Translator: AnubisTL
The Sierre Wilderness remained as scorching hot as ever.
The setting sun's rays, like molten iron, poured through gaps in the clouds, dyeing the entire wilderness a rusty red. The distant horizon seemed to be burning, distorted heat waves rising from the twilight-shrouded landscape.
Carmel Black Oilfield.
The roar of alchemy engines filled the air.
Steel-framed oil pumps stood at regular intervals along the horizon, densely packed like countless devout pilgrims rhythmically striking the earth, pumping vast quantities of black oil to the surface.
A military force armed with advanced alchemical equipment was stationed nearby, guarding the oilfield.
Combat-type alchemy golems, the Iron Guardians, each over ten meters tall, strode heavily across the terrain, accompanied by fully armed human soldiers. They maintained constant vigilance, alert to the slightest movement in the surrounding area.
Within a radius of several dozen kilometers around the oilfield, no powerful ferocious beasts or demonic beasts remained.
They had all been preemptively purged.
On the ground, iron guardians and human soldiers patrolled vigilantly. In addition to these, Skyhunter Heavy Crossbows were fixed around the oilfield, each loaded with thick, meter-long bolts inscribed with alchemical runes, specifically designed to deter and combat flying demonic beasts.
"The defenses are truly formidable," Garos murmured, observing from high above the clouds.
While hunting, he had passed by this oilfield and, after a moment's consideration, decided to observe it from afar, hoping to spot any vulnerabilities.
The red iron young dragon hovered, wings beating steadily, its eyes narrowed as it scanned the distant scene.
From this distance, the alchemical constructs appeared tiny, and the humans moving around them looked like ants.
Yet Garos felt no contempt.
As his gaze swept over the iron guardians and the Skyhunter Heavy Crossbows—which instinctively radiated danger—he silently increased his altitude.
"The ground and sky are both heavily guarded, leaving no chance to approach."
"However, there might be a way to slip through underground."
Garos studied the layout of the oilfield, deep in thought.
The Carmel Black Oilfield's defenses were primarily concentrated on the surface, with heavy vigilance against ground and aerial threats. On the surface, at least, its subterranean defenses appeared weak.
"Still, better not risk it," Garos mused. "The Sierre Wilderness is teeming with subterranean creatures like Rock-Crushing Worms. Just because I can't see them doesn't mean they aren't here."
Garos planned to capture some burrowing creatures similar to Rock-Crushing Worms and send them to scout the area.
As for a frontal assault...
Even the iron dragon maid had to detour around such places. Garos dared only observe from a great distance, approaching only after careful deliberation.
Even so, Garos, concealed high in the clouds, was discovered.
Creeak... creeak... creeak!
To the northeast, a Skyhunter Heavy Crossbow slowly rose, adjusting its angle.
The bolt mounted on the crossbow resembled a spear more than an arrow—thick, long, and razor-sharp, its shaft covered in intricate alchemical runes.
One by one, the runes lit up in sequence.
Then, with a barely audible whoosh, the Skyhunter Heavy Crossbow fired its bolt. Piercing through the clouds, it streaked toward Garos.
It moved with incredible speed, yet made no sonic boom, no piercing whistle as it tore through the air. It was nearly undetectable—silent as a shadow, swift as lightning, dangerously lethal.
However.
While observing the layout of the black oilfield, Garos remained on high alert. He noticed the Skyhunter Heavy Crossbow adjusting its angle.
"Such a long range," he muttered, clicking his tongue. He swiftly twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the heavy crossbow's strike.
Looking back, he saw a massive hole punched through the clouds where he had been standing. The crossbow's destructive power was undeniable.
If Samantha had come here first and been targeted by this weapon, her fate would have been sealed.
The alchemical arrows fired by the Goblin Wolf Riders were child's play compared to this. Even Garos's formidable physique would have suffered greatly from a direct hit.
Now that he had been detected, Garos tore through the thick clouds with his razor-sharp wings, decisively retreating to avoid further attacks.
The Skyhunter Heavy Crossbow, now reloaded with a fresh bolt, fell silent, ceasing its assault on the young dragon who had moved beyond its range.
"It looks like a dragon," a guard murmured.
"Such quick reflexes, but a pity it didn't bring him down," the human soldier guarding the Skyhunter Heavy Crossbow thought regretfully, blinking.
The Carmel Black Oilfield still held abundant reserves. In addition to the natural accumulation over millennia, the defenders had also dumped countless demonic beasts and ferocious beasts slain in battle into the oilfield.
"Any place garrisoned by the Lothurn Federation is too dangerous. I shouldn't have approached so carelessly this time," Garos mused, reflecting on his near-disaster. "Even if I wanted to scout, I should have sent a familiar instead of risking myself."
Having narrowly survived the unexpected attack, Garos resolved to learn from his mistake. He had underestimated the power of alchemical constructs, despite maintaining constant vigilance. Fortunately, he had never let his guard down completely.
For Garos in his current weakened state, directly obtaining black oil from the oilfield was virtually impossible.
Having tasted the potent energy of black oil—especially its ability to dramatically accelerate his adaptation efficiency—Garos couldn't stop thinking about it.
If only I were stronger, he lamented.
Vast reserves of black oil lay within reach, yet all he could do was gaze longingly. His only hope was to steal some from underground, but without a subterranean familiar, that plan remained unfeasible.
Soon after, Garos retreated back to the Iron Fir Hills.
"My dearest brother!"
As Garos landed in the Iron Fir Forest, Samantha's voice rang out.
"What's wrong?" Garos asked, turning to the fiery red young dragon.
Samantha bounded over, her chin tilted slightly upward, and declared in a haughty tone, "I have grasped the true essence of alchemy! The great Alchemy Dragon King has taken its first step toward conquering the world!"
Roughly three months had passed since Garos first instructed Samantha in alchemy.
What she called "grasping the true essence" was merely the beginner's stage.
Still, it was an impressive feat.
An ordinary person might spend years of relentless study and practice without even reaching this point. Dragons, as apex demonic beasts, possessed exceptional talent in all areas.
The red young dragon stared intently at Garos, as if awaiting something.
The longing for praise in its eyes was almost palpable. Garos noticed this and smiled faintly. "Oh, that's wonderful news! Congratulations."
Ever since Garos rescued the red dragon sister and guided her path, her arrogance and conceit had rarely surfaced in his presence. Instead, she treated him with far greater respect.
"Can you refine black oil now?" Garos asked.
Samantha's expression faltered, and she shook her head, her voice softening. "Not yet."
"And crafting alchemy items?" Garos pressed.
"N-not that either."
(End of the Chapter)