Chapter 131: Calling For Backup
This script was completely different from what Anse had expected.
The Amn Barracks were mostly filled with commoners, with professionals making up only a minority, mainly used to combat human armies, and generally without weapons against large flying creatures.
There might be ballistae, but their elevation is limited, making it hard to threaten a black dragon nearing adulthood.
Except for the shame of the Dragon Race, other dragon race members are more cunning than the last; they are rampant, but absolutely not stupid.
In theory, the black dragon’s nighttime raid on the camp to reclaim the treasure should have caused heavy losses to the Amn people.
“Unless… they appraised those treasures that fell from the sky and were prepared in advance.” Anse felt his guess was nine times out of ten correct.
After all, the sky can rain, snow, or hail, but no one has ever heard of it raining money; only a fool wouldn’t know there’s a trick to it.
Human greed makes hiding money hard to avoid, but an army is an army; under high pressure, control is much easier than with commoners.
Detecting the dragon’s Vault Curse was just the first step; setting up the trap based on it was the key.
“Amn has experts, but how are they so sure the dragon will come?”
As the holder of the Dragonhide Pouch, even he didn’t know which dragon race vault the treasure came from, or if the dragon would come looking.
He suddenly remembered how the Amn people induced the green dragon to attack Dulag and schemed against Stol; this was surely no coincidence, meaning the Amn people’s understanding of dragons was deeper than anyone’s.
“Should I go take a look?” He looked toward the pitch-black depths of the jungle, somewhat undecided.
The black dragon’s form had flashed by earlier; unclear on its strength or injuries, rashly going over might lead to a sneaky attack by the cunning black dragon, letting the Amn people pick up the bargain.
In the darkness, the fire dragon became increasingly clear.
He raised the telescope again, carefully observing the winding firelight in the wilderness.
“At least a thousand people, definitely advanced professionals; this formation… leaves no chance for anyone else.”
Dulag, as Adventurer City, had a high transient population and fewer than ten thousand residents; the guard scale was maintained at around three hundred fifty year-round, with over a thousand militia, but they weren’t called up in peacetime and mainly farmed, with poor combat power and equipment.
This was the norm on the Faerun continent; limited productivity meant not everyone could afford full-time soldiers, only the Amn people with their wealth and thick forces.
However, the Amn Barracks were a bit far from Toothed Forest; with horses spooked, they could only run.
Anse estimated that it would take the Amn people at least two hours to reach Forest Edge, harder inside the forest; even if they could pinpoint the black dragon, it would take at least one or two hours to find it.
He pulled out his pocket watch, clicked it open, and the hour hand had just passed three.
“Plenty of time, call for backup!”
He immediately returned to Black Tower, went to the fourth floor, waved the Scepter of Sanctuary, and several rooms flickered dimly and brightly, startling many awake in the flashing.
This was one of Black Tower’s features; the light source came from the tower itself, with mark holders able to adjust brightness themselves, and the Tower Master having full permission.
Salian, Brat, and others hurriedly ran out of their rooms, along the corridor to the brightly lit hall, spotting the tall-standing Anse at a glance.
“Very sorry to disturb your sweet dreams, but there’s an unexpected situation outside, and I need everyone’s help.” Anse bowed slightly.
They were sleeping so relaxed on their first day, only to be disturbed by him; he did feel a bit guilty.
Salian was relieved instead: “I thought enemies had broken in. What happened?”
Seeing the main personnel assembled, Anse quickly described the situation: “A black dragon night-raided the Amn Barracks, landed in Toothed Forest, and the Amn people are pursuing…”
“An injured young black dragon…” Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise and joy.
“Possibly adult.” Anse added; dragons had individual size differences.
“If the treant is willing to act, our chances are great.” Salian paced barefoot, eyes flickering.
“We have to try.” Anse glanced at them, “Finn, I need you and Greyhawk to help me search for the black dragon’s trail.
Brat, ride Nolnos to Jacqueline Castle, inform Illyas of this news.
