Why would a Grand Enchanter want to build a magic tower?
There were several advantages to doing so:
1. In their own magic tower, a Grand Enchanter could more easily perceive the natural laws and progress in their magical studies at an accelerated pace.
2. Science and technology were the primary drivers of progress, and magicians were the stewards of knowledge. A well-equipped magic tower could house numerous magical instruments, facilitating experiments and research by hundreds or even thousands of magicians.
3. A magic tower was a beacon for magicians. The presence of a magic tower in Dawn City would attract countless magicians seeking knowledge and apprenticeships, potentially even drawing wild mages.
4. It would enhance Merses' personal power. The stronger the magic tower, the more it would benefit her.
Normally, the cost of building a magic tower was around 20 million Gold Coins, a sum most Grand Enchanters could afford. Even if they lacked the funds, affiliating with a powerful faction would often result in financial support for such an endeavor.
"But is your magic tower really worth 60 million Gold Coins? This is getting a bit pricey," William mused as he examined the materials on the procurement list.
Every material listed was of Epic Rank or higher, and the most striking aspect was the absence of basic construction materials and core components. Instead, the list comprised rare and uncommon items that were challenging to obtain.
"Are these materials alone worth 60 million Gold Coins? What's the total value of everything on this list? Moses must have some amazing treasures hidden away. Especially since she became a Grand Enchanter, did she inherit her previous life's wealth? If she continues at this rate, she'll establish her own temple," William thought, feeling a twinge of pain in his heart.
It seemed that Moses didn't merely intend to build a magic tower; she was aiming for an artifact. William couldn't help but consider the significance of this development. After all, artifacts were created by intelligent beings, and the transition from Legendary Rank Equipment to divine equipment and then artifacts marked a significant leap in power.
However, new artifacts had continued to emerge with each passing era, and it wasn't solely the purview of gods to create them. Sages, with their immense power, were capable of crafting artifacts, and the presence of several Sages could indeed produce these valuable items.
William resolved to help Moses obtain the rare materials she required. He decided to forego his return to the far north and instead took it upon himself to procure these rare components. If possible, he would even acquire the best and Legendary materials available.
"There's no need to worry about the ongoing conflict in the far north. It's mostly a war of attrition with few sieges. The Dragon Blood Legion is the only one conducting sieges, but Old Ben, the space mage, has helped me set up a teleportation Point there. So, there's no need to concern myself with the capture of Dragon Blood Legion members," William concluded, granting himself some respite.
As for the battles involving Burned Cinders, Diablo, Violent Dragon, and others, they could handle it. NPCs gained the most experience and growth from life-and-death struggles, making such battles an essential part of their development.
And Annie? Well, William wanted her to return to Dawn City for a break, but she was not one to idle around. She was committed to the war against the Elves and was unlikely to return unless the Orc Empire was dealt a decisive blow.
"Where should I go first, the Sky
City?" William contemplated his options, gazing up at the azure sky above him.
"Yes, let's start by finding Xiyan and having her escort me to Sky City to purchase some floating stones. William has to visit the Yuzu City and check on the little angel recovering in Dawn City."
Suddenly, a powerful disturbance rocked the surroundings. The next moment, a thunderous dragon roar filled the skies over Dawn City.
All eyes turned upward, and the citizens and Professionals watched in awe as a massive black dragon ascended from the earth.
Little Black… No, Sacario had fully recovered. Gone was the small, unassuming black dog that used to follow the Lord around. Now, he had transformed into a colossal creature over 30 meters in length, covered in metallic black scales. His two upward-curving dragon horns seemed capable of piercing the very heavens, and his wingspan now reached 70 to 80 meters.
He was no longer the mild-mannered companion they once knew. Instead, he exuded an aura of dominance and majesty.
Many civilians were left dumbfounded by the rapid transformation. In just seven or eight months, Sacario had advanced from a fledgling dragon to an epic dragon, a feat that seemed almost inconceivable. Those who knew about dragons began to wonder if the Prince had administered some kind of powerful growth-enhancing potion.
