Ancient Dragon in Arknights

To eliminate any future trouble, killing the two spies is the safest option. However, no one can guarantee the aftermath; once the spies are dead, no one can predict what their mastermind will do.

......

After returning to the Palico's own base, Nesario finally got to the main topic of the day—ore.

"Hmm, based on my research over the past few days, there are three metals that are quite suitable for the characteristics of a dragon slayer."

The craftsman cat then brought over two boxes, which, when opened, were filled with ores.

"The first type is heteroferrite, which is stable and has high hardness, but it requires a high melting temperature. So, at this point, we need the second type of metal—incandescent alloy, which is mostly used in the electronics field... Although I don't know how electrical appliances are made, I already know this metal. Its melting point is lower than that of heteroferrite, and it can exist in both solid and liquid states simultaneously when the temperature is precisely controlled."

The craftsman cat shed its childishness and spoke eloquently to Neltharion. Under his explanation, Neltharion also understood its evolutionary direction—a mixture of two metals, taking the advantages of both.

"So, what should their mixing ratio be? Have you calculated that?"

"A 3:1 mixture of hetero iron and incandescent alloy, meow."

The craftsman cat was extremely confident. He even presented his experimental results—a piece of alloy, heated in a furnace, quickly turned red and hot, eventually becoming a weapon that emitted scorching heat yet was extremely sturdy.

"Don't underestimate them. In some ways, scholars and craftsmen are even more important than hunters. Our equipment, weapons, monster intelligence, and ecology all depend on their help."

The follower cat explained to Neltharion the hunters' powerful logistics department, with a particular emphasis on the issue of food.

"As far as I know, the food at Moonstar and Starstar outposts is excellent, with two highly skilled head chefs overseeing the operations. As for the other villages... well, that's a long story."

Nesario tried to imagine—with so much unique monster meat and that vast ecosystem, how many delicious dishes could be made?

"If I have the chance, I'd like to experience it."

According to the Palico, the Star Base is located in the Ancient Forest not far from the Anthill Wasteland. Neltharion and the Palico plan to explore in that direction to see if they can find their companions.

This is a great attempt, like trying to connect your dreams with other people's dreams—it seems like a pipe dream, but if it succeeds, the subsequent help will be immense!

"In addition to that, there is another piece of good news."

"Little scholar, it's your turn to shine."

"plz follow me."

Nesario followed Scholar Meow into the backyard. The once empty yard was now filled with potted plants of all sizes, most of which had already sprouted green buds.

"This is?"

Nesario has no interest in farming. Even if the scholar cat grows high-yield crops, Nesario can't use them. The best solution is to give them to his sister so she can publish them in the Columbia academic community.

"These are medicinal herbs."

"That herb that can instantly heal injuries?"

"Yes."

"!"

Chapter 47 Upgrade Begins

For the next hour, Nesario and Scholar Meow remained buried in the potted plants, not leaving their side for even a moment.

The reason is simple: it was too shocking and too valuable.

Nesario had personally experienced the power of this herb; such a severe wound was almost completely healed after drinking just one bottle. The description of it as capable of regenerating flesh from bone wouldn't be an exaggeration. Even Nesario, who wasn't particularly interested in academia and technology, knew how valuable this small herb was.

“Besides herbs, I also tried to cultivate the seeds and insect eggs that I had on my body.”

"There are other kinds too!?"

Surprises kept coming. The knowledge he learned from his companion cat told Nesario that all the traps and items were made from materials that could be obtained from the environment.

Various mushrooms, herbs, and insects can have different effects depending on the recipe. The recovery potions made from honey and herbs are not the most magical things. And now—they can appear in Terra!

"Don't be too happy yet, listen patiently to what the young scholar has to say."

"Oh, okay, sorry, young scholar, please continue."

Nesario's solemn attitude immediately pleased the proud scholar cat. He perked up and summarized all the medicinal herbs and insects that could be cultivated, explaining their drawbacks.

“They are growing too slowly. In theory, the herbs should be ready for harvesting in a day and night, but a week has passed and they have only grown for a short time.”

The difference in the world's energy levels causes the same crop to exhibit different growth rates, which is an acceptable loss.

"Won't it affect the results?"

"It's unclear at the moment; I haven't yet received the first batch of experimental results."

His initial elation was replaced by a heavy heart. Neltharion sincerely prayed that the experiment's results wouldn't be too bad. He could accept it if it didn't reach the point of restoring flesh to bones, but at least it should be comparable to Originium Arts in healing. Neltharion didn't have the energy to bring a healer along, and having a life-saving trump card would be a huge help.

"Keep up the good work."

"Oh!"

......

Nesario once again leaped into the school campus just before the gate was closed, and the gatekeeper unfortunately missed his chance to teach Nesario a lesson this time.

"Ore...this stuff is pretty hard to eat."

Although a high-energy substance has not yet been found as a heat source, Nesario has decided to create the tail first. Even though the Razor Tail cannot emit light or heat, it is still capable of fighting and is at least stronger than the current Keratin Heavy Tail.

Nesario returned to his dormitory and, as usual, bothered Fisher before going back to his room to begin his first metal-eating experience.

"Can I really digest this stuff?"

Nesario had no appetite for the metal ingots cut into small pieces in the bowl in front of him, but in pursuit of greater power and higher evolution, he gritted his teeth and went for it!

