Chapter 330 – Obedience?

History serves as an excellent reference book. From what appears like ancient dust of history, one can always analyze many useful things. Particularly for Master-Level powerhouses—long-lived species with lifespans of five to six thousand years—history is their past, and the “past” often conceals many subtle pieces of information and details.

From the history recounted by Huai’en, Punk easily deduced the following pieces of information:

First, this young dragon grew up in the Barren Swamps. It was likely abandoned since it was a wyrmling and would not have the protection of an adult dragon (a Legendary dragon).

Of course, considering the generally chaotic evil alignment of chromatic dragons, it is quite common for them to abandon or even devour their young. Such abandoned, solitary dragons are nothing special. Unlike the good and orderly nature of metallic dragons who tend to live in groups, unless under extremely unusual circumstances, the solitary lifestyle of chromatic dragons is almost inevitable. It now appears that this black dragon, whose thoughts remain unknown, is no exception.

On the other hand, Punk confirmed his speculation: this dragon named Ovakain Acidmaw is indeed a mage proficient in alchemy. In terms of skill alone, this dragon mage even surpasses Punk himself. At the very least, Punk is incapable of brewing the alchemical potion that Huai’en referred to as the “Well of Goodness.”

Although the memories inherited from Grand Arcanist Vedrasha contain many formulas for potions that suppress bloodline impulses—including five or six types that can be used on a large scale for biological populations and are low in cost—each of these requires extremely high alchemical experience and skill. With Punk’s current level, he could manage to brew one or two batches with some effort, but he is far from capable of supplying an entire nation single-handedly with ease, as Ovakain Acidmaw does, let alone producing the potion in such quantities that it could be described as a “well.”

From this, another piece of information emerges: the Dragon Roar Kingdom must have a substantial output of potion ingredients. Even if Ovakain, with his advanced alchemical skills, developed a potion with easily obtainable ingredients, and even if the annual dosage required for each ordinary dragon-kin is minimal, supporting the needs of over ten million people in the Dragon Roar Kingdom is no small feat. The evidence lies in the “White Butterfly Wings” that Huai’en once purchased in large quantities from Ben Lajie. Regarding the production of ingredients for the “Well of Goodness” in the Dragon Roar Kingdom, Punk feels he could stir up a little trouble.

Lastly, Punk asked Huai’en many other questions, delving into increasingly sensitive secrets. For instance, Punk explicitly inquired whether Huai’en knew the formula for the so-called “Well of Goodness.”

However, Huai’en’s answer was quite disappointing:

“The ‘Well of Goodness’ was created by the great Your Majesty. A continuous stream, shimmering with starlight, flows from the spring beside Your Majesty’s residence. As for the ingredients required to concoct the Well of Goodness, only Your Majesty knows the core materials. The auxiliary materials are provided by five families absolutely loyal to Your Majesty. Besides these five families, there are another five families standing by, ready to replace the current ones in case of emergencies.”The sources of these materials were obtained partly through trade and partly through cultivation. During an era of plague, our Ting Family once purchased large quantities of “White Butterfly Wings” from the Gray Rain Country.

Well, Punk had to admit that Ovakain was truly an unusual dragon. He completely lacked the arrogance and hubris typical of other dragons. When it came to such a crucial potion, this black dragon displayed a level of caution and prudence that left Punk at a loss. The source of the Well of Goodness was actually right next to the black dragon’s lair, which completely dashed any ideas Punk had about poisoning it.

Huai’en actually didn’t know much intelligence. Although he was nominally the handler of the Dragon Roar Kingdom’s “underground affairs” and considered himself a crucial core figure of the kingdom, in Punk’s view, this Huai’en was mostly just processing and approving supplies. As for the sources and destinations of these supplies… the guy knew nothing when asked!

“So, did you find out the dragon’s secrets? How many mistresses does Ovakain have? Does he take sugar in his coffee or not?”

Seeing Punk’s furrowed brow, Ben Lajie couldn’t resist mocking him while chewing on a roasted lamb leg. The hedonistic Ben Lajie always believed that fighting should be done shoulder-to-shoulder, and that all this scheming was terribly inefficient. From this perspective, Punk sincerely felt it was a pity the fat old man hadn’t become a berserker.

Completely ignoring the roasted lamb leg Ben Lajie offered with Mage Hand, Punk began testing Huai’en with some rebellious commands. He hoped this hard-captured prisoner could use his authority to cause internal disruption in the Dragon Roar Kingdom, preferably creating trouble for the production of the “Well of Goodness.” Punk believed that if this pillar supporting the kingdom were to falter, that lurking Ovakain Acidmaw would surely be thrown into disarray.

If Huai’en couldn’t resist the magical influence, Punk’s scheme actually had a good chance of success. The Ting Family now controlled the production of the “White Butterfly Wings” ingredient, and if Family Head Huai’en were to rebel, it would be easy for him to sabotage things within his family.

But… Punk had underestimated Huai’en’s willpower, or rather, he had overlooked the methods of a cautious spellcaster.

Sinking into darkness, Huai’en felt his consciousness growing increasingly blurred. The initial resistance he had managed slowly dissipated. The questions posed by the unfamiliar voice made Huai’en increasingly uneasy, but… his thinking had nearly stalled, and his control over his memories was growing weaker and weaker.

“Forget it… this isn’t so bad either… memories… memories are flowing… no need to think… just sleep like this…”

Feeling overwhelming drowsiness wash over him, Huai’en began to consider giving up the struggle.

But just then, that “somewhat familiar” voice spoke again:

“Huai’en, you are the head of the Ting Family. Now you must return to the Ting Family, refuse all visitors—even Your Majesty is no exception. Then… destroy all stockpiled ‘White Butterfly Wings’ and launch an all-out war of retaliation against rival families!””Destroy… the White Butterfly Wings? Launch a noble war?… No… I can’t… The Dragon Roar Kingdom is facing a crisis… We cannot have internal strife at this time… Not now…”

“No, you can, you must obey the command, and you have no choice but to obey. Of course, obedience is your only option”!

The voice grew increasingly low and ethereal. Huai’en felt as though it was filled with truth and miracles, even hallucinating that these commands were earnest instructions from the “great Your Majesty” he worshipped.

“I… you’re right… I must… obey”.

Huai’en’s consciousness was gradually dissolving. Under Punk’s spell, if nothing unexpected happened, Huai’en would soon completely lose himself and become a freely moving puppet, or even a new consciousness loyal to Punk would emerge within this body.

But just as his faint awareness was about to vanish entirely, a thunderous roar surged directly into Huai’en’s soul:

“Who said you must obey? I never agreed to this”!

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(End of Chapter)