I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

Rosde somewhat understood Haddad's considerations, after all, when Lis previously made his request, he claimed it was to build a base for [Nature's Wrath] on his territory, a pretense that was obviously meant to fool the elves.

"Hmm."

Haddad's gaze was deep, he had been contemplating this point just now.

As a World Tree Favored, every action of Lis would attract his attention, for he understood too well the significance behind this identity.

Needing so many extraordinary materials indicates that Lis definitely has some big plans.

Rosde thought the same, he remembered the materials list Lis had shown him before.

If Haddad's speculation is correct, and the materials list Lis presented is indeed filled with things he needs, then what does he intend to do?

Rebuild a nation?

Create another extraordinary force similar to [Nature's Wrath]?

Rosde was puzzled, his mind filled with Lis's smiling face when they parted.

"...Let's start with this."

After a moment of silence, Haddad looked up and said to Rosde:

"Quickly prepare the extraordinary materials Lis needs, and personally deliver them to him."

"Including the Life Ancient Tree that Sage Lis requested?"

Rosde nodded and asked softly.

"Yes, inform Elf Country Tirion... no, just notify Elf Country Tirion and have them arrange personnel to escort the Life Ancient Tree exclusively."

Haddad pondered for a moment and told Rosde.

The Elf Ancient Tree is significantly important to the Elf Clan, and the Life Ancient Tree even more so. Haddad did not want the Elf Ancient Tree to wither due to an accident after leaving the Elf Forest.

The Moon Elf, serving the Elf Gods, is the most suitable candidate to care for the Elf Ancient Tree.

Likewise, this would also notify the Elf Great Sage about Lis's movements.

"Rosde, after you deliver them, don't be in a rush to come back."

Haddad thought for a moment and advised Rosde.

"What do you mean?"

Rosde had given up thinking and asked directly.

"Regardless of how much Lis needs, the base of the Elf Kingdom on his territory must be established."

"At that time, you will be responsible for this matter, and take a look at what Lis actually intends to do."

"Given that he has returned to his territory, and doesn't seem inclined to leave soon, whatever he intends should be related to his territory."

"Understood."

Rosde nodded, as a Legendary Elf Ranger, he was still able to collect this information.

Even though Lis was unaware of this secret conversation in the Elf Capital, he gained a temporary Legendary Elf companion, and surely wouldn't mind Haddad's speculations.

Nor would Lis have the time to care, after hustling through it all, he managed to acquire another large stack of extraordinary materials with ease.

The repairs on the Floating City already showed promising signs.

As for the remaining tasks, it wasn't necessary to rush, taking it slow would suffice.

Lis had already formulated a [Kane Floating City Five-Year Development Plan], and the rest could proceed slowly.

As for Lis, when he returned from the Elf Forest to Danerluo Port, Mora found him again.

...

"Is there something you need?"

Lis looked at Mora, saying somewhat helplessly.

He had just finished his work, ready to head back to the Floating City to return to his delightful arcane research, yet trouble came knocking again.

But Lis couldn't exactly refuse, as before he always acted like a hands-off shopkeeper, it wouldn't be right to continue neglecting after finally coming back.

Moreover, Lis was aware if Mora approached him, it wouldn't be about trivial matters, otherwise, he wouldn't bother Lis.

"Indeed, there is a troublesome matter."

Mora sat in front of Lis, speaking with a bitter smile:

"I truly can't resolve it, so I had to come seek you."

"It's trouble on the Pearl Sea."

"Pearl Sea? Pirates?"

Upon hearing, Lis grew curious.

The Pearl Sea, as the near sea east of the Fanor Continent, was the essential route for merchant ships from Danerluo Port to other areas, and also one of the busiest sea areas on the eastern continent.

In previous eras, because of the destruction of Boditch Kingdom and the self-focused state of Feis Kingdom, the entire Pearl Sea became a haven for pirates who ravaged passing ships.

Even so, many merchant ships still chose this route, illustrating the importance of Pearl Sea and Danerluo Port.

But now, before Lis obtained Danerluo Port and the territory of Luou Peninsula, he had already noticed this issue.

Not only had he slain the Blood Shark and seized the extraordinary ship [Hurricane], two of the future pirate generals of the Pearl Sea were currently serving as crew on [Hurricane]!

One of them was even his student.

Also, with [Hurricane] and those subordinates Lis specifically prepared, they exterminated pirates resistant to governance throughout Pearl Sea, dramatically bettering the Pearl Sea's condition compared to Lis's previous era.

Of course, due to the vastness of Pearl Sea, there would surely be places beyond reach, but shouldn't something major crop up?

If Mora was specifically coming to find him, it implied he thought those Golden Rank professionals in the territory had no way to resolve the matter, requiring Lis's Legendary intervention.

Facing Lis's inquiry, Mora didn't play coy.

"A few days ago, a merchant ship reported discovering a new pirate ship raiding in the Pearl Sea. Ships pursued by them were all wiped out without survivors, the reporting ship narrowly escaped simply because they were afar."

"Most importantly, the pirate ship seemed to have an exceptionally powerful Black Dragon assisting them."

"Initially, I thought it was an isolated incident, but yesterday received two identical reports affirming this."

"Black Dragon?"

Upon hearing, Lis grew intrigued.

The Dragon Clan, regardless of any minstrel's songs, was a highly formidable race, though the Five-Colored Dragons usually appeared as villains, serving as stepping stones for heroes' epic achievements.

Therefore, many viewed dragon slaying as a warrior's Glory.

Lis had done it before, however, during his eastern mountain journey in Dillon Kingdom, where he slew a young White Dragon.

Before that, he had encountered Golden Dragon Ludwig.

As a Five-Colored Dragon, though possessing a body and Dragon Language Magic far superior to humans, their growth was notably slow, thus rarely venturing out when young.

While they could easily kill Bronze Rank and Silver Rank professionals through physical prowess, news of juvenile Five-Colored Dragons inevitably attracted relentless human strongmen.

Besides the [Dragon Slayer] fame, the entirety of the Dragon Clan was a considerably rare treasure, let alone their penchant for hoarding valuables.

Still, a Black Dragon collaborating with pirates to raid merchant ships—such an occurrence had not been seen in Lis's previous life.

Though better than the "Dragon Clan's Shame" White Dragon, the Black Dragon is only slightly better, its strength still limited.

Active Black Dragons were likely in adult or robust maturity stages, equal to the Golden High Order.

Especially on the ocean, where Black Dragons thrive as excellent swimmers, typical Golden Rank professionals were not capable contenders.

Lis understood why Mora sought him.

This surely posed a challenge, though not significant for Lis.

Lis was quite intrigued by this.

Just the opportunity to capture and research a Black Dragon, exploring both the Dragon Clan's potent body and Dragon Language Magic greatly piqued his interest.

It was awkward to say to Golden Dragon Ludwig "Hey, brother, I'd like to study your body."

A Black Dragon coming forth provided Lis a rather fine opportunity.

Once research was complete, if the Black Dragon remained alive, housing it in the Floating City or territory would appear prestigious.

As a Legendary Mage, Lis comfortably handled a Black Dragon lacking Legend status.

"Understood, I will take care of the pirate ship and Black Dragon."