Kalenno, you and Giant Tail go to the Federation; they know Giant Tail, inform Quentin or Guard Captain that the Amn Army is coming, have them assemble forces and prepare for combat.
Captain Salian, this is「 Far Sight」, it can observe distant situations; you monitor the Amn people’s movements for me, act as second command.
Hurry and armor up, I’ll send you out, then I’ll communicate with the treant.”
“No problem…” They said nothing more and immediately returned to their rooms.
Others were displeased; First Mate Colin pushed past the blocking large green dragonborn, Guli sleepy on his shoulder: “What about me? My archery isn’t much worse than the captain’s…”
Halfling Colin was a level 4 Druid-Ocean Society; though casting ability was poor, he could transform into various animals, with good archery, quite suited to jungle.
Anse thought briefly and agreed: “You’re in then, but you follow the captain’s command, no solo actions.”
“No problem.” Colin laughed, quickly returning to his room for gear.
“Me too, me too…” Most were up, excited by the news.
This was a dragon-slaying chance; who would pass it up.
“Everyone calm down!” Anse raised his hand to soothe, “Situation unclear, everyone rest; I’ll call if needed.”
If it came to fighting, common professionals could hardly protect themselves; level 4 was his acceptable baseline.
Finn and Brat would only do support work, not facing the black dragon or Amn directly.
“Alright…” Others were reluctant but didn’t press.
Minutes later, the six returned, fully armed.
“Go!”
Anse teleported them out together, handed「 Far Sight」 to Salian, pointed a general direction for Finn, then returned to Hollewen.
Everyone got to their tasks and immediately acted.
Brat rode Nolnos for the first time, so excited his hands didn’t know where to go; one hand touched Nolnos’s fierce neck armor, earning an eye-roll.
In Hollewen, Anse found Treant Guta sleeping at Plaza edge.
He had just stated his intent when the treant agreed without thinking, no need for persuasion.
To Guta, Anse had saved its life; he was ally and friend, moreover a paladin’s enemy deserved death, especially an evil black dragon.
Anse didn’t send it out immediately but had it prepare; it would enter for the decisive blow.
After briefing everything, he returned to Black Tower’s top room.
Still early; he needed to wait for Illyas, Quentin, and others to arrive before discussing plans.
Before that, he planned to boost his own strength.
In Faerun, leveling in combat was legend. Same for level up; low levels were quick and small gains, but after level 5, each required a process from minutes to tens of minutes, possibly longer later.
Thus, even with enough experience in combat, he couldn’t level up on the spot.
So, better to first raise paladin level, gain powerful subclass features, boost immediate combat power. He originally planned to save experience for level 7, but plans change.
He focused mentally, called up Character Card, clicked the paladin section.
【Level up?】
“Yes!”
Experience in the Experience Pool flowed away.
【Level Up: Level 3 Paladin!】
【You gain new class feature:「 Channel Divinity」, you can learn one Evocation Spell】
【You gain subclass features:「 Elemental Slash」,「 Giant Spell」,「 Giant’s Radiance」】
「 Channel Divinity」: You gain the ability to channel divine energy directly from the Outer Planes, using it to create magical effects, twice per day, recover one on short rest.
Current mastered Channel Divinity effects: Divine Sense.
Divine Sense: Extend your awareness with divine energy to detect the locations and creature types of celestials, fiends, and undead, as well as any location or object blessed or desecrated by holy site spells.
Base Duration 10 minutes, base range 60 feet（18 meters）.
「 Elemental Slash」: You revere the mighty elemental planes and gain response from elemental power.
After releasing Holy Slash, you can immediately consume one Channel Divinity to trigger an elemental effect.
「 Giant Spell」: As levels rise, you master more elemental spells.
Current spells: Four Symbols Method, Blazing Slash, Thunder Slash; you always have them prepared and can cast anytime.
「 Giant’s Radiance」: Destructive yet gorgeous elemental power surrounds you, forming a powerful Elemental Radiance.
Intimidation +1.
If not wearing any medium armor or heavy armor, Armor Class increases, gaining a bonus equal to Charisma modifier, at least +1.
