Chapter 78 Surrounding Dragons
"I understand that the Red Flame Staff holds secrets. You don't want to discuss them, and I won't press further, but I also won't relinquish it to you."
On the other side, Luna felt somewhat troubled upon hearing Brian's cold response, absently twirling her golden hair with her fingers.
It was evident that she really wanted Morton's relic.
After a moment of thought, she proposed, "Could you consider giving me Morton's notes instead? I'll offer something of greater value in return."
"His notes are merely that—just notes," she added quickly, afraid of another refusal. "Additionally, I promise to help you once, provided it's for a good and just cause."
Brian frowned, feeling a twinge of displeasure. "I've already made it very clear. Regardless of your terms, I won't agree."
Although he had memorized the contents of Morton's notes and found them of little use to him, the enigmatic nature of the Red Flame Staff led him to suspect that the notes might also harbor hidden secrets yet to be discovered.
Meanwhile, Luna sighed and made a final attempt, asking, "Won't you reconsider? I'm willing to trade a Dragon Soul Stone."
Brian snorted softly and firmly said, "I won't..."
Before he could finish, his voice halted, and he asked in astonishment, "A Dragon Soul Stone? You have a Dragon Soul Stone?"
Brian's reaction was hardly surprising; Dragon Soul Stones were exceedingly rare and prized possessions.
Near the Dragon's Lair of an ancient dragon, under the influence of the ancient dragon's aura and through miraculous evolution, there existed a minuscule chance of producing a Dragon Soul Stone.
Ordinary True Dragons typically had limited lifespans, succumbing to old age at around 800 years.
Only by breaking the boundaries of life and death could a dragon ascend to become an ancient dragon, extending its lifespan and earning the respect of even opposing True Dragons.
True Dragons above the level of ancient dragons were the most feared entities among other creatures, and they were extremely scarce.
Given the stringent conditions required for their formation, Dragon Soul Stones were exclusive to the nests of ancient dragons, imbuing them with extraordinary properties.
A Dragon Soul Stone could significantly enhance a True Dragon's evolutionary slumber, making one such rest as beneficial as two or three standard ones. For True Dragons, particularly those not yet fully matured, it was an invaluable treasure that could drastically expedite their growth.
Seeing Brian's interest in the Dragon Soul Stone, Luna's eyes sparkled with excitement as she revealed, "Yes, I have two Dragon Soul Stones. I’ve already used one myself, leaving me with one remaining."
The effect of the first Dragon Soul Stone was unparalleled, and using it multiple times would be wasteful.
Having two... Brian could guess how Luna obtained her Dragon Soul Stones and couldn't help but feel a bit envious.
The familial bonds between metallic dragons far surpassed those among chromatic dragons.
Provoking a young metallic dragon would undoubtedly invoke swift retribution from its elders.
Especially with gold and silver dragons, pushing too hard might even provoke the Dragon God Bahamut.
Given that Luna had Dragon Soul Stones, it was highly likely that she had an ancient dragon-level elder backing her.
Dragon Soul Stones... Brian hesitated, his expression shifting as he contemplated.
Sensing Brian’s wavering resolve, Luna thought for a moment and then smiled gently. "How about this? Take some time to think it over. I don't have the Dragon Soul Stone with me right now."
"When I return with it next time, you can make your decision."
Brian nodded and said, "Alright, let's proceed as you suggested."
With the primary issue addressed, Luna lingered, her curiosity piqued as she observed Brian, her gaze drawn particularly to his four prominent dragon horns and the Black Scales Ring adorning his neck.
Especially the dragon horns.
In draconic aesthetics, the presence and dimensions of dragon horns held significant appeal.
True Dragons with well-developed dragon horns, especially those long and robust, were highly coveted by their peers.
Brian possessed not one, but two pairs of dragon horns—a rarity among True Dragons, who typically sported only one pair.
Feeling somewhat uneasy under Luna's inquisitive gaze, Brian queried irritably, "What's the matter?"
Blushing faintly, Luna admitted, "I'm admiring your dragon horns. It's my first time encountering a True Dragon with two pairs of horns. They're quite special and beautiful."
So, she was attracted by my appearance... Brian's displeasure faded, and he generously said, "Very well, feel free to admire."
However, Luna felt embarrassed to continue looking and retracted her gaze, asking, "This place used to be Salia's territory. How is she now?"
Brian didn't want to elaborate and simply said, "I don't know. I just drove her away."
With the time imprint, he could easily track Salia's movements if he wanted to, but he hadn't actively checked her location yet, and they currently had no interaction.
Luna nodded and didn't ask further, remarking, " You're the most peculiar white dragon I've encountered."
Meanwhile, Brian thought about the presence of other True Dragons in the northern Ice Field and eventually inquired, "Luna, do you have any knowledge of the number of True Dragons residing in the northern Ice Field?"
Luna blinked and said, "The entire northern Ice Field? I don't know."
Brian asked again, "Do you know of any other True Dragons near my territory?"
Luna lowered her head and thought for a moment, then slowly saying, " Approximately four hundred miles north of your Dragon’s Lair, atop a snowy mountain, resides a nearly mature female Crystal Dragon."
"Six hundred miles to the west, there are two male white dragon – one in his prime, the other just reaching adulthood."
"Other than that, I cannot say for certain."
After a pause, Luna seemed to recall something amusing and said, " I learned of the crystal dragon and Salia when the crystal dragon attempted to pilfer Salia's dragon egg. Their confrontation extended into my territory."
"Had the crystal dragon succeeded, there might have been a benevolent white dragon in the northern Ice Field."
Brian was momentarily taken aback.
'Had the crystal dragon succeeded, my White Dragon Mother might have become a crystal dragon mother,' Brian mused.
Gem dragons inherently leaned towards neutrality, with crystal dragons often considered the most amiable among them, akin to their metallic counterparts. Had Brian been nurtured in a crystal dragon's haven, his early life might have been more favorable.
Thinking about this, Brian lamented the missed opportunity of the crystal dragon’s failed attempt to steal the egg.
After a prolonged conversation, Luna glanced outside the Dragon's Lair and said enviously, "Savage Beasts are a rarity. None of my followers are Savage Beasts, let alone a ferocious tiger."
Brian smiled, feeling well toward Luna, saying, "Indeed, Savage Beasts are different from ordinary magical creatures. It took considerable effort to domesticate one."
Luna smiled. "I must go now. I hope you agree to my request next time we meet."
Brian made no promises and said calmly, "I will consider it."
Then, Luna, still in her humanoid form, cast a spell, spreading a pair of faint wings from her back, and flew away from Brian's Dragon's Lair.
