Ashen Dragon

Amidst some hesitation, Adrian was led by a young man named Sevin into a building made of reinforced concrete, with the pungent smell of gunpowder lingering in the air.

Outside the building stood a steel sculpture intertwining firearms and dragon claws, forged from discarded guns, imparting a strange sense of awe.

"Come, Lord Adrian, this way please." Sevin's face was flushed, pointing towards a metal door, his tone full of proud enthusiasm.

"Here is the headquarters of the Kraubogh Military Group. We are the largest arms supplier in the entire Empire—and even in all of Fianso—possessing the finest weapons and the most elite mercenaries. As long as you are willing to pay, we could even help you conquer a kingdom!"

Adrian and Rolf followed Sevin into the exhibition hall within the building, models of firearms and cannons lined each side, accompanied by magic images demonstrating their power.

In one image next to a caliber-heavy firearm, faced with the menacing Abyssal Drake, imperial soldiers held their breath, aimed, and pulled the trigger.

"Bang!"

A loud shot echoed, the imperial soldier was sent flying backward by the strong recoil.

Simultaneously, a bullet enveloped in flames shot out explosively, piercing the chest of the dragon beast, its mountain-like massive body collapsing with a thunderous crash, raising a cloud of dust.

"Such formidable power... its destructive force is no less than Fourth Tier Spells!" Rolf couldn't help but exclaim.

No wonder there are rumors that these firearms imprison the souls of mortals; such power coming from a mere assemblage of steel and wood is truly... inconceivable. The M$VLE&+MPY-R+ team. wo*rk.ed h^ard on t!h!is. ch*a$pter.+

Rolf reflected inwardly.

Adrian also felt particularly surprised, murmuring, "If we could possess such equipment, we could stand against those in the Dragon Worship Cult..."

Rolf quickly tugged at Adrian's clothes, signaling caution, as they were still unsure of the Emperor's stance towards the Dragon Worship Cult.

Sevin seemed indifferent, smiling as if he hadn't heard, saying, "This is our newly launched 'Demon Slaying-III Type' semi-automatic rifle, extremely powerful and capable of inflicting additional damage on creatures from the Evil Faction, truly an ideal choice for slaying devils, demons, cultists."

"Now about this..."

"You mean the price, right? Ah, you are asking the right person. I happen to have a special promotion for new customers, such a rifle is only two gold coins, and if you purchase over fifty, you receive a complimentary mortar...."

Sevin discussed animatedly, as if releasing a flood of words.

Yet Adrian looked troubled, sighing, "Unfortunately, we are currently displaced; all our possessions have been taken by those ruffians, leaving us without sufficient funds..."

Sevin paused briefly but quickly resumed with a formal smile: "No worries, my friend, you can take out a loan. The Imperial Bank recently launched a 'Military Loan' to assist commoner professionals, with an annual interest rate of only fifteen percent, and loan amounts of up to ten thousand gold coins!"

"They will send specialists to conduct a comprehensive value assessment of your abilities, equipment, and status until you can repay...."

Listening to this well-practiced sales pitch, Adrian felt overwhelmed, although unclear about what was said, vaguely sensing a trap therein.

With this thought, the paladin loosened his armor and retrieved a finely crafted magic dagger from the lining, presenting it: "I don't understand these novelties; could you appraise how much this Blade of Inspiration is worth?"

"Ah, you own such an item; of course, no problem. Magic equipment is hard currency within the Empire; we'll surely offer a fair price...."

Sevin's face lit up immediately, about to reach out and accept it, but he accidentally glanced at a token hanging within the lining of the armor, causing his expression to change abruptly.

"This is... an Audience Token? By Cassius, you actually have something like this!"

His face suddenly displayed a sycophantic expression, returning the magic dagger, hunched and bowing.

Rolf felt rather nervous, clutching his Magic Wand instinctively despite the nearly sealed magic web here.

Yet Adrian calmly inquired, "Lord Sevin, what does this token signify?"

"This... this is..."

The previously eloquent Sevin now stammered, speaking vaguely, his throat quivering.

He swallowed hard, cautiously saying, "Lord Adrian, this is an Audience Token!"

"It means you can have an audience with His Majesty Cassius! Even converse face-to-face!"

"This is His Majesty Cassius! Our supreme Emperor, symbolizing victory and glory—the giant dragon—ordinary imperial people would break their heads trying to obtain such supreme honor! And it is only those of Earl rank and above who can earn His Majesty's esteem."

Adrian observed Sevin's flushed face, showing undisguised excitement, adoration, and shock, apparently genuine.

This filled Adrian with surprise and puzzlement.

After all, in his past beliefs, red dragons were a group of cruel and brutal beasts, madmen lacking moral principles. In the Kingdom of Seleucis, they often swarm over the cities, spewing deadly flames, bringing wails and cries.