After Becoming an Evil Dragon, I Was Entangled by the Saintess - Chapter 37

The Underdark was a land where starlight could never penetrate. Bards always described it with words like “dark,” “mysterious,” and “evil.” It was a secret realm distinct from the surface world, a vast labyrinth of jagged rocks and winding tunnels. Its true extent remained unknown; no one in the Red Maple Territory could find a complete map of the Underdark, despite the fact that an entrance to it lay within Mangshui Forest.

Though Yulxi had decided to embark on her journey, she didn’t set out the next day. Instead, she waited until spring. The mountain snows melted, and babbling streams gurgled through the awakening forest, their gentle music mingling with the songs of birds. The once-silent, icy Mangshui Forest gradually came back to life. It was also during this time that rumors about the Underdark began to circulate more frequently in the Gold and Silver Tavern.

Naturally, there were always daring adventurers who ventured underground to explore. But apart from a handful of lucky survivors, most visitors who entered the Underdark never emerged safely, instead vanishing without a trace to become nutrients for the subterranean rocks.

During this time, Ilti had been tirelessly researching runes and magic energy weapons, working hard to poach talent from the Mage Guild and finding several trustworthy individuals. She knew the Red Maple Territory’s weaknesses: building a large army of magic-sensitive Professionals was still too difficult. But if ordinary soldiers could wield these weapons, the territory’s power would be greatly enhanced. However, Ilti and her team kept this development secret. While selling the weapons to noble lords in neighboring provinces could bring immense profits, it would also expose the Red Maple Territory to danger.

“The Red Maple Territory will be fine. You can go without worry,” Flah assured Yulxi, patting her chest confidently.

Yulxi gazed at Ilti and Flah. Though they had seemed unreliable when they first met, their willingness to follow orders was their saving grace. Over time, Ilti had begun to resemble a true Lord, at least familiarizing herself with the territory’s situation. “Be careful with the Guilds,” she warned.

The Fei’er Continent was teeming with countless Professional Guilds. Previously, these guilds might have shown little interest in establishing a foothold in the Red Maple Territory. However, when adventurers spread news of Klein City’s transformation, it inevitably piqued the curiosity of some. Not all guilds were aligned with good; the Thieves’ Guild, which had remained in Klein City, was a prime example of an evil organization.

“Reject them all,” Ilti said with a solemn nod.

Other lords valued Professionals, treating them as honored guests even if they contributed nothing. But Yulxi was different. As a Great Dragon, she held all humans in equal contempt.

Yulxi sighed, saying nothing more.

Before leaving Klein City, Yulxi visited the Dragon God Temple.

“Are you going to pray to the Dragon God too?” the little tail following behind Yulxi asked. But if she wasn’t mistaken, the Dragon God Statue was clearly sculpted in Yulxi’s likeness.

Yulxi ignored her. As the Dragon God Temple settled into place, her connection to the Fei’er Continent strengthened, allowing her to sense changes within the temple. If she were an enemy seeking to disrupt the Red Maple Territory, the first thing she would destroy would be the Dragon God Temple. Therefore, Yulxi had to ensure the temple’s safety.

The Merit gained from the Red Maple Territory’s development had increased Yulxi’s Divine Power. Without hesitation, she infused the Dragon God Statue with this power. Though not her true form, its offensive capabilities were limited, but it could ensure the Temple remained undefiled.

“You really should hire me as a Priest,” Veranse said, squinting at the Dragon God Statue. For a moment, she seemed to see a divine radiance swirling around it. After a pause, she turned to Yulxi with a smile.

“If you were a Priest, would you just guard the Temple?” Yulxi scoffed.

Veranse immediately backtracked. “I’m not in a rush to become a Priest. It’s fine to take on such a responsibility after we return from the Underdark.”

Yulxi wasn’t surprised by Veranse’s change of heart.

“Let’s go,” she said to Veranse.

The entrance to the Underdark in Mangshui Forest was no secret—a dark, gaping cave that drew adventurous travelers. Nearby, withered vines were just sprouting new buds, recently freed from winter’s icy grip. Cobwebs hung across the cave mouth, and several brightly colored spiders crawled across the webs.

Yulxi brushed aside the webs and entered the cave. The tunnel twisted and turned, but it wasn’t truly underground. After walking some distance with Veranse and dispatching a group of spiders, they reached the edge of a pit that glowed with phosphorescent light.

“This is the place,” Yulxi said.

She leaped down first, her Great Dragon’s formidable body making her impervious to the fall. Veranse, however, being a mage, skillfully cast Feather Fall, allowing them to drift down like feathers.

In this gloomy, dark realm, winding tunnels led to various destinations, connecting to caves of all sizes. The uneven, jagged stone formations easily disoriented adventurers. The silence was absolute, broken only by the rhythmic dripping of water. Though ordinary, these drops, echoing in the darkness as they struck the rocks, became an inescapable source of dread for the adventurers.

Yulxi blinked. The faint glow they had spotted from above reappeared—a cloud of eerie green spores. Inhaling these spores could cause dizziness and paralysis in mild cases, or parasitic infestation in severe ones. Yet they were among the least harmful creatures in the Underdark, easily eradicated with a single flame.

