Dragon Monarch System Chapter 1013 1013:- The Stronghold of Allies

Accompanied by Rin and Athena, Aditya embarked on his fresh quest to seize back the throne. His legal exile stripped him of any rightful claim to it.

Yet, this stood as one of those critical moments where defying the law proved necessary for the greater cause.

Above all, what truly troubled him was that his cousin, the current Emperor, belonged to the sinister organization endangering the entire world. Ruling as the new emperor over the empire that banished him held zero interest for him.

His true focus lay in purging the organization's grip from the Celestial Dragon Empire.

After bidding early morning goodbyes to the rest of his family, the trio swiftly entered Tunnel World, the pocket dimension linking the six continents to the main continent.

This journey proved far smoother than their previous one. They made no effort to conceal their identities this time.

The organization apparently had no intentions of ambushing them inside this pocket dimension. Aditya and his companions felt no concern over potential attacks, as their power and experience had surged dramatically since the last visit.

In just one day via the hidden passage, they traversed the Sand Mirage Desert and arrived at Dwarf City, where their dwarf allies awaited him.

Prior to departure, he had dispatched a message to the Dwarf tribe's leader, notifying them of his impending arrival.

This location would now serve as their operational headquarters. Situated far from the Celestial Dragon Empire and shielded by the formidable Sand Mirage Desert, the organization couldn't touch him or his allies here. It made an ideal base despite the considerable distance to the empire.

Moreover, during the past two months, Alfred had made frequent trips to dwarf lands. Via him, Aditya kept steady communication with the Dwarf Tribe. They deployed hundreds of spies and poured vast resources into collecting intel on the political shifts occurring since his cousin ascended as Emperor.

"You did not pay them?" Rin couldn't resist inquiring.

Athena smiled and shook her head. "The Dwarf tribe boasts wealth equal to, or surpassing, the Istarin Empire, despite their small size. For context, their city isn't even as large as the Istarin Empire's 15th biggest city."

"Forging for clients forms their primary revenue source."

The group stepped into Brightmor City, the Dwarf City. Little had altered since their prior visit; everything stayed unchanged. However, rumors swirled throughout the city that someone had conquered the Steel Dwarf Trial, though the challenger's identity remained a mystery.

"These folks are so affluent that offering payment would insult them." Aditya nodded in full agreement.

Soon, they arrived at the city's heart, where Alfred, Leo, Lahm, several Elders, and their wives stood ready to receive them.

"Welcome!" Leo advanced with a wide, beaming grin and arms outstretched.

"We've awaited your arrival." Aditya offered his hand for a shake, but the dwarf leader seized it and drew him into a warm embrace.

"In our traditions, handshakes are reserved for clients. We embrace our true friends."

"Uncle, how have you been?"

"Much improved, all thanks to you." Previously, immense pressure from his cousin's relentless tactics had burdened him to alter the rune formations on the Celestial Dragon Empire's throne and Crown. But with Aditya's support, he could now defy the Emperor fearlessly.

Besides, Alfred handled their food provisions. During each visit to Brightmor City, he delivered ample fresh supplies to meet the entire city's needs.

Ever since the Emperor dispatched demands for the Dwarf leader to journey to the Celestial Dragon Empire's capital and modify the rune engravings on the throne and crown, peculiar issues arose.

Sudden food shortages plagued them. Food had always been pricey before, but never scarce. Strangely, five of their ten suppliers fell victim to bandit raids, with supplies repeatedly pilfered.

Such incidents never occurred in the past.

Even a child of ten could deduce this wasn't mere chance. The Emperor must have orchestrated it after Leo's refusal.

Maintaining a massive population in a desert-encircled city, where traversing the world's harshest desert posed immense challenges, proved grueling. The term "difficult" barely scratched the surface of Leo's monthly struggles and migraines. Vast portions of their earnings went solely to securing sufficient food.

Recognizing this plight, Aditya stepped in to resolve it gratis, rejecting any compensation. He dispatched Alfred repeatedly with massive quantities of diverse foods, ensuring the city and its inhabitants never faced hunger or variety shortages.

After embracing the leader, Aditya faced Lahm, the son poised to succeed as dwarf leader. He drew the young man, his peer in age, into a hearty hug. From Alfred, he learned that post-civil war, Leo intended to gradually entrust Lahm with greater duties. In 5 to 10 years, Lahm would be primed to assume leadership, allowing Leo a well-deserved retirement.

Under those circumstances, Aditya anticipated future encounters with Lahm. Their bond felt strong already; Lahm had guided him to the trial's entrance and lingered until completion.

As Aditya exchanged greetings with the leader and select elders, the elders' wives and female Elders approached Rin and Athena. The tribe's women welcomed them with hugs and gentle cheek kisses.

"Come, let's savor lunch amid our talks."

Anticipating their arrival, the leader had arranged a grand feast. Dwarves typically favored meat and wine in their daily meals, shunning vegetables.

For these honored guests, over 20 varied dishes plus numerous sides filled the spread.

Not a single spot on the table remained bare.

Upon entering, Aditya faced Leo and presented a storage ring.

"Uncle, please accept this modest gift I've prepared."

Leo accepted the ring, examined it briefly, then burst into laughter.

"Hahahhaa!!!"

"My gratitude for such a lavish present."

The storage ring held 100 kg of assorted magical fruits across various star ranks. High-grade magical beast meat, preserved impeccably for cooking, filled it too. Fresh vegetables of nearly every variety packed it neatly. Plus, 50 tons of gold bars.

Ample grains, spices, dried herbs, and preserved goods like smoked meat and dried fish abounded. Cheeses, butter, cooking oils, flour sacks, and rice for countless recipes joined the bounty.

Crucially, 1,000 barrels of premium wine nestled inside. Aditya knew the tribe cherished wine after laborious days. With Alicia's aid, he sourced this rare vintage from a minor Beast Continent empire.

Additionally, 100 tons of fresh grapes promised future wine production. Fine glassware sets, crafted specifically for wine, completed the haul.

All this delighted Leo immensely, filling him with joy over Aditya's thoughtful gift.

Aditya understood Leo's tribe overflowed with riches but starved for food, meat, and wine. Thus, he curated the finest offerings from the Istarin Empire—precisely what they needed—and gifted them generously.

"Come, let's feast!" All took their seats for the meal.

"While I grasp the broad strokes of your next moves, I crave hearing it straight from you. Aditya, what's your strategy moving forward?"

Aditya set down his glass of dragonfruit juice on the table.

"First, I seek an audience with my mom and Dad."

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A huge thanks to everyone for the precious golden tickets and gifts in support. Let's keep the momentum going!!!