Sacario's roars reverberated through the city, creating an atmosphere of awe and trepidation. Civilians sought shelter, and even junior and intermediate-level Professionals found it difficult to withstand the overwhelming presence.
Sacario was declaring his sovereignty and power. He had changed, and he believed that Dawn City now belonged to him.
He felt content.
But then, a figure materialized before him, shattering his newfound sense of dominion.
The colossal black dragon locked eyes with the newcomer and instinctively took to the sky to slow his descent. Dragons were not bound by conventional flight limitations; their wings possessed magical properties that enabled them to soar freely.
When Sacario saw the identity of the visitor, he hesitated. Should he submit to this new master?
But as he gazed into William's eyes, saw his sincere expression, and noticed his gentle smile and handsome countenance, Sacario was reminded of something important. This was the man who had gifted him the egg that broke the boundaries of the dragon's development. It had been part of their long-term plan.
Perhaps he could endure a little while longer, allowing William to bring more treasures and make him the mightiest dragon in history. And who knew, maybe he would eventually devour this man or, at the very least, keep him as a servant.
Xiaohei let out another loud roar, as if to say, "Move aside! I've been cooped up in that egg for so long, and now I finally have the chance to stretch my wings. Don't block my way!"
"Stop yelling and have a conversation," a voice echoed in Sacario's mind.
In that moment, the Twilight Dragon, Sacario, once again felt the fear of being controlled and dominated by someone else's soul.
"If you become an epic dragon, you'll be overbearing, right?" William squinted his eyes and prepared to approach and ride him.
However, when Sacario saw William's intention to ride him, he adamantly refused. His golden pupils narrowed as he closely monitored William's every move. He wasn't going to allow a Half-Elf to ride him, even if his soul was controlled by the man.
But when William perceived Sacario's reluctance, he employed the same persuasive tactics he had used on Little Laurie to paint a vivid picture for the dragon: "Do you want to advance beyond your current stage and become even stronger? Do you truly wish to slumber for centuries before reaching the level of a Legendary dragon?"
Sacario hesitated, then asked cautiously, "When exactly are you having this baby?"
"It won't be long now. Come on, let me ride you first."
"No, you need to provide an exact time."
"I'll ride first and get down right away…"
However, Ben Long, the massive dragon now known as Sacario, shook his colossal head in disbelief. He was far from ready to allow someone to ride him, his reluctance apparent.
Doubt lingered in his mind. He wasn't yet convinced.
A tiny spot on the dragon's neck, nestled between two sturdy scales, was all that could accommodate two legs. This special location was referred to as the Dragon Tooth Platform.
Simply sitting there was the path to becoming a Dragon Knight, entwining your soul with the dragon's and unlocking the full potential of the partnership between human and dragon.
However, achieving this was no easy feat.
Sitting on the wooden platform was only the beginning. The dragon had to acknowledge you and grant permission for this bond to form.
The title of Dragon Knight, or Dragon Warrior, held power, but it came with its own set of challenges. It lacked the flexibility of solo combat.
William, however, had no intentions of being forceful. He didn't wish to assert control through his soul, especially since Xiaohei had matured significantly and could no longer be treated like a child.
So, William engaged in a spirited conversation with Xiaohei, promising a slew of impossible conditions and engaging in playful banter for over half an hour. Eventually, Xiaohei relented and agreed to let William sit for a while.
With a simple agreement, William slowly approached and touched the dragon's neck, feeling the unyielding scales beneath his hand. These scales were tough and imbued with magical elements, capable of withstanding unimaginable attacks.
Yet, Xiaohei seemed uneasy, sensing something amiss with the touch of William's hand. His indestructible dragon scales couldn't protect him from the divine power emanating from William.
Without hesitation, William flipped over and settled onto the Dragon Tooth Platform, sliding his legs between the protective scales.
In that moment, their souls melded, and William received messages on his interface.
[You're right.]
The fusion of man and dragon was complete. Unbeknownst to him, William had overcome the most challenging step when he used soul magic to control Xiaohei previously.
In that second, he truly became a Dragon Knight, empowered with an unmatched sense of strength.