Chapter 394: Chapter 388: Staying Out of It

Leon learned about the Astral Prism from the game.

He didn’t dare to guarantee he could use it effectively, so he specifically consulted Salovis, who seemed to have some insights.

In summary, the Githyanki had a son who inherited her ability to block spiritual energy, named Orpheus. Because when he charged while riding a dragon, a brilliant comet-like glow would appear, he was also known as the Comet Prince.

After the disappearance of Gith, the famous Comet War broke out between Vilakis and Orpheus, resulting in Orpheus’s defeat.

Vilakis declared outwardly that Orpheus was dead, but in fact, she secretly imprisoned Orpheus in a special cage, which is the Astral Prism.

As for why Vilakis didn’t kill Orpheus, it was because she needed him alive for his ability to block spiritual energy. This was key in resisting the revival of the Mind Flayer Empire, and also crucial to proving herself to the Githyanki, undoubtedly ensuring her rule over them.

A Red Dragon actually knew her greatest secret, Vilakis looked at Leon with an unfriendly expression.

Compared to Vilakis, Leon supported Orpheus more; at least in the game, the prince was quite charismatic, unlike some old witch who would frequently use a Praying Skill to kill players. Still, he wouldn’t meddle in Githyanki affairs for no reason.

To remind Vilakis not to do anything foolish, Leon returned to Dragon Form, transforming into an ultra-giant Red Dragon… He was long fed up with losing in aura to Vilakis.

In human form, Leon found it hard to pressure Vilakis, but an ultra-giant Red Dragon was another matter.

Vilakis, after all, was not easily frightened. She merely clenched her fist. But the two Red Dragon guards responsible for Vilakis’s safety, lazily lying on the side, were genuinely dumbfounded… Was this an ultra-giant Red Dragon or what? That’s supposedly a young dragon?

Leon stared at Vilakis, contemplating where to strike first if a fight broke out, starting by dismantling the Skeleton Throne under Vilakis. Otherwise, that Divine Artifact Skeleton Throne would continuously supply Vilakis with power. After that, Vilakis wouldn’t be easy to kill; perhaps kill the two Red Dragon guards first…

The two Red Dragon guards noticed Leon looking at them, a very real pressure emanating from him, prompting them to quickly stand up and retreat… Rather than guards, they were more like spies planted by Tiamat at Vilakis’s side, and they would never lay down their lives for her.

The Red Dragons were already the Githyanki’s only allies. The power on that Red Dragon was beyond her comprehension… Vilakis was not a god; in the game, players could even probe her thoughts, her prestige was lower than a true god like Shar.

Vilakis took two deep breaths, ultimately held back, and said, “Will you disregard the alliance?”

During the war with the Mind Flayers, Vilakis suggested seeking allies across different planes, specifically mentioning Tiamat. Gith agreed to the risk of venturing into the Nine Layers of Hell to form an alliance with the Dragon Queen.

“I just want to defend myself.” Leon said. He really had no interest in clashing with Vilakis for no reason, or offending Tiamat.

“Who told you about the Astral Prism?” Vilakis asked, “Ephelomon?”

After Gith went to the Nine Layers of Hell, she never returned. Only the great Red Dragon Ephelomon appeared, bringing the news to the Githyanki—that Tiamat had promised to send Red Dragons to ally with them.

“A secret.” Leon had no way to explain, nor did he want to, not even willing to fabricate a story.

Young Red Dragons could be impulsive; the millennia-old Vilakis was not so rash, not to mention the rumors outside that this particular Red Dragon was Tiamat’s chosen… Tiamat could use Leon to spread Her influence, inevitably causing misunderstandings among others.

“According to the alliance.” Vilakis unclenched her fist, “Red Dragons should not get involved in Githyanki politics.”

Leon laughed, “I have no interest in Githyanki politics.”

“I hope we can become allies.” Vilakis, able to be flexible, put down her pride.

“As I said earlier, we are allies.” Leon slowly moved, swaying his tail. “I have a sanctuary for your Githyanki in my kingdom. I provide them protection.”

“I’m not referring to the Githyanki, but myself.” Vilakis stepped down from the Skeleton Throne, “You should understand what I mean.”

“I don’t meddle in Githyanki politics.” Leon reiterated the same thing.

“That’s enough.” Vilakis nodded.

All the powerful Githyanki were devoured by Vilakis. The Githyanki liked to plunder everywhere, but aside from battling the Mind Flayers, they preferred bullying weaker beings over challenging powerful monsters like Beholders or Purple Worms. They were not useful for Leon to collect rare alchemy materials, but there was one thing Leon cared about.

“One Star Realm speedboat, Astral Sailboat, and Plane Raider each.” Leon flicked his forked tongue; he envied the Githyanki’s magic ships.

Vilakis wasn’t afraid of Leon asking for things; she was only worried if he asked for nothing, laughing, “To sail across the sky and between planes, each Githyanki magic ship is powered by a Magic Rudder, a throne-shaped seat, capable of converting spiritual energy into propulsion… does Lord Leon have subordinates skilled in spiritual energy?”

“I have Gray Dwarves.” Leon said, “If you’re giving the magic ships, a few pilots shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“The Plane Raider is our largest magic ship, usually serving as a flagship in large-scale external operations, requiring ten crew members to operate and capable of carrying over 100 passengers.” Vilakis said, “Aside from the Plane Raider, as we don’t have many, everything else can be given to Lord Leon.”

“That’ll do then.” Leon was easily satisfied.

After leaving the Whisper Palace, Leon immediately followed Duens to the dock adjacent to the military zone to pick his favorite magic ship, and took the magic ship to find Salovis.

“Where did you get a magic ship?” Salovis disliked human form, currently circling around the Star Realm speedboat in Dragon Form.

“Come aboard.” Leon waved to his sister.

Salovis transformed into human form and boarded the Star Realm speedboat.

Despite there being several seats, she insisted on sitting right next to Leon.

“Are we riding the Star Realm speedboat back?” Salovis asked.

“You’re taking the Star Realm speedboat back. There’s also an Astral Sailboat.” Though upper and lower planes don’t exist in the Star Realm, it didn’t prevent Leon from looking up at what seemed like the sky. “I’m not returning for now.”

“Where are you going? I want to go with you.” Salovis said, knowing that sticking with Leon could make her rich, even a little of what he’d share could ease her efforts for years.

“I don’t know.” Leon said, “I didn’t even bring Tassera, so why should I bring you.”

Salovis widened her eyes and said, “Aren’t I more important in my brother’s heart than her?”

Leon only smiled, causing Salovis to pout.

The chaotic evil of a Red Dragon was truly hard to manage, but with Anglistra and Salovis, it was enough for Leon. He had no interest in recruiting other Red Dragons. After spending a few days in Tunaras, he left and wandered the vast Astral Sea, searching for color pools that led to different planes.

Rarely venturing out, Tunaras was definitely not Leon’s final destination, just a minor episode.