Chapter 18: The Labyrinth’s Secrets and a Dragon’s Ambition

Once again, Theodore heard the Old Patriarch’s affirmation, and he wholeheartedly agreed.

How magnificent dragons were! They possessed thick, powerful tails, smooth, hardened scales, fearsome yet handsome horns, and eyes that brimmed with formidable spirit.

They were simply too majestic, too awe-inspiring!

Born a human, Theodore expressed profound regret. He could only nod vigorously and declare, “Next life, definitely.”

“Perhaps you won’t need a next life if you don’t wish to be human,” the Old Patriarch mumbled, his voice too low for either of them to hear. Then, he continued, “I’ve heard that the labyrinth was originally built by giants and dragons together, a place akin to a sanctuary.”

“Heard?” Theresia looked at the Old Patriarch with a nuanced expression, sizing him up and down before sighing. “Old man, go back and learn some proper dragon lore. Stop acting like a meddling matchmaker all the time.”

“Look at this! The Dragon race has genuine legacies, and yet, you, a patriarch, still rely on hearsay. Our dragon ancestors would weep if they saw you like this.”

Upon hearing Theresia’s words, the Old Patriarch merely scoffed. “Heh, don’t worry, they wouldn’t weep. If they were in my position and saw a rebellious creature like you, they’d immediately find a piece of obsidian and bash their heads in.”

“The dragon legacy suffered severe damage during the twilight years of the Dragon Alliance. What remained intact was only the essential knowledge for survival and continuation. Many secrets were buried, leaving only fragmented whispers, making it impossible to deduce their complete content.”

“I did find mention of the Montoire Labyrinth in historical dragon texts. While it stated that dragons participated in its construction, they only built a rudimentary shell. Due to the severe war conditions at the time, no resources could be allocated there, leaving it an empty husk. It was actually the Dwarf Empire that ultimately filled this empty shell with content, so this dragon-related information is largely useless.”

Theresia’s eyes gleamed as she exclaimed, “The Elf Queen did say it held the legacy of the late Dwarf Empire, didn’t she? Heh heh, perhaps an endless treasure trove awaits a destined dragon like me to claim it.”

“Once I reach the heart of the Montoire Labyrinth, I’ll claim the Dwarf Empire’s treasures for myself! Then, by finding the Elemental God’s secret artifact, I’ll be able to usher in a new chapter for the Dragon race!”

The Old Patriarch poured cold water on her enthusiasm. “Don’t be foolish. If it were that simple, would it even be your turn? Do you think you’re the only one who knows this information? Adult dragons all have the right to access such knowledge, and many treasure-hunting dragons have visited countless times already.”

Theresia asked with a hint of reluctance, “And they all returned empty-handed?”

The Old Patriarch shook his head. “Not entirely, but it’s certain that while they gained much, it had nothing to do with the dwarven legacy. They were merely things adventurers could also acquire. It was simply that their strength was sufficient, allowing them to take more.”

“The late Dwarf Empire was quite mad, always considering only immediate gains and losses, never thinking about what might happen later. So, who can say how many terrifying things are hidden within? Why else do you think no single race has quietly claimed that inheritance to this day?”

Theodore furrowed his brow. “But Montoire is known as the Adventurer’s Capital. While many adventurers die in the labyrinth each year, it hasn’t reached the extent you describe, Patriarch.”

The Old Patriarch explained, “My boy, you must consider the labyrinth’s purpose. It was a sanctuary, and a sanctuary must prioritize safety. The endless magical beasts within might seem threatening to humans, but when the Dwarf Empire designed it, they might have simply regarded them as sustainable livestock.”

The Old Patriarch paused here, casting a subtle glance at Theresia. Seeing a flicker of hesitation on her face, he immediately shifted his tone. “Of course, those dragons who went treasure hunting in the labyrinth before were merely acting on impulse. They never made any preparations, so it’s normal that they found nothing. If one could be more patient, and with support from the elves and the Dragon race, it might actually be possible.”

At these words, Theresia’s wavering resolve was instantly shattered by her own claw.

She, Theresia, would show these old fossils that what other dragons could do, she could do, and what other dragons couldn’t do, she could *also* do!

The Old Patriarch, seeing Theresia’s determined gaze, revealed the smile of a cunning merchant. “If you intend to go, I can prepare some materials for you. These are secret documents obtained from official elven and dwarven sources, not publicly available. Of course, they will require a price, which I’m sure you’re familiar with.”

Theresia’s brows furrowed. After this expenditure and the ‘tipping’ she gave Theodore, her savings were not particularly substantial (at least, not in a black dragon’s estimation).

However, the labyrinth had been modified by four of the oldest races. Without firsthand information, the time it would take her to acquire the elven artifact could multiply exponentially.

Her estrus period wasn’t just a one-time event in adulthood!

It occurred once every hundred years!

Of course, if reproductive behavior occurred within that century, the timer would reset, restarting the hundred-year countdown. Theresia hoped she could resolve this Dragon God’s curse within a hundred years.

With a hint of struggle, she asked, “Didn’t you say you’d support me? I can share a portion of the Dwarf Empire’s legacy with you then. Isn’t discussing money now a bit detrimental to our relationship?”

“Without discussing money, there might be no relationship between us,” the old dragon heartlessly stated. “I said support, but I didn’t say *free* support. Buy it or don’t, I don’t mind that curse.”

Inhale. Exhale.

She gambled!

All in!

How could a dragon control their own destiny without going all in?

“Perhaps you should reconsider carefully?”

