“Old codger, have you grown so senile that you've forgotten the ways of this desert?”

  Captain Dog nonchalantly rubbed his paw, his expression cold as ice, emulating Gorgin's characteristic demeanor to a tee.

  “Don't push me to butcher those dwarves one by one right before your eyes. ”

  “The chief always keeps his word, but I'm a wily jackal. In the worst - case scenario, I'll drag you all down with me!”

  “Tell me, in what way has the chief wronged you pathetic, defeated lot?”

  “You... You're right!!!”

  Kolber bellowed, snot and tears streaming down his weather - beaten face.

  “Weakness is a sin! And sparing your lives is an act of great mercy! Do you get it?”

  The jackal's voice dripped with menace.

  “I understand!!!”

  Kolber pounded the ground with his fist, looking utterly forlorn. Alas, in this unforgiving desert, the more pitiable one appears, the more tragic their end is likely to be.

  “If you understand, then offer your damned loyalty to the chief, who has shown you such boundless kindness! You spineless cur!!” The jackal planted his paw firmly on the back of Kolber's head.

  “Thank the chief for his great mercy!!! I...”

  “I truly...”

  “I offer my loyalty to the benevolent chief!!!”

  “I understand!!!” Kolber buried his head deep in the sand, his body convulsing with sobs.

  Captain Dog cast a sidelong glance at Kolber's left arm, where the Branding of the Rock was gradually becoming visible.

  “Hmph!”

  Withdrawing his paw, Captain Dog swiveled around, instantly plastering an obsequious smile on his face for the ogre who had been watching the spectacle.

  Then he strode outside and barked at Coin.

  “What are you gawking at? I was talking about him, but that doesn't mean you're off the hook!”

  “ Go and help Kolber, who's about to ascend to the second tier, to his feet. Are those eyes of yours just for decoration?”

  Coin:???

  Holy cow?

  Holy cow???

  Staring at the branding on Kolber's left arm, identical to the one Captain Dog often flaunted, Coin was left dumbfounded.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  No... He was just a fourth - tier member a moment ago, and now he's in the second tier??

  Coin's eyes were glazed with confusion.

  He hastily rushed over to assist the still - weeping Kolber to stand up.

  “Kolber, now that you have the Branding of the Rock, comport yourself like a second - tier member and carry out the chief's task with excellence!”

  Captain Dog halted at the gate, turned around, and spoke icily.

  “I... I understand!”

  Kolber wiped the snot and tears from his face, bowed respectfully towards Gorgin's dwelling, and then made his way outside.

  After maintaining his arrogant demeanor while exiting the door, Captain Dog tucked his tail between his legs and bolted.

  That was truly terrifying. After running a considerable distance, Captain Dog lifted his leg and relieved himself.

  Then he circled back and re - entered Gorgin's abode.

  “Chief, I've verified. Kolber now bears the branding, and our tribe has grown stronger,” Captain Dog knelt before Gorgin's bed, his face a mask of humility and flattery, his tail wagging so vigorously it was almost a blur.

  Gorgin didn't even bother opening his eyes, merely emitting a soft “mmhmm.”

  “I heard you. So, this was your scheme? You little rascal, I never expected you to have such a ruthless streak. I really misjudged you.”

  “If Kolber hadn't acquired the Branding of the Rock, were you really going to slay those little dwarves one by one?”

  Captain Dog shook his head vigorously.

  “How could I? These dwarves are all your personal property. Even though they're slaves now, they're still part of our Dragon's Lair Tribe. ”

  “I'm just your humble watchdog. I was merely bluffing him.”

  “Moreover, these dwarves are essential to your plans. If Kolber didn't pan out, I could simply find another dwarf.”

  Gorgin opened his eyes and regarded Captain Dog on the floor with keen interest.

  “How were you so certain Kolber wouldn't just kill you on the spot? You know, if you die, it's permanent.

  Weren't you afraid of death?”

  Captain Dog lowered his head and chuckled.

  “I knew I couldn't pull the wool over your eyes, wise and mighty chief. In truth, I was so frightened that I wet myself after going outside. ”

  “I was petrified, but this was the only opportunity I could conceive of.”

  “There was a real risk of death, but ever since I received this branding, as long as it's in your service, chief, even though I'm scared, my loyalty gives me the courage to face it.”

  “Chief, first I goaded him, and then, with each slap, I chipped away at his pride. ”

  “Only when he'd shed all his pride was there a glimmer of hope for him to offer unwavering loyalty.”

  “He was far too proud...” Captain Dog paused.

  “If he had continued to live in the past, he would have influenced the other dwarves, and then he'd have had to die, whether he liked it or not.”

  “If he were still the dwarf leader, he'd deserve to perish. But now, he's a fourth - tier member of our tribe. ”

  “He has formidable strength and skills. I thought that if he had the branding, he could be an even greater asset to you, chief.”

  “And even if he harbors hatred, it'll only be directed at me.”

  Captain Dog's words left Gorgin momentarily speechless.

  After the dwarves had surrendered completely, he hadn't seriously considered eradicating them all.

  However, Captain Dog had indeed piqued Gorgin's curiosity.

  “You're quite the clever dog. Or are all jackals as astute as you? If so, I'll have to re - evaluate your race.”

  Captain Dog grinned obsequiously.

  “Chief, I'm just a tad smarter than the average jackal. But being smart doesn't amount to much. ”

  “Our race is minuscule, and our individual strength is feeble. We just have some trifling wits.”

  “If it weren't for you, chief, I'd still be tagging along with that alchemist, running hither and thither.”

  Gorgin let out a hearty laugh.

  “Hahaha, interesting, very interesting indeed.”

  “I was initially set on punishing you, but since you've handled this matter admirably, I'll let you off for now. ”

  “Cease having those hare - brained and devious ideas in the future.”

  Overjoyed, Captain Dog quickly prostrated himself before Gorgin, kowtowing. “Thank you, great chief!”

  “Scram. Order the dwarves and goblins to expedite the construction of the airship docking port and the modification of the airship. ”

  “I have urgent matters and need to use the airship. Also, send some waitresses over to give me a foot rub.”

  Captain Dog bowed deferentially and backed out of the chief's hut.