Chapter 144: Let The Negotiations Begin!

The System’s stat interface popped up:

[ Battle Beast Name: Big-eyed Frog ]

[ Battle Beast Grade: Blue (Elite)]

[ Battle Beast Type: Forest Series ]

[ Battle Beast Attribute: Surveillance-type ]

[ Battle Beast Level: Stage 3, Level 5]

“As expected, it doesn’t have much combat strength…” The Military Academy student seemed hesitant to speak, and as such, Locke decided to employ some intimidation tactics.

“I forgot to tell you, my two-headed snake not only eats Battle Beasts, but humans as well… If you want to live, you’d better cooperate…”

The two-headed snake also cooperated by sticking its heads out and lashed its tongues at the student’s face.

The move was highly effective, and the student immediately divulged, “Don’t… Don’t! My mission is to monitor you guys here and to inform my instructor should the three of you return to your rooms…”

“Why are you waiting for us to return to our rooms?” Locke asked again.

The student was already close to tears. He cried and shook his head. “I don’t know. My position is very low. This is all I know.”

As the student’s Battle Beast was only a blue quality beast, Locke so no reason to doubt his words.

“How do you contact your Instructor?”

The man looked at the pocket on his chest.

Locke opened it and took out a cell phone from it.

There was only one number on it, so Locke dialed it.

“Alvi? Has something happened with Locke?” The man’s voice was very stern.

Locke’s voice was cold. “Yes, I’m calling you directly. Does this count?”

The other party remained silent for two seconds before responding, “Locke, you’re quite vigilant…”

“Of course, I don’t like to be seen sleeping. Speak, why are you spying on us?”

Realizing that the mission was already exposed, the man thought for a moment before answering, “9 pm, 15 kilometers south of the suburbs. I’ll tell you our goal if you come…”

“See you later!”

The man hung up on Locke. However, Locke was curious as to what the Military Academy was planning.

…

The banquet proceeded very smoothly, and everyone was very happy.

After saying goodbye to Locke, Peter left.

Lawrence was a gluttonous beast. After wolfing down most of the food present, it was up to Mike to carry him back to his room.

At 9 pm sharp, Locke arrived at the agreed upon location with the aid of Gale Wings.

The moment he landed, he was immediately greeted by a dozen of soldiers lying in wait for him..

The leader had a military rank, which meant that he was an active-duty military officer. He stepped forward and said, “I was supposed to go to your hotel to greet you…”

“Fortunately, you didn’t come. People who disturb my sleep usually end up in a very miserable state…” Locke’s words were very threatening. He looked at the students of the Military Academy with great contempt.

Everyone present knew how powerful Locke was. After all, ever since the top three students in their academy were beaten by Locke, they hid in the hotel all day long.

“Alright! If you have something to say, say it!” Locke called out Lil’ White and sat on it with his legs crossed. He looked rather imposing.

The instructor who seemed to be in charge said, “I am an instructor from the Military Academy, Colonel Horta! The reason why we are still here is because of one thing… The Dragon Core!”

Locke had already more or less figured out their goal. He took out the flashing Dragon Core from his clothes and asked, “What do you want it for?”

Upon spotting the Dragon Core, the Military Academy students and instructors immediately gasped. Horta frowned and asked, “It is an item of great importance, and yet, you actually brought it with you so casually?”

“Is it that important?” Locke’s expression was calm.

“Then I will be straightforward. I hope that you can hand the Dragon Core to us! You can issue whatever conditions you want, and if it’s in our power, we’ll definitely fulfill your conditions.” Horta stated straightforwardly.

“What do you want this thing for?” Locke asked curiously.

“Surely, there’s no need to ask. We really need it. I heard that your academy is currently being rebuilt. Funds, personnel, teaching materials, and even ancient books and cultivation methods. We’re willing to offer our materials for that Dragon Core.” Horta had a sincere expression.

Although Locke did not know much about the Dragon Core, he was no fool.

The Military Academy was willing to trade off even the most precious skill tomes in their possession. This was a major matter that would affect the status of the academy!

Usually, those skill tomes would be strictly guarded by their academies!

This had told Locke all he needed to know.

The Dragon Core was an item whose value had transcended the skill tomes!

Otherwise, they would not have given such an offer.

Locke thought for a moment and decided to get to the bottom of the matter. He said, “That won’t do. I have a principle. If you want something from me, you’d better explain why you need it. Otherwise, I will reject the requests.”

An adjutant looked at Horta, as if he were telling Horta to explain the situation to Locke.

Horta had already failed his mission ever since Bronte and his teammates lost the competition.

As such, Locke’s willingness to negotiate was a great opportunity for them.

It would also save them a lot of trouble.

“Sigh… Alright, it doesn’t matter if I tell you. Your Academy doesn’t have any relevant books anyway.” Horta took two steps forward and answered, “The Dragon Core is an important catalyst for us to summon…”

“A dragon!”

Upon hearing those words, Locke’s interest was finally piqued. He raised his chin, and motioned for Horta to continue.

After adjusting his cap, Horta continued, “You’re a Beastmaster. I’m sure you know how powerful dragons are. If you can obtain one, your strength will increase dramatically…”

“Our Military Academy is currently collecting all sorts of materials to summon dragons, and this Five-colored Dragon Core is one of them.”

The reason why Horta was willing to negotiate was mostly because he was aware of Hobrick’s character.

The guy was known for being greedy and stingy!

As long as he offered a sweet deal to Locke, he believed that he would be able to obtain the Dragon Core.

“So what you’re saying is that, you’re going to summon a dragon and use it to defeat the other two top academies? And once you’ve defeated us, you’ll then rule the Federation with an iron rule? Do you think me a fool? Why would I accept your trade?” Locke’s had hit right on the mark.

“No, no, no, you misunderstand! We’re still collecting other items needed to summon a dragon. It’s still too early for us to summon t one. Moreover, even if we were to summon it, we will need a compatible Beastmaster. Otherwise, there’s no way that we’ll be able to control the dragon! Since it’s still a long way off, why don’t we continue our negotiations? Why don’t you bring Hobrick into the conversation as well? Give him a call.” Horta ordered someone to hand Locke a phone.