Theodore’s voice reached her, and Theresia turned to see him looking at her with concern.

Theresia placed a hand on Theodore’s shoulder, stating gravely, “I know what worries you, but some ventures require a leader to forge ahead against the wind, to shield those behind them from the storm.”

“Besides, I still have a modest fortune; I can afford to splurge a few times.”

Theodore: “…”

‘But I don’t think you can splurge many more times.’

He just felt that Theresia lost her composure whenever the curse was mentioned.

Theodore was incredibly curious about what the curse was, but Theresia simply wouldn’t tell him.

‘Alas, if you’re being swindled, I don’t even know how to save you.’

‘This old dragon clearly wants to drain your coffers.’

Theodore’s guess was correct; the Old Patriarch indeed thought so.

Through years of observation, he had discovered something.

Compared to other dragons, Theresia’s desire for treasure wasn’t overly intense.

Other dragons always wanted more, and under the Old Patriarch’s vigorous pro-creation policies, even if initially reluctant, once they received the actual birth rewards and vacation time, they would become filled with a sense of mission to expand the dragon population.

Theresia, however, would accumulate treasures, but once the quantity reached a certain level, her desire would rapidly decline.

Even when the Old Patriarch showed her many award ceremonies for outstanding dragons who had taken part in population expansion efforts, Theresia remained utterly uninterested.

He finally understood: this dragon had no sense of crisis as long as her hands were full. Without a sense of crisis, she wouldn’t be interested in his great pro-creation policy, and if she wasn’t interested in his policy, she wouldn’t properly engage in population growth efforts.

Thus, the Old Patriarch reached a conclusion: to make this black dragon procreate, he had to drain her savings.

“Excellent, that’s how it should be. You’re still young; you have a long dragon life ahead to accumulate your savings. Why not do what needs to be done while you’re still young?”

The Old Patriarch cheerfully persuaded her, “Then I’ll collect the materials for you once the matchmaking event is over. The sooner they’re appraised, the sooner you can return.”

“Alright!”

Theresia agreed readily, intending to return directly to the appraisal office.

However, Theodore stopped her.

“I need to speak a few words with the Old Patriarch. Theresia, you go back first.”

Theresia scrutinized Theodore and the Old Patriarch. These two were highly suspicious.

However, the communication crystal was almost out of energy, so they couldn’t conspire much. Most importantly, Theodore would remain by her side afterward, allowing her to thoroughly probe him then.

Too much possessiveness would cause sibling conflict, so Theresia allowed Theodore and the Old Patriarch time to talk.

****

Once Theresia had left, Theodore immediately asked, “Are you sure that labyrinth poses no danger to Theresia?”

The Old Patriarch calmly replied, “Of course I’m not sure. Didn’t I say? That labyrinth was heavily modified by the Dwarf Empire; who knows what it’s become. Do you think that old woman isn’t eager to bring the artifact back herself? Her efforts are far greater than you imagine.”

“Then why are you encouraging her to go? You know she’s the only surviving black dragon. Shouldn’t she be kept in a safer place?” Theodore tried to use this to ensure Theresia’s safety.

However, he received the Old Patriarch’s nonchalant answer. “Indeed, if I were treating Theresia as a mere black dragon breeding tool, I should certainly find an absolutely safe place.”

“How about breaking her limbs, erasing her personality, and imprisoning her on Dragon King Island? That was the suggestion of an old dragon on Dragon Island after seeing Theresia’s peculiar personality.”

Theodore: “…I think that’s a bit extreme.”

“I thought so too, which is why I rejected that seemingly good suggestion,” the Old Patriarch said in a deep voice. “Dragons have their own pride; they certainly don’t exist merely to cling to life. She is the only black dragon alive, and precisely because of that, she must become even stronger.”

“External protection is like a castle in the air; only one’s own strength is the ultimate guarantee. Without enduring trials and storms, even possessing immense power is like a soda bottle with its cap on, unable to release its full potential.”

“Theresia was raised by me; she is the smartest young dragon I’ve ever seen, absorbing the knowledge I imparted to her in an incredibly short time. And she needs a place to transform that knowledge into her own power.”

“Montoire is a good place, and that labyrinth ultimately needs to be dealt with; constantly leaving that cancerous growth there is not a solution.” The Old Patriarch paused, a look of curiosity and eagerness for knowledge crossing his face. “Besides, I’m also very curious about what good things the Dwarf Empire left behind in that labyrinth. Few dragons were willing to waste time there before, but now I’ve finally managed to trick one, heh heh.”

Theodore looked at the Old Patriarch strangely and asked one last question: “So, which is more important: cultivating Theresia or satisfying your curiosity?”

To this, the Old Patriarch righteously declared, “Of course it’s the former! Why do you even need to ask, you brat?!”

Theodore asked in surprise, “Ah? Aren’t they both? I thought mature old dragons wanted both.”

Old Patriarch: “…”

He had to admit that the boy had a point, but seeing Theodore’s barely suppressed grin, the old dragon’s face began to darken.

“Theodore…”

However, the communication crystal disconnected, cutting off the old dragon’s harsh words.

The dragon’s impending roar, poised to erupt, failed to unleash upon its target.

Old Patriarch: “…”

‘Fine, fine, today’s youngsters are all very spirited. A good thing, indeed, a good thing.’

He took a few breaths, then walked away with his hands behind his back.

The shadows of the trees enveloped the old dragon, and a gloomy aura emanated from his body.

‘Heh heh heh, just you wait, boy. Soon you’ll understand the consequences of offending an old dragon!’

‘Heh heh heh!’