Giving an apologetic gesture along with a wry smile, the 'team leader' who I came to learn was named Kane whispered some words, which I could easily hear, to the guard who still had his jaw dropped…

"Sorry, I would also like to share what we have experienced with you, but we are in kind of a hurry at the moment…"

Finally coming to, the guard only silently moved to the side and made way as we finally stepped foot into the Stronghold.

'This is really awkward...'

As Kane and his subordinate guided me with haste towards the center of the stronghold, all of the green-scaled half-dragons that were moving around froze in place as they all sported a similar expression to the guard we just met, increasing the degree of the awkwardness that I already felt by acting as some chunni 'Dragon Champion'...

However, it was to be expected, after all, even the ones who were sent on the mission to 'meet' me believed the prophecy of my arrival was nothing but a scam, so it was hard to think that other half-dragons would find it a possibility.

As such, it was obviously quite a big shock to actually meet the one 'person' who they imagined to meet in case that fantasy of a prophecy was true. I at least knew that I would exhibit similar behavior if I were in their place, though it would be hidden behind my poker face.

'It also means that I somewhat live up to the picture of their 'hope'...'

Of course, none of their reactions as the regular population of the Dragon Clan mattered that much in the greater picture, the ones that I actually wanted to inspect their reactions were those who stood on the top of the Dragon Clan!

Not to mention whether they would really eat up my acting, the main point was that I wanted to know the reason they believed in what the rest of the clan so adamantly refused to believe.

Naturally, what came first on my priority list was still to get information first, but confirming the true intention of the 'Elder' and whoever rules the clan was still an important task that couldn't be ignored…

"You can go ahead, Clan Leader is waiting for you inside."

It was only when we finally reached the short yet 'fat' tree in the center of the stronghold that we met the first unsurprised half-dragon, who was guarding this 'natural' building.

`~~`~~`~~`

"Clan Leader! Great Elder!"

As soon as we went inside, both Kane and his subordinate immediately bowed and called out in respect while I took my time to observe the two half-dragons I was supposed to meet.

Just a quick look was enough to confirm they were indeed worthy of their position, after all...

'They seem to be more dragon-like in comparison to the rest of the half-dragons within the stronghold.'

Not only was the color of their scales more vibrant but they also had 'Dragon horns' that the others didn't have, their eyes looked much more intimidating and bright and their tails were moderately longer and sturdier. Them having that appearance despite their bloodline being also displayed as (diluted) by the 'Eye of Knowledge' suggested that they were either much older or had the highest concentration of dragon bloodline within the (diluted) range.

"Raise your heads, you should be proud to have done such a great job by returning alive and finishing your mission perfectly!"

"Of course not, Clan Leader! It's only thanks to the great Dragon Champion, sir Azure, that we returned back alive and managed to fulfill our small role of guiding him here!"

It was a bit surprising that the one of the two who looked less of a dragon than the other was actually the Clan Leader, but considering that he was sitting on the throne-like chair that was placed in the center of the room with the other half-dragon standing by his side, he did indeed seem to fit the role, especially since that made him look younger...

"Nonetheless, you should be rewarded for your achievement… both of you, go straight to the merit hall and take two bloodline crystals each!"

'hmmm?'

"Thank you Clan Leader! However, we…"

"Go ahead, don't worry, I already know what you had promised to our guest. I shall provide what he needs myself."

"Then… we will be on our way."

Looking at the two shy 'guides' quickly leaving the room to receive their reward after seemingly acting selfless so far fed my curiosity of the true value of these 'Bloodline Crystals', but I could only ignore that thought for the time being.

Still, it wasn't like they were the only ones that received something...

[ Objective 1's escort mission has been completed! ]

[ Level-Up bar progress +50%! ]

[ Level-Up bar progress +5%! (Phase 1 full completion bonus) ]

Not bothering to look at the flashing blue screens and dismissing them after hearing their content in order not to look like an idiot staring at nothing as I looked at the two 'old' half-dragon bigshots instead.

"Hmmm, to think that a True Descendant would arrive, what a magnificent surprise! Hahaha, welcome, Azure! I'm the current clan leader, Dru, and this is Elder Green. Glad to meet one of noble blood such as you!"

"Mhm."

Seeing the half-courteous half-probing way the Clan Leader was talking with, I abstained from giving more than a nod for an answer to return the strike.

"Ah, yes, you must be more interested in the information regarding the current dangerous situation of the Domain than you are in dull introductions, worry not, I shall inform you of what we know so far."

'Indeed.'

Seeing that he already knew my main concern proved that what they knew was more than just the location of my arrival, which in turn intrigued me further about the source of what they knew about me…

"It all started when the greatest rival clan of our Dragon Clan suddenly proclaimed to have obtained certain resources that have an instant strengthening effect on all Beastmen…"