’s strength surpassed Nym, Akdina, Loki, and others.

Some even speculated Midi might rival the level 67 Thor himself.

Suddenly, the entire Death Scorpion family buzzed with heated discussions about "Midi Asreks."

Midi, however, showed zero interest in the chatter.

After assessing the situation, he immediately retreated to the Alchemy Workshop, publicly declaring his seclusion while using Zote the potion-making master as an excuse.

Secretly, he slipped away to visit Veyna.

"Coming to my place so late—what’s your intention?" Veyna flushed, crossing her arms over her chest while giving Midi an affectionate gaze. "Or do you think I’d let you get away with something?"

"Should I return tomorrow?" Midi sighed heavily, turning to leave.

Veyna instantly grabbed his arm.

The Black Dragon Priestess had waited all day—she wouldn’t let him escape now.

Her reason for waiting certainly wasn’t flirtation or ambiguity.

"I never imagined you’d actually obtain the Black Dragon monument. I thought it impossible," Veyna said, her gaze carrying complex emotions.

"Nothing’s impossible. If you must do something, throw everything into it," Midi answered.

He produced a ring from his robe. A glow flashed, depositing a black stone fragment on Veyna’s desk—a piece of the Black Dragon monument.

Though he’d surrendered the full three-meter monument to the Death Scorpion family head, Midi hadn’t handed it over intact.

He’d chipped off fragments for both Veyna and himself.

Staring at the seemingly ordinary stone shard radiating ancient Dragon Breath, Veyna showed no joy. Instead, sorrow and nostalgia filled her eyes.

"Is this enough?" Midi broke the tense silence with a cough.

"Plenty. Even a smaller piece would generate sufficient Dragon Energy in the magic veins," Veyna replied lightly. "Quantity matters less than uniqueness."

"Uniqueness?" Midi frowned—the family head had never mentioned this.

"Each Black Dragon monument bears a numbered identity. This one… is the seventeenth." Veyna paused as if channeling magic. "Different monuments emit subtly distinct Dragon Energy. These differences don’t show during the Black Dragon Conference, but in the Dark Dragon City… Dragon Energy from the same Black Dragon monument, no matter how much, it’s useless. What matters is variety."

"I see." Midi nodded thoughtfully, surprise flickering in his eyes.

He believed the family head hadn’t withheld information—full disclosure served mutual interests.

That the family head knew nothing about "Dragon Energy requiring variety over quantity" proved Veyna possessed her own secret intelligence network.

Midi suddenly realized he held a significant advantage. Not only did he possess 40% of Mososbury City’s Dragon Energy, but he also had additional Dragon Energy from the Wolfspider tribe. Though the tribe’s contribution might be small, it represented an entirely separate type.

"Aren’t you curious how I know all this? Why I want the Black Dragon monument?" Veyna asked softly, glancing at Midi.

"You’ll tell me when necessary. Demanding answers now would spoil the fun," Midi shrugged casually.

"Thank you, Midi. I won’t forget this Favor." Veyna’s solemn tone contrasted sharply with her usual playful demeanor.

"No need for formality…" Midi chuckled. His storage ring flashed, depositing several Grade Ten Potions on Veyna’s desk.

Among them sat the coveted Dragon Soul Potion – an enhanced version of the Dragon Breath Potion that any black dragon priestess would kill for. There were flesh-regeneration elixirs, breakthrough-enhancing solutions, and various level-up boosters – all supreme quality. Compared to these treasures, the spoils given to Death Scorpion family seemed like cheap imitations.

"For me?" Veyna’s voice trembled, scarcely believing her eyes.

"Of course. For standing with me when it mattered." Midi smiled warmly, patting the Black Dragon High Priest’s shoulder. Those who supported him earned his loyalty – that was Midi’s way.

With only two weeks until departing Mososbury City’s team for distant Dragon Tooth Arena, Midi’s return to Shaded Realm grew uncertain. This uncertainty drove his decision to revisit his roots at Wolfspider tribe. Veyna’s Dragon Energy intelligence cemented his resolve – he’d investigate their hidden Black Dragon monument thoroughly.

Leaving minimal instructions with Death Scorpion family, Midi embarked discreetly. Despite his rising status, only Veyna and the family head knew of this journey. His escort comprised merely five: martial arts master Hawke and four warriors.

Hawke marveled at the Tribe Warrior he’d recruited. In two months, Midi had skyrocketed from newcomer to core disciple, then triumphed in Crystal Dragon Fortress trial. Now the family head personally arranged his security detail.

"Knew you were good, but this?" Hawke shook his head. "Like watching a legend unfold."

"Truthfully? Survival forced my hand." Midi’s bitter smile held private meaning. Witnessing Death Scorpion’s brutal hierarchy and Warrior Thor’s might had driven him to desperate self-improvement. Worse, the sulfuric aura from Death’s Pursuit Order in his veins constantly warned of looming demise. Only through relentless growth could he protect Fina and Alice.

Midi’s hand drifted to his chest where their fate-bond warmed steadily – proof of their safety. This silent connection fueled his relentless drive.

Magic explosions shattered his reverie.

"Report!" Midi snapped alert.

"Battle ahead," Hawke growled, weapons already drawn. The four guards fanned out instinctively into defensive Formation.

With Black Dragon Conference approaching, caution ruled. Even Midi’s prowess couldn’t withstand coordinated attacks by level 66-67 elders. Numbers trumped individual strength in real combat.

Yet as they advanced, familiar faces emerged from the clashing groups – Blue Serpent Tribe members faced Wolfspider tribe warriors.