Chapter 114: Preparing for the Expedition [1]

The dual subterranean chambers Craig had selected for Soul Dreamer and Chaosbringer possessed a unique structural design.

Carved into the deep basalt bedrock of the valley, the two lairs were connected by a grand, open-archway tunnel that allowed the two 5th-Tier beasts to freely cross between their designated domains.

It was a twin underground sanctuary.

A seamless design that provided ample space for Soul Dreamer to protect her nest while allowing Chaosbringer to remain at her side without overcrowding the primary cavern.

Having ensured that all four violet dragon eggs were nestled securely in the warm ash of the inner dais and that both dragons were content with their initial feast, Craig finally turned and walked back toward the illuminated mouth of the cavern.

He emerged into the primary hall of the Dragon’s Pit, exhaling a long, steady sigh of relief.

The heavy, stifling atmosphere of sulfur and raw Abyssal mana gave way to the cooler, regulated air of the main facility.

Standing a respectful thirty paces from the cavern entrance were Ser Hughway and Ser Damian.

Lacking the ancient Darkstarian bloodline, neither knight had dared to venture deep into the subterranean tunnels while two 5th-Tier beasts were actively feeding.

They remained rooted near the main stone pillars, their posture erect and their gauntleted hands resting near their blades.

As Craig’s boots clicked against the polished stone floor, he caught sight of his two commanders and a faint, amused smile touched his lips.

"Have you two been standing guard at that exact spot the entire time?" Craig asked, rolling his shoulders slightly to relieve the tension of the long flight.

Ser Hughway smiled, shaking his head gently as he adjusted his heavy cloak. "Not at all, My Lord. I returned here only a short while ago. I spent the majority of the hour gathering the fifty dragon keepers in the central courtyard to thoroughly walk them through their daily operational protocols."

Hughway gestured toward the high iron walkways lining the vaulted upper ceiling. "I made the rules explicitly clear to every single worker.

Under no circumstances are they permitted to cross the red warning thresholds or set foot inside the mouth of an occupied dragon lair. As long as they maintain their distance, the beasts will ignore their presence."

The Indestructible Sword paused, his voice turning precise as he outlined the logistical schedule. "Regarding the feeding cycle, the keepers have been instructed to supply the dragons three times daily—at sunrise, midday, and sunset.

Each feeding will consist of two preserved 1st-Tier Abomination carcasses tossed directly into the primary mouth of their respective caves. No direct contact, no unnecessary lingering."

Craig offered a firm, approving nod.

"Excellently organized, Hughway. A strict routine will ensure the keepers remain safe while keeping the dragons satisfied."

Turning his golden-crimson eyes toward Ser Damian, Craig’s smile broadened slightly.

The atmosphere around him shifted from the quiet relief of a dragon lord to the calculating sharpness of a sovereign preparing his next conquest.

"Now that my dragons are fully settled within the Old Valley and our regional security is locked down," Craig spoke smoothly, "it is time to lay the foundation for our true power projection. It is time to prepare for the grand establishment of the Crimson Dragon Order."

Ser Damian’s eyes sharpened, his posture straightening instantly at those words.

"Our next phase requires an immediate Northern Expedition," Craig revealed, his voice low and deliberate.

"We will march to the northern maritime borders, cross the treacherous expanse of the Creptun Ocean, and make landfall on the Northern Continent.

Our primary objective there is to locate and acquire the medium-sized Blue Tiger Guild—purchasing its rights, its assets, and its infrastructure outright, before absorbing its Superhumans and veterans into the ranks of the Crimson Dragon Order."

Craig took a step forward, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Furthermore, the Blue Tiger Guild is merely our anchor. While in the North, we will recruit every worthy, unaligned superhuman, rogue mercenary, or disgraced veteran who possesses the strength and resolve to join our private military company."

Without waiting for a response, Craig began walking toward the titanic black gates of the facility, his long black coat snapping behind him.

Ser Hughway and Ser Damian immediately fell into step on his left and right flanks, their heavy boots echoing in unison against the stone walls.

As they stepped out into the crisp, high-altitude wind of the Old Valley, Craig delivered his next command.

"Convene in the castle’s special private library precisely at midnight tonight," Craig instructed his two knights. "We will finalize our travel routes, logistics, and resource allocations."

He turned his head slightly toward Ser Damian. "Damian, ensure that Annie Blacksun is present for this briefing. She will be accompanying us on the Northern Expedition to manage our financial negotiations and contract drafts."

Ser Hughway brow furrowed slightly as he processed the order.

He glanced around the quiet valley before leaning in closer to his lord, voicing a quiet concern that had been weighing on his mind.

"Pardon my intrusion, My Lord," Hughway spoke softly, "but if you chose midnight to convene this strategy session specifically to prevent Lady Arya from eavesdropping on our plans... will she not immediately figure out the truth the moment our expedition departs from the Viscounty?"

Craig’s steps did not falter for a single second.

A slow, razor-sharp smirk curled the corner of his lips as he looked out over the green horizon of his domain.

"She will figure out nothing, Hughway," Craig replied smoothly, his tone laced with quiet amusement. "Because as far as the public record, the castle staff, and Arya Benova are concerned... I am officially embarking on a diplomatic trade journey to the Eastern Continent to establish new maritime commerce routes for the Myrain Viscounty."

Craig’s golden-crimson eyes narrowed as he delivered the final stroke of his strategic cover.

"No one on this continent will know that my true destination lies in the frozen wastes of the North," Craig stated calmly.

"Except, of course... the Crimson Duke."