Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2035: Traitor Dragon Race
Previously on Apocalypse Gachapon...
Questions about the origins of the Yangos had always lingered in Ye Zhongming's mind. Previously, on the Novice battlefield, he had encountered three creatures bearing a striking resemblance to Yangos. Later, upon making inquiries, he discovered their official designation was the Flying Lizard Race.
While their outward appearance was nearly identical to Yangos, the critical distinction was that Yangos possessed a magic crystal, signifying it as a mutated life form within the 'Wheel' category. In contrast, these Flying Lizard Race beings were indigenous inhabitants of the universe, fundamentally different kinds of life.
Ye Zhongming found himself unable to establish a connection between them. Though Yangos’s occasional surfacing memories hinted at the existence of kin, Ye Zhongming harbored a persistent feeling that the Flying Lizard Race could not possibly be Yangos’s kin.
However, just moments ago, displayed on this shop's promotional light screen, he spotted a creature that looked almost precisely like Yangos, and to add to his astonishment, it bore a magic crystal upon its forehead.
Information pertaining to the Star-Eye Clan was scarce, and he had been unable to unearth much. Following his visit to the Library Palace, time had simply not allowed for a deeper investigation into this matter.
Now, encountering a creature that bore such a strong resemblance to Yangos, how could he possibly remain composed?
The others had no choice but to accompany Ye Zhongming into this combat beast emporium, known as 'Guban'.
Although the establishment was not particularly spacious, its interior was adorned with exquisite taste. Since the combat beasts retailed here were all displayed via light screens and lacked physical presence, any unpleasant odors or noises were naturally absent. Instead, arrays of monitor screens were seamlessly integrated into elegant, simulated landscapes, creating an uncluttered visual experience.
Upon observing Ye Zhongming and his companions enter, a lady from the Su Race approached them, offering a warm smile and extending a welcoming gesture without any hint of disdain for their status as visitors.
Now within the shop, Ye Zhongming felt no urgency. Guided by the female attendant's introduction, he settled into a private alcove, perusing the combat beast inventory and other pertinent details displayed on the projected light screen.
The magnitude and scope of super major races were indeed evident, as showcased by the sheer number of combat beast establishments present – in the thousands.
Merely looking at the inventory list, an astonishing array of over thirty thousand distinct types of combat beasts was presented. It made Ye Zhongming ponder: if a single shop boasted such variety, what would the overall trade volume of combat beasts be across the entirety of the Su Race, with its ten commercial centers and countless other shops? Did the Su Race place such immense value on combat beasts?
“For any establishment of repute, those with a certain standing typically maintain branches in every commercial hub. Given the immense size of Su City, traversing to commercial centers in other districts consumes a considerable amount of time. Consequently, most commercial districts feature a comprehensive selection of categories. Chain stores are exceptionally popular here. The ‘Guban’ shops you encounter in other districts likely originate from the same breeding facility,” Jie Su’s assistant elaborated, standing beside Ye Zhongming. “Furthermore, the Su Race, as the preeminent group within this faction, possesses the strongest military might and the most highly developed commercial network. Other races allied with us also choose to procure their necessities here. Combat beasts serve not only as supplementary combat power but also as expendable resources for various races when fostering new recruits, making this market exceptionally substantial.”
This explanation brought clarity to Ye Zhongming. If the Su Race indeed managed to monopolize the faction's combat beast trade, it would undoubtedly represent a colossal enterprise.
Even a cursory estimation of the potential profits led Ye Zhongming to conclude that despite having already acquired twenty million Moonspan Gold from the Library Palace, he remained effectively destitute.
Ye Zhongming scanned the array of combat beast types, discovering options ranging from the most economical, priced at a few hundred Moonspan Gold, to the most extravagant, commanding prices in the millions of Moonspan Gold.
