The Red Dragon soared freely in the sky. In the distance, towering and steep cliffs pierced the clouds, which was Hurricane Cliffs.
This was the Arcade Mountain Pass in the north, also a gathering place for storms, where hurricanes often raged.
Spreading southward from here across a vast, undulating terrain filled with scattered rocks, sparse trees, and even tundra, it was collectively known as Stormy Ridge.
In the past life, Stormy Ridge had another name — "Newbie's Mass Grave."
Due to active and intense elemental reactions, this area was sparsely populated, with countless creatures growing wild here.
Hill Giants, Gnolls, Ogres, Goblins, and even Bipedal Wyverns, all kinds of monsters coexisted here, where one could easily find themselves surrounded by evil creatures if not careful.
Yet, for Cassius, the evil dragon, this place was a holy land for leveling up and recruiting retainers.
As winter approached, hurricanes on Stormy Ridge mixed with fragments of snow. The ground's weeds were withered and dry, covered by thin layers of snow.
The Red Dragon felt a chill in the air and couldn't help but exhale a breath of sulfur-scented heat, sublimating the snowflakes in the air into water vapor.
"Need to find a warm enough shelter."
The Red Dragon thought.
Previously, Cloud Summit Peak was a good place. While located in the northwest part of the continent in the so-called "Land of Eternal Winter" of the Anzeta Great Wilderness, the cave had plenty of geothermal heat, with even some magma in its depths, fitting the Red Dragon's pursuit of fire and heat.
Unfortunately, after his cheap mother got slain, it was no longer safe. There might be kingdom guards stationed at the cave entrance to prevent the evil dragon from coming back.
Cassius tried to recall memories of Stormy Ridge from his past life and suddenly thought of a good place.
"Just in time to see if I could recruit a subordinate, or... gain some experience."
Feeling invigorated, the Red Dragon stretched his wings and glided over the ground, filled with excitement despite the cold wind.
...
Giant's Mouth Cave.
Whoever came up with that lousy name probably was some bored bard.
Perhaps it was because the uneven rocks around the cave entrance resembled a giant's rotten teeth, or because the open hole looked like a mouth, but at some point, it got this name.
The surrounding Ogres and Goblins also called it that, reflecting their limited imagination.
The cave had changed owners many times, and currently, it belonged to a Chimera.
The Chimera, a beast said to be created by the Demon Lord Demogorgon who was summoned to the mortal world, had the hind legs of a goat, the forelegs of a lion, a pair of dragon wings, and the heads of these three creatures.
It combined the worst traits of each part: the dragon's head driving it to raid and hoard treasures, the lion's nature sparking its desire to hunt powerful creatures threatening its territory, and its goat's head making it malicious and tenacious, fighting to the death.
At present, the cave's owner lounged near the entrance, leisurely licking its wounds.
Its massive seven-meter-long body lazily lay on the rocks, absorbing their lingering warmth.
It was the most terrifying monster within a hundred miles, sitting at the top of the food chain, only needing to ravage and kill. The accumulated bones inside the cave attested to its gruesome reign.
There were even numerous human relics like armor and swords among the hoard, suggesting many adventurers had fallen to this greedy beast.
But the roaring of wings outside interrupted everything.
The Chimera roared furiously, rising to see outside, ready to tear the foolish intruder apart, only to see a robust Red Dragon land with a thud.
"Submit to me, or choose death."
The Red Dragon said in Draconic.
The Chimera had dragon blood in its veins, rarely speaking but understanding Draconic.
It studied the creature before it. This Red Dragon was clearly not fully grown, smaller in size but more robust.
Though a formidable opponent, it didn't look invincible.
The lion's head growled, its nature triggering a fierce desire to hunt the strong creature before it, a worthy challenge no doubt.
Hearing the Chimera's growl, Cassius shook his head regretfully, thinking that indeed, size does matter — doing anything becomes troublesome otherwise.
If a twenty-meter-long adult Red Dragon had occupied this place, shielding the cave entrance with its wings, there would be no worry about the Chimera's defiance.
He had to find a way to grow quickly.
He too was observing the fearsome beast before him.
[Based on your levels, you can observe the following information]
[Chimera]
Category: Large Monster, Chaotic Evil
AC: 14 (natural armor)
Attributes:
Strength——19
Agility——11
Constitution——19
Intelligence——7
Perception——14
Charisma——10
Proficiencies: Listening +4, Scout +3, Hunting +5
Senses: Dark Vision 60 ft., Passive Perception 18 ft.
Language: Draconic
Actions: Multi-Attack, Biting, Goring, Claw Attacks, Flame Breath
Traits: Contradictory Creature, Evil Minion
Challenge Level: 6 (2,300 XP)
Assessment: "The Chimera is a brutal creature like a demon, fond of ambushing its prey from high above, spitting flames while diving down and continuing the assault on landing.
It purely seeks amusement in hunting, savoring its prey's fear and pain, often toying with them, or leaving them mortally wounded only to return and kill them after they've suffered enough."
This was the strongest opponent Cassius had encountered since his reincarnation, a genuine Chimera.
"Since you're not submitting, let's settle this with a brawl."
Cassius grew more serious, his golden slit pupils narrowing, revealing the Red Dragon's zeal in facing a formidable enemy.
His well-developed muscles tightened, looking ready to explode into action.
The Chimera howled, flapping its wings and taking to the skies.
It stuck to its familiar tactic, diving down from the sky with its left dragon head spitting deadly flame breath.
Using flame against a nearly fire-immune Red Dragon was clearly not a wise choice.
It showed the beast lacked knowledge and combat wisdom.
On the ground, the Red Dragon just tensed its muscles, remaining poised.
"Act Before the Enemy."
Cassius whispered in Draconic, pale-purple magical aurora flickering at his eyes.
This was a practical cantrip, allowing him to anticipate the enemy's moves before striking, delivering a deadly blow, crucial at times.
The Chimera spewed flames wildly, diving to a few meters in front of the Red Dragon.
The Red Dragon's glowing slit pupils coldly fixed on it, discerning its flight direction.
Then, his tensed muscles instantly unleashed immense energy.
He spread his wings, his over-seven-meter-long body springing into the air, braving the intense flame breath to side-step the Chimera mid-air.
The Chimera hastily flapped its wings to change direction — but it was already too late.