Watson stood up, his tone sharp and determined. "Forget vehicle assistance. I need to know where the poison demon bird went missing. Hand over any of his personal belongings—it's critical."
Colonel Rodton groaned, rubbing his temples. "You're serious about this? How do you plan to find him, Watson? Don't tell me you're bringing in a hound! The Gobi Desert is almost 100,000 square kilometers of endless nothingness!"
Before Watson could respond, a calm voice cut through the tension. It was Coulson, his expression as unreadable as ever. "You'll see our method soon enough, but this isn't the place for it. We need a secure location."
Minutes later, Watson was seated in a military jeep, the engine growling as it cut through the unforgiving sands. He stared out at the swirling dust, his thoughts focused. But then, something shifted in his expression—he froze.
Ding!
System task released: Devil in the Ground!
"It's time the world learns there's a devil among them."
Mission Progress: Destroy the 'Freedom Fighter' armed stronghold (0/4).
Task Status: Incomplete.
Reward: The gift of the Underground Devil.
Ding!
System task released: The Master in the Sky!
"One day, the skies will bow to you."
Quest Progress: Own flying dragon species (0/10).
Task Status: Incomplete.
Reward: The gift of the Master of the Sky.
Ding!
Free mission released: Rescue the Escape Duo.
"Sometimes, even heroes play babysitter."
Task Progress: Rescue poison dragon bird (0/1)
Reward: Perfect-level dragon saddle, dragon pedal.
Watson smirked, his fingers brushing the bald head of his loyal companion. "Meow~," he teased. "Alright, gentlemen! We've arrived."
Rodton handed Watson a communicator. "This is the location where poison dragon bird was ambushed," he said, pointing at a patch of disturbed earth. "We got hit hard right here. And here—" Rodton handed over a glass. "He used this to celebrate… back when we weren't in survival mode. Hope it helps."
Watson took the glass without a word, his brow furrowed. "How exactly do you plan to find him? I've signed a mountain of confidentiality agreements, so don't hold back."
Coulson smiled knowingly. "You'll see." He gave the signal.
System command activated: Summon Poison Demon Bird
The air split apart with a deafening roar as wind pressure shook the ground.
FWOOOOSH!
From above, a shadow descended—a massive, winged beast tearing through the sky like a living storm. Its wings stretched wide, each flap kicking up sand and debris. Rodton shielded his ears, stumbling as the ground quaked beneath him. Watson steadied Coulson with a grin, whispering, "Finally, someone else looks more ridiculous than me."
Rodton scrambled to his feet, his eyes glued to the beast. "What in Fury's name is THAT?! Are you sure it won't decide we're lunch?"
Coulson adjusted his tie coolly. "Relax. I swear, it's harmless... mostly."
Rodton raised a skeptical eyebrow. "This isn't some crazy biological weapon, is it?"
"Nope," Coulson replied. "Just a... small pet."
Watson laughed, stepping forward. "Down here, little flower," he called mockingly. The Poison Demon Bird swooped lower, its sharp gaze scanning the sand as it sniffed around. When Rodton handed Watson the glass, the creature's flesh-colored tongue darted out, snatching it with unsettling precision.
Watson swung himself onto the creature's neck like he'd done it a thousand times. "Alright, gentlemen, I'll take it from here. Keep the egg safe for me, Coulson." With a command, the Poison Demon Bird launched itself skyward.
The rush of air against Watson's face was exhilarating. He glanced back, watching Coulson and the others fade into specks below. "So this is why there's a dragon saddle in the mission rewards," he mused. "Guess I'm the Dragon Master now."
Watson adjusted his grip as the bird soared higher. "Alright, poison dragon bird, how high can you go? Let's shoot for... oh, I don't know, 5,000 meters? No big deal."
Poison dragon bird screeched in acknowledgment, its ascent rapid and effortless. Watson leaned forward, relishing the speed—until the creature abruptly stopped, hovering in place.
Watson tightened his hold, frowning. "Uh... sorry, poison dragon bird didn't mean to push you. Wait! did we find something?"