MTLNOVEL Chapter 463: Pride's Den
The name resonated perfectly with the legendary creature's essential nature. Pride had defined the Mane King's existence, driving him to build and protect his territory, to lead his pack with absolute authority, and ultimately to die fighting rather than surrender. It was a quality Arthur respected deeply.
Pride bowed his massive head in acknowledgement of his new master, the gesture carrying genuine respect rather than mere submission. Through their mystical connection, Arthur could sense the legendary creature's gratitude for being honoured rather than merely dominated.
"Pride," Arthur addressed his new summon with hopeful expectation, "do you know of an herb with blood-red petals and fire crackling in its core?"
The massive golden head shook slowly, Pride's voice carrying apologetic tones. "I regret to inform you, master, that no such herb exists within our territory. In all my years of living here, I have encountered no plant matching that description."
Arthur's expression darkened with disappointment as he contemplated the need to search other dangerous territories. The Winter Beast's domain seemed increasingly inevitable, despite the significant risks posed by a level 25 creature with domain abilities.
However, before Arthur could finalise his plans for departure, Pride's voice carried a note of possibility. "However, master, I do possess another herb of considerable value. This herb has been stored in our den because it provides enhancement to our physical capabilities."
Arthur's attention rose immediately. Any herb valuable enough for a legendary pack to hoard and protect would certainly be worth investigation.
"Lead me to your den," Arthur said, excitement building in his heart.
Pride rose gracefully and began padding through the forest with purposeful strides, his massive paws making no sound despite his considerable weight. Arthur followed, with Aether still perched contentedly on his shoulder and the Golden Beetle maintaining respectful distance.
The journey led them deeper into Golden Mane territory, past carefully maintained hunting grounds and strategic defensive positions that showed the pack's sophisticated territorial management. Eventually, they arrived at a cave system built into a natural cliff formation that had clearly been expanded and modified over generations.
Inside the den, Arthur's eyes spotted a treasure trove that exceeded his expectations. Weapons of various ranks lined specially carved alcoves, while armour sets and magical accessories were organised properly. Rare items, Spirit cores, and crafting materials filled additional storage areas.
"All of this belongs to me now," Arthur observed with satisfaction, his spatial storage responding to mental commands as he collected everything of value. The accumulated wealth of a legendary pack represented significant resources that could benefit his guild and allies.
However, his primary attention focused on the herb Pride led him to examine. It was housed in a specially constructed preservation chamber that maintained optimal environmental conditions through various other items.
The herb itself was magnificent. It was a legendary-rank specimen that radiated power even in its dormant state. Arthur studied its properties through his perception, his eyes widening as understanding dawned.
The herb produced a subtle atmospheric effect that gradually strengthened the bodies of those exposed to its influence over extended periods. Despite that effect, Arthur knew that the plant's effects weren't so simple. If the effect of the herb just existing was this powerful, then actually using it would be even more potent, providing an immediate enhancement.
Arthur realised that this treasure was potentially more beneficial than the Pyro's Lotus he had originally sought. While the Pyro's Lotus would allow him to exchange with another herb that had a physical enhancement effect, Arthur doubted it would be more powerful than the one in his hand.
This legendary herb offered a bigger permanent improvement that could help Charlotte's condition.
Pleased with this unexpected discovery, Arthur reached out and gently ruffled Pride's magnificent mane. The legendary creature responded with a soft purring sound that rumbled through his massive chest, clearly enjoying the affectionate gesture from his new master.
"Well done, Pride," Arthur murmured with genuine gratitude. "You've provided something far more valuable than I dared hope for."
...
Pleased that Arthur had become genuinely happy with the treasures and resources he had provided, Pride continued to purr with deep satisfaction. The rumbling sound emanated from his massive chest like distant thunder, expressing contentment.
After thoroughly exploring the rest of the den and collecting every item of value into his dimensional storage, Arthur decided that it was time to move toward his next objective. His next destination would be the Laughing Death pack's territory, where the Cackle Queen ruled through her sadistic hunting practices.
"Pride," Arthur addressed his newest summon while settling himself comfortably atop the legendary creature's broad back. "I need you to take me to the hyenas' territory. You know this region better than anyone, and I want to approach their domain efficiently."
The massive golden head nodded in understanding.
Arthur positioned himself securely on Pride's shoulders. "Take me directly to the Cackle Queen's location," he instructed with directness. "I want to end this quickly and efficiently, without wasting time on territorial games or extended warfare."
Pride did not hesitate to do as he was commanded. Without any apparent preparation or warning, the legendary creature exploded into motion with insane speed. His powerful legs propelled him forward with such velocity that the forest around them became a blur of green and brown, trees flashing past like vertical streaks in Arthur's peripheral vision.
Aether remained perched contentedly on Arthur's shoulders throughout the rapid transit, his small claws finding secure purchase despite the intense acceleration. The void dragon's expression carried obvious excitement as he experienced high-speed travel through dense forest terrain.
"Whee!" Aether exclaimed with delight. "Pride is really fast! Master, can we do this more often?"
Behind them, the Golden Beetle attempted to match Pride's incredible pace but quickly fell behind as the legendary creature's speed exceeded even superior-rank capabilities. However, the beetle's knowledge and connection with Arthur meant that being separated wasn't problematic, the beetle knew exactly where they were heading and could follow appropriate routes to reach the hyena territory independently without any issues.