Chapter 149: The Flattered d.i.c.kens
‘In the past hundred years?’
Locke immediately asked, “In the past hundred years? Does that mean that there are other individuals who have tamed dragons in the past?”
John put down the roasting pan and said, “It’s hard to say, but according to the information that’s accessible to the public, no Beastmaster has ever tamed a dragon in the recent years. However, there are legends of individuals taming dragons…”
Hobrick smiled and exclaimed, “Our Federal Academy is truly blessed by G.o.d! Let’s drink until we’re drunk! Cheers! Hahahaha…”
Seeing that the old man was finally relieved, John also raised his wine gla.s.s to celebrate.
Meanwhile, Locke looked at the dragon that was eating gold, and his head started to hurt.
“How much gold does it eat in a day?”
He still needed to level his divine beasts, and the materials they required were like a bottomless pit.
With Lil’ Dragon now in the picture, Locke’s finances would definitely suffer a huge blow.
After drinking a gla.s.s of black beer, John wiped his mouth and said, “Don’t worry too much, Locke! Based on the princ.i.p.al’s research, once a dragon becomes a Battle Beast, they will be able to enter your spatial inventory! It will hibernate in there, and as such, it wouldn’t require much to eat!”
“However, since it’s a dragon, it’ll definitely act differently from your other Battle Beasts! Make sure to prepare some of its favorite food whenever you summon it! Otherwise, its morale might be lowered, and its performance in battle might decline!”
Locke let out a sigh of relief.
It was not as bad as he had imagined.
Armed with his new knowledge, he then sent Lil’ Dragon into his spatial inventory.
Locke picked up the half-eaten gold bar, and asked Hobrick, “Princ.i.p.al… I solved such a big problem for you, don’t you think…”
Hobbrick immediately pulled back and responded “Don’t you dare! I’ve never been able to tame it, and as such, I was never able to send it into my spatial inventory! I’ve fed it for decades! Do you know how much money it has cost me? The remaining gold bars are my retirement money! Don’t even think about laying your hands on it!”
“d.a.m.ned old man… I haven’t finished speaking, and you’ve already decided.” Locke was sure that this old man’s stinginess was inborn! It had nothing to do with the Yellow Dragon!
John laughed out loud at the scene.
…
Night fell, and Locke was in his room, going through literature that concerned dragons.
“System, what are the hidden evolution requirements for the Earth-rank Yellow Dragon?”
[ The hidden evolution requirements are as follows: ]
[ 5 Dragon Stones, 15 Dragon Flame fossils, 1 Dragon Essence, and 15 Dragon Bones. ]
Locke immediately dialed the Battle Beast Treasure Tower and informed them of what he needed.
“Sir… Please don’t mess around with us, the items you’ve listed cannot be found on the black market…”
Just like what Rosetti had said before, no materials that were related to actual dragons were sold on the black market.
‘Well, I’m stumped. Where should I obtain these materials from?’
…
The next day, Hobrick had personally given Locke a lesson on the knowledge that he had obtained during his travels. He hoped that this student could go further.
The moment he mentioned a place called Dragon Burial Mountain, Locke interrupted, “Princ.i.p.al! Is it possible to find dragon relics there?”
“That’s right! There are a lot of fossilized remains of dragons! However, no one has yet to figure out a way to use these fossils, myself included. Why? What do you want?” Hobrick looked at him from the corner of his eyes.
Locke smiled and said, “I want to take a closer look!”
John, who was serving coffee, interjected, “Stop joking around! That place is very far away. and it’s not even part of the Federation. It will be a perilous journey! While I understand that you are very strong, Locke, I’m afraid that you must give up on this idea.”
“That’s right. I too, wished to visit the place back when I was young. Alas, the regions beyond the Federation’s borders contain Daemons that are at least Stage 3 in strength, and I’ve heard that they are as powerful as rose gold Battle Beasts. Don’t be stubborn, kid!”
Locke quickly dismissed the idea upon hearing the two instructors’ reasoning.
It was not because of the Stage 3 Daemons, however.
Rather, it was due to how far the location was! The mountain was an ocean away from the Federation!
Even Tristan’s Black Tortoise might not be able to transport him there.
Locke sighed. His quest to obtain the dragon materials continued.
“Although I don’t know why you want to go, the fossils left behind by the dragon race can only be collected by museums, high-ranking n.o.bles, or the imperial palace. The relics on the mountain are considered antiques! All of them need to be verified and registered, and they are treated as highly valuable objects!”
Upon hearing Hobrick’s explanation, Locke suddenly thought of someone he had previously met.
During his afternoon break, Locke took out a business card and dialed the number on it.
“Who is it?” The other party’s voice was a little low.
Locke smiled and said, “Mr. d.i.c.kens, do you still remember me?”
The other party quickly realized Locke’s ident.i.ty and said excitedly, “You’re Mr. Locke, right?! You’ve finally called me, huh? I’ve been waiting for ages! It’s such an honor! May I know whether you’re coming to my training center later?”
“Hehe, I wish, but no, I need your help…”
The owners of the training centers were very dirty.
Their favorite pastime was to smuggle items to the black market.
They were responsible for bringing “prohibited beasts” or “prohibited items” into society.
Simply put, the black market would not be the success that it was without the help of these guys.
“Then, can I treat you to a meal? At Pulas Restaurant, the best restaurant in the city! I can book a spot right away!” d.i.c.kens was a businessman through and through. It was in his nature to form good relations with his customers.
Especially since he was dealing with Locke. After all, Locke was a hero in the Holy City, and as such, it was in his best interests to curry favor with him.
“Okay, I’ll see you at dinner time…”
7.30 p.m…
Locke had just gotten off his ride when he spotted a plump man his underlings looking around frantically.
“You look dashing as always, Mr. Locke!” d.i.c.kens’ eyes were sharp. He was the first to notice Locke, and he immediately rushed to greet him.
Locke did not shake hands, however. Instead, he said, “Let’s go, I’m hungry.”
“No problem! I’ve already made the arrangements! Come this way, please!” d.i.c.kens looked eager and immediately made way.
In the VIP seats were in the courtyard on the fifth floor of the restaurant…
d.i.c.kens paid a large sum of money to book the entire courtyard.
d.i.c.kens’s henchmen were all stationed at the various exits.
Only a handful of beautiful women were left in charge to serve them.
“I did not expect the Holy City’s hero to remember me. It’s such an honor!” As he said this, d.i.c.kens personally poured a cup of luxury whiskey for Locke.