He focused his attention on the most costly specimen. Ye Zhongming did not recognize it; its designation was remarkably plain: ‘Armor Devourer’. This creature typically subsisted on various forms of equipment, seemingly with a preference for energy-infused materials. Such combat beasts exhibited rapid increases in strength and possessed formidable abilities. Most crucially, during combat, it would affix itself to its master, not only bestowing extraordinary defensive capabilities but also allowing the free deployment of its diverse powers, which were derived from the equipment it consumed.
Naturally, the number of obtainable abilities was kept within reasonable limits to prevent it from becoming overly dominant.
The most expensive combat beast represented an adult specimen. Ye Zhongming gave it a cursory glance; while undoubtedly impressive, it did not capture his interest. Adult combat beasts were notoriously difficult to nurture, and establishing a bond with them presented significant challenges.
However, this observation sparked an idea in Ye Zhongming. He navigated through the categories, beckoned He over, and inquired about several specific combat beasts: “Take a look, which one catches your eye?”
He’s face flushed crimson; this situation bore an uncanny resemblance to a certain….
"Including Sister Qizhen," he added.
Qizhen’s cheeks flushed at the mention.
The combat beasts Ye Zhongming had shown them were primarily defensive and supportive types, crucial for the Changxu Water Race. It wasn’t that they disliked these beasts; they simply lacked the financial means to acquire them previously.
"Make your choice. If you grow stronger, so do I."
Upon hearing this, the two women ceased their polite refusals and began to carefully select their combat beasts.
Ye Zhongming then turned to an image of a combat beast, nearly identical to Yangos, and inquired with the female attendant, "What is this creature?"
The attendant glanced at the image and, with a surprising hint of hesitation, responded, "They are referred to as the 'Traitor Dragon Race.'"
Unfamiliar with the term, Ye Zhongming requested an explanation. The attendant paused for a moment before replying, "My knowledge of their specific background is limited. I only know that their ancestors were a splinter group from the Flying Lizard Race. Later, due to unknown transformations or events, they began to possess magic crystals."
"The broader cosmic races do not acknowledge them. The Flying Lizard Race, in particular, considers them outcasts and typically eliminates them on sight."
Ye Zhongming, finding this peculiar, questioned, "If that’s their status, why are they still offered for sale as combat beasts here? Wouldn't the Flying Lizard Race pursue the buyers even after a purchase?"
"That scenario would not occur," the attendant quickly affirmed. "When combat beasts are sold through official channels, the Flying Lizard Race is informed. Some are even placed here for sale directly by them. Therefore, the situation you've described is avoided. However..."
Ye Zhongming looked at the attendant, awaiting further clarification.
"It’s simply that, despite the Traitor Dragon Race’s potent combat capabilities, especially their formidable elemental attributes, their temperaments are often exceptionally stubborn and uncontrollable. They harbor little affection for the cosmic races. Even when raised from infancy, instances of them turning against their handlers are frequent. There have even been recorded cases of them breaking free and causing widespread chaos. Consequently, selecting them as combat beasts requires the utmost vigilance. Once issues arise, our ability to intervene is limited."
Ye Zhongming gave a nod, comprehending that this was the extent of information he could glean from the attendant.
Traitor Dragon Race? Disavowed by the Flying Lizard Race? Where did they reside? What was their current population?... A multitude of questions swirled in Ye Zhongming’s mind.
After a brief pause, he examined the price tag and asked the attendant, "Is it possible to get a discount?"
The female attendant appeared taken aback, apparently surprised by his genuine interest in purchasing such a creature. She acknowledged that, at this price point, other superior options were available. Nevertheless, she responded professionally, "I apologize, but the displayed prices are firm. Although the selling price reaches six hundred thousand Moonspan Gold, it encompasses comprehensive supporting services. This includes guidance on raising and training methods, combat beast operational manuals, thirty days' worth of sustenance, and a complete set of husbandry equipment. Furthermore, purchasers gain access to a series of premium benefits, such as priority purchasing rights for future acquisitions in our establishment."
Ye Zhongming nodded. "In that case, I will purchase it."