A dozen days later.
With a thunderous roar, a ferocious black dragon burst forth from the ground. This was Saron, transformed. Now twelve meters in length and incredibly robust, his body shone with a metallic sheen.
Upon closer inspection, it was clear that each of Saron's scales was threaded with fine strands of golden filaments. These filaments spread out radially across the surface of his scales. His back now sported many spikes, also adorned with these fine golden threads.
Saron felt a surge of excitement—these were traits unique to the Plutonium Dragon. When a mature Plutonium Dragon unleashed its power, energy would flow along these golden filaments to the surface of its body. Their glow could outshine even the sun.
Saron glanced at his status:
【Saron: Health Points 280】
【Feast Stacks: 8】
【Feast Cooldown: 30 days】
【Talent 1: Carnivore - You can regain health and energy by slaying enemies, with the amount recovered depending on the life energy of your foes.】
【Talent 2: Earth Magic Affinity - You possess a potent affinity for earth magic.】
【Talent 3: Fire Magic Affinity - You possess a potent affinity for fire magic.】
【Talent 4: Armor Breaker - Your claws and teeth will inflict greater damage on your enemies.】
【Talent 5: Feral Scream - Your roar will deal more damage to enemies, and interrupt their spellcasting.】
【Talent 6: Atomic Forge - It allows your body to absorb and convert more energy, and perhaps once you reach a certain level, you can attempt nuclear fusion within the Atomic Forge.】
A 30-day cooldown period was remarkably long, and the only new talent added was the Atomic Forge, ominously lacking a description.
Saron could feel the presence of a golden, sac-like organ next to his heart, which was undoubtedly the Atomic Forge. From it, a constant stream of energy erupted, filling his body with a power that begged for release. And as he willed it, so it was done. Saron felt a warmth in his chest, and energy began to amass in his mouth.
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With a sizzle, a jet of white breath burst forth, melting the parched trees and the ground itself. After two seconds, he ceased, leaving behind a ten-meter-deep crater with crystallized surfaces, a testament to his might.
Saron was astounded; his breath was reminiscent of a certain Gojira from his past life. It wasn't flame nor any form of laser—just sheer heat, the temperature of which could be amplified by the Atomic Forge, trumping even a Red Dragon's blaze.
With the Atomic Forge, he was akin to a winged Gojira. His current form prevented him from initiating nuclear fusion to unleash even greater power, but as he grew stronger, he'd surpass even the legendary Gojira. The forge was like a second heart, but more potent, enhancing not only his strength but also every function of his body.
However, there were more changes occurring within Saron that the status panel did not display. It was up to him to discover these new capabilities. Suddenly, he realized he could absorb a certain energy from his surroundings. With a mere thought, radioactive energies began to surge into him.
These substances, once refined and synthesized by the Atomic Forge, were stored in a secondary expulsion organ within his body, ready to be unleashed when necessary. After spending some time absorbing the residual radioactive materials in the area, Saron departed, knowing that without the pollution of radioactive substances, the land would soon regain its former vitality. All traces of the Plutonium Dragon egg were thus erased.
Whatever had killed the unborn Plutonium Dragon, Saron knew he had to remain vigilant...
...
The abandoned camp of the Rose Tribe had been transformed into a storage area for Mithril ore.
All the mined Mithril ore was temporarily stored here before being transported to the Vilefang Tribe. With the diligent efforts of the goblins and gnolls, the ore mining process had finally hit its stride.
Ever since Shadar realized the formidable mining capabilities of the goblins and gnolls, he no longer dared let his forest trolls consider them as food. On the contrary, he now valued these goblins greatly. Without them, if Saron commanded the forest trolls to mine, it would spell disaster. Just the thought of them trying to dig without causing a collapse was incomprehensible to him.
Upon Saron's return to the Rose Tribe, he was greeted by a bustling scene of everyone fervently transporting ore. "Honored master, you've arrived! Your presence shines as brightly as the sun in the sky!" Shadar was the first to spot Saron, noticing that his size had increased significantly, and his appearance had grown even more fierce.
All the goblins and gnolls stopped their work to gaze fervently at Saron. They all knew it was Saron who had spared them from becoming food by conquering the Vilefang Tribe. Their gratitude towards him was heartfelt, and his towering form left a deep impression on them.
"Carry on with your work," Saron commanded as he approached a cart laden with ore and loaded several hundred pounds of it into a magical device. Most of these devices had limited capacity, but the one Saron had, once belonging to a prince, was relatively large, with a volume of about fifteen cubic meters.
"Have Winnie and the others gone to the Vilefang Tribe?" Saron asked, picking up a chunk of iron ore and crunching on it. The Feast was still on cooldown, but he was curious to taste the ore regardless.
"As per your request, they've settled next to our tribe after their numbers greatly diminished," Shadar explained.
"I'll need you to oversee this place for the long term. The iron ore is vital; we can't afford to lose it," Saron said earnestly. Even if the iron ore had limited use in the Feast, Saron was clear on its value. Such vast veins of ore were equivalent to the treasure hoard of several adult dragons.
"Lord Saron, rest assured, with me here, nothing will go amiss!" Shadar declared, thumping his chest. To serve a true dragon whose growth was so rapid and who didn't prey on his own kind was the best allegiance one could have!