Moonlight's small head was clearly working fast, calculating the gains and losses of this transaction.
After a moment, it seemed to reach a decision. Reluctantly, it raised a front paw and carefully scratched at its fluffy belly. With several nearly inaudible clicks, twelve silver scales—each the size of a baby's palm and shimmering with a lunar luster—tumbled onto the tabletop like pearls.
Having done this, Moonlight immediately looked at Leylo with wide, pleading eyes, letting out an urgent whimpering sound from its throat.
"Little guy, your math is pretty good!"
Twelve roasted geese for twelve dragon scales—not a single one extra. Leylo satisfiedly collected the scales and tucked them into a pre-prepared leather pouch. He rubbed Moonlight's large head as a reward for its cooperation.
"Alright, dig in."
With permission granted, Moonlight let out a joyful low growl. Abandoning all pretense of dignity, it dove headfirst into the mountain of roasted geese. The sounds of satisfied crunching and chewing erupted instantly as it ate with the speed of a whirlwind.
Leylo watched the dragon gorge itself, smiled, and turned to leave the terrace. He needed to prepare this "unexpected harvest" before Master Barnaby returned.
As dusk fell and the sky dimmed, the familiar shriek of a Wyvern echoed from the distance. Soon, Master Barnaby and Bolin landed in the clearing before the castle.
Unlike the high spirits he had when he left, Master Barnaby now wore a look of undisguised disappointment. His clothes were dusted with grime, suggesting he had performed a thorough search of the abandoned mine, but the results were clearly unsatisfactory.
"Baron Leylo," Barnaby squeezed out an apologetic smile as Leylo came to meet him. "Forgive me for imposing on you for so long. That mine... alas, aside from some faint residual aura, there were almost no valuable discoveries." He shook his head, his tone full of regret. "It seems my expectations were too high. That juvenile silver dragon must have left long ago."
Bolin bowed to the side but remained silent.
"As far as I know, there is a young Black Dragon that established a lair in the Blackrock Mountains. I encountered it once on the road," Leylo said, his face showing a perfect blend of understanding and consolation. "If you cannot find the Silver Dragon, perhaps that Black Dragon could solve your problem?"
Master Barnaby sighed. "This place has seen multiple dragons in quick succession—truly a frontier land with its own savage charm."
"I originally planned to select one scale from a Metallic Dragon and one from a Chromatic Dragon, grinding them together as a catalyst for a Tier 5 breakthrough potion," Barnaby explained. "To be honest, I've failed many times. I've used up all my stored scales, which is why I left Thunder Dragon City for the northern border to acquire different varieties."
"I didn't expect to accidentally obtain the scales of that mutated silver dragon; it fits my brewing logic perfectly. Unfortunately, I've come up empty-handed in the end. I shouldn't trouble you further; I'm preparing to return to Boulder City."
He moved to take his leave.
"Master, please stay a moment," Leylo spoke up in time.
Barnaby stopped and looked at him.
Leylo said unhurriedly, "A few days ago, some of my subjects were active in the mountains near the mine and seemed to have picked up some strange, shiny fragments. No one cared at the time, but hearing the soldiers mention it today, I wondered if it might be related to your research? I specifically had them collected for you to look at."
As he spoke, Leylo pulled out the small leather bag containing the twelve dragon scales—along with some "intentionally" added useless trinkets—and handed it over.
Master Barnaby's eyes lit up instantly! He could sense the aura he had been seeking for so long. He took the bag and carefully poured out the contents. Amidst a small pile of debris, the twelve scales shimmering with cold radiance were dazzling.
"Yes! This is it! The aura, the texture, the energy fluctuations..." Barnaby cradled the scales like rare treasures. His disappointment vanished, replaced by ecstasy and excitement. He stared intently at the scales, lost in his own world for a moment before realizing his loss of composure.
"Baron Leylo, these... these scales are too important to me! With these, I will have the chance to create a Tier 5 breakthrough potion. This will be a qualitative leap for my alchemy!"
Barnaby took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. "As per our agreement, these potions are to be traded for the additional materials you provided. Please wait!"
He fumbled through his spatial magic bag once more, eventually producing two crystal vials and a wooden box.
"Baron, here are two Earth Knight Breakthrough Potions and ten Great Knight Breakthrough Potions!" Barnaby handed them to Leylo solemnly, his eyes burning. "I hope these can express a bit of my gratitude!"
Two Earth Knight potions! Ten Great Knight potions!
Even though Leylo was prepared, he was startled by Barnaby's extravagance. As expected of a master alchemist, these precious potions seemed no different from spring water in his hands.
"You are too kind, Master." Leylo kept a calm face but was delighted inwardly as he accepted the potions without hesitation. "It is Blackstone's honor to assist in your research."
"Not at all, it is I who should thank you!" Barnaby was in a fantastic mood now, and Leylo looked more agreeable to him by the second. "By the way, I will still be staying at the Golden Griffin Inn in Boulder City to focus on these scales. If—and I mean if—you or your people have similar discoveries or other special magical materials in the future, you can find me there! I am willing to trade at the highest prices or with the best quality potions!"
"Certainly," Leylo nodded. "If there is news, I will inform you immediately."
Satisfied, Master Barnaby thanked Leylo again and eagerly climbed onto the Wyvern's back. As the beast prepared to fly, he added, "Baron, if possible, have your knights and subjects search for the trail of that juvenile Silver Dragon in the mountains. Whether it's clues, shed scales, or other materials, I will buy them at a high price!"
With a low roar, the Wyvern flapped its wings and soon disappeared into the night.
Leylo stood there, weighing the heavy potion vials in his hand. Keeping a good relationship with this man could provide Blackstone with a long-term supply of high-quality alchemy.
The next day, as dawn broke, Leylo was in full military attire, mounting his Storm Griffin. Ed led twenty Pegasus Knights, already packed and ready.
"Depart!"
At Leylo's command, he was the first to take to the skies. The Pegasus Knights followed closely, their wings unfurling to create a turbulent airflow as they formed a neat formation, guarding Leylo on both sides.
The group traveled by day and rested by night, stopping only when necessary. The speed of the Pegasi significantly shortened the travel time.
On the afternoon of the second day, a continuous forest of red maples appeared on the horizon. The leaves were as red as fire, resembling a sea of burning clouds.
Red Maple Ridge had arrived.