Dragon Monarch System Chapter 1019:- Bounty of 1,000,000 Platinum Coins

"Laura, why are we here once more?" Rin questioned, her voice laced with frustration.

To onlookers, it seemed like four travelers had just reached a place known as Greyhaven City.

Greyhaven stood as the nearest city to the Grimwood Forest and the Dragon Mountain Range. The vast Grimwood Forest spanned across 8 Duke territories, with the Dragon Mountain Range located right at its heart.

"We're here to get ourselves stuck inside the Dragon Mountain Range," Laura answered playfully. Yet inwardly, she felt deep anxiety. She sensed her other half, Athena, shared the same worry, perhaps even greater.

"Did we really need to come here despite Uncle and Aunt's repeated warnings against visiting the Dragon Mountain Range?" Alen had advised Aditya to avoid the Dragon Mountain Range unless he had no choice.

Alen and Elena had warned them multiple times. Yet after the lengthy meeting with his parents and allies, Aditya's first destination was the Dragon Mountain Range. Others deemed his decision insane, but Aditya harbored different intentions.

As for Alfred, Aditya tasked him with returning to the Dragon Palace to fetch Mateo and Bree to the Main Continent too. Following his trip to the Dragon Mountain Range, the strategy involved announcing to the entire Celestial Dragon Empire that the exiled Crown Prince had returned.

Laura remained unmerged with Athena. Thus, their group now consisted of four members instead of three.

"It is!" Aditya responded quietly, not turning to face Rin.

"There are 13 National Treasures. Right now, nobody in our group can challenge any of those National Treasures. To boost our odds in the coming war, we must secure a truly mighty and influential ally."

"That ally is my grandfather, Boris Bainnith."

"I have no interest in encountering other former Emperors or Elders. Waking them might irritate them enough to slay us on a whim. But as Boris’s grandson, even if we don't know his nature, Father suggested him as our final resort. We can trust he’ll aid us rather than punish us for interrupting his rest or seclusion."

Aditya’s explanation rang true to Rin. Still, the mystery lingered: how would they handle the Purple Fog enveloping the whole Dragon Mountain Range?

While crossing the city square, the group spotted soldiers on a elevated platform, displaying finely hand-drawn portraits of Aditya, Athena, Rin, and Laura.

Despite lacking printing techniques, the artwork captured their features with stunning precision, allowing instant recognition by anyone viewing them.

"Citizens of Greyhaven, pay close attention!" A soldier advanced on the platform and projected his voice for all in the square to hear distinctly.

"These four are the top wanted fugitives of the Celestial Dragon Empire." He indicated the precise portraits of Aditya, Athena, Rin, and Laura. Similar displays occurred throughout the city. In crowded spots, the images were presented to the masses. In bustling zones, posters hung on walls for public view, noting generous rewards.

The gathering crowd focused intently on the portraits. The depictions were so vivid that no mistaking them was possible.

"Whoever spots them and alerts the soldiers will earn a reward of 100,000 Platinum Coins."

Whispers rippled through the crowd. Such a sum could sustain a family of four in Baron-level luxury for a century. Wisely managed, it might support one person for over a millennium. Essentially, it offered lifelong security.

The soldier continued undeterred.

"Providing their precise whereabouts, or info leading to their arrest, grants 1,000,000 Platinum Coins to that individual or group."

The crowd buzzed with fervent murmurs this time. Gasps escaped some lips. Rewards of this magnitude were lifelong dreams for most. Never before had the Empire offered such vast bounties for fugitives.

Suddenly, the soldier's face hardened.

"Heed this warning... false reports will face severe punishment."

"Those attempting to deceive the Empire will lose four fingers and pay a fine of 10,000 Platinum Coins." Silence fell afterward. The earlier thrill now blended with dread.

Cunning folks who had pondered fabricating reports for profit swiftly abandoned their greedy plots. This was a grave affair, enforced by the Current Emperor's direct command.

Aditya overheard the soldiers detailing their heights, builds, and more.

Luckily for them, prior to departing the Dwarf Tribe, they had altered their looks with smart disguises. Aditya now appeared two inches taller via special boots crafted by Leo.

He applied temporary dye for reddish-brown hair and black pupils. Heavy garments added a chubby illusion.

Athena and Laura transformed utterly. Matching in height, they posed as twins.

Bandages flattened their chests. Makeup subtly reshaped faces. Hair turned white, skin to light brown. These alterations concealed their true selves perfectly—even Aditya struggled to identify them initially.

Rin received the Goddess's personal aid for her disguise. Makeup scarred one cheek and jaw faintly, suggesting a burn—not drastic, but off-putting enough.

Like the rest, her pupil color shifted. Pink-dyed hair in a high ponytail added height and altered her aura.

Her attire avoided simplicity. A traditional long robe blended eastern influences, with layered cloth, extended sleeves, and delicate edge embroidery. Elegant yet subdued.

The logic was straightforward. Plain clothes would draw odd stares. Common garb for respectable folk let them merge seamlessly.

They swiftly departed the area. Teleporting close to the Eastern Gate's public array, they aimed for the western gate to reach the Dragon Mountain Range—requiring a full city traverse.

Upon exiting the Western Gate, a guard observed from the walls.

"What catches your eye?" His comrade noticed the idling and peered over, spotting a plump, tall man with three women.

"Fancy one of them?"

"If you're keen, admit it. We'll assist by any method." Unlike the Istarin Empire, Celestial Dragon Empire troops were rife with corruption. Low ranks multiplied salaries 5 to 10 times via illicit acts.

Some degenerates even violated poor men's wives by force.

"No thanks! I checked if they match the wanted criminals."

The second guard reexamined their retreating forms.

"Doesn't seem so. That man exceeds the criminal's height and looks pudgy."

"True enough."

"Bathroom break—back shortly."

He slipped into a vacant storeroom, retrieving the artifact issued to all Organization scouts.

"Report! Scout 10641 from Greyhaven City. Spotted a quartet moving toward Grimwood Forest."