The enormous red body of Karon stood atop the mountain, silently overlooking the tiny, frail figure perched on the mountainside below. Goblin Bang Bang bestowed upon the Red Dragon a unique feeling, as every race gives birth to a few exceptional individuals, be it through powerful forces or great personalities.
These individuals, upon reaching their peak, are commonly called heroes within their tribes. Such heroes may transcend racial boundaries, break genetic limitations, and possess superhuman strength.
Perhaps it’s due to their conduct and special abilities leading their tribe towards prosperity. Even a frail race like the Green-skinned Goblins has given birth to a member like Bang Bang, proving that no matter how insignificant a race may seem, it has its unique point upon being born into the world.
Karon eagerly anticipated Goblin Bang Bang’s future growth, seeing him become a hero within the goblin tribe. In the eyes of the Red Dragon, Goblin Bang Bang already had immeasurable value, a talent unmatched by any ordinary wealth.
Although Karon raised the importance of Goblin Bang Bang in his mind, he did not agree to Bang Bang’s requests but offered him another kind of reward.
That is, Goblin Bang Bang would have a slot to become a Dragon Descendant. Anyone recognized by Bang Bang would receive the dragon’s blessing, granted with its blood, becoming a Dragon Descendant with longevity and great power.
This is not because Karon was overly harsh or cruel, wishing to keep the goblin tribe enslaved forever, but because Karon wouldn’t allow others to easily guess his true intentions. Combining humanity and dragon nature, Karon gradually became a giant dragon with the characteristics of a political being.
Just like what Karon did to Dogman’s Beloved in his youth, he wouldn’t let his subordinates think they could make demands just by grasping his interests and thoughts.
However, Karon promised Goblin Bang Bang that if Bang Bang could improve and perfect the two types of power cores, his wishes would be fulfilled.
Karon could already foresee the changes in the Dragon Group Territory following the advancements in steam-powered inventions made by Goblin Bang Bang, with the introduction of steam engines to the Otherworld.
The appearance and application of this tool hold epoch-making significance in any suitable world, unlike the straightforward and barren use of Black Powder. It has a profoundly far-reaching impact on every aspect of the world.
Even the simplest and most initial application of steam power can fundamentally change the transportation technology system. The carrying capacity of steam locomotives and steamships is unparalleled by those enormous beasts and dragon beasts.
Sailboats and multi-masted ships currently in use will soon be replaced by the safer and more manageable steamships. Being the origin of this transformation, the Dragon Group Territory will experience significant growth.
Moreover, with the exploration and deep development of technology, railways—a highly convenient and advantageous transportation network—will naturally develop.
This could also trigger an industrial revolution to some extent, having irreplaceable advantages in sectors such as textiles, mining, metallurgy, and dyeing, bringing dramatic development and change to the Dragon Group Territory’s originally low productive capacity, gradually overshadowing those production methods primarily reliant on human power, animal power, and water power.
Increasing labor efficiency exponentially, it could release productive forces, causing a leap in productivity across the Dragon Group Territory.
Many social structures need to be established on a certain productive foundation and cannot be simply molded by one person’s simplistic ideas. Without reaching a specific level of productivity, one can only maintain the simplest basic social relations and structures.
Almost all high-level and low-level life structures in this world are relatively disconnected. Those possessing magic knowledge and Extraordinary power, like mages and the nobility, use their knowledge and power to enjoy relatively convenient lives.
The mage-made Magic Hovercraft is also an extremely convenient means of transportation, along with Magic Puppets and Golems—immensely useful tools.
However, these mages and the nobility don’t use this knowledge to change the fate and lives of the lower strata, partially due to cost reasons.
On the other hand, there’s the class issue. No mage or noble cares about the lives of the lower strata. Even the more benevolent nobility merely exempt a bit of tax.
This is irrelevant to the large population in the lower strata who still live in relatively primitive stages where transportation relies on walking, and communication depends on shouting. Horses, which are ordinary means of transportation for merchants, are precious creatures that these lower-class people may never afford in their lifetimes.
These mages and nobles do not care for these lower-class people, but Karon knows that once their productivity is unleashed, they could create immense value for him.
Yes, Karon is not concerned with liberating so-called humanity or offering others a better life. What he cares about is the wealth and value that such advancements could bring to him and the Dragon Group.
As for the changes these tools might bring, allowing the lower strata and beloved to enjoy more convenient lives, it is merely an incidental effect. Karon wouldn’t hinder this trend; as long as it benefits him and the Dragon Group, he welcomes such changes.