Chapter 438: The Dragon's New Abilities

Ronin carefully sensed the upgraded speed of Carlos, noticing a significant improvement compared to before.

The dragon's flying distance per hour now likely exceeds that of a typical small passenger aircraft, though it probably still falls short of eight hundred kilometers.

While not as fast as most civilian aircraft, in this world, it is top-tier, at least faster than Ronin's Wind Wings and Sophia's magic carpet.

Ronin, sensing the changes in speed, counted the dragon scales within his spatial ring.

This time, fewer scales were shed—only eighty-six, fifty less than last.

Though fewer, their quality was higher; their strength and hardness far surpassed that of fifth-level dragon scales.

"Sophia mentioned that Simon is skilled in forging. Perhaps we can ask him to help craft some dragon-scale weapons. Also, Sophia could study how to make dragon-scale magic shields."

Almost no time had passed before the pair arrived at a desolate swamp.

"Master, is this suitable?"

Ronin nodded, flying to one side in the air. "Let me see the abilities you've gained."

Carlos acknowledged and immediately demonstrated them.

Before reaching the sixth level, he had Flame Breath, Frost Breath, Fireball, Water Arrow, and such.

After this advancement, Carlos acquired two new abilities—Fire Manipulation and Frost Blast.

Fire Manipulation allowed the dragon not only to spew flames but also to finely control them, such as creating flame barriers, summoning fire whirlwinds, or compressing flames into high-temperature rays.

Frost Blast resembled Janie's Frost Arrow, but when Ronin saw the massive five-meter-long Frost Arrow formed before Carlos's gaping maw, he knew its power was immense.

Indeed, Frost Blast delivered not only heavy impact damage but also fragmented shards upon explosion, striking surrounding targets.

Even the shard impact from the explosion was powerful enough to dent knight armor. Without protection, one would likely be shredded.

"In actual combat, Carlos could sweep the battlefield with his skills first. If opponents lack Meteor Knights or Archmages to withstand this assault, they'd suffer heavy losses."

A seventh-level dragon in an ordinary battlefield, unless matched by an equal opponent, is nearly overwhelming.

But there are drawbacks.

Once battle begins and forces engage, the dragon's effectiveness diminishes, as such attacks risk collateral damage.

"Also, 8063 energy essence..."

Ronin gazed at Carlos's progress bar of 0/20000, falling into thought.

Should the remaining energy essence further enhance the dragon's strength or boost Redar and Macken?

"Master, I never thought I'd become a seventh-level dragon so quickly!"

After venting, Carlos finally calmed down, his tone toward Ronin increasingly respectful and obedient.

It was this young master who freed him from darkness, ushered in renewal, allowing him to relish a free dragon life anew.

"Seventh level isn't your end, Carlos."

Ronin smiled. "I'll make you a legendary dragon like your parents!"

Carlos's cold blue eyes flashed with excitement and anticipation.

After wasting nearly three hundred crucial years, could he become that sky-obscuring terror from inherited memory?

"I have a task for you."

Ronin said, "But it might be challenging."

"Master, speak. I can overcome even difficulties!" Carlos displayed an extremely human-like side.

"I need you, using your high-temperature flames and fire manipulation, to assist Simon in swiftly constructing steel giantships for the Northern Domain."

Carlos blinked his dragon eyes. He thought it was something difficult, but upon hearing, it seemed not so hard.

"Rest assured, I'll help him well."

Ronin nodded. Though dragons don't speak, they can manipulate fire to form text, which Simon can understand.

"Let's go, to Northern Port."

By then, Sophia had brought Anilu and Hamon back to Dawnbreaker, discussing next steps.

The four followers of Sophia had no ambitions or admirers; they gathered in Olrant to bring reinforcements to Crescent Continent.

Thus, they had no objections to Sophia's decision, after comprehensive consideration, to aid Ronin.

After discussion, Simon stayed at Northern Port, the rest heading to Shore City.

"Ronin is young, but clearly measured in actions. I sense his ambition."

Sophia said, "If merely indulging in pleasure, he wouldn't spend lavishly to support so many and undertake such grand projects."

Simon nodded in agreement, smiling. "Here, with water and port, given enough materials, over ten years, I could forge a fleet! Returning, we'd directly assault Soulcalm Bay!"

Everyone smiled. Though a fleet seemed exaggerated, they hoped at this crucial decade's end, all wishes would be fulfilled.

Suddenly, Sophia frowned, tensed.

Simon sobered. "What's wrong?"

Sophia stood, glancing at her sensing pendant on her neck. "The wind tells me a powerful creature is approaching!"

Everyone immediately left the cabin, stepping onto the deck.

Outside, people knelt, begging for mercy as if witnessing something terrifying.

"Dragon!"

"Such a huge dragon!"

Sophia and others were stunned too.

With wings spanning over seventy meters, matching Dawnbreaker's length.

This dragon, without strong lineage, must possess immense power.

"I am your lord, Ronin Ushan. This is Northern Domain's guardian dragon, Carlos Frostfire Wing."

Ronin flew down from the dragon's back. "Don't panic, everyone. Carry on as usual!"

The frightened people froze. The lord's dragon, so huge?

Though no life threat remained, facing this colossal creature so close, claiming no panic was impossible.

The foreman, or rather, port construction overseer, Emond, bravely rose, urging everyone to focus and work, gradually calming them, redirecting to tasks.

Ronin landed on the deck.

"Ronin, how did your dragon grow so large?" Sophia asked, astonished.

"He leveled up, so his size surged."

Ronin explained: "Simon, this is the helper I found for you. Carlos's flame control is extremely potent. With his aid, suitable ships should be crafted faster."

Then, Carlos formed a line of text with fire in the air—Hope we cooperate happily!

Simon and others paused, then laughed heartily.

"I never thought I'd work alongside a dragon!"

Simon declared boldly: "Rest assured, Ronin. With such a powerful helper, given enough iron ore, wood, and materials, within ten years, I'll forge a fleet for you!"

Transporting iron ore from Chishan Town had always been a time-consuming and laborious task. But now that Carloth's size had dramatically increased, along with its carrying capacity, it could easily be assigned to handle this job.

Carloth's strength was formidable, and under Roning's care, it increasingly exhibited traits of a tool-like dragon.

Roning smiled, revealing a set of white teeth: "Eight Dawnbreaker ships in ten years—that'll certainly keep Uncle Simon busy!"

"That's my pleasure," Simon emphasized.

Roning pulled out a stack of design blueprints: "If possible, I'd like to add something to the Dawnbreaker. Can you help me consider it?"

Simon was astonished: "Do you understand shipbuilding? What do you want to add?"

"A steam engine."

Roning uttered these three words: "This thing can not only be used on ships, but also on land."

Everyone showed curiosity.

"There's such a thing?"

Simon took the blueprints, "Then I really have to look closely!" (End of Chapter)