Before Yulxi could react, Veranse raised her torch, simultaneously casting several Fireball Spells at the green clouds ahead. The crackling flames drowned out the sound of dripping water, illuminating Veranse’s white robes and casting an orange-red glow across her profile. A smile still lingered at the corners of her lips, but in the darkness, she seemed unable to suppress her true nature, revealing a temperament starkly different from the one she displayed on the surface.

“Hmm?” Veranse noticed Yulxi’s gaze and smiled faintly. “Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think I shouldn’t have lit the torch? Ah, I know you can see in the dark, but some Underdark creatures are repelled by fire. Wouldn’t it be wise to avoid unnecessary trouble?”

“Of course, I know you’re omnipotent. If you wish to fully display your prowess, I can extinguish the flames. But then I’d be as blind as a bat, and you’d have to guide me forward.”

Yulxi: “……” She had merely glanced at Veranse for a moment. Besides, “unable to see in the dark”? Who did she think she was fooling? Only Ilti would believe such a lie. “Move,” Yulxi said curtly, withdrawing her gaze.

Veranse’s clear, melodious laughter echoed through the tunnel. “You’re letting a frail mage lead the way through the darkness?” she teased.

“You’re a mage, but also a swordsman, aren’t you?” Yulxi countered, yet she still stepped ahead of Veranse. Her senses extended far, allowing her to hear the slightest movements from all directions. She moved with effortless grace over the rotting mud and scattered bones, leaving no trace of sound in her wake.

In the winding tunnels, the first demonic beast Yulxi and Veranse encountered was a Petrification Lizard. This reptilian creature possessed the ability to turn flesh to stone with its gaze. Though it had eight legs, its speed wasn’t proportional to their number. The method for defeating it was simple: reflect its petrifying gaze back at itself, causing it to turn to stone.

“I thought you’d just brute-force your way through it,” Veranse remarked, smoothing her golden hair with a smile.

“Unnecessary,” Yulxi replied. The Petrification Lizard’s breath carried poisonous fumes, and its sharp teeth and claws could tear through leather armor. She had no desire to be splattered with its bl00d.

Veranse raised an eyebrow, her smile deepening. Her gaze swept over the Petrification Lizard’s petrified corpse before she exclaimed, “Oh dear, there’s also a petrified Deep Gnome here!”

Deep Gnomes are subterranean humanoids whose armies roam the tunnels of the Underdark, searching for mineable ore. Though small in stature, they are tenacious warriors and master armorers. Their innate ability to resonate with stone makes each of them skilled miners. These creatures always appear in groups and can communicate telepathically, alerting their companions to danger from all directions.

“A single Petrification Lizard won’t make the Deep Gnomes flee. Soon, a group of Deep Gnome warriors will appear,” Yulxi said, her eyes gleaming. These creatures, who live underground and traverse the labyrinthine tunnels, could provide valuable intelligence.

“These fellows are rather cunning,” Veranse suggested with a smile. “They build barricades in their frequented areas to intercept lightning strikes and the shockwaves from Fireball Spell explosions. Perhaps we should strike first and dismantle all their barricades?”

Yulxi raised an eyebrow.

The Deep Gnomes’ barricades are primarily intended to defend against their enemies: Goblins and Drow.

Dismantling these defenses would undoubtedly provoke the wrath of the Deep Gnome kingdom.

This race is neither inherently good nor evil. Yulxi merely sought information and had no desire to exterminate every group she encountered.

“Veranse, you might as well continue feigning compassion on the surface,” Yulxi said, her expression impassive.

“Your heartless words truly wound me,” Veranse sighed, gazing wistfully at Yulxi. “Those who dwell in darkness easily stray from the path. I still need you to guide me forward.”

“If only you weren’t acting while speaking,” Yulxi retorted, taking a step toward Veranse and seizing her wrist. Veranse’s chaotic nature was proving to be quite troublesome. How had the Holy See tolerated her? Or had she maintained her facade as a virtuous Holy Maiden while serving them, revealing her true wickedness only to Yulxi?

“What are you thinking?” Veranse suddenly leaned close, her warm breath fluttering like a feather against Yulxi’s neck.

“I’m merely puzzled,” Yulxi replied, retreating smoothly and releasing Veranse’s wrist. “Are you planning to slaughter your way through the Underdark?”

“Not me,” Veranse shook her head, her eyes fixed on Yulxi as she chuckled with delight. “It’s you.”

“Didn’t you come to the Underdark to conquer? Don’t you want the Black Dragon’s banner to fly over every city? Don’t you aspire to become the greatest of the Great Dragons, crowned as the ‘Lord of Dragons’?”

“You’re overthinking things,” Yulxi said, turning away to avoid Veranse’s gaze. “If the Creationist Society hadn’t revealed their presence, I wouldn’t have come here at all.”

The Underdark was too chaotic and unsuitable for development. Her path to godhood relied on ordinary people.

Veranse paused, the oppressive darkness surrounding her receding slightly. The smile vanished from her lips as her voice returned, laced with icy mockery. “You’re even more zealous than the Holy See.”

Yulxi scoffed. “Doesn’t the Holy See have you, their Holy Maiden? They’re far more thorough in dealing with evil. If you were a Legendary Mage, I’d let you act freely. But for now—” She reached out and patted Veranse’s shoulder, her tone commanding and allowing no room for refusal. “Veranse, listen to me.”