Putting the cold, hard, small piece in my mouth, to be honest—if it weren't so hard, it would be no different from eating an ice cube.

Nesario forced himself to swallow—the hard object forced its way through his esophagus and into his stomach; the feeling was indescribable, but definitely unpleasant.

It took Nesario an hour to finish that tiny bowl of metal food.

Looking at the large bag placed at the foot of the bed—that was the iron and incandescent alloy that the craftsman cat had currently purchased for Glasgow.

Nesario's hiring of the Glasgow Gang for security had already been discovered by the follower cat. The bodyguards' tracking methods were so poor that they were caught by the follower cat on their first day of work.

The two sides then began to cooperate, with the Palicoes providing the money and Glasgow providing the labor—Glasgow helped obtain the potting soil, fertilizer, ores, and tools needed by the Artisan Palicoes.

Among the members were children from working-class families in Victoria. After making connections with the industrial area, many unwanted scraps and ordinary ores were transported over.

This is a win-win situation—the only one who gets hurt is Nesario's wallet.

After a busy day and needing time to process the ore, tonight's dream training was canceled, and Neltharion and his follower cat both got a good night's sleep, something they hadn't done in a long time.

When he woke up the next morning, Nesario had already put the matter of the ore out of his mind and began to wash up as usual.

While brushing his teeth—the specially made hard toothbrush suddenly seemed to be not working very well, and Nesario bit it off with a slight force.

Only then did he realize that his body had changed.

Stupid!

Looking in the mirror, Nesario found his teeth sparkling clean, even shimmering with a metallic sheen—his teeth had been reinforced!

"According to the Dragon Slayer's legacy, biting with teeth is also one of their great skills. It's a pity that guy didn't use it much; he focused all his attention on swordsmanship."

Nesario then looked at the tail, where the original bony tail had begun to loosen, and it felt as if the keratin on it could be pulled off with a little force.

Of course, that would probably hurt quite a bit, so Nesario wouldn't touch it.

"Let's eat one more time tonight, and the ultimate skill of cutting in two will be revealed!"

......

Some were happy while others were sad. In the girls' dormitory, 500 meters away from the boys' dormitory, Rita was washing up. The morning sunlight shone through the window onto her golden hair, making her look extremely dazzling and beautiful.

Normally, Lori would definitely praise her several times.

But today, our Miss Green Film seems a little distracted.

“Lossie, what’s wrong? You’ve been listless ever since you came back yesterday.”

"It's nothing, I was just distracted by something that was bothering me."

I can't tell Rita about this—Nesario is dangerous.

Yesterday, Losley treated herself to a cake after a long time, so she went to Valerie's Cake Shop.

And so, quite by chance, she witnessed Nesario and Rita's group traveling together.

Previously, she paid for Nesario to eat cake; now, he's paying for three women to eat cake.

How to describe Loriel's feelings... Reason tells her that it was because she didn't take the initiative to befriend Nesario that their relationship remained merely an encounter; otherwise, she could still have had a small piece of cake.

But women are such strange creatures. She was the first to meet and develop a relationship with Neltharion, so why did she end up being the one on the margins?

Should we go up and say hello now? A chance encounter at the cake shop, and the coincidence of Rita becoming my roommate.

With her ability to read people's expressions and demeanor, it was only a matter of time before she integrated into this small group.

While Lori was still hesitating, Nesario and the others had finished shopping and left. They went their separate ways as soon as they left the store—the three girls chose to return to school, while Nesario went off on his own.

Cats are all very curious, and this time, Lori's curiosity was especially strong.

Nesario's concern for the guide bug's guidance caused him to slip up, and he failed to realize that he was being followed by a Miss Felin.

What happened next was quite simple—Nesario's battle with the secret agents and his collusion with the gangsters.

Without his own knowledge, he was suddenly labeled a dangerous element.

Chapter Forty-Eight Cooperation Plan

A week passed quietly. During this week, Nesario focused on consuming metal and did not show his face in public. After his daily lessons, he trained with his cat companion and checked external intelligence.

The Glasgow Gang is currently thriving due to large orders from Neltharion and the Palicoes, and the losses caused by the relocation of their territory are recovering over time.

But the Fang Gang's underhanded tactics never stopped; almost every day, members of the Fang Gang would come to block 56 and 57 to cause trouble. This situation made life miserable for the residents of these two blocks, who were all small businesses. Their daily savings would be reduced to ashes in an instant by a single act of vandalism by the Fang Gang.

This can't go on. Even with Glasgow's protection, by the time they arrive at the scene, the damage has already occurred. In the long run, these two neighborhoods will either fall into disrepair due to poor security or attract the attention of the city police.

The Glasgow gang will launch a counterattack, aiming to destroy the Fang gang's foundation and knock it off the chessboard.

"If possible, I hope you can offer your help."

Vina extended an invitation to Neltharion. The Glasgow Gang was far outnumbered by the Fang Gang. Although she and Indra provided the high-level fighting force, the others might not be able to hold out until their reinforcements arrived. Neltharion's strength was undeniable; with his help, sweeping away the Fang Gang would be much easier.

“I am not your subordinate, Miss Vina. Besides, I am not some ambitious person; I am just a student. If this matter escalates, the school will come after me.”