What’s Yours Is Mine

'Are you really going to upgrade these Kobolds?' the Grimoire asked.

‘Of course. That's what I agreed with Chrysus.’

“Didn’t you say that you wanted a dragon subordinate? Why didn’t you go for that…?”

‘Because I could talk to Chrysus. Besides, in the end, wouldn't it be better to have natural loyalty?’ Ryan replied. ‘If only I could talk to the Kobolds, then I could convince them to work for me. Unfortunately, I don’t think learning a language on the spot is something you can grant me, Builder.’

“Not really,” the Grimoire said. “I’m not that type of book. But now that I think of it, the reason why the first five Kobolds cost about 20 Points each instead of only 10 is because of their innate loyalty to the baby dragon Chrysus. Now that you have made that dragon your subordinate, you'll only need 10 points to use Instill Loyalty and 40 Points to evolve them.”

‘I see. Then I’ll only need to spend 40 Points on each Kobold.’

“What if this dragon betrays you in the future?”

‘I am a good judge of character, Builder. Besides, if I act as an upright character in front of Chrysus, then he will naturally feel the need to become upright like me as well. I’ve read that Gold Dragons are morally good dragons and that they also believe in fairness.’ Ryan pointed out. ‘They'll treat you like how you treat them. Chrysus will grow to be a terror only if he is surrounded by the evil and wicked.’

“And what of the Kobolds?” the Grimoire asked.

‘Haha. You really worry a lot, Builder. Don't you see how all the Kobolds worshipped Chrysus even though he is just a child? Kobolds are smart enough to lay out traps to harm dangerous creatures far bigger than them, yet they had not laid even a single finger on Chrysus… Isn’t that enough proof of their reverence toward dragons? But enough of that… it’s time to fulfill my promise!’

— — — — — — —

Outstanding Grimoire Points: 101,110

Kobold Evolution: 60,000

Points Remaining: 41,110

— — — — — — —

Out of the 3000 Kobolds, 1500 of them, which is exactly half of the Kobolds present, suddenly grew in size. The Kobolds who grew in size were a little random.

Ryan did not ask the Grimoire to assess all of the Kobolds and simply left all the decision to fate, letting it choose who would grow and not.

All the Kobolds marveled at what they witnessed. The smaller ones pointed and gawked at their companions who had grown in size, while those who had experienced the growth examined their new physiques with amazement.

“Kriee!”

“You really are incredible, Ryan,” Chrysus said as he stood beside the human. “I observed how you did it… but I still can’t wrap my head around it yet. Maybe when I grow older, I will understand.”

“Yeah.” Ryan patted Chrysus’ head. “I think the way that you'll evolve these Kobolds will be different from mine.”

“So… what are you going to do now?” Chrysus asked. “I think it's very late now. With all the monsters lurking in the Ironcross Mountains, you might be in danger. I was just lucky to stumble into these Kobolds. You should stay the night.”

“Thank you for your generous offer!” Ryan smiled. “Some of my people are waiting outside this cave and I can't leave them out there. Can they get inside as well? But ah, there’s also something that I wish to ask, Chrysus.”

“What is it?” Chrysus’s golden eyes gleamed as he looked earnestly at Ryan. “Since you have made my Kobolds stronger, I owe you a lot.”

“Haha, well, I can’t help but notice that you have all of these precious stones and gems lying around.”

Now that Ryan and Chrysus were friends, he was finally able to address the precious jewels and gems that decorated the dragon’s area.

“Oh. The Kobolds mined them when they were creating tunnels for the cave. A lot of Kobolds like digging and mining. I think at least about 500 of them would do those everyday…?” Chrysus said with a small shrug. “They bring everything to me though.”

Ryan noticed that there was a lack of avarice in Chrysus’ manner. It was unlike many of the dragons he had read about, which once again proved the character of the young dragon.

“Do you like the crystals, Chrysus?”

“They’re fine and pretty. Some of them even have magic or mana, which is good.” Chrysus said, showing that he at least knew their particular value.

“I'm a bit interested in them, Chrysus. Perhaps we can strike a deal that will benefit the both of us?” Ryan offered.

“Deal?” Chrysus tilted his head in confusion.

“Yeah, an agreement. While I did evolve the Kobolds…”

“But we are brothers!” Chrysus protested, his wings flapping in agitation as he cast a distressed glance at Ryan. “Isn’t it only natural for brothers to share what they have with each other?”

Ryan paused before he smiled a little.

It was easy to take advantage of the innocent child and accept it right away, but Ryan wished to give guidance to the baby dragon.

“Well, the truth is that there are siblings who fight and squabble with what they have. Sometimes, parents also divide what they give to their children… some favoring more than others. Where I came from, I did not receive the same resources as my older brothers. It wasn't mistreatment, but rather a calculated decision for the benefit of the kingdom.”

“…That sounds similar to the people in my old home,” Chrysus said with a frown. “Everything is measured by strength and power. And there are folks who challenge each other constantly.”

“I see. It seems like the rules of the jungle apply everywhere.” Ryan laughed. “It is the natural order of things… but it can also mean that those who are in a higher position can also help those in need. We call it Noblesse Oblige. Again, not everyone does that, but I like the idea of it for my people, and I want to make it that way. And for those who bullied me? Well, they’ll regret it!”

“So that’s why you said that we are the same. There are people who bullied you too.” Chrysus said. “Yeah. We’re going to fight back, the two of us!”