Giant Dragon Lord: Starting from Daily Intelligence

Chapter 103: Chapter 101: Lost Knight’s Inheritance

It thrashed its head in a rage, but the agile Red Demon Crows dodged with ease. The moment it turned to attack their brethren, they would flap in close again, pecking at the Barbarian Bull’s vulnerable spots with their sharp beaks.

However, there were simply too many of these Red Fire Demon Crows. Fearless of death, they clung to it like maggots on a corpse, relentlessly attacking from every angle.

Their sharp beaks and claws tore bloody gashes into the Barbarian Bull’s thick hide. Sparks kicked up by the flapping of their wings landed on the wounds, emitting a SIZZLE and adding a layer of misery to the bull’s pained roars.

Blood gushed from its wounds. The great-horned Barbarian Bull’s movements gradually slowed, and the earthy-yellow aura of its Magic Power began to dim.

Finally, with one last mournful cry filled with defiance and despair, its massive body crashed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

The Red Fire Demon Crows let out a series of triumphant, ear-piercing caws. They swarmed forward, eager to begin their sumptuous feast of flesh and blood.

”Natural selection, survival of the fittest. The law of the wilderness is always so raw and cruel.”

Raylo murmured, gazing down at the bloody scene below.

On this land, similar life-and-death struggles played out every single day.

At some point, Moonlight had also opened its pale golden eyes, its pupils clearly reflecting the scene of the Demon Crows feasting below.

It merely cast a lazy glance at the scene before giving an equally lazy yawn.

Raylo gently patted Baofeng’s neck.

”Let’s get moving, Baofeng.”

The Griffin King beat its wings and soared high once more, leaving the small killing field far behind until it was just a tiny black dot that vanished over the horizon.

At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun seared the clouds on the horizon into a magnificent shade of orange-red.

Beyond a stretch of rolling hills, Raylo found a solitary little town.

It was less a town and more of a sizable waystation, with a dozen or so crooked houses huddled together, built from rough-hewn stone and logs.

The only two-story structure, a mix of stone and wood, served as the place’s sole inn and tavern.

A weathered wooden sign hung by the door, bearing the faded words ”Apple Garden Inn.”

Raylo had Baofeng land behind a relatively secluded sand dune outside the town. After feeding his mount some prepared jerky, he picked up Moonlight and walked into the shabby-looking inn.

The moment he stepped inside, he drew the gazes of the few patrons and travelers in the main hall. They were mostly simply dressed, weather-beaten Mercenaries and traveling merchants.

The innkeeper was a portly, middle-aged man with a perpetual smile plastered on his face, his eyes glinting with a merchant’s shrewdness.

”Sir, are you here for a meal or a room?”

He had clearly noticed Raylo’s exceptional attire and bearing and didn’t dare to be dismissive.

”The best room. And prepare the best food in your establishment. Two roast geese and two roast chickens. Have them sent to my room.”

Raylo casually tossed him a Silver Eagle.

The owner’s eyes and hands were quick; he snatched the Silver Eagle from the air, and the smile on his face instantly grew several shades brighter.

”Right away! This way upstairs, sir, to our best room! The hot water and food will be right up!”

The room was on the second floor. Though simply furnished, it was reasonably clean.

As soon as Moonlight entered, it leaped nimbly onto the room’s only bed. It unapologetically claimed the softest, most comfortable spot in the center, curled into a ball, and narrowed its eyes.

The food arrived quickly: a portion of poultry roasted to a golden-brown, a few pieces of coarse but hefty black bread, and a bowl of steaming wild vegetable soup.

This was the best food they had to offer.

’At least the innkeeper is still preparing the roast goose and roast chicken that Moonlight likes. It should be enough to fill its stomach.’

The night passed uneventfully.

The next morning, just as Dawn broke, a sliver of pale light appeared in the eastern sky.

Raylo and Moonlight quietly left the Apple Garden Inn.

The man and his ”cat” once again mounted Baofeng, flying southwest into the rising sun.

「Two hours later.」

On the distant horizon, a sudden, refreshing patch of deep green appeared.

It was a spectacular oasis, like a colossal piece of Jade set into the vast wilderness. Tall, straight trees encircled a crescent-shaped, azure lake, its water glittering in the sunlight.

Densely scattered around the lake were all sorts of tents, simple wood and stone structures, and even some bizarre dwellings built from the bones of giant beasts.

Even from high in the air, Raylo could faintly sense the clamor and vitality emanating from the place.

Raylo’s gaze sharpened. ’That must be Three-Way Oasis.’

The name ”Oasis” didn’t just refer to a green patch in the desert; it symbolized freedom and independence.

Rumor had it that the master behind Three-Way Oasis was a Domain Knight, and the people in charge here were all his subordinates.

SCREECH!

Seemingly excited to be free from the monotonous flight, Baofeng let out a cheerful cry and picked up speed.

The closer they got, the clearer the oasis’s outline became.

People of all skin colors and outfits bustled in and out of the oasis. There were Mercenaries in groups of three to five with blades at their waists, and even some short, stocky members of an Alien Race with dark skin.

There were also plenty of finely dressed nobles and Knights, and even a good number of cloaked Mages.

’As expected of an underground market in a lawless land. It’s certainly ’bustling’ enough.’

Raylo directed Baofeng to land behind a tall, secluded sand dune on the outskirts of the oasis.

He instructed Baofeng to circle high above and await his call.

Raylo donned a linen robe he had prepared, pulling the hood low to cover most of his face. Then, he cradled Moonlight in his arms.

Outwardly, Raylo now looked like an ordinary traveler carrying a slightly oversized pet.

The core of Three-Way Oasis, this lawless land where chaos and opportunity coexisted, was an area known as the Wanderer’s Market.

There were no permanent shops here, only a seemingly endless stretch of simple stalls and a teeming crowd.

Cradling Moonlight, Raylo moved unhurriedly through the crowd.

His plain linen robe and slightly oversized hood allowed him to blend in, unnoticed among the motley crowd.

Moonlight seemed quite displeased with the noisy environment, squirming in his arms from time to time and letting out a few soft rumbles.

”Quiet down, little one. We’re here to find something interesting.”

Raylo soothed it in a low voice, his eyes scanning the various stalls.

The vendors were a motley bunch. There were burly, grim-faced Mercenaries; shifty-eyed wandering merchants who were constantly looking around; and even mysterious, cloaked figures who clearly wished to remain anonymous.

The goods they sold were even more bizarre.

Rusted weapons, broken Armor, an assortment of jars and pots said to be from ancient tombs or ruins, ores that emitted faint fluctuations of Magic Power, and a variety of strange trinkets with no discernible use.

The cries of vendors and the clamor of haggling rose and fell, weaving a cacophonous symphony unique to Three-Way Oasis.

Raylo’s objective was clear: to find the stall of the wandering mercenary rumored to possess the Giant’s Grip gloves.

He passed through an area where low-grade slaves and beast cubs were being sold. The air here grew thick with the stench of blood and filth.

Raylo frowned and quickened his pace.